Principals of Success

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

After unexpectedly becoming a fourth grade teacher with no background in education, Terri Fuller embarks on a journey of self-discovery and resilience as she navigates the challenges of becoming a principal and coping with the loss of her mother.You will learn:1. How Terri went from a marketing degree to an unexpected career in education.2. How she used her faith to power through a challenging period of loss and grief while transitioning into a principalship.3. How she has used her experiences to become an advocate for self-care in the workplace.Terri Fuller is an elementary principal from Washington, DC who has a degree in marketing. She has over seven years of experience in the principalship, and is passionate about servant leadership and the importance of taking care of one's mental and physical health.Support the show

Beth Houf, a former teacher and current principal, finds her true passion for leadership through forging powerful connections, inspiring a culture of support, and leading like a pirate to make her school a place kids and staff run to get in, not out.Beth Houf is the proud principal of Fulton Middle School in central Missouri. She is the Co-Author of Lead Like a PIRATE: Make School Amazing for Your Students and Staff. Beth also serves as a facilitator for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Leadership Academy, providing monthly training to state educational leaders. She is also active in her local, state and national principal associations. Beth has served as an adjunct professor at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. She is currently pursuing her doctorate at the University of Missouri.Support the show

Here's what I cover with Evelyn Edney in this episode:1. How Evelyn Edney went from being an English teacher to a school leader. 2. The importance of relationships in school leadership and how to create meaningful connections.3. Strategies for advocating for education and how to make the most of conversations with legislators.Dr. Evelyn Edney is the principal of the Early College High School in Dover, Delaware and a member of the National Association of Secondary School Principals Board of Directors. Support the show

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 opportunities.Brandi Leggett is an elementary principal and she is intentionally changing the stereotypical narrative for high poverty schools. Support the show

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 County Public School District in Florida. She takes a new approach to traditional leadership, investing in her teachers and creating a joyful and supportive environment for her staff and students.Support the show

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 leaderHow Dr. Rios uses new tools to communicate with her staffWhat tips Dr. Rios has for creating a positive work-life balance and staying productive.Support the show

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 epsiodeTrelloGoogle Spaces (how to)TaskboardSupport the show

For today's episode, I am honored to be joined by Liz Garden.  Liz is an elementary principal on the East Coast and today we are having a conversation about the human side of education.   Liz has been a principal for over 15 years and we explored the challenge of being a principal after returning from the pandemic and the ways she communicates to staff, and herself, that taking care of yourself is a priority.  This is a perfect conversation to end this year with as we reflect on what we do every day and how we remember kindness and grace for those we serve and ourselves.  Support the show

In a world where books are often mirrors of our own experiences, Dr. Alice Lee brings literacy to her school with the intention of creating compassion, connection, and community through books that window into other cultures and journeys.Dr. Alice Lee is a former elementary school principal in El Segundo School District in California and now serves as a Director of Secondary Education in Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District.Support the show

Before we get into today's episode, I want you to think about the initiatives in your school.  Of your entire list, how many can change culture, academic learning, serve as an archival portfolio and transform your scholars to be more self aware?  Today I am introducing you to a leader who is doing this on her site and I'm not going to lie.  I wish I had thought of it.  Today I am joined by Jessica Melendez-Carrillo, a principal in El Paso, Texas.  During our chat, she will share more about her school, her leadership and a simple strategy that has a big impact. Support the show

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

Here's a challenge for you - revision a school, have a schoolwide dual language program and embed fine arts throughout all classes.  For some, that could be a tall order.  But For our guest today, she is successfully making it happen every day.   Today my guest is Katiuska Herrador, Principal of Jones Academy of Fine Arts & Dual Language in Arlington ISD in Arlington, Texas.  We're going to chat about the addition of fine arts on her campus through collaboration with staff and leadership practices.  From the moment I met Katiuska, I was super inspired by her enthusiasm, can do attitude and the vision for her school.  I hope you will be inspired as well.  Support the show

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

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

Hello and welcome back.  Recently we had an episode with the lovely Lynette White chatting about school social media, episode 52 if you haven't checked it out.  Well, if you listen to our show you know this is a topic I love because of the impact it can have on school communities and your personal brand.  So, today, I want to introduce you to my friend Dr. Jill Johnson.  Jill is a former assistant principal and is currently the President at Class Intercom.  She wrote her dissertation on the integration of student-led social medial teams into school culture and curricula and she's here today to talk about how to empower those within your building to be a part of the storytelling.  Can't wait for you to listen in.  Support the show

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

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

Today I am joined by Principal Marci Chavez of Nelson Elementary School in California.  In this episode, Marci and I talk about her role as an interim principal and the depth of leadership while in a temporary situation. This episode is sponsored by Class Intercom, the social media management tool that I absolutely love and is a key resource to help craft your school story.  Visit them at classintercom.com.  Support the show

If you tuned in last week, you heard from Courtney Goodman and she talked about the foundation strategies to create a quality leadership time.  Well, Courtney is back today and she's going to share nine facilitation strategies for small groups.  I was able to get a sneak peek and these are too good not to share.Support the show

Today's guest will be a two-parter.  Principal Courtney Goodman from Field Elementary School in Illinois is joining us for two weeks and spoiler alert: every school leader no matter size, segment or type of school will benefit.  In Today's part 1 episode, Courtney will share foundational strategies for building a quality leadership team.  She will share how she worked with her team to create an effective purpose, the difference between norms and working agreements and agenda creation.  Next week, Courtney will be back to talk about facilitation strategies you and your team leads can use in group settings.  Let's get started with today's episode.  Support the show

Today I am joined by Principal Tanyelle Hannah from Chicgao, Illinois.  I had the pleasure to meet this dynamic leader at the 2022 NAESP conference in Kentucky and I knew she had to be a guest on the show.  Tanyelle is going to talk to us about distributive leadership in her school and why it's a game change for her leadership.  Support the show

Before we dive into today's episode, which by the way, you are going to love, I have a favor to ask.  As you know, my mission with this podcast is to amplify the voices and stories of our female school leaders.  Would you consider sharing this podcast with a friend?  Just hit the share button and send the link.  My deepest thanks for your support.  I am so excited for you to hear from our guest today. Lynette White.  Lynette is currently the Communications Specialist at Colton Joint Unified School District and she loves all things social media and helping others understand how to maximize your social influence.  Today, we are going to talk about why social media is a must for your school and strategies for getting started.  Support the show

Today I am joined by Principal Tihesha Henderson, principal of Sankofa School of Success in Indianapolis, Indiana and we're talking about school improvement and improving staff wellness.  After you listen, make sure to share this episode with a fellow leader.  It would mean the world to me. Tihesha Henderson has spent the past 21 years as a teacher, instructional coach, and principal in Indianapolis. Her passion for trauma informed care has led her to create innovative ways to address the social emotional needs of students and staff.  As the2022 IPS Principal of the Year and the Darius Leonard Community MVP, Tihesha is changing the landscape of education in Indianapolis. Tihesha is an alumna of Relay Graduate School of Education's National Principal Academy Fellowship where she was recently profiled in their Follow the Leaders series.Support the show

Today my guest is Principal Ana Aguilar and we're talking about one of my favorite topics, school turnaround.  Principal Aguilar is going to share the systems put in place to create a thriving school.  Support the show

Today I am joined by Connecticut's Assistant Principal of the year,  Dana Perez and we are chatting about creating quality and engaging professional development.  As you head into the new school year, Dana will share some great ideas and structures for creating highly effective PD opportunities for your campus.  This chat is just in time for the start of school.  Speaking of which, I want to share a tool I've been using to help get me organized with social media for our school.  Support the show

Today I am joined by Principal Kylene Vasquez  and we are talking about shifting your school's culture through truly understanding the impact adult behaviors have on our campus.  Principal Vasquez is going to share how behavior influences behavior and the strategies she's implemented to positively change the climate.  Support the show

For many of you, you are starting to think about next year and some of the schoolwide practices you want to implement to level up your schools.  Today we are talking to Principal Ida Carter all about learning walks and how she has brought this practice to her site to raise the level of learning for students and staff.  Principal Carter is the proud principal and lead learner of J. Ruth Smith Elementary in Aldine ISD and here is our conversation. Support the show

Today I am joined by Principal Erica Gil, principal of Pugh Elementary School in Houston, Texas and we are talking about instructional leadership.  With a background of coaching and supporting teachers, Erica will share how she's bringing and instructional focus to her site and will provide ideas you can implement in your school. Support the show

Today I am joined by Principal Christy Flores, an award winning principal from Southern California.  She is one of 8, yes eight, principals across the entire country to receive the prestigious Terrell Bell Award for exceptional leadership.  In our conversation, you will get to hear about her leadership journey and how she's building community in her school.  Support the show

Today I am joined by Principal Felicia Thomas, the fearless leader of Tipps Elementary School in Houston, Texas.  In this episode we explore the topic of difficult conversations, why they are essential in leadership work and the reasons people shy away from them.  Principal Thomas will also share three frameworks you can use when preparing for a difficult conversation.  Support the show

Today I am joined by Principal Ruth Riha, an elementary school principal in Sugar Land, Texas and we are digging into why shared leadership is value-added on a school campus.  Ruth shares why this was a valuable lesson for her in nearly 20 years of leadership and some examples of how this plays out on her site.  Support the show

Today we are chatting with Principal Dr. Taiisha Swinton-Buck, Principal of Digital Harbor High School in Baltimore, Maryland.  Today we are chatting about PBIS at the secondary level.  Now before you say you already know all there is about PBIS, trust me when I say you will want to hear how Dr. Swinton Buck is raising the game.  I promise you..this is going to be a good one.  Support the show

Danielle Jackson is a high school principal at Fort Bend, Texas.   After meeting Dr. Jackson for the first time, I  knew she was the real deal. I was lucky to spend time with her hearing about her personal journey that led her to education and how she is improving cultural responsiveness specifically for her Hispanic students.I can't wait for you to hear how her leadership is making things happen.Support the show

Today I am chatting with Opal Harrison, a middle school principal in Houston, Texas and we are chatting about the art of valuing people in your organization.  And when I say all, she means all.  From the students, to the teachers, to your office staff to your custodian.  Everyone.  In our chat, she shares what this looks like when it's part of the system and how she measures success. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drshanahenry)

I want to start today's episode with a question for you, do you have a stress management plan?  And if so, is it sustainable?  As school leaders, I am confident in saying our work is like no other.  A recent study from NASSP said 42% of principals are considering leaving the profession and other studies show principals have more stress than other professions.  Today's guest is Kayla Tucker and she's a school psychologist that also helps women in the principalship manage stress.  She's going to share her LEAD framework she uses with her clients to establish our own stress management plan.  Kayla will also be one of our power-packed speakers at our Leading With Impact conference happening next week.  You can still register at principalsofsuccess.com/onlineconference. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drshanahenry)

In case you haven't heard, our Leading With Impact Online Conference happening at the end of this month is open for registration right now!  This is a two-day conference featuring amazing female leaders ready to share their strategies with you.  Head over to principalsofsuccess.com/onlineconference for registration details.  A few months ago, I learned about an amazing principal in Northern California that was creating authentically safe spaces for LGBTQ students and staff.  Today, we get to chat with this change agent principal and her name is Amber Andrade.  Amber is not about the checklist of compliance and you'll learn that as you listen.   Because students trusted her so much to share their personal concerns, she saw a huge need that demanded an urgent response, so that's what she did.  In today's episode Amber shares her story and some strategies for making our schools more inclusive.  Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drshanahenry)

On today's episode, I am chatting with powerhouse principal Brandy Gratten.  You'll know why I say powerhouse by the end of this episode.  Brandy was recently appointed principal in April and is leading with focus and determination to make her school and staff the talk of the town. We chat about life as an Assistant Principal, moves that led her to the principalship and how she is leading her APs now.  If you are an aspiring or current Assistant Principal of leading one, this episode is for you.https://twitter.com/BrandyGrattenBrandy Gratten is the PROUD Principal of Martin Middle School! Ms. Gratten is a Native Austinite, lifelong Educator and forever Coach. She has served in Austin ISD since 2007 as a Teacher, Coach, Team Leader, Curriculum Writer, Assistant Principal, High School Academy Director, and Principal. Her passion for education and leadership is fueled by building & sustaining positive relationships with students, staff, families, and our community. She believes, we exist to ensure our kids get smarter and feel safer every day as a direct result of what we do...that's how important our work is. She believes the richness of our history, diversity, and stories speak life, hope, and purpose into our present and future. One of her favorite phrases is, "TOGETHER UNSTOPPABLE". 

Today I am chatting with Catherine Pichon, a middle school principal in Suffolk, Virginia and we’re talking all about transitions.  She made the move from elementary to middle school last year, so I ask her about the move from one segment to another and her top three priorities when starting new.  During our discussion, Catherine revealed a hot off the press surprise and it fit perfectly in our conversation.  Let’s get started.  

Today I am talking with Principal and author Allysen Apsey and trust me when I say this episode is going to give you pause and opportunity for reflection.  Allyson and I chat about taking care of the whole teacher, creating a need-satisfying environment and the life-changing research that set the groundwork for these areas.  After you listen, make sure to share this episode.  https://allysonapsey.com/Twitter: @AllysonApsey

 I’m so excited for today’s episode because we’re talking to Laurie Namey, principal at Magnoia Middle School in Maryland and her leadership journey includes being asked twice to lead turnaround schools because she gets the job done.   Through her experience, she’s seen the dos and don’ts of site leadership and today she’s sharing those with us.  I would love for you to reach out on instagram at @principalsofsuccess or twitter @drshanahenry with your takeaways from today’s episode.  

Who is ready to take some notes?  Today I am talking with Karina Lopez, a middle school principal in Houston, Texas and we are chatting about school culture.  She’s created a thriving culture for staff and students and today she’s sharing some of her favorite ideas to let her school family know they are valued and appreciated and sneak peek, some are absolutely free.  We are also going to share all the ideas and resources mentioned in the show notes at principalsofsuccess.com/33.  

I’m really excited for you to get to know our guest today, Dr. April Williams.  Dr. Williams is a principal in Houston Texas and she leads an all girl public school named Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy.  I was fascinated by this concept, so I ask her the why behind this vision and she will also share three priorities on her site that is helping her girls create a strong future.  

 I am truly excited for today’s conversation because our guest, Katie Knifton, is not only someone who you will learn a lot from, but she’s also a fellow administrator I get to work with in my district.  Katie is a Vice Principal at Sylvan Middle School in Sacramento, California and I consider her to be my go to person for creating systems of supports in schools.  Her background as a school psychologist as well as her personal journey that she will share, gives her a unique perspective when it comes to leadership that results in a safe and respectful culture for scholars and staff.  Today Katie is going to share three major shifts her team developed at her site.   

Today I am chatting with Principal Elizabeth Castillo-Guajardo, an elementary school principal in Houston, Texas.  She’s extremely passionate about literacy and today she is going to share how she makes this a school wide focus.  Make sure to take notes because Elizabeth shares A LOT of great ideas that you will want to try at your school.  

Today, I am chatting with Dr. Kip Glazer, a high school principal in Santa Barbara, California. We chat about her inspiring personal story, her full circle moment to her current position, and the three ways her leadership is lifting up an entire school community. I love this conversation with Dr. Glazer and I'm confident you will too. 

Today I am talking to Amy Gonzales.  She’s the amazing principal of Clayton Elementary School in Austin, Texas.  Not only do I love her determined spirit, which includes knowing she wanted to be a principal at 5, yes 5 but I appreciate how intentional she is about wellness for her school community and herself.  In our conversation, she will describe how this looks on her campus.  After you listen, please share this episode for others to enjoy.  

Here’s a question for you, who are you?  As a leader, who are you?  As principals, we are spinning many plates and sometimes it can feel like everything is a priority.  Today’s guest, Principal Katrina Collins, is going to share how she identified her Big 3 after being asked that same question.  Katrina is a powerhouse elementary school principal in Dallas, Texas.  Our conversation explores the why behind her Big 3, examples of how they live on her campus and how she’s defining a clear identity for teachers and students.  Known around campus as Super Collins, you will soon hear why after this episode.  Get a copy of Kat's Big 3, teacher and student profiles at www.principalsofsuccess.com/27

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 representation matters for all our students.

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 ideas you can implement right away.