The NAESP Principal Podcast

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 ano...

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...

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...

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...

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 ha...

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...

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 net...

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, unde...

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...

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,...

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...

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 Mount...

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...

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 Foo...

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 wit...

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...

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.

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 intervent...

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 p...

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 cove...

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...

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-second...

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 i...

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...

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 ab...