Anchor Chat # 28: What Are We Tolerating?

In this episode, Dr. Woods explores a challenging but essential leadership question: What are we tolerating in our schools that may be quietly shaping our culture? From inconsistent expectations to small behaviors that go unchecked, what leaders and educators allow (intentionally or unintentionally) often becomes the norm over time. Dr. Woods reflects on how the standards we uphold, the routines we reinforce, and the moments we address (or overlook) all contribute to the environment students and staff experience each day.

Throwback Thursday! When Calling Parents Isn’t Your Calling featuring Crystal Frommert

Originally Released On: January 12, 2024

This week we’re revisiting another insightful conversation from Leading Out The Woods In this episode, I’m joined by Crystal Frommert, Deputy Head of Secondary at Awty International School and author of When Calling Parents Isn’t Your Calling. We discuss practical ways educators can build stronger partnerships with families—even when those conversations feel difficult.

Takeaways from this episode include:
• Strategies for building trust with families through communication
• How educators can approach challenging parent conversations with confidence
• Why strong school–family partnerships play a critical role in student success

Whether you're hearing this conversation for the first time or revisiting it again, the message remains clear: strong communication with families strengthens the entire learning community.

🕰️ Be sure to check back every Thursday for more Throwback episodes from the Leading Out The Woods vault.

Throwback Thursday! Supporting the Whole Child featuring Dr. Sarah Kirk

Originally Released On: 12-15-2023

This week we’re revisiting another powerful conversation from Leading Out The Woods. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sarah Kirk, CEO of Yoga 4 Classrooms and Oklahoma’s 2018 School Counselor of the Year, to discuss how schools can better support the academic, social-emotional, and overall well-being of students. Takeaways from this classic:

• How wrap-around supports strengthen student success
• The role of social-emotional practices within daily instruction
• Practical ways educators can support the whole child inside the classroom and across the school community

Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today. 🎧🕰️ Don’t forget to check back every Thursday for more Throwback episodes!

Episode #130 is up!  Check it out!!!

Special Guest Dr. Brandi Kelly, Speaker, Author, Leadership Coach, and Founder of Spark HOPE Edu, joins Dr. Woods on episode #130 of Leading Out The Woods to discuss Bringing Joy Back: Why H.O.P.E. Is a Leadership Strategy. In this episode, Dr. Kelly shares her leadership journey and the inspiration behind her H.O.P.E. System—Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, and Excellence. Together, they explore how leaders can combat burnout, strengthen their beliefs, and intentionally “hold hope” for others while building resilient school communities grounded in joy, purpose, and excellence. 

Throwback Thursday! Inside the Schoolhouse: What Great Principals Know and Do featuring Dr. John Gratto

Originally Released On: 8-13-2021

This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:Takeaways from this classic:

• Dr. Gratto shares an overview of his book, “Inside the Schoolhouse: What Great Principals Know and Do.”
• Dr. Gratto discusses the key concepts that assistant principals and principals can take away from the book.

Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today. 🎧🕰️ Don’t forget to check back every Thursday for more Throwback episodes!

Throwback Thursday! Rethinking Black History featuring Dr. LaGarrett King
Originally Released On: 2-12-2021

This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode. Takeaways from this classic:

• Dr. King discusses the importance of black history and how to properly reframe its instruction in k12. 
• Dr. King provides strategies on how to incorporate black history education in your daily history/social studies instruction.

Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today. 🎧🕰️ Don’t forget to check back every Thursday for more Throwback episodes!

Anchor Chat #27: Clarity Is the Strategy

In this episode of Anchor Chats, Dr. Woods reflects on Clarity Is the Strategy, emphasizing that clear expectations, focused priorities, and consistent communication are the foundation of effective leadership and instruction. He discusses how a lack of clarity often leads to confusion, misalignment, and stalled progress—while intentional clarity accelerates results.

Episode #129 is up! Check it out!!!

Special Guest Ryan Tillman, Speaker, CEO, and Founder of Breaking Barriers United, joins Dr. Woods on episode #129 of Leading Out The Woods to discuss Teaching Peace in a Divided Time. In this episode, Ryan draws from his experiences as a former School Resource Officer to explore the root causes of conflict among students and share practical, relationship-driven strategies educators can use to foster empathy, unity, and belonging. Together, they discuss how schools can proactively address division, navigate moments of tension, and build more compassionate and connected learning environments.

Throwback Thursday! Teachers of Promise featuring Wade Whitehead
Originally Released On: 9-9-2022

This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:Takeaways from this classic:

• Wade discusses what the Teachers of Promise Institute is and the impact it has made on education.
• As a Milken Award Winner and National Teachers Hall of Fame Inductee, Wade shares proven classroom practices and strategies that enhance student achievement and foster a positive, engaging learning environment.

Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today. 🎧🕰️ Don’t forget to check back every Thursday for more Throwback episodes!

Throwback Thursday! Unpacking Collaborative Leadership featuring Pam Ehnle

Originally Released On: 4-4-2025

This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:

✅ Pam shares the inspiration behind the book, Leading Out The Woods: Collaborative Leadership.

✅ Pam discusses why collaboration is essential for effective leadership.

Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today. 🎧🕰️ Don’t forget to check back every Thursday for more Throwback episodes!