Season 6, Episode 10 of the FocusED School Leadership Podcast with Guest Vicky Essebag

Season 6, Episode 10 of the FocusED School Leadership Podcast with Guest Vicky Essebag

by | Mar 15, 2025 | #FocusED, Action, Communication, Core Values, Culture, Daily Habits, Decision-Making, Education, Energy, Engagement, Excellence, Focus, Fulfillment, Goal Setting, Leadership, Learning to Lead, Listening, Mental Mapping, Motivation, Motivation & Retention, Organizational Leadership, Passion, Planning and Preparation, Positivity, Principal Leadership, Principals, Professional Dialogue, Relationships, Resilience, Results, Service Leadership, Teacher Leadership, Teamwork

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Developing Stronger Relationships with Vicky Essebag

 

This is Season 6, Episode 10 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Vicky Essebag; we discuss the concept of “relationspaces,” building stronger bonds with people, personal growth…and so much more.

 

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Vicky Essebag Brings a Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners

 

Vicky Essebag is a relational communication specialist and author. She pairs her extensive background in education as a teacher, guidance counselor, head of guidance, curriculum consultant, and administrator, with her experience as a family therapist, and solution-focused coach. 

Vicky is widely known for adapting the Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) model to support effective relationships with all school stakeholders and families. Vicky sets the tone for supportive and compassionate learning spaces. She inspires with the power of prioritizing communication to encourage effective and inclusive relationships. 

She is a public speaker, instructional leader, consultant, and coach. Vicky is Founder of the company, Relationspaces, and author of Relationspaces: A Solution-Focused Handbook for Parents.

 

 

FocusED Show Notes with Guest Vicky Essebag

 

Vicky starts by defining “relationspaces” as the way that we bring ourselves to the spaces where we develop relationships. 

Vicky tells us that we have preconceived notions about how we’re communicating and sometimes it’s effective and other times it’s not. 

Vicky gives us an example of where our communication as teachers to students might be landing wrong in a way that only supports more misbehavior. 

It’s better to minimize our noticing of the behaviors that are not desirable and maximize our noticing of the desired behaviors. 

Solution-Focused is a strength-based approach. And, the future aspect of it asks the question, what does the person want? 

Vicky says that success happens in small increments. Change happens gradually. Her advice is to take a few steps back when things aren’t going the way we want them to and then to become more inclusive. 

She tells us that relationships have to be the foundation of everything we do and have to be prioritized as important in the minds of every leader. 

Vicky explains that Solution-Focused has a premise that “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it; if it’s working, don’t change it; and if something is wrong, do something about it.”

Don’t miss what she says about future-oriented types of questions. 

Vicky talked about a scenario and exercise that she did with students who were refusing to come to school, and they built hypothetical machines to help bring them back to school. 

She talks about her own growth and a program she’s in right now to gain a certification that she wants for more international credibility. 

Vicky says that the most important part about commuting with others is our presence. 

We asked Vicky to give us some techniques for asking questions. She says that the best questions are open-ended and up to the person being asked to provide their answer versus searching for the right ones. 

If we can inspire people with hope, why not. ~ Vicky Essebag

Books We Recommend Based on this Podcast with Vicky Essebag

The Third Path by David Tranter, Lori Carson, & Tom Boland

The Forest of Wool and Steel by Natsu Miyashita & Philip Gabriel

Emotional Agility by Susan David 

Changeable by Stuart Ablon

The Coaching Habit by Michael Stanier

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Thanks for listening to FocusED, an educational leadership podcast brought to you by TheSchoolHouse302 @ theschoolhouse302.com where we publish free leadership content. Go to the site and subscribe, and you’ll get all of our content sent directly to your email. 

 

FocusED is your educational leadership podcast where our mission is to dissect a particular focus for teachers and school leaders so that you can learn to lead better and grow faster in your school or district. Let us know who you would like to hear from next. 

 

 

 

Season 6, Episode 9 of the FocusED School Leadership Podcast with Guest Nason Lollar

Season 6, Episode 9 of the FocusED School Leadership Podcast with Guest Nason Lollar

by | Mar 4, 2025 | #FocusED, Action, Communication, Core Values, Culture, Daily Habits, Decision-Making, Education, Energy, Engagement, Excellence, Focus, Fulfillment, Goal Setting, Leadership, Learning to Lead, Listening, Mental Mapping, Motivation, Motivation & Retention, Organizational Leadership, Passion, Planning and Preparation, Positivity, Principal Leadership, Principals, Professional Dialogue, Relationships, Resilience, Results, Service Leadership, Teacher Leadership, Teamwork

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Promoting Educator Professionalism with Nason Lollar

 

This is Season 6, Episode 9 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Nason Lollar; we discuss educator professional conduct, human resources, managing and sustaining a positive culture, school leadership…and so much more.

 

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Nason Lollar Brings a Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners

 

Having served twenty-four years in the field of education, Dr. Nason Lollar has leveraged those experiences into his first book, The Five Principles of Educator Professionalism. 

Nason began his career in the classroom as a high school math and social studies teacher and as a baseball coach. He then transitioned to administration in a role as school assistant principal for nine years. He’s now the principal at the Madison Career & Technical Center in Madison, Mississippi.

His journey as a student of Educational Leadership began with graduate work at Mississippi College, and culminated with a Doctorate of Education from William Carey University. Nason was honored by the Mississippi Association of Secondary School Principals as state Assistant Principal of the Year in 2023.

 

 

FocusED Show Notes with Guest Nason Lollar

 

Our conduct is our own personal stamp on the culture where we work. ~ Nason Lollar

Nason starts by saying that the concept of “educator professionalism” can be a negative topic because it often means that something did something wrong. He talks about having to deal with lapses in judgement that even our best people can make. 

Dr. Lollar reminds us that any unprofessional conduct in a school erodes the trust that the community has in the school. 

He’s very clear about the responsibilities that school leaders have to the community in addressing any problems that the school may have that gets in the way of serving the families. 

Joe asks about the qualities of a professional educator, and Nason jumps right to a “mindset” that educators should have. 

Nason reveals the five principles behind positive educator professionalism. He says that in the realm of teaching and learning, collaboration and reflection should be expected. 

Don’t miss what he says about school safety and the school leader’s need to evaluate the difference between urgent and important. 

What he says about the difference between indirect and direct communication to families. 

Educators need to have personal balance but also be equipped to manage change. Nason says that adapting to technology is critical even when it’s a change that educators find difficult. 

Nason says that being consumed with the five principles can make for a good leader because it keeps us on task with what matters most. 

Nason says that some of the most subtle shifts in our language and communication can signal the wrong intentions to parents or community members. 

Much of professionalism, he says, is about having the right attitude. Going back to our purpose and communicating our purpose helps to confirm what our daily intentions actually are. 

Nason says that promoting the positive aspects of what happens in schools is super important to build trust with the student body and the community at large. 

Dr. Lollar says that we all need to take responsibility in shared mentorship for anyone new to the faculty. New people are vulnerable to making mistakes and need guidance so that they are less likely to do unintended harm. 

He says that there’s a difference between brutal honesty and compassionate candor. We couldn’t agree more. 

Books We Recommend Based on this Podcast with Nason Lollar

The Speed of Trust by Stephen Covey 

Culturize by Jimmy Casas 

Is My School a Better School Because I Lead It by Baruti Kafele

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Thanks for listening to FocusED, an educational leadership podcast brought to you by TheSchoolHouse302 @ theschoolhouse302.com where we publish free leadership content. Go to the site and subscribe, and you’ll get all of our content sent directly to your email. 

 

FocusED is your educational leadership podcast where our mission is to dissect a particular focus for teachers and school leaders so that you can learn to lead better and grow faster in your school or district. Let us know who you would like to hear from next. 

 

 

 

Season 6, Episode 8 of the FocusED School Leadership Podcast with Guest Christina Hidek

Season 6, Episode 8 of the FocusED School Leadership Podcast with Guest Christina Hidek

by | Feb 26, 2025 | #FocusED, Action, Communication, Core Values, Culture, Daily Habits, Decision-Making, Education, Energy, Engagement, Excellence, Focus, Fulfillment, Goal Setting, Leadership, Learning to Lead, Listening, Mental Mapping, Motivation, Motivation & Retention, Organizational Leadership, Passion, Planning and Preparation, Positivity, Principal Leadership, Principals, Professional Dialogue, Relationships, Resilience, Results, Service Leadership, Teacher Leadership, Teamwork

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Successfully Managing Parent and Community Groups with Christina Hidek

 

This is Season 6, Episode 8 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Christina Hidek; we discuss parent-teacher organization, managing community expectations, building relationships with key stakeholders, raising money…and so much more.

 

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Christina Hidek Brings a Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners

 

Christina Hidek is a recovering attorney turned Professional Organizer and certified PTO volunteer nerd. 

She founded PTO Answers 7 years ago to boost family engagement in schools and empower parents to improve their child’s educational experience and school community through PTA/PTO involvement.  

She’s been an active PTO leader for the past 14 years and hosts the vibrant 8000 plus member Super Star PTO Leaders Facebook Group. 

When she’s not volunteering, you can find her in her garden, listening to the latest Katherine Center audiobook or walking the family dogs.

 

 

FocusED Show Notes with Guest Christina Hidek

 

Christina starts out with some suggestions about how school leaders can get on the same page with the PTO/PTA President by meeting on a regular basis. The key is to meet ahead of the actual PTA meetings and separate from them. 

School leaders should explain their vision for the school and the school year to the parent groups, starting with the PTA President. 

School leaders and PTA Presidents should have a clear understanding of how they want to communicate. 

Christina describes the strongest relationships that she had with principals and the trust and openingness that it takes. 

School leaders should attend their PTA meetings and the measure of success is a lack of turnover in the group. 

Every parent group should have at least one teacher liaison; the main point of the role is to bring the parent group information back to the teachers so that it doesn’t fall on the principals. 

Christina reminds us that parents are volunteers, and they may need training. As soon as a group is formed, they need to be empowered and equipped with the right tools and information to go in the right direction. 

There’s no PTA school. ~ Christina Hidek. 

Christina consistently brings the conversation back to professional learning for parents. They can’t be a resource if they don’t know how. 

She talks about her parent group raising $26K and what that means to the school community.

She hates the movie Bad Moms. 

A tip for school leaders is to celebrate and highlight the work of their parent groups. 

Christina tells us that there aren’t enough resources for PTOs/PTAs and school leaders who want to engage parents in the best way. 

PTOAnswers/principals.com has resources for principals who want to better engage parent groups. 

Check out FamilyEngagementTools.com. 

 

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Thanks for listening to FocusED, an educational leadership podcast brought to you by TheSchoolHouse302 @ theschoolhouse302.com where we publish free leadership content. Go to the site and subscribe, and you’ll get all of our content sent directly to your email. 

 

FocusED is your educational leadership podcast where our mission is to dissect a particular focus for teachers and school leaders so that you can learn to lead better and grow faster in your school or district. Let us know who you would like to hear from next. 

 

 

 

Season 6, Episode 7 of the FocusED School Leadership Podcast with Guest Shawn Dilly

Season 6, Episode 7 of the FocusED School Leadership Podcast with Guest Shawn Dilly

by | Feb 19, 2025 | #FocusED, Action, Communication, Core Values, Culture, Daily Habits, Decision-Making, Education, Energy, Engagement, Excellence, Focus, Fulfillment, Goal Setting, Leadership, Learning to Lead, Listening, Mental Mapping, Motivation, Motivation & Retention, Organizational Leadership, Passion, Planning and Preparation, Positivity, Principal Leadership, Principals, Professional Dialogue, Relationships, Resilience, Results, Service Leadership, Teacher Leadership, Teamwork

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Schools for this Century and Beyond with Shawn Dilly

 

This is Season 6, Episode 7 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Shawn Dilly; we discuss future-ready students, human skills, AI, global dexterity…and so much more.

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Shawn Dilly Brings a Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners

 

Dr. Shawn Dilly is the superintendent of Randolph County Schools in Elkins, West Virginia. Dr. Dilly has spent over 23 years working in education in the United States and three years in an international school system. Those years included serving as the director general (superintendent) of Emirates National Schools and superintendent of Mineral County Schools for five years. 

In the past, he has served as a deputy superintendent, assistant superintendent, director of secondary curriculum & instruction, facilities director, transportation director, career & technical director, administrative director at a multi-county career & technical center, principal, assistant principal, Health Sciences & Technology Academy (HSTA) teacher, coach and art teacher in public education. 

His book, Schools for this Century and Beyond, was recognized in 2023 UAE’s Mastermind Awards, and its educational contributions were celebrated.

Shawn Dilly can be reached on LinkedIn or his website.

 

 

FocusED Show Notes with Guest Shawn Dilly

 

Shawn tells us that “future-ready” is about students recognizing their purpose; he reminds us about the goal of education and the gaps that exist right now with what we provide and what students actually need. 

Dr. Dilly talked about the need for leaders to stay true to who they are, that relationships matter, and that we should celebrate our differences. 

Shawn elevates competencies that students need, including what he calls “human skills.” 

He talks about a “tsunami of change” that is coming our way, along with the advent of AI and other disruptive technologies. 

Shawn tells us that part of the systemic barriers that perpetuate the problems with the curriculum, instruction, assessments, and resources is that we’re too highly regulated and legislated to change fast enough. 

He describes a problem for schools in that 65% of our students in school now will be working in jobs that aren’t currently available yet. 

Joe asks Dr. Dilly to help leaders advocate for change that isn’t just based on policy requirements. 

Shawn calls to action that leaders align themselves with people who are thinking about problems in a way that we can work together to drive change. He also says that it’s important for school leaders to get involved in their state agencies at the highest levels. 

Shawn encourages leaders to ask the question: are our students ready? And, if the answer is no, what’s missing? That will drive what we need to do next. 

One change that he emphasized is the need for more student collaboration in schools–a life skill that everyone will need. 

He talked about the need for students to exercise imagination and curiosity as well as oral and written communication. 

Shawn names our biggest challenge as keeping up with AI in schools and classrooms. 

Dr. Dilly tells us that students will need to learn global dexterity and branding. They’ll need to work globally with people who are vastly different from them and yet maintain their identity. And, they need to be able to compete in a global world by selling themselves by integrating the proper credentials with an attractive reputation. 

Shawn mentions McKinsey and the World Economic Forum. Joe asks about other resources that he frequents. Check out the book list below.

Books We Recommend Based on this Podcast with Shawn Dilly

Redefining the Goal by Kevin Fleming 

The Case Against Education by Bryan Caplan  

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Thanks for listening to FocusED, an educational leadership podcast brought to you by TheSchoolHouse302 @ theschoolhouse302.com where we publish free leadership content. Go to the site and subscribe, and you’ll get all of our content sent directly to your email. 

 

FocusED is your educational leadership podcast where our mission is to dissect a particular focus for teachers and school leaders so that you can learn to lead better and grow faster in your school or district. Let us know who you would like to hear from next. 

 

 

 

Season 6, Episode 6 of the FocusED School Leadership Podcast with Guest Peter Cookson

Season 6, Episode 6 of the FocusED School Leadership Podcast with Guest Peter Cookson

by | Feb 6, 2025 | #FocusED, Action, Communication, Core Values, Culture, Daily Habits, Decision-Making, Education, Energy, Engagement, Excellence, Focus, Fulfillment, Goal Setting, Leadership, Learning to Lead, Listening, Mental Mapping, Motivation, Motivation & Retention, Organizational Leadership, Passion, Planning and Preparation, Positivity, Principal Leadership, Principals, Professional Dialogue, Relationships, Resilience, Results, Service Leadership, Teacher Leadership, Teamwork

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Communities of Strength with Peter Cookson

 

This is Season 6, Episode 6 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Peter Cookson; we discuss community leadership, supporting students in poverty, school culture…and so much more.

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Peter Cookson Brings a Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners

 

Peter Cookson serves as a senior researcher with the Learning Policy Institute, a founding principal investigator for the American Voices Project based at Stanford University, and an educational policy teacher at the McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown University. 

He has written extensively on the causes and consequences of American poverty and advocates for a new vision for public education. He began his career in education as a fifth-grade teacher in rural Massachusetts.

He received his doctorate from New York University and most recently completed a Master of Arts in religion from the Yale Divinity School, where he held the Katsuso Miho Scholarship in Peacemaking. 

He founded the Center for Educational Outreach and Innovation at Teachers College and The Equity Project at the American Institutes for Research and before that, he was the executive director of Ed Sector in Washington D.C.

Peter is the author of School Communities of Strength: Strategies for Educating Children Living in Deep Poverty.

 

 

FocusED Show Notes with Guest Peter Cookson

 

All kids learn in environments where threats to their self-esteem are diminished. ~ Peter Cookson

Peter starts by defining “communities of strength.” Included in his definition is that the whole community believes that every student can learn and that learning is joyful. 

Peter says that he learned more doing the project for this book than any other project he has done. 

He tells us that 5 million kids in the US live in “deep poverty,” that’s 50% or more lower than the national threshold. 

Peter tells us about the resilience of students in poverty is inspirational. 

Peter’s passion for this work comes from his time as a 5th grade teacher in a school where many of the students lived in deep poverty. This motivated him to go back to school to become a sociologist to study the intersection between poverty and learning. 

He unfolds a story about his time as a teacher where he was able to experiment. He was doing project-based learning before it was a thing. 

Peter’s vision for the book when he started was to make it a practical guide versus just a sad story about the current scenarios in schools that serve students in poverty. 

The book includes the science of learning because we know more now about how to teach and how people learn than ever before. 

He tells us that the primary responsibility of the school leader is to create an environment for teachers and students to thrive. 

Peter tells a story about a superintendent who fired any principal who didn’t fully believe that all students can learn. Don’t miss what he says about the commitment factor.

Peter mentions Linda Darling-Hammond as an expert on the science of learning, among other things. 

He says that each of the principles in the book comes with implementation guidance. 

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Thanks for listening to FocusED, an educational leadership podcast brought to you by TheSchoolHouse302 @ theschoolhouse302.com where we publish free leadership content. Go to the site and subscribe, and you’ll get all of our content sent directly to your email. 

 

FocusED is your educational leadership podcast where our mission is to dissect a particular focus for teachers and school leaders so that you can learn to lead better and grow faster in your school or district. Let us know who you would like to hear from next.