The Assistant Principal Podcast

The Assistant Principal Podcast

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Support Network Coaching Call with Penny Connors

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Teaser:
I love talking with experts and we can learn a lot from someone like Elena Aguilar or Mark Shellinger, and from other consultants and thought leaders like my good friends William D Parker and Darrin Peppard. And – we also need to be hearing from the people who are doing the work. In today’s episode I do a coaching call with an aspiring administrator. She’s a member of my email list we decided to connect over some observations and questions she shared with me. I think, whether you are an aspiring leader, early in your AP adventure, or even working as the principal or at the district level, you’ll find some helpful things in here, especially around supporting up and coming leaders, which is something we all need to get better at. Before we get into the discussion

Sponsor Spot 1:I’d like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today’s show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn’t that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes.

Show Intro


Guest Bio:
Penny is a district-wide school social worker based just outside Buffalo, NY, with experience in both K–12 and higher education. She is passionate about supporting students and families while fostering collaboration and mental health supports within schools. Penny is currently pursuing an administrative program, and is dedicated to expanding her leadership and impact in education.  


Warmup questions:
  • We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?
  • Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?


Questions/Topics/Prompts
  • 5-minute coaching questions
  • Aspiring Leaders
    • When am I ready to take that leap? 
    • What am I learning along the way? 
    • How do I build my own network of support?
    • Advice on preparing for changes ahead, what I need to know outside of my current coursework, and any insights on moving from staff to admin within a district.
  • Interdisciplinary Supports in Schools
    • How we utilize social workers, psychologists, support staff, marketing directors, and others to better support our students.


Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…
Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions.
And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/assistant to get started.


Closing questions:
  • What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?
  • If listeners could take just one thing away from today’s podcast, what would it be?
  • Before we go, is there anything else that you’d like to share with our listeners?
  • Where can people learn more about you and your work…


Summary/wrap up
  • Delegation:
    • There are other heroes in your building in addition to you
    • Lean on others’ strengths
    • Intentionally provide stretch opportunities (with support)
  • Penny’s big takeaway: Embracing our own journeys and building a support network aligned with both where we are and where we want to go.

Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!


Sponsor Links:


Close
  • Leadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.
  • You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/
  • I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.
  • If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html 
  • Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.
  • Remember the secret to good leadership:
    • Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for others
    • Be fully present
    • Ask reflective questions
    • And then just listen
    • Don’t overcomplicate it, the value is in the listening.
  • Have a great rest of the week!
  • Cheers!

Guest Links:


Frederick’s Links:
The Strategic Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWRS2F6N?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520


Support Network Coaching Call with Penny Connors

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