🎙️ #ThrowbackThursday – Episode #103: Win the Morning!

How we start the day can shape everything that follows. For this week's Leading Out The Woods Throwback Thursday, we're revisiting my conversation with Ryan Stein, principal and author of Lifeline 65: How Small Connections and Big Enthusiasm Can Change Education.In this episode, Ryan shares his inspiring “Win the Morning” philosophy and how intentionally starting each day with energy, connection, and purpose can have a lasting impact on students, staff, and school culture.

We discuss:
✅ The philosophy behind “Win the Morning”
✅ How small, intentional connections can make a BIG difference
✅ Strategies for cultivating a positive and engaging school culture
✅ Why enthusiasm and relationships remain powerful tools for school leadersSometimes transforming a school doesn't begin with a new program or initiative. It begins with how we show up each morning.

🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms! Take some time to revisit this conversation and ask yourself: How are you winning the morning? 🌲

☀️ Summer Leadership Recharge: Principal Edition 🌲🎙️ Leading Through Change: Managing Transitions & Challenges

Leadership is tested most during seasons of change. This week, I'm joined by Dr. Shameka Gerald, Managing Director at 2Revolutions, to discuss how school leaders can successfully navigate transitions, overcome challenges, and build resilient school communities.

Together, we discuss:
✔️ Leading with confidence during uncertainty
✔️ Supporting staff through periods of change
✔️ Avoiding burnout while sustaining momentum
✔️ Building a culture of resilience and continuous growth

As another school year approaches, this conversation offers practical leadership strategies to help you navigate change with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms!

Episode #135 is up!  Check it out!!!

Special Guest Jeff McCoy, Chief Education Officer for the Education Research & Development Institute (ERDI), joins Dr. Woods on episode #135 of Leading Out The Woods to discuss AI in K–12. In this episode, they explore the growing impact of artificial intelligence on education, discussing how school leaders can embrace innovation, navigate emerging challenges, and responsibly prepare students and educators for the future.

ThrowbackThursday! Episode #96: Games & Simulations in the Classroom

Special Guest Dr. Edmond Hally, Associate Professor of Political Science at Ferrum College, joins Matt to discuss the positive effects of games on student success.

☀️ Summer Leadership Recharge: Principal Edition 🌲🎙️ Meet Their Needs And They'll Succeed

Student success begins with understanding students as individuals.This week, I'm joined by Salome Thomas-EL—principal, nationally recognized speaker, and author of Meet Their Needs And They'll Succeed—for a conversation about creating schools where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Together, we explore:
✔️ Meeting students' individual needs through intentional leadership
✔️ Building school cultures rooted in relationships and belonging
✔️ Practical strategies for supporting the whole child
✔️ Creating environments where every student can reach their full potential

As leaders, our greatest impact often begins with understanding the unique needs of those we serve.

🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms!

☀️ Summer Leadership Recharge: Principal Edition 🌲🎙️ Creating Impactful Professional Development Plans

Professional development shouldn't be something educators attend—it should be something that transforms practice.This week, I'm joined by Dr. Stephanie Burroughs, Assistant Superintendent, to discuss how school leaders can design meaningful professional learning that empowers teachers and improves student outcomes.

Together, we explore:
✔️ Building professional development with purpose
✔️ Aligning learning to school goals and teacher needs
✔️ Creating opportunities for meaningful collaboration
✔️ Moving beyond "one-and-done" professional development

Whether you're planning PD for a new school year or looking to strengthen your leadership, this conversation offers practical strategies you can implement immediately.

🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms!

Anchor Chat #32: The Middle Matters

In this episode, Dr. Woods challenges educators to rethink where they focus their attention by highlighting a group of students who often go unnoticed—the ones in the middle. While schools naturally devote time and resources to students who are struggling and those who are excelling, there is tremendous potential among students who are quietly meeting expectations but may not be reaching their full potential. Dr. Woods explores how intentional instruction, meaningful challenges, and a focus on growth can help these students move beyond simply being "on track" to truly thriving. This Anchor Chat encourages educators to look beyond proficiency and ask a more important question: How can we help every student maximize their potential?

☀️ Summer Leadership Recharge: Principal Edition 🌲🎙️ Strategic Goal Setting for School Success

Every successful school begins with a clear vision—and intentional goals to bring that vision to life.This week, I'm joined by Dr. Donetrus Hill, High School Principal, to discuss how school leaders can create strategic goals that inspire action, build accountability, and drive meaningful improvement.

Together, we discuss:
✔️ Developing goals that are focused and measurable
✔️ Aligning daily work with long-term priorities
✔️ Building staff ownership around school improvement
✔️ Keeping momentum throughout the school year

As you prepare for another school year, this episode provides practical insights to help you lead with clarity and purpose.

🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms!

🎙️ #ThrowbackThursday – Episode #122: Teacher Recruitment & Retention

This week, we're revisiting an important conversation with Dr. Lindsey Jensen, 2018 Illinois Teacher of the Year and Educators Rising Illinois State Coordinator, as we tackle one of the biggest challenges facing education today—recruiting, developing, and retaining great teachers. In this episode, Dr. Jensen shares practical insights on how we can strengthen the educator pipeline while creating the conditions that encourage talented educators to stay and thrive in our profession.

Key Takeaways:
✅ Strategies for building strong teacher recruitment pipelines.
✅ Ways to better support and retain new educators throughout their careers.
✅ The importance of advocating for policies and practices that strengthen the teaching profession.

As schools continue preparing for another year, this conversation is a timely reminder that investing in educators is one of the most powerful investments we can make in student success.

🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms!

Summer Leadership Recharge

In this episode of Summer Leadership Recharge: Principal Edition, Dr. Woods sits down with Dr. Alex Carter, Vice President of Field Implementation at the Colorado Education Initiative, for an insightful conversation on the concept of the “Warm Demander.”Together, they unpack how school leaders can balance high expectations with genuine care, creating an environment where students and staff are both challenged and supported. Designed for current and aspiring principals, this episode offers practical approaches to strengthen relationships, build trust, and inspire success in the year ahead.