The Principal Leadership Lab: Recent Episodes
Jeff & Adam
Danny’s Leadership Journey
Innovative, Story Teller
Dislikes the phrase, “What’s best for kids”
- Based on one's own opinion
- Don’t use data
Ruckus Makers do school differently
What shift do you want to make?
Better Leaders, Better Schools Motto:
“When you are able to show up AUTHENTICALLY and experience BELONGING with a group of trusted peers, you can be CHALLENGED to take your leadership to the next level.”
Current Leadership struggle/opportunity
What’s Next: District-level support
Hopeful
I’m hopeful that there are more good guys than bad guys.
The map is not the territory
Calm in the Chaos
BLBS.com
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
- Developing a competency based curriculum from the ground up – and how the school has communicated it to teachers and students used to traditional grades
- How a competency based curriculum develops fairness and equity for students
- The role the curriculum plays in advancing student skills and knowledge, and how teachers assess where students are at without traditional methods
- Creating a model designed to foster innovators and entrepreneurs, and how they have designed a school and curriculum that encourages students to build products and ideas that are needed in the world while also being able to compete and achieve in a traditional post-high school setting=
- How the design of the curriculum is set up to create consistent improvement in students and meet the growing demand for skills-based hiring.
How is your school handling attendance and mental health. Listen in and join our Facebook page to continue the conversation. Your idea may be exactly what someone is looking for.
Join us and Adam Stolzer in this episode.Be passionate in all we do. Embrace what makes us unique. Reflect to improve. Take pride in who we are, where we are from, and what we do. Work daily to leave a legacy. And evolve to continue to move forward
Adam and Jeff are ready for another season of engaging conversation. We look forward to learning together and hearing about your trials in your learning communities.
Cindy Bailey, Dean of Northeast Wisconsin Tech College, sits down with Jeff & Adam, on The Principal Leadership Lab 2.0.
Some key highlights shared with us:
- What you start with doesn’t have to be the ending.
- Pay attention to the doors, because there are opportunities on the other side.
- Always wanted to be on the sidelines, but made a shift.
- Worked with a trucking company to share the business with HS students….eventually led to the UW system despite not having the necessary credentials.
- The campus dean took a gamble on Cindy and her hunger for learning.
- Lots of preparation for her current role, lot of influences
15:10:09 - Calendar your time
15:10:20 - Get out of the office
15:10:29 - Use your admin assistant
15:10:48 - Observe and make changes with people not for people.
15:11:04 - Do lunch supervision because it is fun.
15:13:34 - Don't be an island. Connect with NASSP and Twitter.
15:14:10 - Use podcasts and read EdWeek because my cuz Peter DeWitt is there... LOL!!
Dr. Matthew Sowcik has been teaching for over 20 years and is currently an assistant professor of Leadership Development at the University of Florida.
Author of “The H-Factor” - Exploring the Intersection of Humility and Leadership to Move from Good to Great
Dr. Matt focuses his research on humility and the creation of organizational leadership programs. He also teaches both undergraduate and graduate-level courses concentrated on interpersonal leadership development, organizational leadership and advanced leadership theory.
Leadership Journey
- Liked the idea of human behavior and leadership; From PA, went to NYC, got his PhD from Gonzaga; Wilkes U right out of his PhD; was recruited to come down to Florida to teach other PhDs on humility
In the book, talks a lot about being present.
The XFactor example of humility and how the singer’s lack of humility played a role in the discussion with his daughter.
Jim Collins - humility and determination is what we need to move from good to great.
…companies like the Kellogg Company, Tinder, Kronos, E. & J. Gallo Winery, World Wide Technology, and Teach For America are just a few other successful companies that have committed to “humility” as a core organizational value. (from Matt’s research)
Humility as a mindset
We are incomplete until we take our last breath
…and where is it “taught” in the curriculum?
Humility allows you to take risks.
Why isn’t humility at the front and center? Possible western culture of winning versus introspection.
What top two skills do you recommend that new educational leaders need to have at the ready?
Questions and action in the book will provide guidance.
Go back to humbling yourself. Our perspective is just one POV.
Grow from your mistakes. We need each other.
The Undercover Boss is a great example to observe without limits. Ask, How do they need me?
Collective humility as an organization.
HOPEFUL
My own kids - my two boys, that they grow up and be wonderful humans.
Buy the Book - “The H-Factor” - Exploring the Intersection of Humility and Leadership to Move from Good to Great
CONNECT WITH MATT
Matt Sowcik on LinkedIn
Email: sowcik@ufl.edu
CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam & Jeff as we chat with Assistant Principal and new author Dan Wolfe!
Dan Wolfe has been an educator for almost 25 years; everything from being a classroom teacher, instructional coach, District Curriculum Specialist and an administrator.
Recently wrote first book called “Becoming the Change: Five Essential Elements that Guide Each of Us Towards Becoming Our Best Selves” it focuses on the five elements of Social Emotional Learning (SEL): Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills and Responsible Decision Making. This book allows readers to take a self-assessment on each of these five areas and throughout the book learn strategies to help guide them towards growing in certain aspects within each area. The unique feature of this book is the reader will be able to pick and choose their own pathway in how they use this book as they have the ability to decide at the end of each chapter whether to reread that same section or choose a different chapter to read based on what area they feel they need to work on next. This part of the book is based on the similar style seen in the Choose Your Own Adventure series from the mid 1970’s through the late 1990’s.
Leadership Journey
Got the education bug in HS.
Working with new leaders; principal prep program.
Principal Project using PBIS principles in order to become a principal.
“Never forget where you come from” - important to stay connected to the classroom
“Having a Servant Leadership mindset”
Pre-Show: mentioned that his Supt. wanted him to move schools ½ through the year because of his experience in SEL… how do you prepare for this upheaval/change?
- Helped write the SEL standards, tapped for his background to more vo another school
- Everything happens for a reason
- You have to adapt to the situation
Moving into the AP role - what can new APs do to prepare for the upcoming year?
Self Awareness & Social Awareness - look at these two aspects of SEL and reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses
Do a lot of observing those first two weeks
What top two skills do you recommend that new educational leaders need to have at the ready?
Remember where you came from and keep a servant leader mindset.
How do you help a new employee understand the culture of your organization/ How do you hire teachers?
Do they have a growth or fixed mindset? Balance is key.
HOPEFUL
Hopeful for a better tomorrow. “Be the Change”
Socially Aware
Empathy, not Sympathy
CONNECT WITH DAN!
Becoming the Change on Amazon
Dan Wolfe on Twitter
CONTACT THE HOSTS!
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam & Jeff as we continue Season 2 with the PrincipalSir Joseph Banks HS in Sydney, New South Wales. Murray is a Choice Theory Instructor, dedicated to ensuring equity in outcomes for all.
Leadership Journey
800 students in his high school currently.
Started in a performing arts HS.
A significant other tapped him on the shoulder to encourage him to pursue a lead teacher position and other positions grew from there.
Didn’t aspire to be a principal.
Outgrew his teaching role.
All of the roles led to this role at Sir Joseph Banks HS.
“Sometimes people see something in you that you don’t see in yourself”
“We need to start with the heart, the relationship”
When he was hired, he was charged with making his school a “School of Choice” - kids were clamoring to get out at the time
Bus drivers were passing by students with their school uniforms.
How do you help a new employee understand the culture of your organization/ How do you hire teachers?
Identify people’s areas of wisdom & strengths
Teach the values that we want to see every day
Our words are very impactful - we need to choose them wisely
Lots of different cultures - 29 different cultural groups
Our teachers are really skilled at tapping into children’s cultural needs & backgrounds
New staff begin with choice theory.
Leadership Challenge/Opportunity
Continuity of Learning - ensuring every student had a device
Flipping lessons online - staying innovative, ensuring kids want to learn, stay motivated.
“Every student leaves one foot into the future.”
HOPEFUL
Future for our students. Creating better versions of themselves.
For the future - 100% feel fully equipped.
GUEST CONTACT INFO
Murray on Twitter
HOST CONTACT INFO
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam and Jeff as we speak with Michael Bennett, principal of Kewaunee High School, located just outside of Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Leadership Journey
Born in Beloit and started teaching outside Houston, TX.
3rd year in current position
Came in Fall of ‘19, before the Pandemic
We have learned from pandemic life; live streaming is real
As new principals enter our profession, what leadership advice will you offer them?
Roll your sleeves up and get at it.
Problem solving at it’s best
Need to be able to multi-task
Conversation around valedictorian & the value of taking AP classes
Why is there so much turnover in our education? Is there anything principals can do to improve that?
The title is just a title, I don’t want to see myself as a harsh disciplinarian. I need to have relationships with kids AND teachers
What brings you HOPE?
I CAN TURN OUT STUDENTS who are productive members of society.
GUEST CONTACT INFO:
HOST CONTACT INFO:
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Crissy is a special education teacher in Ashwaubenon and serves on the Oconto Unified School District Board of Education and is currently the president. She is lifetime Oconto Blue Devil and currently has two children in the district.
LEADERSHIP JOURNEY
Born and raised in Oconto, WI
Cared for a Downs Syndrome child, led her to want to work with kids with special needs
Good leaders need to listen - "Don’t always try to fix it."
Listening from the board is difficult due to the appropriateness of the timing.
“That’s why we trust you”
What keeps the trust strong from the board level? Every other month we hold board workshops. The opposite month is a listening session.
Boards do not need to agree. Discourse is welcomed.
Bring it back to the data, bring it back to the kids
HOPEFUL
Have an open mindset in the classroom and stop thinking about what can go wrong?
GUEST CONTACT INFO:
Crissy Kumhala on Twitter
HOST CONTACT INFO:
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam & Jeff as they chat with Canadian "Wellness Potential" Teacher A. Grace Martin!
The Journey
It all started with a book about how "You can heal your life” her Aunt gave her.
90+ hours per week spurred her and husband onward to find balance.
“Soul-Based Purpose” - called to help
TIP for Ed Leaders - self-care is becoming negative, people are feeling gaslit. Work with people on setting BOUNDARIES.
Reassign Priorities to increase student engagement.
“The intention is coming from a really great place”
When you take care of yourself, you will be better
SYSTEM of time management - BELIEVE it is possible - Start here.
Everyone’s emotional skill level is different
What do you best need to change in order to serve?
Progress, NOT perfection - “people pleasing is a form of perfectionism”
Comes back to individual self-worth… this is where standing up for the boundaries you’ve set comes into play.
How can leaders take this pressure off of classroom teachers?
- Is it in the communication between teacher and admin?
- So that, if communication is clear, a teacher wouldn't necessarily feel this way?
ASK: When was the last time you validated a certain staff member?
VALIDATE, RECOGNIZE
WHERE DO YOU START:
Time block your schedule
Practice what you preach in your schedule
Go into DEEP WORK… don’t get pulled in different directions
“You care more by doing less.”
“Clear is Kind”
“Over-Communicating is Overwhelming”
Our flaws are important
Be proud of “good is good enough”
HOPEFUL
Spiritual Fire - To help the most students, I help teachers.
Reconnect that fire inside
GUEST CONTACT INFO:
A. Grace Martin Website
HOST CONTACT INFO:
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Jeff & Adam as we chat with Coach Jim Johnson!
Coach Johnson has developed winning high-school basketball teams for 30 years, taking over three losing varsity programs and turning them into winners in short periods of time. Of his 428 career victories, one in particular will surely never be duplicated.
On Feb. 15, 2006, Coach Johnson made the kindhearted gesture of inserting his autistic manager, Jason McElwain, now known to the world as J-Mac, into Greece Athena High School’s final home game, which the Trojans won 79-43. J-Mac scored 20 points in just over four minutes, including six three-point baskets, to become an instant national celebrity. Coach Johnson, also, was featured in major news outlets around the country.
To make the Hollywood ending complete, Greece Athena captured the first Section V title of Coach Johnson’s career a few weeks later.
LEADERSHIP/COACHING JOURNEY
Family tradition centered around basketball, first love.
Was cut from his college basketball team.
Head coach for 30 years
Currently speaking- Keynoting
Success came from studying leadership and building successful teams; not studying basketball.
Can have a different reaction virtually vs. in-person, which we can glean from
Catch players doing the right thing and build on that.
The J-MAC Story
Autistic boy, heart for basketball
Sat on bench JV & Varsity until Senior year
Had never won Section 5 championship
Came to everything, always stayed positive, persevered
Tried out 3 straight years, didn’t make it
Senior Night - gave him a uniform, told him he would play
Lesson: be open, keep listening with your team (when the team was down)
Lesson: embrace the moment, move on, don’t let it get you down
Beat Kobe Bryant out for the ESPY
Book: A Coach and a Miracle (based on the real-life story)
LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE OR OPPORTUNITY
How do you get to the top and how do you stay there? Build systems that you believe in.
Listen to players (students/teachers/etc.)
Get the best answer, not necessarily “my answer”
Focus on growth
HOPEFUL
Respect all people and all things.
Greatest hope is that we can disagree, it is ok. Just don’t be disrespectful.
CONNECT w/ Coach!
Limitless Leadership Lounge podcast
Coach Jim Johnson website
Coach Jim Johnson on Twitter
CONNECT w/ Your Hosts
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam & Jeff as they have a fantastic conversation with Jackson Middle School Assistant Principal and Executive Leadership Ed.D. Scholar at Baylor University, Traniece Brown-Warrens! #OwningMyStory
"Teachers are in a unique position to positively influence the lives of young people," said U.S. Congressman Gene Green. "It's evident that Ms. Brown-Warrens is committed to the education of her students and their future."
LEADERSHIP JOURNEY
Never saw herself going into education
1st teaching assignment in SPED
Taught 8th grade
Former Athlete - PG on the basketball court
Former Department Chair - Social Studies
“Came down to what I wanted” - her thoughts when choosing career path
Teacher Specialist - AP without the title
Spent some time in the District Office for a while
Self-Awareness
Loves the interaction with kids
Really had to learn a lot about her capacity
Thoughts on Priorities - one of them is going to be last. Don’t always have to be in the same order. What are your 5 major priorities?
“As leaders, it’s very easy to put ourselves last.”
“Recognize the season that you are in” This will dictate the priority
When we don’t know who we are, bad things can happen.
“How is this adding or subtracting from the experience you are giving to kids?” - in response to how to respond to teachers taking on everything, saying YES to everything
“Your NEXT will always come”
WHY this position? You have to be self-aware.
LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE OR OPPORTUNITY
Owning My Story - recognizing that I am enough.
Only Black female on her school campus
"Victim or victor" - LOVE
HOPEFUL
That we will touch a generation that seeks education as a profession. We are a willing billboard.
GUEST CONTACT INFORMATION
Traniece Brown-Warrens on Twitter
HOST CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Jeff & Adam as they chat with Dr. Salome Thomas-El, or "Principal EL!"
Leadership Journey
“I choose to stay” defines his trajectory
HS teachers told him forget about the NBA, began working in TV and Production
Started talking to kids about his work in TV and basketball stars, talking to him about teachers and the difference they made in his life
Quit TV job and went back to school to achieve his Master’s and went into education
“HS reform does not begin in high school”
Started a chess program
2003 - I Choose To Stay was released - Disney optioned the rights; his autobiography about his life and playing chess
Penn State, not the State Pen
Schools are one piece, with so much on their plates; we need the community to do their part as well!
I know you’re tired, but you may also be uninspired - message to his staff
“These children will keep us on our toes and on our knees”
“An administrator adds to the MINISTRY!”
I am who I am because of the relationship I’ve had with…Thoughts of students.
If we treat every person with compassion, we never have to say we’re sorry - Principal DeWitt
You are empowering others to deliver love, passion and grace when you do the same
What is our capacity to learn? We learn from one another. This is the question moving forward.
“I want more for you so that our community will have more” - Salome’s mother
“If you’re out there making those cuts, sit on your butts” - regarding budget cuts of programs and after-school activities
Diamonds in the Rough - the new name… LOL
BOOKS
Passionate Leadership
Building a Winning Team
The Immortality of Influence (foreword by Will Smith)
I Choose To Stay (Movie Rights Optioned by Disney)
Retention for Change
CHESS
Leadership Challenge/Opportunity
Never talking to his teachers about the plan to create a K-8;
Had a great vision, but left teachers out of the initial conversation.
Listen, because it makes you a better person.
No excuses. Apologize and start over.
Shout-Outs to teachers, custodians, bus drivers, social workers, families, instructional assistants, nurses, tech staff, front office staff
Hopeful
2022 hoping to find a way to move through the second half of the school year and that our young educators stay in the profession.
You can be me, because I was once you.
Stop praying for a lighter load; start praying for a stronger back
Be a blesser, not a stressor
GFUES CONTACT INFO
Blog/Website
Principal EL on Twitter
HOST CONTACT INFO
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam & Jeff as we chat with our friend and colleague, 2x Principal of the Year in TWO different states - Dr. Jay Dostal, principal of Fayetteville High School.
Dostal received the 2016 Nebraska State Association of Secondary Principals (NSASSP) Principal of the Year award, as well as the 2013 National Association of Student Councils Principal of the Year award.
Dostal, in his third year as principal at FHS, was presented with the award on Wednesday morning in a surprise ceremony at the school.
“Dr. Dostal has provided incredible leadership to the students and staff at Fayetteville High School. With the continued pandemic, the 2020-2021 school year presented challenges,” said superintendent Dr. John L Colbert. “Dr. Dostal led his team to meet those challenges, and they have had an extraordinarily successful year of school. This recognition is well deserved for an outstanding job. Dr. Dostal likes to say ‘Own your epic,’ and he is certainly leading by example!”
Author of VALUE ADDED FEEDBACK
Leadership Journey
ELA and Physical Education and desired to coach football.
Salary was a motivator to move into a formal leadership role.
AP, to principal and enjoyed the journey along the way.
“Go after what you want - stop applying for just any leadership role”
Fit is everything. I can find skill, but fit is critical.
Be picky when choosing your job offer.
Value-Added Feedback - 1st book
Own Your Epic: Leadership Lessons in Owning Your Voice & Your Story
Began on a road trip from Nebraska to Cali to Washington and back again, "National Lampoonesque."
Every one of us is a hero in our own story
Started out as a blog and newsletter to the school - “Here is how we are owning our epic as a school.”
Find something that is cathartic and reflective and therapeutic - writing has been that for all three of us.
Email Gems - curated emails from people, shared with leadership students. Had students respond (names redacted) on Blackboard. GREAT leadership lesson - real world!
Leadership Challenge/Opportunity
2016 was the worst year of his professional life. Three students committed suicide, one student lost their life in a fire, and a beloved staff member lost their battle with cancer while opening a new building.
Hopeful
Our future is bright. Jay sees the best of our future at his school despite the obstacles that are present. We have amazing kids.
GUEST CONTACT
Blog/Website
Jay on Twitter
HOST CONTACT
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Jeff & Adam as they get back to some interviews with some even greater people!
John VanDusen BIO:
After returning from my first deployment to Baghdad, I was hired to teach 8th grade in L’Anse, MI, about 90 miles from my hometown. After several years of teaching and coaching, and another deployment, this time to Afghanistan, I was able to move back to my hometown where I teach and coach my beloved Flivvers.
Leadership Journey
8 different schools growing up, dad in Navy
Extrovert, into sports, talking to people
Independent Study as a Senior - began working with a 1st grade teacher
Decided he wanted to go into teaching
Michigan National Guard
Love of coaching came from playing days
Currently MS history teacher, still in Army Reserves, coaches HS football (Flivvers)
Being the “focal point for the community” - football or other family environments created at school
Student more involved typically does better
Win-Win-Win (classroom, field, community)
What is a Flivver?
Kingsford Charcoal (FORD Charcoal Briquette)
Leadership challenge/opportunity
- Training for Afghanistan
Got a bus of 60 soldiers stuck in a ditch
When something goes wrong, cutting corners is tempting but actually can find you further behind - attention to detail (no good decision comes when heavy emotion is involved)
Vehicle got hit with a roadside bomb - PERSPECTIVE
- Football getting shut down (coaching)
Needed to handle adversity as it comes rapidly
Don’t freak out, or everyone else will as well.
The Book: Lesson 1 - Leveraging Leadership in Everyday Life
COVID project
Got back from Afghanistan in 2014 - started jotting down notes from his deployments in the Army
Waiting for kids to come on Google Meets, he would have the doc opened, taking notes and thinking about turning it into a book
Saw friends begin to publish books, reached out to COdeBreaker who then referred him to Road to Awesome
Hopeful
Lower the temperature in the country
“It’s a shame, but it’s not new”
Civil conversation and then go about our daily lives
RESOURCES
Lesson 1: Buy the Book Here
GUEST CONTACT INFO
Website: https://johnvandusen.com/
Twitter: @mr_JVD
HOST CONTACT INFO:
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Jeff & Adam for episode 3 of their new season! Diana Parafiniuk is a seasoned and nationally recognized business leader in the tele-therapy market. Her company, E-Therapy, pioneered the tele-therapy industry in education with its innovative practices, services, and solutions and first-to-market approaches to serve PreK-12 schools and students. Diana is an honored recipient of the inaugural Women Achievers of Arizona award in recognition of her leadership in the online therapy field.
Leadership Journey
Started her company over 12 years ago.
The business started due to the lack of remote access to resources.
Obstacles in the way? - Working with schools (grants, related service through IDEA funding, Medicaid, etc.)
Prior to e-therapy, what were you doing...trunk of the car with wagons.
Traveling Clinic
How do we connect one another? - Diana
How do you gain trust and rapport through a digital platform?
We can still connect with kids, build relationships, work on engaging students. It’s a building-block process.
Health & Wellness within the organization (E-Therapy).
Community craved within the organization.
Digital community - key word: COMMUNITY
Hiring Process - ongoing
Leadership Challenge/Opportunity
Creating a safety net in as many places as needed and to be able to adjust when challenges arise.
HOPEFUL
I hope we stay awake.
I hope we maintain awareness.
No better return on investment than the success of a child.
Continue to fight the fight.
LINKS
dianap@electronictherapy.com
https://www.electronic-therapy.com/
CONNECT
Diana's LinkedIn
HOST CONTACT INFO
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam & Jeff on this special episode, and listen as Adam turns the mic on Jeff to interview him about his new book, "Becoming Principal!"
Get the book: Becoming Principal
INSTAGRAM Dr. Jeff Prickett Adam DeWitt TWITTER Dr. Jeff Prickett Adam DeWitt FACEBOOK Principal Leadership Lab Dr. Jeff Prickett Adam DeWitt
Join Adam and Jeff as we dive into Season 2 of The Principal Leadership Lab with Dr. Michael Gaskell! Mike is Principal at Hammarskjold Middle School in East Brunswick, NJ. following experience as a special educator and assistant principal in Paramus, NJ. He continues to model the pursuit of lifelong learning as he serves to mentor new principals through the New Jersey Leaders to Leaders program. An NJPSA Stars recipient, he has been published in over 2 dozen articles in education journals and blogs, including eSchoolNews, NASSP, Edtech and ASCD Smartbrief, he has made the most-read section of ASCD Smartbrief numerous times. Mike had a book published in October, 2020 (Microstrategy Magic), and a second book publishing in September 2021 (Leading Schools Through Trauma). Dr. Gaskell works tirelessly to support instructional excellence and student success, for his school community, and most importantly, for the wellness and equity of all children.
Handles: Twitter: GaskellMGaskell LinkedIn: michael-gaskell-922711100 Instagram: mgaskell0 Email: mgaskell0@gmail.com Website: www.mikesmicrominute.com
Join Adam & Jeff as we chat with veteran educator and building principal at Salinas Elementary in South Texas, Marty Silverman!
Host of The Second Question podcast & The Texan Connection, blogger with The Teach Better Team
Brooklyn transplant
24 years in the same district
38 Years on the job.
The 2nd Question: Who was the best teacher you ever had and why?
Leadership Journey
Hungered for a new adventure
People tend to center their whole world around the place where they live
Grew up in a housing project in Brooklyn
Education was the ticket out
Started teaching in 1st grade
The 2nd Question
Podcast purpose is to imprint the model onto others
Leadership Nugget for Aspiring Leaders
Traditional doesn’t mean it’s not effective
The biggest change over 38 years is there an illusion that kids are expected to do more now than they were then
Don’t innovate yourself out of limits… will have to go back and listen
Doesn’t always equal better
HOPEFUL
Lost 23 years of documents and data through a data breach.
After grief and anger, reframed his mindset.
Every day, look forward to something you didn’t expect.
This job is never the same. And that’s okay.
Critically evaluate that “best new thing”
GUEST CONTACT INFORMATION
HOST CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Brandon Beck is the author of Unlocking Unlimited Potential: Understanding the Infinite Power Within to Guide Any Student Toward Success. He is a National Board Certified teacher and also holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. His primary purpose as an educator and teacher leader is a simple one: “To inspire people (adults and children) to have faith in themselves and believe in their inner genius.”
He has been an elementary teacher for 17 years and a dual language teacher (English Zone) for over 10 years. He is also a college professor, an editor and reviewer for AASA Journal of Scholarship & Practice, a regular speaker at state, regional, and national conferences, and is also an education consultant.
Dr. Beck is also a Mutt-i-grees teacher and National Trainer. Mutt-i-grees is a program designed by Yale University’s 21st Century in partnership with North Shore Animal League. The Mutt-i-grees curriculum is an innovative Pre-K - Grade 12 social emotional learning program that brings adopted shelter dogs into schools.
Dr. Beck is also an entrepreneur and professional soccer coach. He is currently a nationally certified instructor for the United States Soccer Federation. In addition, he has coached teams that have won numerous state, regional, and national championships.
Leadership Journey
One year into his journey with CodeBreaker - Author
Teacher in NY for 17 years
Outdoor Adventures for 3 years
Started in NYC public schools
Monolingual/Bilingual educator
College professor - teaching ESL
Soccer player & coach
Runs a small business - soccer programs
Holds a Doctorate & is a Nationally Board Certified Teacher (NBCT)
Always felt there was something holding him back - "turns out it was myself"
You do what you love and it doesn’t feel like work
TWITTER - “Big large chain of connections”
“UUPotential” Stories - vodcast to connect people and record the conversation
Goal - to unlock the unlimited potential in every student
Being able to hear people’s real stories has been real powerful
Professional Learning has been flattened
UUP Stories - next book?
We rise by listening to others
Dual language teacher - being a monolingual
The last step of the ladder is Unlocking Unlimited Potential
Leadership Challenge/Opportunity
I’m a leader in my school.
I’m an entrepreneur; run a soccer company that serves 4,000
During COVID players signed up for soccer, but locked down.
Had to overcome financial challenges as a result
Found alternatives to engagement
Hopeful
School year we had really brought out a lot in people
People are innovative
Don’t forget about the importance of equity and race and SEL
We can’t go back to the way things were
Unlocking Unlimited Potential Book
GUEST CONTACT INFORMATION
Brandon Beck
HOST CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Jeff and Adam as they talk across the pond with Jeremy Blain. Founder and CEO, International GameChanger of the Year
Jeremy Blain is an award-winning Business Leader, Futurist, New Era Learning Professional, Author & Conference Speaker.
AUTHOR: Inner CEO - Unleashing Leaders at all Levels
Jeremy is founder and CEO of PerformanceWorks International (PWI). He has created PWI because he knows that his experience, knowledge and passion can help organisations and individuals face into the changing workplace and help them be fit and ready for the future.
Jeremy is also a newly appointed Advisory Board Member of WDHB; one of the world’s foremost Industry 4.0 immersive learning experiences companies (leadership expeditions, community events and transformational learning interventions for the disruptive era).
Journey
Started in the 1990s and began at Procter and Gamble.
Self leadership was the first stage of his journey.
Leadership is about doing the right thing and management is doing the right work in the right way.
4 Levels of Leadership
Self learning
Learning from others
Learn by doing
Apply - put into practice
How to help people in the modern workplace?
How to help people be “Future Ready?”
5 Forces
Digital
Leadership readiness
Culture is shifting
Workforce is shifting
5th one???
Learning needs a bit of an upgrade in areas
Workplace readiness… can have a business set up in a day… self-driven experience/learning at a much earlier age
Not a career-for-life mentality anymore
Leadership readiness… how to get here.
Start hiring for behaviors not qualifications
70% is ok in the corporate world; speed is key.
Perfection is not the key, but the continued evolution.
Book: Inner CEO
The Potential CEO, taking ownership
It’s not just about stepping up and doing more
One CEO is not enough - there has to be a more collective approach.
“Stepping Out” - make decisions at my level
Challenge/Opportunity -
Fail fast, fail forward, fail often
Hopeful -
Learn quickly and a faster track to failing…
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam & Jeff as we chat with CEO, Founder, Podcast Host of Genius Leadership: Overcoming Everything, Anna Liebel!
Believes that each of us has a zone of genius - unique to us.
As a Mindshifter, I help male leaders in tech get out of the firefighter mode, become the proactive Leaders they want to be, and enjoy the ride as they go.
The research is showing how beneficial empathy and vulnerability are in workplaces. Which are the traits normally nurtured in young women. Yet, how are our men brought up? "Be strong", "man up", etc. I see many male leaders who are great humans willing to be better at leading others, yet they were never taught to open up, show their emotions, and own their weaknesses. Given that most of the power positions are occupied by men, no wonder employee engagement is so low and mental health issues cost companies billions each year.
Journey:
Raised in Ukraine, moved to Sweden, ended up in Iceland
Studied computer science and was often the only female
Helps male leaders in tech, more sustainable leaders, without burning themselves or their employees out.
Lack of empathy in men
Struggle to reach true equality
So many men are unhappy, unhealthy.
We are sentient beings - don’t need to necessarily teach directly.
Creating a safe place for my clients so they can explore these things
People do as we do, not as we say (much like our kids)
Practice what you preach
“Not everyone is ready for that”
For School Leaders:
Be patient
Get crystal clear on your “Why” - why do you WANT to transform?
What is your vision for your future self?
“Don’t let your legacy be seen only once you’re gone” - What is your Living Legacy?
Where are you going too far in your work? - When is “good” good enough?
It’s different, but it’s not wrong
Leadership Challenge
New country, young daughter, and new business.
This is re-learning journey
Need people to be able to call you out and bring you back
“I’m worthy just because I am”
Hopeful
Society that is empowered and to explore who we are.
1
LINKS
Genius Leadership Podcast
GUEST CONTACT INFORMATION
Anna Liebel on LinkedIn
HOST CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam & Jeff as we chat with Special Education elementary teacher at the Ohio State School for the Blind, & Nominee for Ohio State Teacher of the Year... Marie McCumber!
Education Journey
Started from high school and learning about the deaf and hard of hearing.
Paying for college was devastating.
Worked in Germany as a classroom assistant.
Wishes her story was a “more exciting story” - how she got into special education
Took the right opportunities to discover what she really loves.
2 years at the Ohio School for the Blind Prek-12
70% of their students are unemployed due to their visual impairment
Teach Better Ambassador
Her best friend encouraged her to get more involved.
Nominee for Ohio Teacher of the Year
Hopeful
The COVID challenges existing systems in education to be used as an opportunity for growth; to become better.
GUEST CONTACT INFORMATION
Marie McCumber on Twitter: @Hannahnia
HOST CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam & Jeff as we chat with Dr. Sam Fecich, a professor of education, author of EduMagic: A Guide for Preservice Teachers, and pumpkin spice latte fan.
Currently an associate professor at Grove City College in Grove City, PA, Sam helps future educators become educators of excellence during their college career, by preparing them to work with all students and educational technology in meaningful and authentic ways.
Education Journey
Unexpected surprises.
Dad knows best; you can add special education to your license
1st job was in a classroom with multiple disability students.
Not afraid to take an abandoned SMART Board.
Make your Google Search a professional one.
Prep for Future Teachers - EduMagic (book, podcast, classes, etc.)
Nothing out there for new teachers beyond their UnderGrad at the time
Talking about those things they don’t teach you in the college classroom
What can you do to be an “Educator of Excellence?”
Go in with a “teacher mindset” - you don’t necessarily need to be an expert in that content area
BUY THE BOOK! EduMagic
(COUPON CODE - CODESAM)
Teach Your Heart Out Virtual Conference
Leadership Challenge
Future teachers should seek their own PD at conferences; they are an educator of excellence.
Tap on the shoulder to move educators forward.
Student teacher
Hopeful
Let’s talk lessons learned from the last year (COVID year) and move them into our Fall semester
Engaging students, forming relationships.
GUEST CONTACT INFO
Dr. Sam on Twitter: @sfecich
HOST CONTACT INFO
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam & Jeff as we chat with Beach-loving, Florida transplant who loves ALL things outdoors... Jillian DuBois! Water, waves, salty air, and warm breezes is where she finds the most joy. While she admits her loyalty to this wonderful state, she will forever claim status as a native Texan, born and raised in Dallas with deep southern roots that are still lovingly planted.
PROFESSIONALLY, SHE IS A PASSIONATE EDUCATOR WHO CALLS ALL STUDENTS HER OWN. SHE IS A RECENTLY PUBLISHED AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR, BLOGGER, PODCASTER, AND TECH TOOL FANATIC.
Educator’s Journey
Didn’t start out teaching
Started volunteering in a classroom
Transition to teaching program in FL
Decided to homeschool her son in 8th grade, quit her job.
Great experience homeschooling
Best 5 years of her life - homeschooling
Put her homeschool experience into practice back in the classroom, loves every minute of it
Author:
Liv’s Seashell’s
Road to Awesome
UPCOMING… Look at You, Piper Lou
LLC: ImpartedJoy
Internal, cultivated, passionate joy - how are we going to get it to come out?
Leadership/Career Challenge
This has been the hardest year, but hasn’t been the worst.
HOPEFUL
Professionally, educators can stay on the track of encouraging one another; lean in.
Personally, this summer is one of rest.
GUEST CONTACT INFO
https://jilliandubois.com/
Jillian on Twitter11
HOST CONTACT INFO
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Jeff & Adam for Part B of our incredible chat with CatalystCreativ Founder and author of The Seventh Level, Amanda Slavin.
Join Jeff & Adam as we come off of our short hiatus and have a WONDERFUL conversation with Forbes "30 Under 30 Alum for Marketing and Advertising," co-founder of the award-winning community design agency, Catalyst Creativ (W/Tony Hsieh) and Bestselling author of The Seventh Level, Amanda Slavin!
Amanda’s Leadership Journey
Good with kids, coaching, camp counselor for 10 years
Kids are like sponges.
“Kids who aren’t seen” - a large part of her journey, who she is all about
The Secretary of education attended school there.
Doing community event planning on the side
Two weeks before graduation, she was offered a job doing event planning for a restaurant group
Master’s Thesis became her book
Feedback & Responses - given to disgruntled customers - engaging with people
“I loved working with kids” - so much of what teachers have to do is systemic; “I didn’t ever want to resent the children”
“Engagement is the bedrock of human connection”
Asking questions to be able figure out how to align and make connections
One question could unlock...
The awkward Uncle story
Catalyst Creativ
Summit Series - produced this series - felt that this was what she should be doing - Gary V
Met her business partner - Tony Hsieh, founder of Zappos.
Created experiences in downtown Vegas
BOOK - The Seventh Level (2019)
It is a relationship book.
No more important relationship than the teacher to child.
We are comparing each other to the highlight reels of other people’s lives
Hopeful
A world that my son is bullied for being compassionate and allow others to truly be themselves.
GUEST CONTACT INFO:
Catalyst Creativ Website
HOST CONTACT INFO:
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Jeff and Adam as they chat it up with Jessica Reed.
Jessica’s Education Journey Jack of all trades in elementary school One of two people in her county that are Google Trained Educators. I found a fit after 13/14 years. “I love talking.” Jessica Flipgrid is a tool that Jessica uses to better understand student thinking. Jessica has four degrees. Testing is less important. Ed. S. in instructional technology prior to pandemic Didn’t want to go into education at first; mother was an AP.
Challenge along the way Bad co-teaching experience In front of the kids was called out Was in fear of losing her job
BOOK Co-teaching and collaboration - “The Collaborative Prenup” It’s a marriage that if not handled well, ends in divorce.
Hopeful Next year will be somewhat normal. The pressure of the pandemic is not on the teacher's shoulders.
Guest Contact https://www.edumatchpublishing.com/whatsnew/categories/jessica-reed Twitter: @kygirlinalabama Host Contact INSTAGRAM Dr. Jeff Prickett Adam DeWitt TWITTER Dr. Jeff Prickett Adam DeWitt FACEBOOK Principal Leadership Lab Dr. Jeff Prickett Adam DeWitt
Join Adam & Jeff as we chat with Primary Principal Dan Edwards!
Dan’s Leadership Journey
Hailing from Leicester, England, Dan originally trained to be a teacher in HS and MS
Disenfranchised teaching HS
Took some time off
Spent some time working in primary schools (nursery age)
Learned about the importance of play
Teacher’s Assistant he worked with was there when he was toddler; she helped him learn to tie his laces
Best job in the world - what he’s doing now
Weight of the responsibility to teach primary students
What can we learn from the primary school to keep the love of learning alive?
Self-selection of activities, what they want to do, want to learn, having their own agency.
“Sense of independence gets lost” - this is backwards! How do we let this happen? When we take away their agency and self-selection, we start to tell them that “adults know best,” and that they are not mature enough to make their own choices.
Historical view of classrooms were setup to replicate the Victorian Mill houses. The teacher was the most knowledgeable person in the room.
Leadership Challenge/Opportunity
Well being is the challenge; we tell others, but we don’t....
Reflect on the things that matter
Meet on things that move the school forward
Hopeful
Normality
Assemblies, whole school celebrations, community
GUEST CONTACT INFO:
Dan Edwards Twitter
HOST CONTACT INFO:
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
According to Karen, “Education should nurture our most vital community asset – our children.” As the Founding Director of Voyagers’ Community School, Karen is shifting and disrupting the education paradigm. Each day she tells and shows children and adults that anything is possible, that dreams motivate, curiosity inspires, and they have the power to change the world.
A respected industry thought leader and speaker, Karen is an active member of a number of boards, committees, and progressive organizations where she shares her expertise in non-profit operations, curriculum development, and educational revolution as a global undertaking, with children’s interests at the fore. Karen helps schools integrate progressive approaches in classrooms and across all schools and school systems — whether public, charter, or private. She also advised start-up school efforts.
Karen’s Leadership Journey
Voyagers’ Community School - Founding Director - Infancy-12
Natural Educator - Loved Dance, so became a dance teacher..
Worked in Harvard, Mass at a public school - project-based
Wrote curriculum for PE teachers, training trainers.
Eldest son struggled in school, began thinking about education and what was possible
Needed to be a school that was different - founded Voyagers’ in 2004
Voyager - how it was developed - took years to come to the name
Exploration, Journey - wanted kids to grow their intellectual muscle/strength; seating arrangements, multi-age, independent work
Teachers as researchers
Children as critical thinkers,kids who hold on to their imaginations, civic-minded
Curriculum Continuum is not predetermined
Recruiting Teachers - maybe 5 have potential out of 100 - coming from traditional school settings
The longer they have been traditional settings, the longer it takes for them to unlearn
Sandpaper Concept - show me a different way, challenge me to see something different
“Thriving on the rub” - thrive on the back and forth, the challenge
How do you keep the “sandpaper” fresh - people who are willing to be challenged, rubbed in a different way - have to be willing to change and to grow
Students - it does take a unique student - kids late in their ed. Careers have to Opt-In. They have to want something different, they have to know what they want.
Capstone projects in place of final exams
Leadership Challenge/Opportunity
If I knew ahead of time, I probably wouldn’t have done it...
Disrupt education.
How to take this to the public - humbly, but confidently
At the heart and mind of every school leader - how do we make this experience equitable
Hopeful
Children as powerful, resourceful, competent - kids have to be stakeholders
The magic of childhood - keeping that alive
Something different for children - have things panned out how you would have expected? Anything you would change? What is next to improve V?
“What would it take for you to want to come to school?”
"Project Weeks"
GUEST CONTACT INFO
Website: https://voyagerscommunityschool.org/
HOST CONTACT INFO:
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam & Jeff as we chat with Dr. Chad Dumas, an educational consultant, international presenter and award-winning researcher whose primary focus is collaborating to develop capacity for continuous improvement. Having been a successful teacher, principal, central office administrator, professional developer and consultant in a variety of school districts, he brings his passion, knowledge, and skills to his writing and speaking as he engages participants in meaningful and practical learning. By seamlessly weaving engaging stories with education research and offering hands-on tools with clear processes, Chad offers readers and audiences useful knowledge and skills they can implement immediately.
The results of Chad's work speak for themselves. One district was identified as "Persistently Lowest Achieving" upon his arrival, and within a few years -- by applying the principles of this book -- multiple schools were recognized as National PLC Models for improving student learning. Chad has served on and led accreditation visits for Cognia around the United States and world, presented nationally and internationally, collaborated with school boards, intermediate service agencies, state departments of education, and professional associations, and trained as an agency trainer for Adaptive Schools.
Chad’s Leadership Journey
Started august of 1999, MS vocal educator, Lincoln, Nebraska
Signed up for the school improvement committee, but it wasn’t gardening.
However, environment does matter
Dick Spearman - NE principal, sent him to a training - only teacher in the room - 8 days of training around Classroom Instruction That Works
Implemented strategies like an experiment/lab
Next Learning Solutions, LLC
Son came up with the name for the company
The book came from his dissertation - What principals need to know to improve collaboration
Let’s Put the C in PLC - Book Title
Leadership Challenge/Obstacle
Being a principal is acute stress, central office is chronic stress; they will both kill you.
When you leave, they almost don’t notice - how can the work continue when the leader is gone? Build the capacity, provide opportunities for your staff to implement
Hopeful For -
Never let a good crisis go to waste. ~Eisenhower
COVID has allowed us to address inequities.
Social justice based on the needs that have recently been raised.
These kids are learning skills that we have tried to teach, but are learning on their own; relationships, resilience…
BUY THE BOOK! https://www.amazon.com/Chad-Dumas/e/B08LNYS9HY
GUEST CONTACT INFO:
Dr. Chad Dumas on Twitter
HOST CONTACT INFO:
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam and Jeff as we speak with Debbie Tannenbaum, a School Based Technology Specialist in Fairfax County, Virginia. She is in her third year in this position and her twenty-first year in education.
Education Journey
Always wanted to be a teacher
Found technology
Master’s in Tech in 2002
2017 - principal introduced her to Twitter - started to blog, listen to podcasts, connect with people
At first was resistant, thought Twitter was for famous people
“Tannenbaum Tech”
Currently works with kids and teachers in her role as Tech Specialist
Working with Jeff Gargas from TB Team to develop her website and bring value to people
Connections with people helped her do things she wouldn’t normally have done
The Book
“Transform: Techy Notes to Make Learning Sticky”
What value do you hope the book will provide to people?
Who is the book written for? (Audience)
Three parts: get your feet wet, next steps and nurturing student agency, take the transformation to the next level.
Narrative & Tech-Based writing style
Challenge or Opportunity
She was de-staffed and have to share two buildings
An open mind led to extensive learning
Made the situation positive and looked for learning opps
A catalyst for making her stronger
Hopeful
Take this past years lessons and making them common
Don’t make lifelong learning cost prohibitive
Don’t put learning in boxes
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Road to Awesome, LLC
GUEST CONTACT INFORMATION
Debbie on Twitter
HOST CONTACT INFO
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam & Jeff as we chat with our friend and the Executive Director at St. Paul American School Hanoi, Moo Eiselstein!
Lives in Hanoi, Vietnam, but hails from Richmond, VA
Moo’s Leadership Journey
- Education didn’t come first; military out of high school
- Didn’t like school
- Served as a military policeman
- Account manager for a business
- Substituted for an ELL class led to a new career
- Teaching led to a principal role
- Met a lady online which led to a happy marriage in Vietnam
- Didn’t know anything about international schools
- Elementary Principal at the school where he taught
- Exec. Director/Head of School - school is owned by one man
- For-Profit School
- Most of his students come from Korea, but there are many countries represented
Challenge/Opportunity along the way
- Personality not what you’d think of as a Principal
- Believes in shared decision making
- People also need a powerful leader and I’m not that guy
- A leader takes a person from where they are to where we need them to be
Hopeful
- So many…
- Be the actors enacting change
- Not just cope and fix
GUEST CONTACT INFORMATION
Contact Moo - School Website (FB Page)
HOST CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Jeff & Adam as we chat with Education Researcher, Design Thinker, and Podcaster - Dr. Sabba Quidwai
Sabba believes that cultures of innovation begin with a culture of empathy. She works with leaders to integrate design thinking practices that encourage creativity, recognize accomplishments, build trust and inspire a collective vision. In 2018 the World Economic Forum identified Leadership and Social Influence as a trending skill. Sabba shares how building social influence across social media platforms can empower leaders as role models for the beliefs and values they want to see others adopt as they believe that their audience is able to rise to the occasion.
As a graduate of the Global Executive EdD program at the University of Southern California, Sabba’s research focus is how design thinking can prepare individuals with the mindset and skillset to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Her work is driven by a quote from William Gibson, "The future is here. It just isn't evenly distributed."
Sabba hosts a podcast, “Sprint to Success with Design Thinking,” where she interviews researchers and practitioners about their stories and strategies for navigating change with design thinking and thriving in today’s world.
Sabba’s Leadership Journey
Went to USC
Serendipity
Former HS teacher
Watching her sister work with tech…
Created a role allied “Director of Tech & Innovation”
Empathy lens - listen and learn - cultures of innovation begin with cultures of empathy
Unlearn everything we know about collaboration
Adam Grant: A field guide to think again
The Story of Design39Campus
Trust happened organically.
Psychological safety
Teachers are inherently design thinkers
EdCamp while at USC - met two KDG teachers
We don’t usually see them “sustain & scale”
Challenge traditional measures
Found a travel EdD program
“What are you energized by?”
How to think about Design Thinking for Educators
Find the right problems to solve
Podcast - Sprint to Success with Design Thinking
Extension of the dissertation.
Change the “grammar” of school
Most interesting medium instead of writing.
Leadership struggle/opportunity
Innovation means we are changing something.
What are their fears and motivations?
Don’t focus on problems; what motivates
Unfortunately, we seek perfection over progression.
Hopeful
Change in the right direction
Kids connecting, collaborating, and creating
How to ask questions and find problems
Spring to Success WEBSITE
GUEST CONTACT INFO
https://askmsq.com/
Sabba on Twitter
HOST CONTACT INFO
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Adam & Jeff recap the first 50 episodes of the passion project that turned out to be an essential part of both of their lives - The Principal Leadership Lab. Hear their reflections about the first 50, and their hopes for the future of "The Lab!"
Join Jeff & Adam for the 50th EPISODE OF THE PRINCIPAL LEADERSHIP LAB! On this special episode, we talk with Central Office Admin, Virtual Principal, Doctoral Student, Wife, Mother, Blogger and Friend, Sari Goldberg McKeown!
Sari’s Leadership Journey
NYU student, planning to go to law school
Missed the kids (was a gymnastics coach)
Was excessed from her teaching position despite being tenured
“From paralegal to teacher”
All about the journey
Virtual School (created out of the pandemic)
Lots of creative ideas to bring kids together
We are Better Together
Focus Groups to think about and reflect on the year and continue to learn
Communication - big takeaway from this year
Use multiple platforms to communicate
Doctoral Student
Topic: “Empathy in Leadership”
Applies to everyone and to find the hidden stories
“Why” is the essential question
Sometimes people who are empathic might think they are broken
Not been explored i ed leadership to the extent that it has in healthcare
Being more empathetic can be healing
Helen Reiss -Empathy of Fact
Leadership struggle/opportunity
Checking things off the list
Grateful attitude of reflection
Hopeful
Better tomorrow
All the ways we have grown
All we have to celebrate
GUEST CONTACT INFORMATION
Sari on Twitter
HOST CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Jeff & Adam as we talk to Educator (7th grade teacher at a middle school in Wyoming) Father of 4, Tech trainer, & Fly Fisherman, James Kapptie!
James’s Leadership Journey
Coaching brought him into education
Has taught a little bit of everything
Tech director for awhile, but far away from kids, found an opportunity to get back into the classroom
Teaching in WY with COVID - personalization already in place due to technology, pretty open all year (with masks & hybrid).
“We’ve adapted”
Fail Fast & Fail Forward
Help kids get excited about learning
A.R. (augmented reality) - did a training at ISTE
“Is it a gadget or is it a tool?”
Don’t say you can’t, when there are so many ways you can
Tech Training
SAMR model and spawned organically
Training others with Code.org
Specific tools for specific classes and applications.
Leadership struggle/opportunity
You can either complain about it or be part of the solution
Hopeful
Hopeful that kids will talk about education before and after COVID. Don’t forget, make the distinction. Hopefully there is a defining difference.
GUEST CONTACT INFO
James on Twitter
HOST CONTACT INFO
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Balance Boundaries Breaks with Evan Whitehead.
Evan Whitehead has been in the field of education for more than 20 years spanning three decades and is currently the director of special services for a PK–8 school district in Illinois. In his current role, Evan oversees all federal programs (special education, McKinney-Vento, English learners, and Title I); early childhood education; multi-tiered system of support (MTSS); social emotional learning, family and community engagement; health services; continuous improvement; and equity, diversity, and cultural competency.
Evan’s Leadership Journey
Started education later, but 33 years are in the bag.
Didn’t start out seeking this profession.
Career started with a nudge from mom working in a special education cooperative.
Worked in Therapeutic Day setting
Intro to education, has had to restrain students.
“If you’re not invited to the dinner, you’re probably on the menu”
Making sure we’re at the table for students - how to encourage young educators to speak up and be heard
2% Club - number of black males in education
We are at a crossroads in education. - how do we reimagine education?
It isn’t about seat time.
What does 8 - 3:30 mean for most students?
Snow days, discipline, homebound
Whole child instruction.
We have to take care of our educators like we do our students.
Adult care: Before school hours and connecting. Alphabet survival guide.
These care activities have to come from the “top”.
Placed a pause on “curriculum maps” for this time period.
Leadership struggle/opportunity
Had to understand self care and what he needed.
Understands Imposter Syndrome, has lived it.
Was not adhering to his own boundaries
First time is a favor, 2nd time it’s expected
Hopeful
Opportunity for change
Time for family.
Seeing and value what we have.
Recognize how quickly life can change.
Use this past year for growth going forward.
GUEST CONTACT INFO
Evan on Twitter
evanwhitehead11@gmail.com
HOST CONTACT INFO
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam and Jeff as we chat with "The Magician!" In addition to teaching at the high school and university levels, Dr. Frank Rudnesky was the principal of Belhaven Middle School in Linwood, New Jersey for a span of two decades. During that time, the school was recognized with numerous local, state, and national awards for leadership, technology influence, excellence in performance, and a positive culture. The school was often used as a visitation site for other educators from as far away as Japan.
Frank has developed, implemented, and studied leadership processes to enhance organizational culture. He has authored numerous books and articles published in the areas of leadership and technology influence. Dr. R. resides in the Jostens Renaissance Educator Hall of Fame and sits on several non-profit boards including the New Jersey Schools to Watch core team.
Frank’s Education Journey
No straight arrow to his path into education
U of San Fran
Started in Magic Shop on Fisherman’s Wharf
Opened up a magic shop in New Jersey,
Got bored and started substitute teaching
Magic was a connector - “what is YOUR connector?”
30 years public educator
“Leadership isn't just for those at the top”
Got connected with others after “retirement”
Started writing down ideas
LEGACY surfboard - given to him by students his last year
Find out what your student’s passions are
Never surfed in his life before 50 years old
“Core Boards” - Leadership Exchanges with other middle schools
Core Boards were an instigation led by students
Wear them and when someone inspires or moves you, write that person’s name on the back and give it to them.
Amazing what happens when you inspire and empower kids
Empower Half Hour
Desire to stay connected in education and leadership
Twitter chat inspired to fit a tighter timeline
Let’s take what we can control, and control.
TWO BOOKS
FIRED UP Leadership
- Added passion to tie all of the domains together
- Focus on the group, not self
- Don’t be afraid of failure; don’t be afraid of success
- Tell stories
50 Great things leaders do?
- Time to make animal balloons
- Started writing stories down from the collective thoughts of the school.
Leadership struggle
Teacher at a high school
Always thought he would be a great difference-maker
Was asked to homebound tutor a student who had cancer
Learned another way of looking at things
Hopeful
Use the optimism of those we serve.
Students engage when we provide choice, love, kindness, etc...
GUEST CONTACT INFO:
Website
Join Adam & Jeff for this very special episode as we chat with young entrepreneur and former student of Jeff's (from his first principalship!)
Jessica's bio: founder of @projectvoicepod | Author: “softly, I speak” (Louisiana Lit Press, 2020) ✏️ | social justice & philanthropy
Currently resides in Boston, MA
“Though having lived in the U.S. for most of her life, she hops from one country to the next in hopes of discovering pieces of home to fill her Asian-American soul.” - from Jessica’s website
Jessica’s Leadership Story:
Lots of Side Hustles, Lots of Passions
Round Lake - Schuler Scholarship - This provided abundant opportunities to explore her talents around the world.
Spirit of Activism/Philanthropy
Child of immigrant parents - 2nd gen Vietnamese-American
High schools lack ethnic studies.
What Can School Leaders Do:
Invite students to come on board and talk, get their perspectives;
Home visits
Project Voice Podcast:
Documenting stories of Asian Americans;
Launched in 2016
2020 - Launched a scholarship program for prospective podcasters - 3 recipients first year
Pivoted to the “Project Voice Fund” on Grapevine
Leadership Struggle:
Leadership in the organizational space.
Needs to shift thinking on running an organization.
More space for more people.
Trying to be less controlling.
Hopeful:
All of the dialogues that are happening and the changes to come.
We need to go through the words to see the improvement.
"The lights are flickering."
GUEST CONTACT INFO:
Jessica Nguyen on Twitter
Website
HOST CONTACT INFO:
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Jeff & Adam as they chat with High School assistant principal and Host of the Big ED Idea podcast -from Dixon, Kentucky - Ryan Scott!
Mr. Scott served as Morganfield Elementary Principal in Union County. He has also served as an elementary teacher at East Heights and South Heights Elementary Schools in Henderson County.
Mr. Scott earned his Masters of P-12 Learning Behavior Disorders and his Educational Specialist Principal from the University of the Cumberlands. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Murray State University.
Ryan’s Leadership Story:
Non-traditional route to the principalship.
Oldest daughter was the best mistake he ever made.
16-22 he was a "lost child"
Held lots of jobs going through school, raising a daughter on his own
"Don’t be afraid of bodily fluids" - Kindergarten teaching
Overarching desire to make the world a better place as an educator.
New Podcast - Big ED Idea
Firm believer in “God winks.”
Encouraged/Inspired by the Men in Ed FB group.
When something tugs on your heart, you need to act
Visions of one with the passion of another.
Passions and purpose - Simon Sinek (sometimes it just takes other people’s passions to discover your purpose)
Leadership Struggle
Failing Forward - Spring of 2019
Dealing with depression
9 principals in 15 years
Contingency of “we’ve always done it this way”
Spring of 2019 - resigned: thought he should be able to fix everything, didn’t like to fail
Landed in a HS setting, and realized this was where he was supposed to be
Hopeful
Amazing changes in education (let’s not fall back to the assembly line).
Computers can be the platform to deliver content, but we are finding that teachers are more than deliverers of content.
We are STILL talking about “Future-Ready” when Future-Ready is HERE and NOW!
Anything that can be Googled should not be taught
Look at the 5 C’s and see how we can fit the standards into them
EvolveOrDie
“Give them the leeway to do that!”
GUEST CONTACT INFORMATION
Ryan Scott on Twitter
HOST CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Jeff & Adam as we chat with our friend and colleague, Darrin Peppard! Dr. Darrin Peppard, a self-proclaimed recovering high school principal, is a school district superintendent, speaker, author, and consultant. Darrin’s expertise in school culture and climate, along with coaching and growing emerging leaders has made him a leading voice in school leadership on an international level. Living life on the “Road To Awesome”, Darrin leads through relationships, compassion, and a human-being first focus. Peppard has served kids and adults as a superintendent, principal, assistant principal, teacher, and coach. Darrin was recognized as the Jostens Renaissance Educator of the Year in 2015, Wyoming Secondary School Principal of the Year by WASSP/NASSP in 2016, and in 2019, he was inducted into the Jostens Renaissance Hall of Fame. Darrin and his wife live in Grand County, Colorado spending as much time off the road in their Jeep and hiking with their daughter and their dogs.
Leadership Journey
When I speak, I mention being a “recovering HS principal”
HS principal job is the hardest job in the district
The first time someone mentioned to him the term “leadership,” he almost fell out of his chair
Two most critical questions: hats & cell phones
Let’s actually challenge the status quo - this is actually the moment “Road to Awesome” started
Punishment to gain Compliance - the worst strategy in the world
Getting our kids into relevant learning experiences
Our students are ready to LEAD NOW!
Growing Emerging Leaders
Focusing an a wider audience of people, working with them to find out where they want to grow
Road to Awesome & Relationship with Code Breaker
Good things happen slowly over time
Great things happen rapidly
“Just tell your stories”
Had a book contract overnight
Brian Aspinall - CodeBreaker
Leadership Challenge/Opportunity
Misconception of what it means to be a principal - 1st Year principal
Not leading, being a firefighter
Didn’t delegate well
A leadership coach saved his career
Didn’t feel like he had time for anything other than his “pushpin” tasks set out on his bulletin board
“You need to learn to help other people learn how to solve their problems”
Get out of your own way
Put “school culture” on your calendar
Hopeful
Growing other leaders. LIft up the voices of teachers everywhere. Empowering others in education.
Leadership Matters
GUEST HOST INFO:
Darrin Peppard
HOST CONTACT INFO:
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam & Jeff as we chat with educational leader, blogger, and FIRST-TIME PODCAST GUEST, Bobbie French!
Bobbie is an Educational Leader who has been inspired by others to share with you celebrations, challenges, and thoughts along her journey.
Bobbie’s Leadership Journey:
Started as an elementary counselor
Taught 2nd & 3rd grade
Recruited to be a principal
Private - Catholic - school principal for 5 years
Current Education Coordinator in Massachusetts
Past Elementary Principal and Special Education Coordinator
Set a schedule for shared locations.
Daily morning email
Be clear in your communication
What to do when opportunities arise
“The Connected Educator”
Just Start advice: Podcast - “The Busy Principal”
Too many people don’t “just start”
The Ripple Effect has been amazing
Leadership Challenge:
You’re Not Perfect.
Allowing yourself grace to make a mistake
Becoming a New Principal - wanting to help, do things “for the better,” but haven’t developed trust yet.
Listen more, talk less
Taking feedback from staff
Figuring out “the long game”
In it for “The Infinite Game” - Simon Sinek
What are you HOPEFUL for?
One Word - BELIEVE
What can we do to recreate education?
When you know better, you do better
What schools are going to create Virtual Academies? - If they are not thinking about it, they should be
GUEST CONTACT INFO:
Web SIte
HOST CONTACT INFORMATION:
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam & Jeff for episode #42, where we chat with three phenomenal educators who are also recent authors - Rachael George, Kate Barker and Kourtney Ferrua!
EDUCATOR/AUTHOR BIOS:
Rachael George - Elementary Principal
PreK-5 Principal of ‘19 ICLE Model School. Past MS Principal of a 2x Model School. Author #PrincipalED leaders Speaker. ASCD Emerging Leader, NAESP Fellow
Kate Barker - Elementary Principal
Mom~Wife~ Principal~Author of PrincipalED~Professor~Mentor~Speaker~Food Rescuer. . . Committed to high expectations infused with love.
Kourtney Ferrua - Director of Curriculum K-12
National Distinguished Principal. Relentless believer in children. Growth mindset champion. Social Justice warrior. Educator. Author. Mom. Wife.
Tell us about your leadership journey?
Rachael: Goldilocks effect, from forest service to the classroom, to a principal role.
Kate: 30 years in the same district, Portland, OR, and includes many experiences in between.
Kourtney: Studying in San Fran, started in prison teaching, developed a lifelong passion for social justice, high school teacher, then kindergarten, principal. The transition: moved out of the focus, loves curriculum and the processes.
How are each of your schools navigating the different instructional models during this pandemic? Have there been any innovations or aha moments?
You don’t have to choose - you have to have both
“Our goal as educators is to lift up other educators”~Kate
Move away from academic and focused on social-emotional
“A humanity every single day”
Causing more problems with these interventions; Get all the grownups on the same page
The Book Story
From a conference and talking about how their fall was going. Many visitors attending their schools due to growth. Aligned their work for the book. Chat with Dave and Shelly Burgess, and it took off from there
How do you write a book with 3 different people?
Trial and error. Wrote chap. 1 in hopes of merging all three, didn’t work. Chapter leads took over as the model.
Leadership Struggle/Opportunity
Kate - Staff didn’t feel like they had a voice; if you want to have that dialogue, you have to create the systems and protocols for that discussion; transparency
Rachael - Communication. Learning how communication is received at high school vs. elementary. Flex & Shift depending on who you’re working with
Hopeful
Kourtney - Relentless capacity for students to learn.
HOST CONTACT INFO:
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Jeff & Adam as we chat with our friend & colleague, Livia Chan! A passionate, grateful educator & ringette coach from British Columbia, Canada, Liv is a Head Teacher, PD lover, Blogger, Ambassador & Digital Content Editor @TeachBetterTeam
Livia’s Educator Journey
Didn’t always know she wanted to be a teacher
Always looks forward to Monday, unlike many who talk about looking forward to the weekend
Head Teacher - equivalent to a department chair/assistant principal; does admin work with the principal
Original degree in criminology.
Someone gives you the gift of belief
I want you to be in your stretch zone.
Ringette
Kind of like ice hockey
30 seconds to score a goal
Working with Teach Better - the PLN Story
Started in April, Gargas invited her to join the podcast.
Has increased her duties with them since her involvement
Family atmosphere
“Had no idea I needed this”
Mastermind
So better equipped because of TB
Has been nicknamed The “Reacher-Outer”
The power of circling back, of reaching out to people when they are on your mind
The connector - it comes from a heart of gratitude
Every interaction is an opportunity
Google Form she keeps to document thoughts and phrases that resonate with her, reaches out to that author
Leadership Struggle/Challenge
Blended roles - No rules for the roles in a new position
Principal who was also new.
Managing all of these things and doing them well.
Hopeful
Teachers and leaders have a gift of providing an opportunity to provide the gift of belief for our students.
Let’s turn on the high beams so they can see what we see.
All teachers help children find what they love
GUEST CONTACT INFO:
Livia Chan on Twitter
Livia Chan Website
HOST CONTACT INFO:
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam & Jeff as we speak with Daphne McMenemy! Living in Oakville, which is 45 minutes outside of Toronto, Canadian, Daphne is an educator, author, speaker and the Managing Director of Code Breaker, Inc. Learn more about Daphne here:
Daphne’s Educator Journey
15 years ago, teaching primary - K-3;
3,1, & finally KDG
Looping - teaching kids two years in a row
Learned this was exactly where she was supposed to be - KDG
½ day vs. full-day
Back teaching 1,2 grades now
Books:
Gracie, What Happens When I Learn to Code, Grace: The Maker
Who is Gracie based on?
- Started over a twitter DM with Brian Aspinall
- When do you start writing a book…you just start.
- Gracie is based upon four different students.
- Grace Hopper is one of the first female programmers.
- Perseverance and collaboration
- Young students can solve problems and use higher order thinking.
- Many personal attributes are woven within the story.
CodeBreaker, Inc
Leadership doesn’t mean administrator
Kid first, not content.
Foster risk taking
Educational/Leadership Challenge
8 years in, needed a change, discovered EdTech
Lone Wolf at her school at the time (with EdTech)
Plowed ahead, didn’t pay attention to her colleague’s pushback
Even if you are right, to keep thinking that you are and saying that you are can hinder your progress and burn bridges
What I learned is that I had isolated myself
As soon as I became a listener, I became a learner
Hopeful….that a result of the massive changes that educators are seeing in education in another way for the betterment of our children.
GUEST CONTACT INFO:
Daphne McMenemy Twitter
Website
HOST CONTACT INFO:
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam & Jeff as we chat with 1st year principal Trelane Clark!
Trelane’s Leader Journey
14 years old - knew she wanted to be an educator
Amazing educators as a student
Wanted to have her own school
Simmons College - Boston, MA
Taught 17 years
Public & Private schools
24th year in education
Lack of resources is biggest difference in sectors she has worked
Has worked as an assistant principal for 9 years
“The Pandemic Principal” - 1st year principal
Challenge along Your Journey
Likes to look at the positive side of a challenge - more of an opportunity
Has been, at times, the only black woman at schools where she has worked
Has felt she needed to downplay who she is to be able to work, bring her “full self” to work.
Has begun doing more equity work in the past couple of years
Equity Conversation
Culturally responsive teaching - adults should be doing the exact same thing
HEART work
If it’s not in you, it can’t come out of you
First job is as a mother
Affirm your kids as who they are, give them models
We can’t be “Box-Checkers” in this work
Hopeful
My own children. Hopeful for equity advocates who are deep in this work.
GUEST CONTACT INFORMATION
Trelane Clark Twitter Link
Trelane Clark Website Link
HOST CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam & Jeff as we chat with our friend and principal colleague, Santiago Meza!
Santiago’s Edu Journey:
Not born in USA - Mexico
Born in a marketplace
Came to US at 10 months
First born: college, BA, MA, Educator
Great foundation in being Re-Born
Parents: 6th grade education
EL learner
Wanted to be a pro football player; hurt in HS
Prom date turned into much more…
Dream Circle: people of support
Path to Overcome - failed his admin
How’s your day: “I got to take a breath today”
#RootedInStrengthCA
Didn’t know where to turn, gave his life to God. Col. 2:7
Rooted In Strength was born.
Can’t find my buddy, joined Twitter.
Power of the PLN
It is like family.
Get back to others and let them know you have their back.
Leadership Challenge:
People take generosity and kindness as weakness
Don’t get a 2nd chance at a word that you spoke
I can be kind in hard situations
This is who I am. I’m not going to be a yeller.
Hopeful:
We can all serve, support and love each other.
GUEST CONTACT INFO:
HOST CONTACT INFO:
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Jeff & Adam as we chat with Adam D. Drummond, who has served as a consultant, manager, director, and keynoter for the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE). Adam’s servant leadership and passion for making a change in the world has offered him the opportunity to work with students, teachers, and leaders across the country and internationally. Adam’s mantra – 100% of the students, 100% of the time – offers the opportunity to engage teachers and leaders in supporting them in building their own leadership capacity and skill set to ensure that all students receive the very best education possible every single day. Today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders and Adam believes that we must create the conditions for students and adults to be lifelong learners.
Adam has served as an elementary teacher, middle school teacher, K-12 technology integration specialist, elementary and secondary professional development coordinator, assistant principal and principal. Additionally, he has served as an adjunct professor in education and educational leadership at various universities in Indiana. Adam holds a doctorate in educational administration, specialist degree in education with a K-12 school superintendent license, master’s degree in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education, and a bachelor’s degree in education with a concentration in mathematics.
Adam has served on the National Association of Elementary School Principals Board of Directors and was a regional winner and finalist for Indiana Principal of the Year. Adam was also recognized for his school leadership by Fort Wayne (Indiana) Business Weekly as “40 Under 40” award recipient and was honored by Ball State University Teachers College as an Outstanding Alumni. In February 2016, Adam was recognized by the Indiana General Assembly with a House Resolution recognizing his leadership as a school principal. Adam, and his wife Tiffanney, a high school CTE administrator, reside in Indiana with their sons Chase and Carson and daughter Carter.
Adam’s Edu Journey:
Teacher - elem/ms
K-12 tech specialist
Started doing district PD
Elementary principal
Opportunity came up to work with ICLE
Foundational Frameworks of the ICLE:
Rigor/Relevance Framework
Relationships Framework
Daggett System
Collaborative Instructional Review
Personalized Learning - Eric Sheninger - common connection, also partner at ICLE
Personalized, Blended Learning and the ICLE
Are we asking kids to think deeply?
What are the resources we have to support?
Where are the equity gaps?
Rigor/Relevance framework is timeless.
Book: The Instructional Change Agent
Most of the book written on the road
Deadlines
Turn off Netflix
Idea started in 2010
Podcast:
“Lead Change in Education”
Leadership Challenge:
First 30 minutes of the conversation with a parent, tried to defend… until she stopped him and said, “You’re not listening to me.”
“What role do you want me to play here?” Starting with this question before a conversation, meeting, committee, etc.
Hopeful:
Kids are more resilient; kids are still learning, despite a global pandemic; teachers - you have a lot to celebrate
“Pandemic or not, it’s gotta be fantastic”
CONTACT INFO:
https://www.adamddrummond.com/
Join Adam & Jeff for this Friday edition as we speak with Craig Randall. Craig has worked as an elementary and middle school counselor, including one intense year in the classroom with students with severe behavior issues. In addition he has served as an academic advisor at the college level. He has worked as a collegiate basketball coach. He has worked as a teacher at the elementary, middle, and high school levels as well as in college.
And, of course, Craig has worked in the job of his passion and calling: assistant principal and principal. Craig has done his work at schools both in the US and overseas. Now, as the author of the book and founder of the business with the same name: Trust-Based Observations, Craig’s goal is to transform the world of teacher observation and evaluation. He is dedicated to training and consulting school leaders on the use of Trust-Based Observations, empowering them to build supportive relationships with their teachers, relationships which foster risk-taking, which in turn, dramatically improve teaching and learning.
Craig’s Story:
Classroom teacher had to restrain kids, at one point, for 180 straight days!
Has coached in his career
Work international - Warsaw, Poland
Principal endorsement - became AP in Korea
Differences in countries - kids are kids wherever you go
Focus on global citizenship
“Week without Walls”
Service trips, internships
Transition from “School Person” to business owner/author
Anything more than 10 indicators, and we start to lose the forest for the trees…
While in Brazil, a principal said he wanted him to teach other people
Teachers responded well to it. - what part(s) of it did they respond well to?
What were you doing to help students learn vs. what were you teaching
Left principal prep program ready to observe & evaluate....
Felt like it was arrogant of him to tell a teacher what she was doing wrong, give pointers…
TBO Model - what are the steps?
We don’t rate the pedagogy - teachers stop taking risks, start playing it safe
Teachers select action research projects
- 12 twenty min observations per week
- 3 reflective conversations per week
- Convo happens in teacher’s room
- Ask permission to sit beside
- Ask questions, fill in template
- Share what we notice
- Risk taking & Innovation
Prioritizing Time - what can you hand off?
Leadership Struggle
Made a mistake as a principal. Needed to have a challenging conversation. Plan out the approach and prepare for what you may encounter.
Hopeful
WE can create trusting relationships and safe spaces.
Creating comfortable environments to be able to deal with uncomfortable situations
CONNECT
https://trustbased.com/
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam and Jeff as we chat with Brian Kulak, K-5 Principal out of South Jersey, Author, and Baseball Fanatic!
For Brian, there was only one path to education. By the age of fourteen, when he wrote an essay about Detroit Pistons point guard Isiah Thomas, he had made up his mind that he would never leave school. Since then, he has prided himself on his relationships with students and colleagues, his love of literature, and his passion for writing. As a leader, Brian focuses his attention on supporting teachers’ growth on their terms.
Brian is entering his 21st year in education. For the first fifteen, he taught English and journalism at his alma mater in New Jersey. Most recently, he served as Chief Academic Officer for four years before becoming a K-5 principal in 2018. His blog, leveluplead.com, combines shared educational experience with his analogous style to challenge readers to see themselves and their leadership differently. His work has been featured on Edutopia, in Educational Viewpoints, and in Stories in EDU. Brian has also presented on teaching, learning, and leadership at local and national conferences.
Brian is a baseball fanatic, a Pearl Jam aficionado, and a devoted family man. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and two children.
Level Up Leadership: Advance Your EduGame is his first book.
Education Journey
Knew he would be an educator since 14 years old
Taught HS English
Went from the classroom to the district office
Had never done elementary before, moved there by his supt.
“Teacher Leader”
Why are these tweets only about kids?
Get rid of your Principal Parking Spot, Adam
Somebody has to tell you… lots of honoring
“Very little chance I say no”
Blog & Book - writer
One thing to win a championship, but another to repeat
Flash Lessons - Edutopia article
“Tell me something I should know about this topic, and I’ll try and make it relevant”
The 10%
You don’t need a title to be a leader.
Just be a human and know the names of 5th grade teacher’s kids.
Level Up Leadership - Advance Your EduGame
EduMatch - Sarah Thomas
Tongue and Cheek Syllabus Designed Brian
Good evening! Welcome to Nothing As It Seems, an educational leadership class designed to provide a practical dance partner to the theoretical. Here’s a brief outline of what to expect this semester.
Course Description: This graduate level class is designed to address edu-leadership issues about which we rarely speak. From the taboo to the absurd, future leaders will experience edu-leadership through anecdotes and empathy.
Course Objectives:
- To pull back the curtain on educational leadership theory
- To develop useful communication skills for use with crazy people
- To challenge candidates to accept the human side of leadership
- To engage in discussion about what once was considered taboo
Tell us about your Alternate Timeline
Leadership Struggle
We have an innate desire to be perfect
“Accepting that which I can control”
Video game analogy: You die a lot until you figure it out
Hopeful
Kindness - #HopeAndGrace
Choose to not get into the negativity
Stronger partnership between teachers and admin and parents
Join Adam & Jeff as we have a very special conversation with Lindsay Titus!
Lindsay is a K-12 behavior specialist, Ambassador w/ Teach Better Team, Educational Coach & Presenter, and Podcast host
Learn more about Lindsay: A passionate, influential educator specializing in the field of behavior analysis. She is driven every single day to teach other educators how to redefine what success looks like for the more challenging students we work with every day. Her ultimate goal as a behavior specialist is to inspire other educators to recognize that all students have a story to share.
Lindsay has worked as a classroom teacher and behavior specialist in public school, residential, and private settings, and shares her passion for her profession through her own experiences to help guide, motivate, and encourage other educators to use their own personal stories to create connections and relationships with others.
Story behind “DEFINE YOUNIVERSITY” Podcast & Coaching Side
- 15 years ago, started as a classroom teacher
- Always saw herself as a classroom teacher
- All of a sudden, didn’t like it!
- Burned out, left in May one year
- Started work as a behavior consultant
- 3rd year back as K-12 behavior specialist
- Working on admin degree
- Fell into the trap of, “when I find the right job”
WISDOM NUGGETS
Unpack what’s holding you back
Do the inner work first
Living into your purpose and your passion
Don’t quit after tough days; quit after good days
Don’t leave because of a challenge
Be open to those moments
If you have a goal… Change your language and make it happen - NAME it, SAY it. Then make it happen.
Balancing district work & Define YOUniversity
Blend, NOT Balance
Balancing implies EQUAL and EVEN, and if doesn’t balance you feel terrible
Wake up with GRATITUDE every morning
Two hearts on weekend days (on her calendar) -
“those days are for me”
I redefine time...time is abundant…
The podcast started with a goal of making it a year.
Work with the Teach Better Team - Ambassador; Teach Better Podcast Network;
Leadership struggle
I had a fixed mindset, not confident, I’m not a leader…
Expanding comes from listening and learning.
Feel better - do better
Hopeful
Hope is not a strategy
Hearing Other People’s Experience - learn from them, make a change
Shining a light as a behavior specialist
GUEST CONTACT INFORMATION
Define YOUniversity
HOST CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam & Jeff as we chat with former Principal of Gatewood Elem. in Hopkins School District, MN - Mark French!
Mark is also an author, having written the book, "Principals in Action" w/ Jay Posick & Ryan Sheehy.
What’s your leadership story?
Started in Houston, TX
First taught in 1984
Tells principals or teachers now - contact a former principal or teacher to tell them how much they mean to you
38.5 years in education
Transition to Retirement
I’m sure you aren’t retiring, - will you be repurposing? What will you do first?
Will be moving to Vancouver, Washington
Pre-Retirement
What advice do you have for principals that are within 10yrs of retirement? How do you plan and prepare for retirement?
“Principals in Action” story
Started with Adam Welcome, setting out challenges to principals to “Get Out of the Office”
Principals in Action Voxer group is ongoing
piachat on Twitter; Tuesday nights
Leadership struggle
We have to be able to share our vulnerabilities.
Received all UNSAT is an evaluation
Others have shared similar struggles
Willing to remove blindspots
Reach out to others
Advice for New Principals
Find things that will bring you joy and hopeful
Share those passions!
Don’t let this be an isolating position - find people
Don’t compare yourself with others
Hopeful:
“I am hopeful because of what teachers are doing now”
Passion & Empathy & Compassion I am seeing from everyone in the field right now, and that they will carry
RESOURCES
Buy the Book
GUEST CONTACT INFORMATION
Principal French on Twitter
HOST CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam & Jeff as we chat with Jim Lynch! Jim has continued to grow the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators through dedication and a focus on serving others. His leadership has provided building-level administration a voice at the state level. He will also be the first to tell you that it isn't a solo act, but one of a dedicated group of people that serve within the walls of AWSA. Jim's effort may be focused on supporting principals, but his ultimate goal is to grow WI's students through AWSA's partnership.
Takeaways:
Jim’s Leadership Journey:
27 years w/ Organization; entire career; public policy degree; 13th year as ED; never taught or been principal.
Why choose AWSA, this path?
Always interested in public service; wanted to be closer to the action; life plans never lead where you think they will take you;
What is AWSA and why is it important?
Important aspects of life begin with education.
What are the top three services that AWSA provides?
Capacity Building
Academy
Coaching
Looking at the profession; complexity of the job; is the job becoming too complex?; digging into that complexity and figuring out what supports we can put in place; Advocating
Has your approach to service-providing changed during the Pandemic?
Coaching - no additional cost
Additional services
How does Wisco compare to other states?
We will rise to the challenge.
Leadership Challenge/Opportunity:
Coming up with Creative ideas to support principals and leaders
“Mastering Education Leadership” - cohorts of leaders
HOPEFUL:
The country will come out of this challenge with different perspectives, but our country has a history of coming together. Let’s just make this country better, and be the light of the world.
Contact:
@AWSAJim
Website: AWSA.org
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam & Jeff as we chat with Andy Jacks! Dr. Andy Jacks is an elementary school principal, and national speaker. For a decade, Andy and his team have led a transformation at Ashland Elementary to improve culture, student performance, and school discipline. They have sky-rocketed student achievement becoming one of the top-performers in the state all while implementing innovative student-led programs. Andy and Ashland Elementary have received recognition including the VAESP School Bell Award, VAESP Virginia Principal of the Year Award, NAESP National Distinguished Principal Award, VDOE Excellence & Distinguished Achievement Awards, VDOE Distinguished Purple Star School Award, and a visit from the U.S. Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos.
Andy is currently contracted by Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc. for an upcoming book on school discipline and special education. Andy lives in Northern Virginia with his wonderful wife and three amazing kids.
More from the Andy Jacks Episode:
Never would have guessed that he would have grown into his current profession.
Consistency of 10 years
- Trust and relationships
- Empower people to take risks
- Stoplight with ONLY the green light activated
- Loose-Tight Mentality
School has changed because of the interests of staff - way more in tune to what staff and parents want
Principals impact school change more than other positions
Fellow for NAESP -
What’s your leadership story?
- I wasn’t always a great principal.
- I struggled and made mistakes. I can really only change myself.
- You can’t make anybody do anything. We need to get people to want to do “things.”
Aligned set of core beliefs - align your beliefs to your budget!
Previewing the new DBC book - Discipline and Leadership
You are defined by how you teach ALL of your kids
Leadership struggle
Clear belief systems and obvious with the beliefs, but avoid being hard headed.
“You can go fast alone, but further together.” ~African Proverb
The Trust Cycle - get back to people, get things done for them quickly, otherwise they won’t ask for help again, or give you feedback again.
Hopeful For
The rate of change that our teachers have encountered.
You could be a rock climber. Virtual options are showing us what school can be.
GUEST CONTACT INFORMATION
Twitter: @_AndyJacks
HOST CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam and Jeff as we chat with our good friend and principal of WESCOSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Tara Desiderio!
Tara’s Leader Journey
KDG Teacher at a KDG center, then became the principal
Last 11 years at her current K-5
Leadership from every season
Boss - the “B” word and why she doesn''t use it
Embracing the journey around you
Every teacher should have some time in KDG
Either love it or you don’t - KDG
You find your niche and run with it
“Do I feel like I’m done?”
Willing to Take the risk, because they know I’ll take the risk with them
Importance of “Falling Up”
My plate is very full, but I’ve put everything there
ChooseYourLens - one of the greatest gifts we are given
Listening is a lost art.
Make emotional deposits and they will trust you more
Choose the space for doing that - talking
Co-Host of #CultureEd and #EducationNeverDies Twitter Chats
Power of the PLN
Challenge along Your Journey
Rephrase the message to “Opportunity”
We are living and teaching two different groups of kids
How do we embrace what’s been put before us - We signed up for kids. This is very unpredictable.
How can I help my teachers to feel supported?
How can we work smarter in our grades?
Open it up to our team and share
No faculty meetings - “Empower Hour”
Very much like EdCamp - they facilitate
What opportunities we are facing right now
Hopeful
All embrace more of an equity lens
Every child feels we appreciate them
We all have something different we bring to the table
Embrace the elementary school model
GUEST CONTACT INFORMATION
Tara Desiderio on Twitter
HOST CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam and Jeff as we chat with Peter DeWitt (Ed.D), former K-5 teacher (11 years) and principal (8 years). He is an independent consultant who runs competency-based workshops and provides keynotes nationally and internationally focusing on school leadership (collaborative cultures and instructional leadership), as well as fostering inclusive school climates. His work has been adopted at the state level, university level, and he works with numerous school districts, school boards, regional networks, ministries of education around North America, Australia, Europe and the U.K.
DeWitt works as a school leadership coach in North America. Additionally, Peter is a Visible Learning Trainer working with John Hattie. He partners with Hattie on many workshops, keynotes and writing projects.
Peter writes the Finding Common Ground column for Education Week, which has been in circulation since 2011. In 2020 DeWitt co-created Education Week's A Seat At the Table where he moderates conversations with experts around the topics of race, gender, sexual orientation, research, trauma and many other educational topics.
Who is Peter DeWitt? - Educational Story
After school program with kids
Runner
Learned a lot about engagement teaching 1st graders
Move from classroom to administration
“Had to be something significant that pulls me away from my work as principal”
Work Ethic - leadership habits
“Tell me what you need, tell me how I can help you”
Challenge in Your Educational Journey:
7 books, plethora of articles, YouTube channel, speaking, writer on staff with Education Week, Visible Learning trainer with John Hattie
Collaborative Leadership book - hate blog created by a parent; heckled at an Open House
Conscious about creating new traditions
On the road 45 weeks a year
Hopeful:
Teachers and leaders are making a positive impact.
NOTES:
Recent Article & Video on Walk-Throughs
YouTube Channel
What can we do to get our students to show up to remote learning?
GUEST CONTACT INFORMATION
HOST CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Educator, Speaker, Writer, fellow Teach Better Team Podcaster
Hans Appel is an educator, speaker, and writer deeply committed to inspiring the whole child. He’s the author of, Award Winning Culture: Building School-Wide Intentionality and Action Through Character, Excellence, and Community. Additionally, he’s the Director of Culture for the Teach Better Team, Co-host of the Award Winning Culture podcast, and the Co-Creator of Award Winning Culture.
He’s worked as a counselor in the Richland School District for the past 19 years and at Enterprise Middle School since it opened. He’s passionate about school culture, servant leadership, and kindness. In 2018, EMS was awarded the ASCD Whole Child Award for the State of Washington and the Global “Class Act Award” for creating a culture of excellence through kindness, service, and empathy. Additionally, they were selected as a finalist in the 2019 PBIS Film Festival and took top prize in the Community, Parents, and Staff category.
In 2018, Hans launched his own blog about School Culture and rolled out a student-led leadership podcast called Award Winning Culture: Hosted by Wildcat Nation, which can be subscribed, listened or reviewed on iTunes Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play, Spotify, PodBean, and Libsyn.
Hans’ blogs have appeared on DisruptED TV magazine, CharacterStrong, Teach Better, AIMS Network, and PBIS Rewards. He’s written social-emotional lessons for CharacterStrong. Furthermore, he has been featured on numerous educational podcasts speaking his brand of school culture into existence.
He’s been a contributor on three educational books: Define Your WHY, Teachers’ Reflective Impact Journal and ALL IN: Taking a Gamble in Education.
Hans believes that education at its highest level is about inspiring others to discover and develop their JOY.
Hans’ Story - Educator by Day
ACES home, childhood oasis, connected to teachers and adults because of this
Developed a student led podcast.
Education nerds that start the day with a walk.
School Culture blog (AWC), student podcast, Podcast, then the book
Loves the idea of educators creating content
Award Winning Culture
People wanted to know how they were getting results
School began winning awards - ASCD Whole Child
“What is the magic happening here?”
School-wide framework
Character, Excellence, Community - “House Rules”
Jen is writing the sequel; designed for the classroom
SEL & Character Ed … “They are the Plate”
Challenge:
Story of an assault scenario in school.
This was a veteran teacher; these kids were not enemies
Hopeful:
A renewed focus on the whole child.
Inspire others to develop their joy. Live out your why!
Pursue joy!
It is deeper than happiness. “A pizza on Friday, makes me happy...maybe a beer too.”
GUEST CONTACT
TWITTER - Hans Appel
HOST CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam and Jeff as we have an incredible chat with Benjamin Koenig, who is in his 8th year as a KDG-6 Music Teacher at Delaware Elementary School in Evansville, Indiana!
More about Benjamin: I am the current music teacher at Delaware Elementary School, in the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation. This is year 8 for me, and I am teaching from a cart due to COVID-19, but loving it! I'm all about the innovation of everything, which has led to our music program making national news, celebrity performance opportunities for our students, receiving a $10k grant to fund our music program, and me wearing a Batman mask and zooming around on roller blades! I wish to lead like I want to be led and hope to move into a principal or assistant principal role when my time has come!!
“Teaching is a performance opportunity!”
Has his administrative license… down the road
“Lead like you want to be led”
3 leaders he would like to have dinner with - Luke Skywalker, Miss Frizzle,
National Recognition - made it to USA Today!
Started a Steel Drum Band at the elementary level
His Batman Impressions are the real thing!
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Kids
Positive Diary on Facebook - toddler daughter
Educator Journey, always wanted to be a music teacher?
The Dark Knight of Social Distancing
Challenges in the classroom
Inner City schools
Hopeful
Deeper Connections
GUEST CONTACT INFORMATION
Benjamin Koenig
HOST CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Jeff & Adam as we chat with Lindsay Nickels, an intuitive mindset and business coach on a mission to help those know they’re meant for more... "drop the excuses & discover your purpose!"
More from Lindsey:
5th grade student of Adam’s (first positive role model) - "It was a connection I remembered forever"
Imposter Syndrome - she didn’t think she was worth remembering, or that he would remember her
Our words are powerful and Can carry so much meaning
How did school play a role in your life?
School was an escape and validation for her, but hard.
Home was hard, not school.
Lindsey was forced to face issues outside of school that made it difficult
Wanted something at home, had to buy it for herself
Social anxiety
No money for college
Kicked out of school due to absences
“Never graduated and that’s okay” - That’s not everyone’s definition of success
Service work defines success.
Using gifts of service and to live life on my terms.
What is behind your coaching business?
Doubt stops some from being weird.
Says it on her IG page - “Stay Weird”
Nobody cares about what you’re doing - the good news and the bad news
“Mindset Coach”
Empower women to get clear on what their best life looks like
Leadership struggle?
Struggled with feeling worthy enough
Imposter Syndrome
Lead by Example
Don’t be afraid to go first
Leadership is Action
Hopeful:
You can come from nothing
Keep getting up
Keep Trying
Put in hard work
Be uncomfortable
You can struggle and still overcome
Practice Gratitude
GUEST CONTACT INFO
HOST CONTACT INFO
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam & Jeff as we talk to Josh Stamper! Joshua is a middle school administrator in North Texas. Joshua graduated college with a Fine Arts degree and initially worked in the graphic design field for a number of years. He was always passionate about encouraging students to achieve their goals, initially coaching traveling soccer teams when he wasn’t working. Desiring to further his impact on students, Joshua returned to school to attain his teaching certificate, then worked as an Art teacher and coach at the middle school level for 6 years. Inspired to affect change at the campus level, Joshua completed his Masters in Educational Administration and has spent the past 6 years as a Middle School Administrator.
Joshua is married to Leslie and the father of five. Joshua and Leslie became foster parents in 2011, and had the privilege of adopting three of their children from foster care.
Listen in to learn more about Josh, including:
Josh's leadership story
Story behind “Aspire - The Leadership Development” Podcast
“Podcast Network Manager” with Teach Better Team
EduMatch - new book coming out!
New podcast series - “Aspire to RISE”
Leadership struggle - Getting people to take care of their mental health
Being Hopeful - silver linings found due to COVID - "what should we keep doing?"
GUEST CONTACT INFORMATION
TWITTERJosh Stamper
WEBSITE
JoshStamper.com
HOST CONTACT INFOFMATION
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Jeff & Adam as we chat with our good friend Dr. Jeff Springer!
Jeff, a former Texas High School Head Football Coach and eleven-year veteran of the classroom, is also formerly the Principal at Magnolia High School (2002-2016). In 2013, Jeff was selected as the State of Texas TASSP State Principal of the year.
Besides founding Spring Strategies LLC, Jeff currently serves part time as the Minister of Men at Wildwood UMC, and is also the founder of Suit Up Ministries, a nonprofit men’s ministry.
More from Jeff:
Learn why he prefers to consider himself "RE-PURPOSED" as opposed to "Retired"
P.L.A.Y. acronym
- PEOPLE - who cares about your journey
- LOVE - How do your peeps know you care?
- ACKNOWLEDGE - shortcomings and what needs to change
- YEARN - What gets you out of bed?
Leadership struggle
We need to reinvent a new theme and build on the former. Let’s work on that.
The weather we carry with us vs. the weather outside
GUEST CONTACT INFORMATION
Suit Up Ministries Website
Twitter: Jeff Springer
Cultivating Play Website
HOST CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Jeff & Adam as we have a GREAT chat with professional author and speaker, Dave Rendall!
From Dave's website: During the last fifteen years, our guest tonight has spoken to audiences on every inhabited continent. His clients include the US Air Force, Australian Government, and Fortune 50 companies such as Microsoft, AT&T, United Health Group, Fannie Mae, and State Farm.
“He will discover your uniqueness by flaunting your weakness”
Prior to becoming a speaker, he was a leadership professor, stand-up comedian, and nonprofit executive.
In between presentations, David competes in ultramarathons and Ironman triathlons.
David has a doctor of management degree in organizational leadership, as well as a graduate degree in psychology. He is the author of four books:
The Four Factors of Effective Leadership
The Freak Factor
The Freak Factor for Kids
Pink Goldfish
More from our conversation with Dave:
Leadership Professor prior to being a professional speaker
Holds a doctor of management degree in organizational leadership, as well as a graduate degree in psychology
Coaching
Presenting for ASCD
TEDxMarinette & TEDxMcHenry
Story of the Freak Factor
Patches on his pants that his mother would always tell him no one would notice
What is the main thing he talks to teachers about? - “People don’t change that much”
Took advantage of a strength that everyone thought was a weakness
Every strength has a corresponding weakness
Where do you see others struggling most with leadership?
Spend your time on things you are devoted to.
Use your gifts
Don’t try to fit in… find another area
Teachers can help kids find their strengths
Maybe we’re making kids think they should WANT to be something they’re not
Discussion on the Power of YET and GRIT
GUEST CONTACT INFORMATION
WEBSITE
DAVE@DRENDALL.COM
HOST CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Jeff & Adam as we chat with Jason Leahy, who is the Executive Director for the Illinois Principals Association. Learn about Jason and the IPA, as he discusses his role within the Principals organization, including:
- Providing leadership and counsel to IPA Members, Board, and staff regarding Association matters
- Developing and leading processes to continuously improve Association effectiveness
- Providing constant and appropriate information to IPA Members, Board and staff about Association activities
- Responsible for coordinating communication and cooperative relationships with individuals and organizations consistent with the Association’s mission
Other tidbits from our chat with Jason:
School Leader Paradigm
- What’s it all about and how can leaders use it?
- “Reconceptualizing school leadership” - how have leaders used the framework and what have you heard?
What’s your leadership story?
COVID - preparing principals, supporting principals - how has this changed? What have you heard from principals?
Mission & Vision:
- Ensure IL school communities sustain a high quality principal & leadership team
- Building community
- Advocacy
Hopeful - our profession
Sometimes we have to have challenges in front of us to recognize...
GUEST CONTACT INFORMATION:
Illinois Principals Association: Ilprincipals.org
Jason's Twitter Handle
HOST CONTACT INFORMATION:
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Jeff & Adam as we chat with our friend and fellow principal, Jay Posick!
Principal of Merton Intermediate School in Merton, WI, Jas has spent 33 years in education, 30 of them at the middle school level
Other Things we talk with Jay about:
Author of “Principals in Action” - how did that come about?
Strong Twitter participant - don’t feel pressured; you don’t have to have a presence, just form connections
What’s your leadership story?
Avid Runner - at least two miles a day - over 12K days in a row
- 8-30-1987 started the streak - has run 32 Marathons
- Stress relief
Habits - 30 minutes daily reading; turn off computer at 9:00pm; Talk to staff about setting “virtual limits”
COVID - how to still be a “Principal in Action?”
Leadership struggle
- How to connect with parents more during virtual learning.
- Good news call of the day is overcoming the struggle.
- 2-way communication instead of newsletters, or in addition to
GUEST CONTACT INFO:
Jay's Twitter
HOST CONTACT INFO:
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam & Jeff as we have an incredible chat with Pre-K - 5 Principal Paul Erickson!
Some notes from our chat:
Kansas Elementary School Principal of the Year - 2014
Twitter Chats - co-hosts #leadupchat (all about building leadership skills)
How he uses Twitter (classroom)
Leading through COVID
Collective Efficacy - writes about this a lot
Leadership Challenge:
- What is my identity? How do I stay sharp?
- What are your leadership concepts?
- Identity
- Talk about it/Name it
- What did you do today toward your habits?
- Accountability Partners
- Identity
Hopeful - Keep our identity despite the craziness, how to create joyful memories?
“Competencies through Conversations”
HOST CONTACT INFORMATION:
Twitter chat: #LeadUpChat
Paul's Twitter Account
HOST CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam & Jeff as we chat with our good friend Raymond Porten! Ray is currently an elementary principal in Round Lake, IL. Prior to serving in this role, he was a middle school assistant principal as well as elementary teacher.
More from Ray:
Didn’t see himself as principal at first
He is a Golden Apple scholar.
Runs two podcasts - one with his 9 year old son! - Livin’ That Online School Life
“I wanna change the world too” - Leo
- Leo fact: Chameleons change their color based on emotions. Is it true?
The other with his assistant principal - Life’s Exponential Impact
- 77,000 people impacted in your lifetime
- Wants to leave the world a better place for his kids
- How do you have an impact when you disagree?
Always wanted to be an educator - taught 5th grade like ADAM
"Our students come first, the academics will be just fine"
Leadership Challenge -
- Trying to stay within the boundaries of the district’s vision, but still following the expectations
- Know your mission and vision or you’ll die on the wrong hill
What are you Hopeful for?
Gotta listen to find out...
Guest Contact Info:
Ray's Twitter
Life’s Exponential Impact
Livin’ That Online School Life
Host Contact Info:
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam & Jeff as we speak with educator and author Jeff Kubiak!
Jeff taught for ten years as an elementary school teacher in grades 4, 5, and 6 and has eight years of administrative experience. Jeff strives to connect with students by bringing real world experiences to them, getting to know their names, engaging in lessons and play, and becoming a part of the learning process with them. He's always looked at education from a different lens: from someone who hated and struggled with school.
Learn more about Jeff...
AUTHOR - One Drop of Kindness
Another book in the works
- “It’s Me" RELEASING SOON!!
Transition out of the principalship
- He’d consider returning. Super difficult, but amazing work.
Twitter/Online Presence
Speaking & Touring - School visits
COVID and his current role
Leadership Struggle
- I’ve gotten in my own way. Didn’t listen enough.
- Share the vision and lead from different perspectives.
What gives you hope?
People will figure out how to do the right thing for one another.
Elevator Pitch
I’ve made so many mistakes, but I’ve learned.
CONTACT Jeff Kubiak
Website: https://www.jeffkubiak.com/
Twitter: Jeffrey Kubiak
Instagram: Jeff Kubiak Author
HOST CONTACTS
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam & Jeff as we chat with Charter School Principal & Podcaster David McGuire!
From David's episode:
Featured in This American Life: https://www.thisamericanlife.org/715/long-awaited-asteroid-finally-hits-earth/act-four-7
What is Indy k12?
AOS Podcast/Recess podcast
- It's good to see it from the balcony level.
“Professionalizing the Profession” - his work around Indy in K-12 edu.
From teacher. To the principalship - skipped AP & Dean
Always wanted to be a teacher
HS/MS English teacher - From “Tale of Two Cities” to “The Fire Next Time”
Leadership struggle
- We don’t need to be liked.
Connect with David: @MrMcGuire_Teach
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam & Jeff as we chat with father, elementary school principal and DBC author of Lead With Culture, Jay Billy!
Jay is an elementary principal in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. He received his master's degree in educational leadership from The College of New Jersey in 1997. He first served as supervisor of behavior at the high school before moving to the principal of the Joseph Cappello School in 2000.
Other Takeaways from our chat with Jay:
Former Wrestling coach
Heart for Special needs kids
Went from High school to elementary in his professional career
Leading with Culture Podcast
Speaker
Author - Book: Lead with Culture
- Story behind the book
- Why Culture?
"Just say what you think."
Get out in front - lead with transparency
Be open and honest - Culture
"Culture is something you build or break every 30 seconds"
"Trust is the oxygen"
Power of Social Media
“Best when I’m knee-deep with kids”
COVID - how to find ways to make kids still feel the love
Join Adam and Jeff as we chat with Taylor Armstrong this week! Taylor is the Assistant Director of Technology at Vestavia Hills City Schools in Alabama. He is also a Google Certified Teacher, Army Veteran, Speaker, Member of the Men in Education (FB Group) and Education Never Dies.
He talks with us about the importance of "Being the Compass, and his education background as a teacher, coach and admin.
Hear Taylor talk about:
What’s important as a leader?
- Listen first, respond second, and only if necessary.
Messages of Positivity
- Be the Compass brand. Taylor’s ethos. 1. Next step 2. Don’t be afraid 3. Rise together
Leadership Struggles
- “Stop getting stuck in your titles”
GUEST CONTACT INFO:
@Taylor_does_IT
Taylor Armstrong
be_the_compass
HOST CONTACT INFO:
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam and Jeff as we chat with elementary principal, optimist and recovering perfectionist, Brad Hughes!
We have some incredible conversation around Canadian education, his background in education:
- 16 years teaching, taught French, went into admin - 25 years overall
Brad has been a part of the Teach Better Team Admin Mastermind
- Setting intentions, “Pivot Positive”
How to support new teachers?
- 3 Fold approach; you'll have to listen to the episode for all of the details.
Leadership Struggles
- Sorting through all of the information; need the brass tacks.
What gives you hope?
- "Restore Forest Hill"
GUEST CONTACT INFO:
Brad Hughes
Brad Hughes
HOST CONTACT INFO:
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Jeff & Adam as we sit down to chat with the COO & Co-Founder of the Teach Better Team!
Jeff Gargas and Chad Ostrowski built the Teach Better Team from the ground up on one major premise - to help educators be better today than they were yesterday and be better tomorrow than they were today. It's not about the comparison to the teacher down the hallway or who you may follow on your favorite social networking platform. It's about a pursuit of Better.
Jeff's Background is NOT in education
- web design, content marketing, social media management
Listen to Jeff talk about building the Teach Better Team
How do you support new teachers?
- Get them setup within their first years to avoid burnout.
- Coaching
Leadership Struggles?
- Delegation
- Concept of taking opportunity from others if you DON’T delegate
- Trust what you know
- You don’t have to earn my trust. I’ll give it until you lose it.
What gives you hope?
- Teachers are my hope.
What do you want to leave listeners with?
- "Be better tomorrow than today."
GUEST CONTACT INFO:
Twitter: @jeffgargas
Website: Teach Better
Instagram: _jeffgargas
HOST CONTACT INFO:
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Adam & Jeff as we chat with former Army Veteran and Middle School Principal, Demetrius Ball.
*NOTE There were some connectivity issues throughout the episode; we did our best to edit them out so that you can still get the full podcast experience and understand the main points of our conversation!***
Episode Notes:
2nd year MS principal - San Ramon, CA
Spent 3 yrs. as a H.S. Assistant Principal
Went to Military Academy @ West Point, where he played football for ARMY
Lessons converted from the football field in unusual ways.
Demetrius has lived “Coast to Coast” - MD to CA - "The good news is that kids are the same - coast to coast"
Has continued to do Morning Announcements during COVID - keeping the connection alive
How to help staff understand biases - how to do this as the new principal
Hosts a Podcast, where he is ⅓ of the AOS podcast!
GUEST CONTACT INFO:
Demetrius Ball - Twittter
HOST CONTACT INFO:
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Check out this episode of The Principal Leadership Lab, where we sit down to talk with Matthew X. Joseph! Currently serving as the Director of curriculum, instruction and assessment in Leicester, Massachusetts, Matt has been a school and district leader in many capacities in public education over his 25 years in the field.
Some takeaways from this episode:
Focusing on the Silver Linings to change his mindset right now during the pandemic
Matt’s path in the education world over his 25 years - what he calls the “Forrest Gump” approach.
Finding balance - always look for efficiency, has allowed him to have time for home and for work
Increasing Efficiency article
The importance of mentorship - learn more about The Mentor Roundtable
Author of two Books:
Modern Mentor: Suzy Brooks and Dr. Matthew X. Joseph
Power of Us: Dr. Matthew X. Joseph
Guest Contact Info for Dr. Matthew X. Joseph
Website
Host Contact Info:
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Listen to Adam and Jeff chat with Kevin Curtis, the CEO and Founder of National Educators for Restorative Practices. Kevin talks about not having a Discipline Plan, but rather a Care Plan; his 3 C's: Confronting, Convicting, and Condemning; and the importance of putting connections before content.
From Kevin's Bio:
Kevin was the former Restorative Discipline Coordinator and Assistant Principal at Ed White Middle School in the Northeast Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas where he played an instrumental role in the development, implementation, and support of restorative practices as an alternative method to managing student behavior. This innovative, whole school approach model was the first of its kind in the state of Texas, and has been considered the blueprint that many campuses across the state of Texas are following.
Contact Info for Kevin Curtis:
https://nedrp.com/
Contact Info for Jeff & Adam:
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Jeff and Adam as we chat with Dr. Erik Youngman, Curriculum Director for Libertyville School District #70 in Libertyville, IL. Erik talks about his passions in education, which include homework, grading, and the power of having a growth mindset, as well as his hope that we can move people forward by staying focused on relationships!
Contact Dr. Youngman
Dr. Erik Youngman
Host Contact Information
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Join Jeff and Adam as we chat with Adam Welcome, former elementary school teacher, elementary principal, and Director of Innovation for a district with 35,000 students. Adam currently works as a motivational speaker and author. Adam talks about the power of walking through an open door when you encounter one, and offers advice for staying positive when it would be so easy to quit.
Adam is the author of the books:
Run Like a Pirate,
Kids Deserve It (w/ Todd Nesloney),
Empower Our Girls (w/ Lyn Colon), and
Teachers Deserve It (w/ Rae Hughart)
Adam Welcome Contact Info:
Website: https://mradamwelcome.com/
Twitter: @mradamwelcome
Instagram: mradamwelcome
Host Contact Information
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
Principal Leadership Lab
Dr. Jeff Prickett
Adam DeWitt
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Join us as we chat with Rae Hughart, the Director of Training & Development for the Teach Better Team! Listen in as we talk about how Rae got started with the Teach Better Team, the need to amplify teacher voices and hear more teacher stories, how teachers DESERVE to be heard, the depth and breadth of the Team (including the Administrator Mastermind, Podcast Network, Speakers Network, weekly Twitter chat, etc), the importance of making connections (it's a CHOICE!), Soapbox Moments, Teachers Deserve It, and SO much more! Connect with Rae Twitter: @RaeHughart Instagram: @raehughart Email: rae@teachbetter.com
Jeff & Adam chat with Sarah about the principalship, wanting to be a principal even before she wanted to be a teacher, being a self-professed workaholic, about writing "Balance Like a Pirate" with co-authors Jessica Cabeen and Jennifer Johnson, and her latest book, "Lead with Faith." We get into her life's Calling, and the importance of amplifying and inspiring women.
Reach out to Sarah
On Twitter & Instagram: @sarahsajohnson
On Facebook: Sarah Johnson
Website: inawetorise.com (In Awe, LLC)
How to Find Jeff & Adam
Jeff's Twitter & IG: @jdprickett; Facebook: Jeffry Prickett
Adam's Twitter: @adewitt2; IG: principal_adam; Facebook: Adam DeWitt
The Principal Leadership Lab: principalleadershiplab@gmail.com
What is a Lab Note? Lab notes are the thoughts, observations, and musings of leadership experiences. Each note will be a short boost; a catalyst for courage to lean into the day. Listen to Adam as he shares the importance of adaptability.
Dr. Quentin J. Lee - the Hope Dealer - talks about life as a high school principal, “Kicking it with Dr. Lee,” growing up in a small, mostly white community, never really having the “full black experience “ until he attended Alabama A & M, Jerome vs. Quentin, and Ms. Edna Ruth.
Contact Information
Dr. Lee on Twitter @DrQuentinJLee
Dr. Lee on Facebook - Quentin J Lee
Dr. Lee's website: drquentinjlee.com
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Join Jeff & Adam as we discuss baseball, back to school, COVID, and our recent Social Justice episode with Basil Marin, Markenya Williams and Marcus Belin! Also, we chat about our next guest - Hal Bowman - who joins us for the August 10th episode of The Principal Leadership Lab!
Additional Show Notes:
Using Instagram
Asael Ruvalcaba, principal of Rio Hondo HS in Texas
Digital Learning vs. In-Person Learning
Austin Channing Brown - "I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness"
Robin Diangelo - "White Fragility: Why It's Hard for White People to Talk about Racism"
Greg Wolcott on "The Significant 72" or "The First 3 Days"
Giving Teachers Permission - take 10 Days to Build Relationships
Deep Reflection
New and exciting things coming for The Principal Leadership Lab!
Our guest on August 10 - Hal Bowman
Contacting Us:
Jeff Prickett on Twitter & Instagram: @jdprickett
Adam DeWitt on Twitter @adewitt2 and on Instagram @principal_adam
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Today, Adam and I talk to three outstanding educators about race in our country. Please enjoy this episode and reach out to any of us if you want to continue the conversation. We can be reached here:
Jeff Prickett on Twitter @jdprickett
Adam DeWitt on Twitter @adewitt2
Basil Marin on Twitter @basil_marin
Markenya Williams on Twitter @MarkenyaW
Marcus Belin on Twitter @MarcusJBelin
*(Additional show notes to be added)***
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Jeff & Adam discuss the COVID pandemic - are there any positive takeaways to be gleaned from this public health crisis, especially for school communities? And what does going into the 20-21 school year look like? Check out the latest episode of The Principal Leadership Lab as we discuss, "The COVID Comeback?"
Show Notes Linked Here!
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
The Principal Leadership Lab was created for you for a couple of reasons. The obvious reason is to talk about leadership and education trends. But the second and deeper - perhaps more powerful purpose for the podcast -is to create a kind of “lab” space to really dig into, experiment with, and dismantle, those leadership experiences you are struggling with and help you create some levers with which to drive your leadership forward.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app