The NAESP Principal Podcast

The Principal as Advocate

Although policies made at the local, state, and federal level can profoundly impact schools, it doesn't have to be a one-way street. School leaders are perfectly positioned to both know what educators need, and to effectively communicate with policy-makers. We sat down with two principals to discuss how they stay engaged with lawmakers, and what steps school leaders can take to embrace the role of principal advocate.

Joshua Gill is principal of Ayaprun Elitnaurvik Elementary School in Bethel, Alaska, and a 2023 National Distinguished Principal.

Samantha Walder is principal of Tea Area Legacy Elementary School in Tea, South Dakota, and a 2023 National Distinguished Principal.

David Griffith is associate executive director of policy and advocacy at NAESP.

Ethical Principal Leadership

Principals are charged with ensuring their schools adhere to standards, whether it's related to curriculum, building safety, or otherwise. But foundational to a school leader's practice are ethical standards, which are woven throughout everything they do. We sat down with several administrators to discuss what it means to be an ethical leader, and how principals can best hold themselves to the highest standards.

Scott Borba is superintendent-principal of Le Grand Union Elementary School District in Califor­nia. He also sits on NAESP’s board as the repre­sentative of Zone 9 and is an adjunct professor at California’s State University– Stanislaus for school law.

Diane Edwards is chief academic officer for Chesapeake (Virginia) Public Schools and supports NAESP in coaching mentors.

Jayne Ellspermann is founder and CEO of Jayne Ellspermann LLC, a school leadership development company. She has spent 40 years in education, 25 of them as a school principal.

Mastermind Groups

Whether it's through conferences, their district, or even social media, great things can happen when school leaders connect to discuss problems of practice and strategies for success. Today's guests share how their unique opportunity to do so on a frequent and consistent basis through "Mastermind" groups has helped them grow as leaders and improve their schools.

Andrea Thompson works at the Delaware State Department of Education, and serves as facilitator for NAESP Mastermind Groups.

Raine Bradley serves as an assistant principal at Glasgow Middle School in Alexandria, Virginia.

Jessica Zimmer is principal of Forest Lake Elementary School in Wantagh, New York.

Perspectives on Black Male Leadership

The role of principal can be a lonely one, which is why it is essential to find meaningful support networks. That's especially true for educators like Edward Anderson, Damon Qualls, and Farrell Thomas of the Bold Leadership Network. They joined us to discuss the unique challenges and successes that come with leading as a Black male educator, and how connecting with each other has improved their practice, well-being, and the school communities they serve.

Edward Anderson is executive director of On Track Greenville, leveraging public and private partnerships to keep kids on track to graduate from high school.

Damon Qualls is a former principal from Greenville, South Carolina, and co-founder and consultant at the Bold Leadership Network.

Farrell Thomas is principal of The Gray Court-Owings Elementary & Middle School in Gray Court, South Carolina.

Bringing New Strategies Into the School Year, Pt. 2

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 another and their fellow school leaders.

Carmen Maring, Ed.D. is principal of Gull Lake Middle School in Richland, Michigan, and serves as the NAESP Director at Large, Middle-Level.

Ginny Gills is principal of Cumberland County Elementary School in Cumberland, Virginia, and serves on the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals Board of Directors.

Loren Brody serves as an elementary school principal in Alexandria, Virginia.

Danny Bauer is a principal retention development expert, best-selling author, and host of the Better Leader, Better Schools podcast.

Bringing New Strategies Into the School Year

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 other to ensure success going into the school year.

Danya Tiara Woods is assistant principal at Joseph E. Johnson Elementary school in Wilmington, Delaware.

Brian T. Miller is principal of North Middle School in Great Falls, Montana.

Danny Bauer is a principal retention development expert, best-selling author, and host of the Better Leader, Better Schools podcast.

Equitable Hiring Practices

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 Foote Elementary School in Fort Washington, Maryland, and fellow at the NAESP Center for Diversity Leadership.

Assistant Principals Putting People First

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 in Elmont, New York.

Assisting Assistant Principals

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 has shown her the value in connecting with fellow APs, and the kind of support and assistance it provides.

Donna McGuire is assistant principal at P.S. 018 in New York City, and also serves as facilitator for the NAESP Assistant Principal Community of Practice.

An Assistant Principal’s First Steps

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 as assistant principal at Hillcrest Middle School in Trumbull, Connecticut.