Summary: I’ve been on the road (and in planes) a lot the summer, and I have been thinking about issues and ideas I’ve been wanting to share with Principal Matters readers and listeners. This week I was on a long road trip when I was pondering some questions a listener had emailed my way. After stopping to gas up my car, I decided to plug my mic into my laptop and hit record. The result is this 30-minute episode of issues that have been on mind. <br> No notes or accompanying blog post. Just straight talk.<br> Here’s an outline of this week’s podcast episode:<br> 3 Discussions for School Leaders<br> 1. Optimizing Classroom Visits<br> How are you able to optimize time in classrooms, both formally and informally? I share answers to these questions that a listener and principal from North Carolina emailed my way this week.<br> 2. Discernment and Your Learning<br> What does Donald Trump and your own education growth have in common? I share some candid thoughts on how you should guard remain vigilant in your thinking in light of times when opinions often trump truth.<br> 3. Shout-outs and Why Your Messaging Matters<br> Finally, I share some shout-outs to friends with whom I’ve connected with this summer and provide quick reminders on why your position as a school leader means your messaging matters now more than ever.<br> Here’s wishing you a great summer, and thanks for doing what matters!<br> ~ Will<br> Sign-Up For Free Updates and Ebook<br> When you enter your email address below, you will automatically receive my newest posts and a free Ebook, <a href="https://www.williamdparker.com/get-your-free-ebook/">8 Hats: Essential Roles for School Leaders</a>. Let’s keep learning together!<br><br> <br> <br> <br> #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; }<br> /* Add your own MailChimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block.<br> We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Subscribe for free weekly updates and receive free e-book!<br> * indicates required<br> <br> Email Address *<br><br> <br><br> <br> <br> <br> First Name <br><br> <br> <br> <br> Last Name <br><br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';fnames[1]='FNAME';ftypes[1]='text';fnames[2]='LNAME';ftypes[2]='text';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true);<br><br> <br> Principal Matters–The Book!<br> <a href="https://www.williamdparker.com/principal-matters-the-book/"></a><br><br> School leaders are very busy, so each of the twenty-four chapters is designed as a quick-read and followed with take-action questions for follow-up or reflection. If you want practical ideas on understanding your purpose, managing school teams, dealing with challenges, and leading with courage, action, motivation, and teamwork, go <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Principal-Matters-Updated-Expanded-Motivation/dp/154540058X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1492868546&sr=1-1&keywords=principal+matters+updated+expanded" target="_blank">HERE</a> to pick up a copy for you or your team.<br> Messaging Matters<br> <a href="https://www.solutiontree.com/products/messaging-matters.html"></a><br><br> Harness the power of messaging to create a culture of acknowledgment, respect, and celebration. Written specially for leaders, this title is divided into three parts, helping readers to maximize their role as chief communicators with students, teachers, and parents and community. Each chapter includes suggestions for using digital tools to enhance messaging and ends with reflection questions and practical next steps.<br>
