Talking Shop: A Conversation with Educational Leaders

Summary In this episode of Talking Shop, hosts Mike Randolph and Martin Aftuck engage with Treasure Pickett, the Chief of Secondary Schools for Clay County (FL), discussing her extensive journey in education. They explore the transition from coaching to leadership, the importance of maintaining a positive mindset through the 20-60-20 rule, and the challenges of balancing family and professional re...

Featuring Stacia Werner, 2022 Florida Department of Education Assistant Principal of the Year; currently serving as the Proud Principal of Tavares Elementary School. Summary In this episode of Talking Shop, hosts Mike Randolph and Martin Aftuck engage with Stacia Werner, the 2022 Florida Department of Education Assistant Principal of the Year. They discuss the challenges faced by schools post-hurr...

Featuring Carrie Prewitt, legendary Volleyball Coach and 2024 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike Completer Summary In this episode of Talking Shop, hosts Mike Randolph and Martin Aftuck engage with Coach Carrie Prewitt, reflecting on her extensive coaching career and the principles of leadership and mentorship in sports. Coach Prewitt shares her transformative journey on the Appalachian Trail, emphasizin...

Summary In this episode of Talking Shop, hosts Mike Randolph and Martin Aftuck engage with Michele White, the Executive Director of the Florida Association of School Administrators (FASA). The conversation covers Michele's unique leadership journey, the diverse roles and responsibilities of FASA, and the importance of networking and advocacy for school administrators. They discuss upcoming events,...

Summary On this episode of Talking Shop, hosts Mike Randolph and Martin Aftuck engage in a deep conversation with Dr. Matthew Olson, a professor of leadership and executive director at the University of North Florida. The discussion covers Dr. Olson's journey in educational leadership, the importance of focusing on positive outcomes, and the need for school leaders to celebrate their successes and...

Summary In this episode of Talking Shop, hosts Mike Randolph and Martin Aftuck discuss various aspects of school leadership, including the excitement of homecoming, strategies for making schools appealing to students, and the importance of building relationships with both students and staff. They also delve into the challenges of interviewing assistant principals, coping with pressure, supporting...

Summary In this episode of Talk and Shop, Mike Randolph and Martin Aftuck interview Craig Damon, the Executive Director of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA). Craig shares his journey to the FHSAA, starting from his college days as a football player to becoming a coach and eventually joining the association. He emphasizes the importance of education and the role of athletics in p...

Summary In this episode of Talk and Shop, Mike Randolph and Martin Aftuck interview Kacy Wolfe, the Assistant Principal of Aurelia M. Cole Academy. They discuss topics such as opening a new school, the importance of early childhood literacy, and professional development for teachers. Kacy shares her educational journey and her goals for the future. The conversation also touches on the excitement o...

Summary In this conversation, Mike Randolph and Martin Aftuck interview Dr. Jenie Shepard, the Director of School Improvement and Professional Learning and Assessment for the Clay County School District. They discuss topics such as teacher leadership, professional learning communities (PLCs), and supporting new teachers. Dr. Shepard emphasizes the importance of aligning the district's instructiona...

Summary In this conversation, Mike Randolph and Martin Aftuck interview Justin Faulkner, a faculty professor at Florida Atlantic University and a leader in educational leadership standards. They discuss Justin's work with the Florida Educational Leadership Standards (FELS) and the importance of keeping students at the center of leadership. They also talk about the differences between being an assi...

Summary In this conversation, Mike Randolph and Martin Aftuck interview Rodney Keller, a former weightlifting coach and current AP teacher. Rodney shares his background and experiences in teaching and coaching, emphasizing the importance of leaning on mentors and investing in students. He discusses the significance of showing up and doing the work, both academically and athletically, and highlight...

Summary In this episode of Talking Shop, Mike Randolph and Martin Aftuck interview Alice Paulk and Kelly Mosley, CTE supervisors, about the importance of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in schools. Alice and Kelly share their personal journeys into CTE and discuss the role of CTE in helping students find their passion and prepare for the workforce. They also highlight the significance of loca...

Summary In this conversation, Mike Randolph and Martin Aftuck discuss the importance of recognition in their roles as principals and school leaders. They share how they celebrate and recognize the achievements of their schools, teachers, and students. Both principals emphasize the significance of recognition in creating a positive school culture and motivating students and staff. They also highlig...

Summary In this conversation, Mike Randolph and Martin Aftuck interview Jay Stilianou, the district athletic director for Clay County Schools. They discuss Jay's journey in education, the importance of PLCs (Professional Learning Communities) for athletic directors, and tips for new athletic directors. They also talk about the all-county athletic ceremony and how it celebrates and recognizes the a...

Summary In this conversation, Mike Randolph and Martin Aftuck interview Dr. Carolyn Hayward, the principal of Wilkinson Elementary School. They discuss Dr. Hayward's educational journey, the challenges she faced when joining Wilkinson Elementary, and the strategies she implemented to create a positive school culture. Dr. Hayward emphasizes the importance of positive parent phone calls and using so...

Summary Brent Frazier, the principal of Umatilla High School, shares his journey in education and the strategies he has implemented to make a difference in the lives of his students. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships, hiring great people, and inspiring them to believe in their potential. Frazier discusses the success of his school's mentorship program and the focus on career-b...

Summary In this episode of Talking Shop, Mike Randolph and Martin Aftuck, two educational leaders, discuss their podcast and the goal of sharing stories and experiences of educational leaders. They talk about their own educational journeys and how they became principals. They also discuss the summer responsibilities of principals, including hiring and preparing for the upcoming school year. They s...