For principals, it can be lonely at the top. So it’s always a relief to hear from educators who have been there, done that, and are doing more to advance their leadership. Join us as we discuss best practices, innovative strategies, and pressing topics for today’s pre-K–8 principal with fellow principals and special guests from the education community.
This podcast is sponsored by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). For more information, visit www.naesp.org (http://www.naesp.org).
Publisher
National Association of Elementary School Principals
In today’s episode, “Lead with Connection in Special Education,” principal and host Equetta Jones talks to Nia Abdullah and Abby Foley from the Lead IDEA center about how principals can best approach serving the special education needs of their schools. Throughout their conversation, they cover how leaders can intentionally build systems that support staff, families, and students, and why connection is foundational to success in special education.
Nia Abdullah is a professional researcher at the University of Georgia and an educational leadership consultant.
Abby Foley is director of the Lead IDEA Center at the American Institutes for Research.
Equetta Jones is principal of Love Creek elementary school in Lewes, Delaware, and serves on the NAESP Board of Director as director of Zone 1.
31 Jul 2026
Prepare Them for Anything: Innovation, Disruption, and the Small Shifts That Matter
In today’s episode, Liz Garden and Scott McLeod from NAESP’s Center for Innovative Leadership talk with Eric Sheninger about what innovation really means in schools—and how leaders can challenge conventional thinking without simply adding more to anyone’s plate. From purposeful technology use to deeper learning, calculated risks, and small shifts in practice, this conversation explores how principals can help schools move beyond buzzwords and focus on what actually improves learning.
Eric Sheninger is an author, speaker, and former teacher and award-winning principal. He is the founder and CEO of Aspire Change EDU.
Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Massachusetts, and serves as fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.
Scott McLeod is professor of educational leadership at the University of Colorado, Denver, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.
29 Jul 2026
Little Learners, Big Hearts: Leading With Empathy and Equity in Early Learning
In today’s episode, Kim Taylor and Julie Bloss from NAESP’s Center for Early Learning Leadership talk with Jillayne Flanders and Dr. Orinthia Harris about how school leaders can begin conversations about empathy, equity, belonging, and anti-racism with young learners, staff, and families. From leading with heart to helping children see themselves represented, this conversation explores practical ways school leaders can support belonging in early learning communities.
Jillayne Flanders is an author, educational consultant, and former elementary principal.
Dr. Orinthia Harris is a former early childhood educator and founder & CEO of STEMearly LLC.
Julie Bloss, a retired principal, is fellow at the NAESP Center for Early Learning Leadership.
Kim Taylor is principal of F.X. O’Regan Early Childhood Development Center in Franklin, Massachusetts, and fellow at the NAESP Center for Early Learning Leadership.
Who has been a guest on The NAESP Principal Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Amy McElroy
Francesca Peck
Sara Lev
Donna McGuire
Sonia Matthew
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.9 / 5
14 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 29 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
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