Brian McCann recently began his 17th year as principal of Joseph Case High School in Swansea, Mass., from which he graduated in 1980.  Brian has a bachelor’s degree from Boston College in English and Speech-Theatre, a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and a CAGS from Fitchburg State College in Educational Leadership and Management.  He began teaching at his alma mater in 1989, taught English and Journalism for 11 years, and transitioned to high school administration in 2000. Brian chairs the Massachusetts Schools Administrator’s Association’s (MSAA) High School Committee and represents this group on the MSAA Board of Directors. He is the current chair of the state’s high school volleyball committee and is a past-president of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association’s Board of Directors. Brian McCann was Massachusetts’ 2011 High School Principal of the Year and is currently one of NASSP’s 2018 National Digital Principals of the Year. Key Takeaways Leaders have the opportunity every day to change a child's life Build relationships  instead of curriculum for the #1st3days All School Pep Rally at the end of the first week of school focused on clubs rather than sports Get and use teacher and student feedback You need a strong summer reading program Interdisciplinary day Let people know you fail and how you overcome it Take chances on what is right, not what is safe. Reflection recalibrates your why - schedule it Sleep is the custodian of the mind Contact Twitter: @casehighprinc --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app 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. Price completed her doctorate in School Psychology at William James College in August of 2015, following a year-long clinical internship at Walden Behavioral Care (a residential eating disorders clinic).For the past 20 years, Dr. Price has worked as a school psychologist at Whitman-Hanson Regional High School, in Whitman, MA.  In her role, Dr. Price is involved in a number of activities, including: assessment, counseling, consultation, supervision of school psychology interns, and mentoring of staff. She is also a Crisis Team and Student/Teacher Assistance Team member. She travels around the country, presenting to associations and school districts on positive psychology, eating disorders, and self-injurious behaviors.Dr. Price has been involved in leadership at both the state and national level, and is currently the NASP President 2020-2021.Key TakeawaysKeep a running list of small winds.You are capable of more than you thinkNegative emotions are Velcro and positive ones are TeflonHave a wins folderEveryone needs to get a mentorDon't forget how to empathize with new teachersEveryone has a history that they are bringing to the current situation--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app 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.

Nyree Clark is a Curriculum Program Specialist in EdTechPreK-6 for the Colton Joint Unified School District. She is a founding member of #EquityInActionCA and appointed to the Instructional Coaches Advisory Board for Future Ready Schools Organization. She is very passionate about amplifying the voices of the unheard through culturally responsive teaching pedagogy. Main Takeaways: Adults have the same needs as students Title one schools should be teaching and have the same material and expectations as their affluent neighbors Sarah Hammond's 3 levels of Culturally Responsive Teaching Don't focus on race focus on culture Create deeper relations with students Get uncomfortable with teachers not for teachers The most boring thing that can happen to you is to get 30 of the same thing back for an assignment Whoever is doing the work is doing all the learning Technology just amplifies what you already do. If you are focusing on student centered this in amplifies it. If your instruction is not good it amplifies it. Creating a parent workshop series It's not a nice thing to do. It's the right thing to do Resources: https://wakelet.com/wake/vs1BbnA5yeAOJhpBwirGp #CRTedu #MakeEquityAVerb Contact: Twitter: @MsNyreeClark website: nyreeclark.com Instagram: nyree_edu --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app 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.

Jessica Giuliano started her career in education as a paraprofessional for an at risk student.  She received my teaching certification from the University of Saint Joseph’s and a Masters in Education at the University of New Haven.  She also received her 6th year Administrative Certification (092) in Administrative Leadership at UCONN.  Jessica taught 5th grade for one year in Cromwell, CT before making the move to CREC where she is a Grade 6 English Language Arts teacher at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Middle Magnet School, as well as the Grade 6 Team Leader.  During my time at CREC Jessica has run the Summer Academy and Saturday Academy programs, planned and presented district and building based professional development, is a member of her school’s leadership team, and a member of the district wide Professional Development and Teacher Evaluation Committee. Main Takeaways: Focus on why students are acting the way they are The importance of a staff equity team Kids get excited about the teacher not the content Staff book studies are very important. Listening to teachers authentically is key Celebrate the differences in teachers Build staff equity teams Follow the golden rule Everybody is a human being Connect: Twitter: @GiulianoELA6 (professional twitter account); @Arts6S (Team twitter account) Instagram: @arts6squad (team instagram account) --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app 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.

Sarah Delorm is a 6th grade language arts teacher at CREC’s Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Middle School in Hartford, Connecticut, where I have worked for the past 9 years. I earned my Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from the University of New England.  I received my Master’s of Education with a concentration in Teaching and Learning from Post University. I received a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education with a concentration in English from Central Connecticut State University. Main Takeaways Little moments shape your path Allow teachers to come to you in a non-evaluative manner Develop time for collaboration among teachers Be in classrooms Structure your PLCs Connect: @MissC_4thGrade --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app 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.

Kate White is a third grade teacher in year twelve.  I served as a parent, volunteer, paraprofessional, Title I reading teacher, and third grade teacher.  For family reasons I abandoned my path to teaching while an undergrad.  I finished college but never taught until nearly 20 years later, after raising children.  On this path I gained the perspective I needed to be the teacher I am.  Without it, I'd likely have become wrapped up in delivering curriculum instead of helping kids grow. Key Takeaways: Use PLCs to help you thrive Make sure to facilitate communication Extend your net for both support and influence Listen with your eyes and heart Facilitate effective communication Don't be afraid to share with others Look at and support strengths Bring your energy and share Focus on plans to expand the positive --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app 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.

Nicole L Semas-Schneeweis is a proud mother of two boys. She and her husband have been together for close to twenty years, and they are committed to raising young men who work for social justice and recognize their social responsibility. Nicole, whose friends and family call her Nikki, was a special education teacher for close to twenty years and is a now trying to impact positive change in the role of a special education administrator in a local community. In 2018, Nikki received her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy, writing a dissertation that examined race, class and gender in education. Specifically, she argued for the use of stories and empathy to frame difficult conversations about identity in an effort to dismantle dominant narratives and re-imagine a more equitable society. Key Takeaways: education is a gift empathy is critical always follow through explain your decisions build trust through talking together about literature use love languages to connect empower teachers to make decisions respond instead of reacting find your people Book Mentioned: Dare to Lead Raise Your Game Contact Nicole: Twitter: @DrSemas LinkedIn: Nicole Semas-Schneeweis, PhD --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app 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.

Bonnie Nieves is a high school Biology teacher with a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Leadership and is a member of the MassCUE board of directors. She is passionate about creating immersive and authentic experiences that fuel curiosity and creating student-centered, culturally responsive learning spaces that promote equity and inclusion. Her upcoming book focuses on practical classroom strategies to help teachers move toward student-centered teaching. Key Takeaways Approach things from an abundance mindset Learning is about potential Create inter disciplinary clusters Give time to reflect Authenticity is key Listen past a people's words Ask probing questions Don't give too many opportunities and burnout teachers Contact Bonnie Twitter: @biologygoddess Clubhouse: @biologygoddess Instagram: @beawesomeonpurpose Website: https://educateonpurpose.com "Be Awesome On Purpose" from EduMatch books --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app 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.

Rayna is a 5th grade teacher in Mansfield, MA and MassCUE President who believes in the power of student voice. She has been presenting at conferences on best pedagogical practices since 2010 and is a Google Certified Educators. Rayna is the co-found of EdCamp SE Mass, as she loves to inspire educators to challenges themselves! Key Takeaways PD from within Sustained engagements is key Give everyone a voice Use social Justice circles as a framework News or follow the innovators compass Create secret agents Have conversations before making assumptions Play board games at staff meetings Get comfortable with being uncomfortable Fantastic Graphic! Get in Touch Twitter Blog #positivesignthursday work https://wakelet.com/@RaynaFreedman --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app 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.

Daniel Bauer helps out-of-the-box school leaders make change happen in education. He does this through his category-defining podcasts, book, and leadership community, “The Mastermind.”  Learn more at betterleadersbetterschools.com Key Takeaways Impostor syndrome in the silence The ABC's of professional development Make sure you address negative behaviors Seek to understand stories people tell themselves Take action on making people's passion a reality Serve others Use a pre mortem so that the best ideas are heard Bonus! ***Youtube/blog post - Book Giveaway!*** https://youtu.be/5QSg6waVewE Get in Touch Twitter LinkedIn YouTube https://betterleadersbetterschools.com Better Leaders Better School Podcast School Leadership Series Podcast Better Leaders Better Schools Roadmap (Book) --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app 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.

Bobbie French is an educational leader, presenter, blogger and podcaster from Massachusetts. Bobbie French’s career in education has spanned over 25 years.  She has served as an elementary guidance counselor, elementary classroom teacher, special education coordinator, early childhood coordinator, Title I Director, and principal. Bobbie is a lifelong learner and believes in the power of being a connected educator. She is passionate about focusing on the whole child and creating an environment where all students have a sense of belonging. She appreciates and recognizes the hard work of teachers, and is committed to supporting others to be their best for kids every day. Her passion and enthusiasm for creating a positive and engaging school culture is contagious. Bobbie is also an avid photographer and loves to tell her school's story. Key Takeaways: Build a culture of saying yes Accepting people's best when you empower Work yourself out of a job Don't make people wait for permission Use Voxer to reflect Be connected - get on twitter Join the "gift economy" Create content to share value  Resources: The Busy Principal Podcast Lead, Learn, Hope Bobbie's Website Books Mentioned: The Listening Leader The Gift Economy To Get in Touch: @bobbiefrench (on all socials) --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app 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.

Deborah or Deb Caruso the 6-12 Mathematics Curriculum Chair for the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District. Her responsibilities include teaching, evaluation and review/upkeep of the curriculum used at the middle/high school levels. However, the aspect of her position that she enjoys most and finds the most rewarding is coaching/mentoring teachers. Deb holds a BS in Mathematics from Bridgewater State, an M.Ed in Secondary Mathematics Education from Cambridge College and a CAGS in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Mathematics from New England College. Key Takeaways: Be authentic Take the time to get to know people New teachers need to be led If you see someone doing something good tell them Put feeling into evaluations Use the coloring book page theory Connect to people's individuality Protect teachers time by assigning value Self care begins with setting clear boundaries To get in touch with Deb: Email:  [email protected] 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.

Nili is currently a technology teacher and digital learning coach for Natick Public Schools in MA. Nili is passionate about bringing unconventional learning to students and colleagues, empowering them to bring their strengths and passions to school every day. After an eleven year adventure in the classroom, Nili’s technology integration role at the elementary level for the next three years pushed her to see the importance of a thriving culture and led her to write “Lead beyond Your Title: Creating Change in School from Any Role.” Nili continues to grow as a teacher and coach after taking the leap to middle school and as a MassCUE Committee Member and Champion, BrainPOP Certified Educator, and enthusiastic presenter, she is committed to sharing her passions beyond the school community and is always excited to connect with other educators. Key takeaways: All about feedback in the second half Ask what your doing well Don't let your passion dim Lead with your heart Resources: Lead beyond Your Title: Creating Change in School from Any Role https://takeittotheclassroom.wordpress.com/ Get in Touch with Nili: Twitter:  @nbartley6 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.