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

PMP498: Rethinking High School with Dr. Dominique Smith

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: Help! Our school construction project was supposed to be finished for the start of next semester, and we found out it won’t be completed till some time in late October. How do you lead a school through multiple classrooms being displaced in the middle of a semester? Listen in to hear their response! MEET DR. DOMINQUE SMITH: Join Dr. Jen Schwanke as she welcomes a very special guest, Dr. Dominque Smith, the driving force behind Health Sciences High and Middle College (HSHMC) in San Diego. HSHMC is a uniquely diverse school with a profound mission to be a “home away from home” for its students while preparing them for high-demand careers in health and healthcare. Dr. Smith shares his expertise on how to build a truly equitable, restorative, and mission-driven school culture. We dive into the core principles that guide HSHMC, the power of a social work lens in educational leadership, and the practical steps his team takes every day to ensure every student feels a powerful sense of belonging and leaves with “A Diploma That Matters.” In today’s episode, you will learn about several different mindsets at HSHMC, including: * The Power of Belonging: Learn the specific, practical strategies HSHMC uses daily to foster a family-like environment, ensuring every student feels a sense of belonging in their diverse community. * Restorative Practices in Action: Dr. Smith shares a compelling rationale behind using a restorative approach—rather than a punitive one—and how it can fundamentally change a student’s path and trajectory. He does not see restorative practices as a lack of consequences; on the contrary, he sees it as an opportunity for students to accept consequences and own the aftermath of their decisions. * A Social Work Lens on Leadership: Discover how Dr. Smith’s Master’s in Social Work shapes his daily decisions as a principal, offering a unique perspective that prioritizes the holistic well-being and needs of students over a traditional educational leadership approach. * Theme Integration & Career Pathways: We explore how the “Health & Healthcare” theme is integrated across the curriculum at HSHMC—not just in science—and how HSHMC creates personalized pathways to ensure students leave with “A Diploma That Matters,” ready for college or a high-skill career. * Dismantling Barriers to Equity: Dr. Smith discusses what he sees as the single biggest barrier to creating truly equitable schools in America today and shares the active steps HSHMC is taking to cultivate a culture where every student is supported and successful. The work being done at HSHMC, guided by Dr. Smith’s expertise in restorative practices and equity, offers a necessary and powerful model for school leaders everywhere. Don’t miss this conversation on building a truly mission-driven culture where every student is seen, supported, and prepared for a meaningful future. To learn more, check out Dr. Smith’s books at Corwin.com [http://corwin.com] or Amazon.com [http://amazon.com], or visit Dr. Smith’s school’s website at hshmc.org. The post PMP498: Rethinking High School with Dr. Dominique Smith [https://williamdparker.com/2026/pmp498-rethinking-high-school-with-dr-dominique-smith/] appeared first on Principal Matters [https://williamdparker.com].

MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Wayward Solutions

Recently, Jen Schwanke shared a newsletter [https://jen-newsletter-c4287d.beehiiv.com/p/wayward-solutions?utm_source=jen-newsletter-c4287d.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=wayward-solutions&_bhlid=c0d0196225454775777977b26fe8e6f9c369f8ad] about wayward solutions. She and I spent this week’s episode of Monday Matters discussing solutions. Specifically, we talk about how solving a problem can sometimes lead to even more problems down the road. In school leadership, we are constantly trying to find solutions to problems, but we have to remember to look at the big picture and consider the impact of our solutions before implementing them. Jen also shares an amusing story from her childhood to illustrate the points we are making in this episode. Listen in to hear the full conversation! The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Wayward Solutions [https://williamdparker.com/2026/monday-matters-with-jen-schwanke-and-will-parker-wayward-solutions/] appeared first on Principal Matters [https://williamdparker.com].

PMP497: Magic Acronyms with Andrew Marotta

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 a new principal and preparing for my first meeting to let a teacher know we won’t be renewing their contract for next year. Any tips on how to do this well? How do you control any damage to the culture of the school if it upsets other teachers? Listen in to hear their response! MEET ANDREW MAROTTA: [https://williamdparker.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PMP-Template-21-1024x1024.png] Andrew Marotta is the Director of Communications and Academic Services for Port Jervis Schools in New York. After spending more than 20 years as a principal and assistant principal, he stepped into this role to champion his district in creative ways while expanding his work as an author, speaker, and podcaster. Andrew is a husband, father, adjunct professor of school leadership, and the founder of the Surviving and Thriving movement. A master storyteller, he loves to energize others with authentic stories, memorable visuals, and engaging, thought-provoking activities — all rooted in his commitment to positively impact every person he meets. He also officiated Division I men’s college basketball for nearly 20 years, balancing high-pressure moments on and off the court — lessons he brings to life for other leaders. He is the author of seven leadership books, including his latest, The Magic Acronyms, Formulas & Impactful Stories of Leadership [https://andrewmarotta.com/book/], a tribute to Dr. Rob Gilbert and the Success Hotline that explores leadership through hope, action, and timeless success principles. LESSONS FROM THE WORK: Andrew spent years as both a principal and a college basketball official. Over the course of his career he learned many lessons from both fields that help him in his work with teachers and students, and he shares three with Principal Matters listeners. One lesson is that you have to show up and do the job, no matter how you feel. The second lesson is that sometimes all you have to do is be a great listener. The third lesson that Andrew shares is the importance of being authentic, and using your mistakes to better yourself. He tells listeners, “If you make a mistake, admit it. Then you make sure you go back and do better.” THE SUCCESS HOTLINE: Andrew’s most recent book, The Magic Acronyms, Formulas & Impactful Stories of Leadership [https://andrewmarotta.com/book/], a tribute to Dr. Rob Gilbert, tells the story Dr. Gilbert’s Success Hotline and how instrumental it has been to Andrew’s career. In it, he weaves his own experiences into the story and shares some of the acronyms he uses that contribute to his success as a leader. One thing Andrew learned from Dr. Gilbert is the importance of persistence and mental strength. He also talks about how a commitment that is greater than your feelings will get the results that you want.  SUPPORTING OTHERS: Throughout the episode, Andrew talks at length about supporting others, whether that is school leaders, teachers, students, or other members of your community. He reminds listeners not to lose sight of the fact that leadership is about others. When you pour into supporting teachers, you will get the results you are looking for because people respect you. The same goes for students, parents, and other members of your school community. Andrew talks about when his mother passed away. He says that he made a memorial post for her on social media, and most of the comments on that post were from former students and parents, who talked about the impact he had on them. He shares this story to showcase how the impact you make through developing trust and relationships stays with you throughout your career.  STAYING CONNECTED:  You can learn more about Andrew Marotta at www.andrewmarotta.com [https://andrewmarotta.com/] & through his #ELBlog & podcast:  Education Leadership & Beyond found on Facebook, LinkedIn, X @andrewmarotta21, and Instagram.   You can also contact him through email: andrewmarottallc@gmail.com The post PMP497: Magic Acronyms with Andrew Marotta [https://williamdparker.com/2026/pmp497-magic-acronyms-with-andrew-marotta/] appeared first on Principal Matters [https://williamdparker.com].

MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Staying Connected to the Work

This week, Jen Schwanke and I talk about the importance of proximity and presence in our work with schools. I hope the ideas remind you of the power of being connected and visible with those whom you serve, no matter, what role you play. You read more thoughts in the short post I wrote below. Or listen in for more conversation and takeaways! Staying Connected to the Work, Not Just the Ideas I’ve been reading a lot of Wendell Berry this year. A friend recommended him years ago, and I finally picked up his books after spending time in rural Kentucky visiting schools I serve there. Berry writes about a fictional farming community along the Kentucky River, spanning decades of change from the 1930s through the 1970s. He was not just an author and professor. He was also a farmer. Through his stories, he shows what happens when a way of life shifts under the pressure of growth, efficiency, and modernization. Yes, tractors, highways, and large-scale farming brought progress. But they also brought loss. Small farms disappeared. Communities dispersed. Relationships changed. In one scene, Andy Catlett, now an older man, attends a conference on agriculture. As he listens, he realizes something unsettling. The experts presenting no longer farm. They study it. They write about it. But they don’t live it. And yet they are the ones telling farmers to “go big or get out.” That moment stuck with me. Because it raises a question for all of us in education. What happens when we get too far removed from the work we’re trying to influence? A few weeks ago, I attended an evening event at a local school. The principal opened the doors to the community. Students in JROTC uniforms greeted guests. The band performed. Students led us to classrooms where they shared how they had grown through clubs, internships, athletics, and college partnerships. It was a powerful night. Walking those halls, talking with students and teachers, and being present in the life of the school reminded me of something simple: Doing the work is different from talking about the work. And I say that as someone who spends a lot of time talking about schools. So I’m reminding myself of two things.  1. If I want to stay relevant in serving schools, I have to stay close to them.  Not just through research or conversations, but through presence. And there is always a danger, even for people like me, of pushing ideas that sound good in theory but don’t fit reality. The same “go big or get out” mindset can show up in education when we chase growth without purpose. 2. Growth for the sake of growth is just action without purpose. I was reminded of that recently in a conversation with Dr. Fernando Branch (an upcoming guest on my podcast and principal of Robert F. Smith STEAM Academy in Denver). A few years ago, he made a decision to help students obtain passports because he believed exposure to the world could expand their thinking and opportunities. Since then, students have traveled to Costa Rica. This year, they’re going to Italy. Families are getting passports too. Students are showing up differently because their view of what’s possible has changed. That’s not growth for growth’s sake. That’s purpose-driven leadership. It’s also a reminder that what works in one school is not a prescription for another. Every community is different. Every school has its own story. But every student deserves a school that expands their opportunities. As I continue coaching, visiting schools, and having conversations with leaders, I’m reminded how easy it is to drift into becoming an “expert” who talks more than listens. We have to resist that. That’s why I encourage principals to bring teachers and even students to conferences. The smartest person in the room is the room. We are better when we learn together, not in silos. Student-centered leadership looks like leaders regularly asking students what is working and what is not. It looks like inviting student voice into decisions that shape the school. It looks like prioritizing time for collaboration among teachers, leaders, and students. As I think about what works in schools, I want to stay grounded in the real work happening in classrooms and hallways, not just ideas about it. And I think that’s why you’re here too. Leaders who care about growth are always looking to learn. But the goal is not just to learn more. It is to stay connected to the people and the purpose behind the work. So as the year gets busy and your to-do list grows, don’t lose sight of this. The relationships you build with students, teachers, and your community are where the real impact lives. Long after the meetings, the plans, and the initiatives are done, that’s what will last. Now It’s Your Turn 1. How often do I intentionally seek input from students and teachers about what is working and what is not? 2. Am I pursuing growth with clear purpose, or simply responding to pressure, trends, or expectations? 3. What is one way I can increase authentic student voice in leadership decisions this month? The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Staying Connected to the Work [https://williamdparker.com/2026/monday-matters-with-jen-schwanke-and-will-parker-staying-connected-to-the-work/] appeared first on Principal Matters [https://williamdparker.com].

PMP496: Crisis-Tested Strategies with Lauren Berlin

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 planning PD for next year and want to pour into my leadership team. Suggestions for making my good intentions a reality? Listen in to hear their response! MEET LAUREN BERLIN: [https://williamdparker.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PMP-Template-20-1024x1024.png] Lauren Berlin is an education leader with more than 20 years of experience helping schools navigate everything from daily challenges to real crises — including natural disasters and student tragedies. As a school administrator, she managed million-dollar budgets and led community-wide crisis responses, learning firsthand what separates reactive managers from intentional leaders. Today, she works as an executive and leadership coach, helping overextended school leaders break free from the constant urgency that leads to burnout. Lauren teaches how to tell the difference between what’s truly important and what just feels urgent, so leaders can focus on the meaningful work that brought them into education in the first place. Her coaching emphasizes balance — staying calm in crisis, setting healthy boundaries, and leading with purpose instead of reaction. You can learn more or connect with her at https://www.laurenberlincoaching.com/ [https://www.laurenberlincoaching.com/]. NOW LET’S GET INTO THE EPISODE: In the world of education, leaders are often faced with unpredictable challenges that require not only quick thinking but also emotional resilience. In this episode of the Principal Matters podcast, host Will Parker engages with Lauren Berlin, an experienced education leader and coach, to explore crisis-tested strategies that can help school administrators navigate tumultuous times with grace and effectiveness. LAUREN’S JOURNEY:  Lauren Berlin’s path to education leadership is anything but traditional. Starting her career as an educational psychologist, she worked with students with autism before taking on administrative roles that included managing a high school as an assistant principal and later as the principal of a continuation high school. Lauren emphasizes that there is no single route to leadership; rather, it’s essential to find your own passion and interest in the field. CRISIS MANAGEMENT:  One of the key topics discussed is the range of reactions to crises within school communities. Lauren recalls her experience in Santa Barbara, where she faced multiple crises, including natural disasters and student tragedies. She highlights how the best gift a leader can offer during such times is their presence—actively listening and supporting the grieving community rather than trying to fix problems immediately. This approach fosters a sense of solidarity and understanding among staff and students alike. THE IMPORTANCE OF REFLECTION:  Will and Lauren dive into the necessity of reflection for school leaders, especially when faced with overwhelming situations. They discuss the Eisenhower Matrix, a tool that categorizes tasks into four quadrants based on urgency and importance. Lauren urges leaders to spend most of their time focusing on quadrant two—tasks that are important but not urgent, such as strategic planning, relationship building, and instructional leadership.  PRACTICAL STRATEGIES:  To help leaders shift their focus from urgent tasks that may be less impactful, Lauren suggests practical strategies such as reviewing calendars to identify unnecessary meetings or tasks that can be delegated. She emphasizes the importance of setting aside time for reflection and meaningful work. Additionally, she points out that email can be a productivity trap and encourages leaders to replace email communication with quick phone calls or scheduled check-ins to foster deeper connections and more efficient problem-solving. STAYING CONNECTED: If you would like to learn more about Lauren Berlin and her work, you can visit her website: https://www.laurenberlincoaching.com/ [https://www.laurenberlincoaching.com/]. The post PMP496: Crisis-Tested Strategies with Lauren Berlin [https://williamdparker.com/2026/pmp496-crisis-tested-strategies-with-lauren-berlin/] appeared first on Principal Matters [https://williamdparker.com].