On The Way To School

Welcome to another inspiring episode of "On The Way To School" with your host, Christopher S. Dennis. As we navigate the joys of spring, we find ourselves at the threshold of new beginnings and the importance of finishing what we've started. As secondary students head into spring break and elementary students celebrate Grandparents Day, Christopher encourages educators and students alike to reflect on the unfinished business in their lives.
Drawing insights from a powerful sermon by Pastor Dharius Daniels and a motivational message from a friend, we delve into the theme of consistency and completion. In our rush to perfect tasks, we often procrastinate the hardest steps. Christopher challenges us to embrace completion, whether in the academic realm or in our personal growth, to unlock new levels of success.
Join Christopher as he shares his vision of moving forward with intention and swift action, urging us to complete current challenges and prepare for the new opportunities that await. Grab your oatmeal and coffee, and let's embark on a journey of self-improvement and accomplishment. See you tomorrow!

Welcome to another episode of On The Way To School, where Christopher S. Dennis takes us through the nuances of modern leadership. In today's episode, we reflect on experiences from the everyday commute and powerful conversations held at a recent school event.Explore the traits of non-traditional leadership styles as Christopher shares insights gained from dialogues with professionals like Sheldon, a seasoned attorney, and Mike, an experienced leader of a large corporation. Both distinguish themselves through consistency, compassion, and a focus on clear communication rather than the aggressive "sharkotype" persona.This episode highlights the importance of being mindful in interactions, providing constructive feedback, and encouraging leadership in a positive way. A must-listen for educators and leaders looking to enrich their approach.

In today's episode of On The Way To School, Christopher S. Dennis discusses the critical importance of the onboarding process for educators and administrators. Reflecting on his own experiences, Christopher emphasizes the need for a well-planned onboarding strategy that aligns with a school's mission and values such as diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.He shares insights from his journey, including his impactful experience at Bowdoin College, and highlights how effective onboarding can foster a sense of belonging and commitment. Christopher outlines the strategic elements necessary for success, encouraging administrators to make onboarding a dynamic and collaborative process.

Season 4 Episode 90: In this episode, recorded on St. Patrick's Day, join Christopher as he reflects on the importance of confidentiality and trust within school leadership. Discover how breaches of trust can impact relationships and school dynamics and why taking responsibility and repairing trust is crucial for a healthy educational environment.

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.