Throwback Thursday!
Title: Episode #27_Staff Motivation & Morale featuring Dr. Todd Whitaker 
Originally Released On: 2-26-21

This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode, we:
✅ discuss the importance of staff motivation and morale in school management,
✅ provide tips on what you can do to ensure this is happening in your school.

Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today. 🎧

Anchor Chat #24: Too Much Data, Not Enough Direction

In this episode of Anchor Chats, Dr. Woods reflects on Too Much Data, Not Enough Direction, exploring how educators can move beyond simply collecting data to using it with purpose and clarity. He discusses the importance of identifying meaningful trends, setting actionable goals, and aligning data analysis with instructional priorities. Dr. Woods encourages educators to focus on direction over volume—transforming data into intentional steps that drive student growth.

Episode #125 is up!  Check it out!!!

Special Guest Command Sergeant Major Bart E. Womack, U.S. Army (Retired), joins Dr. Woods on episode #125 of Leading Out The Woods to discuss Navigating the Storm: Crisis Response for School Leaders. A survivor of an insider threat attack within the 101st Airborne Division, Bart shares powerful first-hand insights that bring authenticity and urgency to discussions on school safety. In this episode, they explore lessons learned from his experience, proactive strategies for identifying and mitigating potential threats, and practical guidance to help school leaders strengthen crisis response and protect their communities.

Throwback Thursday! "The Art of Delegation" featuring Dr. Marcus Belin

Originally Released On: 11-19-21

This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode, we explore:

✅ How ‘Delegation’ is an essential concept of leadership.
✅ Empowering colleagues to complete tasks unsupervised.

Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today. 

Anchor Chat #23: What’s Your Tier 1 Reality?

In this episode of Anchor Chats, Dr. Woods reflects on What’s Your Tier 1 Reality?, examining the importance of understanding and strengthening core instruction. He challenges educators to evaluate the effectiveness of their Tier 1 practices, ensuring they meet the needs of all students before relying on interventions. Dr. Woods emphasizes that strong Tier 1 instruction is the foundation of academic success.

Throwback Thursday! Is Financial Literacy Working?

Originally Released On: 7-15-2022

This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:

✅ Dr. Thomas shares how we should conceptualize financial literacy.

✅ Dr. Thomas discusses barriers students and families routinely encounter when learning about financial literacy.

Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today. 

Don’t forget to check back every Thursday for more Throwback episodes!

Episode #124 is up!  Check it out!!!

Special Guest Rae Hughart, CEO and Founder of Teachers Deserve It, joins Dr. Woods on episode #124 of Leading Out The Woods to discuss her book Teachers Deserve It!, co-authored with Adam Welcome. In this episode, they explore the inspiration behind the book, the “why” that drives educators to teach, and how these powerful motivations often go unnoticed. Together, they highlight the importance of celebrating and uplifting the teaching profession.

Throwback Thursday! The Throwaway Kids: Combating the Stereotype

Originally Released On: 4-9-2021

This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:

✅ Mirko discusses the obstacles that stand in the way of making sure that every student succeeds.
✅ Mirko shares what can be done to ensure that students who had experiences similar to his are able to be seen, heard and succeed.

Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today.

🎧👉 Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform or at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-out-the-woods/id1507447161

🕰️ Don’t forget to check back every Thursday for more Throwback episodes!

Throwback Thursday! Inside the Schoolhouse: What Great Principals Know and Do featuring Dr. John Gratto

Originally Released On: 8-13-2021

This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:

✅ Dr. Gratto shares an overview of his book, “Inside the Schoolhouse: What Great Principals Know and Do.”
✅ Dr. Gratto discusses the key concepts that assistant principals and principals can take away from the book.

Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today. 

🕰️ Don’t forget to check back every Thursday for more Throwback episodes!

In this episode, Dr. Woods highlights a powerful shift for school leaders: learning to recognize and celebrate the small wins that fuel long-term success. Big transformations rarely happen overnight—but small, consistent victories build the momentum that drives lasting change. From a student reaching a behavior goal, to smoother transitions, to a teacher trying a new strategy, these wins create energy, trust, and morale across a school.

Episode #123 is up!  Check it out!!!

Invisible No More: The Truth About Rural Education

Special Guest Dr. Jamon Flowers, Assistant Professor at the University of Georgia, joins Dr. Woods on episode #123 of Leading Out The Woods to discuss Invisible No More: The Truth About Rural Education. In this episode, they unpack the unique challenges and opportunities within rural schools, highlighting the importance of access and advocacy to ensure rural students and communities are no longer overlooked.

Throwback Thursday! Augmenting the Reality of Education Through Immersive Experiences featuring Dr. Alfonso Mendoza

Originally Released On: 2-25-2022

This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:
✅ Dr. Mendoza shares why ARVR in Education helps increase student engagement and instruction.
✅ Dr. Mendoza discusses where he sees the future of education headed with this technology.

Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today. 🎧👉 

🕰️ Don’t forget to check back every Thursday for more Throwback episodes!

Summer Leadership Recharge

In this episode of Summer Leadership Recharge: Principal Edition, Dr. Woods sits down with Dr. Alex Carter, Vice President of Field Implementation at the Colorado Education Initiative, for an insightful conversation on the concept of the “Warm Demander.” Together, they unpack how school leaders can balance high expectations with genuine care, creating an environment where students and staff are both challenged and supported. Designed for current and aspiring principals, this episode offers practical approaches to strengthen relationships, build trust, and inspire success in the year ahead.

Anchor Chat #21: The ‘Why’ Behind the Rules

In this episode, Dr. Woods explores an essential yet often overlooked question in schools: Do students (and staff) truly understand the "why" behind the rules? Rules without context can feel restrictive—but when we explain the purpose behind them, we build trust, consistency, and a stronger school culture. Dr. Woods shares insights on how intentional communication and clarity around expectations can shift behavior and promote a more respectful learning environment.

Summer Leadership Recharge

In this episode of Summer Leadership Recharge: Principal Edition, Dr. Woods is joined by Dr. Shameka Gerald, Managing Director - 2Revolutions, to discuss "Leading Through Change: Managing Transitions & Challenges." This episode offers actionable strategies and reflective prompts to building principals to lead their teams through periods of uncertainty or change, while avoiding burnout and building a culture of collective resilience. 

Summer Leadership Recharge

In this episode of Summer Leadership Recharge: Principal Edition, Dr. Woods is joined by Salome Thomas-El—principal, author, and nationally recognized speaker—to explore the power of meeting students’ individual needs to unlock their full potential. Titled after his new best seller, “Meet Their Needs And They’ll Succeed,” this conversation highlights practical leadership strategies to build supportive school cultures where every student can thrive.

Episode #122 is up!  Check it out!!!

Teacher Recruitment & Retention

In this powerful episode, Dr. Lindsey Jensen joins Dr. Woods to discuss building pipelines to recruit and nurture teachers. Additionally, Dr. Jensen discusses ways to support new educators and advocate for policies to improve the profession.

Throwback Thursday! Teacher Efficacy: Reaching All Learners

Originally Released On:11-6-2020

This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:

✅ Dr. Novak shares her work on implementing inclusive practices.
✅ Dr. Novak offers tips on creating collective efficacy in learning environments.

Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today.

🎧👉 Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform or at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-out-the-woods/id1507447161

🕰️ Don’t forget to check back every Thursday for more Throwback episodes!

Summer Leadership Recharge

In this episode, Dr. Woods is joined by Dr. Donetrus Hill to discuss Strategic Goal Setting for School Success, as part of our special Summer Leadership Recharge: Principal Edition series. Designed specifically for current and aspiring principals, this series offers practical strategies to help school leaders reflect, reset, and re-energize for the upcoming school year.

Throwback Thursday! The Language of Behavior featuring Joshua Stamper

Originally Released On: 8-23-2024

This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:
✅ Joshua discusses his book, “Aspire to Lead: With Empathy, Creativity, and Passion.”
✅ Joshua shares different strategies for leading restorative practices and trauma informed professional development.Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today.

🎧👉 Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform or at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-out-the-woods/id1507447161

🕰️ Don’t forget to check back every Thursday for more Throwback episodes!