• Episode 16: Coach'EM Up Leadership Series: Managing Conflicts and Difficult Conversations!
    Feb 3 2025

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    Unlock the secrets to effective conflict resolution and transform your leadership skills with insights from Principal JL in the latest episode of the Coach"Em Up Leadership Series. Discover how mastering the art of difficult conversations can make you a more effective leader in education, by learning to navigate complex situations with empathy and clarity. We'll guide you through creating safe, neutral spaces for dialogue and the critical practice of active listening to understand the root causes of conflicts. Through strategic documentation and collaborative brainstorming, find out how to foster lasting solutions that ensure all voices are heard.

    Join us as we delve into the nuances of communication, where being direct yet empathetic plays a crucial role in outlining expectations and consequences. Gain practical tips on preparing for open dialogues by removing physical barriers and maintaining transparency. Reflecting on these exchanges is key, and we’ll show you how to use these experiences for growth. Plus, we emphasize the importance of self-care to recharge for future challenges. Whether you're dealing with students, parents, faculty, or community members, this episode equips you with the tools to lead with confidence and compassion in the people-centered world of education.

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    Let's Get Social and Connect by following Principal JL by clicking on these Links: Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram, Threads, X, and Substack


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    28 mins
  • Episode 15: Coach'EM Up Leadership Series: Motivating and Inspiring your Staff!
    Jan 27 2025

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    Discover the essentials of motivating and inspiring educators in our latest Coach"EM Up leadership series episode. What if unlocking the true potential of your teaching staff could be achieved through authenticity and vulnerability? We promise you’ll walk away with strategies to cultivate a positive school culture, from sharing personal stories to offering tangible rewards like food trucks and gift cards. We unravel the art of building trust and understanding with your staff, emphasizing the critical role of purposeful professional development. By creating an environment where teachers feel valued, we enhance their performance, which ultimately benefits our students.

    Our conversation extends to fostering teacher growth and collaboration, with insights on granting autonomy, encouraging creativity, and the power of mentorship programs for new educators. Learn how AI and technology can streamline tasks, liberating educators to focus on effective teaching. We highlight the importance of consistent motivation, where social interactions and fun activities play a vital role in strengthening team cohesion. As we wrap up, we invite you to share your strategies for inspiring your teams, encouraging a culture of continuous improvement and aiming to be 1% better every day. Each chapter of our discussion is designed to equip you with actionable insights to elevate your educational environment.

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    Let's Get Social and Connect by following Principal JL by clicking on these Links: Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram, Threads, X, and Substack


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    25 mins
  • Episode 14: From the Classroom to Princfluencer: The Principal Mo Story!
    Jan 20 2025

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    Can social media actually transform the way school principals connect with their communities? Join us as we uncover the remarkable journey of Principal Mo, a trailblazer in educational leadership, who is redefining what it means to be a school principal in the digital age. With prestigious accolades like the 2020 Heart of Schools Award and the Maryland Association of Elementary Schools Connected School Leader Award under her belt, Principal Mo shares her incredible path from teacher to award-winning leader, and how she uses platforms like TikTok to engage and inspire. Her innovative approach offers a fresh perspective on integrating technology and social media to build vibrant and inclusive school communities.

    We explore the exciting intersection of technology and education through Principal Mo's visionary use of AI to enhance decision-making and reduce administrative burdens. Imagine a world where school leaders focus more on people than paperwork! Principal Mo reveals how AI tools like ChatGPT and Canva's AI features can transform everyday educational tasks, freeing up time for creativity and personal interaction. We also discuss how her unique hobbies, including DJing and sneaker collecting, contribute to her dynamic leadership style, bringing a sense of balance and energy to her role.

    Principal Mo’s story is one of unconventional thinking and bold leadership. We delve into her philosophy of challenging traditional educational practices and embracing risk to foster a more dynamic learning environment. By leveraging the strengths of her staff and taking cues from students, she creates a culture of innovation and inclusion. Principal Mo's journey is not just about leading schools; it's about revolutionizing them. Tune in to discover how you, too, can break away from conventional methods and join a movement of educational leaders dedicated to making a real difference.

    Like Deion Sanders, Principal Mo "Ain't Hard to Find"! Follow her on Tik Tok, Instagram, X, Threads, Linked In, and Blue Sky. Simply Search, @principal_mo or Principal_Mo. Principal Mo's New Website!

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    Let's Get Social and Connect by following Principal JL by clicking on these Links: Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram, Threads, X, and Substack


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    50 mins
  • Episode 13: Coach'EM Up Leadership Series: Leading by Example!
    Jan 13 2025

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    Unlock the keys to transformative leadership in education and learn how leading by example can inspire change and growth within your school community. Imagine turning challenges into pivotal learning moments that strengthen resilience and innovation. In this episode of the Coach-Em-Up Leadership Series, we explore the power of authentic leadership, emphasizing the vital role of educators who embody the values they wish to instill, such as commitment, work ethic, and a growth mindset. We promise insights into building trust, fostering a positive atmosphere, and encouraging a culture where both staff and students relentlessly pursue excellence.

    Through real-life experiences, including navigating a swatting incident at a high school, we discuss how to handle adversity with resilience and grace. By balancing empathy with decisive action, leaders can empower teachers to take innovative risks and embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. From implementing new policies that align with school goals to maintaining a positive energy that fuels continuous improvement, this episode is a treasure trove of strategies for educational leaders dedicated to making a significant and lasting impact. Join us for a journey filled with actionable insights and shared wisdom aimed at collective professional development.

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    Let's Get Social and Connect by following Principal JL by clicking on these Links: Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram, Threads, X, and Substack


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    25 mins
  • Episode 12: Coach'EM Up Leadership Series: The Art of Communication in Educational Leadership
    Jan 5 2025

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    Could mastering the art of communication and feedback revolutionize your role as an educational leader? This episode promises to equip you with essential strategies to enhance your communication skills through active listening and constructive feedback. With personal anecdotes from my journey as a principal, I share insights on fostering a supportive environment for teachers using techniques like paraphrasing and the "positive sandwich" method, empowering them to grow and excel in their roles.

    The excitement doesn’t stop there; we’re gearing up for some incredible future episodes featuring guest speakers who are trailblazers in educational leadership. While their identities remain a secret for now, their contributions will undoubtedly inspire and transform our community. As we continue our mission to become 1% better each day, I invite you to engage with our podcast through feedback and fan mail. Let's embark on this enlightening journey together, focusing on continuous improvement and fostering a collaborative culture that benefits both educators and students alike.

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    Let's Get Social and Connect by following Principal JL by clicking on these Links: Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram, Threads, X, and Substack


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    29 mins
  • Episode 11: Coach'EM Up Leadership Series: Building Relationships and Trust!
    Dec 31 2024

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    Building strong relationships and trust are crucial for effective educational leadership. We explore actionable strategies such as active listening, empathy, collaboration, and having fun in the workplace to create an environment that empowers teachers and students alike.

    • The importance of trust in educational leadership
    • Strategies for building trust with staff
    • Creating a supportive environment for faculty
    • The role of active listening in relationships
    • Utilizing mentorship to build connection
    • Collaboration and shared decision-making for fostering trust
    • Tailoring professional development to meet staff needs
    • Emphasizing the importance of joy and fun in the work environment
    • Engaging listeners and encouraging feedback

    Support the show

    Let's Get Social and Connect by following Principal JL by clicking on these Links: Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram, Threads, X, and Substack


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    24 mins
  • Episode 10: Coach'EM Up Leadership Series: Establishing a Vision and Setting Expectations!
    Dec 23 2024

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    Unlock the secrets to effective educational leadership as we explore the dynamic role of school leaders who, much like skilled coaches, inspire their teams through collaboration and empathy. Discover how to establish a shared vision, set clear expectations, and foster a culture of high expectations within your school. Through personal anecdotes, we reveal innovative strategies such as forming a school improvement team, addressing common challenges like cell phone usage and attendance, and the power of collaborative problem-solving. This episode is packed with practical insights and humor, emphasizing that leadership is not about managing tasks but about inspiring a collective effort toward common goals.

    In the latter half of this episode, we delve into cultivating excellence and accountability in schools by involving staff in the vision-making process, ensuring their needs are understood and fostering a supportive culture. We advocate for embracing a growth mindset and encouraging risk-taking among educators to innovate without fear of failure. Learn about the importance of modeling excellence and maintaining accountability through shared commitments, all while creating a positive school culture that celebrates milestones and recognizes success. By setting the right tone and leading with adaptability and humor, school leaders can create thriving environments where both teachers and students can excel.

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    Let's Get Social and Connect by following Principal JL by clicking on these Links: Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram, Threads, X, and Substack


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    41 mins
  • Episode 9: Coach'EM Up Leadership Series: Bridging Coaching and Educational Leadership
    Dec 16 2024

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    Discover the intriguing connections between coaching and educational leadership as we navigate a journey that began on the football field and led to the halls of education. Inspired by a transformative conversation with my wife's grandfather and drawing from a rich military background, I share my personal evolution from sports coaching to becoming an educational leader. Together, we'll bridge the gap in leadership training and explore setting a powerful vision for schools, translating big ideas into actionable steps, and collaborating with staff for impactful school improvement.

    As we venture into the core elements of effective educational leadership, instructional leadership takes the spotlight. Hear insights on fostering a growth mindset among staff, encouraging reflective practices, and staying ahead with educational trends like APL, Marzano, NEE, and Danielson. We delve into the art of communication, emphasizing the value of building a strong school community, engaging with parents, and using social media to rewrite narratives from challenges to opportunities. Learn about resource management, district processes, and the power of data-driven decisions in crafting policies that bring about positive change.

    In the final segment, we shift focus to coaching models that revolutionize educational leadership. Explore the application of models like GROW, the five C's, and CLEAR, which have been pivotal in tackling issues like school attendance. Transformational and situational leadership styles underscore the importance of a vision, relationship-building, and adaptive support for staff. As we launch the "Coach them Up" series, your feedback will be instrumental. Together, let’s aim for continual improvement, nurturing a community of strong, impactful educational leaders, striving each day to be 1% better.

    Support the show

    Let's Get Social and Connect by following Principal JL by clicking on these Links: Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram, Threads, X, and Substack


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    37 mins