Every year, extraordinary school leaders from across the country are recognized through the NAESP National Distinguished Principal® program, and come together in Washington D.C. to meet each other and share their stories.. In this special episode of the podcast, we've curated a selection of their speeches to highlight the exceptional work they do in their schools. We invite you to listen as they share what has shaped their professional lives, and the various ways they support their school communities.

In today’s episode, hosts Liz Garden and Dr. Scott McLeod talk with Dr. Kristan Rodriguez about what it takes to create schools where every learner can succeed. From understanding student variability and building systems that work to shifting from compliance to authentic engagement, this conversation explores practical strategies for implementing Universal Design for Learning in your school.

Dr. Kristan Rodriguez is the owner of Commonwealth Consulting Agency, LLC and has been a professional development provider for over 20 years.

Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Massachusetts, and serves as fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

Scott McLeod is professor of educational leadership at the University of Colorado, Denver, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

Today’s episode explores what new leaders need to know about managing change. Assistant principal Donna McGuire talks with Dr. Dallas Lee about leading with clarity, slowing down under pressure, and building trust when everyone is watching.

Dallas Lee, Ed.D. serves as instructional superintendent at the District of Columbia Public School system.

Donna McGuire is assistant principal PS/IS 18 – The Park Terrace School in New York City, and serves as moderator of the NAESP Assistant Principal Community of Practice.

In today’s episode, host Equetta Jones talks with Ashley Farrington and Dr. Jerod Phillips Sr. about how school leaders build the relationships and support systems that help them grow from assistant principal to principal—and thrive once they get there. This conversation explores how connection can turn leadership from isolating to inspiring.

Ashley Farrington is principal of Birchview Elementary School in Plymouth, Minnesota, 2020 NAESP National Outstanding Assistant Principal, 2025 NAESP National Distinguished Principal, and president-elect of the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association.

Dr. Jerod Phillips Sr. is principal of David E. Robinson Elementary in Magnolia, Delaware, and a 2021 NAESP National Outstanding Assistant Principal.

Equetta Jones is principal of Lovecreek Elementary School in Lewes, Delaware, 2020 NAESP National Outstanding Assistant Principal, and moderator for NAESP’s Early Career Principal Community of Practice.

Originally released 12/14/23:

We know that a great school leader can have a powerful impact on the success of a school and its students. But how exactly do we get great principals? We sat down with Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond to discuss the latest research on developing effective principals, and how policymakers, districts, and educators can ensure school leaders have what they need to grow and thrive.

Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond is President and CEO of the Learning Policy Institute. She is also the Charles E. Ducommun Professor of Education Emeritus at Stanford University where she founded the Stanford Center for Opportunity Policy in Education and served as the faculty sponsor of the Stanford Teacher Education Program, which she helped to redesign.

Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Massachusetts, and serves as fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

Dr. Scott McLeod is professor of educational leadership at the University of Colorado, Denver, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

The NAESP Principal Podcast is produced by the National Association of Elementary School Principals. Learn more about our community and membership at naesp.org.

We talk with educator and innovator Katie Fielding about how principals can help teachers and students use AI safely, creatively, and ethically. From setting clear expectations to helping students think critically about new tools, we explore how principals can build a culture of curiosity and responsibility around technology.

Katie Fielding is an educational technology consultant and advocate for accessibility who holds advanced credentials from ISTE and CAST.

Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Massachusetts, and serves as fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

Scott McLeod is professor of educational leadership at the University of Colorado, Denver, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

In today’s episode, Dr. Sharon Porter talks with Katy Kennedy and David Griffith about why regulation is at the heart of every student’s success. They discuss how schools can better support students and staff—through counseling, co-regulation, and policy changes—while modeling the practices we want children to learn.

Katy Kennedy is principal of Washington Middle School in Glendive, Montana, and fellow at the NAESP Center for Middle-Level Leadership.

David Griffith is Associate Executive Director of Policy and Advocacy at NAESP.

Sharon Porter is principal of Allenwood Elementary School in Temple Hills, Maryland, and fellow at the NAESP Center for Diversity Leadership.

In today’s episode, principal Andy Jacks talks with leaders Jessica Quinter and Kenny Newby about what it takes to enter a new school as an experienced principal. From building trust fast to aligning with supervisors and protecting your own well-being, this conversation offers practical strategies you can put to work right away.

Jessica Quinter, Ed.D. is principal of Park Forest Elementary School in State College, Pennsylvania, and serves as director for Zone 2 on the NAESP Board of Directors.

Kenny Newby is principal of Justice Alan Page Elementary School in Maplewood Minnesota, serves as NAESP Zone 7 director, and moderator for the NAESP LGBTQIA+ Network.

Andy Jacks, Ed.D. is principal at Ellis Elementary School in Manassas, Virginia, and senior fellow at the NAESP Centers for Advancing Leadership.

In today’s episode, principal Equetta Jones talks with experts from the Lead IDEA Center about what it takes to lead schools where every student belongs—and succeeds. From preparation gaps and staffing shortages to shifting mindsets and building strong systems, this conversation offers insight and practical strategies you can put to work right away.

Dia Jackson, Ph.D., is a senior researcher at the American Institutes for Research and co-leads the knowledge development team at the Lead IDEA Center.

Dena Slanda, Ph.D., is a senior TA consultant at the American Institutes for Research, and serves as intensive technical assistance lead at the Lead IDEA Center.

Equetta Jones is principal of Lovecreek Elementary School in Lewes, Delaware, and moderator for NAESP's Early Career Principal Community of Practice.

Principals know there are no guarantees that any initiative, improvement plan, or new idea will be successful at their school. How do we convince stakeholders—and just as importantly ourselves—that these ideas are worth pursuing? We sat down with Philadelphia principal Tim Boyle to discuss how to navigate ambiguity and improve what matters at your school.

Tim Boyle is principal of Science Leadership Academy Middle School (SLAMS) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Massachusetts, and serves as fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

Scott McLeod is professor of educational leadership at the University of Colorado, Denver, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.