Today’s episode explores what new leaders need to know about managing change. Assistant principal Donna McGuire talks with Dr. Dallas Lee about leading with clarity, slowing down under pressure, and building trust when everyone is watching.

Dallas Lee, Ed.D. serves as instructional superintendent at the District of Columbia Public School system.

Donna McGuire is assistant principal PS/IS 18 – The Park Terrace School in New York City, and serves as moderator of the NAESP Assistant Principal Community of Practice.

In today’s episode, host Equetta Jones talks with Ashley Farrington and Dr. Jerod Phillips Sr. about how school leaders build the relationships and support systems that help them grow from assistant principal to principal—and thrive once they get there. This conversation explores how connection can turn leadership from isolating to inspiring.

Ashley Farrington is principal of Birchview Elementary School in Plymouth, Minnesota, 2020 NAESP National Outstanding Assistant Principal, 2025 NAESP National Distinguished Principal, and president-elect of the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association.

Dr. Jerod Phillips Sr. is principal of David E. Robinson Elementary in Magnolia, Delaware, and a 2021 NAESP National Outstanding Assistant Principal.

Equetta Jones is principal of Lovecreek Elementary School in Lewes, Delaware, 2020 NAESP National Outstanding Assistant Principal, and moderator for NAESP’s Early Career Principal Community of Practice.

Originally released 12/14/23:

We know that a great school leader can have a powerful impact on the success of a school and its students. But how exactly do we get great principals? We sat down with Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond to discuss the latest research on developing effective principals, and how policymakers, districts, and educators can ensure school leaders have what they need to grow and thrive.

Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond is President and CEO of the Learning Policy Institute. She is also the Charles E. Ducommun Professor of Education Emeritus at Stanford University where she founded the Stanford Center for Opportunity Policy in Education and served as the faculty sponsor of the Stanford Teacher Education Program, which she helped to redesign.

Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Massachusetts, and serves as fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

Dr. Scott McLeod is professor of educational leadership at the University of Colorado, Denver, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

The NAESP Principal Podcast is produced by the National Association of Elementary School Principals. Learn more about our community and membership at naesp.org.