In this episode with Melinda Stone, you will learn: Melinda's unique journey to leadership, how Melinda and her leadership team relied on their strengths to better lead their campus, and how she individualized professional development to meet teachers where they are in their growth and career. Melinda Stone is the Principal of James E. Taylor High School in Katy, Texas and a District Principal of the Year. She is also a professor, a member of a rock band, and a passionate advocate for female leadership in education. Support the show ..read more

When Brandi Leggett, a passionate principal, takes on the challenge to transform her Title One school in Leytha, Kansas, she sets out to prove that all students can achieve at high levels.  In this episode you will hear:  1. How Principal Leggett builds community and encourages high achievement among her students in a high poverty school. 2. How she engages families with a variety of events, such as STEM night, culture night, and family game night. 3. How she creates exposure for her students by taking them on college campus tours and introducing them to post-high school opportuniti ..read more

In this episode with Dr. Aleli Vazquez, you will learn: 1. Investing in Teacher Empowerment: How does Dr. Vazquez make sure her teachers build strong relationships with students and feel empowered in their roles? 2. Creative Outreach Strategies: How does she use creative activities and themes to engage her staff and build a strong school community? 3. Magic Makers: What is Dr. Vazquez's approach to including support staff in school activities, and what is her philosophy on recognizing everyone as "magic makers"? Dr. Aleli Vazquez is an 18-year education veteran and principal of the Orange Cou ..read more

This is the second part of our conversation with Dr. Yolanda Rios, a middle school principal in Houston, Texas.  In this episode, we continue our conversation about her strategies to stay organized and focus.  You will hear about: Strategies  Dr. Yolanda Rios uses to manage her time and organize her responsibilities as a school leader How Dr. Rios uses new tools to communicate with her staff What tips Dr. Rios has for creating a positive work-life balance and staying productive. Support the show ..read more

Yolanda Rios, a Middle School Principal in Houston, Texas, strives to stay organized and focused amidst the chaos of school leadership, but discovers her own unique strategies to level up her school and her leadership when she learns that organization is make or break. You will learn how to utilize organizational strategies to revolutionize your school leadership and achieve success. Mentioned in this epsiode Trello Google Spaces (how to) Taskboard Support the show ..read more

If there’s one thing I know for sure, servant leadership is not a PD in a box.  It is grounded in a purpose that is selfless and humble.  My guest today is the epitome of that.  Meet Dr. Queesha Tillman, a former Assistant Principal of the year and now middle school principal of Cumberland County Schools in North Carolina.  As you listen, it will be easy to see why Dr. Tillman received such a prestigious award and how she’s serving in her purpose.  Support the show ..read more

Here’s a reflective question for you: Do you have the multiplier effect? Meaning, do you inspire and develop the leadership of your staff in order to take on the challenges of your school.  Well, today’s guest has been labeled a multiplier leader.  Meet Martha Mendoza, she’s the principal of Dodge City High School in Dodge City, Kansas.  In today’s episode, we are breaking down what it means to be a mutliplier, the leadership actions she takes and how to avoid being a diminisher.  I hope you enjoy this conversation.  Support the show ..read more

What is your leadership superpower?  That’s the question I asked my guest today, principal Tinisa Huff from Forest Park, Illinois.  For Tinisa, that was an easy one as she believes strongly in the power of relationships.  Today we talk about the characteristics one must have to be a relationship builder and I also ask Tinisa if gender plays a role in how we build relationships.  I’m curious to hear your opinions after you listen in.  Let’s get started.  Support the show ..read more

For today’s episode, I am joined by Principal Kimberly Gibbs from Atlanta, Georgia.  She is a leader with an unwavering bar of excellence and you’ll soon hear why.  Today we chat about how she messages her vision and the actions behind it. Support the show ..read more

I have the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Maureen Boland.  She’s an elementary principal in Fairfax Public Schools and along with chatting about her love for the principalship, she talks about the power of encouraging her staff to take risks in their work.   Support the show ..read more