Principals of Change

In this episode of Principals of Change, host Michelle Dawn Mooney sits down with Marisol Lockhart, Principal of P.S. 110 in the South Bronx, to explore what it means to lead schools with both strength and heart.

A Bronx native and graduate of Vassar College, Marisol has served NYC public schools for over two decades, bringing passion, emotional intelligence, and a deep commitment to community-centered leadership. She began her journey through the NYC Teaching Fellows Program and became a principal in perhaps one of the most challenging years for education—the 2019–2020 school year, right during the pandemic.

Marisol is also a national presenter and coach on emotionally intelligent leadership, a member of the Gray and Cahn Fellowships, and just beginning her doctoral journey. She also recently co-presented at the New York State Women in Administration conference.

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Key Takeaways:

Emotional Intelligence as a Core Leadership Strategy: the importance of self-awareness, vulnerability, and authenticity—especially post-pandemic—and how it allows leaders to foster trust, healing, and connection.

The Power of the Pause: In leadership, a pause can create clarity, restore purpose, and reduce reactive decision-making in high-stakes environments.

Culture-Building through Community Values: Through P.S. 110’s PRIDE framework (Perseverance, Respect, Imagination, Determination, Empowerment), Marisol has built a restorative, socially-emotional foundation that connects students, staff, and families.

Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket is a wife, mother, principal, bestselling author, speaker, adjunct professor, and the 2025 President of the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals. As the leader of a National Blue Ribbon School, she is recognized for her strong instructional leadership, her passion for equity and advocacy, and her ability to mentor the next generation of educators.

Named one of the Top 100 Influencers in Education by District Administration magazine, Dr. Edoho-Eket’s leadership philosophy is rooted in relational intelligence—prioritizing authentic connections as the foundation for lasting school success. She's also the author of The Principal’s Journey and her newest release, Relational Intelligence: The Key to Exceptional School Leadership.

We’re thrilled to welcome her today to talk about what it means to lead with purpose, build trust, and inspire transformation in schools

Principal Ashley Moore—known to many as Principal Mo—shares her leadership journey from special education teacher to transformational school leader. With over 15 years of experience, she unpacks how vulnerability, adaptability, and equity shape her approach to education.

Principal Mo reflects on leading through the pandemic, building trust with staff, and why modeling imperfection is a strength. She highlights her school’s shift to all-honors middle school courses as a strategy for equity, and how integrating AI tools has improved teacher workload and classroom outcomes. Her focus: empowering both students and educators to thrive.

Coming Soon: Principal Mo’s debut book on leadership and school transformation. Learn more at PrincipalMo.com.

Learn more: Visit smartpass.app to see how SmartPass improves student accountability and maximizes learning time

In this episode, host Michelle Dawn Mooney speaks with Michael Conklin, Principal of Eldred Junior/Senior High School and a dedicated educator with over 14 years of experience, including roles in teaching, special education, and school leadership. As a “girl dad” of three and a passionate principal, Conklin discusses his holistic approach to leadership—balancing high expectations, mental health support, and student empowerment. He shares the importance of relationship-building, innovative programs like SmartPass and Hope Squad, and fostering a school environment where every student is known and supported.

In this episode of the Principles of Change podcast, host Lee speaks with Ashley Harbel, an assistant principal at Timberlane Regional High School, about her journey in education, particularly her work in Holocaust and genocide education. Ashley shares her experiences teaching sensitive topics, the importance of student voice, and her efforts to implement restorative practices in her school. The conversation highlights the significance of personal connections in education and the role of technology in preserving survivor testimonies.

Takeaways

• Ashley Harbel's journey in education began with teaching the Diary of Anne Frank.
• Teaching sensitive topics requires open communication with parents and students.
• Personal connections, like survivor testimonies, enhance the learning experience.
• Restorative practices focus on learning from mistakes rather than punishment.
• Student voice is crucial for creating a positive school climate.
• Technology can help preserve and share survivor stories.
• Educators should continuously learn and grow to set an example for students.
• Collaboration among teachers, students, and administration is key to effective change.
• Empowering students leads to a stronger sense of community.
• Holocaust and genocide education is essential for fostering understanding and empathy.

Chapters

00:00: Introduction to Ashley Harbel and Her Journey

06:11: Navigating Sensitive Topics in Education

11:49: Transitioning from Classroom to Administration

17:51: Empowering Student Voices for Positive Change

In this episode of Principles of Change, host Lee speaks with Dan Harding, the principal of Kent Island High School, about his journey from special education teacher to principal. They discuss the importance of fostering a diverse range of extracurricular activities, the implementation of an innovative advisory program, and the significance of cultivating lifelong learners in the school community. Dan emphasizes the need for student engagement and the role of trusted adults in supporting students' academic and personal growth.

Takeaways

• Dan Harding transitioned from special education to principal over a decade.
• He emphasizes the importance of extracurricular activities beyond sports.
• Over two-thirds of students at Kent Island High School are involved in activities.
• The school has a variety of clubs, including Dungeons and Dragons and debate.
• Engagement in school activities helps improve discipline and test scores.
• The advisory program was implemented to support student needs and engagement.
• Students can choose activities based on their interests during advisory periods.
• The school tracks student engagement and trusted adult relationships.
• Dan believes in recognizing students who show improvement, not just high achievers.
• Lifelong learning is encouraged through diverse opportunities and support.t

Sound Bites

• "We track as much information as we have."
• "If you want to do it, let's do it."
• "You can't fake it, you have to love it."
• "We've seen great benefit from it."

Chapters

00:00 Journey from Teacher to Principal

08:06 Fostering Extracurricular Engagement

15:02 Implementing the Advisory Program

20:51: Cultivating Lifelong Learners

In this episode of Principles of Change, host Lee and guest Britt White discuss the insights gathered from over 100 principals regarding their experiences and challenges in school leadership. They emphasize the importance of parent-principal partnerships, the balancing act of addressing individual student needs while considering the entire school community, and the evolving role of principals in managing discipline. The conversation also touches on the isolation principals often feel and the need for positive interactions with parents to foster a supportive school environment.

Lee speaks with Douglas Weatherholt, principal of Lakeside High School in OH, about innovative educational practices and leadership strategies. They discuss the introduction of a drone technology class and other unique programs aimed at engaging students and preparing them for future careers. Douglas emphasizes the importance of intentional leadership, professional development, and embracing technology in education to meet the diverse needs of students.

In this episode of the Principles of Change podcast, host Lee speaks with Kristin Kaufman, an assistant principal at Milford High School, about her journey from journalism to education leadership. They discuss the challenges of balancing work and personal life, the importance of mental health support for students, and innovative strategies for fostering a positive school environment. Kristin shares insights on building relationships with teachers and students, addressing the impact of social media on mental health, and the exciting trend of focusing on career readiness in education.

We’re joined by Derek Stampone, an Assistant Principal at the High School of Fashion Industries, right in the heart of New York City’s Garment District. Derek helps lead a dynamic school of over 1,600 students in a unique setting—a 10-story building where students major in everything from Fashion Design to Software Development. Today, we’ll chat about how he’s navigating leadership in such a creative environment, how he involves students in decision-making processes, and more.