PMP: Spring Break Update 2022
: Play in new window | DownloadThis week I’m taking a break from posting so that I can enjoy more time with family during Spring Break. I hope you are doing the same if you are on break this time…
Principal Matters
with William D. Parker and Friends
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PMP285: Retention for a Change with Principal EL, Dr. TJ Vari and Dr. Joseph Jones
: Play in new window | DownloadHow do you transform school culture so that you keep high quality teachers? Today’s guest include three education leaders: Dr. Salome Thomas-EL, Dr. TJ Vari and Dr. Joseph Jones. These men are school and…
PMP284: Triumph over Tragedy with Timothy Alexander
: Play in new window | DownloadTimothy Alexander is a bestselling writer, award-winning speaker, and life coach who thrives at the intersection of character development, counseling, and mentorship. After a life changing car accident in 2006 left him paralyzed from…
PMP283: How to Be a Transformative Principal with Jethro Jones
: Play in new window | DownloadJethro Jones is the founder of Transformative Principal, which provides leadership development, weekly masterminds, and one-on-one coaching for school leaders across the nation and internationally. In 2017, he was recognized as Digital Principal of…
PMP282: Building ‘Parentships’ with Dr. Kyle Palmer
: Play in new window | DownloadKyle Palmer is currently Executive Director of Human Resources for the Center School District of South Kansas City, MO. Before this transition, Dr. Palmer spent the previous ten years as principal of nationally recognized…
PMP281: Paradoxes of Leadership with Dr. Tim Elmore
: Play in new window | DownloadDr. Tim Elmore is the founder and CEO of Growing Leaders. His work grew out of 20 years of serving alongside Dr. John C. Maxwell. Elmore has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, the…
PMP280: The Power of Your Messaging
: Play in new window | DownloadLast month I had the privilege of presenting in a virtual event to a group of assistant principals and aspiring school leaders at Pecos Barstow Toyah ISD in Pecos, Texas. As part of a…
PMP279: Support, Empower, Engage with Chris Jones
: Play in new window | DownloadDr. Christopher Jones has been an educator in Massachusetts for 22 years. He has just finished his 14th year as a building administrator. True to his “why” of improving the educational experience for as…
PMP278: Encouraging & Motivating Staff with Jen Schwanke
: Play in new window | DownloadIn a recent article Jen Schwanke published with ASCD, First Engage Teachers: A Principal’s Role in Cultivating Staff Motivation, Jen makes the following assertion: “When principals foster a staff’s collective belief in themselves, their…
PMP276: 2021 Year in Review & 2022 Goal Setting
: Play in new window | DownloadThis morning I read a gripping opinion post in Education Week by Lisa Mead, a principal in upstate New York, whose piece titled A Principal’s Assessment: ‘We’re Not OK’. She shared what I’ve heard…
PMP275: 6 Literacy Levers, Part 2 with Brad Gustafson
: Play in new window | DownloadWhat would happen if you asked your team, ‘What question would you predict I’m going to ask in a meeting?’ Brad Gustafson poses this scenario in Part 2 of our conversation about literacy. Educators…
PMP273: How to Manage When Someone is ‘Stirring the Pot’
: Play in new window | DownloadThis week William D. Parker and Jen Schwanke answer the question: What do you do about a teacher who likes to ‘stir the pot’ about other teachers? Feedback includes suggestions on: Having open, honest,…
PMP271: Answering Questions on School Discipline with Jen Schwanke
: Play in new window | DownloadThis week Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answer the principal question: “How do you structure discipline so that punishments fit the crime?” We talk about how the word discipline, instead of punishment, carries an…
PMP270: Gaining Buy-In & Building Leadership Teams with Jen Schwanke
: Play in new window | DownloadThis week Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answer principal questions: How do you gain ‘buy-in’ among staff vs just ‘setting expectations’ when it comes to structuring or implementing new programs to support student learning?…
PMP269: Leadership at Every Level with Janelle McLaughlin
: Play in new window | DownloadJanelle McLaughlin, is an Education Consultant for Advanced Learning Partnerships working with districts all across the United States. She is a former curriculum director for Manchester Community Schools in Indiana. Prior to that role,…
PMP268: Equity, Equality and Systems with Enid Lee
: Play in new window | DownloadEnid Lee is a front-line educator, an anti-racist professional development specialist, leadership coach, writer and community builder. She began her joyful journey as a teacher on the Caribbean island of Antigua about 5 decades…
PMP266: Principal Questions on Curriculum and Goals with Jen Schwanke
: Play in new window | DownloadJen Schwanke joins me this week as we respond to listener questions. Jen Schwanke is an author and education leader from Dublin City Schools in Dublin, Ohio. We have two questions from a listener who…
PMP264: Unlocking Talent Within Every School Leader with Daniel Bauer
: Play in new window | DownloadThis week I have the privilege of sharing a conversation with Daniel Bauer about his new book, His new book, Mastermind: Unlocking Talent Within Every School Leader. Danny’s new book reimagines what professional development…
PMP263: Cycles of Self-Reflection in Leadership
: Play in new window | DownloadThis past month, we sent our third daughter to college. More than a year ago, she began to explore the possibility of studying abroad. As a result of months of apply to schools, virtual…
PMP262: Revisiting the Hats You Wear in School Leadership
: Play in new window | DownloadA few weeks ago, I was invited to provide some virtual professional learning with a wonderful group of aspiring and assistant principals from Pecos Barstow-Toyah Independent School District, in Pecos, Texas. As a part…
PMP261: Your Friendships, Legacy, Laughter and Well-Being
: Play in new window | DownloadIn last week’s podcast episode, I shared the second part of a keynote presentation I provided on August 12, 2021, to the Archdiocese of Louisville for a welcome-back ceremony of educators from thirty nine…
PMP260: Reflecting on Your Influence – Keynote Series #2
: Play in new window | DownloadIn last week’s podcast episode, I shared the first part of a keynote presentation I provided on August 12, 2021, to the Archdiocese of Louisville for a welcome-back ceremony of educators from thirty-nine Pre/K-8…
PMP258: Bridging Academic and Social Gaps with Trevor Goertzen
: Play in new window | DownloadTrevor Goertzen was recognized in 2020 as a National Digital Principal of the Year. He currently serves as the Principal of Spring Hill Middle School in Spring Hill, Kansas, and is an adjunct professor…
PMP257: Leading with SOUL for the New School Year
: Play in new window | DownloadSeven year ago, our son Jack was diagnosed with a rare disease. Kawasaki causes an inflammation of blood cells in young children. If untreated, it can lead to heart damage or death. He was…
PMP 256: Disruptive Thinking with Eric Sheninger
: Play in new window | DownloadEric Sheninger is an Associate Partner with the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE). Prior to this, he was the award-winning Principal at New Milford High School. Under his leadership, his school became…
PMP255: Reconstructing Place and Space, Part 2 with Jen Schwanke
: Play in new window | DownloadThis week, Jen Schwanke, author and education leaders, shares the second half of a conversation on Reconstructing Place and Space. With credit to Dr. Miller, director of the EdD in Educational Administration and an…
PMP254: Reconstructing Place and Space with Jen Schwanke
: Play in new window | DownloadThis week, Jen Schwanke, author and education leader, shares thoughts on why education leaders should consider how ‘place and space’ play a role in learning outcomes. With credit to Dr. Miller, director of the…
PMP253: 10 Lessons from a First Year Assistant Principal with D.J. Klein
: Play in new window | DownloadOne year ago, June 4, 2020, D.J. Klein was a guest on the Principal Matters podcast when we shared advice for his first year as a school administrator. You can hear the 10 Tips…
PMP252: Bomb-Proof Constructive Feedback with Chris Zervas
: Play in new window | DownloadLeadership requires relationships, understanding others, and negotiating through conflicts. This week I am privileged to share a conversation from Chris Zervas about his book, Bomb-Proof Constructive Feedback. Chris Zervas helps busy leaders improve their…
PMP251: You Can Do Hard Things, featuring Samantha Bartrom
: Play in new window | DownloadThis week marks the end of June 2021, and just today I heard from a principal friend, Andrew O’Farrell, West Islip Unified School District in Massapequa, New York, who is enjoying his first week…
PMP248: Inspiring and Leading Learning with Latrese D. Younger
: Play in new window | DownloadLatrese D. Younger is an instructional lead learner in Virginia. Her passion is English language arts and she believes that she will always be a teacher at heart. Latrese has a servant mindset, spirit,…
PMP247: Leading Through ‘Unfinished Learning’ with Kimberly Miles
: Play in new window | DownloadDr. Kimberly Miles is the Principal of East Gresham Elementary in Gresham, Oregon. A former elementary teacher and reading coach, she transitioned into a district instructional coach before becoming a principal. She has eleven…
PMP245: Handling Schools with Care with Joy Kelly
: Play in new window | DownloadJoy Kelly is the co-author of the new book, Handle with Care: Managing Difficult Situations in Schools with Dignity and Respect, co-authored with Jimmy Casas. Joy has more than twenty-five years of educational experience…
PMP244: Being a Hope Giver with Marita Diffenbaugh
: Play in new window | DownloadMarita Diffenbaugh is honored to serve as principal of Elevate Academy North, a public Career Technical charter school for students in 6th-12th grades. She has served as a teacher, administrator, and has provided leadership…
PMP242: Leading from Xi’an International School with Brittainy Harris and Paul Wendler
: Play in new window | DownloadBrittainy Harris has been working at Xi’an International School, located in China, since 2010. With her undergraduate degree in education, she landed at this American-based international school (that was founded in 1996 with the…
PMP241: Lessons from an All Girls School with Loredana Borello
: Play in new window | DownloadLoredana Borello is the Principal of Brescia House Secondary School in Johannesburg, South Africa. Brescia House School is a Catholic Ursuline All Girls Independent School from K-12. As a principal, she is passionate about…
PMP240: Self-Care Lessons with Seán Óg Ó Duinnín
: Play in new window | DownloadSeán Óg Ó Duinnín is Principal of Scoil Mhuire, a small Irish language medium school in Ballingeary, Co. Cork, Ireland since 2006. In his time there, he has seen many developments of physical facilities…
PMP239: The Principal Experience Here & Abroad with Toirdealbhach Ó Lionáird
: Play in new window | DownloadAs schools re-open across the globe, Principal Matters listeners have been sharing common experiences and lessons learned, including in Ireland. Toirdealbhach Ó Lionáird serves a principal of Coláiste Ghobnatan, a second level high school…
PMP238: Lessons from an Australian Primary School with Anne-Marie Maw
: Play in new window | Download“Students are at the heart of all we do,” says Principal Anne-Marie Maw. “If you’re ever struggling with what to do, put the students at the heart of your decision, and it will always…
PMP237: Tips for Finding the Right Fit in Your Leadership
: Play in new window | DownloadAs co-host and Principal Jen Schwanke explains, the system we live in requires us to make some of the biggest decisions of life with our gut feelings. The good news is that you do…
PMP236: What to do When You Feel Restless in Leadership
: Play in new window | DownloadSpring time brings new opportunities. For some educators, it is a time of year when you may start feeling a little restless. Perhaps you will be considering new candidates for openings at your school.…
PMP234: Connecting Students to Caring Adults with TJ Warren
: Play in new window | DownloadThis week, I had the privilege to interview TJ Warren, Director of Programs for Stand in the Gap Ministries. Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Stand in the Gap is an organization committed to impacting the…
PMP233: Multiplying Excellence in Your School with Emily Paschall
: Play in new window | DownloadThis week I have the privilege of interviewing Emily Paschall about her new book, Eyes on Culture: Multiply Excellence in Your School. As you know, culture drives the outcomes of your school, and Emily…
PMP228: Strategic Leadership During Times of Uncertainty
: Play in new window | DownloadYears ago, when I was transitioning from assistant principal to high school principal, my superintendent gave me an assignment to map out goals for the next three years of my school. What was helpful…
PMP227: Me, Myself and Bob. 7 Lessons from the Rise and Fall of VeggieTales
: Play in new window | DownloadHave you ever had a dream you’ve been unable to fulfill? Phil Vischer was born in Muscatine, Iowa, in 1967. He grew up mesmerized by Disney films, Star Wars, and later by MTV. Phil…
PMP226: Year in Review and Power of Masterminds with Jeff Springer, Part 2
: Play in new window | DownloadThis past semester, Dr. Jeff Springer has helped me facilitate the weekly book study portion of our Principal Matters Mastermind. In this week’s podcast episode, we share Part 2 of a conversation about the…
PMP225: 4 Wishes for Your Much-Deserved Break (Plus Will’s Bonus Christmas Hymns)
: Play in new window | DownloadAs you are wrapping up the semester, I wanted to send this note of encouragement. This semester you have managed school in ways you never have before. Some of you have served students who…
PMP223: A Fighter Pilot’s Lessons for Leaders, Part 2
: Play in new window | DownloadIn last week’s episode, Colonel Brad Ruttman shared lessons from his military experience that may also apply to education leaders. This week, he unpacks more of his “Pocket-List for Leading a New Command” as…
PMP220: Aspire in Leadership with Joshua Stamper
: Play in new window | DownloadThis week I had the privilege of being interviewed by Joshua Stamper for his podcast, Aspire: The Leadership Development Podcast. When our mutual friend, Jimmy Casas, from ConnectEdd.org, encouraged us to talk about my…
PMP217: 57 Years Together, A Tribute to My Parents
: Play in new window | DownloadThis year’s pandemic has made it difficult to see my parents as they live a long distance and are both in a vulnerable age group. Instead of posting about education this week, I want…
PMP216: A Principal’s Toolbox with Justin Thomas
: Play in new window | DownloadAlthough it is so important to understand your “why” in leadership, it is also imperative to understand “how” to effectively do your work. This week’s guest, Dr. Justin Thomas, provides practical feedback from his…
PMP214: Pause. Breathe. Flourish. Part 2, Review with Dr. Jeff Springer
: Play in new window | DownloadThis week I was interviewed again by Dr. Jeff A. Springer, Ed.D., Educational Leadership Coach – Spring Strategies, LLC, and 2013 TASSP Texas State Principal of the Year, as we explored the final chapters…