Principal Matters: The School Leader's Podcast with William D. Parker

A quick note: This will be the final post for 2022. Our next post will be January 4. Please use the “time off” to enjoy your loved ones. If you are curious what lessons or guests you missed in 2022, please enjoy some past episodes. If you’d like to skip to the “Big News for 2023” scroll ahead. Anyone who takes time to read this entire post or listen to the audio version, you are a really good friend! 😉  Let’s begin this lengthy post with a story.  When I was five years old, my family moved to West Tennessee from San Diego, California. My father had had a long career in the Navy, and he decided it was time to move his wife and five children back home. During his years in the Navy, my dad had bought 120 acres adjacent to the farmland of my grandfather back in Tennessee.  The first time we saw the property, I remember large oak and walnut trees surrounding an empty space that held the remains of the foundation where an old farmhouse had burned years before. This would become the spot where my dad and his brother would dig a 50×30 foot hole for a basement lined with cinderblock walls, including a single entry with ground-level side windows, a chimney in the middle of the structure, and covered with a flat roof. Someday, a two story home would be built on the structure, but for six years, that basement would become our home. The same day we visited the property for the first time, my dad took all five of us children for a walk across the land. A forty acre field carved out the northern point of the farm, which touched the gravel road that divided our land from my grandfather’s. The southern half of the farm was another eighty acres of field that could be used for crops or grazing pasture. The rest of the land was woods, creeks, and gulleys. We walked with my dad to the farthest end and through some wooded areas where an old field road lined its way through a tunnel of trees. We stepped out of this enclosure into knee high sage brush. Woods of pines and oaks walled us in from both sides of the large pasture.  I was only five years old, and my goal was simply to keep up with my dad, my three older brothers and younger sister.  Suddenly, my dad stopped.  “Listen,” he said, “We’ve walked a long way from the road, and I’ve been leading the whole way. I’d like you all to find our way back without my help.”  We looked at each other puzzled and curious.  “Well,” said my oldest brother, Harvey. “I think we came from that way.”  He pointed in the direction he thought we should go.  “Are you sure?” asked my second brother Jesse. “I think we’re supposed to look at the sun and figure out which way to go.”  The arguing continued until one of us suggested we walk in the field until we saw something familiar. So we walked. My dad kept his place behind us so that we were forced to discuss our progress and choose our way forward without his help. Before long, we came to a bend in the field, and ahead of us, we could see where the field led to a familiar space. Not long afterwards, we found the old homeplace.  It is one of my first memories there, and I still remember the sense of relief and joy in knowing we had found our way home – even though we hadn’t yet built the one we would live in. Lessons in Learning I think a lot of my life has been inspired by moments like that walk in the field. Although my father never earned much money in part-time farming, he also worked as an electrician and later started his own marine salvage business. Whatever his work, he was always interested in learning.  For years, he owned beehives where he taught us how to retrieve golden honey and combs we would jar and enjoy all year long. We kept two milk cows that had be tended morning and night, and we enjoyed the rich, creamy milk and butter they produced. I dug potatoes with my father and remember the joy of those fresh, soft, red skinned steamy wonders as we ate them with dinner. We fetched water from a spring until my dad dug a well and plumbed the basement home. At the time, I didn’t realize how often my father created learning moments. I remember the quiet evenings when the five of us would gather around my dad who would open a book of fairy tales and read to us before we fell asleep. Dad had never finished high school, but he had earned a GED while serving in the Navy, and he and my mother did their best to surround us with as many books as they could. Storytelling was also an important tradition in our family. It was how we held on to memories. As I think back to those formative years, I can’t help but wonder how much of what I do today is influenced by my past experiences.  I love adventure, and although my path has taken me away to another state, I still enjoy returning back home to West Tennessee each year. My own four children, now three of them adults, consider Christmas time in Tennessee a sacred tradition that I’m grateful we can all still enjoy. After I found my footing as a young teacher, I saw the classroom as a place where students should not only encounter content standards but also have memorable learning experiences.  For instance, one day I brought bags of found objects to class. Students closed their eyes while I placed items on their desks. They each had one minute to feel the objects, poke and prod them, smell them and lift them. Then I collected the objects. For the next 10 minutes they wrote – describing in as much detail as possible the intricacies of the object they held. Then they took turns reading their descriptions aloud, allowing the others to guess what the object was, its color or dimensions, before I would pull it from the bag to compare it to the student’s description. Yes, the state learning standards for 9th grade Language Arts included composing a strong paragraph structure using various literary forms including descriptive, expository and argumentative writing. However, I was discovering that their words created imagery, sparked imagination, and could even inspire them and others with joy and curiosity. Fast Forward to 2012 When I began blogging about education in 2013, I had returned from a memorable visit to Washington, D.C, in the summer of 2012, when I was awarded the State Assistant Principal of the Year from the National Association of Secondary School Principals.  I was so inspired by a room full of fellow education leaders from almost every state who were also being recognized. It was the first time in my education career where my perspective on school was suddenly so much bigger than my own school, my own community, or my own state. I realized that I was a part of a community of other educators who were experiencing similar challenges, joys, griefs, and lessons so much like my own – and yet, also often so different from my own as well. After that trip, I felt compelled to begin telling my own stories in education. I researched how to start a website, and in February of 2013, I made my very first post at williamdparker.com. Each week, I would write about something I was learning, and I would post it.  For the next two years, this was my habit. In 2015, I decided it was time to gather my blog posts, and I curated them into my first book, Principal Matters: The Motivation, Courage, Action and Teamwork Needed for School Leaders. It was self-published, but it caught the attention of others in the publishing world, and soon I had two different education publishing companies asking me if I’d consider publishing my next book with them. I agreed to work with Solution Tree Press, and my 2nd book, Messaging Matters: How School Leaders Can Inspire Teachers, Motivate Students and Reach Communities was published in 2017. At the same time, my writing was leading to invitations to present or speak at conferences for education leaders. The same year I was publishing with Solution Tree Press, our state principal association reached out with an invitation to apply for an executive director opening. I said yes, and my twenty-four years of serving in schools then pivoted for the next five years to serving school leaders. In 2020, I wrote my third book Pause. Breathe. Flourish.: Living Your Best Life as an Educator with ConnectEDD Publishing. The pandemic had shifted much of the work I was doing with leaders into virtual settings. By then my blog had morphed into a weekly podcast. The weekly podcast episodes had begun in 2016 when I was posting audio versions of what I was writing for the blog. Overtime, my solo broadcast became a place for interviews. Later, I invited author Jen Schwanke to join me part-time as a regular co-host as she provided a fresh perspective and energetic voice each time we recorded.  Slowly, I began to see my download numbers increasing. More invitations were coming from groups outside of Oklahoma to present, to speak or to train leaders. In 2020, I launched my first Mastermind offerings for weekly virtual meetings of leaders from across the U.S.  In 2021, I began a series of virtual trainings for groups of leaders in other states who participated in either weekly Mastermind sessions or a monthly Leadership series.  For all of these opportunities, I was taking vacation days from my association work, or scheduling virtual meetings in the early-mornings or evening hours. The work inside my state and across the country has been both exhilarating and sometimes exhausting. However, I am so grateful for the ongoing learning, relationship-building and collaboration it has provided. 2022 Year In Review Podcast Guests This past year has been another amazing opportunity for learning moments. I’d like to thank the 32 guests on this year’s episodes who helped me grow: Jen Schwanke Chris Jones Tim Elmore Kyle Palmer Jethro Jones Timothy Alexander Principal EL TJ Vari Joseph Jones Eric Garcia Pete Hall Warren Glen Keri Launius Garth Larson Brent Kline Gisele James Rachael Smith Ian Frank Lisa Minor Noah Campbell Daniel Bauer DJ Klein Jeff Springer Sapna Hopkins Anya Kamenetz Zac Bauermaster Jordan Master Kristi Kirschner Danny Massey Jimmy Casas Shenita Perry  Lute Croy A big thanks to my co-host Jen Schwanke, who joined me for 15 episodes in 2022.  Podcast Stats To date, Principal Matters: The School Leader’s Podcast has had more than 880,000 downloads with an average of 20,000 downloads per month for 2022. Here’s a snapshot of some of those numbers: All Time = 884,058 Last 30 Days = 21,579 This Year = 248,052 This snapshot shows a visual representation of the statistics mentioned above. Events in 2022 I was able to finish trainings and offer several new opportunities for ongoing sessions or presentations in 2022: January – December 2022 Ongoing Executive Coaching with one-on-one sessions January – May 2022 Ohio School of Sponsorships, monthly Leadership Impact meetings  January – May 2022 Pecos Barstow Toyah ISD Grow Leadership Academy February 18, 2022 – National SAM Innovative Project, webinar on Pause. Breathe. Flourish. June 3, 2022 – Pecos Barstow Toyah ISD, Full-Day Leaderhip Session on Pause. Breathe. Flourish. June 21, 2022 – Leadership Summit with First Education Resources, Pause. Breathe. Flourish. Breakout Session August – December 2022 – Grow Leaders Academy virtual monthly sessions with Ohio Sponsorship Leadership Impact Series August – December 2022 – Mastermind virtual monthly sessions with Ohio Sponsorship Leadership Impact Series August – December 2022 – Grow Leaders Academy virtual monthly sessions with Archdiocese of Louisville Principals August – December 2022 – Grow Leaders Academy virtual monthly sessions with Palo Alto High School Leadership Team October 5, 2022 – Brazosport ISD, Pause. Breathe. Flourish. Workshop with School Leaders A big thank you to education leaders Brent Kline, Sheila Vitale, Brent Jaco, Mark Shellinger, Garth Larson, and Danny Massey for listening to the podcast and for inviting me to collaborate with their leaders for ongoing learning! Books or Resources All three of my books continue to be helpful in training and resources for school leaders. You can find each title and links here: Principal Matters (Updated & Expanded): The Motivation, Action, Courage and Teamwork Needed for School Leaders Messaging Matters: How School Leaders Can Inspire Teachers, Motivate Students, and Reach Communities Pause. Breathe. Flourish.: Living Your Best Life as an Educator Plus, a bonus resource that I’m especially proud of is the free study-guide available for Pause. Breathe. Flourish. Big News Coming in 2023!! Now for the big news. Last month, I announced to my state association members that I am resigning from my position as executive director of our state secondary principals association effective June 30, 2023. This allows us the next six months to advertise the opening and to finish out the trainings and conferences that I help assist or facilitate for the spring semester. Beginning July 1, 2023, I will become a full time consultant and independent contractor with Principal Matters, LLC. Principal Matters, LLC, will provide ongoing content for school leaders, including new books, more trainings, executive coaching and select presentations. Options for 2023-24 will include: GROW LEADERS ACADEMY – Ongoing year-long curriculum-based training for essential roles and tools for education leadership. This is ideal training for principals and assistant principals.  Click here for GROW Leaders Academy Prospectus 2023-24. LEADERSHIP IMPACT MASTERMIND – Facilitated group sessions with like-minded leaders for collaboration and solutions. Participants are encouraged to enroll in this after completing the Grow Leaders Academy. Click here for Leadership Impact Mastermind Prospectus 2023-24. CLIMBING TOGETHER EXECUTIVE COACHING – One-on-one sessions with William D. Parker for reflective cycles of inquiry and problem-solving. Normally sessions meet once a quarter but consideration can also be given for weekly, monthly, or bi-monthly offerings. Click here for Climbing Together Executive Coaching Proposal 2023-24. You can contact me to discuss options in any of these offerings or keynote presentations at will@williamdparker.com. Or complete this interest application to find out more! Podcast Sponsors Principal Matters, LLC, as a fulltime venture also allows me to open the podcast to sponsorships. With an average of 20,000 downloads a month, I am eager to share with listeners some of my trusted resources in education leadership. Interested in being a sponsor? Email me at will@wiliamdparker.com. Or complete this interest application to find out more! The Light Ahead When I was in high school, I was hiking in the fields and woods behind my childhood home in West Tennessee. It was a wintry afternoon when I set out, and I was wearing plenty of layers, including gloves and a mitten hat. The woods and gulleys near our house are filled with oaks, holly trees, and evergreens. Thick blankets of leaves and pine needles cover the grounds there. Further along the creek bed, you can find a beaver dam. And if you sit long enough on the water’s bank, you may see a gray egret or a flock of ducks land in front of you to forage for food.  As I made my way through the woods that afternoon, I worked my way through the woods and up a fence line until I stepped out into an open field — the same one my father had led us into my first time on the farm when I was five years old. The sun was setting in the west, but I couldn’t see it as the clouds were thick overhead and dusk was quickly turning to dark.  I walked north in the direction of the house, but a few minutes later, the darkness deepened. Suddenly, I realized I couldn’t see but a few feet in front of me. Thankfully, I was intimately familiar with my surroundings. At the same time, it is not easy to find your way in darkness. I could tell that I was still in the field where I had started heading north, but I was having difficulty knowing exactly how far it would be before I’d reach home. The temperature began to drop, and I was feeling coldness closing in.  I wasn’t panicked, but thoughts began pressing into my mind as I walked. What if I go the wrong direction, and I don’t know it? What happens if I get turned around and find myself freezing and lost? This was also before anyone carried Smartphones. At this point, I said a prayer, and hoped I could also depend on my sense of direction.  Slowly, I kept plodding ahead, my boots pushing through dry sage brush. My eyes scanning for any sign that I was on the right path. Just then, I saw a faint light flcker to my right and west. I walked a few steps more and and saw a warm, orange light. I stood still trying to make sense of this small, bright orb when I realized it was a single window. It took me a few seconds to realize it was a window in my house across the field. The entire structure was swallowed by darkness, but the single, orange window shone like the beacon of a welcome friend. It’s hard to describe the feeling I had at the moment.  I had looked at my home thousands of times. I could describe the angles of the roof, the placement of every door and window. But I had never known how beautiful the light of a single window could look when you’re feel cold and lost. At times when I’m traveling far from home, speaking in an unfamiliar city, or driving the roads of town or state I’ve never visited before, I’ll imagine the light of that window. The warmth of home promises a safe place where you find your food, rest and kin. It is a place where you share stories of your adventures. It is a promised refuge even moment of unexpected darkness.  Sometimes we have the comfort of knowing we are heading in the right direction after all.  As I look at the year we are just finishing and the one around the corner, I feel like I’m catching the glimpse of a light ahead welcoming me to a new adventure. Will you go on the journey with me? I realize we have few guarantees of what is ahead. But I hope you’ve found some lessons from letting me share my stories with you. Lessons like: Pay attention to where you’ve been and where you’re going. Rely on the wisdom of others and lessons learned to give you insight for tomorrow. Be grateful for those with whom you are learning, for those with whom you can share the journey or for those to whom you can tell your stories. Savor the moments you’re in, and as you plan for what is ahead, trust your sense of direction, and say a prayer for what is and what is not in your own control. I hope as you wrap up your 2022 and begin your 2023, that you’ll find the path ahead a little easier to navigate because of lessons we’ve learned together along the way.  Will you keep learning together with me? I’d be so honored to hear from you and about your plans for 2023. Or I’d be glad to explain more about any of my new offerings. Reach out to me by email at will@williamdparker.com for a conversation or to just catch up. Please, let’s stay connected through the community we are building as fellow learners. Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed holiday and happy New Year! The post Bonus Episode: Making Every Moment a Learning Moment – Year in Review and Big News for 2023! appeared first on Principal Matters.

This week, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke are tackling some listener questions. The question they are covering this week is: “Do you have any tips on becoming well versed in becoming knowledgeable about content areas other than my own and scheduling classroom observations?” Jen’s Ideas: Ask questions Admit what you don’t know Ask, “This looks like it’s working. Is my view accurate?”  (coming from a place of positivity) intentionality Making yourself a student of the thing  🙂 Getting multiple perspectives Come from a place of positivity Get feedback from other sources (data! Student experience! Parent feedback!) Comfort zones– get out! Set the standard and stick to it Will’s Ideas: Think more about what makes good teaching and learning Examples: Clear focus for learning, student engagement, teacher transitions, checking for understanding, reteaching when needed, variety of assessments, collaboration with others Ask for understanding from the subject area teacher Be clear on appropriate learning standards as a guideline Ask students what they are learning National SAM Innovation Project Now It’s Your Turn: What are some ways that you would answer this week’s listener question? What are some takeaways you have from the episode? The post PMP324: How Do I Learn Subject Areas Not My Own? Listener Questions with Jen Schwanke appeared first on Principal Matters.

Dr. Lute Croy is currently an assistant principal at Prosper High School in Prosper, TX where he serves about 3800 students. Lute has been a teacher, coach, instructional coach, and assistant principal. He’s moved 12 times during his education career. In every move, he’s met new people, discovered new systems, developed new relationships, observed pros and cons of other leaders. He is in his 20th year in education and has spent 14 years as a teacher/coach in Texas and Oklahoma, and has spent the last 6 in administrative roles here in Texas. He is also the founder of the New School Leader where he dives into his passion for helping new and aspiring administrators take the next step in their leadership journeys. His Bachelor’s Degree is from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX – Double Major in History and Psychology (2002) He was 4-year starter on the football team, and a discus thrower on the track and field team for two years. His Master’s Degree is from Lamar University in Beaumont, TX – Master’s in Education Administration (2013) His Doctorate is from Abilene Christian University in Abilene, TX – Doctor of Organizational Leadership (2022). Last episode, we discussed transitions in leadership. Before we dive into lessons for new leaders, any other follow-ups you want to add to that conversation? Think about the end. Where do you want to be when you retire? Utilizing backward planning helps you think through options. Think about the roles you need in order to get to that place. Control what you can control. Don’t be afraid to be loose in your application of your plan; things don’t always work out the way you want them to. James 4:13-15 “If the Lord wills we will do this or that.” Tell us your story as a new leader and how it informed the way you serve now. Lute’s leaders started multiplying their leadership through him, giving him the confidence to grow in his leadership capabilities.  On the night before his first day as an assistant principal, July 16, Lute lay awake all night wondering what he was supposed to do when he showed up at the office in the morning.  After his first year in leadership, Lute realized that there has got to be a better system for preparing new leaders to take on their first leadership role. This inspired him to spend the next four years trying to find ways to make the first year in administration easier for new leaders.  Can you explain the work you’ve done with new and aspiring leaders? The New School Leader is focused on aspiring leaders and new leaders. Lute and his team want to help individuals get into an administration role and help them feel comfortable when they get into that role. For aspiring leaders: What are ways that you can actively get yourself ready for an administration role? The New Leader talks new assistant principals through topics like the top mistakes that new AP’s make or how to work through difficult conversations. Can you talk about the focus of your dissertation on new leaders and their perceptions? For his dissertation, Lute interviewed 16 new school leaders and asked them questions such as: “What were you most prepared for?”, “What were you least prepared for?”, “Did your principal preparation program do a good job of preparing you for the role?”, etc.  All of the research showed that overwhelmingly people aren’t prepared for instructional leadership when they step into the role. Half of the people in the study said that they were not prepared for the amount of work and time management that the job entails. The thing that really stood out in the study was the incongruence between responsibility of stated job description and what administrators really do. The most mentioned responsibilities among the new leaders interviewed were: student discipline, parent communication, monitoring student attendance, taking care of paperwork, etc.  Many leaders expressed frustration that what they spend the most of their time working on didn’t line up with what they really felt are the most important parts of their job. Stay connected with Dr. Lute Croy: Twitter @lutecroy  lute@thenewschoolleader.com thenewschoolleader.com/subscribe The post PMP323: Lessons for New Leaders, Part 2 with Dr. Lute Croy appeared first on Principal Matters.

Dr. Lute Croy is currently an assistant principal at Prosper High School in Prosper, TX where he serves about 3800 students. Lute has been a teacher, coach, instructional coach, and assistant principal. He’s moved 12 times during his education career. In every move, he’s met new people, discovered new systems, developed new relationships, observed pros and cons of other leaders. He is in his 20th year in education and has spent 14 years as a teacher/coach in Texas and Oklahoma, and has spent the last 6 in administrative roles here in Texas. He is also the founder of the New School Leader where he dives into his passion for helping new and aspiring administrators take the next step in their leadership journeys. His Bachelor’s Degree is from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX – Double Major in History and Psychology (2002) He was 4-year starter on the football team, and a discus thrower on the track and field team for two years. His Master’s Degree is from Lamar University in Beaumont, TX – Master’s in Education Administration (2013) His Doctorate is from Abilene Christian University in Abilene, TX – Doctor of Organizational Leadership (2022). This week, we will be discussing ways that leaders can transition in administration roles. In the past three episodes, we covered tips for leaders making transition, including: Update your resume. Talk to your leadership at the appropriate time. Connect with your network. Research your prospects. Demonstrate your excellence. Make introductory calls/emails. Subscribe to a variety of updates. Create a backward timeline. Adapt an ‘Odyssey’ plan with options. Celebrate success along the way. For someone who may be facing a new transition in their own education career, what advice do you have them when considering their next move? Part 1: I’m getting ready to make the move… Decide what your boundaries are for making a move.  Talk to people who have in the role you want to be in. Recalibrate your time frame. For admins, it’s always hiring season. Sometimes you have to take step backwards before stepping forward. Invest in developing your skills for the new role. Part 2: I’m making the move. Put your ego aside and admit you need help – ask questions! Find a way to add value by leaning into your strengths. (Example: Lute created a Coaches Academy; currently, he’s pouring into his Guiding Leadership Team) Do the best work you can do. Stay connected with Dr. Lute Croy: Twitter @lutecroy  lute@thenewschoolleader.com thenewschoolleader.com/subscribe The post PMP322: Lessons in Leadership Transition with Dr. Lute Croy appeared first on Principal Matters.

Shenita Perry is a native of Newport News, Virginia. She attended Alabama State University where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education (BME) in 1994, a Master’s Degree in Music Education (MME) in 1996, and Certification in Educational Leadership in 2005. Shenita also recently completed the Certification in School Management and Leadership from Harvard University in July of 2022.  Shenita has worked as an educator with the Montgomery Public Schools school system since 1994. She served as an elementary music specialist for 22 years and is currently in her 7th year as a middle school assistant principal. She has worked in both Title I and Magnet School settings.  Shenita’s goal is to become a transformational instructional leader where she can empower students and educators to become their very best and succeed in work and life. She loves to serve, motivate and inspire others to achieve their goals. She is currently assistant principal at Baldwin Arts and Academics Magnet School in Montgomery, Alabama. Recently, Principal Matters podcast did a series on tips for transitioning positions in education. As a long-time listener, you shared your leadership journey story with me, and I wanted to invite a practicing administrator to share it with listeners one leader’s lessons in the journey of finding the right fit in leadership. You serve at a school for the arts. What makes Baldwin Arts a special place for you and your school community?  Baldwin Arts is a middle school that serves students who are very academically advanced or very artistically inclined. Students are able to pursue things that they are passionate about, which keeps them engaged in school. Everyone has a unique story in his or her education leadership journey. Can you tell us yours? Shenita initially struggled finding a leadership position in a school. She spent 11 years trying to find an administration job in education. In 2016 she finally was able to step into a leadership position as a middle school assistant principal. What advice would you give leaders who are looking for movement in their career but are struggling to find the right fit?  Staying patient and remembering that you are a small fish in a big pond when it comes to interviewing for education leadership positions. Sometimes waiting to find that right position will help you prepare yourself for when you finally become an administrator. Be persistent and if being in education leadership is right for you, you will eventually find the right position. In our previous episodes, we talked about tips for transitioning in education and included 10 tips: Update your resume. Talk to your leadership. Network with others. Research prospects. Demonstrate your excellence. Make introductory calls. Subscribe to job searches. Create a backward timeline. Adapt an ‘Odyssey’ plan. And celebrate success along the way. What tips would you highlight or add to that list? Using Justin Baeder’s resources to help you build and update your resume. Be reflective on your practice and ask yourself “what impact did your leadership have on your students”? Make sure that your resume is a selling point for you. Connect with other leaders: you cannot be an island; you need to bounce ideas of others with experience.  Where do you find strength or inspiration in your current journey? Surrounding yourself with a strong support group and finding ways to connect with leaders outside of your school district, outside of your state, etc. Use resources such as Baruti Kafele, Harvard CSML course, PLN’s, and the Principal Matters podcast to build a network of connections. What parting advice would you give leaders and how can they stay in touch with you? Don’t just focus on one component. Learn as much as you can about the variety of areas school leaders manage… Leadership is not for the faint of heart. Be ready to lead adults too, not just students.  Connect with Shenita Perry on the Baldwin Arts and Academics Magnet School website. The post PMP321: Lessons in the Leadership Journey with Shenita Perry appeared first on Principal Matters.

Last week we introduced the topic of tips for seeking a new education position, and Will and Jen shared four of ten tips, they included: Update your resume. Talk to your leadership at the appropriate time. Connect with your network. Research your prospects. This week, you will find six more tips and some practical ways to plan in advance for transitions. Here are the remaining 6 tips: Demonstrate your excellence. This should go without saying, but you should be good at your present job. In fact, you should be performing with excellence if you plan to be considered to lead others at a greater capacity. Promotions should not be an advancement out of something you’re not good; instead, promotions should be an acknowledgement of the capacity you’ve developed for doing more. For instance, if you’re currently an assistant principal looking for a principal position, continue being a great assistant principal. Hit your goals for managing and improving student behavior. Ask for opportunities to take on othe responsibilities in instructional leadership. Be involved in civic and community organizations. In doing so, you are modeling the kind of leadership that demonstrates your excellence and gives us other reasons to recommend you for future openings. Make introductory calls/emails. Leaders are people just like you. We remember people who take time to introduce themselves, not the ones who don’t. A short introduction with an attached resume is a great way to let others know you are available when a new position may be opening. I have observed leaders who have not voiced interest in openings being passed over when they assumed the others must instinctively know they are qualified and ready for a promotion. Don’t make this mistake. It is our own responsibility to communicate the goals, dreams or aspirations we have. No one else should be expected to guess or discern that on your behalf. Keep your communication short and professional. Rehearse it ahead of time if you want to avoid miscommunication. Subscribe to a variety of updates. Many state and national associations for leaders have places on their websites where you can subscribe for job openings.  In Will’s state, the Oklahoma State School Boards Association provides a place on its website for leaders to post openings. You can also use free services like LinkedIn Career Searches, Indeed.com, or Zip Recruiter as sites where you can enter keywords that provide updates on current positions being posted by location or region. Create a backward timeline. Let be really practical here. If you’re looking for a move in a certain position by the end of a calendar year or the end of a school year, then start with the end date in mind, and work your way backwards to the present. Make a list of all the steps, conversations, and deadlines that would need to be met in order to see this move happen. Create a calendar outlining each of those benchmarks. Include the present responsibilities you also manage along that timeline to see where conflicts or other priorities may require you to reconsider due dates. All this backward mapping allows you to begin to realistically move toward the goals you are wanting to reach in pursing a new opportunity. Adapt an ‘Odyssey’ plan with options. The earliest reference to the ‘Odyssey Plan’ framework appears to be in the book Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans. Of course, I taught the classic mythology story by Homer of the Odyssey, but this application is a current twist on planning out your future journey.  Here’s the basic idea: Without a plan, we do not reach goals. A plan needs to include a road map of what targets you’d like to reach on the way to a final destination. One way to apply this is by creating three possible pathways for reaching destinations.  Plan A should be a pathway toward a desired goal based on staying in the place you are currently serving but making it better.  Plan B is a pathway toward a desired goal that would require a major move or change of current position or location.  Plan C is your dream pathway where you would ultimately like to see yourself if failure were not an option.  As you workout the details for all three pathways, you can begin to see what actions, additional training, networking, etc. will be needed for each. Doing an ‘Odyssey’ plan helps you design possible pathways so that you can see in writing the possibilities often trapped in your thinking. For one example of how to do an Odyssey Plan, see this video from Bill Burnett with the Stanford Life Design Lab. I (Will) began doing this before I ever heard the term ‘Odyssey Plan’ and I’ve found it beneficial for working out contingencies and identifying obstacles before actually experiencing them. Celebrate success along the way. Practicing gratitude for where you are and highlighting success and celebrations of those whom you are serving act as a good reminder on two fronts. One, it helps keep in mind that your present work is meaningful or should have meaning each day. Two, it helps you look for successes of those around you so that others recognize the meaning and value of the work you’re collectively doing together. If you have nothing to celebrate then you probably are not doing meaningful work or not looking closely enough. Let’s Wrap This Up Whether you are considering a move or advancement within your current organization or you are dreaming of something completely new, then take time move your thoughts into actions. Update your resume. Talk to your leadership. Network with others. Research prospects. Demonstrate your excellence. Make introductory calls. Subscribe to job searches. Create a backward timeline. Adapt an ‘Odyssey’ plan. And celebrate success along the way. As you do so, you may see more doors open for opportunities or at least gain some clarity on what steps may be most helpful in moving ahead. Have other questions or interested in coaching on transitions, job interviews or problem-solving? Reach out to discuss options available at will@williamdparker.com. The post PMP320: Tips for Seeking an New Education Position With Jen Schwanke (Part 2) appeared first on Principal Matters.

Whenever leaders are looking for new opportunities, each situation is unique. Not everyone lives in the same setting, history or opportunity. At the same time, some common practices can be kept in mind when it comes to considering a new position or transitioning in your education career.  Here are 10 ideas to keep in mind (we will discuss 4 in this episode and the other 6 in next week’s episode): Update your resume. If you haven’t updated your resume this year, you should. First, it allows you the opportunity to review your past achievements and update any new accomplishments since the last time you refreshed it. Second, if a new position opens up, this will be one of the first chores you’ll need to accomplish. Go ahead and do it now so that that barrier is already crossed. Plus, you’ll have some good reminders of the qualifications you may have for the next opportunities you are seeking. Talk to your leadership at the appropriate time. Yes, some people work in places where leaders may feel loyalty is threatened by people looking for new opportunities. If that is the case, you are probably already in a place where the culture is toxic – a good sign that looking elsewhere would be a good move. On the other hand, sometimes perceptions are wrong. Most leaders are interested in the passions and goals that others have.  Your leader would not be in his or her own position had he or she not followed a similar path to the one you are interested in pursuing. With that in mind, set a time to talk to the person to whom you directly report. Let him or her know of your interests. Being honest and open about your intentions shows confidence and trust. This doesn’t mean that you should not do your homework first. If you give the impression that you’re a ‘free agent’ for instance, then you may be giving your leadership reason to question your commitment. The goal of speaking to your leadership is to let them know you value your current position and their input, but, yes, you also dream of making a bigger impact if future opportunities open for you. Connect with your network. Every educator should be a part of a network, association or a collaborative group of others who share the same passions and interests for ongoing growth. For school leaders, your state and national principal associations are great places to find these networks. Also, you can find other ways to network by being a part of Mastermind groups or participating in ongoing learning through workshops or conferences. Networking groups provide another level for communicating your interests, sharing your dreams for growth, and staying aware of potential opportunities and job openings. Research your prospects. If you are interested in a move within your district, know the demographics, outcomes, staff assignments and leadership structures of the place or places where you want to see advancement. Websites, conversations with friends or colleagues, or even visiting places where you have interest – all these opportunities to learn about others will build your understanding for the context, political structures and working environments of each. The most important question to ask when researching prospects: Does the organization or position your seeking match the core values you hold for reaching and serving others? Next week: Listen-in for the remaining 6 tips… Have other questions or interested in coaching on transitions, job interviews or problem-solving? Reach out to discuss options available at will@williamdparker.com. The post PMP319: Tips for Seeking a New Education Position With Jen Schwanke appeared first on Principal Matters.

This week Will Parker is joined by Jen Schwanke to talk about returning the joy to teaching in learning and leading. As the year winds down, teachers and school leaders are getting tired and working hard. It is important for school leaders to encourage themselves and their teachers to look for the joy in the middle of all this hard work. Will and Jen discuss Jen’s recent article with Dr. Tracy Deagle “Can We Still Find Joy in Teaching?” that offers helpful suggestions on what we should hold on to when it comes to the joy of teaching in school leaders and teachers. Jen and Tracy offer five suggestions of ways to find joy in teaching and leading: I Get To, Not I Have To “I get to lead this district”, “I get to have this conversation with teachers”, etc. Feeling lucky to have the skills and the team and the background to do good work. Taking time to feel Spending too much time suffering through the difficult times really takes away from our ability to feel joy.  Slowing down and acknowledging your feelings to fully experience what you’re going through. Joy is a place, not a transaction Joy should not be an if/then statement; find and relish it on your own. Celebrating the joy in others “What brings you joy in your work?” or “How can you find it?” Joy can help us overcome the things that may burn us out.  Find a joy partner Checking in with each other to make sure that your joy partner isn’t struggling or in a dark place mentally. Now It’s Your Turn: What are some ways that you find the joy in teaching, learning, and leading? What suggestions would you add to the article written by Jen Schwanke and Dr. Tracy Deagle? The post PMP318: Returning the joy to teaching, learning and leading with Jen Schwanke appeared first on Principal Matters.

This week, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke tackle the topic of discipline in schools. More specifically, they discuss how to discipline with dignity as school leaders. One of the questions that they explore is: As discipline ramps up this time of year, how can principals empower teachers to manage discipline in Tier One?  Some topics teams might discuss:  10, 10, 10 rule  In what ways are policies only as good as the people who administer them? Does the school handbook and district policies reflect your teacher’s approach to discipline and vice-versa? What role do you think a principal should take in managing discipline?  Is a school-wide discipline approach or a class-by-class behavior plan better?  What are the limitations of PBIS?  What are the strengths?  What do we mean by “differentiate discipline”?  Other ideas from Will’s book, Principal Matters:  Set high expectations Let consequences fit infractions Be consistent Be creative (or flexible) when possible Be specific and document Communicate trust Now It’s Your Turn: What ways do you approach school discipline? How do you empower teachers to manage discipline in your schools? The post PMP317: Discipline with Dignity with Jen Schwanke appeared first on Principal Matters.

Jimmy Casas has been an educator for over 30 years, serving twenty-two years as a school leader, including fourteen years as Principal at Bettendorf High School. Under his leadership, Bettendorf was named one of the Best High Schools in the country three times by Newsweek … and US News & World Report. Jimmy was named the 2012 Iowa Secondary Principal of the Year and was selected as runner-up NASSP 2013 National Secondary Principal of the Year. Jimmy is also the author of eight great books for educators and the owner and CEO of J Casas & Associates, where he serves as a professional leadership coach for school leaders across the country. In January 2020, Jimmy launched ConnectEDD, a publishing company aimed at giving back to the profession by supporting educators to become published authors. This week, Will Parker and Jimmy Casas continue their conversation about Jimmy’s newest book, Recalibrate the Culture: Our Why…Our Work…Our Values. In the part of your book on See the Culture Through the Eyes of Others, you talk about the 4 Most Powerful Words. What are the four most important words and why are they important for seeing culture through the eyes of others? “I need your help.” These four words can help leaders create a vision for their school and enlist the help of qualified teachers to build a plan to bring that vision to life. Documenting progress and building momentum can create hope and get people to believe that things can be better. Celebrating improvements to show how hard work pays off.  You will get more constructive feedback from teachers if you sit down with them and discuss it face to face rather than through anonymous surveys. Invest time in having conversations in the front end rather than trying to pick up the pieces further down the line. Finally, in your chapter on Average Exists in Every Organization, you explain, “… in every community, three areas affect the morale and performance of each staff member, which I have identified as System – People – Fire.” Can you explain how “System, People, and Fire” help you identify areas where morale and performance may need to be improved? Three levels within a system that make up an entire school district: classrooms, buildings, and district offices.  Spending time working on systems and people in a school district creates schools that can easily overcome adversity. Constantly remind people what your mission is, focus on your strategic plan as much as possible. Superintendents who are successful do strategic work on their system, intentional in growing and developing their cabinet team, and meeting with their board team to make sure that they are all on the same page. Now it’s Your Turn What are some ways that you have successfully used strategic work to improve your system? Connect with Jimmy at JimmyCasas.com and on Twitter and Instagram: @Casas_Jimmy The post PMP316: Recalibrate Your Culture with Jimmy Casas (Part 2) appeared first on Principal Matters.