The NAESP Principal Podcast

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.

Addressing Negative Thinking

No matter how confident you are as a leader, self-doubt, anxiety, and generally negative thoughts always have a way of creeping up. Though often unavoidable, there are ways principals can address negative thinking. Andrea Thompson and Jessica Gomez are joined by Florida principal Tiffany Emanuel-Wright to talk successful strategies. In this episode, we discuss:

• 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.

Leadership Longevity

The first few years of a principalship can often be the hardest, but great leaders work hard every day no matter how long they've been in their role. We sit down with Missouri principal Bryan Campbell who has been leading his school for 15 years to learn. We discuss:

• Developing relationships with staff
• Maintaining a strong school culture
• Setting and achieving goals
• Continuing to grow professionally

Bryan Campbell has been a principal for over 15 years at Maplecrest elementary school in Lebanon, Missouri. You can find him on Twitter at @bcampbell70.

Owning Our Stories

Every leader has an important story to tell, but too often women are expected to share their successes quietly—if at all. Center for Women in Leadership fellows Jessica Gomez and Andrea Thompson sit down with Michigan principal Allyson Apsey to discuss how women can take ownership of their own stories. In this episode, we discuss:

• Getting comfortable highlighting successes
• Ways to tell your own story
• Overcoming barriers to sharing

Allyson Apsey is an author, conference presenter, and principal of Quincey Elementary in Zeeland, Michigan.

Lessons in Leadership From an Award-Winning Assistant Principal

The contributions of assistant principals at their schools can never be understated. Carise Echols should know: Her stellar service as an AP landed her an NAESP National Outstanding Assistant Principal award. Adam and Rachel sit down with her to talk leadership as an AP, and to discuss:

• Finding balance
• Staying connected to the classroom
• Taking the leap from AP to principal

Carise Echols currently serves an assistant principal for Carolyn Lewis Elementary in Conway, Arkansas, but will be stepping into the role of principal this summer. Echols is a member of NAESP's 2022 class of National Outstanding Assistant Principals.

Taking Hold of Our Work-Life Balance

Juggling work and family life can feel overwhelming at times, especially for women. Center for Women in Leadership fellows Jessica Gomez and Andrea Thompson sit down with speaker and former principal Pam Gildersleeve-Hernandez to discuss how principals can strike the right balance between their personal and professional lives. In this episode we discuss:

• Unique challenges faced by women leaders
• The importance of creating and maintaining boundaries
• Modeling/setting expectations for staff

Pam Gildersleeve-Hernandez is an experienced educator and former principal, as well as a renowned speaker, author, and coach. You can find her on Twitter at @pgilders.

Book Recommendations

Reading is just as important to a principals learning as it is to the students they serve. Whether it offers practical advice for educators or thoughtful tips for personal growth, a good book can have a huge impact. In this episode Adam and Rachael sit down to talk about some of their recent favorites, and recommend some good reads for school leaders.

Building Powerful Networks of Support and Sisterhoods

Women leaders can often face unique challenges, but one strength they can draw upon should never be ignored: each other. Center for Women in Leadership fellows Jessica Gomez and Andrea Thompson sit down with Massachusetts principal Liz Garden to talk about how crucial this support can be. In this episode, we discuss:

• The impact of strong sisterhoods
• Believing in yourself
• How to start and sustain strong connections
• How to help other women rise and shine

Liz Garden is principal of Leroy E. Mayo elementary, vice president of the Massachusetts School Administrators' Association, and a regular contributor to Principal magazine where she serves as an editorial adviser.