Principal Matters: The School Leader's Podcast with William D. Parker
Principal Matters is a podcast for school leaders hosted by William D. Parker. It features conversations with educators, administrators, and friends about leadership, school culture, and practical strategies for running schools. Episodes offer encouragement and actionable ideas for principals and other education professionals. The show is designed to support school leaders in their daily work and professional growth.
Episodes
PMP522: Lessons from Coaching High School with Tony Bornhorst
A Quick Note to Listeners:
Before each week’s interview, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke take some time to answer a listener question. This week’s question is:
What do I do when I become aware of conversations in the teacher’s lounge – about my lack of support, for example – that filter their way back to my office?
Listen in to hear their response!
Meet Tony Bornh
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Let’s Proflect Together
A few weeks ago, Jen Schwanke and I talked about the term “proflection”. Proflection is a term, coined by Jen, that combines reflection and proactivity. It means reflecting on past experiences in order to make changes to future practices. This week, Jen and I spend some time proflecting about work we have done recently. Jen shares some lessons that she presented at a conference in Louisiana, wher
Fill the Gap with Trust with Darren Melton – PMP521
A Quick Note to Listeners:
Before this week’s interview Jen Schwanke and I take some time to answer a listener question. This week’s question is:
I’m a Secondary leader now tasked with coaching and supporting Elementary leaders. What advice do you have for me when I’m sometimes out of my comfort zone with their unique challenges?
Listen in to hear our response!
Meet Darren
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – “The Dog I Wanted”
What happens when what you get isn’t what you wanted? This week on Monday Matters, Jen Schwanke shares a story from her newsletter, “The Dog I Wanted,” about losing a beloved dog and learning to love a new one who was nothing like what she expected. Jen and Will connect the story to a reality every school leader knows: the staff you lead, the students you serve, and the challenges you face won’t a
I Love This Place with Patrick Erwin – PMP520
A Quick Note to Listeners:
Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and I take some time to answer a listener question. This week’s question is:
What practical ways can I increase visibility even when I get trapped in my office so often?
Listen in to hear our answer!
Meet Patrick Erwin:
Patrick M. Erwin is an educator, speaker, and leadership development specialis
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Learning From Other Leaders
The school year is in full swing, and in addition to leaders I’ve been supporting in Grow Academies, Masterminds, and one-on-on coaching, I’ve also had the privilege of gathering with leaders in person.This week I wanted to share about an opportunity I had recently to join my friend Chris LeGrande, Executive Director of Oklahoma’s secondary principal and middle-level education as
Creating Belonging, Experience, and Memories with Robyn Hamasaki – PMP519
Meet Robyn Hamasaki:
Robyn Hamasaki is Managing Director of Leadership Development for the National Principals Association, supporting efforts to develop PreK–12 school leaders, National Honor Society advisers, and student councils. Previously, she served as a teacher, assistant principal, and PreK–8 principal and helped establish the Principal Leadership Institute with the Colorado Depart
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Helping Teachers Avoid Burnout
This week on Monday Matters, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker discuss helping teachers avoid burnout. They start out the conversation by going over the differences between fatigue and burnout. Next, they spend some time talking about the benefits of proactively addressing burnout. Then, Will and Jen address the ways that school leaders can be proactive about teacher burnout. School leaders do have so
Why Rural Schools Matter with Dr. Mara Tieken – PMP518
A Quick Note to Listeners:
Before each week’s interview, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke take some time to answer a listener question. This week’s question is:
If we know best practices for strong student outcomes, why are so many schools not implementing them?
Listen in to hear their response!
Meet Mara Tieken:
Mara Casey Tieken is a professor of education at Bates C
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – A Tribute to Wendell Berry
Thinking about Wendell Berry’s Lessons for Schools
When Andy Catlett, Wendell Berry’s character, a nine-year-old boy, visits his grandparents in 1943 over a Christmas vacation, he narrates the everyday happenings of a three-day journey. In one scene, he describes his Grandma’s button box. According to Andy, everyone had button boxes in every home he visited in those days — an assortment
Teachers Are The Engine of School Success with Chien Nee – PMP 517
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: What is a story with a student, teacher or community member that reminded you why you are an educator? Listen in to hear their response! They also invite listeners […]
The post Teachers Are The Engine of School Success with Chien Nee – PMP 517
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Proflection
Happy Monday, Principal Matters Listeners! This week, Jen Schwanke and I are talking about a term called “proflection”. Coined by Jen, the term “proflection” means “proactive reflection”. Typically, reflection is a passive process, but proflection is intentionally taking charge of what you intend with your work and what you think about your work. In practice, […]
The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen S
Rooted Leadership in a Mobile World with Dr. Tyler Watkins – PMP516
A Quick Note to Listeners: Before each week’s interview, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke spend some time answering a listener question. This week’s question is: What advice would a teacher want to give to a new principal? Listen in to hear their response! Meet Tyler Watkins: Tyler Watkins, Ed.D., is the principal of Petal High […]
The post Rooted Leadership in a Mobile World with Dr. Tyler Watkins –
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – A Positive Start to the School Year
Welcome back to another episode of Monday Matters! This week, Jen Schwanke and I are discussing ways that school leaders can influence a positive start to the school year with a few shout-outs to school leaders we’ve admired. Below is a brief overview of our conversation: Now It’s Your Turn: What are some methods that […]
The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – A Positive Start
Collaborative Team Meetings: The Missing Piece with Kurtis Hewson – PMP515
A Quick Note to Listeners: Before each week’s interview, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke take some time to answer a listener question. This week’s question is: I’m new to my role as a principal after years as an AP, and I’ve set my calendar for what I believe are the most important priorities. How do […]
The post Collaborative Team Meetings: The Missing Piece with Kurtis Hewson – PMP515 appeared firs
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Examine Your Influence
Welcome back to another episode of Monday Matters! This week, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke reflect with listeners about the importance of examining your influence. Your influence matters. Every day, the way you interact with students, teachers, colleagues, and families contributes to the emotional and cultural atmosphere around you. Are you helping others breathe healthy […]
The post MONDAY MATTER
Lessons from Beekeeping with Dr. Fernando Branch – PMP514
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’ve joined a new team and I want to build trust without coming across as too eager to be accepted, if that makes sense. What’s the balanced way to […]
The post Lessons from Beekeeping with Dr. Fernando Branch – PMP514 appeared first on Princi
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Weather vs. Climate
This week on Monday Matters, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke discuss a recent newsletter from Jen, “Weather vs. Climate”. Jen starts out the episode recounting a time that she got caught in an unexpected storm while on a run. She then goes on to talk about how sometimes unexpected storms pop up in leadership. Leaders […]
The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Weather vs. Climate
Cornerstones of Effective Schools with Dr. Darin Thompson – PMP513
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 wanting to intentionally develop leaders on my team. Ideas or suggestions? Listen in to hear their repsonse! Meet Dr. Darin Thompson: Darin A. Thompson, PhD, is a veteran […]
The post Cornerstones of Effective Schools with Dr. Darin Thomps
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – What Kind of Day is It?
This week on Monday Matters, Jen Schwanke and I take some time to talk about decision making. Inspired by a newsletter Jen recently wrote, we talk about how it’s important to make decisions on an average day, not a really good day or a really bad one. School leaders make a lot of decisions each […]
The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – What Kind of Day is It? appeared first o
PMP512: Forgiveness Looking Like Nachos with Dr. Will Darter
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: How can I set the tone on Day #1? Listen in to hear their response! Meet Will Darter: Dr. Will Darter is a rural school superintendent, author, presenter, speaker, […]
The post PMP512: Forgiveness Looking Like Nachos with Dr. Will Darter appe
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – First Day of School Reminders
First Days of School Reminders William D. Parker This post is reprinted from an archived one we shared in 2019. Jenny is a returning student at her high school. She has a part-time job, which keeps her up late most nights. When she arrives late to school, she has already missed breakfast, and she’s tardy. […]
The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – First Day of School Reminders
PMP511: Creating a Greenhouse Culture with Mike Hayes & Ashley Pacholewski
A Quick Note to Listeners: Before this week’s interview, Will Parker takes some time to ask Jen Schwanke about recording an audio book version of her book, You’re the Principal Now What? Here is a link to purchase the book! https://www.echopointbooks.com/cart/add/?id=45972673560749&quantity=1 Use code PRINCIPAL30 for a 30% discount! Follow this 30-second demo to learn how […]
The post PMP511: Cre
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Book Talk
In this week’s Monday Matters episode, Jen and I grabbed four of the last books we’ve read, and shared a few takeaways from each for listeners looking for good reads this summer: Will’s List: The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan KamaliA compelling novel tracing the history of Iran from the 1970s through the Revolution […]
The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Book Talk appeared
PMP510: Redefining Leadership Through Relational Intelligence with Brad Johnson and Rachel Edoho-Eket
A Quick Note to Listners: 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 thinking about retiring in a year, but I want to do something part time. What are some options you’ve learned about consulting that I might be able to […]
The post PMP510: Redefining Leadership Through Relational Intelligence with Brad Joh
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Lessons in Sailing Upwind
Lessons in Sailing Upwind William D. Parker, July 9, 2026 When my friend Dave Sandowich, a retired principal with 20+ years of admin experience, invited me to go sailing with me off the Chesapeake Bay, I was thrilled. This would be the third time he had taken me on the water, and my son Jack, […]
The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Lessons in Sailing Upwind appeared first o
PMP509: A Complaint Free World with Will Bowen
Meet Will Bowen Will Bowen is an internationally recognized speaker, author, and founder of the Complaint Free® Movement. This movement has inspired millions of people across more than 100 countries to live with greater positivity and personal accountability. He is best known for his bestselling book A Complaint-Free World, which introduced a simple yet powerful […]
The post PMP509: A Complaint Fr
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – The Problem with Certainty
Welcome back to another episode of Monday Matters! This week, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke talk about the problem with certainty. Certainty is not a bad thing. It is very soothing and comforting for us, but it doesn’t equal growth. In fact, being certain is a terrible substitute for growth. The idea of leadership as […]
The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – The Problem with C
PMP508: Rigor, Routines, and Relationships with Dina Langston & Stacey James
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: How can I discover my teacher’s unique “professional work languages?” Listen in to hear their response! You can use these questions to help discover those “work languages”: How do […]
The post PMP508: Rigor, Routines, and Relationships with Di
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Why Vacation Matters
Today’s Monday Matters discusses the importance of summertime for mental break and the importance of disengagement from the worries. Will Parker and Jen Schwanke discuss the benefits of giving yourself a mental break from the stress of a leadership job. They talk about how taking a break will make the next school year better, and […]
The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Why
PMP507: Steady Leadership with Paden Morris
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: What would you say is the solution for the current state of decline in U.S. schools? Listen in to hear their response! Meet Paden Morris: Paden Morris serves as […]
The post PMP507: Steady Leadership with Paden Morris appeared first on Princip
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – 10 Lessons from Masterminds
In this week’s Monday Matters, I share with Jen a list of 10 takeaways from learning I’ve experienced with leadership groups this past school year. We discuss several of them together and how these lessons have stood out in our thinking and growth. Here are 10 takeaways we explored together: Listen in for the whole […]
The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – 10 Lessons from Mas
PMP506: Hope Is A Strategy with Jamie Meade
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: What is the difference between procedures and systems? Listen in to hear their response, and thank you for doing what matters! Meet Jamie Meade: With a career spanning over […]
The post PMP506: Hope Is A Strategy with Jamie Meade appeared firs
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Let Them Theory
Will Parker and Jen Schwanke spend this Monday Matters episode discussing one of Jen’s recent newsletters about the “let them” theory. The central thesis of their discussion is that school leaders can’t control other people’s emotions. They talk about how leading sometimes means making decisions that people disagree with, and being okay with that. Whether […]
The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwa
PMP505: A School Leader’s Playbook for Tough Conversations with Erika Bare & Tiffany Burns
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 want to say yes to new opportunities outside my building without neglecting my first commitments to my school. Is it possible to do both? Listen in to hear […]
The post PMP505: A School Leader’s Playbook for Tough Conversations with Erika Ba
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Learning From Asparagus
This week on Monday Matters, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke reflect on a story that Jen recently shared in her newsletter. She shares the story of watching the asparagus her father planted to see if it would grow, only for it to grow when she wasn’t watching it. Will and Jen take some time to […]
The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Learning From Asparagus appeared first on Pr
PMP504: Ready to Lead with AI with Dr. Kip Glazer
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 working hard, doing good work, of course not perfectly, but I’m beginning to feel stuck. How do I keep myself from becoming complacent as a leader? Listen in […]
The post PMP504: Ready to Lead with AI with Dr. Kip Glazer appeared first on
PMP503: Time, Tools, and Tactics of Instructional Leadership with TJ Vari & Joseph Jones
A Quick Note to Listeners: Before this week’s episode Will Parker and Jen Schwanke take some time to answer a listener question. This week’s question is: How do you know when you should stay or leave? I’m in a place in my career where I’m wanting to do something different and not finding as much […]
The post PMP503: Time, Tools, and Tactics of Instructional Leadership with TJ Vari & Joseph Jones a
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – The Perspective Question
This week’s episode of Monday Matters is about shifting one’s perspective. Will Parker and Jen Schwanke consider a question about perspective that Jen recently wrote about in her newsletter. The question is: “If every person in the world wrote down their problems and put them in a hat, would you risk taking on someone else’s […]
The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – The Persp
PMP502: Strategies for Effective Leadership with Dr. Erica Buchanan-Rivera
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’ve said yes to a new position within the district. How do I leave my current school in the best way possible while also doing my best to get […]
The post PMP502: Strategies for Effective Leadership with Dr. Erica Buchanan-Rivera appeared fir
MONDAY MATTERS: Making an Impact with Ohio Mastermind Members
In this episode of Monday Matters, Will Parker brings together a group of school leaders from Ohio who participate in an ongoing Impact Mastermind in partnership with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, Adkins & Company, LLC, and Principal Matters, LLC. The conversation centers on how collective coaching and collaboration strengthen leadership practice and […]
The post MONDAY MATTERS:
PMP501: Developing Teacher Leaders with Dr. Chris Jochum
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’ve been leading short-handed with an Assistant Principal on leave and without the kind of support I’ve wanted from my central office. Any advice for wrapping up a school […]
The post PMP501: Developing Teacher Leaders with Dr. Chris Jochum a
MONDAY MATTERS: “What Would Mastermind Do?” with Archdiocese of Louisville School Leaders
In this special episode of Monday Matters, I had the privilege of sitting down with members of a leadership mastermind group from the Archdiocese of Louisville Catholic Schools in Kentucky. Recorded during Kentucky Derby season, I affectionately referred to this group as my “Derby Mastermind.” Together, we reflected on how collective coaching, mentorship, collaboration, and […]
The post MONDAY MAT
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 […]
The post PMP500: Celebrating 500 Conversations in School Lead
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 […]
The post MONDAY MATTERS: Jedi Lessons from Legacy Mastermind Leaders appea
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 […]
The post PMP499: Cultivating Educator Wellness with Dr. Alli
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 […]
The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Welcome to May-cember appeare
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 […]
The post PMP498: Rethinking High School with Dr. Dominique Smith appeared first
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Wayward Solutions
Recently, Jen Schwanke shared a newsletter about wayward solutions. She and I spent this week’s episode of Monday Matters discussing solutions. Specifically, we talk about how solving a problem can sometimes lead to even more problems down the road. In school leadership, we are constantly trying to find solutions to problems, but we have to […]
The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Pa
PMP497: Magic Acronyms with Andrew Marotta
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 a new principal and preparing for my first meeting to let a teacher know we won’t be renewing their contract for next year. Any tips on how to […]
The post PMP497: Magic Acronyms with Andrew Marotta appeared first on Principal Matters.
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Staying Connected to the Work
This week, Jen Schwanke and I talk about the importance of proximity and presence in our work with schools. I hope the ideas remind you of the power of being connected and visible with those whom you serve, no matter, what role you play. You read more thoughts in the short post I wrote below. […]
The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Staying Connected to the Work appeared fir
PMP496: Crisis-Tested Strategies with Lauren Berlin
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 planning PD for next year and want to pour into my leadership team. Suggestions for making my good intentions a reality? Listen in to hear their response! Meet […]
The post PMP496: Crisis-Tested Strategies with Lauren Berlin appeared first
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Getting Through Hard Times
This week on Monday Matters Jen Schwanke and Will Parker take some time to talk about finding solace in work during hard times. Every leader experiences bad days and hard times, and we respond to them in a variety of ways. Some people need to be alone when they grieve, while some people need to […]
The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Getting Through Hard Times appeared firs
PMP495: The Fierce-Hearted Leader with Leanne Nicol
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 am an AP, and I’ve been invited to apply for a principal position. What should I keep in mind as I step into a series of upcoming interviews? […]
The post PMP495: The Fierce-Hearted Leader with Leanne Nicol appeared first on Principal Matter
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – The Expectation Conversation
This week on Monday Matters, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker take some time to talk about building trust through communication. Specifically, they focus on how school leaders can build trust with other leaders on their team. In leadership teams, there is a high need for trust and clarity among team members because they are handling […]
The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – The E
PMP494: Rethinking Walkthroughs with Mark Shellinger
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: What are some rules of thumb I should keep in mind if I’m on an interview committee? Listen in to hear their response! Meet Mark Shellinger: Mark Shellinger is […]
The post PMP494: Rethinking Walkthroughs with Mark Shellinger appeared first on
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Why Your Mindset Matters
Why Your Growth Mindset Matters William D. Parker, March 19, 2026 I’ve been thinking about growth a lot lately. Maybe it’s because it’s spring, and the past two weekends I’ve found myself kneeling in the dirt, pulling weeds, trimming back perennials, and hoping for the burst of life that comes into gardens and trees. Another […]
The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Why Your
PMP493: Building, Designing, and Leading with Ann Cummins Bogan
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’ve been invited to apply to a school but the time available to interview is not when I’m able to be there. Should I go around the person who […]
The post PMP493: Building, Designing, and Leading with Ann Cummins Bogan appeared first on Princ
MONDAY MATTERS – Mission-Driven Leadership with Trevor Timmerberg
This week on Monday Matters, we are taking time to learn from Dr. Trevor Timmerberg, who serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Louisville, where he supports principals and school leaders in advancing Catholic identity, academic excellence, and mission-driven leadership across the district. A former principal of Saint Mary Academy, […]
The post MONDAY MA
PMP492: Culture of Collaboration with Dr. Matthew McDaniel
A Quick Note to Listeners: Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker take some time to answer a listener question. This week’s question is: What advice do you have for maintaining a healthy marriage while being an educator? Listen in to hear their response! Also, here’s a post Will wrote before called, Rowing […]
The post PMP492: Culture of Collaboration with Dr. Matthew McDaniel
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Trust at the Crux
In this week’s episode of Monday Matters, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke discuss a post from Jen’s newsletter entitled “Trust at the Crux”. Inspired by Jen’s experience in middle school, she describes trust not as an emotion and a judgement. Their conversation then moves on to building and maintaining trust as a principal. Principals always […]
The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Park
PMP491: Navigating the Future of Education with Dr. John Spencer
A Quick Notes to Listeners: Before this week’s episode, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke take some time to answer a listener question. This week’s question is: How do I manage parents (without losing my patience) who come to conversations with the assumption that educators cannot be trusted? Listen in to hear their response! Meet John […]
The post PMP491: Navigating the Future of Education with Dr. Jo
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Lessons from Coaching Leaders
Welcome back to another episode of Monday Matters! This week, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke are taking some time to reflect on lessons they have learned through coaching school leaders. Listen in to hear the full conversation! This week’s episode was inspired by a post written by Will. You can read it below: Lessons learned […]
The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Lessons fro
PMP490: Rural School Leadership with Eric Nichols
Some people have begun to refer to Dr. Eric Nicols as “The Rural School Leader,” and no wonder. Dr. Nichols has dedicated his career to championing the students and communities of rural Eastern Oregon. Serving as both Principal and Head Boys’ Basketball Coach at Crane Union High School, one of the nation’s last public boarding […]
The post PMP490: Rural School Leadership with Eric Nichols appeared
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Tips for Interviewing
Welcome back to another episode of Monday Matters! This week, Jen Schwanke and I are talking about interview tips for educators. We share practical interview tips and tell some stories about times that interviews did not go well for us. Today’s topic was inspired by one of Jen’s recent newsletters, you can read it here. […]
The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Tips for Inter
ENCORE FRIDAY – PMP412: The Principal’s Journey with Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket
For the final Friday of Black History Month, the exceptional educator highlighted this week is Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket. She is a wife, mother, principal, public speaker, and author, and has decades of experience in public education. During her educational career, she has proudly served as a classroom teacher, instructional team leader, mentor teacher, Assistant Principal, […]
The post ENCORE FRIDAY
PMP489: Leading with Heart and Strategy with Blaine Wise
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 particularly loaded, so it will be answered in two parts, with part two coming out next week. The question is: I’m a longtime listener and am reaching out because […]
The post PMP489: Leading with Heart and Strategy with Blaine Wise appeared fi
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Stretching Students Beyond the Test
This week’s Monday Matters episode is a longer response to a listener question covered in the Q&A portion of Principal Matters Podcast. The question is: “As a system leader, how do you encourage teachers in high-performing schools to go beyond “my students do well on the tests” or even other administrators, “have you seen our […]
The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Stretchi
ENCORE FRIDAY – PMP268: Equity, Equality, and Systems with Enid Lee
Happy Friday! Our encore episode for the third week of Black History Month is an interview with Enid Lee. She is a front-line educator, an anti-racist professional development specialist, leadership coach, writer and community builder. Originally recorded in 2021, this conversation is as relevant in 2026 as it was then. Listen in to hear the […]
The post ENCORE FRIDAY – PMP268: Equity, Equality, a
PMP488: Empowering Student Voices with PAHS Principal Advisory Committee
A Quick Note to Listeners: Before this week’s interview, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke take some time to answer a listener’s question. This week’s question is: As a system leader, how do you encourage teachers in high-performing schools to go beyond “my students do well on the tests” or even other administrators, “have you seen […]
The post PMP488: Empowering Student Voices with PAHS Principal Advi
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Leadership Lessons From an Admiral
Welcome back to Monday Matters! Recently, Will attended his nephew’s naval flight school graduation. While at the graduation, an Admiral gave a speech to the graduates that centered around these three main points: Know your mission, be decisive, and invest in your people. This week, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke take some time to reflect […]
The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker
ENCORE FRIDAY – PMP452: Reaching Every Student with Dr. Tracie Anderson Swilley
I am excited re-release this interview with Dr. Tracie Anderson Swilley for the second Friday of Black History Month. With over 12 years of school leadership, Dr. Swilley was the 2025 National Principal of the Year. Currently, she is serving as the Assistant Superintendent at Fairfield Central School District in Winnsboro, South Carolina. To learn […]
The post ENCORE FRIDAY – PMP452: Reaching Ever
PMP487: Leaning Into Student Leadership with Paul Branagan
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 struggling with how to best reach our teachers with clear communication. What systems help with clarity and consistency with staff, without depending on a single communication channel? Listen […]
The post PMP487: Leaning Into Student Leade
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Some Thoughts on AI
Welcome back to another episode of Monday Matters. This week, Will and Jen are discussing a conference Jen recently attended that was dedicated to the topic of AI in schools. Some of what is covered in this conversation include cautions for schools. Schools are currently being sold lots of different AI products, and they need […]
The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Some Tho
ENCORE FRIDAY – PMP362: Be the Driving Force with Dr. Don Parker
Happy Friday, Principal Matters Listeners! In honor of Black History Month, I am re-releasing interviews from some exceptional educators that I have had the privilege of interviewing over the years. This week’s encore episode is an interview with Dr. Don Parker. Don is a former teacher and principal who is currently working to support teachers […]
The post ENCORE FRIDAY – PMP362: Be the Driving Fo
PMP486: The Cost of Happiness for Education Leaders with Elizabeth Dampf
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: What Self-Reflection Practices work for you? Listen in to hear their response! You can find the link to the self-assessment questions mentioned here. Meet Elizabeth Dampf: Elizabeth Dampf is […]
The post PMP486: The Cost of Happiness for Educa
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Financial Wellness
This week on Monday Matters, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke take some time to talk about financial wellness for educators. They talk about the importance of making sure that your financial house is in order in the event that a new or different job opportunity comes up. Finances can either be an anchor that is […]
The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Financial Wellness appeared
PMP485: Preventing Trauma Before it Happens with Dr. Jan Harrell
A Quick Note to Listeners: Before this week’s interview, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke take some time to answer a listener question. —- The Question of the Week is supported by Summer Pops Math Workbooks. Principals, when students practice math over the summer, math scores go up. What’s your summer math plan this year? A […]
The post PMP485: Preventing Trauma Before it Happens with Dr. Jan Harrell
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Keeping Challenges in Perspective
This week on Monday Matters, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke take some time to talk about the challenges and emotional burdens faced everyday by school leaders. They highlight the importance of self-reflection practices and finding hope in trying times, and emphasize the importance of keeping challenges in perspective. This post was inspired by a blog […]
The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and
PMP484: Brain-Body Literacy with Trish Keiller
A Quick Note to Listeners: Before this week’s interview, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke take some time to answer a listener question. —- The Question of the Week is supported by Summer Pops Math Workbooks. Principals, when students practice math over the summer, math scores go up. What’s your summer math plan this year? A […]
The post PMP484: Brain-Body Literacy with Trish Keiller appeared first on
Recommended
Learn English B1 with Daily News | English Listening Practice
Talk About Talk - Executive & Leadership Communication Skills
English with Olivia | Slow Conversations & Vocabulary
Stand In The Circle
SLOW ENGLISH PODCAST (A1-A2) With Subtitles | Daily Videos | English With Us Podcast
Learn English A2 with Daily News | Simple English Listening Practice
پلی لیست | PlayList
Conspiracy Files with Paige Carter
Bad Friends
Learn 50 English Phrases While You Sleep | Everyday English Phrases & Vocabulary
This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
Dateline NBC
