From the Principal's Desk

This week we talk about graduation, and some things to think about as you plan one for your school.

How do you manage changes in your school? How do you create the conditions for positive change in your school? This week we discuss change.

This week we talk about curriculum mapping. If you have curriculum maps that you want to share you can reach us at robert.lunak13@gmail.com or mike.schiemann@saints.org

This week we talk with Patty McGee about grammar instruction. She is a Milken Educator Award recipient, author of three books for teachers, and literacy consultant working with districts nationally and internationally. Her new book,  Not Your Granny’s Grammar: An Innovative Approach to Meaningful and Engaging Grammar Instruction , introduces a classroom-tested method that turns grammar into an eng...

This week we talk with Dr. Jess Werner about her work supporting teachers and schools. Jess is the founder and CEO of Northshore Learning. She’s worked globally in PK-8 settings as both teacher and professor, but her real impact is in empowering school leaders and educators to tackle behavior support, SEL integration, and staff retention through neuroscience-based professional development. It'...

This week we talk about being a principal and a parent.

This week we speak with Bryan Wetzel about his thoughts on ways public education could improve. Bryan has worked with or started several companies, including  Skubes , recognized as a top education startup by Dig South. He wrote  “The Real Problems Destroying Education ,” released in March 2024, drawing from his Skubes experience. You can learn more about Bryan at: https://www.bryanthomaswetzel.co...

This week we talk about caring for others around Christmas time.

This week we speak with Craig Mellendorf and his work with estate planning and schools. You can learn more about what Craig does at https://www.sfcestatecoaching.com/

This week we speak with Keith Traska about his work as the founding principal for Aug Prep High School North Campus. It's a great conversation that you won't want to miss!

This week we speak with two special guests about their work with flourishing schools. This is also a special crossover episode with What Works for Me.

This week we talk about how to fix, maintain, and grow the relationships at our schools.

We talk about the many ways you can offer professional development.

This week we talk about your school first impressions.

This week we talk a bit about standards based report cards.

This week we speak with Craig Randall about Trust Based Observations. This is a very intentional framework to improve teaching and learning. Find out more at: https://trustbased.com/

This week we talk all things teacher recognition.

This week we talk about the importance of recognizing the work being done in our schools.

This week we talk about how we reflect on the school year.

We speak with a student about their school experience. To hear his mom's side go check out the part two on our sister podcast What Works for Me.

This week we talk about what goes into hiring teachers to serve at faith based schools.

This week we speak with Pastor Caleb Adams and Executive Director Gregg Pinick about the executive director structure in place at Trinity Lutheran in Bend, OR. We learn about how this structure has helped them both focus on growing the ministry there in Bend! You can reach them at: gregg.pinick@saints.org (714) 728-5054 and caleb.adams@saints.org

How do you make a good school year calendar? That's the topic for today!

It's a tradition around here to end the year with a student reading of Luke 2. Merry Christmas!

We talk about how we plan the week before Christmas. It's a joyous time for your schools, and a great opportunity for some fun!