From the Principal's Desk: Recent Episodes
Mike Schiemann and Rob Lunak
This week we talk about welcoming new teachers into our buildings.
Thank you for listening!
Every year your school will have new families. What do you do differently to welcome them into your school? This week Mike and I talk about what Christian schools can do to ensure that those first impressions are great.
This week we discuss how we balance rest and work during summer break.
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Mike shares his best grant writing tips! His grant writing tips article can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fZybdLln-mmEQPZ1Y2CLYNpD9z16qslt/view?usp=sharing
Also, the website should be up soon! Exciting times!
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You need good people around you to be the best school leader you can be. Sometimes, those people need to tell you no. How do you find the right people to challenge you? That's what we discuss this week.
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God leads us through all things. Even the bad, difficult, and frustrating ones. This week we talk about the good things that have come out of the unexpected or frustrating parts of leading a school.
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This week Rob speaks with Miguel Melchor about the neat learning model being used in his classroom.
Miguel is an award-winning educator with over a decade of experience in the classroom,
Miguel currently serves at DeWitt Clinton Elementary School in Chicago.
It was a joy having Miguel on the podcast!
Some resources from Miguel:
- Modern Classrooms Project Website: Explore our approach and methodologies more by visiting the Modern Classrooms Project Website.
- Presentation on Personalized Learning in Math: Dive into a presentation that Alanna, Ashley, and I put together, focusing on personalized learning in mathematics. View Presentation
- Padlet with Additional Resources: Access a curated collection related to personalized learning in the math classroom on this Padlet. Explore Padlet
- My email, if anyone wants to get in contact with me, is miguel.melchor@modernclassrooms.org
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This week we discuss teacher prep time. How we schedule it, how much there is, and how other schools compare. It is one of those items where the answer is always more is better.
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We share all about the Best Practices in Ministry conference. It is one of the best free conferences you can attend, and it comes with free ice cream.
Special thanks to Christ Church, and the wonderful staff and volunteers that host this great event.
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This week we look at how our schools can work with emergency services, and what role you play as a school leader.
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In this episode, we explore the innovative integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within Lutheran schools. We delve into how AI tools are enhancing personalized learning experiences, supporting teachers in curriculum development, and what the future might hold. Join us as we navigate the intersection of tradition and technology in the quest for enriching the minds and spirits of the next generation.
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In this episode, we explore the unique world of class trips in Lutheran elementary schools, diving into how these excursions blend educational rigor with spiritual growth. You will get an inside look at the planning, experiences, and unforgettable memories created through these journeys, highlighting their impact on students' academic and faith development. Join us as we uncover the lessons learned beyond the classroom walls, fostering a sense of community and spiritual connection among students and teachers alike.
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This week we continue our conversation about classroom management. We hope this is helpful, and if you have something to add, please contact us!
You can access a free classroom management resource here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1M9E6MdrFHVhE0MMS5SGvakEsAtiILFqkInkeZJm3yZU/edit?usp=sharing
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In this episode, we talk about the art of effective classroom management. Join us as we explore practical strategies and insights we have gained on maintaining a positive learning environment, fostering student engagement, and handling challenging behaviors. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or a newcomer to the classroom, this episode will provide valuable tips to help you create a fun and productive learning atmosphere. The best part? This is only part one.
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How do you feel about class parties? Love 'em or hate 'em, they are a part of school life. This week we discuss our experiences with them, why they are valuable, and how we have handled them.
Hope you enjoy it!
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This week Mike and I discuss how to find joy in your call no matter what is happening around you.
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Should you call a snow day? It's a difficult decision that many school leaders have to make. This week Mike and I share how we make that decision and share some stories along the way. If you enjoyed this episode please share it with someone.
Let it snow!
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Everyone loves a good faculty meeting! This week we discuss practical ways to make all your meetings more useful and enjoyable. What are some of your favorite strategies for effective meetings? To our American listeners, have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-principals-desk/message
This week we discuss the benefit of professional organizations such as LEA and NAESP. Let us know which organizations are most beneficial to you as a professional.
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This week we speak with Kevin Creutz, the Superintendent of Ohio Lutheran Schools. Kevin shares about the work he does supporting schools, principals, and teachers in Ohio.
It was great to have Kevin on the show, and he has a lot of great ideas to share. Don't miss this one!
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This is our Halloween special! This week we talk about the things that scare teachers and principals. We keep it lighthearted. What are some of your horror stories?
Special thanks to those that have cleaned up puke, so I didn't have to. Especially Robert and Jake. You guys are saints!
A special tip for keeping YouTube ads out of the videos you show in school. We've all been there.
I was able to find a way to stop ads and you will need to follow the steps below.- Copy the youtube url (website address) to a new browser - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBVX0sExhsA- Between the h and the ? (in the web address above that you just copied and pasted) type _popupOnce you have completed the above steps the web address should look like the web address below.https://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=BBVX0sExhsA- hit enter to continue to watch the video.
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This week we discuss student led conferences.
How do you handle parent teacher conferences at your school?
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This week we talk about arrival and dismissal procedures, stories, and kindergarten parking tickets.It's a fun one!A fun video about parent driving: https://youtu.be/_JEThws_q0c?si=XJYiawsHxu2xHUgZMike’s parking lot video: https://youtu.be/jNGLs5iYSQM--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-principals-desk/message
This week we discuss the Reformation and its importance in our schools!
What does your school do for the Reformation?
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Tuition! This is a thorny topic because we never want money to get in the way of our mission. This week we discuss how to set your school tuition, the common pitfalls, and what we have seen be successful.
As always, Mike and I are here to help. Contact us with any questions you may have.
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Lesson planning is an important part of effective teaching, and it is up the principal to guide that process. This week we discuss how we have approached lesson planning in the schools we lead, and share ways to improve it.
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Appreciation is all about caring for, knowing, and loving the people you are blessed to serve with every day. This week we discuss the reasons you should appreciate teachers, and also share some practical ways we share our appreciation.
We want to hear from you. What are some ways you have appreciated others, or what are some ways you want to be appreciated? Leave a comment and let us know!
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Professional development is crucial to the longterm success of your school, and the growth of the teachers. How do you pay for it? How do you decide what to do? What counts as professional development? This week Mike and I discuss all that and more.
You can contact Mike at mschiemann@bethanyparma.com
You can contact Rob at lunak@swd.lcms.org
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This week we discuss budgeting for your school, and we get into the nuts and bolts of creating a functioning school budget.
It isn't glamorous, but it is necessary.
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Your school culture is important! This week we discuss ways we have built and strengthened school culture. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-principals-desk/message
This week we talk to Nathaniel Provencio about his work helping schools be the best they can be. Nathaniel has worked in the public education field since 2001 as a classroom teacher, building administrator and associate superintendent . He has been honored as the 2017 Prince William County principal of the year, the 2017 Washington Post Principal of the Year and the 2019 Virginia National Distinguished Principal of the Year. He is the author of Community Connections and Your PLC at Work, which focuses on how schools can utilize the professional learning community framework to enhance family and community engagement.
It was wonderful having Nathaniel on the show with us today. He is a great leader, and his heart and passion for this important work is contagious. He is an author, works as a consultant, and is a keynote speaker. To find out more please visit his website and follow him on Twitter (or X).
https://www.provenprincipalllc.com/
https://twitter.com/ProvenPrincipal
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This week Mike and I discuss the importance of your mission statement, and why you should have one if you don't yet.
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This week we discuss leading a school when there are disagreements, practical tips to handle disunity, and some stumbles we have had as leaders along the way.
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This week we talk to three SLED participants about their experiences in the School Leadership Development program (SLED).
Thank you to all three of them for speaking with us!
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This week we discuss the principal's role as instructional leader.
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This week we discuss what we do as principals over the summer break.
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We share what we do to stay productive in the face of all the tasks that go along with being a principal.
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This week we discuss proficiency based learning with Jim Scriven, the Director of Education Services for the Northwest District. What are your thoughts on proficiency based learning? Let us know in the comments.
Special thanks to Jim for joining us this week!
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The school year is almost over. What can you do to ensure that it ends on a strong note? This week we share some practical strategies to end the year and get ready for the next one.
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What is the role of standardized testing in our Lutheran schools?
a)Useful to guide and improve outcomes
b)A necessary evil
c)Both a and b
d)Other
That's what Mike and I try to figure out this week.
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What information should a school leader share with teachers and families? Transparency is important, but what does it look like in practice? This week Rob and Mike discuss communication and transparency.
This topic was listener suggested. Thank you for the suggestion!
If you have a suggestion, question, or comment you can text Rob at 815-403-9948 or Mike at 971-371-0143
May God be with you as you lead!
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We talk about marketing (again) this time with guest Lauren Creutz! Lauren is the marketing and admissions leader at Bethany Lutheran School in Parma, OH. Lauren shared a lot of great info on this episode!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-principals-desk/message
This week we discuss the importance of Lent in our Lutheran schools. Special thanks to pastor Vogel for joining us again!--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-principals-desk/message
This week Mike and I discuss the budget process. There is so much more that we could cover, so there will be a part 2 soon!
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This week we discuss pastors and their roles in our Lutheran schools. Featuring special guests Pastor Ben Vogel and Dr. Blake Willard. Pastor Vogel currently serves at Bethany Lutheran Church and School in Parma, OH. Dr. Willard is the owner of 3E Formation Education Consulting.
Thank you to both of our guests for joining us and sharing their insights.
https://www.bethanyparma.org/
https://www.3eformation.com/blog
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This week Mike and I discuss planning for emergencies and how you plan for anything.
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Being a school leader can take a toll on you if you let it. What do you do to stay effective, healthy, and happy? This week Mike and I discuss what we do, how we can help, and what our priorities are.
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Mychal Thom joins us to discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion in our Lutheran schools. Mychal is the Dean of the College of Business and Technology and Chief Diversity Officer at Concordia St. Paul, former Head of School for Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a Van Lunen Fellow, and a current Van Lunen faculty member.
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Knowing your strengths and the strengths of those you serve goes a long way toward improving your school.
Featuring special guests Dr. Blake Willard and Headmaster Adam Lockridge
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This week we talk about NLSW and the wonderful ways we celebrate our Lutheran schools. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-principals-desk/message
This week we discuss the Call and the Call process as it relates to new teachers and those deliberating a Call to be a school leader. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-principals-desk/message
This week discuss clubs and activities at our Lutheran schools. What unique opportunities do you offer students at your school?
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On this episode we discuss the enrollment process from inquiry to acceptance.
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This week we talk about marketing your school, sharing your story, and telling people about the Gospel.
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There are several school governance structures out there, and today we are discussing the school board. We offer some guidance on working successfully with the school board and share a great resource from a man that literally wrote the book on school boards.
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Our Lutheran schools are great places because Jesus is there! We are blessed to be able to celebrate Jesus' birth with our school and church communities. We share what we do at our schools, and how we involve our greater community in our celebrations.
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Communication is such an important part of our success as Lutheran schools. Mike and I share what we do, talk about the reasons behind good communication, and have some fun along the way.
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This week we discuss chapel at our schools, why it's important, and what we do. How is chapel special at your school?
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We are blessed to serve families as we work in partnership to teach their children. Parent-Teacher conferences are an important part of the work we do. This week we discuss the purpose of those conferences, how we have seen them handled, and some things we do that we find helpful as we work to support those events.
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Being a Lutheran teacher is difficult (but worthwhile!) work. This week we discuss supporting God's teachers in our schools, and the principal's role in teacher wellness.
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We discuss the importance of school accreditation and explain the National Lutheran School Association accreditation process. We also offer some tips for schools and principals going through this process for the first time.
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Helping our teachers improve is a vital part of the continued success of our schools. This week we discuss what we do at our schools, and what tips we learned along the way.
You can see what observation tools we use here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1g2z9TyMmBtrciuLfEdHjWJKHrMRgW99d?usp=sharing
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What does discipline look like at your school? How do you balance law and gospel when it comes to discipline in a Lutheran school? This week we share what we do, and offer some tips we learned along the way.
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Tips for making the first week a success as a school principal.
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