Welcome to the Long Beach Portal

The Holder Backer

Someone who thinks something but who doesn’t say it  for a variety of reasons.

The Ambiguoist

Dont be ambigous with your words. It’s not helpful. It’s better to be direct than to be flowery. and that goes for both praise and corrective feedback.

The Excuser

A leader who makes excuses for teacher and or student performance.

The Generalist

Don’t be a generalist as a leader or you’ll cancel any attempt at being candid. Candor requires specificity. The Generalist never says anything specific anough to install pride or require a specific change.

The Avoider

Don’t be a leader who avoids problems. Leadership requires a voice, and when we keep quiet or allow others to silence an issue. we concede to a continuation of the issue.

The Smoother Overer

Don’t be a leader who tends to smooth things over whenever conflict arises without a meaningful resolution.

The Opposer

Don’t be a leader who barks and orders, resists every idea, and creates dissention. Candor requires an arrangement through professional dialuogue.

The Osmosist

Leaders can’t make assumptions. Period.

The Easy-Inner

Never ease into a difficult conversation. Beating around the bush trying to bait someone into an admission doesn’t work.

Stay Up to Date With The Latest Blogs, Lessons and Podcasts

Additional Resources from The School House 302

Season 5, Episode 4 of the FocusED School Leadership Podcast with Guest Sam Crome

The Power of Teams with Sam Crome This is Season 5, Episode 4 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Sam Crome. It was originally recorded in front of a live audience in Delaware and provided as a professional development experience in collaboration with the Delaware...

Leading Better and Growing Faster with Joe & TJ: Guest Donya Ball Talks about How Administrators Can Adjust Their Sails to Weather Any Storm

When you stop believing that what you do matters, you can’t make a difference anymore. ~ Debbie Silver About Donya Ball Dr. Donya Ball is a leader, author, and national keynote speaker. She currently serves as a superintendent of schools in California and, for over...

Season 5, Episode 3 of the FocusED School Leadership Podcast with Guest William Parker

Motivation, Action, Courage, and Teamwork for School Leaders with William Parker This is Season 5, Episode 3 of FocusED, and it features our guest, William Parker. It was originally recorded in front of a live audience in Delaware and provided as a professional...

Season 5, Episode 2 of the FocusED School Leadership Podcast with Guest Todd Kashdan

Using the Art of Insubordination as a School Leader with Guest Todd Kashdan  This is Season 5, Episode 2 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Dr. Todd Kashdan. It was originally recorded in front of a live audience in Delaware and provided as a professional...

Undercurrents, Riptides, and Swells: Navigating the Seas of School Leadership

“Do you have a minute?” School leaders make countless decisions every day, and every decision impacts something or someone. Great leaders are very aware and sensitive to this truth because they understand that even the most benign decision may have undesirable and...

Season 5, Episode 1 of the FocusED School Leadership Podcast with Guest Liz City

Running More Effective & Efficient Meetings in Schools with Guest Elizabeth City   This is Season 5, Episode 1 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Dr. Elizabeth City. It was originally recorded live for a live audience in Delaware and provided as a professional...

Two Must Reads for School Leaders Who Want to Build a School Culture Where Teachers Want to Work

  Joe and T.J. Recommend that School Leaders Read The Song of Significance and Retention for A Change     Unlocking Excellence: Read to Lead, Learn to Grow Faster It’s no mystery that we are big fans of Seth Godin, especially T.J., but there is a good reason...

A Three-Pronged Approach to Building an Environment that Attracts and Retains Talented Teachers

Leading Better and Growing Faster with Joe and T.J.   In this episode of the Leading Better and Growing Faster podcast for school leaders, Joe and T.J. tackle strategies for building an environment where teachers want to work and want to stay.  As our good...

Leading Better and Growing Faster with Joe & TJ: Guest Debbie Silver Talks about Inspiring Educators to Enjoy the Job They Once Loved

When you stop believing that what you do matters, you can’t make a difference anymore. ~ Debbie Silver About Debbie Silver Dr. Debbie Silver is a former Louisiana Teacher of the Year, a best-selling author, and a highly sought-after speaker. She has presented to...

Five Actionable Strategies for School Leaders Who Want to Avoid Initiative Fatigue and Maintain a Positive Culture

Leading Better and Growing Faster with Joe and T.J.   In this podcast, we are completely focused on successfully implementing and managing the multiple initiatives that can be found in every school system. What you’ll find in this episode:   1. Despite the...
Amanda Holdsworth: Telling Your School’s Story #OneThingSeries

Amanda Holdsworth: Telling Your School’s Story #OneThingSeries

Stop trying to be everything to everyone. Know your area of expertise and stick to it. ~ Dr. Holdsworth  About Amanda Holdsworth Dr. Amanda Holdsworth, APR, is the founder of Holdsworth Communications, a PR and enrollment marketing agency in the education sector; the...

Browse Our Book Collection

Candid and Compassionate Feedback

Too often educational leaders are caught in a “culture of nice,” finding it difficult to give their teachers and staff critical feedback to improve their practice. This important book helps leaders become both candid and compassionate, unrelenting and supportive, and demanding yet caring.

Retention for a Change

More often than not, generic solutions used to boost teacher retention are failing (i.e. increased salary, better working conditions, lack of induction support). Low teacher retention rates in schools negatively impact student achievement for all the students in a school, not just those in a new teacher’s classroom.

Passionate Leadership

An inspiring call to action for teachers and principals around the world to recommit to passionately serving children, building the communities children deserve, and celebrating our successes. The authors of this book examine what it takes to be a passionate leader and take courageous actions which lead to student growth and success. 

Have Questions? Drop Us a Note

Book us to speak at your next event!

Keynotes, 1- & 2-Day Institutes, Book Talks, & Principal Induction Programs...let us know what your leaders need today.