Transformative Principal

Brian Hyosaka is a Chicago native and has spent time around the world I’m originally from the Chicago area and am the son of career high school special educator.  I grew up playing a multitude of sports and got into coaching alongside my sister who is also a teacher.  For a few summers during college, I was splitting my day interning at my dad’s company and coaching swimming.  Each day, I would dread going to the office and count the hours until I could be with young people coaching swimming.  That final summer proved pivotal and I came to the realization that pursuing business or an office type job was just not for me. Thankfully, Teach For America existed to allow me to jump into teaching and utilize my bilingualism in Spanish.  I knew that in order to truly give education a shot, I needed to leave my friends and family in Chicago, so I moved to Denver to teach 5th grade in a bilingual classroom.  Unlike most of my friends at the time, I ended up staying in Denver for 5 years teaching in the same school.  During my final 2 years, I also took on full-time teacher residents and realized I had a passion for developing educators. At the same time, I had maintained a dream of living abroad and decided that after 5 years, the time was right to make that happen.  My then fiance who is a high school counselor then applied to schools all of Latin America.  We ended up landing jobs at the American School of Guatemala in Guatemala City.  For us, these were two of the best years of our lives for a number of reasons.  For me, I had begun to feel burned out on the constant pressure to show student achievement on a standardized test. Working in Guatemala, we had no standardized test and I was able to grow my practice tremendously as an educator.  At the same time, a new school leader came in with me my first year.  It was through him that I got to witness and feel the power of an excellent leader for the first time.  He not only changed the culture of the school, but also the trajectory of the school.  This was the first time I really considered school leadership as a realistic pathway. During our second year, I began to feel the pull to begin working with students where I really felt needed compared to the incredibly wealthy families we served in Guatemala.  I was aware of the School Leadership Program through the University of Denver and decided that it was time to see if I might be able to follow his lead, but serving a population I really cared for. After being accepted to the program, my bilingualism proved pivotal again and I landed an internship at Academia Ana Marie Sandoval, a dual language public Montessori School in Denver.  My first year at the school was eye opening to say the least.  I had been used to being an effective teacher and immediately felt uncomfortable and very ineffective.  I learned quickly that my strength was not direct and honest communication.  I caused many tears and considered returning to the classroom midway through the year.  Thankfully, I had a great mentor and the support of a peer group in my program and confronted many of the issues within my control. As the next two years progressed, I became a far better communicator and really learned to sit beside teachers, families and students.  At the same time, I was being pushed towards principalship a few different schools.  After verbally accepting an offer, I realized that I was not trusting my intuition and was making decisions on a faulty premise. Reneging in this way forced me to reconsider my complete path professionally.  As a new dad, I was concerned about my ability to be present for my daughter and wife with the rigors and stress of principalship.  I actually began applying to positions in the corporate world thinking that I might have both more financial stability and less work to bring home. Around that same time, my nephew invited me on a ski trip with his school.  I had actually been the one to find his school a year earlier and reluctantly joined him on the trip.  His school was a micro-school in North Denver called Embark, and he was thriving there.  I rode up to the mountain with Miguel, the school director, and we chatted as collegial administrators do.  He mentioned that Embark would be opening a 6th grade to go along with the existing 7th/8th grade in order to capitalize on enrollment. I didn’t think too much more about it, but I really loved what I saw on that trip from the educators and the students and went home that night feeling jealous of the school.  It hit me almost immediately that I would be the next 6th grade educator at Embark.  After reaching out to Miguel, interviewing, and discussing with my wife, I made the very unobvious, to some, decision to go back to the classroom. This would potentially be looked at as a downward move, but the truth was exactly the opposite.  In this position I would be given nearly full autonomy to create my own school.  I had the resources, support, and tools from my experiences and viewed this as my Thesis. Even with COVID, this year has been fantastic.  With my 6th graders, we have pushed the envelope of what is possible in school with the long-term ambition of being trim-tabs in education.  In my work with Miguel and anyone else in the organization, I have felt the synchronicity and empowerment to be bold.  I have also built and experienced something real and powerful and found a third way. Many lessons have been learned along the way for me, but the power of horizontal leadership and rapid thoughtful iteration are two that are currently top of mind for me. How can we reenvision what education could look like? Lemon Lavendar Latte - Top selling spring seasonal beverage at Pinwheel Coffee. Kids got into test kitchen and brainstormed ideas. 10 different iterations before pitching to pros. Working as part of the coffee shop. See what would happen if they tried ratios that just made sense. It’s ok to see education as a game The kids who didn’t win won more. Quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and collaboration Collaboration is not a buzz word. Working together is not sitting in the same room. Attitude of those who failed. Role-playing, conferences, Not a surprise. Greatest marker of our culture is that the losers have bought more of the lemon lavendar latte. :) Infinite game vs. zero-sum game. How to be a Transformative Principal? encourage bigger thinking. What would this look like if I did it bigger? Sponsors InControl SEL for Middle School In Control created an effortless social and emotional, character development video curriculum for your students that’s ZERO-TEACHER-PREP AND it’s so cool looking- it feels like a Youtube or Netflix Series- and that’s purposeful, they meet students right where they’re at. The videos are 5–6 minutes, kids love them, teachers love them, and you will too. There’s no guesswork in the program because there’s a 21-video progression for each grade level. They’ve thought of everything– because it’s a group of award winning counselors, teachers, and principals that came up with this thing. It’ll help you save tons of time and headaches. Take it from me, it’s time to check that social-emotional learning box, the empty one that’s been keeping you up at night–and it’s time to do it in a meaningful, measurable, magnetic way. If you go to www.InControlSEL.com/jethro you can check out some of the videos and even receive 20% off if you pre-order for next school year John Catt Today’s Transformative Principal sponsor, John Catt Educational, amplifies world-class voices on ti...

Social Media Kids don’t know what makes their heart sing. Melissa Bernstein, along with her husband Doug, is the Co-Founder of the toy company Melissa & Doug, which has created over 5,000 children’s products and sold billions of dollars of toys since its inception. Raised by educators, Melissa and Doug started the business in their garage in 1988, and they’ve been on a mission ever since to provide open-ended, inventive, non-technologically driven playthings for young children. Throughout Melissa’s remarkable career, she kept secret her lifelong battle with severe depression and anxiety. She reveals her struggles in LIFELINES, her first book, which she wrote to help others who are also suffering. Melissa’s book heralds the launch of LifeLines.com, an online ecosystem she and Doug are underwriting to support those seeking support, guidance, and community on their mental health journeys. Melissa lives in Connecticut with Doug and their six children. Why release it now. How was Melissa and Doug Nobody saw the creations I had made the first 20 years of my life. Overexcitabilities Think about tall the questions that are positive. Target let’s explore How to support kids who are struggling. Eggselent sheep book Kids Don’t know what makes their heart sing. From Creativity to self-expression Optimism means anything is possible. If it’s not ready, I don’t bring it. How to be atrnsformative principal? Show who you really are. Sponsors InControl SEL for Middle School In Control created an effortless social and emotional, character development video curriculum for your students that’s ZERO-TEACHER-PREP AND it’s so cool looking- it feels like a Youtube or Netflix Series- and that’s purposeful, they meet students right where they’re at. The videos are 5–6 minutes, kids love them, teachers love them, and you will too. There’s no guesswork in the program because there’s a 21-video progression for each grade level. They’ve thought of everything– because it’s a group of award winning counselors, teachers, and principals that came up with this thing. It’ll help you save tons of time and headaches. Take it from me, it’s time to check that social-emotional learning box, the empty one that’s been keeping you up at night–and it’s time to do it in a meaningful, measurable, magnetic way. If you go to www.InControlSEL.com/jethro you can check out some of the videos and even receive 20% off if you pre-order for next school year John Catt Today’s Transformative Principal sponsor, John Catt Educational, amplifies world-class voices on timeless topics, with a list of authors recognized globally for their fresh perspectives and proven strategies to drive success in modern schools and classrooms. John Catt’s mission is to support high-quality teaching and learning by ensuring every educator has access to professional development materials that are research-based, practical, and focused on the key topics proven essential in today’s and tomorrow’s schools. Learn more about professional development publications that are easy to implement for your entire faculty, and are both quickly digestible and rigorous, by visiting https://us.johncattbookshop.com/. Learn more about some of the newest titles: - The Coach’s Guide to Teaching by Doug Lemov The Feedback Pendulum: A manifesto for enhancing feedback in education by Michael Chiles Putting Staff First: A blueprint for revitalising our schools by John Tomsett and Jonny Uttley 10 Things Schools Get Wrong (And How We Can Get Them Right) by Jared Cooney Horvath and David Bott Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education by Emma Turner A Parent’s Guide to Powerful Teaching by Patrice Bain John Catt is also proud publisher of the new book from Transformative Principal host Jethro Jones: SchoolX: How principals can design a transformative school experience for students, teachers, parents – and themselves Visit this page to learn more about bulk orders and how to bring John Catt’s research-based materials to your school: https://us.johncattbookshop.com/pages/agents-and-distributors Join the Transformative Mastermind Today and work on your school, not just in it. Apply today. We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Paul Marble has served his entire career as a teacher and administrator in three Massachusetts high schools, including a private boarding school, large urban district school, and a charter public school. Paul taught IB English at Sturgis for six years; was Principal for six years; became Executive Director in July of 2016; has made numerous presentations about the IB Diploma Programme and its implementation; is an IB Site Visitor; and is an IB Workshop Leader, helping experienced IB teachers from across the nation support diverse learners in their classrooms. He also has developed and led teacher workshops for the IB Organization’s Bridging the Equity Gap project. International Baccalaureate Programme is over 50 years old and is a way to support students who were traveling from US to Europe. Learner profile and how the focus has changed during the pandemic. IB Demands an understanding of different types of knowledge and how they relate to each other. Understanding that the world is complex and global. What things during the pandemic really helped it be successful? Constantly have to focus on how to develop skills. Offered to students in elite institutions Should be available for everyone! Don’t have a good base for teaching students. Build on relationships even though remote. The richness and authenticity How to help students feel connected when they are remote. Give kids guiding principles Focus on what matters, releasing test scores. IB students are better off because of the focus on key questions: by what means…? And to what extent…? How to be a transformative principal? Sincere appreciation to understand where people are coming from. Strive for the win-win. The difference between the transformational and transactional? Most things are not as important as they might appear at face value. Sponsors InControl SEL for Middle School In Control created an effortless social and emotional, character development video curriculum for your students that’s ZERO-TEACHER-PREP AND it’s so cool looking- it feels like a Youtube or Netflix Series- and that’s purposeful, they meet students right where they’re at. The videos are 5–6 minutes, kids love them, teachers love them, and you will too. There’s no guesswork in the program because there’s a 21-video progression for each grade level. They’ve thought of everything– because it’s a group of award winning counselors, teachers, and principals that came up with this thing. It’ll help you save tons of time and headaches. Take it from me, it’s time to check that social-emotional learning box, the empty one that’s been keeping you up at night–and it’s time to do it in a meaningful, measurable, magnetic way. If you go to www.InControlSEL.com/jethro you can check out some of the videos and even receive 20% off if you pre-order for next school year John Catt Today’s Transformative Principal sponsor, John Catt Educational, amplifies world-class voices on timeless topics, with a list of authors recognized globally for their fresh perspectives and proven strategies to drive success in modern schools and classrooms. John Catt’s mission is to support high-quality teaching and learning by ensuring every educator has access to professional development materials that are research-based, practical, and focused on the key topics proven essential in today’s and tomorrow’s schools. Learn more about professional development publications that are easy to implement for your entire faculty, and are both quickly digestible and rigorous, by visiting https://us.johncattbookshop.com/. Learn more about some of the newest titles: - The Coach’s Guide to Teaching by Doug Lemov The Feedback Pendulum: A manifesto for enhancing feedback in education by Michael Chiles Putting Staff First: A blueprint for revitalising our schools by John Tomsett and Jonny Uttley 10 Things Schools Get Wrong (And How We Can Get Them Right) by Jared Cooney Horvath and David Bott Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education by Emma Turner A Parent’s Guide to Powerful Teaching by Patrice Bain John Catt is also proud publisher of the new book from Transformative Principal host Jethro Jones: SchoolX: How principals can design a transformative school experience for students, teachers, parents – and themselves Visit this page to learn more about bulk orders and how to bring John Catt’s research-based materials to your school: https://us.johncattbookshop.com/pages/agents-and-distributors Join the Transformative Mastermind Today and work on your school, not just in it. Apply today. We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Dr. Chad Dumas Twitter is an educational consultant, international presenter and award-winning researcher whose primary focus is collaborating to develop capacity for continuous improvement. Having been a successful teacher, principal, central office administrator, professional developer and consultant in a variety of school districts, he brings his passion, expertise, and skills to his writing and speaking as he engages participants in meaningful and practical learning. In his new book, Let’s Put the C in PLC: A Practical Guide for School Leaders, Chad offers readers and audiences educational research, engaging stories, hands-on tools, and useful knowledge and skills they can implement immediately. The results of Chad’s work speak for themselves. One district was identified as “Persistently Lowest Achieving” upon his arrival, and within a few years — by applying the principles of his book — multiple schools were recognized as National PLC Models for improving student learning. Chad has served on and led accreditation visits for Cognia around the United States and world, presented nationally and internationally, collaborated with school boards, intermediate service agencies, state departments of education, and professional associations, and trained as an agency trainer for Adaptive Schools. What is a PLC and how do we know if we are in a PLC? Where we are all taking collective responsibility for student learning. PLC is not a time. PLC is a community. 10 Elements of principal knowledge. 
* Why is it important for school leaders to create a collaborative environment for their staff?
* What are some of the biggest challenges to creating this culture? What are some ways that you’ve seen to overcome these?
* Relationships - cognitive conflict effectively. Day to day practice Affective conflict is not good. Pausing, paraphrasing, posing questions 3+1 - in an environment of being in rapport with each other. Rapport is a physical expression of being in a relationship with someone. 
* Quick wins early on - Leadership team Implementation science - if you do not have the team to lead the work, you may have 14–15% implementation. Make sure you’re talking with your staff about how organize for the team meeting. Make sure that teams are being effective during that time. What makes an effective team: not content, not how much they like each other. 1. Ability of members to read nonverbal cues from each other. 2. Equity of turn taking. How to be a transformative principal? How can I be most effective during the summer. Figure out a way to get your email under control. Sponsors InControl SEL for Middle School In Control created an effortless social and emotional, character development video curriculum for your students that’s ZERO-TEACHER-PREP AND it’s so cool looking- it feels like a Youtube or Netflix Series- and that’s purposeful, they meet students right where they’re at. The videos are 5–6 minutes, kids love them, teachers love them, and you will too. There’s no guesswork in the program because there’s a 21-video progression for each grade level. They’ve thought of everything– because it’s a group of award winning counselors, teachers, and principals that came up with this thing. It’ll help you save tons of time and headaches. Take it from me, it’s time to check that social-emotional learning box, the empty one that’s been keeping you up at night–and it’s time to do it in a meaningful, measurable, magnetic way. If you go to www.InControlSEL.com/jethro you can check out some of the videos and even receive 20% off if you pre-order for next school year John Catt Today’s Transformative Principal sponsor, John Catt Educational, amplifies world-class voices on timeless topics, with a list of authors recognized globally for their fresh perspectives and proven strategies to drive success in modern schools and classrooms. John Catt’s mission is to support high-quality teaching and learning by ensuring every educator has access to professional development materials that are research-based, practical, and focused on the key topics proven essential in today’s and tomorrow’s schools. Learn more about professional development publications that are easy to implement for your entire faculty, and are both quickly digestible and rigorous, by visiting https://us.johncattbookshop.com/. Learn more about some of the newest titles: - The Coach’s Guide to Teaching by Doug Lemov The Feedback Pendulum: A manifesto for enhancing feedback in education by Michael Chiles Putting Staff First: A blueprint for revitalising our schools by John Tomsett and Jonny Uttley 10 Things Schools Get Wrong (And How We Can Get Them Right) by Jared Cooney Horvath and David Bott Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education by Emma Turner A Parent’s Guide to Powerful Teaching by Patrice Bain John Catt is also proud publisher of the new book from Transformative Principal host Jethro Jones: SchoolX: How principals can design a transformative school experience for students, teachers, parents – and themselves Visit this page to learn more about bulk orders and how to bring John Catt’s research-based materials to your school: https://us.johncattbookshop.com/pages/agents-and-distributors Join the Transformative Mastermind Today and work on your school, not just in it. Apply today. We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Dr. Kirk Wheeler has been the STS Head of School since July 2005 and has been in education for thirty years. Previously, he served as the Preschool – 12 Curriculum Coordinator and Lower School Principal at the American School of Rio de Janeiro, a classroom teacher at Vail Mountain School, and supervisor for the summer mountain program for the Town of Vail. His teaching experience includes physical education, Spanish, first through fourth grades, and middle school language arts. His leadership philosophy is embodied in the phrase, “Educational Leadership through Partnership.“ Dr. Wheeler believes that two elements define 21st century schools: relationships and ”edgework." Dr. Wheeler is a former member of the Board of Governors for the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS) and founding member of the Rubicon Educational Foundation Board of Directors. He currently serves on the Accreditation Committee for NWAIS and the CustomED Board of Directors. Dr. Wheeler holds a Doctorate in Education, with an emphasis in Policy and Administration, Master of Arts, with an emphasis in international education, and Bachelor of Arts, with an emphasis in Elementary Education. As a recipient of the Klingenstein Fellowship for School Heads, Dr. Wheeler has continued to pursue his passion for developing schools and brings together emerging schools of thought, collaborative experiences, and a sense of history to create powerful partnerships for 21st century education. He is proud to have the opportunity to collaborate with an exceptional leadership and teaching team at STS, which has resulted in the School being recognized as being one of 33 Microsoft Showcase Schools worldwide, LEED Gold certification, and WA Green School status. St. Thomas School founded in 1951, preschool through 8th grade How to have spiritual growth even though they are not affiliated to a church anymore. Our role is to affirm families’ values and beliefs. Edge work Comfort Zone Growth Zone Edge is between comfort and growth zone Professional experiences related to edge work. Pandemic has really helped us all experience Need others, need relationships. Celebrate corporations that fail fast and fail forward. We want kids to take risks, but we forget they are watching us. Being vulnerable and transparent about the fear that I’m experiencing How to implement edge work in your school? Structures that reward risk taking. Look for alignment in what you’re. assessments look like and what you want kids to learn. Naming it and calling it out. Give students leadership opportunities. How to be a transformative principal? 5 year journal. 5 lines to reflect on your day - year over year Sponsors InControl SEL for Middle School In Control created an effortless social and emotional, character development video curriculum for your students that’s ZERO-TEACHER-PREP AND it’s so cool looking- it feels like a Youtube or Netflix Series- and that’s purposeful, they meet students right where they’re at. The videos are 5-6 minutes, kids love them, teachers love them, and you will too. There’s no guesswork in the program because there’s a 21-video progression for each grade level. They’ve thought of everything-- because it’s a group of award winning counselors, teachers, and principals that came up with this thing. It’ll help you save tons of time and headaches. Take it from me, it’s time to check that social-emotional learning box, the empty one that’s been keeping you up at night--and it’s time to do it in a meaningful, measurable, magnetic way. If you go to www.InControlSEL.com/jethro you can check out some of the videos and even receive 20% off if you pre-order for next school year John Catt Today’s Transformative Principal sponsor, John Catt Educational, amplifies world-class voices on timeless topics, with a list of authors recognized globally for their fresh perspectives and proven strategies to drive success in modern schools and classrooms. John Catt’s mission is to support high-quality teaching and learning by ensuring every educator has access to professional development materials that are research-based, practical, and focused on the key topics proven essential in today’s and tomorrow’s schools. Learn more about professional development publications that are easy to implement for your entire faculty, and are both quickly digestible and rigorous, by visiting https://us.johncattbookshop.com/. Learn more about some of the newest titles: - The Coach’s Guide to Teaching by Doug Lemov The Feedback Pendulum: A manifesto for enhancing feedback in education by Michael Chiles Putting Staff First: A blueprint for revitalising our schools by John Tomsett and Jonny Uttley 10 Things Schools Get Wrong (And How We Can Get Them Right) by Jared Cooney Horvath and David Bott Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education by Emma Turner A Parent's Guide to Powerful Teaching by Patrice Bain John Catt is also proud publisher of the new book from Transformative Principal host Jethro Jones: SchoolX: How principals can design a transformative school experience for students, teachers, parents – and themselves Visit this page to learn more about bulk orders and how to bring John Catt’s research-based materials to your school: https://us.johncattbookshop.com/pages/agents-and-distributors Join the Transformative Mastermind Today and work on your school, not just in it. Apply today. We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL ...

Robert E. Quinn has spent the last 40 years doing research, publishing, teaching, consulting, and speaking to more than half of the Fortune 500.He is the Margaret Elliot Tracy Professor Emeritus at the University of Michigan, Ross School of Business.  His research and writing focuses on purpose, leadership, culture and change. He is one of the leaders in the field of Positive Organizational Scholarship and a cofounder of the Center for Positive Organizations at the University of Michigan. He has published 18 books.  His book,  Deep Change is a long-term best seller and has been used across the planet. His book,  The Best Teacher in You won the Ben Franklin Award designating it the best book in education. His latest book is The Positive Organization: Breaking Free of Conventional Cultures, Constraints and Beliefs. His next book will be The Economics of Higher Purpose: Eight Counter Intuitive Steps for Creating a Purpose Driven Organization. He is particularly known for his work on the competing values framework which has been used by thousands of organizations.  His paper, Moments of Greatness: Entering the Fundamental State of Leadership, was selected by the Harvard Business Review as one of the ten Must Reads On Managing Yourself.Deep change is needed. Otherwise it is a slow death.“Knowledge is the ungrateful child of learning.”We go to great lengths to deny the need for change.Positive organization scholarship.The problem with thinking “I am powerless to try to change our system“We have evidence all around us that what we are thinking is wrong.If one teacher is doing it, that means it’s possible.The question is “What’s real?”The principal’s reference point is the middle of the curve.The way you change things is you begin to learn from excellence.We are looking for meaningful life, but something blocks us, that’s fear.Principals believe that their most valued contribution is to prevent conflict.Leadership is about creating conflict. Turn it into transformative cooperation.Realization of potential.Great teachers vs. good teachers.4 variables: idealized influence, individualized concern, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation (using inquiry to stimulate change)!Love of learning transcends other challenges.People not marching to the drum of convention.We are all subject to the slow death.What result do I want to create?You’ve linked your identityCreate the future that doesn’t yet exist.Each failure is a step to find out your potential.Purpose driven Life.The moment you commit to a purpose, you moralized your life.When you find out who you are, you find your true character.Your best self begins to emerge.Fail, fail, fail, then succeed.You develop transformative power.If you want to be a really good teacher…No matter what they say or do, every student wants to learn, every students wants to succeed.When you break that code, everything changes.Animate a community - put together things they want, nurture them, and then you can take it to the next level. Henry GradillasHow to be a transformative principal? Sit down, and ask, what result do I want to create? Why am I on the earth? What’s my purpose in life? When I die how will the planet be different because I’m here. Am I internally connected? Am I other focused? Am I externally open?Sponsors InControl SEL for Middle School In Control created an effortless social and emotional, character development video curriculum for your students that’s ZERO-TEACHER-PREP AND it’s so cool looking- it feels like a Youtube or Netflix Series- and that’s purposeful, they meet students right where they’re at.The videos are 5-6 minutes, kids love them, teachers love them, and you will too. There’s no guesswork in the program because there’s a 21-video progression for each grade level.They’ve thought of everything-- because it’s a group of award winning counselors, teachers, and principals that came up with this thing. It’ll help you save tons of time and headaches.Take it from me, it’s time to check that social-emotional learning box, the empty one that’s been keeping you up at night--and it’s time to do it in a meaningful, measurable, magnetic way.If you go to www.InControlSEL.com/jethro you can check out some of the videos and even receive 20% off if you pre-order for next school yearJohn CattToday’s Transformative Principal sponsor, John Catt Educational, amplifies world-class voices on timeless topics, with a list of authors recognized globally for their fresh perspectives and proven strategies to drive success in modern schools and classrooms.John Catt’s mission is to support high-quality teaching and learning by ensuring every educator has access to professional development materials that are research-based, practical, and focused on the key topics proven essential in today’s and tomorrow’s schools.Learn more about professional development publications that are easy to implement for your entire faculty, and are both quickly digestible and rigorous, by visiting https://us.johncattbookshop.com/. Learn more about some of the newest titles: -  The Coach’s Guide to Teaching by Doug LemovThe Feedback Pendulum: A manifesto for enhancing feedback in education by Michael Chiles Putting Staff First: A blueprint for revitalising our schools by John Tomsett and Jonny Uttley 10 Things Schools Get Wrong (And How We Can Get Them Right) by Jared Cooney Horvath and David Bott Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education by Emma Turner A Parent's Guide to Powerful Teaching by Patrice BainJohn Catt is also proud publisher of the new book from Transformative Principal host Jethro Jones:

Dr. Stacey Gonzales is the director of curriculum and instruction at Consolidated High School District 230 in Illinois. Virtual Career day - This is an opportunity to connect kids For them it is a straight line. K–12 is a straight line. How to bring experiential learning into the classroom? Be intentional to support social and emotional supports. Radical Candor Can’t grow without some friction. Everything takes 3–4 times as long. Guiding coalition - find your people who have the passion and vision. Don’t be afraid of the bureaucracy and politics. How to be a transformative principal? Be visible. Teachers need permission. Sponsors InControl SEL for Middle School In Control created an effortless social and emotional, character development video curriculum for your students that’s ZERO-TEACHER-PREP AND it’s so cool looking- it feels like a Youtube or Netflix Series- and that’s purposeful, they meet students right where they’re at. The videos are 5-6 minutes, kids love them, teachers love them, and you will too. There’s no guesswork in the program because there’s a 21-video progression for each grade level. They’ve thought of everything-- because it’s a group of award winning counselors, teachers, and principals that came up with this thing. It’ll help you save tons of time and headaches. Take it from me, it’s time to check that social-emotional learning box, the empty one that’s been keeping you up at night--and it’s time to do it in a meaningful, measurable, magnetic way. If you go to www.InControlSEL.com/jethro you can check out some of the videos and even receive 20% off if you pre-order for next school year John Catt Today’s Transformative Principal sponsor, John Catt Educational, amplifies world-class voices on timeless topics, with a list of authors recognized globally for their fresh perspectives and proven strategies to drive success in modern schools and classrooms. John Catt’s mission is to support high-quality teaching and learning by ensuring every educator has access to professional development materials that are research-based, practical, and focused on the key topics proven essential in today’s and tomorrow’s schools. Learn more about professional development publications that are easy to implement for your entire faculty, and are both quickly digestible and rigorous, by visiting https://us.johncattbookshop.com/. Learn more about some of the newest titles: - The Coach’s Guide to Teaching by Doug Lemov The Feedback Pendulum: A manifesto for enhancing feedback in education by Michael Chiles Putting Staff First: A blueprint for revitalising our schools by John Tomsett and Jonny Uttley 10 Things Schools Get Wrong (And How We Can Get Them Right) by Jared Cooney Horvath and David Bott Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education by Emma Turner A Parent's Guide to Powerful Teaching by Patrice Bain John Catt is also proud publisher of the new book from Transformative Principal host Jethro Jones: SchoolX: How principals can design a transformative school experience for students, teachers, parents – and themselves Visit this page to learn more about bulk orders and how to bring John Catt’s research-based materials to your school: https://us.johncattbookshop.com/pages/agents-and-distributors Join the Transformative Mastermind Today and work on your school, not just in it. Apply today. We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Jennifer Sullivan, M.S. is an executive functioning coach and author based in southeastern CT. She is founder of Fast Forward College Coaching and offers customized college support for diverse learners and their parents as they prepare for the transition to (and through) college. She speaks nationally to high schools, educators, and parent groups about differences between disability support in high school and college, executive functioning success in college and the parent perspective of the college transition. She is author of the book, Sharing the Transition to College: Words of Advice for Diverse Learners and Their Families. Helping kids transition to college When to start planning. What opportunities exist for students with disabilities? More than the dichotomy of career or college One of the ways we can prepare students is by reaching down to middle school. Include middle schooler teachers and leaders about transitioning to college. LifeCourse tools Self-advocacy and self-awareness. When kids have a problem and they can articulate that next step. Conversation starters Listen nonjudgmentally Meet students where they are. Eliminate the word should. How to be a transformative principal? Principals support all students, but take time to ask specific students with disabilities what challenges they are facing and how the leadership can help. Sponsors InControl SEL for Middle School In Control created an effortless social and emotional, character development video curriculum for your students that’s ZERO-TEACHER-PREP AND it’s so cool looking- it feels like a Youtube or Netflix Series- and that’s purposeful, they meet students right where they’re at. The videos are 5–6 minutes, kids love them, teachers love them, and you will too. There’s no guesswork in the program because there’s a 21-video progression for each grade level. They’ve thought of everything– because it’s a group of award winning counselors, teachers, and principals that came up with this thing. It’ll help you save tons of time and headaches. Take it from me, it’s time to check that social-emotional learning box, the empty one that’s been keeping you up at night–and it’s time to do it in a meaningful, measurable, magnetic way. If you go to www.InControlSEL.com/jethro you can check out some of the videos and even receive 20% off if you pre-order for next school year John Catt Today’s Transformative Principal sponsor, John Catt Educational, amplifies world-class voices on timeless topics, with a list of authors recognized globally for their fresh perspectives and proven strategies to drive success in modern schools and classrooms. John Catt’s mission is to support high-quality teaching and learning by ensuring every educator has access to professional development materials that are research-based, practical, and focused on the key topics proven essential in today’s and tomorrow’s schools. Learn more about professional development publications that are easy to implement for your entire faculty, and are both quickly digestible and rigorous, by visiting https://us.johncattbookshop.com/. Learn more about some of the newest titles: - The Coach’s Guide to Teaching by Doug Lemov The Feedback Pendulum: A manifesto for enhancing feedback in education by Michael Chiles Putting Staff First: A blueprint for revitalising our schools by John Tomsett and Jonny Uttley 10 Things Schools Get Wrong (And How We Can Get Them Right) by Jared Cooney Horvath and David Bott Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education by Emma Turner A Parent’s Guide to Powerful Teaching by Patrice Bain John Catt is also proud publisher of the new book from Transformative Principal host Jethro Jones: SchoolX: How principals can design a transformative school experience for students, teachers, parents – and themselves Visit this page to learn more about bulk orders and how to bring John Catt’s research-based materials to your school: https://us.johncattbookshop.com/pages/agents-and-distributors Join the Transformative Mastermind Today and work on your school, not just in it. Apply today. We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Sam Sochet was celebrated as the 2019 New York City High School Principal of the Year by the  NYC High  School Principals Association, for his monumental work in transforming Martin Van Buren High School, a large comprehensive high school in Queens, New York.  When Sam took over as principal in 2012, the school’s 4-year graduation rate was below 50%, and approaching NY State Receivership status.  Undaunted by the odds, within six years, through a concentration on three “big rocks” (emphasizing in order Culture, Community, and Learning and Teaching), the school moved its graduation rate to 80!  This was done while retaining the teaching staff.   During his 7+ years as principal, the school also achieved similar increases in College Readiness, Student Attendance, and new found access to academic programs such as Robotics, Health Careers, Pre-Law, as well as Science Research.  Sam has over 32 years of experience as a highly successful Teacher, Science Chairperson, Assistant Principal, and Principal.  Sam taught Advanced Placement Biology for 10 years and Advanced Placement Psychology for 7 years. Sam has great respect for both the art and science of teaching.  He has demonstrated a great understanding of working effectively with school communities, teachers and administrators unions, elected officials, as well as students and faculty. He also served as Co-President of the Science Supervisors Association of New York City, and is currently a Trustee at the Syosset Public Library in his hometown. He is also an alumnus of New Leaders, a nationally recognized Principal Leadership Program.     Sam grew up in Queens, New York, received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Syracuse University, a Master of Science in Botany and Plant Pathology from Colorado State University, and a Professional Diploma in Education Administration from Queens College. 440 High Schools in NYDOC Tried to win over the people on the fence. Approaching kids with high expectations. College March Video How to approach racial tensions as issues. Shifting culture - consistent, real, unwavering. Newspapers wrote articles about us fixing the clock. Do we have to wear uniforms? How to be a transformative principal? Be a risk taker. Be willing to butt heads with people who can fire you. Gun Control CBS News Presentation March 20, 2018 Sponsors InControl SEL for Middle School In Control created an effortless social and emotional, character development video curriculum for your students that’s ZERO-TEACHER-PREP AND it’s so cool looking- it feels like a Youtube or Netflix Series- and that’s purposeful, they meet students right where they’re at. The videos are 5-6 minutes, kids love them, teachers love them, and you will too. There’s no guesswork in the program because there’s a 21-video progression for each grade level. They’ve thought of everything-- because it’s a group of award winning counselors, teachers, and principals that came up with this thing. It’ll help you save tons of time and headaches. Take it from me, it’s time to check that social-emotional learning box, the empty one that’s been keeping you up at night--and it’s time to do it in a meaningful, measurable, magnetic way. If you go to www.InControlSEL.com/jethro you can check out some of the videos and even receive 20% off if you pre-order for next school year John Catt Today’s Transformative Principal sponsor, John Catt Educational, amplifies world-class voices on timeless topics, with a list of authors recognized globally for their fresh perspectives and proven strategies to drive success in modern schools and classrooms. John Catt’s mission is to support high-quality teaching and learning by ensuring every educator has access to professional development materials that are research-based, practical, and focused on the key topics proven essential in today’s and tomorrow’s schools. Learn more about professional development publications that are easy to implement for your entire faculty, and are both quickly digestible and rigorous, by visiting https://us.johncattbookshop.com/. Learn more about some of the newest titles: - The Coach’s Guide to Teaching by Doug Lemov The Feedback Pendulum: A manifesto for enhancing feedback in education by Michael Chiles Putting Staff First: A blueprint for revitalising our schools by John Tomsett and Jonny Uttley 10 Things Schools Get Wrong (And How We Can Get Them Right) by Jared Cooney Horvath and David Bott Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education by Emma Turner A Parent's Guide to Powerful Teaching by Patrice Bain John Catt is also proud publisher of the new book from Transformative Principal host Jethro Jones: SchoolX: How principals can design a transformative school experience for students, teachers, parents – and themselves Visit this page to learn more about bulk orders and how to bring John Catt’s research-based materials to your school: https://us.johncattbookshop.com/pages/agents-and-distributors Join the Transformative Mastermind Today and work on your school, not just in it. Apply today. We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Dr. Sebrina A. Lindsay-Law serves as the Coordinator for Equity and Opportunity in the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Virginia Beach City Public Schools.  Prior to serving in this role, Dr. Lindsay-Law worked as a school improvement specialist, secondary social studies teacher, and middle school dean.   Dr. Law attended Old Dominion University where she obtained a bachelor of arts degree in secondary social studies education.  Then she earned a master of art degree in administration and supervision from The George Washington University.  In August 2019 she completed her doctorate degree in educational leadership and policy studies from The George Washington University.    She believes through inclusive conversations, empathetic listening opportunities, and adaptive practices teams can establish solution oriented outcomes to support communities and organizations.  Furthermore, when teams and organizations utilize strengths to guide conversations, practices, and systems then teams can have sustainable networks.  Sustainable networks can build collective efficacy for communities and edify personal efficacy for all individuals.  She states, “there is so much work to be done.  Let’s work together to enhance our society.”  Start with humanity Being comfortable with discomfort. Be more receptive to non-closure. Look ago ourselves What mark and good do I want to leave on this community. We have different types of biases that come up, sometimes unconscious. How to be a friend and ally. You have to be your own personality. What can I do to make an environment inclusive? Be personable according to your style. Consider yourself. Degrees of intensity. Always looking for inclusion. Individual self within that. Collective efficacy DEI work is participatory and requires full engagement. Community partnerships with curating history on kids who integrated the schools. Norfolk 17 (Sebrina’s Aunt) Artwork reflecting their own history. Unity, Leadership, Action Cocreating and participating. Desegregation and integration are two separate things. How to be a transformative principal? Really look at your love languages and how you communicate with your people. Are we checking on people? Love your people. Sponsors InControl SEL for Middle School In Control created an effortless social and emotional, character development video curriculum for your students that’s ZERO-TEACHER-PREP AND it’s so cool looking- it feels like a Youtube or Netflix Series- and that’s purposeful, they meet students right where they’re at. The videos are 5-6 minutes, kids love them, teachers love them, and you will too. There’s no guesswork in the program because there’s a 21-video progression for each grade level. They’ve thought of everything-- because it’s a group of award winning counselors, teachers, and principals that came up with this thing. It’ll help you save tons of time and headaches. Take it from me, it’s time to check that social-emotional learning box, the empty one that’s been keeping you up at night--and it’s time to do it in a meaningful, measurable, magnetic way. If you go to www.InControlSEL.com/jethro you can check out some of the videos and even receive 20% off if you pre-order for next school year John Catt Today’s Transformative Principal sponsor, John Catt Educational, amplifies world-class voices on timeless topics, with a list of authors recognized globally for their fresh perspectives and proven strategies to drive success in modern schools and classrooms. John Catt’s mission is to support high-quality teaching and learning by ensuring every educator has access to professional development materials that are research-based, practical, and focused on the key topics proven essential in today’s and tomorrow’s schools. Learn more about professional development publications that are easy to implement for your entire faculty, and are both quickly digestible and rigorous, by visiting https://us.johncattbookshop.com/. Learn more about some of the newest titles: - The Coach’s Guide to Teaching by Doug Lemov The Feedback Pendulum: A manifesto for enhancing feedback in education by Michael Chiles Putting Staff First: A blueprint for revitalising our schools by John Tomsett and Jonny Uttley 10 Things Schools Get Wrong (And How We Can Get Them Right) by Jared Cooney Horvath and David Bott Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education by Emma Turner A Parent's Guide to Powerful Teaching by Patrice Bain John Catt is also proud publisher of the new book from Transformative Principal host Jethro Jones: SchoolX: How principals can design a transformative school experience for students, teachers, parents – and themselves Visit this page to learn more about bulk orders and how to bring John Catt’s research-based materials to your school: https://us.johncattbookshop.com/pages/agents-and-distributors Join the Transformative Mastermind Today and work on your school, not just in it. Apply today. We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.