Beyond the Bell: School Leadership Series

Jon Minton

School leadership doesn’t stop when the final bell rings. Beyond the Bell takes you inside the real conversations of leadership, where current principal Jon Minton mixes humor, research, personal stories, and honest insight to tackle 21 of the most challenging and relevant leadership topics with leaders of all experience levels. Each episode delivers practical strategies and thought-provoking discussions with special guests to help both new and seasoned leaders thrive in the complexities of the role. Because the real work—and the real growth—of leadership happens Beyond the Bell.

Episodes

  1. May 13

    #10: ToniJo Niccoli: NASSP Colorado High School Principal of the Year

    In this episode of Beyond the Bell, Jon sits down with Colorado High School Principal of the Year ToniJo Niccoli, principal of New Meridian High School and the district’s Career and Technical Education Center in northern Colorado. Toni Jo shares her unique journey into education, from originally planning to become a kindergarten teacher to finding her passion working with students in alternative education settings. The conversation explores ToniJo’s leadership philosophy centered on relationships, belief in students, and intentional systems. She reflects on leading a school that increased its on-time graduation rate from 12.5% to 93.5%, explaining how culture, consistency, and strategic support systems helped transform outcomes for students often labeled “at-risk.” ToniJo also discusses the importance of student voice, being visible and accessible as a principal, and why she rejects labels that predetermine a child’s worth. Jon and ToniJo dive into balancing leadership with personal life, navigating change and resistance, building authentic connections with students, and staying true to yourself as a leader. The episode highlights the power of small moments, relentless belief in kids, and creating a school environment where students feel valued, challenged, and supported every day. Whether you’re a school leader, educator, or someone passionate about helping others grow, this episode offers practical insight and heartfelt perspective on leadership that puts people first.

    21 min
5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

School leadership doesn’t stop when the final bell rings. Beyond the Bell takes you inside the real conversations of leadership, where current principal Jon Minton mixes humor, research, personal stories, and honest insight to tackle 21 of the most challenging and relevant leadership topics with leaders of all experience levels. Each episode delivers practical strategies and thought-provoking discussions with special guests to help both new and seasoned leaders thrive in the complexities of the role. Because the real work—and the real growth—of leadership happens Beyond the Bell.

You Might Also Like