On The Way To School

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.

S10 E157
Dr. Chris Dennis reviews seven practical tips from Responsive Classroom to help students transition back after winter break: plan something to look forward to, set personal and academic goals, provide socialization time, ease into academics, review routines and expectations, extend patience and empathy, and revisit favorite activities.
The episode highlights being mindful of students who may be restarting medication or who experienced difficult breaks, suggests thoughtful ways to prompt sharing without focusing on material experiences, and offers classroom strategies like recalibrating expectations and creating space for all voices.

S10 E156
In this episode, Dr. Chris Dennis shares three practical strategies for school leaders returning from winter break: be mindful and relatable, be present (and bring snacks), and clearly communicate what's coming next. These approaches help rebuild collegial connections and set clear expectations for the busy weeks ahead.
Whether you're an administrator or teacher, you can implement these tips immediately to support staff wellbeing, accountability, and smooth transitions into the spring term.

Welcome to my New Year episode of On the Way to School, a short, warm check-in for educators and administrators as we prepare to return after winter break. I reflect on the importance of rest and share some family moments, including the joy of becoming a new grandparent. I also delve into the emotional realities of the season and offer practical steps for getting back into the school routine.
Some key takeaways include reminding myself to give grace as I re-engage with work, and the importance of staying connected with my team.
Happy New Year! 

Dr. Chris Dennis shares a personal year-end reflection on family rituals, a vision-casting family meeting from 2020, and how written goals have guided progress toward five- and twenty-year plans.He encourages listeners to create their own traditions and milestones, mentions plans for winter break and a grandson's visit, and thanks the audience as the podcast approaches a seasonal pause.

Dr. Chris Dennis discusses how educators can solve problems more effectively by using strategic "angles of pursuit" instead of trailing issues reactively. Through analogies with an off-leash dog, a sheepdog, and football pursuit drills, he shows how a coordinated, proactive team approach funnels problems into solvable paths.The episode urges leaders to position themselves over the top, take wider angles, move quickly, and converge together to stop problems from escalating.

Dr. Chris Dennis offers a short, six-minute episode for educators feeling exhausted as the semester intensifies. He shares a simple practice: scrolling through summer photos to reconnect with joyful memories and restore energy.
The episode encourages keeping meaningful moments close, considering analog prints or slideshows, and planning small restorative experiences before winter break to replenish well-being.