Shows
From the Principal's DeskEp 83 Standards Based Report CardsThis week we talk a bit about standards based report cards.
2025-08-2627 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 82 Trust Based ObservationsThis week we speak with Craig Randall about Trust Based Observations. This is a very intentional framework to improve teaching and learning. Find out more at: https://trustbased.com/
2025-05-2631 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 81 Recognizing TeachersThis week we talk all things teacher recognition.
2025-05-1922 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 80 School AwardsThis week we talk about the importance of recognizing the work being done in our schools.
2025-05-1326 min2025-05-0625 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 78 A Student's PerspectiveWe speak with a student about their school experience. To hear his mom's side go check out the part two on our sister podcast What Works for Me.
2025-04-1619 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 77 Hiring TeachersThis week we talk about what goes into hiring teachers to serve at faith based schools.
2025-02-2129 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 76 Executive DirectorThis week we speak with Pastor Caleb Adams and Executive Director Gregg Pinick about the executive director structure in place at Trinity Lutheran in Bend, OR. We learn about how this structure has helped them both focus on growing the ministry there in Bend!
You can reach them at: gregg.pinick@saints.org (714) 728-5054
and caleb.adams@saints.org
2025-01-3133 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 75 School CalendarHow do you make a good school year calendar? That's the topic for today!
2025-01-1725 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 74 The Christmas MessageIt's a tradition around here to end the year with a student reading of Luke 2.
Merry Christmas!
2024-12-1904 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 73 The Week Before ChristmasWe talk about how we plan the week before Christmas. It's a joyous time for your schools, and a great opportunity for some fun!
2024-12-1326 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 72 Parent FeedbackThis week we talk all things parent feedback with Ryan Ermeling. You can reach Ryan at ryan@parentpulse.com and can check out Parent Pulse at https://www.parentpulse.com
2024-11-2633 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 71 Part 2 of Parent ConversationsWe go into some detail about parent conversations.
2024-11-2026 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 70 Parent ConversationsThis week we discuss how we talk to angry parents.
2024-11-1227 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 69 Getting it all DoneThis week we talk about how we stay sane in our roles as leaders when there is always more to do.
2024-10-1726 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 68 The Power of MomentsThis week we talk about the book The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact by Chip and Dan Heath and what we can learn from it in our schools.
2024-10-0927 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 67 Good HabitsNow that the year has started how do you keep everything running smoothly? Good habits!
2024-09-1923 min2024-09-1526 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 65 Benefits of Field TripsThere are so many benefits to a good field trip!
2024-09-0426 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 64 New TeachersThis week we talk about welcoming new teachers into our buildings.
Thank you for listening!
2024-08-2824 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 63 New FamiliesEvery year your school will have new families. What do you do differently to welcome them into your school? This week Mike and I talk about what Christian schools can do to ensure that those first impressions are great.
2024-08-2124 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 62 Summer Work, Summer RestThis week we discuss how we balance rest and work during summer break.
2024-05-2829 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 61 Grant WritingMike shares his best grant writing tips! His grant writing tips article can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fZybdLln-mmEQPZ1Y2CLYNpD9z16qslt/view?usp=sharing
Also, the website should be up soon! Exciting times!
2024-05-1733 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 60 People to Tell You NoYou need good people around you to be the best school leader you can be. Sometimes, those people need to tell you no. How do you find the right people to challenge you? That's what we discuss this week.
2024-04-1227 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 59 Joy in StrugglesGod leads us through all things. Even the bad, difficult, and frustrating ones. This week we talk about the good things that have come out of the unexpected or frustrating parts of leading a school.
2024-03-2928 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 58 Modern Classroom Teaching with Miguel MelchorThis week Rob speaks with Miguel Melchor about the neat learning model being used in his classroom.
Miguel is an award-winning educator with over a decade of experience in the classroom,
Miguel currently serves at DeWitt Clinton Elementary School in Chicago.
It was a joy having Miguel on the podcast!
Some resources from Miguel:
Modern Classrooms Project Website: Explore our approach and methodologies more by visiting the Modern Classrooms Project Website.
Presentation on Personalized Learning in Math: Dive into a presentation that Alanna, Ashley, and I put tog...
2024-03-1531 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp. 57 Teacher Prep TimeThis week we discuss teacher prep time. How we schedule it, how much there is, and how other schools compare. It is one of those items where the answer is always more is better.
2024-03-0928 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 56 Best Practices in Ministry ConferenceWe share all about the Best Practices in Ministry conference. It is one of the best free conferences you can attend, and it comes with free ice cream.
Special thanks to Christ Church, and the wonderful staff and volunteers that host this great event.
2024-02-2917 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 55 Working with Emergency ServicesThis week we look at how our schools can work with emergency services, and what role you play as a school leader.
2024-02-1522 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 54 The AI Ate My HomeworkIn this episode, we explore the innovative integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within Lutheran schools. We delve into how AI tools are enhancing personalized learning experiences, supporting teachers in curriculum development, and what the future might hold. Join us as we navigate the intersection of tradition and technology in the quest for enriching the minds and spirits of the next generation.
2024-02-1225 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp. 53 Class TripsIn this episode, we explore the unique world of class trips in Lutheran elementary schools, diving into how these excursions blend educational rigor with spiritual growth. You will get an inside look at the planning, experiences, and unforgettable memories created through these journeys, highlighting their impact on students' academic and faith development. Join us as we uncover the lessons learned beyond the classroom walls, fostering a sense of community and spiritual connection among students and teachers alike.
2024-01-2530 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 52 Classroom Management Part 2This week we continue our conversation about classroom management. We hope this is helpful, and if you have something to add, please contact us!
You can access a free classroom management resource here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1M9E6MdrFHVhE0MMS5SGvakEsAtiILFqkInkeZJm3yZU/edit?usp=sharing
2024-01-1834 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp. 51 Classroom Management Part 1In this episode, we talk about the art of effective classroom management. Join us as we explore practical strategies and insights we have gained on maintaining a positive learning environment, fostering student engagement, and handling challenging behaviors. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or a newcomer to the classroom, this episode will provide valuable tips to help you create a fun and productive learning atmosphere. The best part? This is only part one.
2024-01-0729 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 50 Class PartiesHow do you feel about class parties? Love 'em or hate 'em, they are a part of school life. This week we discuss our experiences with them, why they are valuable, and how we have handled them.
Hope you enjoy it!
2023-12-1428 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 49 Finding Joy in ChaosThis week Mike and I discuss how to find joy in your call no matter what is happening around you.
2023-12-0831 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 48 Snow DaysShould you call a snow day? It's a difficult decision that many school leaders have to make. This week Mike and I share how we make that decision and share some stories along the way. If you enjoyed this episode please share it with someone.
Let it snow!
2023-11-3025 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 47 Faculty MeetingsEveryone loves a good faculty meeting! This week we discuss practical ways to make all your meetings more useful and enjoyable. What are some of your favorite strategies for effective meetings? To our American listeners, have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!
2023-11-2129 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 46 Professional OrganizationsThis week we discuss the benefit of professional organizations such as LEA and NAESP. Let us know which organizations are most beneficial to you as a professional.
2023-11-1729 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp. 45 Kevin Creutz - Ohio Superintendent of SchoolsThis week we speak with Kevin Creutz, the Superintendent of Ohio Lutheran Schools. Kevin shares about the work he does supporting schools, principals, and teachers in Ohio.
It was great to have Kevin on the show, and he has a lot of great ideas to share. Don't miss this one!
2023-11-0928 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 44 Horror Stories from the ClassroomThis is our Halloween special! This week we talk about the things that scare teachers and principals. We keep it lighthearted. What are some of your horror stories?
Special thanks to those that have cleaned up puke, so I didn't have to. Especially Robert and Jake. You guys are saints!
A special tip for keeping YouTube ads out of the videos you show in school. We've all been there.
I was able to find a way to stop ads and you will need to...
2023-10-3125 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 43 Student Led ConferencesThis week we discuss student led conferences.
How do you handle parent teacher conferences at your school?
2023-10-2623 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 42 Arrival and DismissalThis week we talk about arrival and dismissal procedures, stories, and kindergarten parking tickets.
It's a fun one!
A fun video about parent driving: https://youtu.be/_JEThws_q0c?si=XJYiawsHxu2xHUgZ
Mike’s parking lot video: https://youtu.be/jNGLs5iYSQM
2023-10-2126 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 41 The ReformationThis week we discuss the Reformation and its importance in our schools!
What does your school do for the Reformation?
2023-10-1122 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 40 TuitionTuition! This is a thorny topic because we never want money to get in the way of our mission. This week we discuss how to set your school tuition, the common pitfalls, and what we have seen be successful.
As always, Mike and I are here to help. Contact us with any questions you may have.
2023-10-0527 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 39 Lesson PlanningLesson planning is an important part of effective teaching, and it is up the principal to guide that process. This week we discuss how we have approached lesson planning in the schools we lead, and share ways to improve it.
2023-09-2821 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 38 AppreciationAppreciation is all about caring for, knowing, and loving the people you are blessed to serve with every day. This week we discuss the reasons you should appreciate teachers, and also share some practical ways we share our appreciation.
We want to hear from you. What are some ways you have appreciated others, or what are some ways you want to be appreciated? Leave a comment and let us know!
2023-09-2031 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 37 Professional DevelopmentProfessional development is crucial to the longterm success of your school, and the growth of the teachers. How do you pay for it? How do you decide what to do? What counts as professional development? This week Mike and I discuss all that and more.
You can contact Mike at mschiemann@bethanyparma.com
You can contact Rob at lunak@swd.lcms.org
2023-09-1328 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 36 Budgeting Part 2This week we discuss budgeting for your school, and we get into the nuts and bolts of creating a functioning school budget.
It isn't glamorous, but it is necessary.
2023-09-0731 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 35 CultureYour school culture is important! This week we discuss ways we have built and strengthened school culture.
2023-09-0127 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 34 Nathaniel ProvencioThis week we talk to Nathaniel Provencio about his work helping schools be the best they can be. Nathaniel has worked in the public education field since 2001 as a classroom teacher, building administrator and associate superintendent . He has been honored as the 2017 Prince William County principal of the year, the 2017 Washington Post Principal of the Year and the 2019 Virginia National Distinguished Principal of the Year. He is the author of Community Connections and Your PLC at Work, which focuses on how schools can utilize the professional learning community framework to enhance family and community engagement.
2023-08-2542 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp 33 Mission StatementsThis week Mike and I discuss the importance of your mission statement, and why you should have one if you don't yet.
2023-08-1626 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp. 32 Leading Through DisunityThis week we discuss leading a school when there are disagreements, practical tips to handle disunity, and some stumbles we have had as leaders along the way.
2023-07-2020 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp. 31 SLEDThis week we talk to three SLED participants about their experiences in the School Leadership Development program (SLED).
Thank you to all three of them for speaking with us!
2023-06-2123 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp. 30 Instructional LeadershipThis week we discuss the principal's role as instructional leader.
2023-06-1427 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp. 29 The Summer MonthsThis week we discuss what we do as principals over the summer break.
2023-06-0425 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp. 28 ProductivityWe share what we do to stay productive in the face of all the tasks that go along with being a principal.
2023-05-2019 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp. 27 Proficiency Based Learning with Jim ScrivenThis week we discuss proficiency based learning with Jim Scriven, the Director of Education Services for the Northwest District. What are your thoughts on proficiency based learning? Let us know in the comments.
Special thanks to Jim for joining us this week!
2023-05-0535 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp. 26 Ending the Year WellThe school year is almost over. What can you do to ensure that it ends on a strong note? This week we share some practical strategies to end the year and get ready for the next one.
2023-05-0126 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp. 25 Standardized TestingWhat is the role of standardized testing in our Lutheran schools?
a)Useful to guide and improve outcomes
b)A necessary evil
c)Both a and b
d)Other
That's what Mike and I try to figure out this week.
2023-04-0724 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp. 24 Staff TransparencyWhat information should a school leader share with teachers and families? Transparency is important, but what does it look like in practice? This week Rob and Mike discuss communication and transparency.
This topic was listener suggested. Thank you for the suggestion!
If you have a suggestion, question, or comment you can text Rob at 815-403-9948 or Mike at 971-371-0143
May God be with you as you lead!
2023-03-3028 minFrom the Principal's DeskMarketing! This time with an expert!We talk about marketing (again) this time with guest Lauren Creutz! Lauren is the marketing and admissions leader at Bethany Lutheran School in Parma, OH. Lauren shared a lot of great info on this episode!
2023-03-2430 minFrom the Principal's DeskLentThis week we discuss the importance of Lent in our Lutheran schools. Special thanks to pastor Vogel for joining us again!
2023-03-1822 minFrom the Principal's DeskEpisode 21 Budgets!This week Mike and I discuss the budget process. There is so much more that we could cover, so there will be a part 2 soon!
2023-03-0326 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp. 20 PastorsThis week we discuss pastors and their roles in our Lutheran schools. Featuring special guests Pastor Ben Vogel and Dr. Blake Willard. Pastor Vogel currently serves at Bethany Lutheran Church and School in Parma, OH. Dr. Willard is the owner of 3E Formation Education Consulting.
Thank you to both of our guests for joining us and sharing their insights.
https://www.bethanyparma.org/
https://www.3eformation.com/blog
2023-02-2032 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp. 19 Crisis PlanningThis week Mike and I discuss planning for emergencies and how you plan for anything.
2023-02-1120 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp. 18 Who Worries About You?Being a school leader can take a toll on you if you let it. What do you do to stay effective, healthy, and happy? This week Mike and I discuss what we do, how we can help, and what our priorities are.
2023-02-0326 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp. 17 - Lutheran Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with Mychal ThomMychal Thom joins us to discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion in our Lutheran schools. Mychal is the Dean of the College of Business and Technology and Chief Diversity Officer at Concordia St. Paul, former Head of School for Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a Van Lunen Fellow, and a current Van Lunen faculty member.
2023-01-2824 minFrom the Principal's DeskEpisode 16 Self-AwarenessKnowing your strengths and the strengths of those you serve goes a long way toward improving your school.
Featuring special guests Dr. Blake Willard and Headmaster Adam Lockridge
2023-01-2019 minFrom the Principal's DeskEpisode 15 National Lutheran Schools WeekThis week we talk about NLSW and the wonderful ways we celebrate our Lutheran schools.
2023-01-0522 minFrom the Principal's DeskEpisode 14 The CallThis week we discuss the Call and the Call process as it relates to new teachers and those deliberating a Call to be a school leader.
2022-12-1530 minFrom the Principal's DeskEpisode 13 Student Activities and ClubsThis week discuss clubs and activities at our Lutheran schools. What unique opportunities do you offer students at your school?
2022-12-0826 minFrom the Principal's DeskEpisode 12 - Enrollment MechanicsOn this episode we discuss the enrollment process from inquiry to acceptance.
2022-11-2326 minFrom the Principal's DeskEpisode 11 Enrollment and Marketing Part 1This week we talk about marketing your school, sharing your story, and telling people about the Gospel.
2022-11-1826 minFrom the Principal's DeskEpisode 10 - School BoardsThere are several school governance structures out there, and today we are discussing the school board. We offer some guidance on working successfully with the school board and share a great resource from a man that literally wrote the book on school boards.
2022-11-1122 minFrom the Principal's DeskEpisode 9 - ChristmasOur Lutheran schools are great places because Jesus is there! We are blessed to be able to celebrate Jesus' birth with our school and church communities. We share what we do at our schools, and how we involve our greater community in our celebrations.
2022-11-0324 minFrom the Principal's DeskEpisode 8 CommunicationCommunication is such an important part of our success as Lutheran schools. Mike and I share what we do, talk about the reasons behind good communication, and have some fun along the way.
2022-10-2722 minFrom the Principal's DeskEpisode 7 ChapelThis week we discuss chapel at our schools, why it's important, and what we do. How is chapel special at your school?
2022-10-2221 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp. 6 Parent Teacher ConferencesWe are blessed to serve families as we work in partnership to teach their children. Parent-Teacher conferences are an important part of the work we do. This week we discuss the purpose of those conferences, how we have seen them handled, and some things we do that we find helpful as we work to support those events.
2022-10-1319 minFrom the Principal's DeskEp. 5 - Teacher WellnessBeing a Lutheran teacher is difficult (but worthwhile!) work. This week we discuss supporting God's teachers in our schools, and the principal's role in teacher wellness.
2022-10-0820 minFrom the Principal's DeskEpisode 4: School AccreditationWe discuss the importance of school accreditation and explain the National Lutheran School Association accreditation process. We also offer some tips for schools and principals going through this process for the first time.
2022-09-3020 minFrom the Principal's DeskTeacher ObservationsHelping our teachers improve is a vital part of the continued success of our schools. This week we discuss what we do at our schools, and what tips we learned along the way.
You can see what observation tools we use here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1g2z9TyMmBtrciuLfEdHjWJKHrMRgW99d?usp=sharing
2022-09-2418 minFrom the Principal's DeskSchool DisciplineWhat does discipline look like at your school? How do you balance law and gospel when it comes to discipline in a Lutheran school? This week we share what we do, and offer some tips we learned along the way.
2022-09-1518 minFrom the Principal's DeskThe First WeekTips for making the first week a success as a school principal.
2022-09-0912 min