Sharing school administrators stories from across the great state of Kansas!
#ListenUp Live at the USA-Kansas Conference Featuring: Lacy Warren - Atchison High School @lwarren30 Don Epps - Royster Middle School (Chanute) @DonEppsEDU Kelly Whittaker - Ottawa High School @kelwhitt217 Melissa Evans - Hutchinson Middle School @mrs_melevans Dave Morrow - St. Francis Schools Episode 82 is the final episode for host Trevor Goertzen; to follow his new journey in education & esports check out @Goertzen_edu
Don Epps- PRINCIPAL - Royster Middle School -Chanute #LISTENUP ** EPISODE 81** Follow Don's Journey @DonEppsEDU Topics Covered: -Leadership is like a Rocky Movie! -Being the BEST for kids -Micro visits - Winning Daily Moments -Leadership through History! -Fulfilling YOUR purpose
Randi Thyne- PRINCIPAL - Holcomb Elementary #LISTENUP ** EPISODE 80** Topics Covered -Journey into leadership -Supporting staff -Staying Innovative with Writing support -Community involvement -What Randi is currently reading!
Erica Bammes- Principal - Lee Elementary- Manhattan-Ogden Schools Topics Covered: -People come first -Transparency in leadership -Staying calm in challenging situations -Making others SHINE! -Importance of daily quiet time -What Erica is currently reading
Kansas Teacher Retention Initiative - Discussion- Stacey Green, Trevor Goertzen, Dr. Bret Church #LISTENUP ** EPISODE 78* Follow the learning: @KSTchrRetention Topics Covered: -Discussion of the KTRI information -How to use the information as a district -Importance of Principal development -Why the survey results are important! The mission of the KTRI: The Kansas Teacher Retention Initiative is focused on measuring, understanding, interpreting, and disseminating data-driven insights regarding the driving factors of teacher retention within school districts and across the state of Kansas. Website: http://www.emporia.edu/KTRI (they can download the state report on there) Link to Register for the Free Educator Engagement and Retention Summits: https://t.co/AvmPXbmYKI
Kelly Whittaker- PRINCIPAL - Ottawa High School Follow Kelly's Journey @kelwhitt217 Topics Covered: -Elementary Special Education to HS Administration -Personal drive to achieve -Collective Efficacy -Being forward thinking -The STEAM BUS! -Building capacity in others!
Dave Morrow- Principal - St. Francis 6-12 #LISTENUP ** EPISODE 76** Topics Covered: -Maintaining a small town heritage -Investing in a community -How MTSS redesigned us! -Empowering staff -Investing in your students -What Dave is currently reading
Rachel Lee- Principal - Sublette Elementary #ListenUp ** EPISODE 75** Topics Covered: -Thriving in a challenging year -Utilizing experiences to meet student needs -Having high expectations for students -The Ambassador Program -Sublette's PLC process -What Rachel is currently reading
Susan Holthaus- Principal - Grandview Elementary-ElDorado Schools #LISTENUP ** EPISODE 74** Follow Susan's Journey @SusanHolthaus Topics Covered: -Blue Ribbon Elementary -Teamwork Mentality! -Collaboration & Culture -Empowering others to be great -Celebrating staff & kids -What Susan is currently reading & learning
Melissa Evans - Asst. Principal - Hutchinson Middle School - EPISODE 73 Follow Melissa's Journey @mrs_melevans Topics Covered: -Melissa's path to school leadership -Finding joy in all things -Building & supporting a positive learning culture -Excitement of the Redesign Process -What Melissa is currently reading!
ERIC THOMAS- Executive Director of the Kansas Scholastic Press Association & Lecturer at the University of Kansas #LISTENUP ** EPISODE 71** Follow Eric's Journey: @mrt_journ & @KansasReflector (https://kansasreflector.com/) Topics Covered: -Reporting on Kansas Journalism -Purpose of student journalism -Sharing student stories -Partnering with administration -Student rights in Journalism -Keeping open lines of communication
Caleb Smith- NewtonHigh School - Principal Follow Caleb's Journey @NewtonHSKS Topics Covered: -Building School Culture -Sunshine Squad -Data that drives school culture? -Gaining input from staff & students -Protecting student learning time -What Caleb is currently reading!
Lacy Warren- Atchison High School - Principal **Episode 70** @ahsphoenix Topics Covered: -Lacy's administration journey -Individual Plans of Study (the Atchison Way!) -Creating partnerships with local industry -Utilizing a Seminar period -Blending SEL & IPS -What Lacy is currently reading!
Follow John's Journey @LyonsParkPri 2021 NAESP National Distinguished Principal Topics Covered: -John's path to leadership -Navigator in the Navy to Principal -Developing a Trauma Responsive School -Recognizing the GOOD! -Positive Office Referrals -Kansas National Distinguished Principal
Bill Weber - Turner Middle School Follow Bill's journey @TMSbearsKS Topics Covered: -Opening a new building -Culture shifts in staff & leadership -Talking through challenges -Creating intentional time for student learning -Focus Fridays! -What Bill is currently reading
Trevor Goertzen - Principal - Spring Hill Middle School (Rebroadcasted from Principal Matters Podcast) Follow Trevor's Journey @shms_growdaily Sharing a recent recording from the Principal Matters Podcast: https://williamdparker.com/2021/08/18/pmp258-bridging-academic-and-social-gaps-with-trevor-goertzen/ Trevor Goertzen was recognized in 2021 as a National Digital Principal of the Year. He currently serves as the Principal of Spring Hill Middle School in Spring Hill, Kansas, and is an adjunct professor of Educational Technology for Harding University. Trevor recognizes the personal impact that technology can provide by bridging academic and social gaps in his students, staff and community when leveraged correctly and intentionally. He works to provide a learning focus for his building by supporting students of all backgrounds and needs.
Jody Cole - Prairie Creek Elementary, Spring Hill Schools Follow Jody's Journey @PCESMustangs Topics Covered: -Journey into leadership -Wired to get work done -Choosing to be a stress-free leader -Finding the Root Cause -Importance of getting the right people to the table and talking -Never forget where you came from! -What Jody is currently reading to learn & grow!
Trent Stern - Principal - Overland Trail Middle School Follow Trent's journey @DrSternOTM Topics Covered: -Coaching & Administration -Serving others first -Relationships driving decision making -Trent's 3 Core Values -Being authentic to yourself -What Trent is currently reading!
Jessica Griffin - Kansas Principals Association - Director of Professional Development Topics Covered: -Jessica's journey into leadership -Staying engaged in and through district initiatives -The emotional challenges of leadership -How USA Kansas aims to support principals **Take Care of Yourself Tuesdays** https://usakansas.wildapricot.org/event-4428006
Cara Ledy - Kansas Principals Association - Executive Director Topics Covered: -Cara's journey in leadership -Lessons learned from 30+ years of experience -Supporting Principals! -Building relationships and trust with staff -What Cara is reading & listening to
Tyler Winebrenner - Principal, Inman High School Topics Covered: -Tyler's journey into administration -Staying "Hungry to Learn" -Staying a small town guy -Inman's career pathways -What Tyler is currently reading
Kansas Principals #ListenUp ** Episode 61** Live at USA-Kansas!! Featuring: Eric Hoops - Chanute Elementary Jennifer Hill - Tecumseh South Elementary School Ryan Creadick - Liberty Middle School (Pratt, KS) Nick Owens - Solomon High School A live podcast from Maple 205 at the 2021 USA-Kansas Conference Topics Covered: -Successes from the year of the pandemic -Staff Celebrations -Leadership lessons learned -Moving forward
Episode 60 Reflections on the year & USA-Kansas Workshop! Topics Covered: -Live podcast on June 3rd at USA-Kansas Workshop -the year.... -KPA Booth!
Sheila Meggers - Principal, Garden Plain Elementary. Renwick Schools Followed Sheila's journey @GpesElem Topics Covered: -The journey to administration -Changing perspectives -First-year challenges -Importance of a support team -Learning & Listening -There is no ONE way! -What Sheila is reading... -
Keith Wohlgemuth - Assistant Principal, Eudora Elementary Follow Keith's Journey @APWog491 Topics Covered: -Unique journey to administration -Power of Professional Development -Supporting student Lagging Skills -Developing the ability to adapt -Importance of SLOWING DOWN -What Keith is currently reading/listening too
Jennifer Hill - Principal, Tecumseh Elementary Topics Covered: -Path to leadership -Importance of teams -Supports within education & leadership -Trust Yourself! -What Jennifer is currently reading!
New Administrator Session 2 Dawn Blue - Assistant Principal -Haysville Middle School Follow Dawn's journey @HaysvilleMS_AD Topics Discussed: -My journey into administration -Thriving where you are stationed in life -Importance of the leadership team -Developing new leadership skills in Covid! -What Dawn is currently reading...
Dustin Razey - Greenwich Elementary Follow Dustin's journey @drazey82 Topics Covered: -A unique first year in administration -Being an administrator in your home town -Connections with staff, students & the community -Developing new procedures & systems for Covid -Importance of a strong front office!
Connie Redic - Assistant Principal, Andover High School Follow Connie's Journey @APConRed Topics Covered: -Journey from education to med school back to education -Amplifying your IMPACT! -Being a voice for kids -The importance of teachers -Helping kids be their Best! -What Connie is reading....
Eric Hoops - Principal, Chanute Elementary - USD 413 Follow Eric's journey @principalhoops Topics Covered: -Being a Husker fan! -Importance of PERSPECTIVE in leadership -Staff Celebrations -Providing resources for and with the community & students -Developing your SIT team -Empowering Others! -The "why" of staffing decisions
Joe Coles - https://www.joecolesconsulting.com/ Lifelong educator, administrator, consultant, author, speaker Topics Covered -Lifetime of Leadership -Importance of Mentors -Building Intentional Relationships -Helping Others be Successful -Student Led Leadership Training -Enduring Leadership -Books Joe is Currently Reading -
Nicholas Owen - Principal, Solomon High School Follow Nicholas's Journey @Owenn22 Topics Covered: -Finding ways to support kids! -Transitioning from a large to a small district -Providing OPTIONS to kids for their futures -Importance of being a part of the community -Celebrating awesome staff & students
Episode 50 Jethro Jones - Transformative Principal Follow Jethro's Journey @jethrojones or visit his website & content at: https://www.jethrojones.com/ Topics Covered: -Journey into school leadership -Learning from others -Recognizing the POTENTIAL in Staff -Recognizing the POTENTIAL in Students -Being a Strengths drive leader -Setting up others for success -Student-centered leadership
John Befort - Principal; Washington Elementary. Ellis, KS Topics Covered: -Supporting Staff -Utilizing 1:1 in Elementary Schools -Growing up in Ellis -Developing Staff -NAESP service & lesson learned -What John is getting ready to read!
Shawn Roberts - Principal, Scott City Elementary Follow Shawn's Journey @sces466 Topics Covered: -Halloween Parade pivot at Scott City -Problem Solving with staff -7 Mindsets -Building Capacity in Staff -Covid leadership -"Coaching Conversations"
Glenda Cowell - Principal, Mulvane High School Follow Glenda's @glenda_cowell Topics Covered: - 15 yrs in Administration - All about the people! - Moving home to be an Administrator - Staying an Instructional Leader through the COVID challenges... - AM/PM split for Hybrid - Walk Through model - "Take it as is comes!" - What Glenda is currently reading...
Follow Ben's Journey @bjimenez_ben Topics Covered: -Celebrating the legacy of Duane Dorshorst -Leadership during uncertain times -Adjusting to new roles in leadership -Ben's leadership evolution -What Ben is currently reading!
Kansas Leadership Roundtable Featuring: Dr. Britton Hart-@brlihr Jerry Henn-@jerryhenn5 Duane Dorshorst-@DorshorstDuane Topics Covered: -Kansas Leaders in 2019/2020 -Importance of professional networks -Connecting with colleagues & learning from others -Empowering building leaders -Staying uncomfortable in leadership -21st Century Leadership Program -Jerry, Britton & Duane's professional goals for 2020/2021
Alma Henry - Principal, Hutchinson Stem Magnet at Allen Follow Alma's journey @alma_henry Topics Covered: -Stem Pedagogy -Design Thinking in Elementary School -Hiring the right staff -Conversation Stems for Feedback - Innovation through Covid-19 -What Alma is NOT good at?!?
Kelly McCall - Principal, Clear Creek Elementary - Desoto Public Schools Follow Kelly's journey @mccall_kelley Topics Covered: -Building Relationships with Administrators -Creating lasting professional connections -Voxer & Twitter -Sharing YOUR story -How Clear Creek is support kids during the Covid-19 -Maintaining positive school culture -What Kelley is NOT good at
Jeff Sells - Assistant Principal, Rose Hill Middle School Follow Jeff's Journey @APJeffSells Topics Covered: -Innovation & Growth -Supporting each other during challenging times -Transitioning to the Principalship -Building a new culture -What Jeff is NOT good at!
Justin Wasmuth - Principal, Marion Elementary Follow Justin's Journey @MES_Principal Topics Covered: -Covid 19 Changes -Blue Ribbon School -Goal Driven School -Changes in Education -What Justin is NOT good at!
Kim Batman - Principal - South Gray Schools/Montezuma, KS. Follow Kim's Journey @kkbat11 Topics Covered: -The NEW normal?? -Being a PK-5 & 9-12 Principal -30yrs of experience & wisdom -Creating Trauma-Informed Building -Working with staff during Covid-19 expectations -Getting out of an educational RUT! -What Kim is NOT good at!
Craig Idacavage - Principal: David Brewer Elementary, Leavenworth Schools Follow Craig's Journey @idacavagec Topics Covered: -School of Character -Gemini Launch -10 Min Meetings -Soft Starts to the student day -Giving Grace -What Craig is NOT good at!
Courtney McCartney - Principal, Frank Layden Elementary - Frontenac, KS Follow Courtney's Journey @cmccartney93 Topics Covered: -Apollo II School -The House System (based on the Ron Clarke Academy) -Just Talk to Kids -Teaching Virtue -What Courtney is NOT good at!
Jason Johnson - Principal, Holcomb High School Follow Jason's Journey @HolcombHighPrin Topics Covered: -Helping Kids Feel Valued & Honored -Lesson learned during while progressing in Educational Leadership -Holcomb's VIP -Being a TUG Boat for staff -Developing in your personal leadership -Flex Mod Scheduling & Student Accountability
Jason Diseker - Principal, Seymour Rogers Middle School - Liberal Schools Follow Jason's Journey @JasonDiseker Topics Covered: -Developing Leadership Capacity in your Staff -Professional Learning -Using AVID in middle school -Building an Effective Team -Best Practices for Teachers
Mindy Sanders - Principal, McKinley Elementary - Abilene Public Schools Follow Mindy's Journey @MCK435Principal Topics Covered: -Importance of school to school communication -MTSS grouping and organization -Helping students transition grade levels -Developing Systems of Support -What Mindy is NOT good at!
Dustin Little - Principal, Norwich MS/HS. Kingman-Norwich Schools Follow Dustin's Journey @Norwich_Admin Topics Covered: -Developing partnerships with the elementary school -Peer Mentoring -Getting out of the way when staff have ideas -Bold leadership moves in your first year -Flex Day for HS students -What Dustin is NOT good at!
Trisha Putthoff - Principal, Blackbob Elementary - Olathe Public Schools Follow Trisha's Journey @trishaputthoff Topics Covered: -Building a Trauma-Informed program -Helping kids be "ready to learn" -Lessons learned moving from Teaching, Coaching, Administration -Using video as a way to engage teacher development -Intentional Walk-Throughs -What Trisha is NOT good at!
Dr. Paul Erickson - Union Valley Elementary - Buhler Schools Follow Paul's Journey @PrincipalPaul Topics Covered: Organizing time for Professional Learning Building a Professional Learning Community Empowering Teacher Leaders Mico-Credentials & Relicensure Teacher Driven Professional Learning What Paul is NOT good at!