Talking Shop: A Conversation with Educational Leaders

By: Michael Randolph and Martin Aftuck
  • Summary

  • Hosted by Mike Randolph, Proud Principal of Leesburg High School (FL), and Martin Aftuck, Proud Principal of Middleburg High School (FL).

    Talking Shop 2024
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Episodes
  • Talking Shop: A Conversation with Education Leaders (S. 1; E. 11) ft. Craig Damon, Executive Director of the Florida High School Athletic Association
    Sep 12 2024

    Summary

    In this episode of Talk and Shop, Mike Randolph and Martin Aftuck interview Craig Damon, the Executive Director of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA). Craig shares his journey to the FHSAA, starting from his college days as a football player to becoming a coach and eventually joining the association. He emphasizes the importance of education and the role of athletics in providing a full high school experience for student-athletes. The conversation also covers the process of creating and implementing new rules in the FHSAA and the recent adoption of the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policy. Craig explains that the NIL policy allows student-athletes to use their social media presence to make money, but it should not be used as a recruiting tool.

    The conversation covers various topics related to the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), including the registration process for student-athletes, the shortage of officials, the growth of flag football, and the challenges faced by high school sports. The conversation also touches on the importance of remaining relevant in the face of travel ball and other competitive opportunities, as well as the need to recognize and support student-athletes who have turned their lives around.

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    40 mins
  • Talking Shop: A Conversation with Educational Leaders ft. Kacy Wolfe (S. 1; E. 10)
    Sep 5 2024

    Summary

    In this episode of Talk and Shop, Mike Randolph and Martin Aftuck interview Kacy Wolfe, the Assistant Principal of Aurelia M. Cole Academy. They discuss topics such as opening a new school, the importance of early childhood literacy, and professional development for teachers. Kacy shares her educational journey and her goals for the future. The conversation also touches on the excitement of high school football rivalries and the unique challenges and perks of a K-8 school.

    Keywords

    Talking Shop, educational leaders, opening a new school, early childhood literacy, professional development, educational journey, goals, high school football rivalries, K-8 school

    Takeaways

    • Opening a new school can be both exciting and exhausting, requiring last-minute adjustments and additional resources.
    • Early childhood literacy is crucial, and educators should provide access to books and reading materials to promote literacy in the community.
    • Teachers interested in administration should take on leadership opportunities on their campus and find a niche area to develop expertise.
    • The K-8 school structure offers the opportunity to build strong relationships with students and engage in cross-grade mentorship.
    • Professional development should focus on improving instructional practices and transitioning from behavioral engagement to cognitive and effective engagement.
    • Title I status or socioeconomic background should not define a student's opportunities or abilities.
    • The importance of early literacy is evident in later grades, and educators should prioritize building a strong foundation in literacy skills.
    • The interview concludes with well wishes for upcoming football games and a reminder to support each other's schools.

    Titles

    • From Teacher to Administrator: Casey Wolf's Educational Journey
    • Promoting Early Childhood Literacy and Providing Access to Books

    Sound Bites

    • "We're so excited to dive into what it looks like opening up a new school."
    • "Bringing those books to them in their homes, in their communities to promote literacy."
    • "We have our systems in place and we're tweaking those systems."

    Chapters

    02:21 Discussion about Rivalry Games

    03:14 Kacy's Educational Journey

    05:36 The Impact of Great Leaders

    08:11 The Role of a Literacy Coach

    09:24 Opening a New School: Challenges and Excitement

    12:33 Transitioning from Teaching to Administration

    14:43 Perks of a K-8 School Structure

    17:28 Professional Development and School Vision

    18:44 Current Focus of Professional Development

    21:11 Five Year and Ten Year Goals

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    26 mins
  • Talking Shop: A Conversation with Educational Leaders (S. 1; E. 9)
    Aug 29 2024

    Summary

    In this conversation, Mike Randolph and Martin Aftuck interview Dr. Jenie Shepard, the Director of School Improvement and Professional Learning and Assessment for the Clay County School District. They discuss topics such as teacher leadership, professional learning communities (PLCs), and supporting new teachers. Dr. Shepard emphasizes the importance of aligning the district's instructional vision with the school's instructional vision and providing support and resources to new teachers. She also highlights the significance of recognizing and celebrating teachers' strengths and creating a culture of continuous learning and growth. The conversation concludes with pro tips for new teachers and administrators.

    Keywords

    teacher leadership, professional learning communities, new teachers, instructional vision, support, resources, continuous learning, growth

    Takeaways

    • Aligning the district's instructional vision with the school's instructional vision is crucial for supporting new teachers and ensuring coherence in teaching practices.
    • Recognizing and celebrating teachers' strengths and expertise is essential for their professional growth and retention.
    • Creating a culture of continuous learning and growth involves providing ongoing support, resources, and opportunities for collaboration and leadership.
    • Pro tips for new teachers include finding a supportive colleague (a 'marigold'), giving oneself grace, knowing the curriculum, and focusing on classroom management and learning targets.
    • Pro tips for administrators grooming new teachers include getting to know them, recognizing their strengths, connecting them with experienced colleagues, and providing support and feedback.

    Titles

    • Aligning Instructional Vision for Coherence
    • Pro Tips for New Teachers and Administrators

    Sound Bites

    • "Find your marigold."
    • "Give yourself grace."
    • "Know your curriculum."

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    12:08 Aligning Instructional Vision for Clarity and Coherence

    19:49 Supporting and Retaining New Teachers

    23:34 Pro Tips for Administrators Grooming New Teachers

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    28 mins

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