The NAESP Principal Podcast

Distinguished Voices from the Field

Every year, extraordinary school leaders from across the country are recognized through the NAESP National Distinguished Principal® program, and come together in Washington D.C. to meet each other and share their stories.. In this special episode of the podcast, we've curated a selection of their speeches to highlight the exceptional work they do in their schools. We invite you to listen as they share what has shaped their professional lives, and the various ways they support their school communities.

Universal Design for Learning: Why One-Size-Fits-All Doesn’t Work—and What Does

In today’s episode, hosts Liz Garden and Dr. Scott McLeod talk with Dr. Kristan Rodriguez about what it takes to create schools where every learner can succeed. From understanding student variability and building systems that work to shifting from compliance to authentic engagement, this conversation explores practical strategies for implementing Universal Design for Learning in your school. Dr. Kristan Rodriguez is the owner of Commonwealth Consulting Agency, LLC and has been a professional development provider for over 20 years. Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Massachusetts, and serves as fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership. Scott McLeod is professor of educational leadership at the University of Colorado, Denver, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

Leading Through Change: Insights for New School Leaders

Today’s episode explores what new leaders need to know about managing change. Assistant principal Donna McGuire talks with Dr. Dallas Lee about leading with clarity, slowing down under pressure, and building trust when everyone is watching. Dallas Lee, Ed.D. serves as instructional superintendent at the District of Columbia Public School system. Donna McGuire is assistant principal PS/IS 18 – The Park Terrace School in New York City, and serves as moderator of the NAESP Assistant Principal Community of Practice [https://www.naesp.org/programs/professional-learning/assistant-principals-professional-learning-community/].

From AP to Principal

In today’s episode, host Equetta Jones talks with Ashley Farrington and Dr. Jerod Phillips Sr. about how school leaders build the relationships and support systems that help them grow from assistant principal to principal—and thrive once they get there. This conversation explores how connection can turn leadership from isolating to inspiring. Ashley Farrington is principal of Birchview Elementary School in Plymouth, Minnesota, 2020 NAESP National Outstanding Assistant Principal, 2025 NAESP National Distinguished Principal, and president-elect of the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association. Dr. Jerod Phillips Sr. is principal of David E. Robinson Elementary in Magnolia, Delaware, and a 2021 NAESP National Outstanding Assistant Principal. Equetta Jones is principal of Lovecreek Elementary School in Lewes, Delaware, 2020 NAESP National Outstanding Assistant Principal, and moderator for NAESP’s Early Career Principal Community of Practice [https://www.naesp.org/programs/naesp-communities-of-practice/early-career-principal-community-of-practice/].

What Makes a Great Principal? (From the Archive)

Originally released 12/14/23: We know that a great school leader can have a powerful impact on the success of a school and its students. But how exactly do we get great principals? We sat down with Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond to discuss the latest research [https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/developing-effective-principals-brief] on developing effective principals, and how policymakers, districts, and educators can ensure school leaders have what they need to grow and thrive. Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond is President and CEO of the Learning Policy Institute. She is also the Charles E. Ducommun Professor of Education Emeritus at Stanford University where she founded the Stanford Center for Opportunity Policy in Education and served as the faculty sponsor of the Stanford Teacher Education Program, which she helped to redesign. Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Massachusetts, and serves as fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership. Dr. Scott McLeod is professor of educational leadership at the University of Colorado, Denver, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership. The NAESP Principal Podcast is produced by the National Association of Elementary School Principals. Learn more about our community and membership at naesp.org [http://www.naesp.org].