Sharing the Good with Dr. Denise Ball

Dr. Denise Ball
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Education

Welcome to Sharing the Good with Dr. Denise Ball, a podcast celebrating the people, ideas, and practices that inspire us to lead with purpose and cultivate communities where others can thrive. Through authentic conversations with educators, school leaders, authors, researchers, and ministry leaders, Dr. Denise Ball explores topics including school culture, leadership, belonging, faith, innovation, teacher retention, professional learning, and the joy of the work. Whether you are leading a school, serving a parish, supporting educators, or simply seeking encouragement, each episode is designed to leave you with practical ideas, renewed hope, and a reminder that sharing the good can transform communities.

  1. 6d ago

    Building Bridges of Hope with Dr. Steve Cheeseman

    Building Bridges of Hope: A Conversation on the Future of Catholic Education In this special episode of the Sharing the Good with Dr. Denise Ball podcast, launching the Catholic Education Leadership series, I am honored to welcome Dr. Steve Cheeseman, President and CEO of the National Catholic Educational Association, for a conversation centered on hope, leadership, collaboration, access, and the future of Catholic education. After decades of service to Catholic education, Steve continues to lead with a deep sense of hope. His leadership reflects the spirit of John 3:30: “He must increase; I must decrease.” During our conversation, Steve reflects on what he has learned through his “Bright Lights Tour,” which has taken him to more than 150 Catholic schools over the past two years. Each visit, he shares, has renewed his hope and reminded him why this vocation matters. We also discuss: • The growing national footprint and vision of NCEA, • What continues to fill Steve’s bucket and bring him joy in the work, • The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit and the opportunities it may create for students and families, • Lessons from states including Florida, Texas, and Ohio, • NCEA’s Hope Renewed framework: listen, learn, collaborate, and act, • The importance of synergistic collaboration across Catholic education, • What it means to be a bridge builder, and • Why leaders must remember those already standing on the bridge—and those who may need accompaniment to cross it. One of the most powerful reminders from this conversation is that Catholic education is strengthened when we listen well, trust one another, build bridges, and accompany those God places on our path. As Steve reminds us, it can be easy to lose steam along the way, but we are not in this vocation alone! I hope this conversation encourages Catholic educators and leaders to rediscover hope, strengthen relationships, and continue building communities where students, families, educators, and leaders can flourish. I also hope to see many friends in Indianapolis for the 2027 NCEA Convention, “Bridge Builders.” Thank you for joining the conversation on the Sharing the Good with Dr. Denise Ball podcast. This podcast can be found here on YouTube or anywhere you enjoy listening to your favorite podcasts. #SharingTheGood #CatholicEducation #NCEA #BridgeBuilders #HopeRenewed #TheFourPillarsOfJOY

    Building Bridges of Hope with Dr. Steve Cheeseman

  2. Oct 28

    Episode 9 | Finishing Strong, Preparing for What Comes Next

    Episode 9 | Finishing Strong, Preparing for What Comes Next: Cultivating JOY and Purpose in Middle School The Middle School Culture Blueprint: Reflections from the Field What can middle school teachers and school leaders do during the busy weeks leading up to Christmas to strengthen belonging, celebrate student growth, and nurture JOY throughout the school community? In this special solo episode, Dr. Denise Ball reflects on her years as a middle school English language arts teacher and Catholic school principal, sharing three simple, practical strategies that helped students, teachers, and families finish the semester with intention while preparing for a meaningful second semester. Wearing a shirt designed by one of her former eighth-grade classes at St. Augustine Catholic School, Dr. Ball shares a personal reminder that the traditions and opportunities we create for students can leave lasting impressions. In this episode, we explore: Celebrating eighth-grade leadership: Why providing meaningful opportunities for our oldest students to lead, serve, and contribute can strengthen belonging and prepare them for the next academic chapter.A letter to my future self: A reflective November writing activity that invites students to consider their goals, recognize their gifts, and envision the person they hope to become when they return in January.Six Fridays of gratitude and JOY: A simple tradition of partnering with parent associations and community members to recognize faculty, staff, and families during the six Fridays leading up to Christmas break.Dr. Ball also reflects on the beautiful gift of Catholic education and the opportunities the Advent season provides to lean into our faith, serve others, express gratitude, and recognize the good already present within our schools. This special episode marks a pause in The Middle School Culture Blueprint: Reflections from the Field as Dr. Ball and co-author Dr. LaTonya White prepare for the spring publication of their book with the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA). This series will share new episodes in 2027. A heartfelt thank you to the extraordinary educators, researchers, and school leaders who contributed to this series by sharing their experiences, insights, and practical wisdom in support of our shared vocation. There is more exciting news...stay tuned tomorrow as Dr. Ball welcomes a very special guest to launch the new Catholic Education Leadership Series, featuring faith-filled leaders from across Catholic education. Thank you for being part of the Sharing the Good community. Your words and actions matter. We can do so much more together! #TheMiddleSchoolCultureBlueprint #SharingTheGood #CatholicEducation #MiddleSchoolLeadership #SchoolCulture #CultivatingJOY #CatholicEducationLeadershipSeries #TheFourPillarsOfJOY

    Episode 9 | Finishing Strong, Preparing for What Comes Next

  3. Oct 16

    Episode 8 | Clarity and Consistency: Helping Middle School Students Know What Success Looks Like

    Episode 8 | Clarity and Consistency: Helping Middle School Students Know What Success Looks Like The Middle School Culture Blueprint: Reflections from the Field What if one of the greatest gifts we can give middle school students is helping them understand what is expected, what success looks like, and where to turn when they need support? In Episode 8 of The Middle School Culture Blueprint: Reflections from the Field, Dr. Denise Ball welcomes Laura MacDonald, Vice President of Content and Program Development for the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), for an inspiring conversation on the importance of clarity and consistency in creating positive middle school cultures. Middle school students navigate multiple classrooms, different teachers, and changing expectations during an already complex season of development. How can school teams reduce unnecessary confusion while still celebrating the creativity, personality, and expertise of individual teachers? Together, we explore: The importance of shared expectations and consistent routines across middle school classrooms.How clarity can strengthen student confidence, independence, and readiness to learn.Why coherence does not mean conformity, and how thoughtful structures can create room for teacher creativity.The value of common language and clear communication with students and families.How viewing the school day through a student's eyes can reveal opportunities to simplify and strengthen the learning experience.Practical ways middle school teams can create the conditions for students and teachers to thrive.This episode highlights one of the four pillars of The Middle School Culture Blueprint: Clarity, alongside Belonging, Coherence, and Formation. Dr. Denise Ball and Dr. LaTonya White are developing The Middle School Culture Blueprint, which will be published this spring with NCEA, connecting research with the experiences and insights of educators serving middle school communities across the nation. A heartfelt thank you to Laura MacDonald for sharing her time, leadership, and commitment to Catholic education! Please feel welcome to join the conversation as we continue learning from one another and sharing the good happening in our schools. Your words and actions matter. We can do so much more together! #TheMiddleSchoolCultureBlueprint #SharingTheGood #CatholicEducation #MiddleSchoolEducation #SchoolCulture #EducationalLeadership #Clarity #NCEA

    Episode 8 | Clarity and Consistency: Helping Middle School Students Know What Success Looks Like

  4. Oct 14

    Episode 7 | Culture by Design, Not by Default | Dr. Anita Harkins-Mehsling

    With 36 years of experience in education, Dr. Harkins-Mehsling shares thoughtful reflections on intentional leadership, collective efficacy, courageous conversations, and protecting the dignity of every person in the school community. Throughout this inspiring conversation, we explore: Why listening, including welcoming constructive feedback, is essential to building trust. The courage required to enter difficult conversations with grace and intention. How our words, including sarcasm, can impact middle school students who come to us for both learning and formation. The importance of collective efficacy and consistently asking, "Is this what is right for the students?" Why meaningful school improvement begins with preparation, reflection, and honest conversations. How sometimes the greatest gift a school leader can offer is simply being present, listening, and acknowledging. One particularly inspiring story highlights a school community where teachers, recognizing that many of their students and families spoke Spanish, invited parents to tutor the faculty after school so they could strengthen their own communication skills. What an extraordinary example of humility, partnership, and collective commitment to students! This conversation reminds us that culture is not built through one program or initiative. It is cultivated through the words, actions, decisions, and relationships we choose to reinforce every day. Episode 7 is part of The Middle School Culture Blueprint: Reflections from the Field, a podcast series supporting the forthcoming manuscript by Dr. Denise Ball and Dr. LaTonya White in collaboration with the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA). Join the conversation on Sharing the Good with Dr. Denise Ball as educators and leaders from across the nation share their experiences, research, and wisdom for the good of the profession. Our words and actions matter. We can do so much more together! www.youtube.com/@SharingTheGoodwithDrDeniseBall #TheMiddleSchoolCultureBlueprint #SharingTheGood #CatholicEducation #SchoolCulture #EducationalLeadership #BelongingByDesign #CollectiveEfficacy

    Episode 7 | Culture by Design, Not by Default | Dr. Anita Harkins-Mehsling

  5. Oct 8

    Episode 6 | Belonging by Design: Helping Middle School Students Feel Seen, Known, and Needed re: The Middle School Culture Blueprint: Reflections from the Field

    Episode 6 | Belonging by Design: Helping Middle School Students Feel Seen, Known, and Needed The Middle School Culture Blueprint: Reflections from the Field Featuring members of the Holy Redeemer Catholic School community in Kensington, Maryland. What does it take to create a middle school culture where every student feels seen, known, valued, and needed? In this episode, I welcome an inspiring team from Holy Redeemer Catholic School in Kensington, Maryland, Archdiocese of Washington: Tommy Corrigan, Principal. Jeanne Donatelli, Assistant Principal, Ted Scott, Middle School Teacher, and Danielle Trotta, Middle School Teacher. Together, we explore how intentional routines, meaningful traditions, clear expectations, and a shared commitment to Catholic identity create a school community where belonging thrives. Drawing on the Thriving with Social Purpose model and research by Ford and Smith, Dr. Ball shares the importance of helping students recognize that they have a meaningful role, or a "job," within their school community. Ted and Danielle bring this concept to life through examples of the many opportunities Holy Redeemer students have to contribute, serve, and take responsibility. Tommy and Jeanne remind us that prayer is woven throughout the school day, providing a foundation of faith that the entire community can lean on. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that positive school culture does not happen by accident. It is cultivated with intention, consistency, and a commitment to helping every student know that their presence matters. Episode 6 is part of The Middle School Culture Blueprint: Reflections from the Field, a podcast series supporting the forthcoming manuscript by Dr. Denise Ball and Dr. LaTonya White, in collaboration with the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA). Join us as we continue learning from educators and school leaders across the nation who are generously sharing their wisdom for the good of the profession. Our words and actions matter. Thank you for joining the conversation and for sharing the good! Watch here: https://youtu.be/_H9MV2gpTOE, or listen wherever you enjoy your favorite podcasts. #TheMiddleSchoolCultureBlueprint #SharingTheGood #CatholicEducation #SchoolCulture #StudentBelonging #MiddleSchoolLeadership

    Episode 6 | Belonging by Design: Helping Middle School Students Feel Seen, Known, and Needed re: The Middle School Culture Blueprint: Reflections from the Field

  6. Oct 1

    Episode 5 | Joy, Formation, and Purpose: Sustaining Middle School Teachers for the Long Run

    Thankful Thursday! There is SO much good happening in our Catholic schools, and what a privilege it is to share it! Episode 5 of The Middle School Culture Blueprint: Reflections from the Field features an inspiring conversation with three wonderful educators from School of the Incarnation in the Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic Schools. Dr. Nancy Baker, Ed.D reminds us that school leaders must intentionally support balance and renewal for their faculty and staff. Christine Hinton underscores the importance of establishing and maintaining TRUST among our teams, and George Milan, a veteran middle school teacher, reminds us of the incredible power of HUMOR in the classroom. I LOVE this! Even the most prepared school teams will encounter unexpected challenges throughout the year. Protecting our JOY is essential! Our educators are highly educated professionals who have chosen to serve in Catholic education. We need to SEE them, RESPECT them, SUPPORT them, and THANK them. A huge shout-out to Nancy, Christine, and George for generously sharing their wisdom, experiences, and reflections from the field. What an inspiring conversation! As Dr. LaTonya Rayford White and I continue our work on The Middle School Culture Blueprint with the National Catholic Educational Association (Official) (NCEA), I am increasingly grateful for the educators and leaders who are helping us share the good for the benefit of our profession. Let's continue creating school cultures where educators and students thrive! Join the Conversation https://youtu.be/N9Po-gp0co0 Enjoy wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

    Episode 5 | Joy, Formation, and Purpose: Sustaining Middle School Teachers for the Long Run

  7. Sep 30

    Episode 4 | Middle School Culture Blueprint | Reflections | Middle School Team as the Engine

    What happens when middle school teachers stop functioning as separate classrooms and begin thinking and working as one team? In Episode 4 of The Middle School Culture Blueprint: Reflections from the Field, Dr. Denise Ball welcomes Mary Peters, a veteran middle school educator at St. Anne Catholic Grade School in the Archdiocese of Detroit, for a practical conversation about collaboration, consistency, and building a strong middle school team. Mary shares several practices her team is using to strengthen the student and teacher experience. One especially powerful example is a common middle school assessment template built around the Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) format. By using a shared approach across content areas, teachers provide students with greater consistency while still maintaining the uniqueness of their individual disciplines and classrooms. Mary also shares how her middle school team is meeting monthly as a professional learning community, with the development of a shared middle school vision at the center of their work. Throughout the conversation, Mary reflects on the four interconnected pillars framing The Middle School Culture Blueprint: Belonging, Clarity, Coherence, and Formation. Her experience reinforces an important idea: positive school culture is not built through one program or initiative. It grows through intentional relationships, shared expectations, common practices, ongoing formation, and a team committed to serving students together. The Middle School Culture Blueprint, co-authored by Dr. Denise Ball and Dr. LaTonya White, is forthcoming from the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA). Enjoy this episode in video format by visiting https://youtu.be/G9EElZ4Zmps When we train our eyes to see the good, amazing things happen!

    Episode 4 | Middle School Culture Blueprint | Reflections | Middle School Team as the Engine

  8. Sep 25

    Episode 3 | University Lens: Preparing and Supporting Middle School Educators

    This is what an educational community looks like. What a gift to spend time in conversation with four university leaders who are deeply committed to the preparation, formation, and ongoing support of educators: Dr. Michael O’Connor, from the Roche Center for Catholic Education at Boston College; Dr. Nicci Dowd, from Marymount University; Dr. Aliya Holmes, from St. John’s University; and Dr. Clara Hauth, from Marymount University. Episode 3 of The Middle School Culture Blueprint: Reflections from the Field, “University Lens: Preparing and Supporting Middle School Educators,” was such an encouraging reminder of what is possible when leaders in higher education listen to the needs of teachers and school leaders and come together to ask, “How can we help?” Their closing words to educators were worth carrying forward: “You are not alone. Lean on Christ and those in your orbit.” — Dr. Michael O’Connor “Design for possibilities, not limitations.” — Dr. Nicci Dowd “Lean on God and community...see and use the small things.” — Dr. Aliya Holmes “Give yourself grace, and ask questions...advocate for yourself and others.” — Dr. Clara Hauth Dr. LaTonya White and I are so grateful to see The Middle School Culture Blueprint coming together as we prepare for its spring 2027 publication with NCEA. These Reflections from the Field continue to reinforce something important: when we hear the needs of educators and leaders step forward to share their wisdom, experience, research, and support, we strengthen the entire educational community. Thank you, Michael, Nicci, Aliya, and Clara. The universities you serve are blessed to have you, and Catholic education is stronger because people like you continue to enter into the conversation. Watch on Sharing the Good with Dr. Denise Ball: www.youtube.com/@SharingTheGoodwithDrDeniseBall Or listen wherever you enjoy your favorite podcasts. We can do more when we learn, lead, and serve together!

    Episode 3 | University Lens: Preparing and Supporting Middle School Educators
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About

Welcome to Sharing the Good with Dr. Denise Ball, a podcast celebrating the people, ideas, and practices that inspire us to lead with purpose and cultivate communities where others can thrive. Through authentic conversations with educators, school leaders, authors, researchers, and ministry leaders, Dr. Denise Ball explores topics including school culture, leadership, belonging, faith, innovation, teacher retention, professional learning, and the joy of the work. Whether you are leading a school, serving a parish, supporting educators, or simply seeking encouragement, each episode is designed to leave you with practical ideas, renewed hope, and a reminder that sharing the good can transform communities.

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