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The NAESP Principal Podcast

The NAESP Principal Podcast

By: National Association of Elementary School Principals
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For principals, it can be lonely at the top. So it’s always a relief to hear from educators who have been there, done that, and are doing more to advance their leadership. Join us as we discuss best practices, innovative strategies, and pressing topics for today’s pre-K–8 principal with fellow principals and special guests from the education community. This podcast is sponsored by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). For more information, visit www.naesp.org.Copyright 2021 All rights reserved. Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • The Courage to Innovate
    Jun 10 2025

    Principals know there are no guarantees that any initiative, improvement plan, or new idea will be successful at their school. How do we convince stakeholders—and just as importantly ourselves—that these ideas are worth pursuing? We sat down with Philadelphia principal Tim Boyle to discuss how to navigate ambiguity and improve what matters at your school.

    Tim Boyle is principal of Science Leadership Academy Middle School (SLAMS) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    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.

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    37 mins
  • STEM-Oriented Problem-Based Learning
    May 26 2025

    Most school leaders will be familiar with PBL. But for principal Amy McElroy PBL means Problem-Based—not Project-Based—Learning. We discuss what the differences are and what it means for her school, and how this approach impacts her student's engagement and overall success.

    Amie McElroy is elementary school director at STEM School in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

    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.

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    28 mins
  • Social-Emotional Learning in Middle School
    May 14 2025

    Social-emotional learning (SEL) is crucial at any age, but it has a special significance at the middle level. Today we sit down with an Illinois principal who's school's unique approach to SEL has made an impact in to the culture and character of students in the middle grades and beyond.

    Francesca Peck is principal at Polaris Charter Academy in Chicago, Illinois.

    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.

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    35 mins
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Wow Zandra was on 🔥 and she helps fuel that in other educators just by listening!

Love the way she approached the topic of Social Media as part of the resume, how she intentionally sets the interview when hiring & her view on Power v. Authority, and the importance of self care while performing a high demand job.

Can't wait to hear more of these podcasts!

A must listen!

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