The NAESP Principal Podcast

Social-Emotional Learning in Middle School

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. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Massachusetts, and serves as fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

Scott McLeod is professor of educational leadership at the University of Colorado, Denver, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

Project-Based Learning in Early Childhood

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 Charter School in Los Angeles, and author of Implementing Project Based Learning in Early Childhood. You can find her on Twitter @saramlev.

Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Massachusetts, and serves as fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

Scott McLeod is professor of educational leadership at the University of Colorado, Denver, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

Chronic Absenteeism and Assistant Principals

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, and serves as assistant principal at Park Terrace School in New York City.

Sonia Matthew is assistant principal of Mary B. Neal Elementary School in Waldorf, Maryland, and a 2025 NAESP National Outstanding Assistant Principal.

D’Metria Alston is assistant principal of Wilder Elementary School in Westerville, Ohio.

Join us this April to celebrate National Assistant Principals Week! Visit naesp.org/APWeek to learn more.

Anti-Racist & Inclusive Leadership

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 episode is a must-listen for educators, administrators, and leaders committed to transforming schools into spaces of belonging and empowerment for all students.

Kevin Armstrong, Ed.D. is executive principal at DuPont Hadley Middle School in Old Hickory, Tennessee, and 2024-2025 NAESP President.

Madeline McNeely, M.Ed. is an author, speaker, executive coach, and founder and CEO of Conditioning Leaders.

Sharon Porter is principal of Allenwood Elementary School in Temple Hills, Maryland, and has just started her inaugural year as fellow at the NAESP Center for Diversity Leadership.

Xavier Reed is principal of Central Middle School in Wayzata, Minnesota, and is continuing his second year as fellow at the center.

Equity in Action: Transforming Education Through DEI

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 Diversity Leadership.

Xavier Reed is principal of Central Middle School in Wayzata, Minnesota, and is continuing his second year as fellow at the center.

Educator Wellness & Co-Regulation

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 learning facilitator.

Andy Jacks is principal of Ellis Elementary School in Manassas, Virginia, and senior fellow at the NAESP Centers for Advancing Leadership.

Depth of Knowledge & Leading PD

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 future of DOK, and how principals play an essential part in successful professional development

Erik Francis is an author and speaker, and currently employs his 25 years of experience in education as owner and operator of professional development company Maverik Education.

Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Massachusetts, and serves as fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

Scott McLeod is professor of educational leadership at the University of Colorado, Denver, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

AI in Elementary and Middle Schools

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 advocate for digital learning.

Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Massachusetts, and serves as fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

Scott McLeod is professor of educational leadership at the University of Colorado, Denver, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

Building a New, Student-Centered School

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 in Cranston, Rhode Island.

Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Massachusetts, and serves as fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

Scott McLeod is professor of educational leadership at the University of Colorado, Denver, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

Meeting in the Middle

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 for Middle Level Education to discuss how principals can better understand and serve middle-level students.

 

Katie Powell is Director for Middle Level Programs at the Association for Middle Level Education.

Dr. Todd Brist is principal of Watertown Middle School in Watertown, South Dakota, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Middle-Level Leadership.

Jessica Cabeen is principal of Austin Online Academy in Minnesota, as well as a past fellow at the NAESP Center for Middle-Level Leadership.