On The Way To School

In this episode of "On The Way To School," Christopher S. Dennis shares insights and personal reflections recorded after a dynamic day following the Monday of Daylight Savings. Dennis recounts his participation in a leadership summit at another school and a heartwarming experience from a weekend workshop with Private School Village. He reflects on a meaningful conversation with a young student about faith, identity, and how to love and advocate for all communities. Through this engagement, Dennis emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for the youth to ask questions and the significant role educators play in nurturing compassionate dialogue and understanding. This touching narrative serves as a reminder of the impact educators can have in addressing the questions and concerns of the younger generation.

Welcome to "On The Way To School," your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. In today's episode, host Christopher S. Dennis discusses the challenges educators face amidst federal policy changes and the lack of standardized best practices. Drawing parallels with historical events such as the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Christopher emphasizes the importance of staying true to educational goals despite external crises. He highlights the significance of absorbing impacts rather than overcorrecting, especially for DEI practitioners whose work may be threatened. Christopher encourages listeners to remain steadfast in fostering an inclusive and equitable society and to engage in conversations about bias now more than ever.

Join me, on On The Way To School for a discussion on the complexities of the independent school admissions process and the importance of nurturing internal candidates for faculty and leadership openings. I’ll share strategies for providing valuable feedback and growth opportunities to internal applicants, helping them stay motivated and prepared for future roles. We’ll also explore the delicate balance of selecting new families and students while fostering an encouraging environment for everyone in the school community.

In this episode, Christopher shares a personal journey of dealing with unresolved situations as a leader. He discusses the intricacies of trust and closure when relationships with families and constituents face challenges. Through his candid reflections, he delves into the emotions and growth opportunities that arise when closure is elusive, emphasizing the necessity of integrity, empathy, and transparency.
Listen in as he explores the importance of accepting discomfort, learning from unclosed chapters, and striving to be a better leader. Gain insight into the balance between leading with empathy and setting boundaries, and discover how sitting with discomfort can lead to unexpected growth and understanding. Whether you're an educator just starting your day or reflecting on leadership, this episode offers food for thought and encouragement to embrace the complexities of human connections.

In this episode of On The Way To School, host Christopher S. Dennis discusses the importance of consistency and reflection in educational settings. He emphasizes the value of returning to foundational documents and mission statements to ensure alignment with institutional goals and principles.Christopher shares insights on leading an accreditation self-study and highlights the importance of continual review and implementation to uphold a school's credibility and mission. Listeners are encouraged to routinely engage with guiding principles, much like attending regular services to reinforce core values.This episode serves as a reminder for educators to periodically revisit their goals and ensure they are on the right path to achieving success in their personal and professional endeavors.

Welcome to "On The Way To School," your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators, hosted by Christopher S. Dennis. In this check-in episode, Christopher reflects on the journey so far, marking a significant milestone of 83 episodes. He shares his commitment to transparency and authenticity, promising to bring intentional and valuable conversations to the podcast. Christopher emphasizes patience and purpose as the podcast gears up for more insightful discussions, aiming to create a meaningful experience for all listeners.

Welcome to On The Way To School, your daily six-minute boost for educators and administrators. Join Christopher S. Dennis as he explores the concept of organized chaos and its role in our daily lives. As we navigate the demands of a new school year, this episode reflects on the ubiquitous "junk drawer"—a metaphor for the controlled chaos many of us manage at home and work.
Through relatable anecdotes and lighthearted insights, Christopher discusses how seemingly chaotic spaces, like an unstructured drawer or a cluttered backpack, indicate our innate need for a bit of unpredictability. These pockets of chaos often house essential items and memories, symbolizing our comfort with imperfection and spontaneity.
This episode encourages listeners to embrace and appreciate these bits of disorder, recognizing that they contribute to our ability to adapt, create, and thrive despite life's constraints. So, please take a moment to ponder what's in your junk drawer and see the beauty in its chaos.

Welcome to On The Way To School, your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. In this episode, Christopher S. Dennis encourages listeners to embrace the new year by taking on more challenging roles within educational settings.
From maintaining up-to-date grade books to understanding the dynamics of proximity and influence, Dennis emphasizes the importance of personal growth and leadership. He shares insights on advancing professionally by taking on more challenging responsibilities and fostering a mindset prepared for change.
Join us as we explore opportunities for professional development and the importance of positively impacting the areas we transition from. Embrace the new year with a mindset ready for growth, and let the joy in your profession shine through.

Welcome to 'On The Way To School,' your six-minute daily podcast for educators and administrators, led by Christopher S. Dennis. In today's episode, we explore the challenges and opportunities facing educators as they navigate the complex landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our society.Christopher discusses the importance of understanding personal and collective identity development, and how this understanding can empower educators and students alike. By reflecting on historical struggles for equality and embracing our civic duties, educators can foster productive advocacy and resilience amid federal policy challenges.Join us in discovering how educators can leverage their training and experiences to drive meaningful change, engage in challenging conversations, and build solidarity. This episode serves as a motivational blueprint, encouraging listeners to take small, organized steps towards progress and never shy away from the language of change and equity. Let's embrace our roles and make a meaningful impact!

In this episode of On The Way To School, host Christopher S. Dennis discusses the importance of upgrading our mental, social, emotional, and professional mindset. Drawing analogies with the evolution of hard drives, he emphasizes the need to let go of outdated habits and embrace new strategies for personal and professional growth. Christopher shares insights on identity mapping, recognizing privilege, and adopting new practices that build upon accumulated knowledge.
Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their mental storage, making space for fresh ideas while refining their approach to leadership. This episode serves as a guide to help educators and administrators navigate changes and prepare for challenges, urging them to operate at their highest potential through continuous improvement and training. Join Christopher for this insightful discussion aimed at upgrading your human hard drive.