On The Way To School

Today I caught myself thinking about something we all do, but rarely admit: disengaging.
You know the moment.You’re in a meeting. Your mind is somewhere else. You’re tired, frustrated, distracted, or just over it. Your body is there, but your energy isn’t. And slowly, you start to disappear from the room.
In today’s episode, I challenged myself and you not to default to disengagement.
Because disengagement doesn’t just stay in one meeting.It spills into collaboration.It shows up in relationships.It quietly reshapes culture.
I shared how powerful it felt to sit in a meeting with no devices, no notes, no distractions, just presence. It reminded me that sometimes the most radical leadership move is simply staying in it, even when it’s uncomfortable.
So this week, I’m asking myself:If I feel myself pulling back, what do I actually need?A break? A conversation? Clarity? Or courage?
Before you disengage… pause.Name what’s happening.Choose presence on purpose.
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You’ve got this.#OnTheWayToSchool #LeadershipTok #EducatorTok #Presence #SchoolLeadership #TeamCulture

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📍 This Monday had me thinking about something we don’t talk about enough as leaders: making room.
With everything happening right now—winter storms, community unrest, family safety, and the daily realities of school—it’s easy to feel like we have to carry everything ourselves. I’ve been there. Wanting to lead every project. Wanting to be in every decision. Wanting to hold onto responsibility because it feels like control, relevance, or care.
But today’s episode reminded me of something deeper:Sometimes leadership isn’t about doing more. It’s about creating space.
Space for colleagues to step in.Space for new voices at the table.Space for people whose skills match the moment better than ours.
Making room doesn’t mean you’re less capable.Sometimes it means you’re essential somewhere else.Sometimes it means the mission is bigger than your role.
And sometimes… it means you finally get a moment to breathe.
So as we move through the year, I’m asking myself:Where do I need to hold on?And where do I need to let someone else run the race?
Here’s to leadership that trusts, shares, and makes room.#OnTheWayToSchool #LeadershipTok #EducatorTok #Capacity #Teamwork #SchoolLeadership

S10 E161 Dr. Chris Dennis reflects on the Pollyanna Conference going virtual, the difference between announcements and invitations, and the importance of intentional connection, belonging, and asking yourself "What do you want?" in leadership and life.

S10 E160 In today’s episode of On The Way To School, Dr. Chris Dennis reflects on the idea of capacity, our individual ability to perform, endure, and create at high levels. As January unfolds with its demands and momentum, this episode invites educators and leaders to pause and ask: Am I operating at my full capacity, and do I recognize what that really is?
Dr. Dennis explores how capacity looks different for everyone. A “bad day” for one person may still outperform another’s best, and comparison often blinds us to our own strengths. Drawing on examples from athletics, leadership, and personal growth, he challenges listeners to honor their gifts, give themselves grace, and become better stewards of their abilities.
The episode also offers a gentle push: when you’re rested, healthy, and clear-headed, don’t shrink. Raise the bar. Push yourself. Not out of ego, but because students, colleagues, and communities benefit when you show up fully.
This is a reflection on maximizing potential, avoiding skill atrophy, and answering the quiet inner pull toward excellence, especially when your work feels thankless. A grounding reminder that awareness of your capacity is itself a responsibility.

📍S10 E159: We’re 15 days into 2026, so I had to pause and check in with myself and with you.
Are you still motivated? Or has the energy started to fade already?
In today’s episode, I talk about the difference between motivation and belief. Motivation comes and goes. Belief is what carries you when the excitement wears off. You can believe and feel unsure. You can believe and be scared. But belief is what keeps you taking the next step anyway.
I also get into accountability and clarity, being honest about where you fell short, adjusting, and recommitting without shame. Whether it’s your health goals, professional growth, job searches, or preparing for what’s next, this season isn’t about posting intentions…it’s about putting in reps.
If you’re still fired up, great.If you’re struggling, it's also okay.You’ve got time, and you’re not behind.
Just checking in.#OnTheWayToSchool #EducatorTok #LeadershipTok #NewYearCheckIn #MotivationVsBelief

Host Dr. Chris Dennis checks in with administrators and educators about helping students return after winter break, offering classroom reflections and practical tips for regulation and community building.He reflects on recent events—including the January 6th discussion in class, the Palisades/Eaton fires anniversary, and a Minneapolis tragedy involving ICE—encouraging leaders to help young people process difficult moments while leading with care and vigilance.This short episode is a reminder to keep planting seeds for students, practice self-care in activism, and lead with joy and clarity as communities rebuild and heal.

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Dr. Chris Dennis reviews seven practical tips from Responsive Classroom to help students transition back after winter break: plan something to look forward to, set personal and academic goals, provide socialization time, ease into academics, review routines and expectations, extend patience and empathy, and revisit favorite activities.
The episode highlights being mindful of students who may be restarting medication or who experienced difficult breaks, suggests thoughtful ways to prompt sharing without focusing on material experiences, and offers classroom strategies like recalibrating expectations and creating space for all voices.

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In this episode, Dr. Chris Dennis shares three practical strategies for school leaders returning from winter break: be mindful and relatable, be present (and bring snacks), and clearly communicate what's coming next. These approaches help rebuild collegial connections and set clear expectations for the busy weeks ahead.
Whether you're an administrator or teacher, you can implement these tips immediately to support staff wellbeing, accountability, and smooth transitions into the spring term.

Welcome to my New Year episode of On the Way to School, a short, warm check-in for educators and administrators as we prepare to return after winter break. I reflect on the importance of rest and share some family moments, including the joy of becoming a new grandparent. I also delve into the emotional realities of the season and offer practical steps for getting back into the school routine.
Some key takeaways include reminding myself to give grace as I re-engage with work, and the importance of staying connected with my team.
Happy New Year! 

Dr. Chris Dennis shares a personal year-end reflection on family rituals, a vision-casting family meeting from 2020, and how written goals have guided progress toward five- and twenty-year plans.He encourages listeners to create their own traditions and milestones, mentions plans for winter break and a grandson's visit, and thanks the audience as the podcast approaches a seasonal pause.