The NAESP Principal Podcast

There's a fine line between overconfidence and selling yourself short. Walking this tightrope can be challenging, particularly for women in leadership. Alabama educator Dr. Demica Sanders has honed her confidence over her career, and shares with Andrea and Jessica how and why it is important to walk and talk with confidence. In this episode, we discuss: Barriers to being confident Overcoming fears...

As principals start off the year and work on school improvement or professional growth, its helpful to identify strategies that can help them throughout the year. Adam Welcome and Rachael George sit down with veteran Idaho principal Heather Hepworth to discuss what works, including: Starting off strong at the beginning of the year Looking ahead towards the end of the year How to prioritize and org...

Any good leader knows when to both listen, and when to raise their hand and speak up. But gender-based expectations about using your voice and being confident are too often limiting for women in leadership. Andrea Thompson and Jessica Gomez sit down with principal Jennifer Black to discuss: Importance of trust Developing self-compassion and confidence Being a role model for others The benefits of...

Successful leaders are generally given license to be proud of their work, but all too often women are made to feel either that they have achieved less or that they should be quiet about their achievements. Center for Women in Leadership fellows Jessica Gomez and Andrea Thompson sit down with principal Shanessa Fenner to talk about how and why this problem exists. In this episode we discuss: How st...

Social-emotional learning (SEL) has become a priority for schools in recent years, especially with the impact of the pandemic. Implementing high-quality SEL that meets the needs of all students is essential, but requires a strong understanding of fundamentals to. That's why NAESP Executive Director Earl Franks sat down with the president of CASEL, Dr. Aaliyah Samuel, to discuss this critical topic...

At this year's conference in Louisville, Adam Welcome sat down for a quick chat with Jessica Cabeen to share strategies and ideas for practicing principals. In this special episode, they discuss: Focusing on strengths instead of weaknesses How to start connecting with other leaders How crucial work-life balance is to success Jessica Cabeen is principal of Ellis Middle School in Austin, Minnesota,...

Have you ever felt that despite success in your role, you feel you're somehow unworthy of it? You're not alone: This phenomenon, known as "imposter syndrome," can have negative effects on a principal's work and well-being. Andrea and Jessica sit down with school leader Tequila Lamar to discuss the what, how, and why of imposter syndrome. In this episode we cover: How to recognize these feelings an...

It's great when schools do good work, but even better when principals are able to talk about it. Good communication is essential for stakeholder engagement, and the overall success of your students and school. Adam Welcome and Rachael George are joined by Centers for Advancing Leadership fellows Dr. Ryan Daniel and Jessica Gomez, to talk about communication. In this episode we discuss: Why communi...

No matter how confident you are as a leader, self-doubt, anxiety, and generally negative thoughts always have a way of creeping up. Though often unavoidable, there are ways principals can address negative thinking. Andrea Thompson and Jessica Gomez are joined by Florida principal Tiffany Emanuel-Wright to talk successful strategies. In this episode, we discuss: Recognizing when and how negativity...

The first few years of a principalship can often be the hardest, but great leaders work hard every day no matter how long they've been in their role. We sit down with Missouri principal Bryan Campbell who has been leading his school for 15 years to learn. We discuss: Developing relationships with staff Maintaining a strong school culture Setting and achieving goals Continuing to grow professionall...

Every leader has an important story to tell, but too often women are expected to share their successes quietly—if at all. Center for Women in Leadership fellows Jessica Gomez and Andrea Thompson sit down with Michigan principal Allyson Apsey to discuss how women can take ownership of their own stories. In this episode, we discuss: Getting comfortable highlighting successes Ways to tell your own st...

The contributions of assistant principals at their schools can never be understated. Carise Echols should know: Her stellar service as an AP landed her an NAESP National Outstanding Assistant Principal award. Adam and Rachel sit down with her to talk leadership as an AP, and to discuss: Finding balance Staying connected to the classroom Taking the leap from AP to principal Carise Echols currently...

Juggling work and family life can feel overwhelming at times, especially for women. Center for Women in Leadership fellows Jessica Gomez and Andrea Thompson sit down with speaker and former principal Pam Gildersleeve-Hernandez to discuss how principals can strike the right balance between their personal and professional lives. In this episode we discuss: Unique challenges faced by women leaders Th...

Reading is just as important to a principals learning as it is to the students they serve. Whether it offers practical advice for educators or thoughtful tips for personal growth, a good book can have a huge impact. In this episode Adam and Rachael sit down to talk about some of their recent favorites, and recommend some good reads for school leaders.

Women leaders can often face unique challenges, but one strength they can draw upon should never be ignored: each other. Center for Women in Leadership fellows Jessica Gomez and Andrea Thompson sit down with Massachusetts principal Liz Garden to talk about how crucial this support can be. In this episode, we discuss: The impact of strong sisterhoods Believing in yourself How to start and sustain s...

Join Adam Welcome and Rachael George as they talk simple leadership tips that can make principals lives easier and their practice stronger. In this episode we discuss: When to treat something as urgent Keeping things simple How to manage relationships Engaging with criticism productively

Self-care can be a frequently overlooked aspect of leadership, especially for women. Jessica Gomez and Andrea Thompson, fellows at the NAESP Center for Women in Leadership, sit down with Principal Sarah Harrington to discuss: Tips for practicing self-care The value in finding a sisterhood Incorporating mindfulness into daily routines The importance of physical wellbeing Sarah Harrington is princip...

No matter what equipment or resources you have at your disposal, there's nothing more important to school success than the people working there. We sit down with Ryan Sheehy, a district-level director of human resources, to learn the best ways to find and keep great staff. In this episode we discuss: How to recruit and advertise openings How to support and retain teachers How to work within limita...

School improvement is an ongoing process, with changes both big and small. We sit down with Oregon principal Kimberly Miles to talk about how she leads through these changes. In this episode we discuss: What it means to be a turnaround principal  How focus has shifted from before the pandemic to now How to support teachers and help them grow in the face of high levels of stress and burnout Kimberl...

Adam and Rachael sit with Oregon educators Sara Hertel and Chris Wyland to continue their discussion on the significant impact morning meetings can have on students social-emotional learning and achievement. In this episode we discuss: Staff professional development The four parts of morning meetings Two-way accountability Next steps and embedding SEL into the school day Sara Hertel is instruction...

Principals have to make tough calls that can have a big impact on the success of their school. And as a former NCAA official, New York principal Andrew Marotta is no stranger to making those calls. Adam and Rachael sit down to discuss: How to overcome day-to-day challenges principals face Lessons learned as an official that apply to school leadership How principals can prepare for hiring season, e...

A focused and meaningful morning meeting can have a huge impact on student academic and social-emotional learning. Adam and Rachael sit with Oregon educators Sara Hertel and Chris Wyland to talk about how they've developed their morning meetings, what works, and how to implement it. In this episode, we discuss: Creating community and connections in your schools Supporting students and self-regulat...

Though it's stating the obvious, a kindergartener learns vastly different from how a senior in high school does. But how is that difference reflected in the work of school leaders? We sit down with Colorado principal Carlos Perez to talk about his transition from high school to elementary. In this episode, we discuss: Differences and similarities Advice for principals making the transition The imp...

School improvement is an essential, ongoing process. But new initiatives are too often overwhelming and cumbersome. We sit down with educator, author, and speaker Douglas Reeves to hone in on what's important to educating kids at your school. In this episode, we discuss: Addressing unfinished learning How to see grading Effective PLCs Creating a 100 day plan Douglas Reeves is an acclaimed educatio...

Long time leaders have plenty to teach those new to the job. But the best veteran principals are still learning and growing themselves, despite their many years in the profession. Adam and Rachael sit down with Principal Beth Houf, a seasoned school leader, to discuss: How the year is going Challenges Responding to the year Embracing the power of no Being present with family Beth Houf is principal...