Year of Leading Dangerously

Episode 12:This episode marks the return of the podcast with some thoughts on the current crisis that exists in the United States and the world as schools go virtual, and I struggle to adjust and understand my role as a building leader and what it will look like at the start of the coming school year. More so than other episodes, this one will pose more questions than it answers, but I welcome your thoughts as we all adjust and try to define the new normal.

Episode 11:In an effort to provide a follow-up to recent professional development offerings, I chat with Sherrard Martin, Director of Secondary Curriculum Support [Twitter: @smartinISS]. Our conversations usually bounce all over the place, but the ever-present constant is always thriving to help all do what’s best for kids. We do try our best to stay grounded as we discuss some of the professional development offerings and what motivated those choices. We always strive for #...

We broadcast live from a staff Professional Development session on this day in the Year of Aping Dangerously. Fresh after finishing some professional development geared to the needs of secondary English and Science Teachers, I have an opportunity to chat with two teachers to gain insight on what they learned and how they plan to put it in use for their classrooms. Monica Williams and Rebecca McClain share thoughts and ideas as they complete a half day of professional learning.Year of AP...

This day in the Year of Aping Dangerously – we chat with AP Jody Ratti, who I connected with through the weekly Twitter #APchat, just one of several professional learning network chats we discuss. Ratti shares his ‘origin story’ – which, has some eerie similarities to a story I’ve heard before! Several great nuggets are shared as a reminder is made to “move with your mission” and to always “do what’s best for kids” – this is a can’t miss episode as we exchange thoughts from anothe...

I sit down with new AP, Aisha Santos, to discuss the transition from the classroom to the Admin Office. She shares her 'origin story' that has led her from a volunteer in her child's school to an Assistant Principal of a southern town high school. Our conversation tackles all kinds of new things that a new AP may face... from the mountain of emails, and discipline to the need to make sure you take some self-care, as well aa connecting with your peers and mentors. Links discussed i...

Episode 7 in the podcast features some thoughts and things to keep top of mind as you begin the new school year. The operational checklists and to do's that must get done to ensure a smooth start of the year. Additionally, some other things to think about as you frame your message and work for the school year. And oh yes, I make a major pop culture reference flub in this episode - find it and be the first to send it in a tweet with the #Ifoundtheflub @YearofD and we'll share...

Sitting down with Instructional Coaches, we get an insight on how they build relationships and support teachers and administrators. Sarah Paslay, Traci Fox, James Worthington and Patrick Kosal are content specific Instructional Coaches who provide insight on how they work with new and lateral entry teachers as well as seasoned veterans. They also provide tips and suggestions for administrators looking to expand their influence as instructional leaders.

Episode 5 features a conversation with Frameworks Executive Vice President, David Taylor as he shares a summer read, Our Kids by Robert D. Putnam. Through narratives on the lives of students in Port Clinton, Our Kids looks at the impact of education through the lens of the American Dream. Additionally, in this installment of the podcast, I share some of my summer reads and 'to reads', including two books from the Hacking series; Hacking Leadership and Hacking Discipline.

In the fourth installment of the podcast for and about current and aspiring Assistant Principals we talk upcoming topics and take a look at some of the pieces of the AP puzzle. What are your successes as a building administrator? I talk about what I've learned on building relationships, and maintaining your balance in what can be a demanding career. We also touch on upcoming topics that hit everything from restorative justice, to unconscious bias and equity in education. Con...

Talking everything from transitions to Krispy Kreme – we talk to Michael Culbreth who is making the transition to elementary school following 20 years in middle school. As an Assistant Principal at East Iredell Elementary School, Michael will now face the challenges of first time students as well as a school that is dual immersion. This will be the first in a series of podcasts that focus on the transition of moving grade levels in the administrative role.East Iredell Elementary S...