The NAESP Principal Podcast

In today’s episode, Dr. Sharon Porter talks with Katy Kennedy and David Griffith about why regulation is at the heart of every student’s success. They discuss how schools can better support students and staff—through counseling, co-regulation, and policy changes—while modeling the practices we want children to learn. Katy Kennedy is principal of Washington Middle School in Glendive, Montana, and fellow at the NAESP Center for Middle-Level Leadership. David Griffith is Associate Executive Director of Policy and Advocacy at NAESP. Sharon Porter is principal of Allenwood Elementary School in Temple Hills, Maryland, and fellow at the NAESP Center for Diversity Leadership.

In today’s episode, principal Andy Jacks talks with leaders Jessica Quinter and Kenny Newby about what it takes to enter a new school as an experienced principal. From building trust fast to aligning with supervisors and protecting your own well-being, this conversation offers practical strategies you can put to work right away. Jessica Quinter, Ed.D. is principal of Park Forest Elementary School in State College, Pennsylvania, and serves as director for Zone 2 on the NAESP Board of Directors. Kenny Newby is principal of Justice Alan Page Elementary School in Maplewood Minnesota, serves as NAESP Zone 7 director, and moderator for the NAESP LGBTQIA+ Network. Andy Jacks, Ed.D. is principal at Ellis Elementary School in Manassas, Virginia, and senior fellow at the NAESP Centers for Advancing Leadership.

In today’s episode, principal Equetta Jones talks with experts from the Lead IDEA Center about what it takes to lead schools where every student belongs—and succeeds. From preparation gaps and staffing shortages to shifting mindsets and building strong systems, this conversation offers insight and practical strategies you can put to work right away. Dia Jackson, Ph.D., is a senior researcher at the American Institutes for Research and co-leads the knowledge development team at the Lead IDEA Center. Dena Slanda, Ph.D., is a senior TA consultant at the American Institutes for Research, and serves as intensive technical assistance lead at the Lead IDEA Center. Equetta Jones is principal of Lovecreek Elementary School in Lewes, Delaware, and moderator for NAESP's Early Career Principal Community of Practice.

Principals know there are no guarantees that any initiative, improvement plan, or new idea will be successful at their school. How do we convince stakeholders—and just as importantly ourselves—that these ideas are worth pursuing? We sat down with Philadelphia principal Tim Boyle to discuss how to navigate ambiguity and improve what matters at your school. Tim Boyle is principal of Science Leadership Academy Middle School (SLAMS) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Massachusetts, and serves as fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership. Scott McLeod is professor of educational leadership at the University of Colorado, Denver, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

Most school leaders will be familiar with PBL. But for principal Amy McElroy PBL means Problem-Based—not Project-Based—Learning. We discuss what the differences are and what it means for her school, and how this approach impacts her student's engagement and overall success. Amie McElroy is elementary school director at STEM School in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Massachusetts, and serves as fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership. Scott McLeod is professor of educational leadership at the University of Colorado, Denver, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is crucial at any age, but it has a special significance at the middle level. Today we sit down with an Illinois principal who's school's unique approach to SEL has made an impact in to the culture and character of students in the middle grades and beyond. Francesca Peck is principal at Polaris Charter Academy in Chicago, Illinois. Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Massachusetts, and serves as fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership. Scott McLeod is professor of educational leadership at the University of Colorado, Denver, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

Today we're joined by author, educator and PBL advocate Sara Lev, to explain why project-based learning is not only appropriate for our youngest learners, but should be implemented far more often. We cover what it looks like in the early grades, and how principals can lead the way in implementing project-based learning in early childhood. Sara Lev is teacher on special assignment at the Larchmont Charter School in Los Angeles, and author of Implementing Project Based Learning in Early Childhood. You can find her on Twitter @saramlev. Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Massachusetts, and serves as fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership. Scott McLeod is professor of educational leadership at the University of Colorado, Denver, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

Regardless of what strategies school leaders use to improve learning, one thing is for certain: Students must be present to receive that learning. Student attendance is a critical issue for many schools across the country, and in this episode we discuss the assistant principal's role in tackling chronic absenteeism. Donna McGuire is moderator for the NAESP Assistant Principal Community of Practice, and serves as assistant principal at Park Terrace School in New York City. Sonia Matthew is assistant principal of Mary B. Neal Elementary School in Waldorf, Maryland, and a 2025 NAESP National Outstanding Assistant Principal. D’Metria Alston is assistant principal of Wilder Elementary School in Westerville, Ohio. Join us this April to celebrate National Assistant Principals Week! Visit naesp.org/APWeek to learn more.

In this powerful episode, Xavier Reed and Dr. Sharon Porter engage in a candid and thought-provoking conversation on anti-racist and inclusive leadership in education. Joined by NAESP President Kevin Armstrong and leadership expert Madeline McNeely, they explore strategies for fostering equitable school environments, dismantling systemic barriers, and leading with intentional inclusivity. This episode is a must-listen for educators, administrators, and leaders committed to transforming schools into spaces of belonging and empowerment for all students. Kevin Armstrong, Ed.D. is executive principal at DuPont Hadley Middle School in Old Hickory, Tennessee, and 2024-2025 NAESP President. Madeline McNeely, M.Ed. is an author, speaker, executive coach, and founder and CEO of Conditioning Leaders. Sharon Porter is principal of Allenwood Elementary School in Temple Hills, Maryland, and has just started her inaugural year as fellow at the NAESP Center for Diversity Leadership. Xavier Reed is principal of Central Middle School in Wayzata, Minnesota, and is continuing his second year as fellow at the center.

Join the Center for Diversity Leadership fellows for a powerful conversation with Dr. Trudi Lebron, DEI expert and author, as we explore the transformative impact of equity-centered practices on schools, students, and communities. Sharon Porter is principal of Rose Valley Elementary School in Fort Washington, Maryland, and has just started her inaugural year as fellow at the NAESP Center for Diversity Leadership. Xavier Reed is principal of Central Middle School in Wayzata, Minnesota, and is continuing his second year as fellow at the center.

Although wellness has always been crucial, it has become increasingly relevant in recent years. Today, wellness coach and expert Molly Funk joins us as we learn the importance of social-emotional wellness for students and educators alike, and how principals can demonstrate leadership through practicing wellness themselves. Molly Funk is an integrative educator wellness coach and professional learning facilitator. Andy Jacks is principal of Ellis Elementary School in Manassas, Virginia, and senior fellow at the NAESP Centers for Advancing Leadership.

When there are significant shifts in what we know about education, it can take a long time before those changes reach all teachers. For Erik Francis, Depth of Knowledge (DOK) is one such framework that needs reexamination. But these shifts don't happen with trainings alone—they require leadership to implement effectively. Francis sat down with the Center for Innovative Leadership to discuss the future of DOK, and how principals play an essential part in successful professional development Erik Francis is an author and speaker, and currently employs his 25 years of experience in education as owner and operator of professional development company Maverik Education. Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Massachusetts, and serves as fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership. Scott McLeod is professor of educational leadership at the University of Colorado, Denver, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

How should AI be incorporated—or not—into school? Although it's latest iteration is relatively new, veteran educator and author Holly Clark has plenty of experience negotiating the relationship between technology and education, joins us to offer her thoughts on the promises and limits of artificial intelligence in education. Holly Clark is a speaker, best-selling author, educator, and dedicated advocate for digital learning. Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Massachusetts, and serves as fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership. Scott McLeod is professor of educational leadership at the University of Colorado, Denver, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

When Bryan Byerlee's school building was set for reconstruction, three basic needs were prioritized: warm, safe, and dry. But those were just the baseline non-negotiables. What he and others would come to recognize is how redesigning a school is a unique opportunity to empower students, shape school culture, and improve learning overall. Bryan Byerlee is principal of Garden City Elementary School in Cranston, Rhode Island. Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Massachusetts, and serves as fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership. Scott McLeod is professor of educational leadership at the University of Colorado, Denver, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

Often in conversations about the teaching elementary vs. secondary students, it's easy to overlook those at the middle level. More than a simple overlap of both categories, children in these grades have their own unique needs. Fortunately, at our annual conference in Nashville, the NAESP Center for Middle-Level Leadership fellows had an opportunity to sit down with Katie Powell of the Association for Middle Level Education to discuss how principals can better understand and serve middle-level students.   Katie Powell is Director for Middle Level Programs at the Association for Middle Level Education. Dr. Todd Brist is principal of Watertown Middle School in Watertown, South Dakota, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Middle-Level Leadership. Jessica Cabeen is principal of Austin Online Academy in Minnesota, as well as a past fellow at the NAESP Center for Middle-Level Leadership.

Some educators might feel limited when it comes to outdoor learning options. Sure, there's sports, the odd field trip, and maybe holding a class or two outside—weather permitting. Today's guest comes to us from a unique and innovative school in Oregon that is blazing trails by teaching outside every day. We hear how rewarding it is for the students they serve, and what principals can take away from this model and bring to their schools. Heidi McKay is executive director of Down to Earth Forest School in West Linn, Oregon. Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Massachusetts, and serves as fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership. Scott McLeod is professor of educational leadership at the University of Colorado, Denver, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

Where are you on your leadership journey? How has equity informed that journey? What is your "why" as a school leader? In this episode of the NAESP Principal Podcast, Xavier Reed discusses these questions and more with Sharon Porter, the newest fellow at the NAESP Center for Diversity Leadership. Sharon Porter is principal of Rose Valley Elementary School in Fort Washington, Maryland, and has just started her inaugural year as fellow at the NAESP Center for Diversity Leadership. Xavier Reed is principal of Central Middle School in Wayzata, Minnesota, and is continuing his second year as fellow at the center.

It’s all too easy to assume that schools need to focus only on standards and benchmarks at the expense of everything else. Baltimore-based principal Traci Mathena joins us today to explain how enriching educational opportunities are something all students should receive, and shares how her school is benefitting from play-based and place-based learning. Traci Mathena is principal of Creative City Public Charter School in Baltimore, Maryland. Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Massachusetts, and serves as fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership. Scott McLeod is professor of educational leadership at the University of Colorado, Denver, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

Today we're joined by members of NAESP's Latino+ Network to discuss the perspectives of Latino students, staff, and administrators. Whether it's the unique needs of students, engaging with the broader community, or the importance of representation in teaching and leadership, understanding these perspectives is crucial to the success of our schools. Annette Sanchez is principal of Hampton-Moreno-Dugat Early Childhood Center in Beeville, Texas, and serves as NAESP state representative for Texas. Chris Jackson is principal of Hollinger K-8 School in Tuscon, Arizona.

Quality early childhood education has a huge impact on any student's success as they learn and grow. Often those with limited experience with their youngest learners quickly find themselves searching for more ways improve in this crucial area. Today we talk with one educator who's commitment to improving learning in the early grades empowered her practice and made a real difference in her school. Leslie Selberg Viveiros, is fine arts coordinator at the Carlucci American International School of Lisbon in Portugal. Julie Bloss, a retired principal, is fellow at the NAESP Center for Early Learning Leadership and instructor for NAESP's Principal Leadership for The Early Grades program.