Episode #123 is up! Check it out!!!Invisible No More: The Truth About Rural EducationSpecial Guest Dr. Jamon Flowers, Assistant Professor at the University of Georgia, joins Dr. Woods on episode #123 of Leading Out The Woods to discuss Invisible No More: The Truth About Rural Education. In this episode, they unpack the unique challenges and opportunities within rural schools, highlighting the importance of access and advocacy to ensure rural students and communities are no longer overlooked.
Throwback Thursday! Augmenting the Reality of Education Through Immersive Experiences featuring Dr. Alfonso MendozaOriginally Released On: 2-25-2022This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:✅ Dr. Mendoza shares why ARVR in Education helps increase student engagement and instruction.✅ Dr. Mendoza discusses where he sees the future of education headed with this technology.Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today. 🎧👉 🕰️ Don’t forget to check back every Thursday for more Throwback episodes!
Summer Leadership RechargeIn this episode of Summer Leadership Recharge: Principal Edition, Dr. Woods sits down with Dr. Alex Carter, Vice President of Field Implementation at the Colorado Education Initiative, for an insightful conversation on the concept of the “Warm Demander.” Together, they unpack how school leaders can balance high expectations with genuine care, creating an environment where students and staff are both challenged and supported. Designed for current and aspiring principals, this episode offers practical approaches to strengthen relationships, build trust, and inspire success in the year ahead.
Anchor Chat #21: The ‘Why’ Behind the RulesIn this episode, Dr. Woods explores an essential yet often overlooked question in schools: Do students (and staff) truly understand the "why" behind the rules? Rules without context can feel restrictive—but when we explain the purpose behind them, we build trust, consistency, and a stronger school culture. Dr. Woods shares insights on how intentional communication and clarity around expectations can shift behavior and promote a more respectful learning environment.
Summer Leadership RechargeIn this episode of Summer Leadership Recharge: Principal Edition, Dr. Woods is joined by Dr. Shameka Gerald, Managing Director - 2Revolutions, to discuss "Leading Through Change: Managing Transitions & Challenges." This episode offers actionable strategies and reflective prompts to building principals to lead their teams through periods of uncertainty or change, while avoiding burnout and building a culture of collective resilience.
Summer Leadership RechargeIn this episode of Summer Leadership Recharge: Principal Edition, Dr. Woods is joined by Salome Thomas-El—principal, author, and nationally recognized speaker—to explore the power of meeting students’ individual needs to unlock their full potential. Titled after his new best seller, “Meet Their Needs And They’ll Succeed,” this conversation highlights practical leadership strategies to build supportive school cultures where every student can thrive.
Episode #122 is up! Check it out!!!Teacher Recruitment & RetentionIn this powerful episode, Dr. Lindsey Jensen joins Dr. Woods to discuss building pipelines to recruit and nurture teachers. Additionally, Dr. Jensen discusses ways to support new educators and advocate for policies to improve the profession.
Throwback Thursday! Teacher Efficacy: Reaching All LearnersOriginally Released On:11-6-2020This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:✅ Dr. Novak shares her work on implementing inclusive practices.✅ Dr. Novak offers tips on creating collective efficacy in learning environments.Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today.🎧👉 Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform or at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-out-the-woods/id1507447161🕰️ Don’t forget to check back every Thursday for more Throwback episodes!
Summer Leadership RechargeIn this episode, Dr. Woods is joined by Dr. Donetrus Hill to discuss Strategic Goal Setting for School Success, as part of our special Summer Leadership Recharge: Principal Edition series. Designed specifically for current and aspiring principals, this series offers practical strategies to help school leaders reflect, reset, and re-energize for the upcoming school year.
Throwback Thursday! The Language of Behavior featuring Joshua StamperOriginally Released On: 8-23-2024This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:✅ Joshua discusses his book, “Aspire to Lead: With Empathy, Creativity, and Passion.”✅ Joshua shares different strategies for leading restorative practices and trauma informed professional development.Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today.🎧👉 Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform or at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-out-the-woods/id1507447161🕰️ Don’t forget to check back every Thursday for more Throwback episodes!
Summer Leadership Recharge: Principal EditionIn this episode, Dr. Woods is joined by Dr. Burroughs to explore Creating Impactful Professional Development Plans, as part of our special Summer Leadership Recharge: Principal Edition 5 part series. Designed specifically for current and aspiring principals, this series offers practical strategies to help school leaders reflect, reset, and re-energize for the upcoming school year.
In this episode, Dr. Woods reflects on a common leadership dilemma: knowing the difference between a good idea and a true priority.With so many initiatives, programs, and “must-dos” in education, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or lose focus. Dr. Woods breaks down how leaders and educators can filter the noise, align their work with meaningful goals, and stay grounded in what really matters for student success.
Throwback Thursday! Student Content Creator featuring Rachelle Dene PothOriginally Released On: 3-12-2021This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:✅ Rachelle shares her thoughts on students having input on the content they create in classrooms.✅ Rachelle discusses the paradigm shift from teachers being the “gatekeepers” of knowledge to more a facilitator of learning.Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today.🎧👉 Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform or at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-out-the-woods/id1507447161🕰️ Don’t forget to check back every Thursday for more Throwback episodes!
Throwback Thursday! Mindfulness Awareness for Educators featuring Danielle NuhferOriginally Released On: 5-31-2024This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:✅ Danielle shares her three tips for bringing mindfulness awareness into the classroom for educators.✅ Danielle discusses her book, “ The Path of the Mindful Teacher.”Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today.🎧👉 Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform or at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-out-the-woods/id1507447161🕰️ Don’t forget to check back every Thursday for more Throwback episodes!
Episode #121 is up! Check it out!!!Beyond Self-Care SundayIn this episode, Dr. Woods is joined by school psychologist, author, and founder of Thriving School Collective—Dr. Rebecca Branstetter—for a deep and refreshing conversation around educator wellness. Together, they move beyond surface-level “self-care” slogans and dive into what it really means to create sustainable habits that support mental health and professional resilience.Dr. Branstetter shares practical strategies, mindset shifts, and systems that help educators thrive—not just survive—throughout the school year. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to reclaim balance and joy in the work.
Throwback Thursday! Title: Support(ing) Students Affected by Trauma featuring Anthony SwannOriginally Released On: 7-2-2021This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:✅ Anthony shares how he supports students in his classroom related to his personal experiences with trauma.✅ Anthony gives strategies that could benefit other educators working with a variety of students.Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today.🎧👉 Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform or at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-out-the-woods/id1507447161🕰️ Don’t forget to check back every Thursday for more Throwback episodes!
Throwback Thursday! Diversity as Value-Added featuring Dr. Leighangela BradyOriginally Released On: 9-8-2023This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:✅ Dr. Brady shares the work her team is doing in National School District to develop exceptionally prepared learners.✅ Dr. Brady gives tips on engaging all stakeholders in meaningful planning and strategic partnerships.Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today.🎧👉 Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform or at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-out-the-woods/id1507447161🕰️Don’t forget to check back every Thursday for more Throwback episodes!
Anchor Chat #19: Dangerous AssumptionsIn this episode, Dr. Woods discusses why dangerous assumptions lead to confusion, frustration, and missed opportunities. In this quick episode, he shares why it's essential to build context, check for understanding, and offer shared reference points—whether you're teaching a lesson, leading a meeting, or calling home.
Throwback Thursday! Title: Leveraging Leadership featuring Dr. Robert ThornellOriginally Released On: 5-20-2022This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:✅ Dr. Thornell shares the five distinct activities he believes all principals should exhibit. ✅ Dr. Thornell advocates for principals to “tell the story” about their school to generate buy-in and support for their staff and students.Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today.🎧👉 Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform or at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-out-the-woods/id1507447161🕰️ Don’t forget to check back every Thursday for more Throwback episodes!
In this powerful episode, Dr. Alex Chisholm joins Dr. Woods to share his journey from working in K12 schools to becoming a leader in higher education. He reflects on lessons learned, unexpected challenges, and the transferable skills that helped him thrive in a new educational space.