Next Man Up: An MCEL Podcast

About Next Man Up: An MCEL Podcast

Next Man Up amplifies the voices and experiences of men of color in educational leadership. Hosted by Kareem Thomas, the podcast explores the triumphs, challenges, and pivotal moments that shape leaders breaking barriers and driving systemic change in education. Through candid conversations and expert insights, Next Man Up inspires listeners to embrace their unique power, build community, and foster mentorship. Whether you’re a current leader, aspiring changemaker, or ally, this podcast will empower you to step up and make an impact. The next man up could be you!

Publisher

Men of Color in Educational Leadership

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

21 Jan 2025

Latest episode

20 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

23 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   20 Oct 2026

   Year One: What Every New Principal Needs To Know

   About This Episode In this episode of Next Man Up, host Kareem Thomas sits down with experienced school leaders Dr. Presley Charles and Ryan Stokeling to discuss the realities of navigating a school principal's first year. They share practical insights on building strong teams, managing staff and parent relationships, establishing a positive school culture, and balancing leadership demands with personal well-being. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, adaptability, and leading with confidence as you navigate the challenges of stepping into the principalship. Whether you're an aspiring principal, a first-year school leader, or a seasoned educator, this episode offers valuable lessons, encouragement, and strategies for leading successfully. About Dr. Presley Charles Dr. Presley L. Charles was born in Freeport, Bahamas, and raised in Pompano Beach, Florida, by parents who immigrated to Florida from Haiti. A servant and human-centered leader, Dr. Charles has built his career around developing people, transforming organizations, and creating systems that help both students and leaders thrive. Charles currently serves as Principal of Howell L. Watkins Middle School in the School District of Palm Beach County. Throughout his career, he has served in multiple leadership roles, including Assistant Principal and Manager of Leadership Development for the School District’s Professional Growth Department. His leadership journey has spanned multiple school districts across Florida and Georgia, and he is known for improving school culture, strengthening leadership capacity, and increasing opportunities and outcomes for students. Beyond the principalship, Dr. Charles founded PLC Educational Group, where he provides leadership coaching, mentoring, and professional learning focused on helping leaders move from vision to execution. He recently completed his John Maxwell Leadership Certification and is a member of Leadership Florida. His work centers on a simple belief: sustainable transformation requires strong systems, empowered people, and leaders who never lose sight of the human beings at the center of the work. About Ryan Stokeling Ryan Stokeling is the principal of Katherine Johnson Global Academy in Baltimore City and a passionate servant leader committed to expanding opportunities for students and developing the educators who serve them. His leadership journey has taken him from fourth-grade English Language Arts teacher to climate manager and assistant principal, and now to principal. During his first year, he led his school community in significantly reducing chronic absenteeism. In his second year, Ryan is focused on building a new leadership team, strengthening school culture, and ensuring every student experiences excellence. About the Podcast Next Man Up amplifies the voices of men of color in education. Hosted by Kareem Thomas, it explores the challenges and triumphs of educational leaders who drive systemic change. The podcast empowers current and aspiring leaders to embrace their power and make an impact. Learn More: To learn more about the Next Man Up podcast or to be a guest, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mcelleaders.org/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (http://mcelleaders.org/podcast) or follow us on social media at @mcelleaders.

2. 

   2 Jul 2026

   Leading with Support, Not Just Accountability, Pt. 2

   About this Episode In Part 2 of this conversation, Next Man Up: The MCEL Podcast host Kareem Thomas continues his discussion with Dr. Ariel Lajara and Dr. Renny Lajara on the question, Who Has the Principal's Back? Together, they explore what meaningful support for school leaders really looks like and why trust, coaching, mentorship, and strong relationships matter. Through honest stories and practical insights, they share how district leaders can help principals grow, navigate challenges, and lead with confidence. If you are a principal, assistant principal, district leader, or aspiring administrator, this episode offers valuable leadership lessons that will inspire and strengthen your practice. About Dr. Ariel Lajara Dr. Ariel Lajara serves as the Assistant Superintendent for the School District of Philadelphia. With an extensive background as a turnaround principal and educator, he specializes in leveraging data-driven strategies to foster systemic equity and sustainable school improvement. Dr. Lajara is a dedicated advocate for inclusive leadership and frequently delivers keynote addresses and coaching in both English and Spanish to support diverse teams. In 2026, he was selected to lead the Vineland, New Jersey, School District as superintendent. About Dr. Renny Lajara Dr. Renny Lajara is an accomplished educational leader with more than 20 years of experience in public education and currently serves as an Assistant Superintendent in the School District of Philadelphia. Beginning in July, he will assume the role of Superintendent of the Bethlehem Area School District. Originally from the Dominican Republic and a proud product of Philadelphia public schools, Dr. Lajara is widely recognized for his commitment to equity, student success, and building high-performing school communities through authentic, student-centered leadership. About the Podcast Next Man Up amplifies the voices of men of color in education. Hosted by Kareem Thomas, it explores the challenges and triumphs of educational leaders who drive systemic change. The podcast empowers current and aspiring leaders to embrace their power and make an impact. Learn More: To learn more about the Next Man Up podcast or to be a guest, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mcelleaders.org/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (http://mcelleaders.org/podcast) or follow us on social media at @mcelleaders.

3. 

   14 Jun 2026

   Leading with Support, Not Just Accountability, Pt. 1

   About this Episode In Part 1 of this powerful conversation, Next Man Up: The MCEL Podcast host Kareem Thomas sits down with Dr. Ariel Lajara and Dr. Renny Lajara to explore a question at the heart of educational leadership: Who Has the Principal's Back? Together, they examine what it means to lead with support, not just accountability, and discuss the critical role system leaders play in developing, encouraging, and sustaining principals. Through honest reflections and real-world experiences, they unpack the importance of trust, mentorship, psychological safety, and authentic relationships in building strong schools and stronger leaders. Whether you're a principal, assistant principal, district leader, or aspiring administrator, this conversation offers practical insights and honest reflections on the kind of support that helps leaders grow, persevere, and thrive. About Dr. Ariel Lajara Dr. Ariel Lajara serves as the Assistant Superintendent for the School District of Philadelphia. With an extensive background as a turnaround principal and educator, he specializes in leveraging data-driven strategies to foster systemic equity and sustainable school improvement. Dr. Lajara is a dedicated advocate for inclusive leadership and frequently delivers keynote addresses and coaching in both English and Spanish to support diverse teams. In 2026, he was selected to lead the Vineland, New Jersey, School District as superintendent. About Dr. Renny Lajara Dr. Renny Lajara is an accomplished educational leader with more than 20 years of experience in public education and currently serves as an Assistant Superintendent in the School District of Philadelphia. Beginning in July, he will assume the role of Superintendent of the Bethlehem Area School District. Originally from the Dominican Republic and a proud product of Philadelphia public schools, Dr. Lajara is widely recognized for his commitment to equity, student success, and building high-performing school communities through authentic, student-centered leadership. About the Podcast Next Man Up amplifies the voices of men of color in education. Hosted by Kareem Thomas, it explores the challenges and triumphs of educational leaders who drive systemic change. The podcast empowers current and aspiring leaders to embrace their power and make an impact. Learn More: To learn more about the Next Man Up podcast or to be a guest, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mcelleaders.org/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (http://mcelleaders.org/podcast) or follow us on social media at @mcelleaders.

Who has been a guest on Next Man Up: An MCEL Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Raymond Roy-Pace
• Dr Wardell Hunter
• Errin Smith
• Dr Arman Lakes
• Dr Chuck Curtis

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.8 / 5

6 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

8 ratings