Principally Speaking

PS34: Leading Professional Learning with Jeff Zoul

PS33: I've Been BrandED by Joe Sanfelippo and Tony Sinanis

School Branding experts and dynamic leaders Joe Sanfelippo and Tony Sinanis join me for an awesome conversation. The Power of Branding Principal Professional Development The New Fall Creek Podcast Tony's Blog with Student-Led PTA Meeting, Epic Letter to Gov. Cuomo, Etc. Joe's Blog The BrandED Podcast I'm a third of the way to 100 episodes and it's been an amazing journey in which I've learned a lot and I hope you have too. When I first started this show, I never thought I'd have the opportunitie...

PS32: Fellow Proud Nerd Steven Anderson

In episode 32 of Principally Speaking, I have a great time connecting with Steven Anderson, a.k.a. web20classroom on Twitter. I discover that we were both science teachers and both were proud members of the marching band, although he was likely much better at the tuba than I was at the trumpet. More importantly, Steven shares insight regarding Administrators and technology, the power of being connected, and ideas from his latest book, Content Curation: How to Avoid Information Overload. You can ...

PS31: Dan Butler Leads Two Elementary Schools (and still has time to talk to me?!)

In this 31st episode of PS, I connect with Dan Butler. Dan was gracious enough to talk about his experience as the principal of both Epworth and Farley Elementary Schools in Epworth, Iowa. He also shared some great resources on the show: How Dan Uses Google Forms When Collecting Observation Data Continuous Improvement at Farley Elementary School Here's how you can connect with Dan and check out his blog: Dan's Twitter Dan's Blog He also is a co-moderator of the awesomeness that is #IAedchat, whi...

PS30: Teach Like a Pirate with Dave Burgess

In this episode I speak with former social studies teacher and current author and speaker Dave Burgess . Dave is of course the author of Teach Like a Pirate. We talk about the TLAP philosophy and its connection to leadership. Dave will be the keynote speaker on July 21 at IntegratED @ East Noble High School if you happen to be in Northeast Indiana like me. You can register for IntegratED now or apply to present at the link above. I'm very excited to be working with Jennifer Brower and Andy Deatr...

PS29: Rethinking High School Design with George Philhower

In the 29th episode of the show, I have the privilege of speaking with George Philhower, Assistant Superintendent at Western Wayne Schools in Cambridge City, Indiana. In this district and at Lincoln Jr./Sr. High School they are developing a school-within-a-school model that allows students to move at their own pace and take their own path to success. George explained that he has leaned on the Innovations High School in Salt Lake City, Utah for support and that their Principal Kenneth Grover has ...

PS28: Leading Like a Pirate with Beth Houf

In Episode 28 of the show, I have the privilege of connecting with dynamic principal Beth Houf, Principal at McIntire Elementary in Fulton, Missouri. We talk about how initiatives like positive referrals, optional PD, and the McIntire Online Read Aloud have strengthened her school. She also relates a story about how she subbed for a full day back in November, and it inspires me to want to start the T.O.D.A.Y. movement, or Teach One Day A Year. Beth's Blog Beth's Twitter...

PS27: Amplifying Student Voice with Andrew Marcinek

In this episode, I talk with Boston area Tech Director Andrew Marcinek, author of The 1:1 Roadmap from Corwin Press. We'll talk about Andrew's experience organizing 4 EdCamps, his work creating an awesome Student Help Desk class, as well as a model for optional professional development that worked at his school district. One of my favorite parts of the conversation is when he talks about a student that was able to develop their own application in order to solve a problem at their school. I would...

PS26: Be Inspired By The One and Only Rafranz Davis

In this episode, I have the privilege of talking with Instructional Technology Specalist Rafranz Davis, who hails from the Dallas area. We move beyond just the SAMR model , and she does a great job of always bringing it back to the student perspective, as you can read about in her new book, The Missing Voices in EdTech: Bringing Diversity Into EdTech . Among other things, we dive into cell phones in schools, the effect that technology initiatives can have on students in poverty, and her personal...

PS25: Sherry Gick is Not Your Average Media Specialist

In this episode, I chat with Teacher-Librarian and Instructional Technology Specialist Sherry Gick. Sherry teaches the Video Production class at Rossville Jr-Sr High School and has been recognized as one of the 10 School Librarians to Follow on Twitter . If you somehow aren't following her on Twitter, she is @libraryfanatic . Her website is thelibraryfanatic.com . Sherry is leading the way to redefine what it means to be a librarian in the 21st century and I hope you enjoy our talk as much as I ...

PS24: Trivia Crack and Cultivating Student Ideas

In this episode, I talk about the craze that is Trivia Crack and its implications for education. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the following questions: 1) What do you think about the trivia crack craze? 2) Would you want your child to constantly play trivia crack? 3) How are you cultivating student ideas in your school? 4) Have students had a say in any new programs or clubs in your school? 5) What makes your school unique? You can provide answers to any or all of these questions by clicking...

PS23: Principal Scott Schulz and I Laugh at Ourselves

In this episode, I have the pleasure of connecting with Scott Schulz, who talks about his new job at Rossville Jr/Sr High School in southern Indiana. Scott's Blog The Washington Post Piece on Scott Scott's Epic YouTube Snow Day Video Scott on Twitter...

PS22: Amy Heavin's Awesome PD At Ryan Park Elementary

Principally Speaking is back! I'm excited to bring to you my talk with Amy Heavin, Principal of Ryan Park Elementary in Angola, Indiana. Among other things, Amy and I talk about what professional learning looks like at her school and how she's working to push both herself and her staff. She can be found @amyheavin on Twitter and her blog is @ amyheavin.blogspot.com .

PS21: ASCD Emerging Leader Laura Ferrell

Laura Ferrell is the Assistant Principal at Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Her blog can be found here and you can connect with her @LFEdTech on Twitter.

PS20: Maryland's AP of the Year Jared Wastler

Jared Wastler is an ASCD Emerging Leader and Maryland's Assistant Principal of the Year for 2014. He can be found at jaredwastler.com . In this episode we talk about his success, and I have to admire how he always brings it back to the great things happening where he is at Liberty High School . Tune in next week for my talk with Assistant Principal Laura Ferrell, who also happens to be an ASCD Emerging Leader for 2014. She can be found @LFedtech on Twitter. Among other things, we discover that w...

PS19: Don Wettrick Helps Students Embrace Their Passions

As we wrap up Connected Educator Month, I was lucky to connect with Innovation Coordinator and Pure Genius author Don Wettrick. We talk about his unique job and elective course that truly empowers students to embrace their passions and ideas. I'm a little biased, but I was very inspired by our conversation and I hope you are too.

PS18: Pernille Ripp Empowers Her Middle School Students

In this episode of Principally Speaking, I have the honor of speaking to 7th grade dynamic teacher Pernille Ripp. After you listen to the episode, set aside some time and check out her awesome blog and resources over at pernillesripp.com . She also developed the amazing Global Read Aloud Project and EdCamp MadWI. Finally, she is an author of 2 books and currently working on a 3rd. I highly recommend you check out her latest from Corwin, Empowered Schools, Empowered Students ....

PS17: Connected Leadership with Dr. Spike Cook

Continuing the Connected Educator Month Series on Principally Speaking, I connect with Dr. Spike Cook, author of the new book Connected Leadership . You can also check out his website here . For more excellent content from Dr. Cook, check out the PrincipalPLN podcast .

PS16: All Hands on Deck with Brad Currie

In honor of Connected Educator Month this is the first of a series of podcast episodes from authors of the Corwin Connected Educator Series . Vice Principal, #satchat co-founder and author of new book All Hands on Deck Brad Currie and I talk about his vision for tapping into the voice of all stakeholders through both physical and virtual means. Check into more from Brad at bradcurrie.net . Next week I have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Spike Cook ....

PS15: Educational Podcasting Expert Jeff Bradbury

For today's episode I talk with music teacher Jeff Bradbury, who is also the mastermind behind teachercast.net . You can connect with Jeff there or at jeffreybradbury.com . If you are also interested in podcasting or webcast development, I highly recommend contacting Jeff. He's very helpful and a great guy. As I mentioned at the conclusion of this episode, I'm involved in a new monthly meetup happening in the Fort Wayne area for other passionate and innovative educators. The first meeting is hap...

PS14: Dynamic Duo Principal Steve Hope & AP Duke Lines

In this episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Steve Hope and Duke Lines, Principal and Associate Principal at Penn High School in Mishawaka, Indiana. We talk about Steve's ability to drive important change at Penn as well as Duke's quick ascension through the ranks. We discuss the goals for PHS this year as they move to a 1:1 environment with Chromebooks. Both administrators discuss what inspired them to "make the jump" and provide advice for newer leaders. In order to connect with thes...

PS13: Master Spanish Teacher and Presenter Matt Miller

High school Spanish teacher and fellow Hoosier Matt Miller is someone that I connected with this past summer at the East Noble eLearn conference. Matt and I will be talking about how his classroom may be slightly different from the norm and how this led to his awesome website ditchthattextbook.com . Here's an outline of this episode: Matt’s interesting transition to teaching Matt’s focus for expanding his horizons this year: Google Apps, expanded use of Mystery Skype , diving into Flipped Instru...

PS12: Transformative Leader Eric Sheninger

In this episode, I ask Eric about what drove him to become an administrator, what he feels are the top qualities of a strong principal, and the success of New Milford High School. He discusses how digital leadership is not an add-on and when addressing the industrial model for schools and explains his quest to break through “an efficient system for a world that no longer exists.” Finally, he talks about his new position with the International Center for Leadership in Education, or ICLE, the host...

PS11: Mark Barnes Reshapes My Thinking

Mark Barnes is the author of the new book Teaching the iStudent, which was just released August 19. Click the image of the book above to check it out. This is part of a series with other influential educators such as Spike Cook, Peter DeWitt, and Kristen Swanson. In this episode Mark talks about his personal journey from classroom technophobe to technophile and his paradigm shift towards a results only learning environment. Be sure to check out his websites at markbarnes19.com and brilliant-insa...

PS10: AP and App Developer Matthew Brown (2 of 2)

In this episode, Matt and I wrap up our conversation by discussing www.meetup.com/k12tech and his role in the upcoming TedX Lafayette event. Don't forget you can e-mail me at jason@principallyspeaking.com. I'm also on Voxer at jbodna782. Stay tuned for next week's show with author Mark Barnes, who can be found at markbarnes19.com.

PS9: AP and App Developer Matthew Brown (1 of 2)

Today, I have the privilege of interviewing Matt Brown, Assistant Principal at Sunnyside Intermediate School in Lafayette, Indiana. Here is the outline for this show: Matthew’s Inspirational Educational Background Why Matt Became an Administrator Excellent Advice for New Administrators: Knowing your Place, Putting your “Teacher Glasses” On, and Being Humble Most Important Qualities of a Strong Assistant Principal: Effective Communication, Not Saying Yes Too Much, Discipline with the Right Mindse...

PS8: Private School Principal Theresa Stager

This week Theresa and I talk about her experience as a new administrator last year and she provides advice to those jumping into the profession. She talks about the experience of also hosting a podcast, the PrincipalCast, which was recently announced will be renamed PrincipalPLN. We discuss her experience leading a private school in Michigan that does not receive any public funds. She also provides other podcast and book recommendations. Finally, she sells the audience on Voxer, an amazing app t...

PS7: High-Performance Instructional Leadership with Justin Baeder

Justin Baeder discusses his evolution from teacher to principal and eventually to full-time consultant and speaker. If you're an educator that's interested in branching out through consulting or speaking, you definitely don't want to miss this one. For the notes from this show, click on this link: www.principallyspeaking.com/ps7 . Justin's websites can be found here: eduleadership.org theprincipalcenter.com He can be found on Twitter here....

PS6: Derek McCoy (2 of 2)

Thank you for tuning into the second half of my interview with Derek McCoy and be sure to check out his blog at mccoyderek.com and connect with him @derekmccoy on Twitter. Check out principallyspeaking.com/ps6 for the notes from this show. Stay tuned for next week for my interview with educational consultant and former elementary principal Justin Baeder. Justin's website can be found at eduleadership.org....

PS5: 2014 Digital Principal of the Year Derek McCoy (1 of 2)

Today I have the privilege of speaking with Derek McCoy, the NASSP 2014 Digital Principal of the Year. In this episode, Derek talks about what effective Digital Leadership means to him and provides some recommendations for digital tools as well as conferences to attend, including the infamous ISTE. I also ask him what inspired him to become an administrator and how he supports strong leaders in his school. Tune in next week for the second half of this interview, in which Derek talks about being ...