Year of Leading Dangerously Kathy Walker

Episode 12:
This episode marks the return of the podcast with some thoughts on the current crisis that exists in the United States and the world as schools go virtual, and I struggle to  adjust and understand my role as a building leader and what it will look like at the start of the coming school year.  More so than other episodes, this one will pose more questions than it answers, but I welcome your thoughts as we all adjust and try to define the new normal.
 

Episode 11:
In an effort to provide a follow-up to recent professional development offerings, I chat with Sherrard Martin, Director of Secondary Curriculum Support [Twitter: @smartinISS].  Our conversations usually bounce all over the place, but the ever-present constant is always thriving to help all do what’s best for kids.  We do try our best to stay grounded as we discuss some of the professional development offerings and what motivated those choices.  We always strive for #YearofAPingDangerously firsts – and this episode includes our first Acronyms Explained… Sort of.  Follow our thoughts and let us know yours here at the podcast website or on Twitter @YearofD.
Links discussed in this episode: 
 Acronyms Explained - Sort of…
 | ACES  | Adverse Childhood Experiences Score
| AVID  | Advancement via Individual Determination
| CEUs  | Continuing Education Unit
| CPI  | Crisis Prevention Institute
| ERPD  | Early Release Professional Development
| ESL  | English as a Second Language
| IB  | International Baccalaureate
| ODD  | Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Anita Archer – writing frame
Other People’s Children by Lisa Delpit
Drive by Daniel Pink [motivation video]
Move Your Bus by Ron Clark
True Colors
Vickie Davis - 12 steps to avoid teacher burnout
Children’s Hope Alliance
Yoga Loft – Statesville
Rita Pierson Ted Talk – Every kid needs a champion
Morris Morrison
 

We broadcast live from a staff Professional Development session on this day in the Year of Aping Dangerously.  Fresh after finishing some professional development geared to the needs of secondary English and Science Teachers, I have an opportunity to chat with two teachers to gain insight on what they learned and how they plan to put it in use for their classrooms. Monica Williams and Rebecca McClain share thoughts and ideas as they complete a half day of professional learning.
Year of APing Dangerously Website
Find us on Twitter @YearofD
 
 

This day in the Year of Aping Dangerously – we chat with AP Jody Ratti, who I connected with through the weekly Twitter #APchat, just one of several professional learning network chats we discuss.  Ratti shares his ‘origin story’ – which, has some eerie similarities to a story I’ve heard before!  Several great nuggets are shared as a reminder is made to “move with your mission” and to always “do what’s best for kids” – this is a can’t miss episode as we exchange thoughts from another day in the Year of APing Dangerously.
Links discussed in this episode:  
Jennifer Gonzalez – Cult of Pedagogy
Principal Kafele
Grit by Angela Duckworth
Hacking Leadership by Joe Sanfelippo
Hacking Discipline by Nathan Maynard, Brad Weinstein
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
A Leaders Legacy by James M. Kouzes
Motivating Black Males to Achieve in School & In Life  by Baruti K. Kafele
Starting a Movement: Building Culture From the Inside Out in Professional Learning Communities (PLC) by Kenneth Williams
Twitter Chats:             #APChat – Sundays @ 8pm EST                     
#NewPrincipalsConn
#LeadupChat – Saturdays @ 8:30am EST
#PrincipalChat – Sundays @ 9pm EST

I sit down with new AP, Aisha Santos, to discuss the transition from the classroom to the Admin Office.  She shares her 'origin story' that has led her from a volunteer in her child's school to an Assistant Principal of a southern town high school. Our conversation tackles all kinds of new things that a new AP may face... from the mountain of emails, and discipline to the need to make sure you take some self-care, as well aa connecting with your peers and mentors.  
Links discussed in this episode:  
Teaching with Poverty in Mind ASCD
Capturing Kids’ Heart
Rita Pearson Ted Talk– Every Child needs a Champion
Eric Jensen Brain-Based Teaching
Twitter Chats: #APChat – Sundays @ 8pm EST
Facebook Group: Principal Principles [closed group]
 

Episode 7 in the podcast features some thoughts and things to keep top of mind as you begin the new school year.  The operational checklists and to do's that must get done to ensure a smooth start of the year.  Additionally, some other things to think about as you frame your message and work for the school year.  And oh yes, I make a major pop culture reference flub in this episode - find it and be the first to send it in a tweet with the #Ifoundtheflub @YearofD and we'll share some AP swag with you!