On The Way To School

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 

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