The NAESP Principal Podcast

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.

Building Networks on Every Level

The principal's role can be a lonely one, but it doesn't have to be. Creating connections is essential for any school leader, and no one knows that better than Scott Borba. Serving as both principal and superintendent in his district in California—as well as being an active member of NAESP—he highlights the importance and benefits of staying engaged with professional associations and collegial networks. Adam and Rachael sit down with Scott to discuss his multiple roles, and his advice for educators seeking these crucial connections.

Scott Borba is principal and superintendent at Le Grand Union Elementary in Le Grand, California, and serves as director of Zone 9 on the NAESP board. He is also a member of the 2017 class of NAESP National Distinguished Principals.

Intersectionality: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belongingness

Knowing who we are and how we are seen in the world is as complex as it is essential. Understanding intersectionality is crucial for principals looking to better understand their students, school community, and themselves. Today Center for Diversity Leadership Fellow Dr. Edgardo Castro is joined by Dr. Jennifer Haan to discuss how intersecting identities shape us, and ways we can acknowledge, understand, and support students and educators in your school.

Jennifer M. Haan, Ph.D. is an assistant professor and program coordinator of educational leadership at Sul Ross State University, who's research focuses on social justice leadership as related to the experiences of students in the K-12 public education system.

Addressing Negative Thinking (From the Archive)

In this popular Women in Leadership episode from the NAESP Principal Podcast archive, Andrea Thompson and Jessica Gomez are joined by Florida principal Tiffany Emanuel-Wright to talk successful strategies to address negative thinking. In this episode, we cover:

• Recognizing when and how negativity arises
• Finding help through networks
• The impact of negative thoughts on confidence
• Staying focused on the work

Tiffany Emanuel-Wright is principal of Love Grove Elementary in Jacksonville, Florida.

The Long and Winding Road to Leadership

Jackie Wilson has had many roles over the course of her career in education, from being a para-professional, a classroom teacher, a principal, and an advocate for education policies. Andrea Thompson and Jessica Gomez sat down with Dr. Wilson to discuss her journey, including challenges as a woman navigating moving though her career, and her advice to others on how to learn and grow.

Jackie Wilson, Ed.D. is executive director of the National Policy Board Educational Administration and Assistant Professor at the University of Delaware’s School of Education.