Why did you become a principal? What would you tell teachers at your school to get them to actually want to become an administrator? These are just a few questions Maryland principal Ed Cosentino reflected on in today's episode. Join the conversation as we discuss: What people don't understand about being a principal How to plan your day effectively The journey of a school leader What you are most proud of at your school Ed Cosentino is principal of Clemens Crossing Elementary School in Columbia...
Nov 09, 2022•29 min•Ep. 45
In this popular episode from the NAESP Principal Podcast archive , Oregon educator LaKeyshua Washington joins us to discuss effective supervision and evaluation of teachers and staff, covering: The good and bad of evaluations and supervision The difference between supervising and coaching How to get the most out of the process LaKeyshua Washington serves as director of teaching and learning-secondary in Gresham-Barlow School District in Gresham, Oregon, supporting middle and high school principa...
Oct 26, 2022•43 min•Ep. 45
Principals put in a lot of work towards taking care of the staff, students, and families they serve. But too often they forget to take care of themselves. Adam and Rachael sit down to discuss what wellness means to them and how to practice it every day. Plus, we hear wellness tips and strategies from school leaders Liz Garden, Darryl Diggs, and Ron Poland. In this episode, we cover: Why wellness is so critical Being intentional and committed to self-care Negotiating a proper work-life balance En...
Oct 19, 2022•26 min•Ep. 44
With all the stress and challenges faced by school leaders this year, how do principals deal with it all? As she transitions into the role of principal coach, Dr. Shana Henry has some sage advice for new and veteran principals alike on how they can better pace themselves and still lead effectively. Adam and Rachel sit down with Dr. Henry to discuss: What and how to prioritize Leaning on others for support How to handle stressful situations How to manage high workloads and find balance Dr. Shana ...
Oct 12, 2022•18 min•Ep. 43
It’s easy to get siloed as a principal, and forget the wealth of advice and support that can come from fellow school leaders. Adam and Rachael sit down with a principal they met at this year’s conference in Louisville, Nicole Boone, to chat about the job and share some simple leadership tips. In this episode we discuss: The benefits of networking with fellow leaders New strategies she’s excited about this year How her leadership journey started Advice for new principals Nicole Boone is principal...
Oct 05, 2022•17 min•Ep. 42
There's a fine line between overconfidence and selling yourself short. Walking this tightrope can be challenging, particularly for women in leadership. Alabama educator Dr. Demica Sanders has honed her confidence over her career, and shares with Andrea and Jessica how and why it is important to walk and talk with confidence. In this episode, we discuss: Barriers to being confident Overcoming fears What walking in confidence looks like Having honest conversations Dr. Demica Sanders is a former sc...
Sep 28, 2022•16 min•Ep. 41
As principals start off the year and work on school improvement or professional growth, its helpful to identify strategies that can help them throughout the year. Adam Welcome and Rachael George sit down with veteran Idaho principal Heather Hepworth to discuss what works, including: Starting off strong at the beginning of the year Looking ahead towards the end of the year How to prioritize and organize How to implement change Heather Hepworth is principal of Acequia Elementary School in Rupert, ...
Sep 21, 2022•17 min•Ep. 40
Any good leader knows when to both listen, and when to raise their hand and speak up. But gender-based expectations about using your voice and being confident are too often limiting for women in leadership. Andrea Thompson and Jessica Gomez sit down with principal Jennifer Black to discuss: Importance of trust Developing self-compassion and confidence Being a role model for others The benefits of speaking up Jennifer Black is principal of Lincoln Elementary School in North Las Vegas, and is pres...
Sep 14, 2022•19 min•Ep. 39
Successful leaders are generally given license to be proud of their work, but all too often women are made to feel either that they have achieved less or that they should be quiet about their achievements. Center for Women in Leadership fellows Jessica Gomez and Andrea Thompson sit down with principal Shanessa Fenner to talk about how and why this problem exists. In this episode we discuss: How stereotypes and mindsets diminish women's voices Whether self-confidence is truly at issue The importa...
Sep 07, 2022•19 min•Ep. 38
Social-emotional learning (SEL) has become a priority for schools in recent years, especially with the impact of the pandemic. Implementing high-quality SEL that meets the needs of all students is essential, but requires a strong understanding of fundamentals to. That's why NAESP Executive Director Earl Franks sat down with the president of CASEL, Dr. Aaliyah Samuel, to discuss this critical topic. In this episode, we discuss: Systemic implementation of SEL Recognizing the role of student voice ...
Aug 31, 2022•28 min•Ep. 36
At this year's conference in Louisville, Adam Welcome sat down for a quick chat with Jessica Cabeen to share strategies and ideas for practicing principals. In this special episode, they discuss: Focusing on strengths instead of weaknesses How to start connecting with other leaders How crucial work-life balance is to success Jessica Cabeen is principal of Ellis Middle School in Austin, Minnesota, as well as an author and fellow at the NAESP Center for Middle-Level Leadership....
Aug 24, 2022•9 min•Ep. 37
Have you ever felt that despite success in your role, you feel you're somehow unworthy of it? You're not alone: This phenomenon, known as "imposter syndrome," can have negative effects on a principal's work and well-being. Andrea and Jessica sit down with school leader Tequila Lamar to discuss the what, how, and why of imposter syndrome. In this episode we cover: How to recognize these feelings and put them perspective How it specifically impacts women How imposter syndrome manifests in the educ...
Aug 17, 2022•15 min•Ep. 35
It's great when schools do good work, but even better when principals are able to talk about it. Good communication is essential for stakeholder engagement, and the overall success of your students and school. Adam Welcome and Rachael George are joined by Centers for Advancing Leadership fellows Dr. Ryan Daniel and Jessica Gomez, to talk about communication. In this episode we discuss: Why communication matters Using traditional means like newsletters Newer forms such as podcasts and YouTube How...
Aug 10, 2022•11 min•Ep. 34
No matter how confident you are as a leader, self-doubt, anxiety, and generally negative thoughts always have a way of creeping up. Though often unavoidable, there are ways principals can address negative thinking. Andrea Thompson and Jessica Gomez are joined by Florida principal Tiffany Emanuel-Wright to talk successful strategies. In this episode, we discuss: Recognizing when and how negativity arises Finding help through networks The impact of negative thoughts on confidence Staying focused o...
Jun 01, 2022•21 min•Ep. 33
The first few years of a principalship can often be the hardest, but great leaders work hard every day no matter how long they've been in their role. We sit down with Missouri principal Bryan Campbell who has been leading his school for 15 years to learn. We discuss: Developing relationships with staff Maintaining a strong school culture Setting and achieving goals Continuing to grow professionally Bryan Campbell has been a principal for over 15 years at Maplecrest elementary school in Lebanon, ...
May 19, 2022•22 min•Ep. 32
Every leader has an important story to tell, but too often women are expected to share their successes quietly—if at all. Center for Women in Leadership fellows Jessica Gomez and Andrea Thompson sit down with Michigan principal Allyson Apsey to discuss how women can take ownership of their own stories. In this episode, we discuss: Getting comfortable highlighting successes Ways to tell your own story Overcoming barriers to sharing Allyson Apsey is an author, conference presenter, and principal o...
May 11, 2022•17 min•Ep. 31
The contributions of assistant principals at their schools can never be understated. Carise Echols should know: Her stellar service as an AP landed her an NAESP National Outstanding Assistant Principal award. Adam and Rachel sit down with her to talk leadership as an AP, and to discuss: Finding balance Staying connected to the classroom Taking the leap from AP to principal Carise Echols currently serves an assistant principal for Carolyn Lewis Elementary in Conway, Arkansas, but will be stepping...
May 05, 2022•16 min•Ep. 30
Juggling work and family life can feel overwhelming at times, especially for women. Center for Women in Leadership fellows Jessica Gomez and Andrea Thompson sit down with speaker and former principal Pam Gildersleeve-Hernandez to discuss how principals can strike the right balance between their personal and professional lives. In this episode we discuss: Unique challenges faced by women leaders The importance of creating and maintaining boundaries Modeling/setting expectations for staff Pam Gild...
Apr 27, 2022•21 min•Ep. 29
Reading is just as important to a principals learning as it is to the students they serve. Whether it offers practical advice for educators or thoughtful tips for personal growth, a good book can have a huge impact. In this episode Adam and Rachael sit down to talk about some of their recent favorites, and recommend some good reads for school leaders.
Apr 20, 2022•13 min•Ep. 28
Women leaders can often face unique challenges, but one strength they can draw upon should never be ignored: each other. Center for Women in Leadership fellows Jessica Gomez and Andrea Thompson sit down with Massachusetts principal Liz Garden to talk about how crucial this support can be. In this episode, we discuss: The impact of strong sisterhoods Believing in yourself How to start and sustain strong connections How to help other women rise and shine Liz Garden is principal of Leroy E. Mayo el...
Apr 13, 2022•24 min•Ep. 27
Join Adam Welcome and Rachael George as they talk simple leadership tips that can make principals lives easier and their practice stronger. In this episode we discuss: When to treat something as urgent Keeping things simple How to manage relationships Engaging with criticism productively
Apr 06, 2022•12 min•Ep. 26
Self-care can be a frequently overlooked aspect of leadership, especially for women. Jessica Gomez and Andrea Thompson, fellows at the NAESP Center for Women in Leadership, sit down with Principal Sarah Harrington to discuss: Tips for practicing self-care The value in finding a sisterhood Incorporating mindfulness into daily routines The importance of physical wellbeing Sarah Harrington is principal of Lake Ridge Elementary School, Woodbridge, Virginia. The NAESP Center for Women in Leadership i...
Mar 30, 2022•20 min•Ep. 25
No matter what equipment or resources you have at your disposal, there's nothing more important to school success than the people working there. We sit down with Ryan Sheehy, a district-level director of human resources, to learn the best ways to find and keep great staff. In this episode we discuss: How to recruit and advertise openings How to support and retain teachers How to work within limitations at the building-level Ryan Sheehy is a former elementary school principal, high school assista...
Mar 16, 2022•24 min•Ep. 24
School improvement is an ongoing process, with changes both big and small. We sit down with Oregon principal Kimberly Miles to talk about how she leads through these changes. In this episode we discuss: What it means to be a turnaround principal How focus has shifted from before the pandemic to now How to support teachers and help them grow in the face of high levels of stress and burnout Kimberly Miles is principal of East Gresham Elementary school in Oregon. You can find her on Twitter at @afe...
Mar 02, 2022•15 min•Ep. 23
Adam and Rachael sit with Oregon educators Sara Hertel and Chris Wyland to continue their discussion on the significant impact morning meetings can have on students social-emotional learning and achievement. In this episode we discuss: Staff professional development The four parts of morning meetings Two-way accountability Next steps and embedding SEL into the school day Sara Hertel is instructional coach/dean of students, and Chris Wyland is principal of Madras Elementary School in Madras, Oreg...
Feb 16, 2022•21 min•Ep. 22
Principals have to make tough calls that can have a big impact on the success of their school. And as a former NCAA official, New York principal Andrew Marotta is no stranger to making those calls. Adam and Rachael sit down to discuss: How to overcome day-to-day challenges principals face Lessons learned as an official that apply to school leadership How principals can prepare for hiring season, especially in the midst of teacher shortages Andrew Marotta is principal of Port Jervis High School i...
Feb 02, 2022•21 min•Ep. 21
A focused and meaningful morning meeting can have a huge impact on student academic and social-emotional learning. Adam and Rachael sit with Oregon educators Sara Hertel and Chris Wyland to talk about how they've developed their morning meetings, what works, and how to implement it. In this episode, we discuss: Creating community and connections in your schools Supporting students and self-regulation skills Tips for creating calm classrooms Implementing strategy Sara Hertel is instructional coac...
Jan 19, 2022•21 min•Ep. 20
Though it's stating the obvious, a kindergartener learns vastly different from how a senior in high school does. But how is that difference reflected in the work of school leaders? We sit down with Colorado principal Carlos Perez to talk about his transition from high school to elementary. In this episode, we discuss: Differences and similarities Advice for principals making the transition The importance of relationships Carlos Perez is principal of Avondale Elementary School in Avondale, Colora...
Jan 05, 2022•24 min•Ep. 19
School improvement is an essential, ongoing process. But new initiatives are too often overwhelming and cumbersome. We sit down with educator, author, and speaker Douglas Reeves to hone in on what's important to educating kids at your school. In this episode, we discuss: Addressing unfinished learning How to see grading Effective PLCs Creating a 100 day plan Douglas Reeves is an acclaimed educational leader who has shared his expertise through numerous books and presentations, including at NAESP...
Dec 08, 2021•21 min•Ep. 18
Long time leaders have plenty to teach those new to the job. But the best veteran principals are still learning and growing themselves, despite their many years in the profession. Adam and Rachael sit down with Principal Beth Houf, a seasoned school leader, to discuss: How the year is going Challenges Responding to the year Embracing the power of no Being present with family Beth Houf is principal of Fulton Middle School in Fulton, Missouri, co-author of Lead Like a Pirate , and a 2016 NAESP Nat...
Nov 24, 2021•28 min•Ep. 17
