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Throwback Thursday! Started from the Bottom, Now I'm Here Originally Released On: 6-18-21 This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode: ✅ Darrion discusses how he motivates and inspires his students and school community. ✅ Darrion shares advice with other educators trying to make a positive impact with students at-risk. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today. 🎧

🎙️ Episode #137 – Roaches in My Cereal: And the Moral Imperative to Reimagine School What if some of the things we've accepted as "just the way school works" are the very things we need to rethink? I'm excited to welcome Dr. Melvin J. Brown, Superintendent in Residence at Defined, LLC, longtime educational leader, and author of Roaches in My Cereal: And the Moral Imperative to Reimagine School, to Leading Out The Woods.In this episode, we challenge ourselves to think differently about the systems and structures we've inherited in education—and what it will take to create schools that better prepare EVERY student for lifelong success. Our conversation explores: ✔️ Why there is a moral imperative to reimagine school ✔️ Challenging long-standing assumptions about education ✔️ Moving beyond practices simply because "we've always done it that way" ✔️ Creating systems that better respond to the needs of today's students ✔️ The role educational leaders play in turning bold ideas into meaningful change Reimagining school isn't simply about introducing the next program or initiative. It's about having the courage to examine what we're doing, ask whether it's still serving students, and be willing to build something better. Sometimes transformation begins with the willingness to question what we've learned to accept.

Throwback Thursday! Is Financial Literacy Working? Originally Released On: 7-15-2022 This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode: ✅ Dr. Thomas shares how we should conceptualize financial literacy. ✅ Dr. Thomas discusses barriers students and families routinely encounter when learning about financial literacy. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today.

Anchor Chat #33: The Leadership Pause In this episode of Anchor Chats, Dr. Woods reflects on The Leadership Pause and the importance of creating space between a situation and our response. He explores how leaders can resist the pressure to react immediately, instead taking time to listen, gather context, and think intentionally before making decisions. Dr. Woods reminds leaders that being responsive doesn’t mean being reactive—and sometimes the most effective leadership move is simply knowing when to pause.

Episode #136 is live! Check it out! Special Guest Patty McGee, nationally recognized literacy consultant, author, and educator, joins Dr. Woods on episode #136 of Leading Out The Woods to discuss Giving Grammar Instruction a Glow Up. In this episode, they explore why grammar instruction matters, the limitations of traditional approaches, and the mindshifts educators can make to bring grammar learning to life. Patty also shares innovative strategies from her book Not Your Granny’s Grammar, including how grammar manipulatives can make learning more engaging and meaningful for students.

Throwback Thursday! Title: Episode #27_Staff Motivation & Morale featuring Dr. Todd Whitaker  Originally Released On: 2-26-21 This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode, we: ✅ discuss the importance of staff motivation and morale in school management, ✅ provide tips on what you can do to ensure this is happening in your school. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today. 🎧

Throwback Thursday! Inside the Schoolhouse: What Great Principals Know and Do featuring Dr. John Gratto Originally Released On: 8-13-2021 This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode: ✅ Dr. Gratto shares an overview of his book, “Inside the Schoolhouse: What Great Principals Know and Do.” ✅ Dr. Gratto discusses the key concepts that assistant principals and principals can take away from the book.Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today. Don’t forget to check back every Thursday for more Throwback episodes!

🎙️ #ThrowbackThursday – Episode #103: Win the Morning! How we start the day can shape everything that follows. For this week's Leading Out The Woods Throwback Thursday, we're revisiting my conversation with Ryan Stein, principal and author of Lifeline 65: How Small Connections and Big Enthusiasm Can Change Education.In this episode, Ryan shares his inspiring “Win the Morning” philosophy and how intentionally starting each day with energy, connection, and purpose can have a lasting impact on students, staff, and school culture. We discuss: ✅ The philosophy behind “Win the Morning” ✅ How small, intentional connections can make a BIG difference ✅ Strategies for cultivating a positive and engaging school culture ✅ Why enthusiasm and relationships remain powerful tools for school leadersSometimes transforming a school doesn't begin with a new program or initiative. It begins with how we show up each morning. 🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms! Take some time to revisit this conversation and ask yourself: How are you winning the morning? 🌲

☀️ Summer Leadership Recharge: Principal Edition 🌲🎙️ Leading Through Change: Managing Transitions & Challenges Leadership is tested most during seasons of change. This week, I'm joined by Dr. Shameka Gerald, Managing Director at 2Revolutions, to discuss how school leaders can successfully navigate transitions, overcome challenges, and build resilient school communities. Together, we discuss: ✔️ Leading with confidence during uncertainty ✔️ Supporting staff through periods of change ✔️ Avoiding burnout while sustaining momentum ✔️ Building a culture of resilience and continuous growth As another school year approaches, this conversation offers practical leadership strategies to help you navigate change with clarity, confidence, and purpose. 🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms!

Episode #135 is up!  Check it out!!! Special Guest Jeff McCoy, Chief Education Officer for the Education Research & Development Institute (ERDI), joins Dr. Woods on episode #135 of Leading Out The Woods to discuss AI in K–12. In this episode, they explore the growing impact of artificial intelligence on education, discussing how school leaders can embrace innovation, navigate emerging challenges, and responsibly prepare students and educators for the future.

ThrowbackThursday! Episode #96: Games & Simulations in the Classroom Special Guest Dr. Edmond Hally, Associate Professor of Political Science at Ferrum College, joins Matt to discuss the positive effects of games on student success.

☀️ Summer Leadership Recharge: Principal Edition 🌲🎙️ Meet Their Needs And They'll Succeed Student success begins with understanding students as individuals.This week, I'm joined by Salome Thomas-EL—principal, nationally recognized speaker, and author of Meet Their Needs And They'll Succeed—for a conversation about creating schools where every student has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we explore: ✔️ Meeting students' individual needs through intentional leadership ✔️ Building school cultures rooted in relationships and belonging ✔️ Practical strategies for supporting the whole child ✔️ Creating environments where every student can reach their full potential As leaders, our greatest impact often begins with understanding the unique needs of those we serve. 🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms!

☀️ Summer Leadership Recharge: Principal Edition 🌲🎙️ Creating Impactful Professional Development Plans Professional development shouldn't be something educators attend—it should be something that transforms practice.This week, I'm joined by Dr. Stephanie Burroughs, Assistant Superintendent, to discuss how school leaders can design meaningful professional learning that empowers teachers and improves student outcomes. Together, we explore: ✔️ Building professional development with purpose ✔️ Aligning learning to school goals and teacher needs ✔️ Creating opportunities for meaningful collaboration ✔️ Moving beyond "one-and-done" professional development Whether you're planning PD for a new school year or looking to strengthen your leadership, this conversation offers practical strategies you can implement immediately. 🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms!

Anchor Chat #32: The Middle Matters In this episode, Dr. Woods challenges educators to rethink where they focus their attention by highlighting a group of students who often go unnoticed—the ones in the middle. While schools naturally devote time and resources to students who are struggling and those who are excelling, there is tremendous potential among students who are quietly meeting expectations but may not be reaching their full potential. Dr. Woods explores how intentional instruction, meaningful challenges, and a focus on growth can help these students move beyond simply being "on track" to truly thriving. This Anchor Chat encourages educators to look beyond proficiency and ask a more important question: How can we help every student maximize their potential?

☀️ Summer Leadership Recharge: Principal Edition 🌲🎙️ Strategic Goal Setting for School Success Every successful school begins with a clear vision—and intentional goals to bring that vision to life.This week, I'm joined by Dr. Donetrus Hill, High School Principal, to discuss how school leaders can create strategic goals that inspire action, build accountability, and drive meaningful improvement. Together, we discuss: ✔️ Developing goals that are focused and measurable ✔️ Aligning daily work with long-term priorities ✔️ Building staff ownership around school improvement ✔️ Keeping momentum throughout the school year As you prepare for another school year, this episode provides practical insights to help you lead with clarity and purpose. 🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms!