Principal Matters: The School Leader's Podcast with William D. Parker

Cornerstones of Effective Schools with Dr. Darin Thompson – PMP513

A QUICK NOTE TO LISTENERS: Before this week’s interview, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke take some time to answer a listener question. This week’s question is: I’m wanting to intentionally develop leaders on my team. Ideas or suggestions? Listen in to hear their repsonse! MEET DR. DARIN THOMPSON: [https://williamdparker.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/PMP-Template-38-1024x1024.png] Darin A. Thompson, PhD, is a veteran K–12 leader from Fairfax, Virginia, with nearly 20 years of experience and the founder of Pivotal Leaders Group. A two-time Outstanding Principal of the Year semi-finalist within his region, Dr. Thompson has led transformative school improvement efforts across multiple school divisions, resulting in double-digit gains in student outcomes and significant reductions in achievement gaps for historically underserved populations. A regular presenter at conferences such as NAESP/NASSP’s United Conference, Making Schools Work, and the Virginia Alliance of Black School Educators, Dr. Thompson has contributed to Education Week, the Journal of Urban Learning, Teaching, and Research, and other publications. He is the author of The Four Cornerstones of Effective Schools, [https://www.solutiontree.com/four-cornerstones-of-effective-schools.html] published by Solution Tree, and a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. EFFECTIVE SCHOOLS & THE FOUR CORNERSTONES: Dr. Thompson’s framework centers on the belief that effective schools are built through intentional systems, not isolated initiatives. In The Four Cornerstones of Effective Schools, he outlines how culture, collaboration, and aligned structures work together to support improvement. Rather than chasing new programs, leaders are encouraged to focus on building systems that consistently reinforce high-quality teaching and learning. DR. THOMPSON’S EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY: Dr. Thompson shares that his path into education was anything but traditional. Initially interested in careers in law and financial planning, he discovered his passion for teaching and was later encouraged by a principal to step into leadership. That encouragement set him on a path that would eventually lead to the principalship and beyond, shaping his belief that leadership development often begins with someone recognizing potential in others. THE PIVOTAL LEADER MINDSET: A key takeaway from the conversation is the importance of developing a “pivotal leader mindset.” Dr. Thompson explains that school improvement begins with how leaders think. Growth-oriented beliefs, combined with a willingness to examine one’s own assumptions, allow leaders to better navigate complex challenges. Without this mindset, even the best strategies can fall short. LIMITING BELIEFS IN LEADERSHIP: As the discussion continues, Dr. Thompson highlights how limiting beliefs can quietly undermine progress. Under pressure, leaders may begin to question their own effectiveness or doubt the capabilities of their staff. He emphasizes the importance of confronting these beliefs with evidence and shifting the focus toward building skills and capacity. When leaders change how they think, they change how they lead. SCHOOL CULTURE & STAFF SUPPORT: The conversation reinforces that strong culture is foundational to any improvement effort. Dr. Thompson describes common barriers such as complacency, isolation, and command-and-control leadership, all of which can limit progress. He stresses that support must come before accountability—teachers need clarity, resources, and encouragement before they can be expected to perform at high levels. DIAGNOSING THE CULTURAL LANDSCAPE: Before implementing change, Dr. Thompson encourages leaders to pause and assess their current environment. He introduces three essential elements for a culture of support: clarity, trust, and readiness. Clarity ensures everyone understands the vision, trust builds confidence in leadership, and readiness equips staff with the skills needed to succeed. Skipping this diagnostic step often leads to frustration and failed initiatives. BUILDING INSTRUCTIONAL CAPACITY: Improving instruction requires more than one-time professional development. Dr. Thompson shares strategies for building capacity over time, including job-embedded learning, teacher-led sessions, and consistent feedback. He describes practical approaches like teacher-led “egg camps,” where educators share effective practices based on real classroom data, creating relevance and ownership in the learning process. PLCS & COLLABORATION: Professional Learning Communities play a critical role in sustaining improvement. Dr. Thompson explains that effective PLCs go beyond logistics and focus on meaningful collaboration around instruction and student outcomes. While resistance is common at first, establishing clear expectations and purpose helps shift teams toward deeper engagement and shared responsibility. SYSTEMS FOR SUSTAINABLE IMPROVEMENT: Throughout the conversation, Dr. Thompson returns to the importance of systems. Strong systems act as guardrails, helping leaders stay focused on priorities and avoid reactive decision-making. By aligning systems with the school’s vision, leaders create consistency and momentum, allowing improvement efforts to take root and grow over time. LEADERSHIP & WELL-BEING: The episode concludes with an encouraging message for leaders. Dr. Thompson reminds listeners that meaningful school improvement is possible without burnout. By focusing on systems, maintaining clarity, and prioritizing the right work, leaders can create lasting impact while also sustaining their own well-being. His message is both practical and hopeful—offering a clear path forward for those committed to leading effective schools. STAYING CONNECTED: You can stay connected with Dr. Thompson’s work via the following channels: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdarinthompson/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdarinthompson/] * Solution Tree contact: https://www.solutiontree.com/darin-a-thompson.html [https://www.solutiontree.com/darin-a-thompson.html] * Visit Darin’s website, www.DrDarinThompson.com [http://drdarinthompson.com/] * Follow Darin on Youtube @drdarinthompson [http://youtube.com/channel/UCvK9JNJnFWIHzU47IBsA6ZQ] * Follow Darin on Instagram @drdarinthompson [https://www.instagram.com/drdarinthompson/] Find Dr. Thompson’s new book, The Four Cornerstones of Effective Schools, here: https://www.solutiontree.com/four-cornerstones-of-effective-schools.html [https://www.solutiontree.com/four-cornerstones-of-effective-schools.html] The post Cornerstones of Effective Schools with Dr. Darin Thompson – PMP513 [https://williamdparker.com/2026/cornerstones-of-effective-schools-with-dr-darin-thompson-pmp513/] appeared first on Principal Matters [https://williamdparker.com].

MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – What Kind of Day is It?

This week on Monday Matters, Jen Schwanke and I take some time to talk about decision making. Inspired by a newsletter [https://jen-newsletter-c4287d.beehiiv.com/p/big-decision\] Jen recently wrote, we talk about how it’s important to make decisions on an average day, not a really good day or a really bad one. School leaders make a lot of decisions each day, and sometimes it’s easy to let emotion drive your decision making. Even if you don’t realize it, the kind of day you are having can significantly impact your decisions. Taking the time to make sure that you are in the right mindset to make important decisions is the key to fair decision making. There’s no shame in taking a break and coming back to make your decision at a later time. Listen to the full conversation to hear all of our takeaways! We hope this conversation serves as a reminder to leaders to remain thoughtful and grounded in their decision making process, especially as you step into the new school year. As always, thank you for doing what matters! The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – What Kind of Day is It? [https://williamdparker.com/2026/monday-matters-with-jen-schwanke-and-will-parker-what-kind-of-day-is-it/] appeared first on Principal Matters [https://williamdparker.com].

PMP512: Forgiveness Looking Like Nachos  with Dr. Will Darter

A QUICK NOTE TO LISTENERS: Before this week’s interview, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke take some time to answer a listener question. This week’s question is: How can I set the tone on Day #1? Listen in to hear their response! MEET WILL DARTER: [https://williamdparker.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/PMP-Template-37-1024x1024.png] Dr. Will Darter is a rural school superintendent, author, presenter, speaker, and national advocate for small school leadership. He is the host of the Rural Education Leaders Podcast that elevates and celebrates rural voices and focuses on impact for leaders. Will is the author of The Empowered Rural Education Leader [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GD4FVZH6?lv=shuf&bestFormat=true&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_8PZVV9V07AERF9NFX3JF&channelId=704&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_8PZVV9V07AERF9NFX3JF&plpRedirect=mhFallback], where he champions the belief that big things come from small schools. Will’s transformative leadership and service have had him recognized as the Emerging Superintendent by the Southwest Missouri Association of School Administrators, a Leader of Impact in Small Schools by the National Association of School Superintendents, and a member of the Springfield Business Journal’s 2026 40 Under 40 Class for his leadership, service, and impact in education. Will is passionate about equipping leaders with practical systems, clear vision, and a deep commitment to service. Through his writing, speaking, and podcasting, he empowers educators to build strong cultures, steward resources wisely, and create lasting impact in the communities they serve. LET’S GET INTO THE EPISODE: In this episode, hosted by Dr. Jen Schwanke, we challenge the “bigger is better” narrative that often dominates educational conversations. While urban and suburban districts frequently capture the national spotlight, the heart of American education beats strongly in its rural communities. My guest today, Dr. Will Darter, joins us to share his unique journey from a childhood in Orange County, California, to the rural heartland of Missouri, where he now serves as a dedicated administrator and advocate for small schools. We discuss the challenges and value of tight-knit communities, the shift from a “scarcity mindset” to one of stewardship, and why the most impactful leadership isn’t about a ladder of status, but about climbing a “wall of significance.” SIGNIFICANCE OVER STATUS: Rural leadership offers a unique level of visibility and impact. In a small district, leaders can’t hide; success is measured not by “flashy” facilities, but by the faithfulness of service and the depth of connection to every student and staff member. THE “SPEEDBOAT” ANALOGY: Unlike large “cruise ship” districts that take a long time to turn, small schools function like speedboats. With a clear, written plan and a driven team, rural leaders can implement change and see the direct impact of their vision almost immediately. STEWARDSHIP VS. SCARCITY: Rather than focusing on what they lack compared to suburban and urban districts, rural leaders are best served by focusing on the resources they do have. This includes building local partnerships where the community and students work together to improve their own schools. CONNECTION AS THE ANTIDOTE TO BURNOUT: Rural administration can feel like an island, but isolation is often self-imposed. Dr. Darter emphasizes that “connection beats burnout” and advocates for maintaining a tight inner circle of mentors and peers to sustain long-term passion for the work. STAYING CONNECTED: If you would like to learn more about Will Darter, follow any of these links below: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-darter/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-darter/] * Website: www.ruraleducationleaders.com [http://www.ruraleducationleaders.com/] * Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7ujMABwGv0f1wWphLlBpVj [https://open.spotify.com/show/7ujMABwGv0f1wWphLlBpVj] * YouTube: https://youtu.be/8UDuM-eKFAo [https://youtu.be/8UDuM-eKFAo] * Book: https://a.co/d/0dn7kAZD [https://a.co/d/0dn7kAZD] The post PMP512: Forgiveness Looking Like Nachos  with Dr. Will Darter [https://williamdparker.com/2026/pmp512-forgiveness-looking-like-nachos-with-dr-will-darter/] appeared first on Principal Matters [https://williamdparker.com].

MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – First Day of School Reminders

FIRST DAYS OF SCHOOL REMINDERS William D. Parker This post is reprinted from an archived one we shared in 2019. Jenny is a returning student at her high school. She has a part-time job, which keeps her up late most nights. When she arrives late to school, she has already missed breakfast, and she’s tardy. She stands in a long line at the counseling office until she is given her class schedule. She reads it quickly: First hour, Mr. Samuels, room 125, Algebra II. She doesn’t recognize the name. Maybe he’s one of the new teachers. She heads down the hall. She’s flush with frustration but holds her head high, turns the corner, and steps into the classroom. She finds an open seat in the back of the room. As she glances around the room, she does not see the teacher’s name anywhere. By this time, she’s too embarrassed to ask, and the teacher is so involved in his first-day-of-school speech that he hasn’t paused to ask Jenny for her name or schedule or given her any other leads. As he talks on, she realizes this is Language Arts, not a math class. She must have entered the wrong room or misread her schedule. Jenny endures the discomfort for the remaining minutes. Then she rushes from the class as quickly as possible, frustrated and hoping the rest of her first day of school is not this confusing. KEEPING STUDENTS IN MIND As important as it is to keep your responsibilities in mind as you start a new school year, it is even more important to keep the end goal in mind: serving students. You have students returning from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. You also serve teachers, staff, and parents with questions and concerns. How can you be ready for all of them? QUESTIONS EVERY STUDENT IS ASKING ON THE FIRST DAY As you know, how we prepare for students can either help or hurt their first-day experiences. Harry Wong, author of The First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher, reminds us of seven questions every student asks about his or her teachers: 1. Am I in the right room? 2. Where am I supposed to sit? 3. Who is the teacher as a person? 4. Will the teacher treat me as a human being? 5. What are the rules in this classroom? 6. What will I be doing this year? 7. How will I be graded? QUESTIONS EVERY TEACHER AND STAFF PERSON ASKS ON THE FIRST DAY But students aren’t the only ones who need clarity. Your teachers and staff also want answers to some questions that only school leaders can answer. So, I’ve rewritten Harry Wong’s questions to reflect what your teachers and staff will be asking: 1. What is my schedule? 2. What extra duties, assignments, or activities might I expect? 3. Who is my administrator as a person? 4. Will he or she treat me as a human being? 5. What are the expectations, procedures, and policies in our school? 6. What am I expected to accomplish this year? 7. How will I be evaluated, mentored, graded, or coached? TIPS FOR SCHOOL LEADERS PREPARING FOR SCHOOL With those thoughts in mind, in this week’s Principal Matters podcast, co-host Jen Schwanke and I share six ideas to keep in mind when preparing for the start of school. Listen to the podcast version for even more stories and takeaways. 1. BUILD AND REBUILD RELATIONSHIPS As teachers, staff, or parents return to your building, how are you reconnecting with them? Whether it’s hearing about summer trips, family updates, or meaningful moments in their lives, these conversations are important for building trust. They also open questions your teammates may have that are important for you to answer before school begins. 2. USE TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL MEDIA Jen likes to schedule several reminders to her community through social media that she posts throughout the summer. Whether you are using your school website, school-wide communication apps, or social media, share important announcements and reminders several times throughout the summer to set expectations for the new school year. 3. ORGANIZE AND MANAGE—REMEMBER EVERYTHING! Obviously, no system is perfect, but as you move into a school year, it is important to keep a list of to-dos for your team and yourself. One way to do this is to maintain a list as you start the year that you can use again the following year or years. Go through last year’s calendar to see if you’re missing anything. Rely on a team—secretaries, assistants, and lead teachers—who can help you stay on track. 4. DEFINE RESPONSIBILITIES Sometimes principals have well-defined expectations for teachers but forget about non-instructional staff. Consider working with each staff member on well-defined key responsibility areas. You can learn more and see samples in previous posts. With teachers and staff, don’t be afraid to say what is expected and provide it in writing. 5. MANAGE HIGH ANXIETY Everyone is anxious, in good or bad ways, about the start of school. They are looking to the principal to set the tone. Manage the high anxiety by demonstrating a sense of calm and reassurance. One way to do this is by including celebration in your welcome back. Provide lunch, give them a gift, communicate positivity, and reassure them again and again that it will be a great year and all will be well. 6. HOST ORIENTATION MEETINGS New teachers, returning teachers, new students, returning students, and new parents—you will have several groups who need to be welcomed in orientation meetings. Each group will have different needs, but the goals are the same: communicate expectations, be positive, and be available to answer questions. ADDITIONAL CHECKLISTS FOR THE SCHOOL LEADER’S FIRST DAYS OF SCHOOL Here are some additional questions to ask as you start the school year: * Have you posted “Welcome Back” signage? * Have you included maps of your school for new students? * Is signage clear and visible throughout the building? * Have you shared master schedules in advance with teachers? * What are your established arrival and departure routines? * Did you update and plan for consistently implemented policies and procedures? * Have parents and students been invited to an orientation or open house before school? * Is your school website updated with current calendars, a welcome-back message for parents, and key information they should know? * Have you updated and shared duty rosters, activities, and/or game calendars for teachers? * Does your own calendar include dates for state reports, observations, evaluations, and team meetings? LET’S WRAP THIS UP Think through your school-wide processes from the fresh perspective of a student, parent, or teacher, and then decide what steps to take moving forward so that everyone in your school or organization has clarity on what to expect. Most importantly, remember that creating the best “first days” for students and staff also means realizing your school members need many of these questions answered every day. The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – First Day of School Reminders [https://williamdparker.com/2026/monday-matters-with-jen-schwanke-and-will-parker-first-day-of-school-reminders/] appeared first on Principal Matters [https://williamdparker.com].

PMP511: Creating a Greenhouse Culture with Mike Hayes & Ashley Pacholewski

A QUICK NOTE TO LISTENERS: Before this week’s interview, Will Parker takes some time to ask Jen Schwanke about recording an audio book version of her book, You’re the Principal Now What? Here is a link to purchase the book! https://www.echopointbooks.com/cart/add/?id=45972673560749&quantity=1 [https://www.echopointbooks.com/cart/add/?id=45972673560749&quantity=1] Use code PRINCIPAL30 for a 30% discount!  Follow this 30-second demo [https://demo.storylane.com/share/eas3aljwtrmh] to learn how to use the code.  Bulk pricing is available too! Contact sales@echopointbooks.com for special bulk pricing to gift this resource to your entire team!  MEET MIKE HAYES & ASHLEY PACHOLEWSKI: [https://williamdparker.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/PMP-Template-36-1024x1024.png] Mike Hayes serves as Assistant Superintendent of Aurora City School District in Northeast Ohio. Previously, he was principal of Aurora High School—known as “The Greenhouse”—and earlier served as an assistant principal and administrator in the Cincinnati/Dayton area. He began his career as a secondary language arts teacher. An Aurora resident, Mike holds a leadership certificate from Harvard University, an M.Ed. from Xavier University, and a B.A. from The Ohio State University. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at University of Dayton. Mike is passionate about growth, optimism, and courageous leadership. He believes in dreaming boldly, embracing vulnerability, and choosing to see the best in others while fully engaging in the life right in front of us. Dr. Ashley Pacholewski (Pach) serves as Principal of Aurora High School, “The Greenhouse,” in the Aurora City School District. Previously, she was an assistant principal at Ashland Middle School and began her career teaching English language arts and serving as an instructional coach at Brunswick High School. She earned her undergraduate degree from Bowling Green State University, her M.Ed. and reading certification from Cleveland State University, and her Ed.D. from Ashland University. Ashley is passionate about creating a culture of curiosity, connection, and joy—empowering teams to take risks, collaborate meaningfully, and support students as whole learners. CREATING A GREENHOUSE CULTURE: In this week’s episode of Principal Matters, Dr. Jen Schwanke hosts a “full circle” conversation with Ashley Pacholewski, the first female principal in the history of Aurora High School, and Mike Hayes, Assistant Superintendent of Aurora City Schools. The discussion centers on the “Greenhouse” culture of their district—a nickname for their school, but also a metaphor for the school’s  nurturing environment where leadership is shared and growth is continuous. Mike describes the intentionality behind the transition to Ashley’s leadership, which was designed to ensure that the new leader wasn’t just a fit for the existing culture but had the authenticity to make it even better. Ashley reflects on her first year, emphasizing the profound impact of being given permission to enjoy her first year.  She describes a leadership style rooted in authenticity and gratitude, where she brings her whole self to the job—symbolized by the mason jar bouquets from her own garden that she leaves for staff. The support between Mike and Ashley serves as a model for effective mentorship; it is built on scheduled bi-weekly check-ins, generous assumptions of positive intent, and a lack of ego, allowing Ashley the space to lead without the weight of top level pressure. THE POWER OF PERMISSION: A successful transition starts when veteran leadership gives the new leader explicit permission to enjoy the role and focus on relationship-building rather than just immediate data or achievement. It also involves staff in reflecting on how they can support the incoming leader, creating a sense of shared ownership in the new principal’s success. PROFESSIONAL RESPECT: Shift leadership vocabulary from “top-down” praise to “side-by-side” validation. Using language that honors the person (e.g., “You are inspiring”) rather than the leader’s reaction to them (e.g., “I am inspired by you”) fosters true professional respect. STRESS IS GOOD: Growth requires a certain amount of stress. Effective leaders don’t just clear the path; they provide the support systems that allow individuals to develop the strength to handle challenges. CULTURAL GRATITUDE: Small, authentic gestures are not “extras”; they are essential seeds of trust that define the building’s climate. The interview concludes with a powerful outlook on the future of school leadership as an infinite game. Mike shares a poignant analogy about the importance of wind in a biodome, noting that leaders should not seek to remove all obstacles, but rather help staff and students grow the resilience needed to withstand them. By focusing on intentional language and prioritizing collaborative learning over mandates, the Aurora team demonstrates how a heart-centered, value-driven approach creates a thriving educational ecosystem. The post PMP511: Creating a Greenhouse Culture with Mike Hayes & Ashley Pacholewski [https://williamdparker.com/2026/pmp511-creating-a-greenhouse-culture-with-mike-hayes-ashley-pacholewski/] appeared first on Principal Matters [https://williamdparker.com].