The Marathon of School Administration

In this episode of the Principals of Change podcast, host Lee speaks with Kristin Kauffman, an assistant principal at Milford High School, about her journey from journalism to education leadership. They discuss the challenges of balancing work and personal life, the importance of mental health support for students, and innovative strategies for fostering a positive school environment. Kristin shares insights on building relationships with teachers and students, addressing the impact of social media on mental health, and the exciting trend of focusing on career readiness in education.

takeaways

• Every school year feels like a marathon, requiring endurance and pacing.
• Collaboration among administrators is crucial for effective policy implementation.
• Listening to teachers is essential for creating a supportive environment.
• Mental health support must be tailored to meet individual student needs.
• Group therapy can be an effective way to address mental health in schools.
• Social media significantly impacts students' mental health and requires attention.
• Self-care opportunities for teachers are vital to prevent burnout.
• Career readiness is becoming a key focus in education.
• Building strong relationships with students enhances their educational experience.
• Recognizing the contributions of staff fosters a positive school culture.

Sound Bites

• "Every student, every teacher, every day."
• "This whole school year is a marathon."
• "Happy teachers, happy students."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Balance

02:49 Navigating the Marathon of School Administration

05:58 Building Relationships with Students and Teachers

09:01 Innovative Mental Health Support Initiatives

12:11 Addressing Social Media's Impact on Mental Health

14:59 Trends in Student Support and Career Readiness

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