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

PMP487: Leaning Into Student Leadership with Paul Branagan

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 struggling with how to best reach our teachers with clear communication. What systems help with clarity and consistency with staff, without depending on a single communication channel? Listen in to hear their response! MEET PAUL BRANAGAN: Paul Branagan is the very proud principal of Middleborough High School in Middleborough, MA. Paul has served the students of Middleborough for the last 29 years. He has served in the role of History Teacher, Department Leader for History and Social Studies, Assistant Principal, and is in his 14th year as the Principal. The role of Principal has been his favorite position.  Paul deeply believes that he never left the classroom…the classroom just got much bigger.   Additionally, Paul has served as the State Executive Director for the Massachusetts Association of Student Councils since 2010.  In this role, Paul works with high schools throughout the Commonwealth, helping with their student councils and leadership programs. Paul has served as the Student Council Adviser at Middleborough High School since 1997, and finds the marriage of being the principal and the student council adviser a perfect blend of leadership and culture building, which are two essential components of being an educational leader.   Paul was named the 2011 National Student Council Adviser of the Year, and was honored with the 2022 Earl Reum Award, which is a national award celebrating excellence in the work of student activities.   LEANING INTO STUDENT LEADERSHIP: In this episode of Principal Matters, Will Parker sits down with Paul Branagan, longtime principal of Middleborough High School in Massachusetts, to explore what it really looks like to build student agency, belonging, and a school culture that lasts. Paul shares his unlikely journey—from a disengaged high school student to an award-winning principal and national leader in student council work—and reflects on how that experience shaped his leadership philosophy. Now in his 14th year as principal, Paul explains how Middleborough High School has become a place where students feel known, valued, and invested in their school. A central theme of the conversation is student voice and ownership. Paul emphasizes that authentic engagement goes beyond symbolic gestures: “When students really believe that their voice matters, it’s incredibly powerful. It stops being your school and starts becoming their school.” With more than 250 students—over 30% of the school—actively involved in an open student council model, Middleborough High demonstrates how broad access to leadership builds connection and pride. Paul and Will unpack practical systems such as monthly student “temperature check” surveys, leadership roundtables, and feedback loops that turn student input into real action. The conversation also explores belonging as a driver of engagement. Rather than reacting to perceived crises, Paul describes how listening closely to students helped the school recalibrate its culture and strengthen everyday experiences—from classrooms to cafeterias to fan sections.  As Paul puts it: “Once students feel engaged and believe that school matters, school starts to make sense. And when it makes sense, they lean in even more.” Throughout the episode, Paul reframes leadership as facilitation rather than control: “My job as a principal isn’t to control the school—it’s to guide students in the direction they want their school to go.” The episode closes with advice for both aspiring and veteran leaders. Paul encourages leaders to treat the work as a vocation, remain visible, and stay deeply connected to students as a way to sustain purpose over time: “The more time I spend around students, the more grounded I am. That’s what reminds me why this work matters, even on the hardest days.” Other topics we’ve discussed: * Student agency * Career readiness * Future Ready 2030 * Advisory Boards Alumni * Redesigning courses – Teaching staff  * Engagement in learning * Culture as an entry point * Commitment to engagement practices * Watching each other teaching * Inviting vulnerability * Question asking STAY CONNECTED WITH PAUL Listeners who want to learn more or continue the conversation can connect directly with Paul Branagan: Email: pbranagan@middleboro.k12.ma.us (contact via school directory) Middleborough High School website: https://mhs.middleboro.k12.ma.us/ [https://mhs.middleboro.k12.ma.us/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Principal’s Office / Contact page: https://mhs.middleboro.k12.ma.us/about-our-schools/principals-office/administration [https://mhs.middleboro.k12.ma.us/about-our-schools/principals-office/administration?utm_source=chatgpt.com] To recalibrate your student spirit, connect with our mutual friend, Jason Jedamski, at Ignite2Unite: https://www.ignite2unite.com/ [https://www.ignite2unite.com/] The post PMP487: Leaning Into Student Leadership with Paul Branagan [https://williamdparker.com/2026/pmp487-leaning-into-student-leadership-with-paul-branagan/] appeared first on Principal Matters [https://williamdparker.com].

MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Some Thoughts on AI

Welcome back to another episode of Monday Matters. This week, Will and Jen are discussing a conference Jen recently attended that was dedicated to the topic of AI in schools. Some of what is covered in this conversation include cautions for schools. Schools are currently being sold lots of different AI products, and they need to know that “We use AI” is not the same as “We use good AI”. Schools also need to understand that AI does not mean accuracy; we shouldn’t confuse confidence with correctedness. Next, Will and Jen talk about how teacher grading practices need to change to account for AI usage by students. They also discuss the difference between using AI to make our lives easier vs. using it to transform our work. Listen in to hear the whole conversation and let us know your thoughts on this topic! You can read more of Jen’s thoughts on this topic by reading her newsletters, found here [https://jen-newsletter-c4287d.beehiiv.com/p/a-few-more-thoughts-about-a-i?utm_source=jen-newsletter-c4287d.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=a-few-more-thoughts-about-a-i&_bhlid=4fdd69b76bf46622a4c35ec563f1168963dfc59a] and here [https://jen-newsletter-c4287d.beehiiv.com/p/snow-sun-and-ai?utm_source=jen-newsletter-c4287d.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=snow-sun-and-ai&_bhlid=bfed95b9bf6a35c35deaac2c19d55c774c6fc8f2&jwt_token=]. The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Some Thoughts on AI [https://williamdparker.com/2026/monday-matters-with-jen-schwanke-and-will-parker-some-thoughts-on-ai/] appeared first on Principal Matters [https://williamdparker.com].

ENCORE FRIDAY – PMP362: Be the Driving Force with Dr. Don Parker

Happy Friday, Principal Matters Listeners! In honor of Black History Month, I am re-releasing interviews from some exceptional educators that I have had the privilege of interviewing over the years. This week’s encore episode is an interview with Dr. Don Parker. [https://williamdparker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/don-parker-530_1_1.jpg] Don is a former teacher and principal who is currently working to support teachers and build trusting relationships with students. You can learn more about the work of Dr. Parker at his website [https://drdonparker.com/about/]. You can read the original blog post for this episode here [https://williamdparker.com/2023/pmp362-be-the-driving-force-with-dr-don-parker/]. I hope you all enjoy listening to this encore episode! As always, thank you for doing what matters! The post ENCORE FRIDAY – PMP362: Be the Driving Force with Dr. Don Parker [https://williamdparker.com/2026/encore-friday-pmp362-be-the-driving-force-with-dr-don-parker/] appeared first on Principal Matters [https://williamdparker.com].

PMP486: The Cost of Happiness for Education Leaders with Elizabeth Dampf

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: What Self-Reflection Practices work for you? Listen in to hear their response! You can find the link to the self-assessment questions mentioned here [https://williamdparker.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Self-Assessment-Reflections.pdf]. MEET ELIZABETH DAMPF: Elizabeth Dampf is a practicing administrator in the Chicagoland area, where she has served at both building and district levels. Her most recent book, Am I Cut Out For This? An Educational Leader’s Guide to Navigating Self Doubt, [https://www.ascd.org/books/am-i-cut-out-for-this?variant=125007]is available now. She has written several print articles in Educational Leadership and regularly contributes to the ASCD blog. Elizabeth has also spoken on several podcasts, including Leaning into Leadership and Principal Liner Notes. In this week’s episode of the Principal Matters podcast, Jen Schwanke speaks with school administrator and writer Elizabeth Dampf about the systemic issues creating a divide between teachers and administrators. Sparked by Dampf’s ASCD blog post, “The Cost of Happiness for Education Leaders [https://www.ascd.org/blogs/the-cost-of-happiness-for-education-leaders],” their conversation explores the deep-seeded mistrust in education, the challenges of leading in trying times, and the critical need for empathy when working with others. Dampf provides practical advice and frameworks for building a healthier, more trusting school culture from both the building and systemic levels. THE “US VS. THEM” MENTALITY AS A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM: Elizabeth shared her experiences and belief that the mistrust between teachers and administrators isn’t due to personal failings but is a product of the educational system itself. Teachers face immense pressure and workload, while administrators deal with a lack of job security and constant turnover, creating different priorities and fostering a natural mistrust.  BUILD TRUST BY ATTENDING TO FEELINGS, NOT MANAGING THEM: A leader’s job isn’t to make everyone happy, which is an impossible task. Instead, Elizabeth, referencing Brené Brown, suggests leaders should “attend to” their staff’s feelings by listening and showing empathy. The focus should be on building an environment of professional norms and high expectations for the collective good, rather than trying to please everyone individually. EMPATHY IS A LEARNABLE SKILL: When dealing with difficult behavior, Elizabeth advises leaders to ask, “Why would a reasonable, rational, and decent person do that?” A practical way to build this empathy is to first ask yourself, “Have I ever done that?” The answer to this might be yes— and this self-reflection helps humanize the other person and shifts the focus from judgment to understanding the root cause of their actions. PRIORITIZE RELATIONSHIPS OVER AUTHORITY: New administrators often make the mistake of trying to assert authority immediately. Elizabeth stresses that the first and most critical step is to build trust by focusing on relationships. We can show people we care about them as individuals before introducing any new initiatives or change plans. ELEVATE THE TEACHING PROFESSION: When asked for one “magic wand” change, Elizabeth pointed out that making teaching a revered, respected, and well-compensated profession would solve many underlying issues. If society valued teachers on par with doctors and lawyers, it would fundamentally improve morale, retention, and the overall health of the education system. Ultimately, this powerful conversation between Elizabeth and Jen emphasizes that bridging the divide in education requires leaders to lead with empathy, humility, and a focus on building genuine relationships. While systemic problems like high turnover and cultural disrespect for the profession require large-scale change, Elizabeth makes it clear that individual leaders can foster a positive, trusting, and effective community within their own schools by listening, understanding their staff’s perspective, and consistently demonstrating that they care. STAYING CONNECTED: You can stay connected with Elizabeth Dampf via Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-dampf-66a07528b/]. The post PMP486: The Cost of Happiness for Education Leaders with Elizabeth Dampf [https://williamdparker.com/2026/pmp486-the-cost-of-happiness-for-education-leaders-with-elizabeth-dampf/] appeared first on Principal Matters [https://williamdparker.com].

MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Financial Wellness

This week on Monday Matters, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke take some time to talk about financial wellness for educators. They talk about the importance of making sure that your financial house is in order in the event that a new or different job opportunity comes up. Finances can either be an anchor that is used to hold one steady when times are hard or an anchor that keeps one’s head underwater if they are mismanaged. They also discuss how maintaining healthy practices benefits you in life and in the choices you have in your work. It is important for educators to manage their resources effectively, as it affects how you show up for your staff. If you are burdened by your finances it is hard to show up for others and support their work. Listen in to hear the whole conversation! If you would like to learn more about this topic, check out this article by Will from 2018: https://williamdparker.com/2018/pmp122-packing-parachutes-why-your-money-management-matters/  [https://williamdparker.com/2018/pmp122-packing-parachutes-why-your-money-management-matters/ ] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Financial Wellness [https://williamdparker.com/2026/monday-matters-with-jen-schwanke-and-will-parker-financial-wellness/] appeared first on Principal Matters [https://williamdparker.com].