What makes an award-winning elementary school? For Melissa Mucci, Principal of Somers Elementary School, it comes down to a powerful motto: "We're a family and we're a tree." This guiding philosophy has earned her school the Connecticut Association of Schools 2025 Elementary School of the Year award.

In this candid conversation, Melissa talks about how SES rebounded from a year of tragedy, in which it faced the unimaginable loss of three students and a staff member, to win the prestigious School of the Year award. When reflecting on her leadership journey, she describes how challenges from the previous school year ultimately strengthened the school community. 

Listen up and learn how a small Connecticut elementary school became a model of educational excellence through family bonds and deep roots.

What does it take to lead a school to award-winning excellence? For Emma Balter, Principal of Six to Six Magnet School, the journey began after 29 years in the classroom when she unexpectedly stepped into administration. Now, as leader of Connecticut's 2025 Middle School of the Year, she shares the leadership strategies that transformed her school community.

Six to Six Magnet School embodies a unique educational model - an inter-district school serving 450 students from Bridgeport and 17 surrounding communities, creating remarkable diversity both ethnically and socioeconomically. True to its name, the school operates from 6am to 6pm, supporting working families with extended hours while delivering exceptional STEM-focused education through powerful community partnerships.

Balter's leadership mantra of "growing and changing" reflects her commitment to continuous improvement. She candidly discusses her growth in having difficult conversations, sharing how Glenn Singleton's "Courageous Conversations" helped ground her approach to equity and inclusion.

Join us for this inspiring conversation about brave leadership, building administrative alignment, and why maintaining classroom connections matters. Whether you're an experienced administrator or aspiring leader, Balter's journey offers valuable lessons for creating award-winning school communities where both students and educators thrive.

What happens when three award-winning assistant principals gather to share their leadership journeys? A powerful conversation about authenticity, vulnerability, and the transformative impact of being oneself in a leadership role.

The 2025 Connecticut Association of Schools Assistant Principals of the Year – Laura Dixon from John Barry Elementary School; Marco Tirillo from John Wallace Middle School: and LaShante James from Brien McMahon High School – discuss moving beyond the traditional authority figure role to create initiatives that spread joy throughout their schools.  While they lead in unique and distinct school environments, their philosophies converge on a common theme: effective leadership requires bringing one's whole, authentic self to the work.

Margot Martello's leadership at Mabelle B. Avery Middle School embodies a commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. A humble, compassionate leader who is always looking for new ways to learn and grow, Margot talks about her school's successful diversity efforts, the Operation Parent Handbook, and the tradition of annual themes, which helps unify the school community through service projects and shared values. With MBA's recent turnaround from Focus School to Middle School of the Year, Margot’s experiences offer a blueprint for effective school leadership.

Explore the dynamic leadership approaches of Jeannine Enamait, principal of Natchaug Elementary School, as she discusses creating joy in education, fostering diversity, and prioritizing continuous professional learning. Her insights underscore the importance of supporting the whole child and engaging families to cultivate a thriving school community. Listen up as Jeannine talks about:

• creating a joyful atmosphere through responsive classroom principles; 
• emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity among staff; 
• promoting continuous professional learning for educators;
• establishing the Natchaug Community Resource Hub to support families; 
• recognizing the necessity of self-care for educational leaders; 
• focusing on MTSS to adequately support student needs; 
• building rich relationships with community partners.

Stay connected with us for more inspiring conversations!

What makes a truly effective leader in the world of education? Join us for an engaging conversation with Kurt Ogren, principal of Woodland Regional High School and 2024 High School Principal of the Year, as he shares his insights on what it takes to foster a thriving school community. Kurt opens up about the power of collaboration, positivity, and diverse perspectives in leadership, revealing how these elements have shaped his successful career. Learn about his strategies for creating an inclusive environment where every voice counts, and discover the unique traditions that make Woodland an educational powerhouse.

Discover the secrets behind building an inclusive and supportive school community from none other than Scott Jeffrey, the 2024 Connecticut Association of Schools Elementary Principal of the Year. Scott’s leadership journey at Highland Elementary School is nothing short of inspiring, and he shares the strategies that have made a profound impact on his students and staff. From fostering strong relationships to implementing shared decision-making, Scott’s approach to leadership is rooted in compassion and respect. 

Discover the transformative power of educational leadership with Dr. Kristy Zaleta, the 2024 Connecticut Association of Schools Middle School Principal of the Year. Join us as Dr. Zaleta opens up about her leadership journey at Rogers Park Middle School, where honesty, vulnerability, and transparency have been pivotal in building trust and credibility. Learn her strategies for fostering leadership among educators through inclusive decision-making and recognizing team contributions. Gain insights into her commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students, particularly multilingual learners, by adopting culturally and linguistically responsive teaching practices.

Explore the inspirations and resources that have shaped Dr. Zaleta’s effective educational leadership. With reflections on the works of Dr. Sharroky Hollie, Simon Sinek, Brené Brown, Liz Wiseman, and Adam Grant, this episode is rich with thought-provoking ideas and practical applications.  Tune in for a conversation that is as insightful as it is inspiring, and discover how these leadership principles can transform educational environments for both educators and students.

Ever wondered what it takes to be a school leader who truly connects with students and staff? Join us as we chat with Jarrid Clifton, the newly crowned 2024 CAS Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year. Jarrid, the associate principal of Timothy Edwards Middle School in South Windsor, shares his distinct approach to leadership—one that centers around listening, valuing feedback, and building strong relationships. You'll hear how his commitment to being visible and accessible has earned him the endearing title of a "chill dude with a heart of gold" from his students. His stories highlight the value of being relatable and approachable in the ever-evolving landscape of education. 

In Episode 8 of the Linking Leaders PodCASt, host Dr. Alicia Bowman chats with Dr. Lisa Romano, principal of Maple Hill Elementary School and winner of the 2023 William Cieslukowski Outstanding First-Year Elementary Principal Award. 

Discover the hallmarks of Dr. Romano's leadership success, which include maintaining a positive narrative, valuing each individual's contribution, and celebrating every victory, regardless how small or large. Join us as we glean actionable insights that will inspire current and aspiring leaders in the field of education.