Episodes

Today I talk to Principal Margarita Tovar from Houston Texas. She’s an elementary principal leading with grit and perseverance. You’ll soon hear why in this episode. In our chat, we discuss overcoming challenges and the turnaround journey of her school.

True story: my first principalship included leading a dual language immersion program in addition to a traditional english mainstream program. Even more truth, I didn’t really know much about it when I started. Years later having experienced the outcomes an opportunity DLI programs provide, I am a believer. Today, I am talking to Dr. Sandra Song, a principal in Southern California that started a Korean DLI program in her school. We talk about the values of dual immersion programs and why represe...

If there is one topic that I’m always ready to take notes on, it’s how to incorporate more student voice. I think this is an area where you can never have enough ideas and strategies because after all, our students are the reason we fearlessly lead everyday. Today, I talk to Dr. Ruzanna Hernandez, an assistant principal in Fontana Unified School District in Southern California. She’s going to share her inspiring path to leadership, why student voice is critical to school improvement and some ide...

We are switching things up a bit today. Instead of me interviewing a guest, I get to be in the hot seat. I was recently invited to be a guest on the In The Principals Office podcast to tell my story and share a few strategies that have worked for me. You may recognize the voice because we interviewed Michele for this podcast not too long ago. It was such a treat to laugh and talk with her. Enjoy!

Today we are shining a light on a subject that has been a common occurrence in leadership, but something we don't talk about...the pathway for women of color that often leads to many quality leaders leaving the profession or being pushed out. Today we are talking to Claudine Miles, a former school administrator, and current Co-Founder and CEO of Restore More, a consulting firm focused on restorative practices, SEO and anti racism. A few weeks ago, I was scrolling through Instagram and came acros...

Today we are talking with Jewel Sanders, a middle school principal in Rockville, Maryland. We are going to chat about her fearless leadership grounded in race and equity. She's going to share the incredible work happening at her school site and sneak peek....a lot of it is student led. Trust me when I say this is an episode that will leave you inspired and ready to take action. www.principalsofsuccess.com/21

I want you to think about the last time you had to hire someone? How much of the process was designed to make sure you found the right person for your unique school or was it similar to every other school in your district. If there is one thing I’ve learned over my years as a site leader, it's that the recruiting and hiring process is everything and our guests today are great examples of how the process can change your school. Today we are talking to Dr. Marcia Carmichael-Murphy a principal in L...

Today we are talking with Mahina Anguay, Principal of Waimea High School in Kauai, Hawaii. I was able to chat with her as she wrapped up her work day and you might even hear the island roosters in the background. She's going to share her journey to turn around her school and several of the key initiatives she put in place. www.principalsofsuccess.com/19

Today we chat with Michele Lew, an Assistant Principal at Arcadia High School in Arcadia, California and she has a passion for social-emotional supports. In our chat today, she shares her personal experiences that led her to lead with a focus on academics and wellness for all. You will also hear very specific strategies she's brought to her site for staff and students. For full show notes visit www.principalsofsuccess.com/18

The end of the calendar year is upon us and it's a great time to pause and reflect. In this episode I share five questions to ponder as you prepare to finish the school year strong. To view a list of the questions, visit principalsofsuccess.com/17.

In this episode, we talk with Principal Sherilyn Moses. She shares how her experience as a teen mom grounds her leadership. She will also share her strategies for instruction, culture and collaboration that led her school to national recognition. For resources mentioned in this episode, go to www.principalsofsuccess.com/16

Today's guest is Shavon Jackson. Shavon is an elementary principal at Crawford Elementary in Russellville, Arkansas. In this episode, we talk with Shavon about how she led her school from a D rating to a B rating for the state. She will share her initial leadership strategies, sample ideas for improving morale and ways to increase parent engagement. For resources mentioned in this episode, visit www.principalsofsuccess.com/15

For today's mini episode, I am solo! It's our first solo episode and we are talking about productivity! As we creep into the new year, I am reflecting on my three favorite productivity systems: time blocking, habit stacking and making a stop doing list. After you listen, head over to http://www.principalsofsuccess.com/14 for some helpful tools.

Today we talk to Equetta Jones, Assistant Principal at Highlands Elementary School in Wilmington, Delaware. She shares her story of leading with heart and expectations for students and staff. This episode is being sponsored by our upcoming five-day free principal productivity challenge kicking off December 28. To get more details and to sign up go to principalsofsuccess.com/challenge.

If you've been enjoying our interviews with the authors of Leading While Female, well then get ready for the final interview with Dr. Stacie Stanley. Dr. Stanley currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent in the Twin Cities Metro Area. Today, we explore the power of the tap on the shoulder, the importance of pipelines and pathways and why all women need to know their worth. To win a copy of Leading While Female, share this episode on Twitter or Instagram using #principalsofsuccesspodcast a...

Today is our conversation with Dr. Trudy Arriaga. It is the second podcast where we chat one-on-one with the authors of Leading While Female. If you haven't caught our conversation with Dr. Delores Lindsey, make sure to check it out. In today's episode, Dr. Arriaga shares powerful commentary and opportunities for all female leaders to reflect. To win a copy of Leading While Female, share this episode on Twitter or Instagram using #principalsofsuccesspodcast and #leadingwhilefemale by November 30...

Today, we are talking to Dr. Delores B. Lindsey, one of the authors of Leading While Female. If you are like me, Dr. Lindsey's name is not new to you given she has authored multiple books on the subject of Cultural Proficiency for leaders and schools. In this episode, recorded one day before our presidential election, we explore Leading While Female and how the cultural proficiency framework can be applied to gender equity for educational leadership and why this book is more important than ever....

What is your why? Do your words and actions demonstrate your why in all your leadership moves? Today we are talking to Principal Tracy Hilliard from Frederick, Maryland, who leads with her why at all times. Her purpose-driven leadership landed her school with a National Blue Ribbon distinction and the year following she was named National Distinguished Principal for the state of Maryland. In this episode, Tracy shares the instructional and cultural shifts to take her school from good to great an...

Stacie is so amazing and is clear on her vision and mission. Today we are going to chat about the importance of branding your school, how she secured a quarter of a million dollars with community partnerships and why she is so passionate about the power of female leadership. Stacie was also a 2019 National Distinguished Principal. Trust me when I say you will want to take a lot of notes from this episode. If you love this episode, would you be so kind to leave a review or share this episode wit...

Do you know your impact? Today I talk to AP Erika Rivera about how she measures her success by the impact she has on her school and community. Erika is the 2020 Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Co-Principal of the Year. In this episode, we talk about how the mentorship in her life led her to a path of servant leadership, the value of a co-administrator concept for assistant principals and why it's about the impact, not the title. If you're an aspiring leader, current assist...

Today you will hear from Dr. Saneé Bell and she is committed to leaving a legacy of excellence.. Dr. Bell is a principal in Katy, Texas. She has served as a principal at both the elementary and secondary levels. during her tenure as an elementary principal, Dr. Bell was recognized as the 2015 Principal of the Year. She is the author of Be Excellence on Purpose: Intentional Strategies for Impactful Leadership and she was also featured in Dare to Lead by Dr. Brené Brown. Today Dr. Bell will share...

My guest today is Tiffany Hampton, a principal in the Colton Joint Unified School District. Principal Hampton is the proud leader of Slover Mountain High School and is about to begin her 16th year in education. Today we talk about what it means to truly be a student-centered leader. You'll hear how Principal Hampton is crafting ways to support two way dialogue with her students and how she's creating a culture that is always about making sure her students are loved and uplifted. She's unwavering...

Hortencia Hernandez is an elementary principal in Woodland, California. In our conversation, Hortencia explains the privilege and responsibility she feels to return to her home community. We talk about how her leadership has shifted during the pandemic and how she leads with intention in everything she does. You can connect with Principal Hernandez at: Hortencia.Hernandez@wjusd.org

In this episode, we speak with Principal Jamilah Hud-Kirk, aka Principal Captain Kirk. She shares with us why it is so important to craft connections and build community amongst staff, families and fellow leaders. You will hear Principal Hud-Kirk talk about why she believes the attitudes and actions of a staff during the pandemic are a direct reflection of the site leader. She will also share the power of finding a circle of support amongst fellow leaders and why it's even more important for lea...