On The Way To School

Welcome to "On the Way to School" - your daily dose of motivation for educators with Christopher S. Dennis. In this episode, dive into the transformative journey of moving past people-pleasing and embracing authentic educational leadership. Discover key insights on why controlling others' perceptions is futile, the importance of setting purposeful boundaries, and the value of seeking respect over popularity. Learn how to bravely navigate the challenges of education leadership without losing sight of your core values. Join us and empower yourself with genuine concern and effective administration.

Welcome to "On the Way to School" with Christopher S. Dennis, your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. In today's episode, we delve into the transformative power of listening to and supporting student voices in real time.
Reflecting on experiences from the dean's office at Scripps College, Christopher shares valuable insights on the importance of staying current and relevant, actively listening, and leading with actionable steps rather than intentions. This episode emphasizes the critical role educators play in supporting students' journeys by being proactive and responsive to their needs.
Join us as we explore three essential practices for educators: staying engaged with societal issues, valuing students' lived experiences, and prioritizing action to build trust. Learn how to effectively support and advocate for students, ensuring they are not marginalized during their college experience.

In today's episode of "On The Way To School," host Christopher S. Dennis explores the intricacies of leadership and politics within educational institutions. Reflecting on his past experiences, Christopher shares valuable advice on effectively navigating professional challenges and building influential relationships.
Listeners will gain insight into balancing personal intentions with public perceptions and learn strategies for building trust and mutual respect. The episode emphasizes the significance of influence over power and offers practical tips on when to compromise, push, or step back for long-term success.
Join us as we embark on a journey to understand the dynamics of leadership and discover empowering advice for educators and administrators who want to positively impact their careers.

Welcome to "On The Way To School," your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. In today's episode, host Christopher S. Dennis reflects on the joy of holiday gatherings with school communities and highlights the importance of celebrating milestones together.
Christopher shares his insights on the overwhelming nature of digital consumption, especially on social media, and how it impacts our mental clarity. He encourages listeners to adopt a more intentional approach when consuming content. No more endless bookmarking; instead, absorb, learn, and integrate what truly matters.
Christopher provides three actionable steps to help educators reconnect with their intentions, declutter their digital spaces, and turn inspiration into tangible action. The episode serves as a reminder of the value of being present and thoughtful in a world of information overload.

Welcome to On The Way To School, your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. I'm Christopher S. Dennis, and today, we focus on the importance of reflecting on your career journey.
In this episode, we explore the significance of assessing your achievements as the year ends. We offer insights on evaluating whether you've met your goals, list your accomplishments, and plan for the future. This reflection is crucial as it helps you honor your journey and prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the coming year.
Join us in setting aside time during the winter break to discuss your career with a trusted partner or friend. By sharing your experiences, you get a clearer picture of your career trajectory and involve others in supporting your professional growth. Let's ensure you acknowledge your impact and prepare for a successful year ahead.

Welcome to On The Way To School, your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. In today's episode, Christopher S. Dennis reflects on the captivating experience of Wicked Week, drawing parallels between the movie and the educational environment at Shiz University.
This episode emphasizes the importance of building powerful communities within educational institutions, where rituals and traditions offer profound experiences for students. Christopher shares insights on how a nurturing and supportive community can transform educational journeys, drawing from his collegiate memories and Elphaba's experiences in the movie.
Listeners are encouraged to focus on creating safe and inviting spaces for students, highlighting the impactful role educators play in their students' lives. Learn how small gestures and open doors can be life-changing, fostering connections and building bridges within the educational community.

In today's On The Way To School episode, join Christopher S. Dennis as we dive into "Wicked Week" and explore the nuances of social compliance and personal authenticity. We examine the character dynamics in the story of Wicked, mainly focusing on Glenda's journey and the challenges of balancing people-pleasing with personal integrity.
Discover how societal pressures can shape our actions and the importance of staying true to oneself. Reflect on whether we've been placed in similar situations or the urge to maintain harmony may come at the cost of progress and individual growth. This episode encourages mindfulness of our inherent societal programming, urging us to ensure our actions align with our true calling.
Tune in for thoughtful discussions and critical reflections, perfect for considering on your way to school.

Join Christopher S. Dennis on "On The Way To School" as he delves into the cultural impact of the film "Wicked." Reflecting on personal experiences watching the movie with his family, Christopher explores themes of unexpected learning, the power of art to engage, and the importance of nurturing inner strength. Through the story of Elphaba, he draws parallels to education and leadership, urging educators to reignite their passion and sense of purpose. Listen in to discover how art can inspire, teach, and transform.

Welcome to another inspiring episode of "On The Way To School." Join Christopher S. Dennis as he dives into the enchanting world of the movie "Wicked." Discover powerful insights on embracing your unique journey and becoming your story's main character. Drawing parallels between the film and educational leadership, this episode encourages educators to create a magical, impactful space in their classrooms. Reflect on your role and learn how to shine and thrive without the need for additional titles. Embrace the chance to be the protagonist in your narrative.

Welcome to the Thanksgiving break edition of On The Way To School, your daily boost for educators and administrators, hosted by Christopher S. Dennis. In this episode, we take a nostalgic journey back to the early days of personal computing and the initial steps of integrating technology into education. We explore the transformative experiences from fifth grade by introducing the Prodigy software, the first social networking interface designed for kids, to the university experience at Concordia University with one-to-one laptop programs.
Reflect on the rapid progression of technology in education and its intertwined relationship with learning management systems today. Consider the challenges and implications this brings to educational frameworks and the dependency on digital platforms for routine educational tasks. Join us as we discuss the balance between traditional methods and modern technology and ponder how these transitions affect our educational practices and the overall health of our learners.