Tom Waters

I was listening to the Better Leaders Better Schools podcast this week and came across a great episode on grant opportunities, building relationships in the community, and creating business partnerships. I'd like to share a few key points from the podcast that you might find helpful as a school leader. Make A Million with Grants This episode is literally about how David Kincade generated a million+ dollars for organizations. The premise, and catch, to getting grants is understanding where they are and why they are given.  And of course, the fact that they are called everything but "grants" is an important first understanding. Grant Money is Everywhere! Grants are everywhere just waiting for schools to ask for it. Money for furniture, for technology, for agriculture, and more is just waiting for principals to apply for it! Three Areas for Education Grants The Rotary Club Corporations Specific Project Grants "Grant" Money, Rotary C...

It's summer, and here are three principal podcasts that really will keep you inspired, thinking, and focused through the summer months. If you drive, exercise, walk a dog, sit by the pool, or do anything for a minimum of five minutes, then grab hold of a good educational podcast. It's not going to change your world, but it will keep your mind sharp and focused on fresh ideas. So, here are the three educational podcasts I recommend for this summer . You can sample the podcasts here and then subscribe in your favorite listening app by simply searching at (Overcast, Google Play, Apple Podcasts). The Mafost Mashup This one is brand new, and the first two episodes really were rookie, but by the 3rd episode this podcast proved it's worth as a fast-paced podcast rich with innovation. Each episode is less than 8-minutes and there a few bonus segments. This is a must-listen if you enjoy being challenged. It's a podcast for principals and school leaders that is: fa...

School culture is not the sole responsibility of leaders. Each of us has an impact on culture (and You Don't Need a Title to Impact Culture ) and a shared responsibility to shape it in positive ways on our campuses. That said, positional leaders have a title and the hierarchy of the organization behind each of their actions, so their impact is magnified. Whether you are an instructional coach, a curriculum designer, team leader, or the boss behind the desk - you have a magnified impact on the school culture. And the culture is a reflection of the leadership in your school. There's no need to buy that new full-length mirror for your closet - the school is your mirror. The school reflects your confidence and your passion. And on the flip side, it also mirrors your fear and insecurity . [side note: this is why district and regional leaders have an obligatory role to feed the principals ] Does a Leader Need to be Perfect? That's a fair question given the enormous...

It's more than just to-do lists, meetings, memos, and walk-throughs. Great principals know this. You know this. The job of a great principal is larger than the job description. That's why networks are crucial. The networks you build, not just your own network, but also the networks you help others build, create influence. And influence is more powerful to effect change than policy, than union agreements, than legislation, and great ideas. Influence is more powerful to effect change than policy, legislation, and great ideas. Networks are not built overnight - they slowly grow like oak trees that last decades. They require careful attention and nurturing. Professional networks are really about relationships. They are about people . Networks begin with a deep-seated belief in the value of humans - a belief in goodness and diversity. Networks are not for political maneuvering. They are not for manipulation. In a case study from ASCD , principals who developed ne...