The School Leadership Show

Jenn made me do this episode. I really didn't wat to, but I'm glad we did. As we approach the upcoming presidential election, you may remember the fallout from the last two elections. Some school communities experienced heightened divisions, increased bullying, more tension in classrooms, and a general sense of uncertainty.  Fortunately, there are some steps school and district leaders can take to proactively anticipate some of these challenges. We need to plan ways to communicate clearly, set expectations, and create a calm and inclusive school environment while also thinking through ways to address challenges that may arise (heightened emotions, legal issues, inappropriate behavior.)  All of this while remembering that our purpose in schools is to educate! We need to remember this election brings plenty of opportunity (and responsibility!) to educate our students about civic issues, media literacy, and respectfully engaging in challenging and often contentious conversations. Take a look at this 2-page resource - 5 Ways School Leaders Can Prepare for a Contentious Election and listen to our conversation with the very thoughtful Debbie McFalone Dr. Debbie McFalone has a long and distinguished career in the field of education – after serving as a Teacher, Principal and Supe she now is a consultant and coach who works with both school-based and district-based individuals and teams across the state of Michigan. Her work focuses primarily on the areas of courage and integrity in leadership. Plus she has her 3rd book coming out in early 2025 Meeting The Moment: A Call For Courage. You can learn more about Debbie and her work at her website: https://www.livewellleadstrong.com/.  As always, send your comments, questions, and show ideas to mike@schoolleadershipshow.com. Consider rating the podcast in iTunes and leaving a comment.  And please pass the show along to your colleagues. Additionally, if you have other non-education books with implications for school leaders, send those suggestions our way, too. And finally, If you or someone you know would like to sponsor the show, send Mike an email at mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.  

Kim Marshall needs no introduction. He is the most recognized name in the field of educational leadership because he is the person behind the weekly Marshall Memo -- a subscription service that provides curated summaries of the most important articles in education each week.  In this podcast Kim provides an overview of the three essential areas school leaders need to keep an eye on to be successful supervisors and coaches: • Supervising and coaching TEACHING • Supervising and coaching LEARNING • Supervising and coaching PLANNING Most know him because he is the guru of mini-observations. In our conversation he shares what you need to be sure to do to ensure your observations and feedback are effective. As always, send your comments, questions, and show ideas to mike@schoolleadershipshow.com. Consider rating the podcast in iTunes and leaving a comment.  And please pass the show along to your colleagues. Additionally, if you have other non-education books with implications for school leaders, send those suggestions our way, too. And finally, If you or someone you know would like to sponsor the show, send Mike an email at mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.

In this episode, Jenn had the privilege of speaking to three rising juniors in college, all of whom want to become teachers. While we've spent so much time fearing the loss of teachers from our field, it was so inspiring to remember that some energetic young people are going to bring so much to our schools, too. Exciting! The passion of these three young women — Annie Morrison, Audrey Garfinkel, and Isabella Argote — was palpable! First of all, they KNOW kids — from teaching swimming and ballet to being camp counselors to starting an innovative virtual book club for young people during Covid — and will bring these rich experiences to our schools. Whether you want ideas for how to work with our youngest teachers or you just want to be inspired, you should listen to this episode! You may end up wanting their resumes in a couple years... As always, send your comments, questions, and show ideas to mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.  Consider rating the podcast in iTunes and leaving a comment.  And please pass the show along to your colleagues. Additionally, if you have other non-education books with implications for school leaders, send those suggestions our way, too. And finally, If you or someone you know would like to sponsor the show, send Mike an email at mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.  

“If you’re not reading by the end of third grade, there’s a 70% chance you won’t become a proficient reader.” That’s what author Karen Gazith told us as we talked with her about her most recent book, The Power of Effective Reading Instruction: How Neuroscience Informs Instruction Across All Grades and Disciplines. Here’s more of what we know: Neuroscience and decades of research have provided a clear understanding of how children learn to read and how teachers can help them when they struggle with reading. Teachers in every grade level and content area need to provide their students with evidence-based instruction, strategies, and interventions that will support their reading development and empower them to succeed in school and life. Enjoy this lively conversation about a controversial but important topic. As always, send your comments, questions, and show ideas to mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.  Consider rating the podcast in iTunes and leaving a comment.  And please pass the show along to your colleagues. Additionally, if you have other non-education books with implications for school leaders, send those suggestions our way, too. And finally, If you or someone you know would like to sponsor the show, send Mike an email at mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.  

In this episode, we're shining a light on a pressing issue in the educational landscape: teacher burnout and attrition. With schools across the nation feeling the impact, we turn to expert Chase Mielke, author of Illuminate the Way: The School Leader’s Guide to Addressing and Preventing Teacher Burnout (ASCD, 2023), for insights and solutions. If you're a school leader, educator, or anyone passionate about creating a positive and sustainable teaching environment, this episode is a must-listen. To learn more about Chase and his work, you can find him here: https://www.facebook.com/chasemielkespeaker, https://www.instagram.com/chasemielke/. As always, send your comments, questions, and show ideas to mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.  Consider rating the podcast in iTunes and leaving a comment.  And please pass the show along to your colleagues. Additionally, if you have other non-education books with implications for school leaders, send those suggestions our way, too. And finally, If you or someone you know would like to sponsor the show, send Mike an email at mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.

DEI feels like it’s becoming the (a) third rail in K-12 education. The quote in the title is from Verna Myers, VP of inclusion strategy at Netflix, and is included in Ruchika Tulshyan’s book Inclusion on Purpose: An Intersectional Approach to Creating a Culture of Belonging at Work. In this episode, Jenn and I have a real and practical conversation with Ruchika about what you can do personally and as an organization to help everyone feel like they belong. As always, send your comments, questions, and show ideas to mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.  Consider rating the podcast in iTunes and leaving a comment.  And please pass the show along to your colleagues. Additionally, if you have other NON-education books with implications for school leaders, send those suggestions our way, too. And finally, If you or someone you know would like to sponsor the show, send Mike an email at mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.

Many of us as educators have assumed that the kids with strong grades and strong test scores were set up for success. Isn't that what we were supposed to work toward in schools? Dr. Borba has interviewed scores of students and has found that these 2 areas – grades and test scores  –  are not the markers of success today in the 21st century. Instead, as educators, leaders, and parents we should be focusing on 7 character strengths: self-confidence, empathy, self-control, integrity, curiosity, perseverance, and optimism. Dr. Borba is an educational psychologist, author, and parenting expert. She has written over 20 books and has worked with everyone from Harvard to Sesame Street – mostly about the power of character skills and character education. Dr. Borba’s work has profound implications for us in the field of education right now.  Listen to Dr. Borba share how these seven are what truly contribute to our students' well-being and how we can all foster these important skills. As always, send your comments, questions, and show ideas to mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.  Consider rating the podcast in iTunes and leaving a comment.  And please pass the show along to your colleagues. Additionally, if you have other NON-education books with implications for school leaders, send those suggestions our way, too. And finally, If you or someone you know would like to sponsor the show, send Mike an email at mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.

Everyone has hidden potential for growth and achievement, but standard approaches to studying, practicing, coaching, and organizing education often leave this potential untapped. The practices of high-achieving individuals (and a high-achieving school system) reveal the surprising skills, scaffolds,and systems that unlock potential. Even better, anyone can learn them, and anyone can teach them, too. In this episode we have a great conversation about Adam Grant’s book Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things and how to apply his insights to our own lives as busy educators. As always, send your comments, questions, and show ideas  to mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.  Consider rating the podcast in iTunes and leaving a comment.  And please pass the show along to your colleagues.  Additionally, if you have other NON-education books with implications for school leaders, send those suggestions our way, too. And finally, If you or someone you know would like to sponsor the show, send Mike an email at mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.

The research is clear: to provide equitable learning opportunities for all, schools must actively include students with disabilities alongside their peers in general education settings.School leaders don’t need a degree in special education to lead their school toward more equitable and inclusive education for all, but they do need to watch, listen, ask questions, and learn all they can about the law and research-backed practices. In this episode, Jenn and I interview Belinda Karge, the author of Watch, Listen, Ask, Learn How School Leaders Can Create an Inclusive Environment for Students with Disabilities. Belinda shares practical strategies for school leaders to support all teachers in helping to create an inclusive environment for all students, and for students with disabilities in particular. If you're up for a classic episode about special education. Check out this one from September 2015 where I interviewed two special education attorneys - one who represents students and families, the other represents school districts: Stay Out of Trouble with Special Education Law. It’s a lively conversation. As always, send your comments, questions, and show ideas to mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.  Consider rating the podcast in iTunes and leaving a comment.  And please pass the show along to your colleagues.  Additionally, if you have other NON-education books with implications for school leaders, send those suggestions our way, too. And finally, If you or someone you know would like to sponsor the show, send Mike an email at mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.

In this episode, Jenn David-Lang of The Main Idea, interviews Adam Drummond about his book The Instructional Change Agent: Instructional Change Agent: 48 Ways to Be the Leader Your School Needs. Jenn has done a Main Idea summary of the book, and you can subscribe to The Main Idea at this link: https://www.themainidea.net/subscribe/ As always, send your comments, questions, and show ideas to mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.  Consider rating the podcast in iTunes and leaving a comment.  And please pass the show along to your colleagues.  If you or someone you know would like to sponsor the show, send me an email at mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.

In this episode, Jenn David-Lang of The Main Idea and I interview Bill Sommers about his book Responding to Resistance: Thirty Strategies to Manage Conflict in Your School (An educational leadership guide to conflict management in the school community). Bill is a seasoned leader with a ton of experience and the sense of humor to match. This conversation could easily have lasted hours. His no-nonsense, straightforward approach to conflict is something we can all learn from. To learn more about Bill and his work visit his website: http://learningomnivores.com/.  Jenn has done a Main Idea summary of the book, and If you would like a copy, you can email her at Jenn@TheMainIdea.net.  As always, send your comments, questions, and show ideas to mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.  Consider rating the podcast in iTunes and leaving a comment.  And please pass the show along to your colleagues.  If you or someone you know would like to sponsor the show, send me an email at mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.

In this episode, Jenn David-Lang of The Main Idea and I discuss Dan Pink’s book The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward. Dan Pink is one of my favorite authors, and I never miss an opportunity to talk about his work. This was a fantastic conversation on a topic that is so important to  everyone’s mental health and well-being.  Jenn has done a Main Idea summary of the book, and If you would like a copy, you can email her at Jenn@TheMainIdea.net.  As always, send your comments, questions, and show ideas to mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.  Consider rating the podcast in iTunes and leaving a comment.  And please pass the show along to your colleagues.  If you or someone you know would like to sponsor the show, send me an email at mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.

In this episode, Jenn David-Lang of The Main Idea and I interview Joe Feldman, the author of Grading for Equity: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How It Can Transform Schools and Classrooms. This was an amazing conversation on a topic that is so central to our work as educators. It’s amazing that we are still so tied to a system that was designed for the Industrial Revolution. You can learn more about Joe and his great work at the website for the Crescendo Education Group, where Joe is the CEO.  Jenn has done a Main Idea summary of the book, and If you would like a copy, you can email her at Jenn@TheMainIdea.net.  As always, send your comments, questions, and show ideas to mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.  Consider rating the podcast in iTunes and leaving a comment.  And please pass the show along to your colleagues.  If you or someone you know would like to sponsor the show, send me an email at mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.

Teru Clavel is a comparative international education specialist, speaker, and author.  Her book World Class: One Mother’s Journey Halfway Around the Globe in Search of the Best Education for Her Children, is a must-read for anyone interested in improving our education systems in the United States.  Teru and I have a lively discussion about her experiences, what she learned about how different countries approach education, and the implications for our K-12 systems.  Teru promised me a round two, and after you hear this conversation, you will know why I can’t wait to have her back on the show. You can learn more about Teru and her work at www.teruclavel.com.  Send your comments, questions, and show ideas to mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.  Consider rating the podcast in iTunes and leaving a comment.  And please pass the show along to your colleagues. If you or someone you know would like to sponsor the show, send me an email at mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.

Jenn David-Lang of The Main Idea and I talk about critical feedback and difficult conversations.  Our conversation is based on a chapter in a new book by Jenn David-Lang and Kim Marshall - The Best of the Marshall Memo Book One: Ideas and Action Steps to Energize Leadership, Teaching, and Learning.  This is a wide-ranging discussion about strategies for having crucial conversations with students, colleagues, staff, and parents. Send your comments, questions, and show ideas to mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.  Consider rating the podcast in iTunes and leaving a comment.  And please pass the show along to your colleagues. If you or someone you know would like to sponsor the show, send me an email at mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.

In this episode educator and author Kim Marshall (www.marshallmemo.com) and I talk about his new book co-authored with Jenn David Lang (www.themainidea.net) - The Best of the Marshall Memo Book One: Ideas and Action Steps to Energize Leadership, Teaching, and Learning.  We talk about the structure of the book and how it will help busy school leaders grow and develop.  Kim has offered listeners of this podcast a free copy of, “Chapter Two: Managing Time for Impact.”  Kim also mentioned a cool book that he is currently reading - Visual Intelligence: Sharpen Your Perception, Change Your Life by Amy Herman.  You can access much of Kim Marshall’s work for free at www.marshallmemo.com.  His weekly Marshall Memo helps countless educators stay current on what’s happening in K-12 education.  Enjoy this conversation with Kim Marshall. Send your comments, questions, and show ideas to mike@schoolleadershipshow.com. Consider rating the podcast in iTunes and leaving a comment.  And please pass the show along to your colleagues. If you or someone you know would like to sponsor the show, send me an email at mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.

Jenn David-Lang of The Main Idea and I talk about interviewing and hiring teachers.  Our conversation is based on a chapter in a new book by Jenn David-Lang and Kim Marshall - The Best of the Marshall Memo Book One: Ideas and Action Steps to Energize Leadership, Teaching, and Learning.  Specifically we discuss strategies for spotting candidates, reviewing and updating hiring processes, and developing interview questions. Send your comments, questions, and show ideas to mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.  Consider rating the podcast in iTunes and leaving a comment.  And please pass the show along to your colleagues. If you or someone you know would like to sponsor the show, send me an email at mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.

In this episode I sit down with Mike Petrilli, the president of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, and wildly prolific writer about education and education policy.  We also talk about how policy can and and ought to policy into practice at the local level.  I wanted to share a little more about Mike’s background from the Thomas B. Fordam Institute’s website because it is so impressive: [Mike is also a] research fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution, executive editor of Education Next, and a Distinguished Senior Fellow for Education Commission of the States. An award-winning writer, he is the author of The Diverse Schools Dilemma, and editor of Education for Upward Mobility. Please enjoy this conversation with Mike Petrilli. Send your comments, questions, and show ideas to mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.  Consider rating the podcast in iTunes and leaving a comment.  And please pass the show along to your colleagues. If you or someone you know would like to sponsor the show, send me an email at mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.

This episode is a departure from our usual fare on the School Leadership Show.  Today I sit down with Jack, a high school junior with an uncanny knowledge of film and pop culture.  Jack is the co-host of The Everything Geek podcast (available in iTunes and @EveryGeekPod on Twitter), and he and I argue about the best movies where high school plays a central role in the story.  Jack is one of the smartest and funniest humans I know. I hope you enjoy this back to school episode and that you have a great start to your school year. Send your comments, questions, and show ideas to mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.  Consider rating the podcast in iTunes and leaving a comment.  And please pass the show along to your colleagues. If you or someone you know would like to sponsor the show, send me an email at mike@schoolleadershipshow.com

I found Dan Rockwell’s blog Leadership Freak (www.leadershipfreak.blog) through The Marshall Memo.  And now I’m hooked. His short but powerful blog posts have become part of my daily routine.  During this conversation, Dan and I talk about the origin of the blog and his ongoing work with leaders through workshops, seminars, and individual coaching sessions.  Here are a couple of notes from his website just to reinforce what a big deal he is:   Inc Magazine Top Fifty Leadership and Management Expert and Top 100 Great Leadership Speakers. American Management Association Top 30 Leader in Business of 2014. According to the Center for Management and Organization Effectiveness, the Leadership Freak blog is the most socially shared leadership blog on the Internet.   We go deep on some big leadership concepts, and we get granular with very practical strategies for being a better leader.  I loved this time with Dan, and I made him promise me a part 2.   You can reach Dan through his blog (www.leadershipfreak.blog) or by Google searching “leadership freak.”   Send your comments, questions, and show ideas to mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.  Consider rating the podcast in itunes and leaving a comment.  And please pass the show along to your colleagues. If you or someone you know would like to sponsor the show, send me an email at mike@schoolleadershipshow.com.