In this episode of the "What's the Point?" podcast, hosts Nathan and Patrick sit down with Dr. Bo Ricker, an elementary school principal and the President of the St. Louis Suburban Elementary Principals Association. In this episode, Dr. Ricker offers listeners a glimpse into his journey as a school administrator while shedding light on the significance of joining principal organizations.

The episode starts as Dr. Ricker shares the story of his path to becoming a school principal. With passion and dedication as his guiding forces, he embarked on a career in education to make a meaningful impact on students' lives. Dr. Ricker recounts the challenges and rewards he has experienced throughout his journey, from fostering a nurturing learning environment to the joys of witnessing students' growth and development.

As the conversation deepens, the hosts and Dr. Ricker delve into the multifaceted role of a school principal. They explore the responsibilities and day-to-day challenges of leading an educational institution. Dr. Ricker provides valuable insights into effective leadership strategies, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, communication, and adaptability in the ever-evolving education landscape.

One of the key highlights of this episode is Dr. Ricker's role as the President of the St. Louis Suburban Elementary Principals Association. He passionately advocates for the importance of school administrators joining principal organizations. He comments on how these organizations provide a platform for networking, professional development, and advocacy, which are essential components of effective school leadership.

Dr. Ricker outlines the numerous benefits of being part of a principal association. From access to valuable resources and expertise to the opportunity to influence educational policies and practices, these associations empower school administrators to excel in their roles and drive positive change within their schools and communities.

In conclusion, this episode of "What's the Point?" is a testament to the power of dedication, leadership, and community in education. Dr. Bo Ricker's remarkable journey and his role as the President of the St. Louis Suburban Elementary Principals Association inspire school leaders to actively participate in their professional development and join organizations that can amplify their impact. This insightful conversation leaves listeners with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the transformative potential of educational leadership.

In this episode of the "What's the Point?" podcast, hosts Nathan and Patrick discuss the top five things they are grateful for in education. 

Listen in as Nathan and Patrick reflect on the many positives in education and the many things they are grateful for this Thanksgiving season. They will discuss the many ways that students, staff, principals, and parents positively impact education and the culture of each school.  

No Thanksgiving episode would be complete without a spirited discussion about the best sides and pies to eat on Thanksgiving Day.  Spoiler Alert: They couldn't pick just one!

This episode of "What's the Point?" will leave you reflecting on all of the fantastic things you are grateful for in education and how lucky we are to be in a vocation with people who care so deeply for others. 

Don't forget to register for Innovate24 and join Patrick and Nathan on Podcast Row. 

edplus.org\innovate
#innovate24

In the fast-paced world of education, the role of a school administrator is often described as one of the most demanding and isolated positions. Administrators are responsible for being instructional leaders, supporting staff, and juggling the numerous challenges that come with the job. Despite being constantly surrounded by people, it can be a lonely journey. In this upcoming episode of "What's the Point?," we delve into the world of school administration and the significance of friendship among administrators who have also been teachers early in their careers.

Our podcast features a unique conversation with three seasoned administrators who share a special bond that goes beyond the workplace – they were friends long before they became school administrators. This deep-rooted friendship has provided them with a support system, a platform for sharing ideas, and a means to navigate the often isolating world of school leadership.

The power of friendship becomes evident as we explore the experiences of our interviewees – Scott, Dave, and Jeremy. They all started their careers as teachers and formed a close-knit friendships during those early years. As their careers progressed, they found themselves in different administrative roles within the same school district. Their enduring friendship has served as a lifeline during thier time as administrators.

The podcast discussion delves into how these friendships have enabled the administrators to brainstorm ideas, troubleshoot problems, and gain fresh perspectives, allowing them to collectively find solutions and foster innovation in their schools.

Through the personal stories and insights of three administrators turned friends, we uncover the power of friendship in navigating the challenges of leadership. Their enduring bond has not only provided them with emotional support but has also contributed to the growth and success of their schools.

Tune in to discover how these administrators have turned their friendships into a valuable resource, emphasizing the importance of relationships and camaraderie in the world of school administration. Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking discussion on "The Power of Friendship: Navigating the Loneliness of School Administration."

Get ready for an exciting new episode of "What's the Point?" as hosts Nathan and Patrick sit down with the incredible Assistant Principal, Michael Wheeler, to explore a captivating professional development series that made waves in the education community!

Join us as we delve into the origins of the thought-provoking series "10 Things Educators Can Learn from Ted Lasso," co-hosted by Michael and Patrick during the past school year. Discover the inspiration behind this innovative PD initiative and its powerful impact on educators and school leaders alike.

In this engaging episode, we'll immerse ourselves in the lessons learned from the iconic Ted Lasso, a beacon of positivity and leadership in his fictional world. Our conversation centers on how the principles and values espoused by Ted Lasso can be translated into real-life applications for school leaders but also as life lessons we can all embrace.

With a blend of humor, warmth, and insightful analysis, we explore the enduring themes of empathy, resilience, and the power of positivity. As we navigate through the challenges faced by school leaders, we uncover invaluable takeaways that can foster an empowering and supportive school culture.

But this episode isn't just for educators – it's for everyone! Ted Lasso's wisdom transcends the confines of the school walls, resonating with the essence of being better humans in our daily lives. Join us as we discuss how these universal lessons can enrich our personal lives and relationships.

Prepare to be inspired and uplifted as we embark on an enriching journey led by the indomitable spirit of Ted Lasso, with Michael Wheeler as our guide. You'll be amazed by the profound impact of this PD series and how it has ignited positive transformations in schools and hearts across the community.

Take advantage of this captivating conversation as we celebrate the wisdom of Ted Lasso and embrace the power of leading with heart, both in education and life.

Welcome to another enlightening episode of "What's the Point?" the podcast where we dive deep into conversations with educators making a positive difference. In this episode, we sit down with two remarkable administrators who have just completed their first year in their respective roles as high school assistant principal and elementary school principal.

Join us as we engage in a candid and insightful conversation with these dynamic leaders, exploring the triumphs and trials they faced throughout their first year on the job. Together, we unravel the unique challenges administrators confront and the strategies they employ to navigate the unpredictable waters of school leadership.

In this riveting episode, we delve into the heart of their experiences, discovering the myriad of decisions, choices, and approaches that shaped their journey. From fostering a nurturing school environment to dealing with unexpected hurdles, our guests share their profound insights on what it takes to thrive as a first-year administrators.

But that's not all – be prepared to celebrate their successes as we uncover the moments that brought them immense pride and satisfaction. Their accomplishments testify to the transformative power of visionary leadership and dedication to student growth.

Furthermore, we glimpse the future as our guests reveal their aspirations and ambitions for the upcoming year. Through their hopeful eyes, we explore the exciting projects and innovative initiatives poised to take their schools to even greater heights.

Tune in to this "What's the Point" episode for an inspiring and thought-provoking discussion that sheds light on the relentless pursuit of excellence in educational leadership. Whether you're an educator, parent, or simply an advocate of education, this episode promises to offer valuable takeaways and a renewed appreciation for the incredible work of school principals.

Join us as we discuss women in educational leadership on the latest episode of "What's the Point?" In this insightful conversation,  Dr. Mellisa Hellwig and Dr. Jodi Oliver share their wealth of leadership experience, offering invaluable tips, profound insights, and personal anecdotes. Discover the unique perspectives and empowering strategies that have shaped their journeys as we explore the inspiring stories of women making a difference in education. Don't miss out on this enlightening episode!