Talking Shop: A Conversation with Educational Leaders (S. 1; E. 3)

Summary

In this conversation, Mike Randolph and Martin Aftuck interview Dr. Carolyn Hayward, the principal of Wilkinson Elementary School. They discuss Dr. Hayward's educational journey, the challenges she faced when joining Wilkinson Elementary, and the strategies she implemented to create a positive school culture. Dr. Hayward emphasizes the importance of positive parent phone calls and using social media to share the school's story. She also explains how she uses PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) to transform the school and reduce referrals. The conversation ends with Dr. Hayward sharing a pro tip for principals preparing for pre-planning week.

Keywords

educational leadership, school culture, positive parent communication, social media, PBIS, referrals, pre-planning week

Takeaways

• Building a positive school culture requires intentional efforts, such as making positive parent phone calls and using social media to share the school's story.
• Implementing PBIS can lead to a reduction in referrals and create a more positive learning environment.
• Principals should remember that no matter the challenges they face, it will be fine in the end.
• Pre-planning week involves tasks such as hiring, purchasing, and planning for the opening of the school year.
• Perception is someone else's reality, so it's important to use social media to shape the narrative and highlight the positive aspects of the school.

Sound Bites

• "We wanted to tell our own story"
• "Recognizing their children... those parents felt valued"
• "PBIS is not instead of consequences"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

03:31 Joining Wilkinson Elementary and Challenges Faced

08:13 Using Social Media to Shape the School's Narrative

10:14 Recognizing and Celebrating Student Achievements

13:04 The Impact of PBIS on Discipline and School Environment

17:38 Pre-Planning for the School Year

20:46 Tips for Principals: Stay Calm and Trust the Process