In this episode, Matthew Mason discusses the importance of building relationships and effective communication with parents and the broader school community. He shares five powerful strategies for school leaders to enhance engagement and foster a positive school environment. These strategies include proactive communication, personal interactions, utilizing multiple communication platforms, empowering parents to take leadership roles, and celebrating community contributions. The episode emphasizes that these strategies are essential for creating trust and a supportive school community.

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Subscribe to H.O.T. Conversations w/ School Leaders Podcast:

Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h-o-t-conversations-w-school-leaders/id1795582687⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Spotify:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/20gNc4stgRXoLHaIPkQCeV?si=668d6add996a4093⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Youtube Channel:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@matthew_mason_pod

In this H.O.T. conversation, Matthew Mason and Dr. Chris Glover explore the multifaceted journey of educational leadership, emphasizing the importance of student-centered approaches, emotional health, and the need for persistent advocacy in schools. Dr. Glover shares his personal experiences transitioning between leadership roles in education, the impact of mentorship, and the challenges faced in alternative education settings. They discuss the significance of building trust, confronting hard truths, and the balance between high expectations and care for both students and staff. The dialogue highlights the necessity of collaboration among stakeholders and the role of emotional well-being in sustaining effective leadership.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership Journeys

01:55 Chris Glover's Educational Path

05:34 The Impact of Faith on Leadership

09:45 Hard Truths in Education Leadership

15:50 Strategies for Alternative Education

21:49 The Need for Control in Education

23:19 The Role of Fear and Control in Education

29:13 Balancing Expectations and Care in Leadership

35:16 Understanding Adult Behavior and Leadership Challenges

41:59 Building Trust and Navigating Change as a New Leader

44:48 Growth in Teacher Evaluation and Feedback Processes

47:02 Evaluating Leadership: Honesty and Growth

49:39 Emotional Health in Leadership

51:46 The Importance of Boundaries and Self-Care

54:29 Navigating Challenges in High-Needs Schools

58:03 Leading with Integrity and Authenticity

59:21 Legacy of Leadership: Impact and Relationships

1:00:20 Resources for Aspiring Leaders

1:01:15 Dinner Table Conversations: Influential Figures

1:04:00 Podcast Recommendations: Voices in Education

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/matthew_mason_pod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow/Subscribe to H.O.T. Conversations w/ School Leaders Podcast:

Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h-o-t-conversations-w-school-leaders/id1795582687

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/20gNc4stgRXoLHaIPkQCeV?si=668d6add996a4093⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Youtube Channel:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@matthew_mason_pod⁠

In this conversation, Matthew Mason and Jeffrey Millner discuss the importance of building relationships with students, the role of data in instructional leadership, community engagement through mentorship programs, and the challenges of navigating leadership in education. They emphasize the significance of being present, listening, and fostering open communication to create a supportive environment for both students and teachers. The discussion also touches on personal reflections and the influence of key figures in their educational journeys.

Chapters:

00:00 Navigating Critical Conversations

20:25 Building Trust with Families and Staff

25:32 The Importance of Selling Education

30:08 Avoiding Pitfalls in Educational Leadership

35:05 Mentoring and Community Engagement

44:25 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Follow Matthew Mason:⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/matthew_mason_pod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow/Subscribe to H.O.T. Conversations w/ School Leaders Podcast:

Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h-o-t-conversations-w-school-leaders/id1795582687

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/20gNc4stgRXoLHaIPkQCeV?si=668d6add996a4093⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Youtube Channel:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@matthew_mason_pod⁠

In this episode, I discuss the often-overlooked topic of mental health and burnout in school leadership. I share my personal journey through the challenges of leading a school during the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of stress on my well-being, and the importance of seeking help. Later, I offer ten practical strategies for school leaders to thrive without burning out, emphasizing the need for self-care, setting boundaries, and fostering authentic relationships. This episode concludes with a powerful reminder that healthy leaders create healthy schools and encourages open conversations about mental health in the educational community.Chapters:00:00 The Reality of School Leadership and Mental Health04:37 Strategies for Thriving in Leadership09:37 The Importance of Self-Care and IdentityFollow Matthew Mason:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/matthew_mason_pod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow/Subscribe to H.O.T. Conversations w/ School Leaders Podcast:Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h-o-t-conversations-w-school-leaders/id1795582687⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/20gNc4stgRXoLHaIPkQCeV?si=668d6add996a4093⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube Channel:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@matthew_mason_pod⁠

In this H.O.T. conversation, Jennifer Rucker discusses the importance of a holistic approach to education, emphasizing the need to consider the whole child rather than just academic performance. She highlights the role of school counselors and psychologists in addressing students' social and emotional needs, advocating for parental involvement and community support to foster well-rounded individuals. Dr. Rucker emphasizes the importance of leading with grace towards teachers and staff, understanding that they have stories as well.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Honest Conversations

02:16 Dr. Rucker's Leadership Journey

04:04 Transitioning from Counseling to Administration

07:46 First Principalship Experience

11:01 Self-Care as a School Leader

15:54 Building a Supportive School Culture

21:14 Defining Leadership in Education

23:45 Reflecting on Past Leadership Decisions

27:05 Supporting the Whole Child

30:19 Engaging Staff in Whole Child Philosophy

35:45 Prioritizing Equity in Education

38:31 Building Community Connections

40:21 Evolving Needs in Education Leadership

40:42 Understanding Mental Health in Schools

42:33 The Role of Supportive Leadership

44:24 Hiring for Impact

46:15 Navigating Alternative Education

48:42 Engaging with Families

52:14 Lessons for New Principals

56:43 The Importance of Family and Mentorship

Follow Matthew Mason:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/matthew_mason_pod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow/Subscribe to H.O.T. Conversations w/ School Leaders Podcast:

Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h-o-t-conversations-w-school-leaders/id1795582687⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Spotify:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/20gNc4stgRXoLHaIPkQCeV?si=668d6add996a4093⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Youtube Channel:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@matthew_mason_pod

In this episode, we discusses the essential responsibilities of school leaders and the five critical questions that need to be answered to ensure student success. We emphasize the importance of believing in every student's potential, defining clear learning objectives, assessing student understanding, and providing support for all learners. The conversation highlights the need for collaboration among educators and the significance of focusing on individual student needs rather than just statistics.

Follow Matthew Mason:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/matthew_mason_pod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Subscribe to H.O.T. Conversations w/ School Leaders Podcast:

Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h-o-t-conversations-w-school-leaders/id1795582687⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Spotify:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/20gNc4stgRXoLHaIPkQCeV?si=668d6add996a4093⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Youtube Channel:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@matthew_mason_pod

In this episode of the H.O.T. School Leaders Podcast, we are diving into nine responsibilities that ALL school leaders must accept and master for their schools to thrive, their C.I.V.I.C. D.U.T.Y. A school leader must

1. Have a Compass

2. Invest in People

3. Be Visible

4. Inspect what you Expect

5. Communicate effectively

6. Delegate

7. Uplift

8. Manage your Time

9. Take care of YOU!

When these are prioritized, your school will thrive! Let's jump into the episode! View the YouTube video here!

Follow Matthew Mason:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/matthew_mason_pod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Subscribe to H.O.T. Conversations w/ School Leaders Podcast:

Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h-o-t-conversations-w-school-leaders/id1795582687⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Spotify:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/20gNc4stgRXoLHaIPkQCeV?si=668d6add996a4093⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Youtube Channel:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@matthew_mason_pod

In this episode of H.O.T. School Leaders, Dr. Larry Frazier, Superintendent of West Point Public Schools, encourages us to stay hungry, be excellent and take advantage of opportunities. His story will inspire you in your journey of leadership, no matter how your journey starts. View the Youtube episode here!

Contact Dr. Larry Frazier: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Follow Matthew Mason:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/matthew_mason_pod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Subscribe to H.O.T. Conversations w/ School Leaders Podcast:

Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h-o-t-conversations-w-school-leaders/id1795582687⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Spotify:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/20gNc4stgRXoLHaIPkQCeV?si=668d6add996a4093⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Youtube Channel:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@matthew_mason_pod

In this episode of H.O.T. Conversations w/ School Leaders, we will discuss literacy with Dr. Danielle Sisson-Jones. Dr. Sisson-Jones has provided her expertise as an English teacher, Reading Specialist, Secondary Literacy Instructional Specialist, Director of Elementary Education, and Education and Outreach Manager for Virginia Literacy Partnerships. Dr. Sisson-Jones brings us into the world of literacy, breaking it down and sharing strategies so that school leaders can better support stakeholders in its growth. Enjoy! View the Youtube episode here!

Contact Dr. Danielle Sisson-Jones: ⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠https://sjreadingislit.weebly.com/

Email: [email protected]

Virginia Literacy Partnerships: https://literacy.virginia.edu/value-series-grades-4-8

Follow Matthew Mason:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/matthew_mason_pod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Subscribe to H.O.T. Conversations w/ School Leaders Podcast:

Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h-o-t-conversations-w-school-leaders/id1795582687⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Spotify:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/20gNc4stgRXoLHaIPkQCeV?si=668d6add996a4093⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Youtube Channel:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@matthew_mason_pod

What's the difference between "Bad Cheating and Good Cheating?" Jonathan Alsheimer, international speaker, author and instructional coach, shares how "Good Cheating," can be a tool for information retention in the classroom. Check out the full episode for more solid strategies for instruction!