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. ...
Jun 10, 2025•37 min•Ep. 105
Most school leaders will be familiar with PBL. But for principal Amy McElroy PBL means Problem-Based—not Project-Based—Learning. We discuss what the differences are and what it means for her school, and how this approach impacts her student's engagement and overall success. Amie McElroy is elementary school director at STEM School in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Massachusetts, and serves as fellow at the NAESP Center for Innova...
May 26, 2025•28 min•Ep. 104
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is crucial at any age, but it has a special significance at the middle level. Today we sit down with an Illinois principal who's school's unique approach to SEL has made an impact in to the culture and character of students in the middle grades and beyond. Francesca Peck is principal at Polaris Charter Academy in Chicago, Illinois. Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Massachusetts, and serves as fellow at the NAESP Center for Inn...
May 14, 2025•35 min•Ep. 103
Today we're joined by author, educator and PBL advocate Sara Lev, to explain why project-based learning is not only appropriate for our youngest learners, but should be implemented far more often. We cover what it looks like in the early grades, and how principals can lead the way in implementing project-based learning in early childhood. Sara Lev is teacher on special assignment at the Larchmont Charter School in Los Angeles, and author of Implementing Project Based Learning in Early Childhood....
Apr 10, 2025•29 min•Ep. 101
Regardless of what strategies school leaders use to improve learning, one thing is for certain: Students must be present to receive that learning. Student attendance is a critical issue for many schools across the country, and in this episode we discuss the assistant principal's role in tackling chronic absenteeism. Donna McGuire is moderator for the NAESP Assistant Principal Community of Practice, and serves as assistant principal at Park Terrace School in New York City. Sonia Matthew is assist...
Apr 07, 2025•20 min•Ep. 102
In this powerful episode, Xavier Reed and Dr. Sharon Porter engage in a candid and thought-provoking conversation on anti-racist and inclusive leadership in education. Joined by NAESP President Kevin Armstrong and leadership expert Madeline McNeely, they explore strategies for fostering equitable school environments, dismantling systemic barriers, and leading with intentional inclusivity. This episode is a must-listen for educators, administrators, and leaders committed to transforming schools i...
Mar 26, 2025•26 min•Ep. 100
Join the Center for Diversity Leadership fellows for a powerful conversation with Dr. Trudi Lebron, DEI expert and author, as we explore the transformative impact of equity-centered practices on schools, students, and communities. Sharon Porter is principal of Rose Valley Elementary School in Fort Washington, Maryland, and has just started her inaugural year as fellow at the NAESP Center for Diversity Leadership . Xavier Reed is principal of Central Middle School in Wayzata, Minnesota, and is co...
Jan 22, 2025•19 min•Ep. 99
Although wellness has always been crucial, it has become increasingly relevant in recent years. Today, wellness coach and expert Molly Funk joins us as we learn the importance of social-emotional wellness for students and educators alike, and how principals can demonstrate leadership through practicing wellness themselves. Molly Funk is an integrative educator wellness coach and professional learning facilitator. Andy Jacks is principal of Ellis Elementary School in Manassas, Virginia, and senio...
Jan 15, 2025•44 min•Ep. 98
When there are significant shifts in what we know about education, it can take a long time before those changes reach all teachers. For Erik Francis, Depth of Knowledge (DOK) is one such framework that needs reexamination. But these shifts don't happen with trainings alone—they require leadership to implement effectively. Francis sat down with the Center for Innovative Leadership to discuss the future of DOK, and how principals play an essential part in successful professional development Erik F...
Jan 03, 2025•25 min•Ep. 97
How should AI be incorporated—or not—into school? Although it's latest iteration is relatively new, veteran educator and author Holly Clark has plenty of experience negotiating the relationship between technology and education, joins us to offer her thoughts on the promises and limits of artificial intelligence in education. Holly Clark is a speaker, best-selling author, educator, and dedicated advocate for digital learning. Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon ...
Dec 26, 2024•27 min•Ep. 96
When Bryan Byerlee's school building was set for reconstruction, three basic needs were prioritized: warm, safe, and dry. But those were just the baseline non-negotiables. What he and others would come to recognize is how redesigning a school is a unique opportunity to empower students, shape school culture, and improve learning overall. Bryan Byerlee is principal of Garden City Elementary School in Cranston, Rhode Island. Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Ma...
Dec 19, 2024•25 min•Ep. 95
Often in conversations about the teaching elementary vs. secondary students, it's easy to overlook those at the middle level. More than a simple overlap of both categories, children in these grades have their own unique needs. Fortunately, at our annual conference in Nashville, the NAESP Center for Middle-Level Leadership fellows had an opportunity to sit down with Katie Powell of the Association for Middle Level Education to discuss how principals can better understand and serve middle-level st...
Dec 12, 2024•33 min•Ep. 94
Some educators might feel limited when it comes to outdoor learning options. Sure, there's sports, the odd field trip, and maybe holding a class or two outside—weather permitting. Today's guest comes to us from a unique and innovative school in Oregon that is blazing trails by teaching outside every day. We hear how rewarding it is for the students they serve, and what principals can take away from this model and bring to their schools. Heidi McKay is executive director of Down to Earth Forest S...
Dec 04, 2024•32 min•Ep. 93
Where are you on your leadership journey? How has equity informed that journey? What is your "why" as a school leader? In this episode of the NAESP Principal Podcast, Xavier Reed discusses these questions and more with Sharon Porter, the newest fellow at the NAESP Center for Diversity Leadership . Sharon Porter is principal of Rose Valley Elementary School in Fort Washington, Maryland, and has just started her inaugural year as fellow at the NAESP Center for Diversity Leadership. Xavier Reed is ...
Nov 27, 2024•17 min•Ep. 92
It’s all too easy to assume that schools need to focus only on standards and benchmarks at the expense of everything else. Baltimore-based principal Traci Mathena joins us today to explain how enriching educational opportunities are something all students should receive, and shares how her school is benefitting from play-based and place-based learning. Traci Mathena is principal of Creative City Public Charter School in Baltimore, Maryland. Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary s...
Nov 20, 2024•29 min•Ep. 91
Today we're joined by members of NAESP's Latino+ Network to discuss the perspectives of Latino students, staff, and administrators. Whether it's the unique needs of students, engaging with the broader community, or the importance of representation in teaching and leadership, understanding these perspectives is crucial to the success of our schools. Annette Sanchez is principal of Hampton-Moreno-Dugat Early Childhood Center in Beeville, Texas, and serves as NAESP state representative for Texas. C...
Nov 01, 2024•19 min•Ep. 90
Quality early childhood education has a huge impact on any student's success as they learn and grow. Often those with limited experience with their youngest learners quickly find themselves searching for more ways improve in this crucial area. Today we talk with one educator who's commitment to improving learning in the early grades empowered her practice and made a real difference in her school. Leslie Selberg Viveiros, is fine arts coordinator at the Carlucci American International School of L...
Sep 17, 2024•13 min•Ep. 89
Though a title change can quickly take someone from a team member to its leader, the qualities one needs to lead stem from a career long journey of growth, and principals have a special role to play in fostering this leadership at their schools. Texas school leaders Dr. Shelby Calabrese and Dr. Alejandra Perez join us to discuss how better hiring practices and a culture of recognition can help create a robust pipeline to leadership. Dr. Shelby Calabrese is principal of Harvard Elementary School ...
Sep 11, 2024•46 min•Ep. 88
School leaders have a huge role to play when it comes to the success of special education in their schools. Principals can shape how IEP meetings are conducted, ensure specialists are getting what they need, and set the tone for the entire school's approach to special education. We sat down with folks from the newly formed Lead IDEA Center to discuss this role, and how school leaders can move from simply meeting obligations to truly committing to improving special education. Abigail Foley, Ed.D....
Aug 30, 2024•37 min•Ep. 87
As the academic year starts back up, principals have an opportunity to hone in on their school's unique identity. Taking time to truly reflect on the culture and demographics of a school and its community can help leaders set the tone, vision, and direction for their students. Join us today as we discuss strategies that center student voice and agency, and how principals can leverage their school's identity to foster a strong and positive learning environment. Quennel Cooper, Ed.D. is principal ...
Aug 22, 2024•28 min•Ep. 86
Hiring can be a challenging process for any principal, but getting it right is crucial to the success of your school. Today we discuss why being intentional in our hiring practices is so important. We explore strategies for evaluating needs, fostering inclusivity, and navigating the dual nature of hiring: mourning departures while seizing opportunities to fill vital roles within the team. Dr. Ryan Daniel is principal of Fort Foote Elementary School in Fort Washington, Maryland, and serves as fel...
Jun 12, 2024•32 min•Ep. 85
As summer approaches, principals will no doubt be reflecting on their schools' progress, and what it means heading into the school year. And as with any process, equity should be a key area of consideration by school leaders. In this episode, we discuss how personal experiences influence equity approaches, how to establish common definitions, creating supportive systems, and building capacity for equitable leadership within schools and districts. Dr. Ryan Daniel is principal of Fort Foote Elemen...
Jun 07, 2024•21 min•Ep. 84
Project-based learning (PBL) isn't a new concept, but that doesn't mean there aren't new ways to approach it. South Carolina principal Beth Foster joins us to talk about how her school is innovating it's implementation of PBL, strengthening student literacy, relationships, and more. Beth Foster is principal of Anderson Mill Elementary in Moore, South Carolina. Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Massachusetts, and serves as fellow at the NAESP Center for Innova...
May 31, 2024•25 min•Ep. 83
In order for students to learn or for teachers to teach, attending to mental health is crucial. What role do principals play in ensuring those needs are met in their schools? Equetta Jones is joined by Cynthia Cardenas and Dr. Jerod Phillips to discuss strategies to help their students, staff, and school community with their mental health needs. Cynthia Cardenas is principal of Orchard Elementary School in Orem, Utah. Dr. Jerod Phillips is principal of David E. Robinson Elementary School in Magn...
May 15, 2024•25 min•Ep. 82
Providing a safe and secure environment is one of the most essential obligations for anyone looking after children, and principals have a unique role to play in creating such an environment at their schools. Today Equetta Jones talks school safety with principals Ashley Farrington and Dr. Jessica Grant, sharing their strategies for ensuring students, staff, and families feel safe and secure at their schools. Ashley Farrington is principal of Birchview Elementary School in Plymouth, Minnesota, an...
May 08, 2024•26 min•Ep. 81
A principal's job involves a broad variety of roles, responsibilities, and communities. So it stands to reason that any school leader seeking to improve their practice should seek to grow in multiple ways. Dr. Ryan Daniel and Liz Garden, both of whom work within the NAESP Centers for Advancing Leadership, sit down with host Andy Jacks to discuss how this work has helped themselves and their peers grow. Dr. Ryan Daniel is principal of Fort Foote Elementary School in Fort Washington, Maryland, and...
May 01, 2024•22 min•Ep. 80
Most people intuitively understand kindness, but defining what it means, how it impacts those around us, and how to practice it can be truly revealing. We're joined by Houston Kraft, co-founder of CharacterStrong, and Nikki Sparks, lead of the American Student Council Association (ASCA), to discuss the ways principals, staff, and students specifically can lead with empathy to create a kinder school and community. Houston Kraft is co-founder of CharacterStrong, an organization providing curriculu...
Apr 24, 2024•29 min•Ep. 79
This July in Nashville, NAESP is excited to be hosting its annual conference jointly with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) for UNITED: The National Conference on School Leadership . Host Andy Jacks is joined by NAESP President-Elect Kevin Armstrong and Associate Executive Director of Professional Learning Gracie Branch, to discuss what to expect and how school leaders and educators from all grade levels can learn and grow this summer. Kevin Armstrong, Ed.D. is prin...
Apr 18, 2024•23 min•Ep. 78
School transformation is about more than just a change in name, or even a change in leadership. For Eric Chagala, principal of San Diego's VIDA Academy, culture is key. Chagala shares his story with Center for Innovative Leadership fellows Liz Garden and Scott Mcleod, and talks about the real reasons for VIDA Academy's successes. Eric Chagala, Ed.D. is is the founding principal of the Vista Innovation & Design Academy (VIDA) in San Diego, California. Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Cloug...
Apr 12, 2024•28 min•Ep. 77
Should I stay, or should I go? That's the question many assistant or aspiring principals are asking themselves when considering whether to transition fully into the principalship. We sit down with two APs to discuss their advice on the when, how, and why of becoming a principal. Shay Lewis is assistant principal at CREC Academy of Aerospace and Engineering Elementary School in Rocky Hills, Connecticut. Delaney Rosenberg is assistant principal at a pre-K–8 school in Fremont, New Hampshire. Donna ...
Apr 05, 2024•24 min•Ep. 76
