On The Way To School

Welcome to "On The Way To School," your daily six-minute boost for educators and administrators, hosted by Christopher S. Dennis. In today's episode, Christopher shares his experiences as an administrator navigating a busy Tuesday, from supporting transgender students to engaging in strategic planning.
Continuing the series on community cultural wealth, Christopher delves into navigational and resistant capital. He explores the skills needed to maneuver through institutions not designed for communities of color and the power of challenging inequity. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on which forms of capital they rely on most in their personal and professional lives.
Join Christopher as he provides valuable insights and frameworks from Tara Yosso's work to empower educators to create inclusive and equitable spaces. Enjoy your Tuesday, and take care on the way to school!

Join host Christopher S. Dennis on today's episode of On The Way To School, your daily six-minute motivational boost for educators and administrators. As we gear up for the end of the year, Christopher shares insights on the importance of intentional planning using a unique tool called the "big ass calendar." This tool helps visualize milestones and enhance productivity for an amazing year ahead.Continuing the exploration of community cultural wealth, the focus shifts to understanding familial and social capital. Discover how familial capital, which encompasses the skills and wisdom passed down through generations, serves as a powerful asset for navigating life's challenges. Christopher illustrates this concept with personal anecdotes, highlighting how these inherited skills can be leveraged in everyday situations.The episode also delves into social capital, the network of relationships and resources available within one's community. Learn how effectively utilizing social capital can open doors to new opportunities, especially for those from marginalized backgrounds. Christopher encourages listeners to honor their cultural traditions and embrace their networks, fostering meaningful connections that can lead to productive outcomes.Tune in to gain valuable insights on how educators and leaders can harness the power of familial and social capital to create enriching environments in their professional and personal lives. Don't miss tomorrow's episode as we continue this enlightening journey together, on the way to school.

Welcome to "On The Way To School," your daily six-minute boost for educators and administrators. In this enlightening episode, host Christopher S. Dennis delves into the concept of community cultural wealth, a framework explored in his doctoral studies and originally developed by Tara Yasso.
As the week comes to a close, Christopher revisits the importance of recognizing and valuing the diverse forms of cultural capital that students from marginalized backgrounds bring to educational environments. He introduces two of the six forms of cultural capital: aspirational and linguistic capital.
Aspirational capital embodies resilience and hope for the future, even amidst challenges, while linguistic capital highlights the richness of communication skills gained through diverse languages and cultural expressions. This episode encourages educators to appreciate these assets as valuable contributions to their communities.
Tune in to explore how understanding and applying these concepts can enhance inclusivity and appreciation within schools. Happy Friday, and have a fantastic weekend!

Welcome to "On The Way To School," your daily six-minute boost for educators and administrators, hosted by Christopher S. Dennis. In this episode, Christopher reflects on personal experiences and the importance of resetting and recharging after a hectic day. He emphasizes the value of embracing emotions, celebrating achievements, and the power of community in education.
Christopher shares his plans to uplift colleagues by visiting classrooms and helping them focus on their passion for teaching. He highlights the role of leaders in setting the tone and boosting morale, reminding everyone of their significant impact on the community.
As the podcast reaches a milestone of nearly 50 episodes, Christopher expresses gratitude to listeners and invites feedback to continue delivering valuable content. Tune in for a quick yet inspiring message about finding joy and being the light on your journey to school.

Welcome to "On The Way To School," your daily six-minute boost for educators and administrators. Join host Christopher S. Dennis as he guides you through a reflective journey on this post-election Wednesday, November 6th. In today's episode, Christopher encourages listeners to balance their professional responsibilities with personal introspection and humanity.
The episode delves into the recent election results favoring Donald Trump, sparking a discourse on social justice, ideological oppression, and the importance of understanding diverse perspectives. Christopher emphasizes the need for open conversations about people's choices and the implications of those choices, particularly for marginalized communities.
Listeners are urged to strategize and plan for a better future, focusing on building a democracy that aligns with values of dignity and respect. Despite the election outcome, the mission of caring for others and fostering amazing lives remains unchanged. Tune in for a morning reflection that encourages you to process your feelings, engage in meaningful dialogue, and represent the best of humanity.

Welcome to "On The Way To School," your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. In today's episode, Christopher S. Dennis shares insights into the ongoing evaluations that school administrators face, as well as the importance of maintaining character and joy in the workplace.As Election Day unfolds in the United States, Christopher reflects on the significance of getting things done and the anticipation surrounding the results. Shifting focus to schools, he discusses the evaluation season, where schools survey families, faculty, and staff about technology use and leadership performance.Christopher delves into the challenges administrators face in balancing stakeholder expectations, from parents seeking solutions to faculty navigating resource needs. The episode highlights the critical role of maintaining respect and integrity when addressing concerns and emphasizes the value of discretion and understanding in problem-solving.Join Christopher as he encourages educators to embrace their roles with a high level of character and to find joy in their work, while acknowledging the constant evaluations they encounter. He reminds listeners that their efforts are appreciated and offers support to those who need it. Start your day with positivity and encouragement on your way to school!

Welcome to another episode of On The Way To School, your daily six-minute inspiration for educators and administrators, hosted by Christopher S. Dennis. Today, we celebrate a significant podcast milestone, surpassing a thousand downloads. Join us as we reflect on this achievement and look ahead to the journey beyond our upcoming episodes.
In this episode, Christopher shares his excitement about participating in the upcoming 2024 election and the importance of civic engagement. He discusses our responsibility to participate in our democratic process and the thoughtful consideration required when casting our votes.
Christopher also touches on the impact of election outcomes on businesses and schools, emphasizing the need for preparation and dialogue regardless of the result. Drawing from personal conversations and experiences, he highlights the significance of maintaining open communication and fostering unity within our communities.
Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on how educators and leaders can contribute to a positive and united future in the classroom and beyond. Join us tomorrow for more insights and inspiration On The Way To School.

In this episode of "On The Way To School," host Christopher S. Dennis shares insights on the importance of having a trusted support network to lean on during challenging times. Reflecting on a personal experience, Christopher emphasizes the value of perspective, emotional support, and constructive feedback in overcoming difficult moments.Discover three essential qualities your support network should provide: perspective and objectivity to help you see things clearly, emotional support and encouragement to reinforce your resilience, and constructive feedback to offer actionable solutions. Christopher also highlights the significance of reciprocating support within your community to foster a healthy and holistic environment.Tune in to gain valuable advice on nurturing your support network and ensuring mutual growth and understanding. Plus, join the celebration of a significant milestone as the podcast reaches its thousandth download, with listeners tuning in from around the globe. Enjoy this uplifting episode and have a fantastic morning on your way to school!

Welcome to "On The Way To School," your daily six-minute boost for educators and administrators. Join host Christopher S. Dennis as he delves into the pivotal role of leadership in education, focusing on the concept of "invisible advocacy." Discover how administrators work behind the scenes to secure classroom resources, build supportive networks, and represent their schools in broader educational circles. This episode explores the intricate decision-making processes involved in resource allocation, the importance of maintaining morale across departments, and the value of external networking for continuous improvement. Christopher emphasizes the significance of recognizing and utilizing invisible advocacy to foster a collaborative and thriving educational environment. As you start your day, reflect on the invisible advocacy happening within your school and consider how you can contribute to this vital effort. Whether it's securing resources or building bridges within your network, your role in invisible advocacy can make a tangible difference in the lives of teachers and students.

Welcome to Episode 44 of "On The Way To School," your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. Join host Christopher S. Dennis as he dives into the nuances of professionalism within educational environments. Whether you're a new hire eager to make an impact or a seasoned veteran adapting to change, this episode highlights the importance of balance, self-reflection, and understanding one's role within an organization.Discover how to navigate the complexities of leadership and collaboration by fostering a mindset that prioritizes the greater good over personal accolades. Learn to assess your priorities and ensure alignment with your school's mission, all while creating space for new ideas and growth. Tune in for valuable insights on maintaining harmony and contributing to a productive educational community.Join Christopher as he reflects on these themes over a delicious breakfast burrito and encourages you to do a self-assessment, ensuring your efforts truly benefit students and staff. Happy Tuesday, and don't forget to prep those Halloween costumes!