On The Way To School

Dr. Chris Dennis welcomes listeners to a rainy Thursday episode focused on mid-year pressures in schools. He discusses preparing for and recovering from intense meetings, using deep breaths and contemplative silence to reset, and the importance of maintaining good self-care practices.
He encourages finding small moments of joy, even dancing at home, to celebrate progress and stay connected to the purpose of working with students. Practical reminders for educators to protect their energy and pursue joy.

Host Dr. Chris Dennis reflects on a brief middle-school Harkness discussion he observed, highlighting how students engaged with The Skin I'm In and moved into deeper dialogue.He connects that classroom moment to leadership: meetings work best when everyone arrives with the same content and preparation, enabling informed decisions.A concise reflection for educators and administrators about student discourse, observation insights, and improving organizational conversations.

Dr. Chris Dennis reflects on recent events—from the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson to a trip to Montgomery and a talk by Bryan Stevenson—and highlights the power of proximity in understanding equity, justice, and the humanity of those most impacted.The episode urges school leaders and educators to spend more time in classrooms (including commitments of 50% or 25% time), outlines plans to support those affected by mass incarceration, and previews a middle school course blending visual arts, photography, and social justice.

📍 Eight days. Three cities. Three powerful gatherings.Minneapolis. Montgomery. Atlanta.
I'm back home; grateful, tired, recalibrating.This week reminded me how important it is actually to engage when you're at conferences. Don't just sit with those you know. Not just anchor to what's comfortable. But introduce yourself. Pour into someone. Learn from someone. Take the selfie. Send the text. Build the bridge.
I also realized something else…After 20 years in education, I'm starting to be one of the "older voices" in the room. And instead of resisting that, I'm choosing to honor it. 
Professional development isn't just about the sessions.It's about connection.It's about regeneration.It's about who you become in the room.
Also, the first shipment of Lonely Graduation arrives today. That part feels special.
Stay dry. Stay connected. Stay growing.
#OnTheWayToSchool #LeadershipTok #EducatorTok #ProfessionalDevelopment #LonelyGraduation #BlackEducators

Dr. Chris Dennis describes his visit to the Legacy Museum and related sites in Montgomery, Alabama, reflecting on the history of enslavement, reconstruction, and the link to present-day mass incarceration.He shares emotional moments from the exhibits, the personal impact of confronting this history, and a renewed call to activism and supporting incarcerated voices. He encourages educators to visit the sites in person or online to deepen their understanding.

On this episode of On The Way To School, Dr. Christopher Dennis records live from Montgomery, Alabama during the NAES EIJ conference as he visits the Legacy Museum, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park. He shares personal reflections on confronting 400 years of history—from enslavement and segregation to mass incarceration—and the importance of immersive, community-centered learning for educators.Dr. Dennis discusses the healing and motivation found in remembering the past, calls for solidarity during Black History Month, and encourages listeners to engage deeply with history to strengthen their work in education and social justice.

Welcome to another episode of On the Way to School. Dr. Dennis records from Montgomery, Alabama, during the National Association of Episcopal Schools Equity and Justice Conference and reflects on a recent visit to Minneapolis, where he led a discussion at the Kente Summit about the book "Lonely Graduation."
Students from local colleges shared honest stories about the fade of applause after achievements, choosing schools for financial reasons, and the loneliness that can follow major milestones. The conversation provided language and support for navigating transitions before careers begin.
The host reflects on their background in higher education, the value of connecting with college students beyond K–12, and plans to continue serving and sharing insights during conference week.

In this episode, Dr. Dennis connects with Dr. Roger Bridges of Building Bridges Consulting, who obtained his doctorate in leadership from USC, and recounts a career that began working with vulnerable youth in residential treatment and grew into roles at independent schools like Branson, Windward, and Echo Horizon. Their path led to consulting work focused on bridging wellness and belonging across K–12 communities.
They discuss practical approaches for school leaders and teachers: proactive community building, frequent touchpoints for dialogue, empowering teachers as CEOs of their classrooms, quick practices like a one-minute mindfulness start, and prioritizing adult self-care to better support students facing conflict, division, and stress.

In this dual episode, Dr. Chris Dennis and guest host Rob Evans of the Just Curious Podcast discuss what it means to serve in education, exploring joy, humility, and the awe that comes from mentoring, building programs, and supporting students and colleagues.
They share personal stories, name mentors and unsung heroes, and invite listeners to reflect on how service can be a blessing, not a burden, in schools and communities.

Host Dr. Chris Dennis celebrates his birthday with a short episode, reading page 44 from his upcoming book Lonely Graduation: The Journey After the Milestone. He introduces a section called "The Conveyor Belt of Achievement," which explores how continuous striving can overshadow the ability to honor and process success. The book is available March 24, with pre-sales open now. 
After the reading, Chris signs off with a reminder to take care of yourself on the way to school and a brief birthday farewell. 
Purchase your pre-sale copy here: https://www.campusculturegroup.com/lonelygraduation