On The Way To School

Welcome back to a new season of On the Way to School! I’m Dr. Dennis, and I’m thrilled to share my reflections on the first week back at school. Join me as I recount memorable moments from carline drop-offs, inspiring classroom interactions, and the joys of family life.
In this episode, I’ll dive into my experiences teaching an equity, justice, and leadership course, discussing the balance between visible and behind-the-scenes work. I’ll also highlight upcoming events, including the State of Inclusion, and share my plans for data deep dives and guest hosts. Plus, I’m excited to announce my goal to release a book in early 2026. Let’s embark on this journey together!
 
 
 
 

Welcome to "On the Way to School." I'm your host, Dr. Chris Dennis. In this episode, I discuss the onboarding process for new school staff, emphasizing the importance of feedback and clear communication during the crucial first weeks on campus. I share insights on how issues can emerge from informal communication channels and stress the importance of new hires communicating any concerns with their mentors or supervisors as early as possible. I offer practical tips, such as asking your supervisor how they prefer to receive feedback and sharing how you like to give it. I also encourage being proactive in seeking support. Additionally, I emphasize that school leaders should set clear expectations and model respectful communication to help new teams succeed.

Welcome to "On The Way To School." I'm Dr. Chris Dennis, and today I'm excited to explore the impact of disruption on both our personal and professional lives. Disruptions can often feel overwhelming, and I want to explore why that is and share some valuable strategies to help us stay on track amidst the chaos. Staying focused and being prepared for life's unexpected challenges is crucial; together, we'll uncover valuable insights. Let's get started!
 
 
 

In this episode of On The Way To School, I’m excited to share my personal experiences with AI at work. It all started with an unexpected recap from an AI companion during one of our meetings, which opened my eyes to the potential of this technology. I’ll delve into the diverse ways AI is being utilized in educational environments, highlighting the importance of transparency and discussing the ethical considerations that need to be kept in mind. I hope to provide practical insights into how schools and leadership groups are adapting to AI, ensuring that we engage with this technology in a responsible and informed manner. Join me on this journey as we explore the intersection of education and artificial intelligence!

Join me, Dr. Chris Dennis, this Monday morning as I delve into the powerful theme of setting the right intentions and cultivating positive habits. I'll be sharing some personal reflections on the milestones I've encountered throughout my journey, with a particular emphasis on the impact of habits we form at the start of the school year.
Have you ever considered how a seemingly small decision, like hitting the snooze button, can set the tone for your entire day? I'll explore this idea in depth, examining how these little choices can ripple out and influence our day-to-day experiences and overall success. 
I believe that focusing on winning each day, even through small, incremental steps, can lead us to significant long-term achievements. It's all about the compound effect of our daily actions. With this in mind, I'll also share my commitment to breaking down barriers with students and fostering meaningful yet straightforward connections that can create lasting impacts on their lives.
I look forward to engaging with you all and inspiring one another as we embark on this journey of growth and connection together. Let's make the most of every day!

Welcome to another episode of 'On The Way To School.' I'm your host, Dr. Chris Dennis. Today, I want to dive into the complexities of modern leadership—something that I believe is more crucial now than ever as we approach a new school year. 
As I reflect on my journey, I recognize the vital role that emotional intelligence plays in effective leadership. It's not just about managing tasks; it's about understanding ourselves and those we lead. I've found that being aware of our emotions, as well as the feelings of others, can significantly enhance our leadership qualities.
As we prepare for the busy months ahead, I encourage you to take a moment to reassess your strengths and abilities as a leader. How do you handle the inevitable pressures and responsibilities that come your way? Together, let's explore strategies to optimize our impact, manage our workloads, and navigate the challenges we face, all while ensuring that we don't lose sight of empathy and understanding.
Join me as we embark on this journey to refine our leadership skills and prepare for what lies ahead. It's going to be an insightful exploration, and I'm excited for us to learn and grow together.

Hey everyone! Welcome back to another episode of 'On The Way To School.' I'm Dr. Chris Dennis, and today, we're diving into some crucial aspects of effective leadership. We'll explore how transparent communication and genuine emotional expression can boost your leadership impact. 
I'm also going to talk about the importance of recognizing who might be missing from your team and how we can bring those diverse voices into the conversation. If you're looking to sharpen your leadership skills and create a more inclusive environment, this episode is definitely for you. Let's get started!

In this episode of "On The Way To School," I reflect on the importance of strategic planning both professionally and personally. As we begin a new school year, I share my experiences in preparing for critical meetings and retreats, emphasizing how strategic plans serve as a roadmap for achieving our long-term objectives.
I delve into personal anecdotes, including a recent family road trip and my wife's ventures, to highlight the significance of aligning our actions with our intentions. By drawing parallels between my family's travel goals and broader life strategies, I underline the power of setting clear objectives and the necessity of being prepared for unexpected challenges.
Whether it's managing work responsibilities, planning for future endeavors, or handling unforeseen circumstances like wildfires, I encourage listeners to be proactive, detailed, and bold in their strategic planning efforts. Join me for insightful advice on transforming dreams into reality and navigating life's storms with confidence.
Whether it's managing work responsibilities, planning for future endeavors, or handling unforeseen circumstances like wildfires, Dr. Dennis encourages listeners to be proactive, detailed, and bold in their strategic planning efforts. Tune in for insightful advice on transforming dreams into reality and navigating life's storms with confidence.

Good morning and welcome to another episode of "On The Way To School." I'm Dr. Chris Dennis, and as we begin this new academic year, I'd like to discuss the importance of planning sessions and establishing a clear vision to prevent future bottlenecks in education. 
I've been reflecting on the nuances of when to seek help, and I want to emphasize how vital effective communication and collaboration among educators are. In this episode, I'll share insights on how to start the year with enthusiasm and strategic foresight, ensuring that we set the stage for the best possible outcomes for everyone involved. Let's dive in!

Join me for a special episode as I check in from Rancho Mirage, where I’m wrapping up summer with a quick getaway alongside my sons. It’s been a great chance for us to relax, recharge, and spend some much-needed quality time together. I also wanted to share a quick update on what’s ahead for August.
I’ve got some exciting plans coming up, including retreats with our division principals and strategic planning groups, setting the tone for a thoughtful and productive month. And a quick shoutout to my friend Kathy Jones; we might be teaming up soon for some data dives that I’m really looking forward to.
Tune in for a brief but refreshing update, and as always, be kind to yourself and take a deep breath as we step into all the promise that August has to offer.