Principal Center Radio

The Principal Center's mission is to build capacity for instructional leadership. In each episode of Principal Center Radio, Director Justin Baeder interviews education thought leaders and authors.

Barbara Blackburn—Rigor for Students with Special Needs

Get the book, Rigor for Students with Special Needs Visit Barbara's website www.BarbaraBlackburnOnline.com About The Author Barbara Blackburn, PhD is the author of more than 35 books and a full-time consultant who works with schools around the world to help raise the level of rigor and motivation for professional educators and students alike. Dr. Blackburn has been repeatedly named to the Top 30 Education Gurus by Global Gurus. 

01-03
32:54

Teresa Hill—The Instructional Leader's Guide to Closing Achievement Gaps: Five Keys for Improving Student Outcomes

Get the book, The Instructional Leader's Guide to Closing Achievement Gaps: Five Keys for Improving Student Outcomes About The Author Dr. Teresa Hill is a speaker, author, and leader whose work focuses on underserved communities and making the system work for every child. She is devoted to eliminating achievement gaps and ending what she terms “failure as a default”. Her motto is “All children can learn . . . Period.” Dr. Hill began her career teaching thirty-one kindergarten students in Peoria, IL, has served as a principal and assistant superintendent, and has served as Superintendent in South Holland, IL since 2012. This episode of Principal Center Radio is sponsored by IXL, the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K-12. Discover the power of data-driven instruction in your school with IXL—it gives you everything you need to maximize learning, from a comprehensive curriculum to meaningful school-wide data. Visit IXL.com/center to lead your school towards data-driven excellence today.   

12-23
31:03

Marc-Oliver Gewaltig—Thesify.ai: Scholarly Writing in the Age of A.I.

Learn more about Thesify at www.Thesify.ai About The Author Marc-Oliver has a Ph.D in physics but quickly switched to neuroscience to understand how our brain processes information. Before co-founding Thesify, Marc-Oliver was senior group leader at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and before that Principal Scientist at the Honda Research Institute Europe in Germany.

12-16
29:27

Barbara Blackburn—Rigor in the 6-12 Math and Science Classroom: A Teacher Toolkit

Get the book, Rigor in the 6-12 Math and Science Classroom: A Teacher Toolkit Download the Sample Science Structured Writing Guide Download the Sample Mathematics Structured Writing Guide Download the Flesh It Out Math Handout Download the Flesh It Out Science Handout About The Author Barbara Blackburn, PhD is the author of more than 35 books and a full-time consultant who works with schools around the world to help raise the level of rigor and motivation for professional educators and students alike. Dr. Blackburn has been repeatedly named to the Top 30 Education Gurus by Global Gurus.  This episode of Principal Center Radio is sponsored by IXL, the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K-12. Discover the power of data-driven instruction in your school with IXL—it gives you everything you need to maximize learning, from a comprehensive curriculum to meaningful school-wide data. Visit IXL.com/center to lead your school towards data-driven excellence today.   

12-09
26:48

Carl Hendrick—How Learning Happens: Seminal Works in Educational Psychology and What They Mean in Practice

Get the book, How Learning Happens: Seminal Works in Educational Psychology and What They Mean in Practice Follow Carl on X @C_Hendrick About The Author Carl Hendrick is Professor at Academica University of Applied Sciences in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, where he translates research findings into practical teaching strategies. He taught English at the secondary level for 18 years, and holds a PhD in education from King's College London. He is the author of three books.

12-02
37:51

Vickie Echols—AI for School Leaders: 62 Ways To Lighten Your Workload and Focus On What Matters

Get the book, AI for School Leaders: 62 Ways To Lighten Your Workload and Focus On What Matters Visit Vickie's website, www.VickieEchols.com About The Author Vickie Echols is a veteran educator who has served as a K-12 and university teacher, elementary principal and district communication director during her career in public education. She currently serves as a school transformation coach for the nonprofit Wellness for Educators. She is the author of AI for School Leaders: 62 Ways To Lighten Your Workload and Focus On What Matters This episode of Principal Center Radio is sponsored by IXL, the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K-12. Discover the power of data-driven instruction in your school with IXL—it gives you everything you need to maximize learning, from a comprehensive curriculum to meaningful school-wide data. Visit IXL.com/center to lead your school towards data-driven excellence today.   

11-25
27:26

Joshua Starr—Equity-Based Leadership: Leveraging Complexity to Transform School Systems

Get the book, Equity-Based Leadership: Leveraging Complexity to Transform School Systems Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn About The Author Dr. Joshua Starr is an experienced educational leader who has served as the Managing Partner of the Center for Model Schools, the CEO of PDK International, and as superintendent in Montgomery County, Maryland and Stamford, Connecticut. He is a graduate of the Harvard Urban Superintendents' program. He is the author of Equity-Based Leadership: Leveraging Complexity to Transform School Systems.

11-18
26:59

Larry Thompson—Responsibility-Centered Discipline: Keeping Students on the Path of Accountability

Get the book, Responsibility-Centered Discipline: Keeping Students on the Path of Accountability Visit Larry's Website, www.GivemFive.com About The Author Larry Thompson is the creator of Responsibility-Centered Discipline, as well as Responsibility-Centered Leadership and Responsibility-Centered Parenting. A popular speaker, author, and thought leader, he has worked with thousands of educators, leaders, and parents across the US and internationally. He is a former state principal of the year. This episode of Principal Center Radio is sponsored by IXL, the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K-12. Discover the power of data-driven instruction in your school with IXL—it gives you everything you need to maximize learning, from a comprehensive curriculum to meaningful school-wide data. Visit IXL.com/center to lead your school towards data-driven excellence today.   

11-11
34:55

Natalie Wexler—Beyond the Science of Reading: Connecting Literacy Instruction to the Science of Learning

Visit Natalie's Website, www.NatalieWexler.com  Follow Natalie on X @natwexler About The Author Natalie Wexler is an education journalist whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and the Washington Post. She is the coauthor of The Writing Revolution 2.0. She is the author of The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America's Broken Education System and How To Fix It, and the new book, Beyond the Science of Reading, Connecting Literacy Instruction to the Science of Learning.  

11-04
25:56

Barbara Blackburn—Scaffolding for Success: Helping Learners Meet Rigorous Expectations Across The Curriculum

Get the book, Scaffolding for Success: Helping Learners Meet Rigorous Expectations Across The Curriculum Visit Barbara's website www.BarbaraBlackburnOnline.com Vote Barbara Blackburn for The Best Global Education Guru 2025 About The Author Barbara Blackburn, PhD is the author of more than 35 books and a full-time consultant who works with schools around the world to help raise the level of rigor and motivation for professional educators and students alike. Dr. Blackburn has been repeatedly named to the Top 30 Education Gurus by Global Gurus.  This episode of Principal Center Radio is sponsored by IXL, the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K-12. Discover the power of data-driven instruction in your school with IXL—it gives you everything you need to maximize learning, from a comprehensive curriculum to meaningful school-wide data. Visit IXL.com/center to lead your school towards data-driven excellence today.   

10-28
22:04

Nason Lollar—The Five Principles of Educator Professionalism: Rebuilding Trust in Schools

Get the book, The Five Principles of Educator Professionalism: Rebuilding Trust in Schools Follow Dr. Lollar on X @NasonLollar About The Author Dr. Nason Lollar has more than 24 years of experience in the field of education. Nason has served as a high school math and social studies teacher baseball coach an assistant principal and currently as a lead principal and he holds a doctorate In education from William Carey University, and in 2023, he was honored by the Mississippi Association of Secondary School Principals as a State Assistant Principal of the Year.

10-21
31:25

Tom Hierck & Alex Kajitani—You're A Teacher Now! What's Next?

Get the book, You're A Teacher Now! What's Next? Visit Alex' Website, www.AlexKajitani.com Visit Tom's Website, www.TomHierck.com About The Author Tom Hierck has been an educator since 1983 in a career that has spanned all grade levels and many roles in public education, including teacher, administrator, district leader, department of education project leader, and  executive director. A prolific author and consultant, his expertise in RTI, MTSS, intervention, assessment, and other topics make him a highly sought-after speaker. He is the author of more than 20 books.  Alex Kajitani is a past California Teacher of the Year, and finalist for National Teacher of the Year. He is the founder of Multiplication Nation, and the author of several books on topics including teaching, parenting, and mathematics. He travels widely to speak with educators, and is the author of 5 books.  This episode of Principal Center Radio is sponsored by IXL, the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K-12. Discover the power of data-driven instruction in your school with IXL—it gives you everything you need to maximize learning, from a comprehensive curriculum to meaningful school-wide data. Visit IXL.com/center to lead your school towards data-driven excellence today.   

10-14
27:31

Chris Joffe—All Clear: Lessons From A Decade of Managing School Crises

Get the book, All Clear: Lessons From A Decade of Managing School Crises Visit Chris' Website, www.ChrisJoffe.com About The Author Chris Joffe is the founder of Joffe Emergency Services, where he works with more than 2000 schools across the US, with about 650 employees across 34 states. He served as an EMS first responder, studied paramedicine at UCLA, and holds a Master's in Technology, Business, and Integrated Design from the University of Southern California.

10-07
27:31

Holly Geyer—Ending the Crisis: Mayo Clinic's Guide to Opioid Addiction and Safe Opioid Use

Get the book, Ending the Crisis: Mayo Clinic's Guide to Opioid Addiction and Safe Opioid Use About The Author Dr. Holly Geyer, MD is an Addiction Medicine Specialist at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona and the physician lead of the MCA Opioid Stewardship Program, and chairs the ‘School Training Overdose Preparedness and Intelligence Taskforce’ (STOP-IT), a 60+ member multidisciplinary working group charged with developing a comprehensive and sustainable school opioid overdose preparation plan and toolkit for AZ schools. She is widely published in high-impact scientific journals and book chapters, and maintains an active international lecture schedule. She additionally serves as a Physician Director of the Mayo Clinic Physician Assistant Fellowship program.   This episode of Principal Center Radio is sponsored by IXL, the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K-12. Discover the power of data-driven instruction in your school with IXL—it gives you everything you need to maximize learning, from a comprehensive curriculum to meaningful school-wide data. Visit IXL.com/center to lead your school towards data-driven excellence today.   

09-30
23:39

Jim Marshall—Fixing Education Initiatives In Crisis: 24 Go-To Strategies

Get the book, Fixing Education Initiatives in Crisis: 24 Go-to Strategies Visit Jim's Website www.JamesMMarshall.com About The Author James Marshall, PhD is Professor of Educational Leadership at San Diego State University, where he serves as the Senior Director for the Ed.D. program in PK-12 School Leadership. With over 200 publications to his credit, Dr. Marshall’s scholarship encompasses a diverse range of works that include empirical research, program evaluation efforts, and policy development.

09-23
29:34

Zach Groshell—Just Tell Them: The Art and Science of Explanation

Get the book, Just Tell Them: The Art and Science of Explanation Visit Zach's website, www.EducationRickshaw.com Follow Zach on X @mrzachg About The Author Zach Groshell, PhD is a former teacher, author, and consultant who brings the science of learning into schools. He is the host of the Progressively Incorrect podcast, and a frequent presenter at ResearchEd and other conferences around the world.   This episode of Principal Center Radio is sponsored by IXL, the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K-12. Discover the power of data-driven instruction in your school with IXL—it gives you everything you need to maximize learning, from a comprehensive curriculum to meaningful school-wide data. Visit IXL.com/center to lead your school towards data-driven excellence today.   

09-16
30:09

Richard DeLorenzo & Roxanne Mourant—Competency-Based Education Ignited: A Transformational Systemwide Approach for Leaders

Get the book, Competency-Based Education Ignited: A Transformational Systemwide Approach for Leaders (A critical road map for implementing competency-based learning) Visit the Competency Based Education IGNITED website, www.CBEIgnited.org About The Authors Richard DeLorenzo is an internationally known leader in education and organization restructuring. He is best known for his uniquely comprehensive grassroots approach to reinventing school systems to meet the needs of all learners. He is the author of Delivering on the Promise: The Education Revolution.   Roxanne Mourant, is chief education officer of Educating for Leadership, Inc., in Alaska. She and Richard worked together at the Re-Inventing Schools Coalition, leading system change through leadership, curricular improvement, and professional development. She has more than 35 years of experience as a teacher, principal, district administrator, and university instructor.

09-09
31:09

Alyssa Gallagher—Embracing MESSY Leadership: How the Experience of 20,000 School Leaders Can Transform You and Your School

Get the book, Embracing MESSY Leadership: How the Experience of 20,000 School Leaders Can Transform You and Your School Visit the BTS Spark Website, www.BTSSpark.org About The Author Alyssa Gallagher co-leads BTS Spark America, helping American and Canadian school leaders to access leadership coaching. Alyssa has broad-ranging experience, serving as teacher, school principal and Assistant Superintendent. Under Alyssa’s guidance, Los Altos School District became a nationally recognised leader in educational innovation, with her work featured by Forbes, Wired, The Economist, CNN and CBS’ 60 Minutes. She also served as Director of Global Leadership for the Wiseman Group. Alyssa has co-authored two books on using design thinking to improve teaching and learning.   This episode of Principal Center Radio is sponsored by IXL, the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K-12. Discover the power of data-driven instruction in your school with IXL—it gives you everything you need to maximize learning, from a comprehensive curriculum to meaningful school-wide data. Visit IXL.com/center to lead your school towards data-driven excellence today.   

09-02
24:00

Peter DeWitt & Michael Nelson— Leading With Intention: How School Leaders Can Unlock Deeper Collaboration and Drive Results

  Visit the Instructional Leadership Collective website www.instructionalleadershipcollective.com Follow Mike on X @SuitguyMike Follow Peter on X @PeterMDeWitt About The Authors Dr. Peter DeWitt is the founder and CEO of the Instructional Leadership Collective. He hosts the Education Week blog Finding Common Ground and is the author of 9 books.   Michael Nelson is a past president of the Washington Association of School Administrators, and an award-winning principal and superintendent. He currently serves as Thought Partner at the Instructional Leadership Collective.

08-26
31:45

John Almarode—The Illustrated Guide to Visible Learning

Get the book, The Illustrated Guide to Visible Learning: An Introduction to What Works Best In Schools About The Author Dr. John Almarode is a bestselling author and an Associate Professor of Education at James Madison University, where he holds the Sarah Miller Luck Endowed Professorship. He received an Outstanding Faculty Award from the State Council for Higher Education in Virginia in 2021. Before his academic career, John started as a mathematics and science teacher in Augusta County, Virginia. He is the author, often with John Hattie, Doug Fisher, and Nancy Frey, of more than 29 books.   This episode of Principal Center Radio is sponsored by IXL, the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K-12. Discover the power of data-driven instruction in your school with IXL—it gives you everything you need to maximize learning, from a comprehensive curriculum to meaningful school-wide data. Visit IXL.com/center to lead your school towards data-driven excellence today.   

08-19
29:51

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