{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "type": "PodcastSeries", "name": "Principals of Change", "url": "https://www.k12podcasts.com/podcasts/principals-of-change", "dateModified": "2026-10-29T01:30:19.719Z", "tagline": "Dive into the stories of K-12 school principals and assistant principals from across the country!", "description": "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. 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A Bronx native and graduate of Vassar College, Marisol has served NYC public schools for over two decades, bringing passion, emotional intelligence, and a deep commitment to community-centered leadership. She began her journey through the NYC Teaching Fellows Program and became a…", "speaker": [], "listen": { "spotify": null, "youtube": null, "original": "https://www.smartpass.app/podcast" } }, { "type": "PodcastEpisode", "position": 11, "name": "The Importance of Relational Intelligence in School Administration", "url": "https://www.k12podcasts.com/podcasts/principals-of-change/the-importance-of-relational-intelligence-in-school-administration", "datePublished": "2025-07-01", "dateText": "2025-07-01", "duration": "PT32M55S", "durationText": "32:55", "description": "Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket is a wife, mother, principal, bestselling author, speaker, adjunct professor, and the 2025 President of the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals. As the leader of a National Blue Ribbon School, she is recognized for her strong instructional leadership, her passion for equity and advocacy, and her ability to mentor the next generation of educators. Named one of the Top 100 Influencers in Education by District Administration magazine, Dr. Edoho-Eket’s…", "speaker": [], "listen": { "spotify": null, "youtube": null, "original": "https://www.smartpass.app/podcast" } }, { "type": "PodcastEpisode", "position": 10, "name": "Innovation, Equity, and the Power of AI in Education", "url": "https://www.k12podcasts.com/podcasts/principals-of-change/innovation-equity-and-the-power-of-ai-in-education", "datePublished": "2025-06-02", "dateText": "2025-06-02", "duration": "PT33M30S", "durationText": "33:30", "description": "Principal Ashley Moore—known to many as Principal Mo—shares her leadership journey from special education teacher to transformational school leader. With over 15 years of experience, she unpacks how vulnerability, adaptability, and equity shape her approach to education. Principal Mo reflects on leading through the pandemic, building trust with staff, and why modeling imperfection is a strength. She highlights her school’s shift to all-honors middle school courses as a strategy for equity, and…", "speaker": [], "listen": { "spotify": null, "youtube": null, "original": "https://www.smartpass.app/podcast" } }, { "type": "PodcastEpisode", "position": 9, "name": "Leading with Heart: How Principal Michael Conklin is Transforming a Small School Community", "url": "https://www.k12podcasts.com/podcasts/principals-of-change/leading-with-heart-how-principal-michael-conklin-is-transforming-a-small-school-", "datePublished": "2025-05-01", "dateText": "2025-05-01", "duration": "PT29M20S", "durationText": "29:20", "description": "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…", "speaker": [], "listen": { "spotify": null, "youtube": null, "original": "https://www.smartpass.app/podcast" } }, { "type": "PodcastEpisode", "position": 8, "name": "Driving Change Beyond the Classroom", "url": "https://www.k12podcasts.com/podcasts/principals-of-change/driving-change-beyond-the-classroom", "datePublished": "2024-12-17", "dateText": "2024-12-17", "duration": "PT17M35S", "durationText": "17:35", "description": "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…", "speaker": [], "listen": { "spotify": null, "youtube": null, "original": "https://www.smartpass.app/podcast" } }, { "type": "PodcastEpisode", "position": 7, "name": "Transforming Schools into Community Hubs", "url": "https://www.k12podcasts.com/podcasts/principals-of-change/transforming-schools-into-community-hubs", "datePublished": "2024-12-10", "dateText": "2024-12-10", "duration": "PT22M9S", "durationText": "22:09", "description": "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…", "speaker": [], "listen": { "spotify": null, "youtube": null, "original": "https://www.smartpass.app/podcast" } }, { "type": "PodcastEpisode", "position": 6, "name": "What Principals Want Parents to Understand", "url": "https://www.k12podcasts.com/podcasts/principals-of-change/what-principals-want-parents-to-understand", "datePublished": "2024-12-03", "dateText": "2024-12-03", "duration": "PT18M17S", "durationText": "18:17", "description": "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…", "speaker": [], "listen": { "spotify": null, "youtube": null, "original": "https://www.smartpass.app/podcast" } }, { "type": "PodcastEpisode", "position": 5, "name": "Empowering Students to Take Ownership of The Education Process", "url": "https://www.k12podcasts.com/podcasts/principals-of-change/empowering-students-to-take-ownership-of-the-education-process", "datePublished": "2024-11-26", "dateText": "2024-11-26", "duration": "PT20M12S", "durationText": "20:12", "description": "Lee speaks with Douglas Weatherholt, principal of Lakeside High School in OH, about innovative educational practices and leadership strategies. 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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…", "speaker": [], "listen": { "spotify": null, "youtube": null, "original": "https://www.smartpass.app/podcast" } }, { "type": "PodcastEpisode", "position": 3, "name": "Blending Art and Academics for Student Success", "url": "https://www.k12podcasts.com/podcasts/principals-of-change/blending-art-and-academics-for-student-success", "datePublished": "2024-11-12", "dateText": "2024-11-12", "duration": "PT26M4S", "durationText": "26:04", "description": "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.", "speaker": [], "listen": { "spotify": null, "youtube": null, "original": "https://www.smartpass.app/podcast" } }, { "type": "PodcastEpisode", "position": 2, "name": "Leading with Authenticity and Legacy", "url": "https://www.k12podcasts.com/podcasts/principals-of-change/leading-with-authenticity-and-legacy", "datePublished": "2024-11-12", "dateText": "2024-11-12", "duration": "PT20M18S", "durationText": "20:18", "description": "We’re joined by Bryant Bednarek, principal of Berlin High School in Wisconsin and a proud 2003 graduate of the same school. 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