On The Way To School

Welcome back to "On the Way to School," Today, I reflect on the impact of Coach Tuck! How his encouragement to sprint the 400 and join relays helped me discover speed, win championships, and shape my athletic path.
I connect coaching to leadership by guiding staff, parents, and students, explaining the purpose of voluntary affinity spaces, and handling pushback with patience and clarity.
As equity practitioners and leaders, keep the “lighthouse” open. The work you build creates foundations people will return to when they need support.

Happy Tuesday on the way to school!
As I reflect on my journey, I can't help but recognize the profound impact that coaching has had on my life. From my high school track coach who identified my potential early on to the executive coaches who have helped me refine my professional edge, I've learned invaluable lessons along the way.
One key takeaway has been the importance of being coachable. Accepting guidance and striving to meet higher standards are crucial steps for anyone looking to grow. Through personal stories, I've seen how small investments of time and belief from coaches can lead to significant personal development.
I believe that educators and administrators, too, must both give and receive coaching. We need to cultivate an environment where we can all learn from each other, ultimately shaping the leaders of the future.

Welcome to another episode of "On the Way to School." As I share my thoughts today, I want to discuss with you the importance of clearing both physical and mental clutter. It's all too easy to let distractions multiply; those junk drawers, tasks piling up, and goals that no longer align with our vision can weigh us down. 
 
I encourage each of you to take a step back and re-evaluate your priorities. This means purging obsolete tasks that no longer serve you, delegating responsibilities when possible, and using the final months of the year to focus on what truly matters. Let's aim to complete meaningful work and restore balance in our lives. By simplifying our approach, we can regain clarity and energy, not just for ourselves, but also for the students we serve.

In this Friday episode, I reflect on making it through a short but full week in schools, capped by the excitement of homecoming weekend. A real highlight for me was seeing my son recognized on the homecoming court, which gave me the chance to discuss the difference between leadership and stewardship and what it means to be seen and celebrated by one's community.
I also share some takeaways from our recent board meeting and why engaging with the governance side of schools is such a valuable step for aspiring leaders and community members. Finally, I preview what’s ahead, including more from my book, Lonely Graduation, and some NAIS governance resources that I’ll be unpacking in future episodes.

In this episode of "On the Way to School", I continue the conversation about my book Lonely Graduation, sharing personal stories from my own college nights and a student-athlete's signing day. I explore the emotional transition that follows major achievements and how celebrations can sometimes feel draining or isolating. I emphasize the importance of giving ourselves space to process both the joy and the loneliness that can come after success.
I hope you enjoy! 

Welcome to "On the Way to School" with Dr. Dennis. In this episode, I open up about my upcoming book, Lonely Graduation: The Journey After the Milestone. September has always felt like a month of calibration to me, and as I get deeper into writing, I wanted to share some of that process with you.
I discuss where the book began with my own experience as a first-generation college graduate and the unexpected loneliness I felt on the night of my commencement. That moment launched a 20-year journey of discovery and understanding, and it has shaped how I think about transitions of all kinds: graduations, new jobs, relationships, and even endings.
Along the way, I also share how I've been weaving in the voices of seven people I interviewed for the book, all of whom answered the question: What comes to mind when you hear the phrase "lonely graduation"? Their stories, combined with mine, open up space to reflect on what happens after the applause fades.
This episode is a preview of the book, but it's also an invitation for you to reflect on your own milestones, the silence that follows, and the meaning you've found in those moments.

Good morning! Welcome to "On the way to School." I'm Dr. Dennis, and I'm excited to share my reflections on our recent high school back-to-school night. It was heartwarming to see so many parents returning to campus, and I loved hearing the stories that emerged from those interactions. The passion our teachers have for their roles truly shines through, and it's inspiring.
 
I'm also thinking about the concept of a "reverse back-to-school night," where we can involve our kids in family routines at home. It's all about encouraging self-awareness, having the courage to embrace new challenges, and finding joy throughout the school year. Let's make it a fantastic year together!

Welcome to another episode of "On The Way To School!" As I reflect on the first days of the school year, I keep coming back to the importance of "calibration", adjusting my pace and energy across classrooms, meetings, and responsibilities.
In class today, I checked in with students using a Beyoncé mood meter. In my calendar, I've worked on scheduling strategies that create space for both urgency and pause. In staff meetings and even in the process of moving into a new office, I've been mindful of how we set the tone together.
The key takeaway for me is this: slow down and take stock, pivot when needed, strike a balance between urgency and collaboration, and be cautious not to move too quickly that you burn out or leave others behind.
I hope you enjoy, comment, and share! 

Welcome back to a new season of On the Way to School! I’m Dr. Dennis, and I’m thrilled to share my reflections on the first week back at school. Join me as I recount memorable moments from carline drop-offs, inspiring classroom interactions, and the joys of family life.
In this episode, I’ll dive into my experiences teaching an equity, justice, and leadership course, discussing the balance between visible and behind-the-scenes work. I’ll also highlight upcoming events, including the State of Inclusion, and share my plans for data deep dives and guest hosts. Plus, I’m excited to announce my goal to release a book in early 2026. Let’s embark on this journey together!
 
 
 
 

Welcome to "On the Way to School." I'm your host, Dr. Chris Dennis. In this episode, I discuss the onboarding process for new school staff, emphasizing the importance of feedback and clear communication during the crucial first weeks on campus. I share insights on how issues can emerge from informal communication channels and stress the importance of new hires communicating any concerns with their mentors or supervisors as early as possible. I offer practical tips, such as asking your supervisor how they prefer to receive feedback and sharing how you like to give it. I also encourage being proactive in seeking support. Additionally, I emphasize that school leaders should set clear expectations and model respectful communication to help new teams succeed.