PMP500: Celebrating 500 Conversations in School Leadership

PMP500: Celebrating 500 Conversations in School Leadership

A MILESTONE BUILT ON CONSISTENCY AND COMMUNITY Episode 500 of Principal Matters is more than a milestone; it’s a reflection of years of consistency, curiosity, and commitment to elevating school leadership. What began as a blog in 2013 and evolved into a podcast in 2015 has grown into a global conversation among educators. With over 700 pieces of content produced, the show has become a trusted space where leaders learn from one another, share experiences, and grow together. For this special episode, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke invited a panel of respected leaders and longtime listeners to reflect on lessons learned, meaningful moments, and the future of education leadership. The panel includes: Dr. Don Parker, Josh Tovar, Donna Hayward, Frederick Buskey, Brent Kline, Dr. Nick Davies, and Dr. Tracie Swilley. Will Parker [https://williamdparker.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_2465.jpg] – Founder, Principal Matters LLC  https://williamdparker.com [https://williamdparker.com] Jen Schwanke [https://williamdparker.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_2466.jpg] – Author, Speaker, Co-Host https://jenschwanke.com [https://jenschwanke.com] Dr. Don Parker [https://williamdparker.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_2467.jpg] – Speaker, Author, PD Consultant https://drdonparker.com [https://drdonparker.com] Josh Tovar [https://williamdparker.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_2468.jpg] – Principal, Memorial Pathway Academy (Garland, TX) Memorial Pathway Academy https://www.garlandisdschools.net/memorial [https://www.garlandisdschools.net/memorial] Donna Hayward [https://williamdparker.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_2469.jpg] – Principal, Haddam-Killingworth High School (CT) Haddam-Killingworth High School https://hkhs.rsd17.org [https://hkhs.rsd17.org] Frederick Buskey [https://williamdparker.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_2470.jpg] – Host, Assistant Principal Podcast https://www.frederickbuskey.com/appodcast.html [https://www.frederickbuskey.com/appodcast.html] Brent Kline [https://williamdparker.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_2471.jpg] – Principal, Palo Alto High School Palo Alto High School https://www.paly.net [https://www.paly.net] Dr. Nick Davies [https://williamdparker.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_2472.jpg] – Principal, Woodland Middle School https://www.drnickdavies.com/ [https://www.drnickdavies.com/] Dr. Tracie Swilley [https://williamdparker.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Tracie-Swilley-1-731x1024.jpg] – Assistant Superintendent, Fairfield County School District (SC) Fairfield County School District https://www.fairfield1.org [https://www.fairfield1.org] https://educate-her.com [https://educate-her.com]  THE POWER OF ONGOING CONVERSATION A consistent theme across the episode is the idea that Principal Matters is not just a podcast; it’s an ongoing conversation among trusted colleagues. Our friends described the show as: * A “circle of trusted friends” * A space where leadership challenges feel shared, not isolated * A bridge connecting leaders across different contexts and regions Rather than one standout episode, they emphasized the cumulative impact of hearing diverse voices over time. Whether discussing rural leadership, student voice, or restorative practices, the conversations feel timeless and relevant. LEADERSHIP THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS Another major takeaway is the relational nature of leadership. Guests highlighted how the show models: * Authentic dialogue * Curiosity-driven questioning * Respect for diverse perspectives Dr. Don Parker reflected on how meaningful it is when leaders feel seen and valued in conversation, while others noted the importance of creating environments where people feel safe to share openly. The podcast itself mirrors what effective leadership looks like in schools: listening deeply, building trust, and learning collaboratively. TIMELESS LESSONS FOR SCHOOL LEADERS Across the discussion, several key leadership principles emerged: 1. LEADERSHIP IS HUMAN WORK The most impactful leaders connect with people—not just systems or outcomes. 2. GROWTH REQUIRES COMMUNITY No leader succeeds in isolation. Networks, mentorship, and ongoing dialogue are essential. 3. STUDENT VOICE MATTERS Including students in decision-making leads to stronger, more meaningful school practices. 4. REFLECTION DRIVES IMPROVEMENT Whether through podcasts, conversations, or coaching, reflection helps leaders refine their practice. BEHIND THE SCENES: CRAFTING THE CONVERSATION Jen Schwanke offered insight into the preparation behind each episode: * Researching guests and their work * Developing thoughtful, curiosity-driven questions * Allowing conversations to evolve naturally Meanwhile, the production process—editing, publishing, and distribution—relies on a dedicated team, including our editor, Emily Parker-Eaton, and our theme music by Samuel Parker, highlighting that the podcast is truly a collaborative effort. PARTING WORDS: WISDOM FROM THE PANEL The episode concludes with powerful reflections from each guest, including: * Remember your “why” * Seek support—you don’t have to do this alone * Slow down and focus on people, not just tasks * Embrace the impact you have on lives every day * Stay committed to growth and connection Each message reinforces a shared belief: leadership is challenging, but deeply meaningful work. THANK YOU Listen to the entire episode for even more takeaways!  Episode 500 wouldn’t be possible without you, the listener, so thank you! This show is a celebration of perseverance, relationships, and shared purpose. More than anything, it reminds us that leadership is not about having all the answers; it’s about asking better questions, building stronger connections, and continuing the conversation. And as the panel suggested, this isn’t the end. It’s just the beginning of the next 500 conversations. Until the next episode, thank you for listening, and thank you for doing what matters! The post PMP500: Celebrating 500 Conversations in School Leadership [https://williamdparker.com/2026/pmp500-celebrating-500-conversations-in-school-leadership/] appeared first on Principal Matters [https://williamdparker.com].

MONDAY MATTERS: Jedi Lessons from Legacy Mastermind Leaders

When I was a boy, I loved watching Star Wars. I thought it was incredible when Jedi masters like Obi-Wan Kenobi or Luke Skywalker could persuade others through thought or outwit opponents through their use of “The Force.” Sometimes, I like to describe amazing educators as “Jedis” in their own work. You know that teacher who seems to master any classroom setting, or that inspiring principal who can be both firm and caring at the same time? It’s hard to describe what makes them so effective, but good teaching and leadership is both an art and science. In this week’s Monday Matters, I’m sharing a recording with one of my longest-running Mastermind groups—a group of Jedi educators. Six years ago, Sheila Vitale at the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce reached out about working with Ohio charter school leaders. We began with a series on my Hats for Leadership, and many of those leaders later transitioned into a Mastermind. For this episode, I invited the group that has been together the longest to record a session with me about how collaboration, coaching, and applying ideas have supported their growth. The takeaway for other leaders is simple: your commitment to collaboration, mutual mentoring, and coaching can protect you from isolation and inspire stronger connections with your teachers, students, and community. As we wrapped up the conversation, I asked each leader for a parting word of advice. I’ve included their insights below along with their school information. Anne Hyland – “Practice action-research cycles.” [https://williamdparker.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_2450.jpg] School: Franklinton High School Location: Columbus, Ohio Website: https://www.franklintonhigh.org/ [https://www.franklintonhigh.org/] Jacqueline Flaker – “Find your people.” [https://williamdparker.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_2451.jpg] School: Rittman Academy Location: Rittman, OH Website: https://www.rittmanacademy.org/staff-directory/ [https://www.rittmanacademy.org/staff-directory/] Guyton Mathews – “Practice shared leadership.” [https://williamdparker.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_2452.jpg] School: Cincinatti Collegiate Preparatory Academy Location: Cinncinatti, OH Website: https://www.ccpalions.org/ [https://www.ccpalions.org/] Gisele James – “Believe in yourself.” [https://williamdparker.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_2453.jpg] School: PAR Excellence STEM Academy Location: Newark, OH Website: https://www.parexcellenceacademy.org/ [https://www.parexcellenceacademy.org/] Genesis Henderson – “Remember your why, and don’t play the comparison game.” [https://williamdparker.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_2454.jpg] School: Cincinatti Collegiate Preparatory Academy Location: Cinncinatti, OH Website: https://www.ccpalions.org/ [https://www.ccpalions.org/] Laura Krulik – “Treat others as you want to be treated.” [https://williamdparker.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_2455.jpg] School: Utica Shale Academy Location: Salineville, OH Website: http://www.uticashaleschool.com/ [http://www.uticashaleschool.com/] Bill Watson – “Leadership is building others to accomplish the mission.” [https://williamdparker.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_2456.jpg] School: Utica Shale Academy Location: Salineville, OH Website: http://www.uticashaleschool.com/ [http://www.uticashaleschool.com/] Maria Rodgers – “Always take time to pause and reflect before taking action.” [https://williamdparker.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_2457.jpg] School: SCOPE Academy Location: Akron, OH Website: https://sites.google.com/scopeacademy.org/main [https://sites.google.com/scopeacademy.org/main] Heather Wenger “You can’t do it alone. Ask for help.” [https://williamdparker.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_2458.jpg] School: Arts and College Preparatory Academy Location: Columbus, OH Website: https://apcacad.org/ [https://apcacad.org/] I’m grateful to each of these leaders, to Sheila Vitale, and to Adkins & Company for supporting the work we do with leaders across the state. Listen to the full conversation for even more takeaways. The post MONDAY MATTERS: Jedi Lessons from Legacy Mastermind Leaders [https://williamdparker.com/2026/monday-matters-jedi-lessons-from-legacy-mastermind-leaders/] appeared first on Principal Matters [https://williamdparker.com].

PMP499: Cultivating Educator Wellness with Dr. Alli Phelps

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 an assistant principal with 9 years of experience. I’ve made it to superintendent interviews to become principal of my school. K-8 with about 900 students. My competition is a 20 year veteran principal. How can I compete with that? What advice do you have? Listen in to hear their response! MEET DR. ALLI PHELPS: [https://williamdparker.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/PMP-Template-24-1024x1024.png] Dr. Alli Phelps has spent more than twenty years dedicated to Educator Wellness, improving the lives of both teachers and students. Her experience spans classroom teaching, EL instruction, advocacy, mentoring, coaching, and school administration. She began teaching English in Australia in 1999, then returned to the U.S. to teach English and ESL at Homewood High School after completing her first Master’s in Secondary English Education. She later earned a second Master’s in ESL, which included cultural immersion work in Venezuela. In 2009, she moved to Shades Cahaba Elementary to teach K–5 EL students. In 2021, Alli was named Alabama’s Elementary Teacher of the Year. She went on to earn her P–12 administration certification and complete a doctorate at Samford University focused on Educator Wellness. Today, Alli serves as Assistant Principal at Riverchase Elementary in Hoover City Schools. Outside of work, she loves running, yoga, reading, time with family and friends, and caring for her Great Dane rescue, Murphy. UNDERSTANDING EDUCATOR WELLNESS: Dr. Ali Phelps, with over 20 years in education and recognized as Alabama’s Elementary Teacher of the Year, emphasizes the critical need for wellness among educators. She highlights that despite the passion educators have for their work, burnout is a common struggle. “Those aren’t mutually exclusive,” she notes, reflecting on her own experiences during the pandemic and the subsequent challenges faced by many in the education field. RESEARCH FOCUS: FROM TEACHER TO ADMINISTRATOR WELLNESS: Initially focusing her research on teacher wellness, Dr. Phelps discovered a significant gap regarding administrator wellness. She transitioned her research to explore how educational leaders manage their well-being amidst the demands of their roles. “There’s a huge problem with administrators and educational leaders and how to get from managing this career to maintaining longevity over time,” she explains. Dr. Phelps conducted qualitative research involving interviews with high-performing administrators across the country to gather insights into effective practices. THREE PILLARS OF EDUCATOR WELLNESS: * 1. Physical Wellness: Dr. Phelps found that physical wellness is paramount for educators. Her research indicated that exercise, nutrition, hydration, and sleep play crucial roles in enhancing resilience. Many administrators reported that regular movement not only improved their physical health but also positively impacted their decision-making and overall performance. * 2. Strong Boundaries: Another critical theme from her research was the importance of setting clear boundaries. As she puts it, “You have this job to support your family, you don’t have this family to support your job.” This notion underscores the necessity for educators to prioritize personal time and model respect for boundaries within their teams. This discipline in maintaining boundaries helps prevent burnout and fosters a healthier work-life balance. * 3. Aligning Values with Work: The third pillar involves connecting daily work to personal values. Dr. Phelps highlights that many educators enter the profession driven by a passion for service, and maintaining that connection is essential. Practices such as gratitude exercises, community engagement, and staying involved in classrooms help educators nurture their commitment to their core values, combating emotional fatigue and the challenges that come with the profession. Dr. Ali Phelps’ research sheds light on the vital aspects of educator wellness that can help sustain those dedicated to teaching. Her findings reveal that prioritizing physical wellness, setting strong boundaries, and aligning values with work are essential for maintaining a healthy and fulfilling career in education. As the landscape of education continues to evolve, these insights serve as a reminder of the importance of taking care of oneself in order to effectively serve students and communities. Staying Connected: If you wish to connect with Dr. Phelps, you can reach her via email at: aphelps@hoover.k12.al.us The post PMP499: Cultivating Educator Wellness with Dr. Alli Phelps [https://williamdparker.com/2026/pmp499-cultivating-educator-wellness-with-dr-alli-phelps/] appeared first on Principal Matters [https://williamdparker.com].

MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Welcome to May-cember

Welcome to “May-Cember”: 5 Steps for Closing Out the School Year (And Preparing for Your Next Launch) by William D. Parker It’s the end of the school year, and the last month of school is often the busiest. My wife likes to call this month “May-cember” because, next to Christmas, there’s not a busier time for school leaders. When people outside of education ask what you do at the end of the year and how you prepare for summer, you may want to smile, knowing that wrapping up a school year and managing summer to-do’s can be a heavy lift. There’s a common assumption that once the school year ends, school leaders simply step away for a couple of months. And while you may have opportunities for rest and time with family, you know the reality is more complex. I like to use the cruise ship analogy. You’ve just finished a full voyage with your students and staff. The building begins to quiet, but your work shifts. The passengers have disembarked, and now you’re preparing the ship for the next journey. Even in the summer, schools don’t fully stop. There are still students in the building, programs running, and responsibilities that continue. At the same time, these weeks give you a critical window to finish well and begin building momentum for the year ahead. From my own years as a principal, and from watching other leaders navigate this season well, here are a few suggestions to consider. These aren’t meant to be prescriptive. Every school and team is different. But I hope they offer something helpful as you reflect on your own context. 1. Create a working list you can return to each year. You face many of the same responsibilities this time each year: reports, scheduling, hiring, budgeting, and communication. Instead of starting from scratch each year, consider building a running list you can revisit and refine. Over time, that list becomes a reliable guide. It helps you stay organized, reduces decision fatigue, and ensures important details don’t get overlooked during a busy season. 2. Be intentional about sharing responsibility. You are not meant to carry this work alone. As you close out the year, take time to clearly define who owns which responsibilities. When your team knows their roles, multiple priorities can move forward at once. Clear communication, shared documents, and regular check-ins help everyone stay aligned. This approach not only improves efficiency but also builds trust and develops leadership capacity in others. 3. Adjust your pace to protect energy. The end of the school year is demanding. If you move straight into summer at the same pace, burnout can follow quickly. Keep a sensible schedule where you can. Consider how you might adjust schedules to create more focused work time and space for recovery. Shorter days, flexible hours, or intentional planning windows can make a difference. When you and your team have time to recharge, the work you do tends to be more thoughtful and effective. 4. Collaborate on the work that matters most. Some tasks can be completed independently. Others require deeper thinking and shared perspective. When you’re working through complex challenges like staffing, master scheduling, or program decisions, invite others into the conversation. You will often find better solutions when you draw on the collective insight of your team. 5. Make rest part of the plan. It can be tempting to treat rest as something you’ll get to if time allows. In reality, it needs to be intentional. As you plan the end of the semester and the summer ahead, think about how you can ensure coverage while also encouraging your team to truly step away. Give yourself permission to do the same. Time to rest and reset is not a luxury. It is part of what allows you to lead well when the new school year begins. Let’s Wrap This Up As you move through these final weeks and into the summer, remember that how you finish this year will shape how you begin the next. You may not complete everything on your list, and that’s okay. Leadership always involves more priorities than time allows. But with a clear sense of focus, shared responsibility, thoughtful pacing, collaboration, and intentional rest, you can position your team for a strong start. You’ve already led through a full year of challenges and successes. This next phase of your journey is an opportunity to reflect, reset, and prepare for what comes next. The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Welcome to May-cember [https://williamdparker.com/2026/monday-matters-with-jen-schwanke-and-will-parker-welcome-to-may-cember/] appeared first on Principal Matters [https://williamdparker.com].

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: [https://williamdparker.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PMP-Template-23-1024x1024.png] 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].