On The Way To School

Good morning and welcome to another episode of "On The Way To School." I'm Dr. Chris Dennis, and as we begin this new academic year, I'd like to discuss the importance of planning sessions and establishing a clear vision to prevent future bottlenecks in education.  I've been reflecting on the nuances of when to seek help, and I want to emphasize how vital effective communication and collaboration...

Join me for a special episode as I check in from Rancho Mirage, where I’m wrapping up summer with a quick getaway alongside my sons. It’s been a great chance for us to relax, recharge, and spend some much-needed quality time together. I also wanted to share a quick update on what’s ahead for August. I’ve got some exciting plans coming up, including retreats with our division principals and strateg...

In this episode of "On The Way To School," I revisit the NAIS report, which offers some fascinating insights into class sizes, staff diversity, and compensation in independent schools. I noticed that the median class size typically ranges from 14 to 16 students, and it got me thinking about the implications of such small class environments, especially when compared to public schools. I also felt i...

As I welcomed everyone to today's episode of "On the Way to School," I aimed to shine a light on some critical insights that many educators and administrators may not have access to. Today, we delved into the "Data and Analysis for School Leadership Report" from the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). This crucial report not only outlines trends in independent schooling but also pr...

Hey there, and welcome back to another exciting episode of "On the Way to School!" I'm looking forward to chatting with you as we get ready for a fresh new school year. It's such a great time to set some clear intentions and jump into a wonderful journey toward making this year truly special and impactful. As I reflect on what sets a strong tone for the year ahead, I believe it's essential to look...

Welcome back to "On The Way To School!" I'm Dr. Christopher Dennis, and after a long break, I'm thrilled to return and share my thoughts on the blissful stillness of summer and my preparations for the upcoming school year. Summer has always been a sacred time for me—a chance to rest, reflect, and look forward to a fresh start. As I think about my 20 years in education, I feel a wave of excitement...

Welcome to On The Way To School, your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. In this episode, join Christopher S. Dennis as he reflects on the joys and challenges of the school year during May. From attending student presentations that showcase creative approaches to learning to celebrate achievements at school events, Dr. Dennis shares insights about the importance of showing up...

Welcome to "On The Way To School," your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators, hosted by Christopher S. Dennis. In this episode, we explore the transformative power of education beyond traditional assignments. Dr. Dennis shares the story of a student whose project evolved into a platform that addresses family ideology and communication, demonstrating the profound personal impact...

Welcome to "On The Way To School." I'm Christopher S. Dennis, and I'm excited to share my daily educational boost. In today's special episode, I want to reflect on my profound experience of achieving my doctorate in education for social justice. It's been a six-year journey, and I'm eager to discuss the significance of this accomplishment and my commitment to becoming a better equity practitioner....

Welcome to another inspiring episode of On The Way To School. Join Dr. Christopher S. Dennis as he shares his personal journey of leadership, fresh from completing his doctoral program. In this episode, Dr. Dennis explores the concept of the leadership pyramid, emphasizing the importance of solid foundations, finding like-minded peers, and the psychological labor carried at the top. Discover how D...

Welcome to "On The Way To School" with Christopher S. Dennis. In episode 101, we explore the transformative power of adjustment metaphorically and literally. As the school year progresses, this episode delves into the importance of altering your perspective to gain fresh insights, enhance comfort, and unlock new opportunities. Drawing an analogy from car seat adjustments, Christopher encourages ed...

Welcome to the 100th episode of 'On The Way To School,' a daily podcast dedicated to educators and administrators. Join your host, Christopher S. Dennis, as he reflects on the journey to this milestone, emphasizing the power of consistency and the importance of honoring your authentic core. Learn from heartfelt experiences and find inspiration to tap into your limitless potential, led by strength...

Welcome to episode 99 of 'On The Way To School,' in which host Christopher S. Dennis reflects on significant milestones and the power of resilience. Recorded at the end of a busy week, this episode delves into the meaningful experiences that shape us as educators and individuals. Christopher shares a heartfelt story about his son's track meet, highlighting the lessons learned from watching them ov...

Join Christopher S. Dennis on "On The Way To School" as he invites educators to reignite their passion by revisiting their original motivations. Reflect on your journey, exploring the initial goals and aspirations that brought you to your current role. Whether it's unearthing an old cover letter or revisiting recommendations, this episode encourages self-reflection to ensure you're living up to yo...

Welcome to "On The Way To School" with Christopher S. Dennis, your daily motivational boost designed for educators and administrators. In this episode, Christopher encourages you to pause and reflect on your first quarter accomplishments and challenges, helping you recalibrate your goals and prepare for the dynamic months ahead. As we move from the planning phase of the first quarter into the acti...

Welcome to another episode of "On The Way To School," where host Christopher S. Dennis delves into the intricacies of building and maintaining a professional reputation. As we navigate life on the path of education, maintaining integrity and reflecting on feedback becomes crucial. In this episode, you'll discover how your past actions shape your current standing and the significance of leading wit...

Welcome to this episode of On The Way To School. Join Christopher S. Dennis as we explore the importance of nurturing authentic relationships within professional spaces, particularly in educational settings. While some organizations liken themselves to a family, this metaphor doesn't resonate with everyone. Instead, we delve into the value of individual bonds and friendships that develop over time...

Welcome to "On The Way To School," where we explore inspirational stories that motivate educators and administrators in their daily journeys. Join Christopher S. Dennis as he shares a poignant childhood experience about completing a car transaction at the age of 12, handling a vintage Thunderbird. This task became a cornerstone of project-based learning, equipping him with real-world skills that t...

Welcome to another inspiring episode of "On The Way To School" with your host, Christopher S. Dennis. As we navigate the joys of spring, we find ourselves at the threshold of new beginnings and the importance of finishing what we've started. As secondary students head into spring break and elementary students celebrate Grandparents Day, Christopher encourages educators and students alike to reflec...

Welcome to another episode of On The Way To School, where Christopher S. Dennis takes us through the nuances of modern leadership. In today's episode, we reflect on experiences from the everyday commute and powerful conversations held at a recent school event. Explore the traits of non-traditional leadership styles as Christopher shares insights gained from dialogues with professionals like Sheldo...

In today's episode of On The Way To School, Christopher S. Dennis discusses the critical importance of the onboarding process for educators and administrators. Reflecting on his own experiences, Christopher emphasizes the need for a well-planned onboarding strategy that aligns with a school's mission and values such as diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. He shares insights from his journey,...

Season 4 Episode 90: In this episode, recorded on St. Patrick's Day, join Christopher as he reflects on the importance of confidentiality and trust within school leadership. Discover how breaches of trust can impact relationships and school dynamics and why taking responsibility and repairing trust is crucial for a healthy educational environment.

In this episode of "On The Way To School," Christopher S. Dennis shares insights and personal reflections recorded after a dynamic day following the Monday of Daylight Savings. Dennis recounts his participation in a leadership summit at another school and a heartwarming experience from a weekend workshop with Private School Village. He reflects on a meaningful conversation with a young student abo...

Welcome to "On The Way To School," your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. In today's episode, host Christopher S. Dennis discusses the challenges educators face amidst federal policy changes and the lack of standardized best practices. Drawing parallels with historical events such as the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Christopher emphasizes the importance of staying true to ed...

Join me, on On The Way To School for a discussion on the complexities of the independent school admissions process and the importance of nurturing internal candidates for faculty and leadership openings. I’ll share strategies for providing valuable feedback and growth opportunities to internal applicants, helping them stay motivated and prepared for future roles. We’ll also explore the delicate ba...