The NAESP Principal Podcast

In today’s episode, “Lead with Connection in Special Education,” principal and host Equetta Jones talks to Nia Abdullah and Abby Foley from the Lead IDEA center about how principals can best approach serving the special education needs of their schools. Throughout their conversation, they cover how leaders can intentionally build systems that support staff, families, and students, and why connection is foundational to success in special education. Nia Abdullah is a professional researcher at the University of Georgia and an educational leadership consultant. Abby Foley is director of the Lead IDEA Center at the American Institutes for Research. Equetta Jones is principal of Love Creek elementary school in Lewes, Delaware, and serves on the NAESP Board of Director as director of Zone 1.

In today’s episode, Liz Garden and Scott McLeod from NAESP’s Center for Innovative Leadership talk with Eric Sheninger about what innovation really means in schools—and how leaders can challenge conventional thinking without simply adding more to anyone’s plate. From purposeful technology use to deeper learning, calculated risks, and small shifts in practice, this conversation explores how principals can help schools move beyond buzzwords and focus on what actually improves learning. Eric Sheninger is an author, speaker, and former teacher and award-winning principal. He is the founder and CEO of Aspire Change EDU. 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.

In today’s episode, Kim Taylor and Julie Bloss from NAESP’s Center for Early Learning Leadership talk with Jillayne Flanders and Dr. Orinthia Harris about how school leaders can begin conversations about empathy, equity, belonging, and anti-racism with young learners, staff, and families. From leading with heart to helping children see themselves represented, this conversation explores practical ways school leaders can support belonging in early learning communities. Jillayne Flanders is an author, educational consultant, and former elementary principal. Dr. Orinthia Harris is a former early childhood educator and founder & CEO of STEMearly LLC. Julie Bloss, a retired principal, is fellow at the NAESP Center for Early Learning Leadership. Kim Taylor is principal of F.X. O’Regan Early Childhood Development Center in Franklin, Massachusetts, and fellow at the NAESP Center for Early Learning Leadership.

In today’s episode, "Home Visits and the Power of Personal Connection," Andy Jacks talks with veteran principal Matt Moyer about building stronger relationships with students and families—and creating a school culture where every child feels seen and valued. Matt Moyer is principal of Rupert Elementary School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, and a member of the 2020 class of NAESP National Distinguished Principals®. Andy Jacks, Ed.D. is principal at Ellis Elementary School in Manassas, Virginia, and senior fellow at the NAESP Centers for Advancing Leadership.    

Every year, extraordinary school leaders from across the country are recognized through the NAESP National Distinguished Principal® program, and come together in Washington D.C. to meet each other and share their stories.. In this special episode of the podcast, we've curated a selection of their speeches to highlight the exceptional work they do in their schools. We invite you to listen as they share what has shaped their professional lives, and the various ways they support their school communities.