The NAESP Principal Podcast

Turnaround Schools

School improvement is an ongoing process, with changes both big and small. We sit down with Oregon principal Kimberly Miles to talk about how she leads through these changes. In this episode we discuss:

• What it means to be a turnaround principal 
• How focus has shifted from before the pandemic to now
• How to support teachers and help them grow in the face of high levels of stress and burnout

Kimberly Miles is principal of East Gresham Elementary school in Oregon. You can find her on Twitter at @afewthingsworth.

Supporting Students by Mastering Morning Meetings: Part 2

Adam and Rachael sit with Oregon educators Sara Hertel and Chris Wyland to continue their discussion on the significant impact morning meetings can have on students social-emotional learning and achievement. In this episode we discuss:

• Staff professional development
• The four parts of morning meetings
• Two-way accountability
• Next steps and embedding SEL into the school day

Sara Hertel is instructional coach/dean of students, and Chris Wyland is principal of Madras Elementary School in Madras, Oregon.

Game-Changing Advice for Principals

Principals have to make tough calls that can have a big impact on the success of their school. And as a former NCAA official, New York principal Andrew Marotta is no stranger to making those calls. Adam and Rachael sit down to discuss:

• How to overcome day-to-day challenges principals face
• Lessons learned as an official that apply to school leadership
• How principals can prepare for hiring season, especially in the midst of teacher shortages

Andrew Marotta is principal of Port Jervis High School in Port Jervis, New York, and author of The Principal: Surviving and Thriving.

Supporting Students by Mastering Morning Meetings: Part 1

A focused and meaningful morning meeting can have a huge impact on student academic and social-emotional learning. Adam and Rachael sit with Oregon educators Sara Hertel and Chris Wyland to talk about how they've developed their morning meetings, what works, and how to implement it. In this episode, we discuss:

• Creating community and connections in your schools
• Supporting students and self-regulation skills
• Tips for creating calm classrooms
• Implementing strategy

Sara Hertel is instructional coach/dean of students, and Chris Wyland is principal of Madras Elementary School in Madras, Oregon.

Transitioning From High School to Elementary

Though it's stating the obvious, a kindergartener learns vastly different from how a senior in high school does. But how is that difference reflected in the work of school leaders? We sit down with Colorado principal Carlos Perez to talk about his transition from high school to elementary. In this episode, we discuss:

• Differences and similarities
• Advice for principals making the transition
• The importance of relationships

Carlos Perez is principal of Avondale Elementary School in Avondale, Colorado.

Focusing on the Work

School improvement is an essential, ongoing process. But new initiatives are too often overwhelming and cumbersome. We sit down with educator, author, and speaker Douglas Reeves to hone in on what's important to educating kids at your school. In this episode, we discuss:

• Addressing unfinished learning
• How to see grading
• Effective PLCs
• Creating a 100 day plan

Douglas Reeves is an acclaimed educational leader who has shared his expertise through numerous books and presentations, including at NAESP's annual conference. You can find him on Twitter at @DouglasReeves.

Tales of a Veteran Principal

Long time leaders have plenty to teach those new to the job. But the best veteran principals are still learning and growing themselves, despite their many years in the profession. Adam and Rachael sit down with Principal Beth Houf, a seasoned school leader, to discuss:

• How the year is going

• Challenges

• Responding to the year

• Embracing the power of no

• Being present with family

Beth Houf is principal of Fulton Middle School in Fulton, Missouri, co-author of Lead Like a Pirate, and a 2016 NAESP National Distinguished Principal.

Email Hacks

Responding to emails can feel like a time-consuming chore that takes away from the more important parts of leading a school. Fortunately, there are smart ways principals can manage their inboxes effectively and make sure they are getting the most from their day. In this episode, Adam and Rachael discuss:

• Communicating intentionally
• The importance of delegation
• Establishing healthy habits and boundaries
• Prioritizing email vs. other modes of communications

Staff Meetings

At their worst, staff meetings can feel monotonous, unnecessary, and frustrating. But there's no reason they can't be productive, worthwhile, and potentially even fun. Principals Allyson Apsey and Jessica Gomez join us to show that principals can make staff meetings better for everyone involved. We discuss:

• How to foster collaboration
• Creating a positive environment
• Making meetings worthwhile
• Quick and simple tips for improving staff meetings

Allyson Apsey is principal of Quincy Elementary School in Zeeland, Michigan

Jessica Gomez is principal of Alice Birney Elementary School in Colton, California.

Equity in Education

Ensuring students are educated in an equitable matter is a critical duty of schools and the principals that lead them. Adam and Rachael sit down with assistant principal and school board member David Jaimes to discuss the importance of equity and what it should mean for principals. This episode covers:

• Explaining the "why" of equity
• Tips for fostering educational equity
• Stakeholder engagement and building trust
• Having difficult conversations
• Resource recommendations

David Jaimes is assistant principal of Edwards Elementary School in Newberg, Oregon.