School leaders play a crucial role in guiding their teachers' math instruction. Donna McGuire, moderator of the NAESP Assistant Principal Community of Practice, is joined by two educators to share strategies specifically for APs that can help teachers conquer math anxiety, improve their pedagogy, and ultimately give math meaning at their schools. Sabrina Antonelli is principal of Norwood Elementary School in Warwick, Rhode Island, and a 2023 NAESP National Distinguished Principal . Sherry Knight...
Mar 28, 2024•23 min•Ep. 75
One of a school leader's most important roles is to build connections with their entire school community. In particular, it's essential to ensure that engagement is culturally responsive and includes all students, families, and stakeholders. In this episode, we discuss strategies for fostering inclusive partnerships, and how crucial it is for students' holistic development, success, and well-being. Dr. Ryan Daniel is principal of Fort Foote Elementary School in Fort Washington, Maryland, and ser...
Feb 07, 2024•23 min•Ep. 74
When a lack of belonging is felt, it can have a huge impact on our personal lives. Today's episode centers on how a culture of belongingness and inclusion can be fostered at their schools. We discuss why it is important to create a sense of acceptance, inclusion, and identity, and what it means to allow students, staff, and families to come to school as their authentic selves. Dr. Ryan Daniel is principal of Fort Foote Elementary School in Fort Washington, Maryland, and serves as fellow at the N...
Jan 31, 2024•19 min•Ep. 73
We know that a great school leader can have a powerful impact on the success of a school and its students. But how exactly do we get great principals? We sat down with Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond to discuss the latest research on developing effective principals, and how policymakers, districts, and educators can ensure school leaders have what they need to grow and thrive. Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond is President and CEO of the Learning Policy Institute. She is also the Charles E. Ducommun Professor...
Dec 14, 2023•22 min•Ep. 72
Principals have an ethical obligation to ensure their students are provided an equitable education. But that's easier said than done, especially in the midst of charged conversations surrounding school communities. Mark Anthony Gooden joins us to discuss how principals can effectively discuss and implement plans to improve equity at their schools, and why it's so important that they do so. Mark Anthony Gooden is Christian A. Johnson Endeavor Professor in Education Leadership, director of the End...
Nov 30, 2023•23 min•Ep. 71
By creating a shared voice, you can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of your school communities’ different cultural, economic, and geographic circumstances to ultimately better serve your school. In their first episode together, Center for Diversity leadership fellows Dr. Ryan Daniel and Xavier Reed team up to discuss what shared voice means to them, and how they implement it through their leadership. Dr. Ryan Daniel is principal of Fort Foote Elementary School in Fort Washington, Ma...
Nov 22, 2023•19 min•Ep. 70
Although policies made at the local, state, and federal level can profoundly impact schools, it doesn't have to be a one-way street. School leaders are perfectly positioned to both know what educators need, and to effectively communicate with policy-makers. We sat down with two principals to discuss how they stay engaged with lawmakers, and what steps school leaders can take to embrace the role of principal advocate. Joshua Gill is principal of Ayaprun Elitnaurvik Elementary School in Bethel, Al...
Nov 16, 2023•47 min•Ep. 69
Principals are charged with ensuring their schools adhere to standards, whether it's related to curriculum, building safety, or otherwise. But foundational to a school leader's practice are ethical standards, which are woven throughout everything they do. We sat down with several administrators to discuss what it means to be an ethical leader, and how principals can best hold themselves to the highest standards. Scott Borba is superintendent-principal of Le Grand Union Elementary School District...
Nov 01, 2023•54 min•Ep. 68
Whether it's through conferences, their district, or even social media, great things can happen when school leaders connect to discuss problems of practice and strategies for success. Today's guests share how their unique opportunity to do so on a frequent and consistent basis through "Mastermind" groups has helped them grow as leaders and improve their schools. Andrea Thompson works at the Delaware State Department of Education, and serves as facilitator for NAESP Mastermind Groups. Raine Bradl...
Oct 19, 2023•15 min•Ep. 67
The role of principal can be a lonely one, which is why it is essential to find meaningful support networks. That's especially true for educators like Edward Anderson, Damon Qualls, and Farrell Thomas of the Bold Leadership Network. They joined us to discuss the unique challenges and successes that come with leading as a Black male educator, and how connecting with each other has improved their practice, well-being, and the school communities they serve. Edward Anderson is executive director of ...
Sep 27, 2023•35 min•Ep. 66
In part two of our conversation on back-to-school approaches from NAESP’s annual conference, Danny Bauer is joined by principals Carmen Maring, Ginny Gills, and Loren Brody to discuss more strategies for success as they begin their school year. Whether it's being present in their practice, emphasizing their own growth, or prioritizing the right kinds of work, they have plenty to share with one another and their fellow school leaders. Carmen Maring, Ed.D. is principal of Gull Lake Middle School i...
Sep 07, 2023•15 min•Ep. 65
Every principal has a different approach when planning for the new school year. What challenges they face, and the solutions they seek. NAESP’s annual conference presented the perfect opportunity for school leaders to come together and share their stories and strategies. Principals Danya Woods and Brian Miller sat down with Danny Bauer to discuss their approaches, and how they can learn from each other to ensure success going into the school year. Danya Tiara Woods is assistant principal at Jose...
Aug 23, 2023•16 min•Ep. 64
Summer is typically the ideal time for schools to begin to fill vacancies and plan for the upcoming year. For principals, it is important to be utilizing equitable hiring practices when identifying the best teachers for our students. Ryan Daniel shares some of her experiences and strategies when it comes to ensuring your school is hiring with an eye for equity. Dr. Ryan Daniel is principal of Fort Foote Elementary School in Fort Washington, Maryland, and fellow at the NAESP Center for Diversity ...
May 03, 2023•19 min•Ep. 63
Assistant principal Natalie Nelson has one mantra she has always emphasized: "people precede product and process." Prioritizing those around her has helped her throughout her career as a dedicated servant leader. Adam and Rachael sit down with Natalie to talk about her role as an AP and why it's crucial to stay people-focused. Natalie Nelson serves as assistant principal at Clara H. Carlson School in Elmont, New York.
Apr 20, 2023•19 min•Ep. 62
Donna McGuire, an assistant principal in New York City, is happy to rely on her principal and colleagues in her district for help. But she's also not afraid to reach out further afield to fellow APs in her network, even when they're in a different state or school community. Adam and Rachael sit down with her to find out how being facilitator for NAESP's Assistant Principal Community of Practice has shown her the value in connecting with fellow APs, and the kind of support and assistance it provi...
Apr 05, 2023•20 min•Ep. 61
When asked how her year is going, new assistant principal Katie Laird is quick to thank her school and community for providing a welcoming environment. But anyone starting off is bound to face surprises in their new role. Adam and Rachael sit down with Katie to discuss her first year on the job, both challenging and rewarding, and what to expect from the assistant principalship. Katie Laird serves as assistant principal at Hillcrest Middle School in Trumbull, Connecticut.
Mar 29, 2023•22 min•Ep. 60
The principal's role can be a lonely one, but it doesn't have to be. Creating connections is essential for any school leader, and no one knows that better than Scott Borba. Serving as both principal and superintendent in his district in California—as well as being an active member of NAESP—he highlights the importance and benefits of staying engaged with professional associations and collegial networks. Adam and Rachael sit down with Scott to discuss his multiple roles, and his advice for educat...
Mar 22, 2023•20 min•Ep. 59
Knowing who we are and how we are seen in the world is as complex as it is essential. Understanding intersectionality is crucial for principals looking to better understand their students, school community, and themselves. Today Center for Diversity Leadership Fellow Dr. Edgardo Castro is joined by Dr. Jennifer Haan to discuss how intersecting identities shape us, and ways we can acknowledge, understand, and support students and educators in your school. Jennifer M. Haan, Ph.D. is an assistant p...
Mar 15, 2023•16 min•Ep. 58
In this popular Women in Leadership episode from the NAESP Principal Podcast archive , Andrea Thompson and Jessica Gomez are joined by Florida principal Tiffany Emanuel-Wright to talk successful strategies to address negative thinking. In this episode, we cover: Recognizing when and how negativity arises Finding help through networks The impact of negative thoughts on confidence Staying focused on the work Tiffany Emanuel-Wright is principal of Love Grove Elementary in Jacksonville, Florida....
Mar 08, 2023•21 min•Ep. 57
Jackie Wilson has had many roles over the course of her career in education, from being a para-professional, a classroom teacher, a principal, and an advocate for education policies. Andrea Thompson and Jessica Gomez sat down with Dr. Wilson to discuss her journey, including challenges as a woman navigating moving though her career, and her advice to others on how to learn and grow. Jackie Wilson, Ed.D. is executive director of the National Policy Board Educational Administration and Assistant P...
Feb 22, 2023•49 min•Ep. 56
A great tool or program can make a world of difference for a school looking to advance its teaching. But central to those programs are dedicated teachers who already demonstrate great practices every day. Missouri principal Jenni Hayes sits down with Adam and Rachael to discuss her approach to school leadership, including program vs. practice, K-12 alignment, and what brings her joy as a principal. Jenni Hayes is principal of Grandview Elementary School in Higgins, Missouri, and an NAESP state r...
Feb 15, 2023•16 min•Ep. 55
Sometimes we’re caught looking for that one silver bullet for school improvement. But when asked how he leads his high-performing school, Arizona principal Chris Jackson gives credit to the families and students that come in every day. Adam Welcome and Rachael George sit down with Jackson to discuss how a learner-centered approach yields success in the long run. Chris Jackson is principal of Mountain View Elementary in Rio Rico, Arizona, where he has served for 8 years.
Feb 08, 2023•15 min•Ep. 54
Principals may be leaders at their school, but they’re always at their best when learning with and from their colleagues, community, and beyond. That could mean Idaho principal Tim Lowe bringing together staff and community members to learn about their culture, or Washington principal Jack Arend working with fellow educators to advocate for change in the state legislature. In today’s episode, Adam Welcome and Rachael George sit down with these innovative school leaders to discuss strategies that...
Feb 01, 2023•18 min•Ep. 53
School leaders must understand that in order to build a positive school culture they must prioritize understanding the experiences and perspectives of others. Empathetic leadership is an essential component of school leadership. Today, Dr. Ryan Daniel and Dr. Edgardo Castro discuss ways principals can build and sustain a culture of empathy at their schools. Dr. Ryan Daniel is principal of Fort Foote Elementary School in Fort Washington, Maryland, and fellow at the NAESP Center for Diversity Lead...
Jan 25, 2023•16 min•Ep. 52
Ensuring a fair and equitable education for students is essential to their success and well-being, which is why it is so important for principals to understand implicit bias. Whether it manifests in students, staff, or importantly themselves, school leaders should be aware of the impact of bias and how to address it. In this episode, Center for Diversity Leadership fellow Dr. Ryan Daniel talks with Dr. William Blake about what implicit bias means to them, and strategies to both acknowledge and a...
Jan 18, 2023•17 min•Ep. 51
For educators seeking new perspectives and ways to grow, it's hard to compete with a good book. And as Adam and Rachael discuss in this special episode, those books don't even have to be education focused to be of value. From vinyards to music venues, principals can read between the lines to find inspiration for their own work. For your reference, here's a list of titles mentioned: Living with the Monks: What Turning Off My Phone Taught Me about Happiness, Gratitude, and Focus by Jesse Itzler Th...
Jan 11, 2023•16 min•Ep. 50
Being a relatively new principal at your school is hard enough as it is—adding a pandemic on top of that definitely makes it harder. Arizona principal Garth Cupp sits down with us to discuss how despite these challenges, his school managed to get it done and continues to do so. Garth Cupp is principal of in Kyrene Monte Vista Elementary School in Phoenix, Arizona.
Jan 04, 2023•16 min•Ep. 49
Every student in my classroom deserves an equal chance despite their differences, what can we do as school leaders to ensure that? Equity in education is the process of reforming practices, policies, and procedures at the school and district levels to support academic fairness and inclusion. This ensures every child has everything they need to be successful, like resources, teachers, and interventions. Today we are pleased to feature NAESP Center for Diversity Leadership fellows Ryan Daniel and ...
Dec 21, 2022•18 min•Ep. 48
Personal success as a principal should be applauded, but the true measure of achievement for leaders is how they contribute to the success of those around them. In this episode we sit down with Donna McGuire as she shares how, as a woman in leadership, she embraces the concept of "lifting as we climb" Donna McGuire is a school administrator in the New York City school system where she has served proudly for over 15 years.
Dec 07, 2022•12 min•Ep. 47
What does it take to effectively lead a school? There are plenty of skills and strategies to look to, but critical to the success of any principal is effective preparation and development. Adam and Rachael talk to Marjorie Wechsler, a researcher at the Learning Policy Institute, to discuss their recent study, "Developing Effective Principals: What Kind of Learning Matters?" In this episode we cover: What makes for high quality preparation and development programs How to seek out development oppo...
Nov 16, 2022•21 min•Ep. 46
