Leadership Lenses with Barry Kislowicz

In this follow-up episode of Leadership Lenses, we continue our conversation with Rabbi Adam Englander, Head of School at HALB in Woodmere, NY. This candid and thought-provoking discussion dives into the weighty challenges of navigating the tension between school mission and shifting parental expectations around religious identity and community norms. Rabbi Englander reflects on the growing role s...

In this episode of Leadership Lenses, we sit down with Rabbi Adam Englander, Head of School at HALB in Woodmere, NY, for an honest and uplifting conversation about sustaining positivity and purpose in school leadership. Drawing from 25 years in Jewish education, Rabbi Englander shares how a deeply held belief in the goodness of people has shaped his leadership style—and why fostering a culture of...

In this episode of Leadership Lenses, we welcome back education leader Kim Marshall for a deeper dive into what it really means to lead a learning school. Drawing on decades of experience, Kim explores how principals and heads of school can shift from reactive management to proactive instructional leadership. He offers practical strategies—from co-observations and mini-evaluations to managing digi...

In this special episode of Leadership Lenses we are joined by renowned education expert Kim Marshall. Kim is best known for his innovative approach to teacher supervision—favoring short, frequent, low-stakes classroom observations over traditional formal evaluations. In this rich discussion, Kim shares how his experiences as a teacher and principal shaped his thinking, how independent schools can...

In this episode of Leadership Lenses, we explore a common leadership challenge: how to consistently make time to be present in hallways and classrooms despite the demands of a busy office. Drawing on research and real coaching experiences, we share a simple but powerful strategy for escaping the pull of meetings, emails, and to-do lists. Whether you're looking to build stronger relationships o...

In this episode of Leadership Lenses, we explore how to stay grounded and effective when working with persistently negative colleagues, parents, or board members. Drawing on real-life coaching and leadership experiences, we share two practical strategies for managing emotional energy and staying in a productive mindset. Whether you're leading a team or navigating tough conversations, this epis...

In this follow-up conversation, with Jane Taubenfeld Cohen, we dive into one of the most nuanced relationships in school leadership: the one between the Head of School and the board chair. They explore the ways trust, training, and structured feedback can make or break that partnership—and how small changes in communication can have a big impact on a head’s success and well-being. More resources a...

In this special episode of Leadership Lenses , we sit down with coach and mentor Jane Taubenfeld Cohen to explore the unique challenges of leading a senior team in a fast-paced school environment. As leaders juggle endless to-do lists and mounting expectations, how can they create space for big-picture thinking and build a culture of shared responsibility? Together, we reflect on the importance of...

As schools grow, maintaining a strong sense of connection with each student and family becomes increasingly complex. In this episode of Leadership Lenses , we examine how rapid expansion can lead to communication gaps, lost information, and a weakening of the personal touch that defines a healthy school culture. We explore how thoughtful systems and intentional practices can help leaders preserve...

In this episode of Leadership Lenses, we delve into one of the most emotionally charged moments school leaders face: delivering difficult news to teachers about changes to their roles. These aren’t termination conversations, but the equally delicate shifts in assignments, schedules, or responsibilities that can feel deeply personal. We explore how leaders can approach these moments not with guilt...

Leadership Lenses is a new podcast designed for Heads of Schools, Principals, Menahalim, Roshei Yeshiva and anyone who wants to improve Jewish day school and yeshiva education. In this week's episode we address the common dilemma faced by school principals when dealing with student misbehavior, and hopefully, by listening to teachers and understanding the underlying needs of students, principa...

Welcome to the first episode of Leadership Lenses, a new podcast designed for principals, Menahalim, Roshei Yeshiva and anyone who wants to improve Jewish day school and yeshiva education. These podcast episodes will come out in 15 minute installments designed for busy leaders. Each one will address a dilemma submitted to us by our listeners and provide our thoughts and hopefully some helpful insi...