Leading Out The Woods

🎙️ #ThrowbackThursday – Episode #36: Support(ing) Students Affected by TraumaThis week, we're revisiting an impactful conversation with Anthony Swann, school administrator and former Virginia Teacher of the Year (2021), as we discuss how educators can better support students affected by trauma.Drawing from both his professional experiences and personal journey, Anthony shares powerful insights into building relationships, creating supportive learning environments, and helping students overcome barriers that may impact their success.Key Takeaways:✅ Anthony shares how his personal experiences with trauma have shaped the way he supports students and leads with empathy.✅ Practical strategies educators can implement to better serve students from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.✅ The importance of understanding the whole child and creating environments where students feel safe, valued, and supported.This conversation serves as a reminder that every student carries a story, and our ability to connect, support, and respond with care can make a lasting difference.🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms!

Throwback Thursday! Inside the Schoolhouse: What Great Principals Know and Do featuring Dr. John GrattoOriginally Released On: 8-13-2021This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:Takeaways from this classic:Dr. Gratto shares an overview of his book, “Inside the Schoolhouse: What Great Principals Know and Do.”Dr. Gratto discusses the key concepts that assistant principals and principals can take away from the book.Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today. 🎧🕰️ Don’t forget to check back every Thursday for more Throwback episodes!

Anchor Chat #27: Clarity Is the StrategyIn this episode of Anchor Chats, Dr. Woods reflects on Clarity Is the Strategy, emphasizing that clear expectations, focused priorities, and consistent communication are the foundation of effective leadership and instruction. He discusses how a lack of clarity often leads to confusion, misalignment, and stalled progress—while intentional clarity accelerates results.

Throwback Thursday! Teachers of Promise featuring Wade WhiteheadOriginally Released On: 9-9-2022This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:Takeaways from this classic:Wade discusses what the Teachers of Promise Institute is and the impact it has made on education.As a Milken Award Winner and National Teachers Hall of Fame Inductee, Wade shares proven classroom practices and strategies that enhance student achievement and foster a positive, engaging learning environment.Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today. 🎧🕰️ Don’t forget to check back every Thursday for more Throwback episodes!

Anchor Chat #26: The Feedback Loop — What Happens After the Walkthrough?In this episode of Anchor Chats, Dr. Woods reflects on The Feedback Loop — What Happens After the Walkthrough?, emphasizing the critical role feedback plays in instructional growth. He discusses how timely, actionable follow-up after walkthroughs transforms observations into meaningful coaching conversations, strengthens practice, and drives continuous improvement. Dr. Woods challenges leaders to be intentional about closing the loop so feedback leads to impact—not just documentation.