On The Way To School

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 

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

S10 E162
📍 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.