In this episode of Linking Leaders, Dr. Alicia Bowman sits down with 2026 Connecticut High School Principal of the Year, Anthony “T.J.” Salutari, for a candid and energizing conversation about his experiences leading Daniel Hand High School in Madison. From an unexpected nudge into the principalship to over two decades of educational leadership, T.J. shares how he’s learned to adapt his leadership style, center relationships, and stay grounded in a role that’s equal parts rewarding and relentless.

T.J. offers a powerful look inside a school culture built on belonging, where dissent isn’t just welcomed—it’s expected. He also gets real about the emotional weight of the job and the importance of boundaries. This episode is a must-listen for current and aspiring leaders who want practical insight, honest reflection, and a reminder of why this work matters so deeply.

Our newest podcast episode features guest Mark Summa, assistant principal of Avon Middle School and Connecticut's 2026 Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year. Mark shares how small, intentional leadership moves—rooted in safety, love, and high expectations—shape school culture and student belonging in the middle grades. The conversation offers concrete insights on leading at scale while staying human, sustaining resilience in demanding roles, and leveraging relationships to drive growth.

When you step inside Skinner Road School in Vernon, you know immediately that it is a special place. Almost palpable are the sense of belonging, the joy of learning, and the unmistakable energy of a community that believes in its children. At the center of it all stands Principal Bryan Kerachsky, the 2025 Elementary School Principal of the Year. In this conversation, Bryan shares how his school turned belonging into a coherent, schoolwide system that strengthens relationships and accelerates learning. He offers a clear look at the structures, leadership practices, and cultural habits that sustain meaningful improvement beyond any one person.

What if a middle school could flip its story—from under-performer to high-achiever? We sit down with Dr. Damon Lewis, principal of Norwalk's Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy and National Middle School Principal of the Year, to unpack the deliberate moves behind his school's rise: mantras that drive action, systems that respect time, and core values that shape decisions, strengthen trust, and keep the work centered on kids and community.

What makes an award-winning elementary school? For Melissa Mucci, Principal of Somers Elementary School, it comes down to a powerful motto: "We're a family and we're a tree." This guiding philosophy has earned her school the Connecticut Association of Schools 2025 Elementary School of the Year award.

In this candid conversation, Melissa talks about how SES rebounded from a year of tragedy, in which it faced the unimaginable loss of three students and a staff member, to win the prestigious School of the Year award. When reflecting on her leadership journey, she describes how challenges from the previous school year ultimately strengthened the school community.

Listen up and learn how a small Connecticut elementary school became a model of educational excellence through family bonds and deep roots.

What does it take to lead a school to award-winning excellence? For Emma Balter, Principal of Six to Six Magnet School, the journey began after 29 years in the classroom when she unexpectedly stepped into administration. Now, as leader of Connecticut's 2025 Middle School of the Year, she shares the leadership strategies that transformed her school community.

Six to Six Magnet School embodies a unique educational model - an inter-district school serving 450 students from Bridgeport and 17 surrounding communities, creating remarkable diversity both ethnically and socioeconomically. True to its name, the school operates from 6am to 6pm, supporting working families with extended hours while delivering exceptional STEM-focused education through powerful community partnerships.

Balter's leadership mantra of "growing and changing" reflects her commitment to continuous improvement. She candidly discusses her growth in having difficult conversations, sharing how Glenn Singleton's "Courageous Conversations" helped ground her approach to equity and inclusion.

Join us for this inspiring conversation about brave leadership, building administrative alignment, and why maintaining classroom connections matters. Whether you're an experienced administrator or aspiring leader, Balter's journey offers valuable lessons for creating award-winning school communities where both students and educators thrive.

What happens when three award-winning assistant principals gather to share their leadership journeys? A powerful conversation about authenticity, vulnerability, and the transformative impact of being oneself in a leadership role.

The 2025 Connecticut Association of Schools Assistant Principals of the Year – Laura Dixon from John Barry Elementary School; Marco Tirillo from John Wallace Middle School: and LaShante James from Brien McMahon High School – discuss moving beyond the traditional authority figure role to create initiatives that spread joy throughout their schools. While they lead in unique and distinct school environments, their philosophies converge on a common theme: effective leadership requires bringing one's whole, authentic self to the work.

Margot Martello's leadership at Mabelle B. Avery Middle School embodies a commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. A humble, compassionate leader who is always looking for new ways to learn and grow, Margot talks about her school's successful diversity efforts, the Operation Parent Handbook, and the tradition of annual themes, which helps unify the school community through service projects and shared values. With MBA's recent turnaround from Focus School to Middle School of the Year, Margot’s experiences offer a blueprint for effective school leadership.