The Aspiring School Leader Podcast

Dr. Donovan Smalls II
  • 5.0 (1)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Aspiring School Leader Podcast is the go-to show for educators ready to step into school leadership with clarity, confidence, and impact. Hosted by Dr. Donovan Smalls II, an assistant principal, best-selling author, and school leadership coach, this podcast helps aspiring school leaders confidently land their first leadership role and lead with impact from day one. Dr. Smalls supports educators with interview preparation and leadership development, equipping them to step into new roles fully prepared and confident. Each episode delivers real-world insights, actionable strategies, and honest conversations about the challenges and opportunities that come with school leadership. Whether listeners are preparing for their first interview or already walking the halls as leaders-in-waiting, this podcast provides the tools and guidance they need to show up ready. For educators ready to elevate their impact beyond the classroom, this is the place to start. Ready to dive in? - Get my book Beyond The Classroom: https://tinyurl.com/mr23p86h  - Check out my Elevate Your Impact Coaching Program: https://www.donovansmalls2.com/coaching  - Visit my website: https://www.donovansmalls2.com  - Email us at donovansmalls2@gmail.com 

  1. 4D AGO

    Episode 27: Beyond the Interview: What TEACHERS Actually Expect FROM School Leaders

    Beyond the Interview: What TEACHERS Actually Expect FROM School Leaders Is it authority? Systems? Communication? Or something DEEPER? In this powerful episode of the Aspiring School Leader Podcast, Dr. Donovan Smalls II sits down with educator, coach, and motivational speaker, Chip Baker to uncover what teachers REALLY expect from school leaders. If you are an ASPIRING SCHOOL LEADER preparing for your first leadership role, this conversation will SHIFT your understanding of TRUE leadership. This is not surface-level advice. This is REAL leadership insight from inside the classroom. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ INSIDE THIS EPISODE YOU WILL DISCOVER: ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ➤ What makes a school leader TRULY EFFECTIVE from a teacher’s perspective ➤ How school leaders build GENUINE TEACHER TRUST ➤ Why PEOPLE-CENTERED LEADERSHIP transforms school culture ➤ The power of SYSTEMS THINKING in instructional leadership ➤ How to balance LOVE and ACCOUNTABILITY ➤ Why MENTORSHIP and SUPPORT systems matter ➤ The 3 ESSENTIAL QUALITIES every effective school leader must develop ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ School leadership is HARD. There will be tough meetings. There will be difficult conversations. There will be exhausting days. But when you lead with LOVE, communicate with INTENTION, and build STRONG SYSTEMS, you create a POSITIVE SCHOOL CULTURE where teachers thrive and students succeed. This episode is your LEADERSHIP BLUEPRINT. If you are preparing for a school leadership INTERVIEW, working to improve TEACHER MORALE, or striving to build a HIGH-IMPACT SCHOOL, this conversation will give you clarity, confidence, and direction. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ABOUT DR. DONOVAN SMALLS II: ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Dr. Donovan Smalls II is an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL, BEST-SELLING AUTHOR, and SCHOOL LEADERSHIP COACH dedicated to helping aspiring and early-career school leaders CLOSE READINESS GAPS, strengthen INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP, and build SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS that improve teacher effectiveness. 📕 Grab my book, Beyond the Classroom → https://shorturl.at/74Bgy 👉🏾 1:1 INTERVIEW PREPARATION COACHING to help aspiring school leaders prepare confidently and transition into leadership roles → https://donovansmalls2.com/coaching ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ STREAMING ON: ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 📺 YouTube https://urlgeni.us/youtube/channel/L0Y2m 🎧 Apple Podcasts https://tinyurl.com/mv7f683k 🎧 Spotify https://tinyurl.com/4wydt4nr ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Subscribe for weekly insights on SCHOOL LEADERSHIP, INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP STRATEGIES, PRINCIPAL DEVELOPMENT, and building transformational school culture. #SchoolLeadership #InstructionalLeadership #AspiringSchoolLeader #PrincipalLeadership #EducationalLeadership #TeacherSupport #SchoolCulture #LeadershipDevelopment

    43 min

  2. FEB 20

    Episode 26: School Administrator Interview Preparation Strategy: Think Like a Presenter

    Most aspiring school administrators prepare for interviews the wrong way. They study possible questions. They rehearse answers. They hope it sounds strong. But a school administrator interview is not a Q&A session — it’s a leadership presentation. 一═⌊✪⌋Episode—69⌊✪⌋═一 I break down a powerful interview preparation strategy that shifts your mindset from responder to presenter. When you approach your school leadership interview with structure, clarity, and authority, everything changes. 一═⌊✪⌋3 Core strategies:⌊✪⌋═一 1. Speak to impact, not just experience. 2. Stop rambling and start leading with clarity. 3. Show confidence without crossing into arrogance. Whether you’re preparing for an assistant principal interview, instructional leadership role, or your first school administrator position, this strategy will help you take control of the room and communicate your leadership story with purpose. If you're serious about landing your first leadership role and want structured coaching, my 4-week interview preparation program helps aspiring school leaders refine their message, practice scenario-based questions, and walk into interviews with confidence. --------------------------- About Dr. Donovan Smalls II: An assistant principal, best-selling author, and school leadership coach dedicated to helping aspiring & early-career school leaders close readiness gaps, strengthen instructional leadership, and build sustainable systems that improve teacher effectiveness. 📕 Grab my book, Beyond the Classroom → https://shorturl.at/74Bgy 👉🏾 1:1 interview preparation coaching to help aspiring school leaders prepare for interviews and transition confidently into leadership roles: https://donovansmalls2.com/coaching --------------------------- If you want to interview like a leader — not just answer questions — this strategy is your starting point. --------------------------- Streaming on: 📺 YouTube 🔗 https://urlgeni.us/youtube/channel/L0Y2m 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/mv7f683k 🎧 Spotify 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/4wydt4nr

    17 min

  3. FEB 13

    Episode 25: The Last Interview Question That Exposes True Leaders

    Most candidates believe the interview is over when the panel stops asking questions. That assumption costs people leadership roles. The reality is that the last interview question is often what exposes true leaders—and separates them from candidates who are simply hoping to get hired. In this week's episode we explore three powerful questions every aspiring school leader can ask at the end of a school leadership interview. These questions reveal how hiring committees think, what they actually listen for, and why the way you close an interview can matter more than how you start it. If you’re preparing for an interview for an assistant principal, dean, instructional coach, supervisor, or school leadership role, this episode will help you move beyond surface-level interview preparation and think like a leader before you even get the job. When the hiring committee asks, “Do you have any questions for us?” —that moment can become a leadership test. This episode: ➤Why the interview isn’t actually over at the final question ➤How strong leaders use questions to demonstrate problem-solving ability ➤What hiring committees hear when you ask the right (or wrong) questions ➤How to position yourself as a solution, not just a candidate ➤The leadership mindset behind instructional decision-making These strategic leadership questions signal maturity, awareness, and readiness for real responsibility. ------------------------ About Dr. Donovan Smalls II: An assistant principal, best-selling author, and school leadership coach dedicated to helping aspiring & early-career school leaders close readiness gaps, strengthen instructional leadership, and build sustainable systems that improve teacher effectiveness. 📕 Grab my book, Beyond the Classroom → https://shorturl.at/74Bgy 👉🏾 1:1 interview preparation coaching to help aspiring school leaders prepare for interviews and transition confidently into leadership roles: https://donovansmalls2.com/coaching If you’re interviewing for your first leadership role this episode will help you close interviews with clarity, confidence, and purpose. ------------------------ Streaming on: 📺 YouTube 🔗 https://urlgeni.us/youtube/channel/L0Y2m 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/mv7f683k 🎧 Spotify 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/4wydt4nr

    14 min

  4. FEB 5

    Episode 24: Why the Interview Is Blocking Capable Leaders

    Many aspiring school leaders believe they are not ready yet. They think they need more experience, another certification, or one more year. But in the reality: most capable educators are already ready to lead. The real problem is not readiness. It is how you explain it in the interview. I will explains why so many qualified educators get blocked at the interview stage and what interview panels are really looking for. → How observing strong leaders prepares you for leadership → Why leading adults, not just students, is a key sign you are ready → When others begin to see you as a problem solver, not just a teacher → Why interview preparation matters more than gaining more experience Many strong candidates struggle in leadership interviews not because they lack skill, but because they struggle to clearly explain their leadership thinking. --------------- About Dr. Donovan Smalls II: An assistant principal, best-selling author, and school leadership coach dedicated to helping aspiring & early-career school leaders close readiness gaps, strengthen instructional leadership, and build sustainable systems that improve teacher effectiveness. 📕 Grab my book, Beyond the Classroom → https://shorturl.at/74Bgy 👉🏾 1:1 leadership coaching to help aspiring school leaders prepare for interviews and transition confidently into leadership roles: https://donovansmalls2.com/coaching --------------- If you are preparing for assistant principal, dean, or other school leadership interviews and want help answering questions with clarity and confidence, this episode is for you. Share this video with an educator who knows they are capable but keeps getting blocked at the interview. --------------- Streaming on: 📺 YouTube 🔗 https://urlgeni.us/youtube/channel/L0Y2m 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/mv7f683k 🎧 Spotify 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/4wydt4nr

    14 min

  5. JAN 28

    Episode 23: Coaching & Feedback That Transforms Culture (Not Just Practice)

    Coaching and feedback alone don’t transform schools. It’s the way leaders coach that makes the difference. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why feedback alone doesn’t change culture - How coaching before correcting builds trust and teacher capacity - Why alignment matters more than opinion in leadership conversations - How consistent coaching behaviors shape school culture over time This episode is for aspiring and early-career school leaders who want to move beyond surface-level feedback and lead schools where adults feel supported, challenged, and invested in collective growth. 🎧 If you’re preparing for leadership or stepping into your next role, this conversation is foundational. 📌 Ready to develop your coaching and leadership skills? Learn more about working with me at Smalls Leadership Consulting LLC or book a discovery call to explore your next step. -------------------------- About Dr. Donovan Smalls II: An assistant principal, best-selling author, and school leadership coach dedicated to helping aspiring & early-career school leaders close readiness gaps, strengthen instructional leadership, and build sustainable systems that improve teacher effectiveness. 📕 Grab my book, Beyond the Classroom → https://shorturl.at/74Bgy 👉🏾 1:1 leadership coaching to help aspiring school leaders prepare for interviews and transition confidently into leadership roles: https://donovansmalls2.com/coaching -------------------------- Streaming on: 📺 YouTube 🔗 https://urlgeni.us/youtube/channel/L0Y2m 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/mv7f683k 🎧 Spotify 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/4wydt4nr Like, Comment, Share & Subscribe for weekly guidance on becoming the leader your school actually wants to hire. -------------------------- #SchoolLeadership #EducationalLeadership #InstructionalLeadership #LeadershipCoaching #SchoolCulture #CoachingTeachers #FeedbackThatWorks #AspiringSchoolLeaders #PrincipalPreparation #AssistantPrincipalLife #TeacherDevelopment #LeadershipDevelopment #SmallsLeadershipConsulting

    18 min

  6. JAN 25

    Episode 22: Why Most New School Leaders Fail After the Interview

    Why Most New School Leaders Fail After the Interview Most school leaders prepare to answer interview questions... but leadership isn’t about answers. It’s about making decisions under pressure.    CHAPTERS 01:38 – The 3 Skills Interviews Don’t Test 01:42 – Key #1: From Answering Questions to Making Decisions 07:49 – Key #2: Leading Adults (Not Just Managing Tasks) 13:42 – Key #3: Build Your Leadership Identity Before the Title 18:04 – The Real Risk of Stepping Into Leadership Unprepared Interviews won’t test how you: • Lead adults • Navigate resistance • Make hard calls with no perfect option • Stay grounded when emotions and politics show up That’s why so many new leaders struggle after they get hired. In this episode, I break down what real leadership readiness looks like beyond the interview... and why clarity, decision-making, and influence matter more than polished responses. If you’re serious about stepping into school leadership prepared, confident, and respected, this is the work that must happen before the title. --------------------------------------------------------------------------About Dr. Donovan Smalls II: An assistant principal, best-selling author, and school leadership coach dedicated to helping aspiring & early-career school leaders close readiness gaps, strengthen instructional leadership, and build sustainable systems that improve teacher effectiveness. 📕 Grab my book, Beyond the Classroom → https://shorturl.at/74Bgy  👉🏾 1:1 leadership coaching to help aspiring school leaders prepare for interviews and transition confidently into leadership roles: https://donovansmalls2.com/coaching -------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you’re preparing for leadership interviews and want strategic interview prep or leadership coaching, reach out and let’s have a conversation. Streaming on: 📺 YouTube 🔗 https://urlgeni.us/youtube/channel/L0Y2m  🎧 Apple Podcasts 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/mv7f683k  🎧 Spotify 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/4wydt4nr  Like, Comment, Share & Subscribe for weekly guidance on becoming the leader your school actually wants to hire. --------------------------------------------------------------------------#schoolleadership #aspiringschoolleaders #educationalleadership #leadershipmindset #principallife #assistantprincipal #leadershipdevelopment

    20 min

  7. JAN 5

    Episode 20: Waiting Is Killing Your Leadership Career (Green Light Season 2026)

    Waiting is killing your leadership career — and 2026 won’t wait for you. If you’re an aspiring school leader still waiting for permission, this episode is your wake-up call. Too many aspiring school leaders stay stuck because they’re waiting to be chosen, promoted, or validated. In this episode of the Aspiring School Leader Podcast, Dr. Donovan Smalls II explains why 2026 must be your Green Light Season — and why waiting is the fastest way to stall your leadership career. This episode is for educators who want to move from the classroom into leadership roles such as assistant principal, dean, supervisor, or school administrator in the 2026–2027 school year. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You’ll learn: ✔ Why strong teachers keep failing leadership interviews ✔ How to start thinking like a leader ✔ What interview panels actually listen for in aspiring school leaders ✔ How to prepare to lead on day one — not just get hired ✔ Why confidence is built through action, not permission ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About Dr. Donovan Smalls II: An educator, best-selling author, and school leadership coach dedicated to helping aspiring leaders develop the full range of skills needed to lead people, systems, and schools with confidence. 📕 Grab my book, Beyond the Classroom → https://shorturl.at/74Bgy 👉🏾 1:1 leadership coaching available to help aspiring school leaders build well-rounded leadership skills and transition confidently into administrative roles: https://donovansmalls2.com/coaching ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Timestamps: 00:00 Waiting Is Killing Your Leadership Career 01:50 Why Waiting for Permission Keeps You Stuck 04:40 Why Strong Teachers Fail Leadership Interviews 08:14 How to Prepare to Lead on Day One 13:12 Why Confidence Comes From Repetition 17:41 Stop Waiting to Be Chosen 19:00 Positioning Yourself for 2026 Leadership Roles ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you’re preparing for leadership interviews in 2026 and want strategic interview prep or leadership coaching, reach out and let’s have a conversation. Streaming on: 📺 YouTube 🔗 https://urlgeni.us/youtube/channel/L0Y2m 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/mv7f683k 🎧 Spotify 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/4wydt4nr ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Keywords aspiring school leaders, school leadership career, assistant principal interview, how to become a school leader, education leadership 2026, school administrator preparation, leadership interviews education, green light season, school leadership coaching ----------------------------------------------------- Like, Comment, Share & Subscribe for weekly guidance on becoming the leader your school needs. #leadership #schoolleadership #educationleadership #assistantprincipal #schooladministrator #greenlightseason #leadershipmindset #educationcareers #interviewprep #aspiringprincipals #TeacherToLeader #adminlife #shorts

    20 min

  8. 12/16/2025

    Episode 19: Why Qualified Aspiring School Leaders Still Fail Interviews

    Why Qualified Aspiring School Leaders Still Fail Interviews Most aspiring school leaders do the coursework and complete the internship — yet still walk into interviews feeling unprepared. The problem isn’t qualifications. It’s that their mindset hasn’t shifted into leadership yet. In this episode, Dr. Donovan Smalls II breaks down three foundational mindset shifts that immediately strengthen school leadership interview prep — the same shifts hiring panels actually listen for. These aren’t advanced tricks. They’re the basics most candidates overlook, and that’s exactly why they separate strong finalists from average applicants. Learn: 1️⃣ Why visibility matters more than authority 2️⃣ Why every internship isn’t the same — and why intention matters 3️⃣ Why studying multiple leaders builds range If you’re preparing for assistant principal or school leadership interviews, this perspective shift can completely change how you answer questions — and how confident you sound doing it. Hiring committees aren’t looking to be impressed. They’re looking for a strong leadership foundation they can train and build on. Timestamps: 0:00 – Why qualified leaders still feel unprepared 1:38 – Mindset Shift #1: Visibility over authority 5:22 – Leadership vs management explained 6:34 – Mindset Shift #2: Intentional internships 10:27 – Mindset Shift #3: Building leadership range 15:29 – Why basics win interviews — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — About Dr. Donovan Smalls I: Dr. Donovan Smalls II is an educator, best-selling author, and school leadership coach. He helps aspiring school leaders confidently land their first leadership role and lead with impact from day one. 📘 Book: Beyond the Classroom 🔗 https://shorturl.at/74Bgy 1:1 interview prep & leadership coaching: 🔗 https://donovansmalls2.com/coaching

    18 min
See All (26)

About

The Aspiring School Leader Podcast is the go-to show for educators ready to step into school leadership with clarity, confidence, and impact. Hosted by Dr. Donovan Smalls II, an assistant principal, best-selling author, and school leadership coach, this podcast helps aspiring school leaders confidently land their first leadership role and lead with impact from day one. Dr. Smalls supports educators with interview preparation and leadership development, equipping them to step into new roles fully prepared and confident. Each episode delivers real-world insights, actionable strategies, and honest conversations about the challenges and opportunities that come with school leadership. Whether listeners are preparing for their first interview or already walking the halls as leaders-in-waiting, this podcast provides the tools and guidance they need to show up ready. For educators ready to elevate their impact beyond the classroom, this is the place to start. Ready to dive in? - Get my book Beyond The Classroom: https://tinyurl.com/mr23p86h  - Check out my Elevate Your Impact Coaching Program: https://www.donovansmalls2.com/coaching  - Visit my website: https://www.donovansmalls2.com  - Email us at donovansmalls2@gmail.com 

Information