This conversation explores the importance of sustaining a vision in education and provides practical strategies for doing so. Christy and Karen share personal anecdotes about their experiences as  principals, highlighting the challenges and successes they encountered. They discuss the role of mindset and implementation in achieving a shared vision, emphasizing the need for clear roles and frequent feedback. The conversation also delves into the importance of tackling hurdles and conducting SWOT analysis to address weaknesses and threats. Additionally, the hosts explore ways to involve fam ..read more

On this week's episode, Karen and Christy discuss the idea that conflict is natural - and even necessary - in a school culture.  Listen to hear more about:  - how to use personality tests to create common language and understanding - normalizing conflict - creating a safe environment for conflict to occur This episode was sponsored by Just Right Reader and Peer-Driven PD.  ..read more

Ever had a staff member who shares lots of opinions on things that maybe don't apply to her? You probably want to acknowledge her concerns but also encourage her to "stay in your lane!" On this week's episode, Karen and Christy talk about: - why you should feel grateful when staff bring complaints out of their "lane" - how to use teams to improve decision-making and reduce complaints - setting ground rules for sharing feedback This podcast is sponsored by Just Right Reader and Peer-Driven PD.  ..read more

It can be anxiety-inducing for a principal to relay negative information to parents but especially when their child has made a mistake or engaged in a major behavior. On this episode of the pod, Karen and Christy talk about:  - how to get on top of behavior communication before the behavior even occurs - tips to prepare for a calm conversation - writing communication plans into behavior plans and more!  Check out our website at www.themodernprincipal.com and on social media @themodernprincipal. This episode is sponsored by: Just Right Reader and Peer-Driven PD ..read more

In this episode, Christy and Karen interview Dr. Samantha Keppler, Assistant Professor of Technology and Operations, who studies education operations, or the management of human and material resources, in public schools.  In this episode Dr. Keppler helps principals: - understand the current data (or lack thereof) regarding how teachers are supplementing resources in their classrooms - the correlation of funded crowdsourcing projects and student achievement - the correlation of funded crowdsourcing projects on teacher retention - the complicated role of the principal in providing physical ..read more

On this week's pod, Karen and Christy chat with Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr, the math instructional experts behind MakeMathMoments.com.  You'll find: - the best thing a principal can do to improve math instruction - the importance of content knowledge - offerings from Kyle and Jon that can help your school Check them out here:  www.makemathmoments.com - Math Math Moments Academy, District Improvement Planning, Courses https://makemathmoments.com/podcast/ - Make Math Moments Podcast https://makemathmoments.com/districtassessment/  - Mathematics Program Assessment Screener for Leaders ..read more

This week's pod welcomes Dr. Danielle Ricci, a high school principal and an educational leader with an expertise in cultivating collaborative cultures. Her research focuses on how school administrators lead teacher collaboration. Her background as an athlete has helped her to keep the concept of team at the heart of her work. Danielle is a wife, a mom to five, including newborn twins, and a cold-water enthusiast who swims in the Atlantic Ocean year-round to save her principal sanity! Danielle shares with us: - scheduling strategies to optimize staff collaboration - parent engagement solut ..read more

The Speech Language Pathologist is an important role in any school. In this week's episode, we interview Hallie Sherman from Speech Time Fun and discuss:  - the expertise of your SLP - how to partner with your SLP - how to develop a strong working relationship - evaluation techniques for your SLP - the importance of helping your SLP connect with others - ways to retain your SLP Check out Hallie's online presence here:  Speechtimefun.com Shopspeechtimefun.com Slpelevate.com Speechretreat.com https://bit.ly/SLPcoffeetalk https://bit.ly/STF-ELLABELLABOOK Check out our sponsors: Just Ri ..read more

Are you a principal who has thought about going back to school for your doctorate degree? Check out this week's pod where we discuss: - what to consider when looking at programs - if a degree is worth it for you - systems to help you get it all done - the importance of your advisor Check it out and let us know on Instagram @themodernprincipal if this episode helped you in your decision-making!  Resources:  6 Tips for Finding Balance During Your PhD This episode was brought to you by these sponsors: Just Right Reader's Science of Reading decodables accelerate reading achievement with ..read more

We contend that retention is the new recruitment, but sometimes you still need to hire when the pool is small! On this episode of the podcast, we talk about how to hire staff when there are few applicants to fill the roles.  Check out our sponsors: Just Right Reader's Science of Reading decodables accelerate reading achievement with decodables packaged to support both in-school learning and family engagement. Each of their 380+ decodables is filled with vibrant illustrations, engaging authentic stories, and diverse characters that represent students in America’s schools. The decodables fo ..read more