We are sharing our weekly episode early this week to avoid intruding on your holidays. In this episode, Will and Jen both share some favorite Christmas memories. Listen to the end, however, for some heartfelt aspirations and hopes for the New Year. We would love to hear from you. Feel free to share your thoughts or photos from the season with us by emailing: [email protected] or

[email protected]. Or you can text me (Will) with quick thoughts and Christmas photos at 1-918-698-3770.

This year on Principal Matters, we had the privilege of hosting an incredible lineup of educational leaders and experts who shared insights vital to today’s schools. We began with Mark Geraets, who taught us to ride the waves of new ideas, and enjoyed discussions on leadership dynamics with Jen Schwanke, my regular co-host this year. We dove deep into conflict management, building student connections, accountability, and decision-making—Jen even released a new book on conflict management!

We were honored to have Flip Flippen, who shared his work on Capturing Kids’ Hearts, and Melissa Barlow, an Oklahoma Principal of the Year, who emphasized the importance of connecting every student to caring adults. As the year progressed, we discussed transformative leadership paths with Naheed Bardai and expanded perspectives on principal mindfulness with Dr. Rob Russell and Dr. Dustin Miller.

Turnaround leader Dr. Tameka Hyland brought insights into understanding middle schoolers and school development. Later, we embraced “messy” leadership approaches with Alyssa Gallagher, focused on boundary-setting, and celebrated ten years of Principal Matters.

The year was filled with powerful lessons on inclusivity from Tim Villegas, capacity building with Anne-Marie Maw, and effective feedback techniques with Molly Dexter and her team. Leaders like Bobby Dodd and Dr. Todd Dain shared innovative approaches, and we closed out the fall with lessons on energy and passion, featuring Dr. Jim Van Allan discussing The Energy Bus and David Yeager on mentoring.

We wrapped up with final episodes featuring Danielle Nuhfer, Garth Larson, Kenny Rodriguez, and George Couros. It’s been a year of unforgettable learning. I’m grateful for each guest’s contribution, as we continue to learn and grow together as school leaders.

Scroll to the end of this post to see a complete list of shows from the 2024 archives!

A typical month of professional development for me (Will) is a mix of in-person events, virtual masterminds, and coaching sessions that keep me engaged with school leaders from all over. It starts with in-person sessions, like the one I had this fall with Owasso Public Schools, where I had a chance to connect face-to-face with their leadership cabinet. However, most of my sessions are virtual, which allows me to reach a wide range of educational communities.

For instance, early in the month, I lead Grow Academy sessions with the Ohio School Sponsorship Program and mastermind sessions with the Archdiocese of Louisville. These virtual gatherings provide a chance for leaders to share challenges and strategies, and build strong professional relationships even from a distance. I also lead an ongoing Executive Coaching Series through Principal Matters, which provides reflective leadership development for principals and administrators.

In between these virtual series, I get back on the ground for walkthrough visits, like one I did in Tulsa Public Schools at McClain High School with Principal Rob Kaiser. I also give keynote presentations, such as a recent one for the Louisiana Association of Principals in Baton Rouge. Each of these settings—whether I’m coaching virtually, participating in masterminds, or presenting in person—offers a unique perspective on the challenges and successes educators are facing.

By the end of each month, I’ve been part of sessions from New York to Ohio, from Kentucky to California, all from my own home or office, and I’m always struck by the variety and depth of insight I gain from each group. It’s a blend of sharing knowledge, learning new strategies, and recharging through meaningful connections, all of which help me stay on top of what’s most important to leaders in education today.

In addition to her position as a Deputy Superintendent, Jen Schwanke has been equipping educators and leaders with the tools they need to thrive in today’s school environments. By specializing in conflict management, facilitation, and mediation, Jen’s work ranges in leadership topics. From “Rethinking Data Usage” to help leaders see data with fresh eyes, to “Leading Forward with Courage” which helps leaders face challenges head-on, her sessions are both insightful and practical. Jen’s training on “Public Speaking for School Leaders” builds essential communication skills, while “Women in Leadership” explores the unique experiences of women in education. 

Her sessions on “Principal Impact on Teacher Morale” and “Having Difficult Conversations” address the pivotal role leaders play in school climate and communication. Finally, “Professionalism and Self Care” reminds educators of the importance of well-being in professional growth. With an eye for interaction and collaboration, Jen’s professional development creates space for educators to engage in meaningful problem-solving and innovation.

We are expanding our content, including work from 15 Principal Matters Associates, besides Jen Schwanke and me. These include Don Parker, Timothy Alexander, Jason Jedamski, Lisa Parry, Erika Bare, Tiffany Burns, Jeff Springer, Nick Davies, Rachel Edho-Eket, Tameka Hyland, Frederick Buskey, Anne-Marie Maw, Dan Kelly, Donna Hayward, and Beau Brannon. See their profiles here: https://williamdparker.com/associates/

For podcast listeners, we are running a new schedule in the Spring by including shows on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday:

Stay tuned, and tell us what you like, or send us suggestions if you have ideas for content, guests, or other topics you’d like addressed.

Finally, I’m excited to share my newest book with listeners and leaders. This is a book, Whose Permission Are You Waiting For? An Educator’s Guide to Doing What You Love is born from the often hard conversations I have with educators who are wrestling with decision-making, especially when it comes to transitions in their careers as educators.

In my new book, I will walk you through a journey of disrupting your thinking about traditional pathways and embracing multiple, flexible routes to success. I start by challenging the notion that there’s only one path, sharing how my experiences as a teacher, principal, executive director, and business owner have taught me the importance of creating innovative pathways. 

I talk about the power of consistent action, developing curiosity, and the critical role of reflection and coaching. I tackle the big question: Whose permission are you waiting for? 

This book is all about helping you realize that your growth, skills, and dreams are within reach—whether through building systems, monetizing your talents, or developing supportive habits. 

Finally, I explore the importance of masterminds, mentorships, pitching yourself, and showcasing your profile. I provide reflection questions for building a path that’s uniquely yours and mapping it backward to reach big goals. In every chapter, I offer practical steps, share personal stories, and challenge you to imagine—and create—a future that aligns with who you truly want to be.

PMP378: Surfing the Crest of New Waves with Mark Geraets (January 10, 2024)

PMP379: Systems Leader vs People Leader with Will Parker and Jen Schwanke (January 17, 2024)

PMP380: Dynamics of Building Leaders vs District Leaders with Will Parker and Jen Schwanke (January 24, 2024)

PMP381: Maximizing the Superpowers of Each Individual with Jim Wichman (January 31, 2024)

PMP382: Profoundly Impacting Learning Culture with Dan Kelley (February 7, 2024)

PMP383: The Principal’s Guide to Conflict Management – Jen’s new book! (February 14, 2024)

PMP384: Anticipate, Analyze, and Act with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker (February 21, 2024)

PMP385: Capturing Kids’ Hearts with Flip Flippen (February 28, 2024)

PMP386: Connecting Every Student to Caring Adults with Melissa Barlow (March 6, 2024)

PMP387: Accountability – A Dirty Word or Essential? with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker (March 13, 2024)

PMP388: How Do You Know if You’re Making the Right Decision? – with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker (March 20, 2024)

PMP389: Building a Systems Transformation Pathway with Naheed Bardai (March 27, 2024)

PMP390: Mindshifts for Leaders with Dr. T.J. Vari (April 3, 2024)

PMP391: Hiring Tips from the Field with Principal Beau Brannon (April 10, 2024)

PMP392: Small Steps to Big Joy with Kim Strobel and Jen Schwanke (April 17, 2024)

PMP393: Turnaround Leadership with Dr. Tameka Hyland (April 24, 2024)

PMP394: Lessons from a First Year Principal with Tomas Macaluso (May 1, 2024)

PMP395: Embracing MESSY Leadership with Alyssa Gallagher and Jen Schwanke (May 8, 2024)

PMP396: Leadership Approaches to Conflict Resolution with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker (May 15, 2024)

PMP397: Maximizing Feedback to Teachers with Molly Dexter, Brandon Mawhorter, and Kathleen Beckham (May 22, 2024)

PMP398: Leveraging Executive Internal Communication for Stronger Brands with Brittany Keil (May 29, 2024)

PMP399: Boundary Setting for Leaders and Educators with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker (June 5, 2024)

PMP400: Celebrating 10+ Years of Principal Matters (June 12, 2024)

PMP401: Inspiring and Developing Others with Northwest Rankin High School Admin Team (June 19, 2024)

PMP402: Building Trust with Dr. Todd Dain (June 26, 2024)

PMP403: Be the Change with Principal Baruti Kafele and Dr. Jen Schwanke (July 3, 2024)

PMP404: Managing Expectations and Accountability with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker (July 10, 2024)

PMP405: Building Capacity in Your Leadership with Anne-Marie Maw (July 17, 2024)

PMP406: Thinking Inclusive with Tim Villegas (July 24, 2024)

PMP407: Supporting Teacher Growth with Justin Baeder and Jen Schwanke (July 31, 2024)

PMP408: De Facto Leadership with Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan and Dr. Jen Schwanke (August 7, 2024)

PMP409: Ready for Real Life with Andrew McPeak (August 14, 2024)

PMP410: Innovation in Leadership with Bobby Dodd (August 21, 2024)

PMP411: Collaborative Response with Kurtis Hewson (August 28, 2024)

PMP412: The Principal’s Journey with Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket (September 4, 2024)

PMP413: The Art of Transformational Coaching with Elena Aguilar and Jen Schwanke (September 11, 2024)

PMP414: Managing Your Priorities with Mark Shellinger (September 18, 2024)

PMP415: Reclaiming Purpose with Frederick Buskey (September 25, 2024)

PMP416: Every Student Has a Name with Will Parker and Jen Schwanke (October 2, 2024)

PMP417: How to Design Smarter Schedules with David James and Jen Schwanke (October 9, 2024)

PMP418: Maintaining Your Passion with Wes Cottongim (October 16, 2024)

PMP419: Energy Bus for Schools with Dr. Jim Van Allan (October 23, 2024)

PMP420: Mentoring Mindset with David Yeager (October 30, 2024)

PMP421: Smarter Budgets, Smarter Schools with Nate Levenson and Jen Schwanke (November 6, 2024)

PMP422: Pathway for Mindful Teachers with Danielle Nuhfer (November 13, 2024)

PMP423: Extinguishing Fires Within Assessment and Grading Reform with Garth Larson (November 20, 2024)

PMP424: Principal as Mentor and Coach with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker (November 27, 2024)

PMP425: The Power of Engagement with Dr. Kenny Rodrequez (December 4, 2024)

PMP426: What Makes a Great Principal with George Couros (December 11, 2024)

PMP427: The Fulcrum Position in Education with Olina Banerji (December 18, 2024)

[email protected]

[email protected]

Text Will with quick thoughts and Christmas photos at 1-918-698-3770. Thank you again for doing what matters!

The post PMP428: What’s Happened in 2024 and What’s Next for Principal Matters? appeared first on Principal Matters.

Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. 

The question is: How do leaders know when to protect staff from initiatives (buffer) and when to connect to initiatives that are handed down to them?

Listen in for our response and thank you for doing what matters!

Olina Banerji is an award-winning journalist and writer. She spent ten years in international newsrooms and global non-profits and then shifted to five years leading editorial coverage on education for The Ken, an Indian business news website. For the past eighteen months, she has been a reporter for Education Week, where she has focused on the experiences and stories of principals.  Her experience spans two sectors—journalism and social change— both of which provide insight and perspective valuable to educators. 

It’s not often we have an education reporter on the podcast, but this one makes the wait well worth it! Olina is a reporter for Education Week, an online publication popular among teachers and leaders. I met her at the NASSP United Conference this summer and couldn’t wait to share her with our listeners. We found one another because she was researching a story about principals and conflict management— a topic on which I was presenting in response to my book, The Principal’s Guide to Conflict Management. 

Before the presentation, Olina and I had a short but intense conversation about common conflicts and how the fundamental issues of school leadership require skilled and disciplined responses to conflicts. 

Afterwards, taken by her intelligence and thoughtful response to the role of the principal, I asked if she might join us on the “Principal Matters Podcast.” Our conversation did not disappoint; in fact, it opened my mind to some of the fundamental similarities in a principal’s work and gave us a preview of some of the challenges principals will face in the coming years.

But let’s back up. Why— and how— does someone become an education reporter? Olina followed a path of journalism that led her to understanding the vast potential of young people. She was— and is— inspired by their ideas, their potential, and their innovative spirit. This inspiration led her to think about the education system and how it both challenges and inhibits the people involved in it. At Education Week, she says, “Principals are my beat, and they are my bread and butter.” 

She has spoken to hundreds of principals through her reporting and noted how school leadership is a uniquely “fulcrum” position— so much flows through them, yet so much of that flow is out of their control. Principals are, she says, some of the strongest people she knows, because they are always “bracing for impact.” They must stay on top of trends and training but also remain fundamentally grounded in their purpose. 

Three topics that are on the front of Olina’s mind for the future work of principals are technology, instructional leadership, and the navigation of political environments. 

“We have to think about the levers in the system,” she says, and notes the important role principals play in providing guidance for teachers, students, parents, and community. 

Principals are expected to implement and oversee many structures, but they also need support and training to help navigate some of the problems coming toward us— problems we might not even know about yet. 

This interview is intelligent, insightful, and provides a guiding perspective for all principals, and we’re so excited to bring Olina into your learning journey. 

Thank you for learning together, and for doing what matters!

The post PMP427: The Fulcrum Position in Education with Olina Banerji appeared first on Principal Matters.

Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. 

The question is: How do you navigate bureaucracy, especially with frequent shifts in focus that make previous efforts seem irrelevant?

Listen in for our response and thank you for doing what matters!

George Couros is a worldwide leader in the area of innovative teaching, learning, and leading, and has a focus on innovation as a human endeavor. Most importantly, he is a proud father and husband. His belief that meaningful change happens when you first connect to people’s hearts, is modeled in his writing and speaking. 

In his 20-plus years in the field of education, he has worked at all levels of school, from K-12 as a teacher, technology facilitator, and school and district administrator, and is currently an Adjunct Instructor with the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania. George is also the author of the books, The Innovator’s Mindset; Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity, Innovate Inside the Box, and Because of a Teacher and Because of a Teacher 2.

His newest book is What Makes a Great Principal: The Five Pillars of Effective School Leadership by George Couros and Allyson Apsey.

In this week’s episode of Principal Matters Podcast I had an enlightening conversation with George Couros about his latest book, “What Makes a Great Principal,” which he co-authored. Our discussion wasn’t just about the book; we delved into various topics, reflecting George’s deep-seated philosophy about leaving a legacy his children can be proud of. This philosophy has guided his evolution as an educator, leader, author, and speaker, particularly in his commitment to being present and focused, especially over the last few years.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a brief period when educators were widely celebrated, but this appreciation was quickly overshadowed by the chaos and outcry on social media. George applied the same celebratory writing model he used in his previous work, “Because of Teachers,” to his new book. Alongside Allyson Apsey, he explored effective school leadership practices not only in the U.S. and Canada but globally, identifying five key pillars: 

Our conversation touched on several of these pillars, starting with the crucial role of being a Relationship Builder. Effective educators and leaders must excel in communication and listening, but it’s also vital to understand the underlying principles of leadership without prescribing specific actions. 

As an example of a continuous learner, George shared how he developed his own digital portfolio to encourage students and teachers to do the same, illustrating the importance of practicing what you preach.

We also discussed the role of technology in education. George stressed the need to use technology redemptively, sharing a humorous anecdote from a spin class to highlight how adults often contradict the behaviors they expect from children. He practices what he preaches by managing his digital interactions, ensuring they don’t interfere with his daily routines.

George recounted a conversation with his editor, Katie Martin, about why he chose to address the ‘Visionary’ pillar last in his book. He believes that defining a vision requires a deep understanding of your team, the working context, and available resources. This holistic understanding enables leaders to develop robust visions tailored to their specific environments.

We also highlighted the contributions of practicing educators who wrote illustrations for each chapter, including Marcus Belin, Ryan Daniel, Vicki Davis, David Domena, Emily Freeland, Liz Garden, Brad Gustafson, Mary Hemphill, Mike Kleba, Kari Lacny, and Abby Ramos Stanutz, CJ Reynolds, Shane Saeed, Vincent Taylor, and Taylor Teamann. 

This conversation with George was truly enriching, and I hope listeners will find it as insightful as I did. For more from George Couros, visit his website at georgecouros.com, follow him on social media at @gcouros, or reach him via email at [email protected].

Thank you for listening, and thank you for doing what matters!

The post PMP426: What Makes a Great Principal with George Couros appeared first on Principal Matters.

Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. 

The question is: How do you handle the tendency to catastrophize, which can drain energy and focus?

Listen in for our response and thank you for doing what matters!

Dr. Kenny Rodrequez became Superintendent of the Grandview C-4 School District in July 2016. Before this role, he was the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for two years, overseeing K-12 curriculum programs and leading all schools in the district. Dr. Rodrequez has a diverse career, starting as a music educator for 8 years, and then moving into school administration over a decade ago, serving as assistant principal, principal, director, and assistant superintendent. He was also named the 2024 Missouri Superintendent of the Year by the Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA).

In this week’s interview, we kicked off by talking about some of our mutual connections in the field, including Dr. Keith Ballard, an Oklahoma legend in school leadership. We also discussed our mutual collaboration with Matt Wenzel from LebraHQ.com, a podcast sponsor. LebraHQ provides helpful tools that Kenny uses for engagement and communication.

When I asked him about his work in the Grandview C-4 School District, Kenny shared how he focuses on engagement and relationship-building, especially through social-emotional support initiatives. For example, he developed screenings for third-to-fifth-graders and worked on expanding the staff’s cultural competence to create stronger bonds within the school community. He emphasized how essential it is to hold meaningful conversations about race and backgrounds to build those relationships.

Kenny and I also dove into how he navigated the challenges of the pandemic, which included supporting curriculum development and maintaining student engagement. These efforts ultimately helped Grandview C-4 surpass academic goals in 2022 and strengthen their strategic position for the future.

We touched on leadership consistency, too. Kenny’s commitment as superintendent has brought continuity to the district even with changes in the school board. He explained how his style of connecting one-on-one, whether with staff, students, or parents, has its roots in his experiences as a waiter, band director, and administrator. He even gave a great example of using LebraHQ.com to stay in touch with over 650 employees by acknowledging birthdays and achievements—though he’s always sure to personalize each message.

Wrapping up, Kenny offered advice for new leaders: take time to reflect, keep a journal, and think long-term. He recommends a three-year approach to new roles—focus on relationship-building in year one, make changes in year two, and see the impact by year three.

To connect with Dr. Kenny Rodrequez, you can find him on X (Twitter) at @KRodrequez or reach out via email at [email protected], or visit his district’s website at grandviewc4.net. 

Thank you for being a part of Principal Matters and for doing what matters!

The post PMP425: The Power of Engagement with Dr. Kenny Rodrequez appeared first on Principal Matters.

Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. 

The question is: What strategies work best when dealing with others who are resistant to growth?

Listen in for our response and thank you for doing what matters!

In this week’s episode, I interviewed Jen about an article she wrote, Principal as Mentor and Coach, published in ASCD’s Education Leadership, September 2024 edition.

Remember what it was like to be a new teacher or educator? You probably can think of the feelings of enthusiasm, anxiety, and adrenalin. Most of us also cringe when we think about what did wrong in those first days, weeks, or months of our new role. 

Now, think about how much you appreciated the patience, wisdom, and input of others who took the time to listen or to invest in your growth. Everyone deserves a good coach or mentor in the work they do, and principals have a significant responsibility to provide that kind of feedback to their teachers and teammates.

In the conversation, we talk about what it feels like to be new in the role of teaching or education, and how leaders can navigate the roles of evaluation, coaching, and mentoring.

Just as we want to help others reflect on ways they can grow in their craft, we must also be willing to reflect on our own learning. We cannot expect something from others that we are practicing ourselves. 

The tips that Jen provides for coaching and mentoring others also apply to you. If you’re looking for someone to provide you with reflection and coaching, Jen and I both offer opportunities for leaders to connect with us. If you’d like to learn more about executive coaching options, visit williamdparker.com/services or jenschwanke.com, reach out to either of us by email at will@williamdparker or [email protected] to learn more.

Listen to the entire episode for more takeaways or read the article in its entirety for even more helpful tips and ideas.  Thank you for learning together, and thank you for doing what matters!

The post PMP424: Principal as Mentor and Coach with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker appeared first on Principal Matters.

Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. 

The question is: What are the best practices for improving communication and fostering a sense of ownership among staff?

Listen in for our response and thank you for doing what matters!

Garth Larson, Ed.D, is the Co-Founder and CEO of FIRST Educational Resources. He started his career as a high school speech and English teacher, later becoming an elementary principal and then the Director of Learning for the Winneconne Community School District in northeast Wisconsin. In 2015, he co-founded FIRST Educational Resources to enhance student achievement nationwide. Since then, over 2,000 global school districts have partnered with his company. Garth consults internationally, offering professional development on key educational topics like Professional Learning Communities 2.0 and Learning-Centered Grading Practices. He has authored four books, including “Grading for Impact” and “PLC 2.0: Collaborating for Observable Impact in Today’s Schools. 

Garth has been doing some incredible work in educational reform and recently co-authored a book titled Extinguishing the Fires Within Assessment and Grading Reform.

As we dove into a conversation about the evolution of standards-based grading, Garth shared how this approach represents a significant shift in how we assess student learning. He mentioned influential figures like Tom Guskey, Rick Wormeli, and Ken O’Connor. In particular, Ken O’Connor’s CALM framework—Consistent, Accurate, Learning-focused, and Meaningful—really stood out. If you’re interested in learning more about this, O’Connor’s book A Repair Kit for Grading is a fantastic resource.

Garth offered some valuable advice for educational leaders. For those just starting with standards-based grading, he emphasized the importance of truly understanding what this system is—and what it isn’t. For leaders facing resistance or mixed messages within their communities, he stressed clear communication and proactive engagement with all stakeholders.

We also tackled some common hurdles, like the misconception that standards-based grading doesn’t prepare students for “the real world.” Garth flipped that notion on its head, urging us to focus on preparing students for life beyond school. He advocated for policies that align with our school’s mission and highlighted the necessity of allowing retakes and reassessments to give students real opportunities to learn from their mistakes.

One story that really resonated was about a school that shifted to proficiency-based grading, leading to multiple valedictorians. This change fostered a collaborative spirit among students, emphasizing learning and growth over competition.

If you’d like to learn more, feel free to reach out to Garth at [email protected] or visit the FIRST Educational Resources website at firsteducation-us.com.

Thank you for learning together, and for doing what matters!

The post PMP423: Extinguishing Fires Within Assessment and Grading Reform with Garth Larson appeared first on Principal Matters.

Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. 

The question is: How can I use time effectively while also making time for self-care?

Here’s a free resource Will refers to by Michael Hyatt: https://assessments.fullfocus.co/lifescore/

Also, check out Will’s book, Pause. Breathe. Flourish.: Living Your Best Life as an Educator.

Listen in for our response and thank you for doing what matters!

Danielle Nuhfer, author of The Path of the Mindful Teacher and founder of Teaching Well. She is a former teacher turned coach and has devoted over two decades to supporting educators through the complexities of the educational system. In this episode, Danielle discusses her transformative journey in education, her insights on improving school environments through mindfulness, and her practical strategies for personal and professional growth.

First, she dives into a transformative topic: bringing mindfulness into our schools. Danielle shares how mindfulness has revolutionized her approach to education, starting with a pivotal moment in 2006 when her principal noticed a change in her demeanor. That observation pushed her to take a closer look at her work-life balance and self-care. Fast forward to 2014—though she was thriving professionally, she hit a personal wall due to a lack of boundaries. This led her to embrace mindfulness as a key part of her daily life.

Danielle walks us through practical strategies for mindfulness, starting with understanding our internal scripts—those automatic reactions we all have. By identifying “internal scripts” and understanding why we react the way we do, we can lead with greater awareness and empathy. 

One of her powerful examples is “flipping your autopilot reactions.” She shares a story about how she shifted her response to a student’s tardiness, which not only prevented conflict but also fostered understanding and connection.

For those of us navigating stressful times, Danielle recommends tracking emotions and triggers with simple tools like post-it notes throughout the day. She also suggests focusing on one trigger at a time to gain deeper insight into our responses. And a favorite tip: integrate activities like stretching or walking to stay proactive instead of reactive, ensuring we’re present and grounded for our students.

If you’re ready to start your journey toward mindfulness, Danielle’s website, TeachingWell.life, is a fantastic resource. She believes that by embodying mindfulness, we can lead our teams toward a culture of reflection and growth.

Thank you for tuning into this week’s episode of Principal Matters! Visit us for more episodes, and don’t forget to subscribe to stay updated on future conversations. Let’s keep making a difference, one mindful step at a time, and thank you for doing what matters!

The post PMP422: Pathway for Mindful Teachers with Danielle Nuhfer appeared first on Principal Matters.

Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. 

The question is: How can I exercise my voice as a ‘guardian’ without coming off as ‘challenging’?

Will refers to a resource The 5 Voices: How to Communicate Effectively with Everyone You Lead by Jeremie Kubicek and Steve Cockram. You can find it here.

Listen in for our response and thank you for doing what matters!

Nate Levenson is president of New Solutions K12. He brings a great deal of experience to the topic of raising achievement and improving equity despite tight resources. He combines decades of private sector experience with 20 plus years in K-12. As a superintendent he led an effort that closed the achievement gap and reduced the number of struggling readers while the budget was shrinking. 

As a consultant he has helped over 300 districts in 30 states redesign budgeting, spend differently and increase Academic Return on Investment. As an author and thought leader he has written six books, scores of articles, a few white papers and regularly speaks nationally. His newest budget related book, Smarter Budgets, Smarter Schools, second edition, was published by Harvard Education Press. His passion is helping ensure every dollar does the most good for the most students. 

In this week’s episode of Principal Matters Podcast, Jen Schwanke sits down with Nate Levenson to discuss his book, Smarter Budgets, Smarter Schools.

This was such an impactful episode for me. Every time I talk with Nate Levenson, I learn something new. It’s not knowledge or facts that are so impactful— though he has those too— but rather the way he challenges me to make mindset shifts and reconsider the status quo. In this episode, Nate gives us a glimpse of this expertise. Join us as Nate discusses how school leaders can provide excellent learning environments for students— even when budgets are tight. He challenges us to shift our mindsets toward impactful change— something that happens  when we let go of some of the myths we carry about learning environments. Let’s take a look at three myths we dispel during this episode. 

We get into education because we care about kids, and it’s best to care about them in small groups, right? Indeed, small class sizes and small intervention groups are held as sacred truths. But Nate thinks about it a little differently. With better allocation of staff, and with the enhancement of staff impact through smarter scheduling, small class sizes stop becoming the most important thing— instead, how many students we serve in a day becomes much more important than the size of the group. 

This is something a lot of school leaders do. We think, “In order to save money, we need to make cuts. When we make cuts, we’ll need to expect less of our teachers and students.” But there is never going to be “enough” money— as Nate points out, “We are going to spend every dollar we have.” And so when we have less dollars, we won’t be able to afford every staff member and every service we have been providing. Rather than expect less of our staff and students, the mindset must shift. Let’s not do less for students but instead do differently for students. 

Many times, schools allocate staff based on what seems fair and necessary. If we have a district of four schools and we have four reading teachers on staff, every school should get a reading teacher. Right?  No. Not at all. Nate recommends building a budget in which we literally account for students served, not FTEs. “Have a column that shows how many students we are helping,” he suggests, which shines an entirely different light onto the concept of equity.  

Nate feels strongly that principals are critical assets in any district’s decision making process. He outlines ways that district leaders should get principals to the table, starting by thinking of them as overall district leaders rather than just the leader of an individual school. 

If held too tightly, these myths can be extremely problematic for schools, especially as we enter a period of very tight budgets. This episode will challenge and inspire you, whether you are a teacher, principal, or district-level leader. Thanks for listening!

Nathan Levenson, President, New Solutions K12

The post PMP421: Smarter Budgets, Smarter Schools with Nate Levenson and Jen Schwanke appeared first on Principal Matters.

Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. 

The question is: How do you help teachers keep their ‘Why’ in the forefront of their minds? 

Listen in for our response and thank you for doing what matters!

David Yeager, PhD, is a professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin and the cofounder of the Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute. He is best known for his research conducted with Carol Dweck, Angela Duckworth, and Greg Walton on short but powerful interventions that influence adolescent behaviors. 

He has consulted for Google, Microsoft, Disney, and the World Bank, as well as for the White House and the governments in California, Texas, and Norway. His research has been featured in The New York Times Magazine, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Scientific American, CNN, Fox News, The Guardian, The Atlantic, and more. 

Clarivate Web of Science ranks Yeager as one of the top 0.1% most influential psychologists in the world over the past decade. Before his career as a scientist, he was a middle school teacher and a basketball coach in Tulsa, OK. Now, he coaches his kids’ baseball team. He earned his PhD and MA at Stanford University and his BA and MEd at the University of Notre Dame. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife and their four children.

He is also the author of the bestselling book 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People. 

Below is a summary of the questions and responses between Will Parker and Dr. Yeager. Listen to the entire interview for even more takeaways!

David’s research is based on research that has been available for decades, but he uses this research to call on educators to adopt a ‘mentor mindset’ in their classrooms. The mentor mindset is grounded in the belief that mistakes are the root to growth. He states that some teachers adopt an “enforcer” mindset, having high expectations but little support for students. Conversely, some teachers have a “protector” mindset, having low expectations and high support for students. Finding the sweet spot between those two mindsets is where students excel. According to David’s research, when teachers have high expectations and high support for their students (mentor mindset), 95-100% of their students meet the expectations of the classroom. 

Throughout the book, David pushes back on some misapplications in brain science and child development. One such misapplication is the fact that children’s brains are not fully developed can translate into the argument that children are not capable of making decisions that can be trusted. He also offers up some science-backed solutions to communicating with children in a way that their brains can understand. Young people want to have status and respect, and their goals have their emotions at heart, while social rewards drive the way they rationalize behaviors. 

Among the many topics covered in 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People, David Yeager discusses approaches like the ‘4 Principles for Respectful Instructions’ or ‘Transparency Statements’ to help educators wanting to use a Mentoring Mindset. As an example of how to use these approaches, David uses the example of how telling kids to eat their broccoli is a stereotype of bad teaching or ‘grownsplaining’. More explaining is not going to fix the problem; kids need to have agency and ownership over their decisions. David suggests that instead of ‘grownsplaining’ healthy eating to kids, healthy behavior should be aligned with what motivates their status and respect. This approach will often lead to them making healthier choices in the future. David also emphasizes the power of asking questions to kids rather than just talking at them. Kids just want to be heard, he says, so they will eventually come up with their own solutions and do better on their own in the future.

David says that wants people to have a sense of hope and optimism when it comes to young people. He wrote this book because he wanted to share the secrets of people who have figured out how to truly have hope in young people, and he wanted to share stories of actual change in young people’s lives. 

If you would like to stay connected with David Yeager you can reach out to him on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/david-yeager-3713905, via email: [email protected], or schedule a time for him to come speak at https://thelavinagency.com/speakers/david-yeager/. 

Thank you for listening and for doing what matters! ~ William D. Parker

The post PMP420: Mentoring Mindset with David Yeager appeared first on Principal Matters.

Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response. 

The question is: How do you create schedules for observing teachers in advance?

Listen in for our response and thank you for doing what matters!

Dr. Jim Van Allan is President of The Energy Bus for Schools. He runs The Energy Bus for Schools program which gives schools the blueprint and framework to create a positive school culture. He coaches school leaders and superintendents on mindset, teamwork, communication, and culture-building. Additionally, Jim speaks to schools and districts across the country with keynotes, trainings, workshops, and student assemblies. He is the co-author of the book, The Energy Bus for Schools: 7 Ways to Improve Your School Culture, Remove Negativity, Energize Your Teachers, and Empower Your Students, with bestselling author Jon Gordon.

Jim is also a Professor of Communication Studies and Lead Speech Instructor at Keiser University, which is based in Florida. He teaches Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, and Business Communication.

Jim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations from the University of Florida and a Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies from Florida Atlantic University.

He also earned his Ph.D. in Education Leadership from Keiser University. Jim studied the impact of an early version of The Energy Bus for Schools program on a model school in Ohio. Much of his research centered around the impact of sustainable professional development for schools.

He lives in Palm City, Florida, with his wife and three children, Brady, Brenden, and Brinley.

Throughout the episode, Jim discussed his collaboration with Jon Gordon, noting that Jon has authored 30 books, 16 of which are bestsellers. The latest edition of The Energy Bus details how to spread positive energy throughout a school. Jim’s Ph.D. research initially involved five model schools and examined the lasting impacts of the program. He observed a strong desire among schools for continuous, year-long professional development to reinforce and extend the lessons learned.

The latest “Energy Bus” book is a practical guide, sharing strategies gleaned from a decade of implementation across U.S. schools. It outlines seven key strategies for enhancing school culture:

Jim shared stories illustrating these principles, such as a school leader in Texas who transformed a failing school into a high-performing institution, greatly supported by the community through a significant bond issuance. Another example from Northern Iowa showcased a school district that integrates lessons from The Energy Bus into an annual theme park visit, reinforcing the principles through engaging activities.

Jim also discussed the distinction between genuine positivity and toxic positivity, emphasizing the importance of addressing challenges constructively and fostering a healthy, positive environment. He concluded the interview by stressing the need for visionary leaders to spearhead positive changes.

For further details or inquiries, Jim can be contacted at his email address: [email protected].

The Energy Bus for Schools Book

The Energy Bus for Schools Program

The Energy Bus for Schools on You Tube

Follow him on all social media @JimVanAllan

Email him: [email protected]

The post PMP419: Energy Bus for Schools with Dr. Jim Van Allan and Will Parker appeared first on Principal Matters.