The NAESP Principal Podcast

Pace Yourself

With all the stress and challenges faced by school leaders this year, how do principals deal with it all? As she transitions into the role of principal coach, Dr. Shana Henry has some sage advice for new and veteran principals alike on how they can better pace themselves and still lead effectively. Adam and Rachel sit down with Dr. Henry to discuss:

• What and how to prioritize
• Leaning on others for support
• How to handle stressful situations
• How to manage high workloads and find balance

Dr. Shana Henry is principal of Katherine Johnson Middle School in Sacramento, California, and hosts the Principals of Success Podcast.

Find Your Tribe

It’s easy to get siloed as a principal, and forget the wealth of advice and support that can come from fellow school leaders. Adam and Rachael sit down with a principal they met at this year’s conference in Louisville, Nicole Boone, to chat about the job and share some simple leadership tips. In this episode we discuss:

• The benefits of networking with fellow leaders
• New strategies she’s excited about this year
• How her leadership journey started
• Advice for new principals

Nicole Boone is principal of Laburnum Elementary School in Henrico, Virginia.

Walking and Communicating with Confidence

There's a fine line between overconfidence and selling yourself short. Walking this tightrope can be challenging, particularly for women in leadership. Alabama educator Dr. Demica Sanders has honed her confidence over her career, and shares with Andrea and Jessica how and why it is important to walk and talk with confidence. In this episode, we discuss:

• Barriers to being confident
• Overcoming fears
• What walking in confidence looks like
• Having honest conversations

Dr. Demica Sanders is a former school administrator, and currently serves as executive director of Professional Learning with Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools.

Success Throughout the Year

As principals start off the year and work on school improvement or professional growth, its helpful to identify strategies that can help them throughout the year. Adam Welcome and Rachael George sit down with veteran Idaho principal Heather Hepworth to discuss what works, including:

• Starting off strong at the beginning of the year
• Looking ahead towards the end of the year
• How to prioritize and organize
• How to implement change

Heather Hepworth is principal of Acequia Elementary School in Rupert, Idaho.

Raise Your Hand

Any good leader knows when to both listen, and when to raise their hand and speak up. But gender-based expectations about using your voice and being confident are too often limiting for women in leadership. Andrea Thompson and Jessica Gomez sit down with principal Jennifer Black to discuss:

• Importance of trust
• Developing self-compassion and confidence
• Being a role model for others
• The benefits of speaking up

Jennifer Black is principal of Lincoln Elementary School in North Las Vegas, and is president-elect of the Nevada Elementary School Principals Association.

Standing Proud in Our Success

Successful leaders are generally given license to be proud of their work, but all too often women are made to feel either that they have achieved less or that they should be quiet about their achievements. Center for Women in Leadership fellows Jessica Gomez and Andrea Thompson sit down with principal Shanessa Fenner to talk about how and why this problem exists. In this episode we discuss:

• How stereotypes and mindsets diminish women's voices
• Whether self-confidence is truly at issue
• The importance of a supportive network
• Not feeling guilty for taking pride in success

Dr. Shanessa Fenner is a writer, has appeared on radio and television, and serves as the proud principal of William T. Brown Elementary School in Spring Lake, North Carolina.

The Importance of Social-Emotional Learning

Social-emotional learning (SEL) has become a priority for schools in recent years, especially with the impact of the pandemic. Implementing high-quality SEL that meets the needs of all students is essential, but requires a strong understanding of fundamentals to. That's why NAESP Executive Director Earl Franks sat down with the president of CASEL, Dr. Aaliyah Samuel, to discuss this critical topic. In this episode, we discuss:

• Systemic implementation of SEL
• Recognizing the role of student voice
• How equity relates to SEL
• Being an advocate with stakeholders

Dr. Aaliyah Samuel is president and CEO of CASEL: the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning. With decades of experience as a teacher, principal, and national education leader, she leads CASEL in its mission to support evidence-based SEL to support all students learning and development.

Simple Leadership Tips for Principals

At this year's conference in Louisville, Adam Welcome sat down for a quick chat with Jessica Cabeen to share strategies and ideas for practicing principals. In this special episode, they discuss:

• Focusing on strengths instead of weaknesses
• How to start connecting with other leaders
• How crucial work-life balance is to success

Jessica Cabeen is principal of Ellis Middle School in Austin, Minnesota, as well as an author and fellow at the NAESP Center for Middle-Level Leadership.

Imposter Syndrome

Have you ever felt that despite success in your role, you feel you're somehow unworthy of it? You're not alone: This phenomenon, known as "imposter syndrome," can have negative effects on a principal's work and well-being. Andrea and Jessica sit down with school leader Tequila Lamar to discuss the what, how, and why of imposter syndrome. In this episode we cover:

• How to recognize these feelings and put them perspective
• How it specifically impacts women
• How imposter syndrome manifests in the education world
• Seeking support from peers and advocates

Tequila Lamar has worked as an educational leader for the past 15 years at various grade levels, and is currently head of school at Centennial Academy in downtown Atlanta, Georgia.

Communication is Key

It's great when schools do good work, but even better when principals are able to talk about it. Good communication is essential for stakeholder engagement, and the overall success of your students and school. Adam Welcome and Rachael George are joined by Centers for Advancing Leadership fellows Dr. Ryan Daniel and Jessica Gomez, to talk about communication. In this episode we discuss:

• Why communication matters
• Using traditional means like newsletters
• Newer forms such as podcasts and YouTube
• How to adjust and adapt as needed

Dr. Ryan Daniel is principal of Fort Foote Elementary School in Hyattsville, Maryland, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Diversity Leadership.

Jessica Gomez is principal of Alice Birney Elementary School in Colton, California, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Women in Leadership.