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PODCAST · education

From the Principal's Desk

by Mike Schiemann and Rob Lunak

Weekly advice and encouragement for principals and school leaders.

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Episodes

  1. Graduation

    This week we talk about graduation, and some things to think about as you plan one for your school.

  2. Ep 95 Changes

    How do you manage changes in your school? How do you create the conditions for positive change in your school? This week we discuss change.

  3. Ep 94 Curriculum Mapping

    This week we talk about curriculum mapping. If you have curriculum maps that you want to share you can reach us at [email protected] or [email protected]

  4. Ep. 93 Grammar Instruction with Patty McGee

    This week we talk with Patty McGee about grammar instruction. She is a Milken Educator Award recipient, author of three books for teachers, and literacy consultant working with districts nationally and internationally. Her new book, Not Your Granny’s Grammar: An Innovative Approach to Meaningful...

  5. Ep 92 Dr. Jess Werner

    This week we talk with Dr. Jess Werner about her work supporting teachers and schools. Jess is the founder and CEO of Northshore Learning. She’s worked globally in PK-8 settings as both teacher and professor, but her real impact is in empowering school leaders and educators to tackle behavior...

  6. Ep 91 Princpal and Parent

    This week we talk about being a principal and a parent.

  7. Ep 90 Bryan Wetzel

    This week we speak with Bryan Wetzel about his thoughts on ways public education could improve. Bryan has worked with or started several companies, including Skubes, recognized as a top education startup by Dig South. He wrote “The Real Problems Destroying Education,” released in March 2024,...

  8. Ep 89 Caring for Families Around Christmas

    This week we talk about caring for others around Christmas time.

  9. Ep 88 Planned Giving

    This week we speak with Craig Mellendorf and his work with estate planning and schools. You can learn more about what Craig does at https://www.sfcestatecoaching.com/

  10. Ep 87 Starting a Christian High School

    This week we speak with Keith Traska about his work as the founding principal for Aug Prep High School North Campus. It's a great conversation that you won't want to miss!

  11. Ep 87 Global Partners

    This week we speak with two special guests about their work with flourishing schools. This is also a special crossover episode with What Works for Me.

  12. Ep 86 Fixing Relationships

    This week we talk about how to fix, maintain, and grow the relationships at our schools.

  13. Ep 85 Professional Development Options

    We talk about the many ways you can offer professional development.

  14. Ep 84 First Impressions

    This week we talk about your school first impressions.

  15. Ep 83 Standards Based Report Cards

    This week we talk a bit about standards based report cards.

  16. Ep 82 Trust Based Observations

    This week we speak with Craig Randall about Trust Based Observations. This is a very intentional framework to improve teaching and learning. Find out more at: https://trustbased.com/

  17. Ep 81 Recognizing Teachers

    This week we talk all things teacher recognition.

  18. Ep 80 School Awards

    This week we talk about the importance of recognizing the work being done in our schools.

  19. Ep 79 Reflection

    This week we talk about how we reflect on the school year.

  20. Ep 78 A Student's Perspective

    We speak with a student about their school experience. To hear his mom's side go check out the part two on our sister podcast What Works for Me.

  21. Ep 77 Hiring Teachers

    This week we talk about what goes into hiring teachers to serve at faith based schools.

  22. Ep 76 Executive Director

    This week we speak with Pastor Caleb Adams and Executive Director Gregg Pinick about the executive director structure in place at Trinity Lutheran in Bend, OR. We learn about how this structure has helped them both focus on growing the ministry there in Bend! You can reach them at:...

  23. Ep 75 School Calendar

    How do you make a good school year calendar? That's the topic for today!

  24. Ep 74 The Christmas Message

    It's a tradition around here to end the year with a student reading of Luke 2. Merry Christmas!

  25. Ep 73 The Week Before Christmas

    We talk about how we plan the week before Christmas. It's a joyous time for your schools, and a great opportunity for some fun!

  26. Ep 72 Parent Feedback

    This week we talk all things parent feedback with Ryan Ermeling. You can reach Ryan at [email protected] and can check out Parent Pulse at https://www.parentpulse.com

  27. Ep 71 Part 2 of Parent Conversations

    We go into some detail about parent conversations.

  28. Ep 70 Parent Conversations

    This week we discuss how we talk to angry parents.

  29. Ep 69 Getting it all Done

    This week we talk about how we stay sane in our roles as leaders when there is always more to do.

  30. Ep 68 The Power of Moments

    This week we talk about the book The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact by Chip and Dan Heath and what we can learn from it in our schools.

  31. Ep 67 Good Habits

    Now that the year has started how do you keep everything running smoothly? Good habits!

  32. Ep 66 School Policy

    This week we talk all about school policies!

  33. Ep 65 Benefits of Field Trips

    There are so many benefits to a good field trip!

  34. Ep 64 New Teachers

    This week we talk about welcoming new teachers into our buildings. Thank you for listening!

  35. Ep 63 New Families

    Every year your school will have new families. What do you do differently to welcome them into your school? This week Mike and I talk about what Christian schools can do to ensure that those first impressions are great.

  36. Ep 62 Summer Work, Summer Rest

    This week we discuss how we balance rest and work during summer break.

  37. Ep 61 Grant Writing

    Mike shares his best grant writing tips! His grant writing tips article can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fZybdLln-mmEQPZ1Y2CLYNpD9z16qslt/view?usp=sharing Also, the website should be up soon! Exciting times!

  38. Ep 60 People to Tell You No

    You need good people around you to be the best school leader you can be. Sometimes, those people need to tell you no. How do you find the right people to challenge you? That's what we discuss this week.

  39. Ep 59 Joy in Struggles

    God leads us through all things. Even the bad, difficult, and frustrating ones. This week we talk about the good things that have come out of the unexpected or frustrating parts of leading a school.

  40. Ep 58 Modern Classroom Teaching with Miguel Melchor

    This week Rob speaks with Miguel Melchor about the neat learning model being used in his classroom. Miguel is an award-winning educator with over a decade of experience in the classroom, Miguel currently serves at DeWitt Clinton Elementary School in Chicago. It was a joy having Miguel on the...

  41. Ep. 57 Teacher Prep Time

    This week we discuss teacher prep time. How we schedule it, how much there is, and how other schools compare. It is one of those items where the answer is always more is better.

  42. Ep 56 Best Practices in Ministry Conference

    We share all about the Best Practices in Ministry conference. It is one of the best free conferences you can attend, and it comes with free ice cream. Special thanks to Christ Church, and the wonderful staff and volunteers that host this great event.

  43. Ep 55 Working with Emergency Services

    This week we look at how our schools can work with emergency services, and what role you play as a school leader.

  44. Ep 54 The AI Ate My Homework

    In this episode, we explore the innovative integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within Lutheran schools. We delve into how AI tools are enhancing personalized learning experiences, supporting teachers in curriculum development, and what the future might hold. Join us as we navigate the...

  45. Ep. 53 Class Trips

    In this episode, we explore the unique world of class trips in Lutheran elementary schools, diving into how these excursions blend educational rigor with spiritual growth. You will get an inside look at the planning, experiences, and unforgettable memories created through these journeys,...

  46. Ep 52 Classroom Management Part 2

    This week we continue our conversation about classroom management. We hope this is helpful, and if you have something to add, please contact us! You can access a free classroom management resource here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1M9E6MdrFHVhE0MMS5SGvakEsAtiILFqkInkeZJm3yZU/edit?usp=sharing

  47. Ep. 51 Classroom Management Part 1

    In this episode, we talk about the art of effective classroom management. Join us as we explore practical strategies and insights we have gained on maintaining a positive learning environment, fostering student engagement, and handling challenging behaviors. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or a...

  48. Ep 50 Class Parties

    How do you feel about class parties? Love 'em or hate 'em, they are a part of school life. This week we discuss our experiences with them, why they are valuable, and how we have handled them. Hope you enjoy it!

  49. Ep 49 Finding Joy in Chaos

    This week Mike and I discuss how to find joy in your call no matter what is happening around you.

  50. Ep 48 Snow Days

    Should you call a snow day? It's a difficult decision that many school leaders have to make. This week Mike and I share how we make that decision and share some stories along the way. If you enjoyed this episode please share it with someone. Let it snow!

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Weekly advice and encouragement for principals and school leaders.

HOSTED BY

Mike Schiemann and Rob Lunak

CATEGORIES

education

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does From the Principal's Desk have?

From the Principal's Desk currently has 97 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is From the Principal's Desk about?

Weekly advice and encouragement for principals and school leaders.

How often does From the Principal's Desk release new episodes?

From the Principal's Desk has 97 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to From the Principal's Desk?

You can listen to From the Principal's Desk on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts From the Principal's Desk?

From the Principal's Desk is created and hosted by Mike Schiemann and Rob Lunak.
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