Originally released 12/14/23:

We know that a great school leader can have a powerful impact on the success of a school and its students. But how exactly do we get great principals? We sat down with Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond to discuss the latest research on developing effective principals, and how policymakers, districts, and educators can ensure school leaders have what they need to grow and thrive.

Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond is President and CEO of the Learning Policy Institute. She is also the Charles E. Ducommun Professor of Education Emeritus at Stanford University where she founded the Stanford Center for Opportunity Policy in Education and served as the faculty sponsor of the Stanford Teacher Education Program, which she helped to redesign.

Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Massachusetts, and serves as fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

Dr. Scott McLeod is professor of educational leadership at the University of Colorado, Denver, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

The NAESP Principal Podcast is produced by the National Association of Elementary School Principals. Learn more about our community and membership at naesp.org.

We talk with educator and innovator Katie Fielding about how principals can help teachers and students use AI safely, creatively, and ethically. From setting clear expectations to helping students think critically about new tools, we explore how principals can build a culture of curiosity and responsibility around technology.

Katie Fielding is an educational technology consultant and advocate for accessibility who holds advanced credentials from ISTE and CAST.

Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Massachusetts, and serves as fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

Scott McLeod is professor of educational leadership at the University of Colorado, Denver, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

In today’s episode, Dr. Sharon Porter talks with Katy Kennedy and David Griffith about why regulation is at the heart of every student’s success. They discuss how schools can better support students and staff—through counseling, co-regulation, and policy changes—while modeling the practices we want children to learn.

Katy Kennedy is principal of Washington Middle School in Glendive, Montana, and fellow at the NAESP Center for Middle-Level Leadership.

David Griffith is Associate Executive Director of Policy and Advocacy at NAESP.

Sharon Porter is principal of Allenwood Elementary School in Temple Hills, Maryland, and fellow at the NAESP Center for Diversity Leadership.