Dive into the stories of K-12 school principals and assistant principals from across the country! We'll be exploring their journey, their challenges, and the game-changing moves they’re making to transform education.
Whether you’re an educator, an administrator, or just passionate about the future of learning, this is the place for you. Each episode, you’ll hear real talk about leadership, from innovative strategies to support students and staff, to navigating the challenges of modern education. Plus, we’ll uncover what makes each school unique.
We keep it fun and conversational, digging into what matters most to our guests, like their top leadership principles and real-world problem-solving. You’ll leave each episode inspired with fresh ideas and practical tips you can use in your own school community.
Principals of Change is brought to you by SmartPass, the digital hall pass solution that replaces traditional pass systems to increase student accountability, minimize disruptions, and maximize class time.
The Power of the Pause: Leading with Emotional Intelligence
Host Michelle Dawn Mooney interviews Principal Marisol Lockhart, who highlights the power of emotional intelligence and pausing to cultivate trust and connection in community-centered school leadership.
1 Jul 2025
The Importance of Relational Intelligence in School Administration
Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket discusses relational intelligence as the key to exceptional school leadership, emphasizing authentic connections to build trust and inspire transformation in schools in this interview.
2 Jun 2025
Innovation, Equity, and the Power of AI in Education
Principal Ashley Moore discusses her journey as a transformational school leader, emphasizing vulnerability, adaptability, and equity, while integrating AI tools to empower students and educators in this interview.
1 May 2025
Leading with Heart: How Principal Michael Conklin is Transforming a Small School Community
In this episode, host Michelle Dawn Mooney speaks with Michael Conklin, Principal of Eldred Junior/Senior High School and a dedicated educator with over 14 years of experience, including roles in teaching, special education, and school leadership. As a “girl dad” of three and a passionate principal, Conklin discusses his holistic approach to leadership—balancing high expectations, mental health support, and student empowerment. He shares the importance of relationship-building, innovative programs like SmartPass and Hope Squad, and fostering a school environment where every student is known and supported.
17 Dec 2024
Driving Change Beyond the Classroom
In this episode of the Principles of Change podcast, host Lee speaks with Ashley Harbel, an assistant principal at Timberlane Regional High School, about her journey in education, particularly her work in Holocaust and genocide education. Ashley shares her experiences teaching sensitive topics, the importance of student voice, and her efforts to implement restorative practices in her school. The conversation highlights the significance of personal connections in education and the role of technology in preserving survivor testimonies.
Takeaways
Ashley Harbel's journey in education began with teaching the Diary of Anne Frank.
Teaching sensitive topics requires open communication with parents and students.
Personal connections, like survivor testimonies, enhance the learning experience.
Restorative practices focus on learning from mistakes rather than punishment.
Student voice is crucial for creating a positive school climate.
Technology can help preserve and share survivor stories.
Educators should continuously learn and grow to set an example for students.
Collaboration among teachers, students, and administration is key to effective change.
Empowering students leads to a stronger sense of community.
Holocaust and genocide education is essential for fostering understanding and empathy.
Chapters
00:00: Introduction to Ashley Harbel and Her Journey
06:11: Navigating Sensitive Topics in Education
11:49: Transitioning from Classroom to Administration
17:51: Empowering Student Voices for Positive Change
10 Dec 2024
Transforming Schools into Community Hubs
In this episode of Principles of Change, host Lee speaks with Dan Harding, the principal of Kent Island High School, about his journey from special education teacher to principal. They discuss the importance of fostering a diverse range of extracurricular activities, the implementation of an innovative advisory program, and the significance of cultivating lifelong learners in the school community. Dan emphasizes the need for student engagement and the role of trusted adults in supporting students' academic and personal growth.
Takeaways
Dan Harding transitioned from special education to principal over a decade.
He emphasizes the importance of extracurricular activities beyond sports.
Over two-thirds of students at Kent Island High School are involved in activities.
The school has a variety of clubs, including Dungeons and Dragons and debate.
Engagement in school activities helps improve discipline and test scores.
The advisory program was implemented to support student needs and engagement.
Students can choose activities based on their interests during advisory periods.
The school tracks student engagement and trusted adult relationships.
Dan believes in recognizing students who show improvement, not just high achievers.
Lifelong learning is encouraged through diverse opportunities and support.t
Sound Bites
"We track as much information as we have."
"If you want to do it, let's do it."
"You can't fake it, you have to love it."
"We've seen great benefit from it."
Chapters
00:00 Journey from Teacher to Principal
08:06 Fostering Extracurricular Engagement
15:02 Implementing the Advisory Program
20:51: Cultivating Lifelong Learners
3 Dec 2024
What Principals Want Parents to Understand
In this episode of Principles of Change, host Lee and guest Britt White discuss the insights gathered from over 100 principals regarding their experiences and challenges in school leadership. They emphasize the importance of parent-principal partnerships, the balancing act of addressing individual student needs while considering the entire school community, and the evolving role of principals in managing discipline. The conversation also touches on the isolation principals often feel and the need for positive interactions with parents to foster a supportive school environment.
26 Nov 2024
Empowering Students to Take Ownership of The Education Process
Lee speaks with Douglas Weatherholt, principal of Lakeside High School in OH, about innovative educational practices and leadership strategies. They discuss the introduction of a drone technology class and other unique programs aimed at engaging students and preparing them for future careers. Douglas emphasizes the importance of intentional leadership, professional development, and embracing technology in education to meet the diverse needs of students.
19 Nov 2024
The Marathon of School Administration
In this episode of the Principles of Change podcast, host Lee speaks with Kristin Kaufman, an assistant principal at Milford High School, about her journey from journalism to education leadership. They discuss the challenges of balancing work and personal life, the importance of mental health support for students, and innovative strategies for fostering a positive school environment. Kristin shares insights on building relationships with teachers and students, addressing the impact of social media on mental health, and the exciting trend of focusing on career readiness in education.
12 Nov 2024
Blending Art and Academics for Student Success
We’re joined by Derek Stampone, an Assistant Principal at the High School of Fashion Industries, right in the heart of New York City’s Garment District. Derek helps lead a dynamic school of over 1,600 students in a unique setting—a 10-story building where students major in everything from Fashion Design to Software Development. Today, we’ll chat about how he’s navigating leadership in such a creative environment, how he involves students in decision-making processes, and more.
12 Nov 2024
Leading with Authenticity and Legacy
We’re joined by Bryant Bednarek, principal of Berlin High School in Wisconsin and a proud 2003 graduate of the same school. Bryant’s deep connection to Berlin and his passion for maintaining both its strong traditions and its forward-looking vision make him the perfect leader to guide the school into the future.
Berlin High School prides itself on excellence—whether it’s their pristine facilities, successful athletic programs, or innovative educational opportunities. Today, we’ll hear about how Bryant is preserving that legacy while still shaking things up.
7 Nov 2024
(Trailer) Principals of Change: Actionable Insights for K-12 School Leaders
Introducing Principals of Change, a podcast where we dive into the stories of K-12 school principals and assistant principals from across the country! We'll be exploring their journey, their challenges, and the game-changing moves they’re making to transform education.
Whether you’re an educator, an administrator, or just passionate about the future of learning, this is the place for you. Each episode, you’ll hear real talk about leadership, from innovative strategies to support students and staff, to navigating the challenges of modern education.
We keep it fun and conversational, digging into what matters most to our guests, like their top leadership principles and real-world problem-solving. You’ll leave each episode inspired with fresh ideas and practical tips you can use in your own school community.
Principals of Change is brought to you by SmartPass, the digital hall pass solution that replaces traditional pass systems to increase student accountability, minimize disruptions, and maximize class time.
Who has been a guest on Principals of Change
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Marisol Lockhart
Dr Rachel Edoho-Eket
Ashley Moore
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
9 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 26 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
33
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
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