The NAESP Principal Podcast

In today’s episode, "Home Visits and the Power of Personal Connection," Andy Jacks talks with veteran principal Matt Moyer about building stronger relationships with students and families—and creating a school culture where every child feels seen and valued. Matt Moyer is principal of Rupert Elementary School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, and a member of the 2020 class of NAESP National Distinguishe...

Every year, extraordinary school leaders from across the country are recognized through the NAESP National Distinguished Principal® program, and come together in Washington D.C. to meet each other and share their stories.. In this special episode of the podcast, we've curated a selection of their speeches to highlight the exceptional work they do in their schools. We invite you to listen as they s...

In today’s episode, hosts Liz Garden and Dr. Scott McLeod talk with Dr. Kristan Rodriguez about what it takes to create schools where every learner can succeed. From understanding student variability and building systems that work to shifting from compliance to authentic engagement, this conversation explores practical strategies for implementing Universal Design for Learning in your school. Dr. K...

Today’s episode explores what new leaders need to know about managing change. Assistant principal Donna McGuire talks with Dr. Dallas Lee about leading with clarity, slowing down under pressure, and building trust when everyone is watching. Dallas Lee, Ed. D. serves as instructional superintendent at the District of Columbia Public School system. Donna McGuire is assistant principal PS/IS 18 – The...

In today’s episode, host Equetta Jones talks with Ashley Farrington and Dr. Jerod Phillips Sr. about how school leaders build the relationships and support systems that help them grow from assistant principal to principal—and thrive once they get there. This conversation explores how connection can turn leadership from isolating to inspiring. Ashley Farrington is principal of Birchview Elementary...

Originally released 12/14/23: 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 thri...

We talk with educator and innovator Katie Fielding about how principals can help teachers and students use AI safely, creatively, and ethically. From setting clear expectations to helping students think critically about new tools, we explore how principals can build a culture of curiosity and responsibility around technology. Katie Fielding is an educational technology consultant and advocate for...

In today’s episode, Dr. Sharon Porter talks with Katy Kennedy and David Griffith about why regulation is at the heart of every student’s success. They discuss how schools can better support students and staff—through counseling, co-regulation, and policy changes—while modeling the practices we want children to learn. Katy Kennedy is principal of Washington Middle School in Glendive, Montana, and f...

In today’s episode, principal Andy Jacks talks with leaders Jessica Quinter and Kenny Newby about what it takes to enter a new school as an experienced principal. From building trust fast to aligning with supervisors and protecting your own well-being, this conversation offers practical strategies you can put to work right away. Jessica Quinter, Ed. D. is principal of Park Forest Elementary School...

In today’s episode, principal Equetta Jones talks with experts from the Lead IDEA Center about what it takes to lead schools where every student belongs—and succeeds. From preparation gaps and staffing shortages to shifting mindsets and building strong systems, this conversation offers insight and practical strategies you can put to work right away. Dia Jackson, Ph. D., is a senior researcher at t...

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 Leadersh...

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. C...

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...

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...

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...

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 epi...

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 Diver...

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 lear...

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 fu...

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 ad...

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...

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...

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 fro...

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 jus...

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 P...