The NAESP Principal Podcast

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.

Programs and Practices

A great tool or program can make a world of difference for a school looking to advance its teaching. But central to those programs are dedicated teachers who already demonstrate great practices every day. Missouri principal Jenni Hayes sits down with Adam and Rachael to discuss her approach to school leadership, including program vs. practice, K-12 alignment, and what brings her joy as a principal.

Jenni Hayes is principal of Grandview Elementary School in Higgins, Missouri, and an NAESP state representative for the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals.

The Kids As Your Compass

Sometimes we’re caught looking for that one silver bullet for school improvement. But when asked how he leads his high-performing school, Arizona principal Chris Jackson gives credit to the families and students that come in every day. Adam Welcome and Rachael George sit down with Jackson to discuss how a learner-centered approach yields success in the long run.

Chris Jackson is principal of Mountain View Elementary in Rio Rico, Arizona, where he has served for 8 years.

Stronger Together

Principals may be leaders at their school, but they’re always at their best when learning with and from their colleagues, community, and beyond. That could mean Idaho principal Tim Lowe bringing together staff and community members to learn about their culture, or Washington principal Jack Arend working with fellow educators to advocate for change in the state legislature. In today’s episode, Adam Welcome and Rachael George sit down with these innovative school leaders to discuss strategies that help principals grow together.

Tim Lowe is principal of William Howard Taft elementary in Boise, and serves the Idaho state representative and federal relations coordinator for NAESP.

Jack Arend serves as deputy director of the Association of Washington School Principals.