The Aspiring School Leader Podcast

Coaching and feedback alone don’t transform schools.
It’s the way leaders coach that makes the difference.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why feedback alone doesn’t change culture
- How coaching before correcting builds trust and teacher capacity
- Why alignment matters more than opinion in leadership conversations
- How consistent coaching behaviors shape school culture over time
This episode is for aspiring and early-career school leaders who want to move beyond surface-level feedback and lead schools where adults feel supported, challenged, and invested in collective growth.
🎧 If you’re preparing for leadership or stepping into your next role, this conversation is foundational.
📌 Ready to develop your coaching and leadership skills?
Learn more about working with me at Smalls Leadership Consulting LLC or book a discovery call to explore your next step.
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About Dr. Donovan Smalls II:
An assistant principal, best-selling author, and school leadership coach dedicated to helping aspiring & early-career school leaders close readiness gaps, strengthen instructional leadership, and build sustainable systems that improve teacher effectiveness.
📕 Grab my book, Beyond the Classroom → https://shorturl.at/74Bgy
👉🏾 1:1 leadership coaching to help aspiring school leaders prepare for interviews and transition confidently into leadership roles: https://donovansmalls2.com/coaching
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Streaming on:
📺 YouTube 🔗 https://urlgeni.us/youtube/channel/L0Y2m
🎧 Apple Podcasts 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/mv7f683k
🎧 Spotify 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/4wydt4nr
Like, Comment, Share & Subscribe for weekly guidance on becoming the leader your school actually wants to hire.
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#SchoolLeadership #EducationalLeadership #InstructionalLeadership #LeadershipCoaching #SchoolCulture #CoachingTeachers #FeedbackThatWorks #AspiringSchoolLeaders #PrincipalPreparation #AssistantPrincipalLife #TeacherDevelopment #LeadershipDevelopment #SmallsLeadershipConsulting

Why Most New School Leaders Fail After the Interview
Most school leaders prepare to answer interview questions... but leadership isn’t about answers. It’s about making decisions under pressure. 
 
CHAPTERS
01:38 – The 3 Skills Interviews Don’t Test
01:42 – Key #1: From Answering Questions to Making Decisions
07:49 – Key #2: Leading Adults (Not Just Managing Tasks)
13:42 – Key #3: Build Your Leadership Identity Before the Title
18:04 – The Real Risk of Stepping Into Leadership Unprepared
Interviews won’t test how you:
• Lead adults
• Navigate resistance
• Make hard calls with no perfect option
• Stay grounded when emotions and politics show up
That’s why so many new leaders struggle after they get hired.
In this episode, I break down what real leadership readiness looks like beyond the interview... and why clarity, decision-making, and influence matter more than polished responses.
If you’re serious about stepping into school leadership prepared, confident, and respected, this is the work that must happen before the title.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------About Dr. Donovan Smalls II:
An assistant principal, best-selling author, and school leadership coach dedicated to helping aspiring & early-career school leaders close readiness gaps, strengthen instructional leadership, and build sustainable systems that improve teacher effectiveness.
📕 Grab my book, Beyond the Classroom → https://shorturl.at/74Bgy 
👉🏾 1:1 leadership coaching to help aspiring school leaders prepare for interviews and transition confidently into leadership roles: https://donovansmalls2.com/coaching
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If you’re preparing for leadership interviews and want strategic interview prep or leadership coaching, reach out and let’s have a conversation.
Streaming on:
📺 YouTube 🔗 https://urlgeni.us/youtube/channel/L0Y2m 
🎧 Apple Podcasts 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/mv7f683k 
🎧 Spotify 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/4wydt4nr 
Like, Comment, Share & Subscribe for weekly guidance on becoming the leader your school actually wants to hire.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------#schoolleadership #aspiringschoolleaders #educationalleadership #leadershipmindset #principallife #assistantprincipal #leadershipdevelopment

Waiting is killing your leadership career — and 2026 won’t wait for you.
If you’re an aspiring school leader still waiting for permission, this episode is your wake-up call.
Too many aspiring school leaders stay stuck because they’re waiting to be chosen, promoted, or validated.
In this episode of the Aspiring School Leader Podcast, Dr. Donovan Smalls II explains why 2026 must be your Green Light Season — and why waiting is the fastest way to stall your leadership career.
This episode is for educators who want to move from the classroom into leadership roles such as assistant principal, dean, supervisor, or school administrator in the 2026–2027 school year.
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You’ll learn:
✔ Why strong teachers keep failing leadership interviews
✔ How to start thinking like a leader
✔ What interview panels actually listen for in aspiring school leaders
✔ How to prepare to lead on day one — not just get hired
✔ Why confidence is built through action, not permission
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About Dr. Donovan Smalls II:
An educator, best-selling author, and school leadership coach dedicated to helping aspiring leaders develop the full range of skills needed to lead people, systems, and schools with confidence.
📕 Grab my book, Beyond the Classroom → https://shorturl.at/74Bgy
👉🏾 1:1 leadership coaching available to help aspiring school leaders build well-rounded leadership skills and transition confidently into administrative roles: https://donovansmalls2.com/coaching
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Timestamps:
00:00 Waiting Is Killing Your Leadership Career
01:50 Why Waiting for Permission Keeps You Stuck
04:40 Why Strong Teachers Fail Leadership Interviews
08:14 How to Prepare to Lead on Day One
13:12 Why Confidence Comes From Repetition
17:41 Stop Waiting to Be Chosen
19:00 Positioning Yourself for 2026 Leadership Roles
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If you’re preparing for leadership interviews in 2026 and want strategic interview prep or leadership coaching, reach out and let’s have a conversation.
Streaming on:
📺 YouTube 🔗 https://urlgeni.us/youtube/channel/L0Y2m
🎧 Apple Podcasts 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/mv7f683k
🎧 Spotify 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/4wydt4nr
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Keywords aspiring school leaders, school leadership career, assistant principal interview, how to become a school leader, education leadership 2026, school administrator preparation, leadership interviews education, green light season, school leadership coaching
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Like, Comment, Share & Subscribe for weekly guidance on becoming the leader your school needs.
#leadership #schoolleadership #educationleadership #assistantprincipal #schooladministrator #greenlightseason #leadershipmindset #educationcareers #interviewprep #aspiringprincipals #TeacherToLeader #adminlife #shorts

Why Qualified Aspiring School Leaders Still Fail Interviews
Most aspiring school leaders do the coursework and complete the internship — yet still walk into interviews feeling unprepared. The problem isn’t qualifications. It’s that their mindset hasn’t shifted into leadership yet.
In this episode, Dr. Donovan Smalls II breaks down three foundational mindset shifts that immediately strengthen school leadership interview prep — the same shifts hiring panels actually listen for.
These aren’t advanced tricks. They’re the basics most candidates overlook, and that’s exactly why they separate strong finalists from average applicants.
Learn:
1️⃣ Why visibility matters more than authority
2️⃣ Why every internship isn’t the same — and why intention matters
3️⃣ Why studying multiple leaders builds range
If you’re preparing for assistant principal or school leadership interviews, this perspective shift can completely change how you answer questions — and how confident you sound doing it.
Hiring committees aren’t looking to be impressed. They’re looking for a strong leadership foundation they can train and build on.
Timestamps:
0:00 – Why qualified leaders still feel unprepared
1:38 – Mindset Shift #1: Visibility over authority
5:22 – Leadership vs management explained
6:34 – Mindset Shift #2: Intentional internships
10:27 – Mindset Shift #3: Building leadership range
15:29 – Why basics win interviews
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About Dr. Donovan Smalls I:
Dr. Donovan Smalls II is an educator, best-selling author, and school leadership coach. He helps aspiring school leaders confidently land their first leadership role and lead with impact from day one.
📘 Book: Beyond the Classroom 🔗 https://shorturl.at/74Bgy
1:1 interview prep & leadership coaching:
🔗 https://donovansmalls2.com/coaching

Most aspiring school leaders think low staff morale is a “culture” issue.
What if the root cause is a systems issue? In this episode, Dr. Donovan Smalls II breaks down the four critical systems that destroy staff morale when they’re unclear, inconsistent, or nonexistent:
1️⃣ Discipline Systems – Clear pathways, accountability levels, consistent follow-through.
2️⃣ Instructional Monitoring & Support – Walkthroughs, feedback cycles, coaching structures that actually help teachers grow.
3️⃣ Communication Loops – Predictable updates, clear timelines, transparent decisions, and zero assumptions.
4️⃣ Staff Voice & Problem-Solving Structures – How leaders create real collaboration instead of fake “input.”
If you’re preparing for school leadership interviews, this is the angle that could get you hired.

The REAL Reason New Leaders Crash After November (Not Burnout)
If you're a new school leader and November already feels heavier than it should... pay attention. Most leaders don’t “burn out” in their first year. They collapse because they walk straight into the Leadership Dip without knowing it exists.
And if you misdiagnose this dip as burnout, you’ll make decisions that destroy your confidence, your momentum, and your reputation.
This episode exposes what most leaders never say out loud:
• Why November is the breaking point for new leaders
• The psychological crash that hits once the honeymoon phase ends
• How emotional residue from the first few months piles up and blindsides you
• The actual reason your motivation drops even though you’re working harder
• The silent habits that push new leaders into a downward spiral
• And exactly what to do NOW before the dip becomes real burnout
If you're an AP, dean, coach, or new administrator, this is the clarity that separates leaders who survive their first year from those who mentally check out by spring.
This isn’t inspiration. This is your wake-up call — and your roadmap out of the November crash.
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About Dr. Donovan Smalls II:
An educator, best-selling author, and school leadership coach dedicated to guiding aspiring school leaders through their leadership journey with practical advice and real-world experience.
📕 Grab my book, Beyond the Classroom → https://shorturl.at/74Bgy
1:1 interview preparation coaching available to help you confidently land your first school leadership role: https://donovansmalls2.com/coaching
Streaming on:
📺 YouTube 🔗 https://urlgeni.us/youtube/channel/L0Y2m
🎧 Apple Podcasts 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/mv7f683k
🎧 Spotify 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/4wydt4nr
Don't forget to follow for more tips on school leadership and career growth! — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
#leadershipskills #schoolleadership #newleadership #leadershipmindset #authenticleadership #leadershipgrowth #aspiringleaders #leadership

What makes an Assistant Principal vital to a school’s success?
In this conversation, Principal Baruti Kafele sits down with Dr. Donovan Smalls II, Principal Arlette Melo Johnson, and Dr. Sonia Matthew to unpack the real work of school leadership—reflection, alignment, humanity, and purpose.
This episode challenges every AP, teacher, and school leader to go beyond titles and build a culture where learning, empathy, and accountability thrive.
🎧 Listen, reflect, and share your biggest takeaway in the comments—how are you redefining leadership in your school?
📕 Learn more about leadership growth and coaching → https://donovansmalls2.com/coaching
0:00 – Introduction 2:10 – Arlette Melo Johnson: “Backpack Full of Dreams
15:25 – Dr. Sonia Matthew: Reflection and Human-Centered Leadership
28:55 – Dr. Donovan Smalls II: Transformational AP Leadership
45:59 – Calibration Between Principals & APs 1:10:40 – Closing Reflections
✅ Follow & Connect:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovansmalls2  
Business Inquiries: donovansmalls2@gmail.com
Streaming on:
📺 YouTube 🔗 https://urlgeni.us/youtube/channel/L0Y2m
🎧 Apple Podcasts 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/mv7f683k
🎧 Spotify 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/4wydt4nr
----------------------------------------------------------------------------#SchoolLeadership #AssistantPrincipal #TransformationalLeadership #PrincipalKafele #EducationPodcast #LeadershipGrowth #TeacherLeadership #EquityInAction #HumanCenteredLeadership

What if the best instructional leadership doesn’t start with a rubric, but with people? In this episode, I sat down with Principal Jeff Linden to unpack how my journey from PE teacher and college professor to assistant principal has been shaped by calm under pressure, disciplined time management, and a people-first approach that lifts instruction across a building. We dive into the pivotal COVID moment that rerouted my career and why choosing to be the solution is the first real test of leadership. I share how I architect my day—blocking morning walkthroughs, staying visible, so instruction stays a priority despite other responsibilities. I also open up about navigating heated parent meetings with poise, setting boundaries with grace, and keeping the focus on all students, not just the loudest requests. The result is a roadmap for aspiring leaders who want to manage their time, build trust with teachers, and protect the learning environment through emotional intelligence.
We also explore my bestselling book, Beyond the Classroom, and why leading people and organizations must come before leading instruction. I explain how the leadership interview differs from the teacher interview—and how to tell a compelling leadership story that not only lands the job but sets you up to lead with purpose from day one. Along the way, Jeff and I trade practical examples of classroom visibility that teachers and students actually enjoy, and discuss the power of national networking to expand your toolkit and confidence.
If you’re aiming for a school leadership role—or looking to level up right where you are—you’ll find concrete strategies and encouraging perspective you can put to use this week.
📕 Learn more about leadership growth and coaching → https://donovansmalls2.com/coaching
Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to catch future episodes! Let us know your thoughts and what you’d like to see next👇🏾.
🎥 If you haven’t seen these episodes yet, check them out:
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJcXhDurHbI
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqiwyPF7M6E
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHO8bdu_u-4
✅ Follow & Connect:
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/people/Dr-Donovan-Smalls-II/61562850638780/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donovansmalls2/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovansmalls2
Business Inquiries: donovansmalls2@gmail.com
Streaming on:
📺 YouTube 🔗 https://urlgeni.us/youtube/channel/L0Y2m
🎧 Apple Podcasts 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/mv7f683k
🎧 Spotify 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/4wydt4nr

Leadership is not about your job description—it’s about stepping into your lane, inspiring others, and creating lasting growth.
#Leadership #SchoolLeadership #InstructionalLeadership #Impact
What are Instructional Leadership Strategies, and how can they help you grow as a school leader?
In this episode, I share three essential strategies that every aspiring school leader must know to build influence and impact beyond their title.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
✅ How to carve your own lane instead of waiting for permission
✅ What it means to become a true instructional leader in your school
✅ Why growing yourself while growing others is the key to leadership success
✅ How aspiring aspiring school leaders can step into leadership with confidence
👉🏾 Watch this episode to discover practical instructional leadership strategies that will transform your growth and prepare you for the next step in your leadership journey.
📕 Learn more about leadership growth and coaching → https://donovansmalls2.com/coaching
📩 Contact for coaching & mentorship → donovansmalls2@gmail.com
🔔 Subscribe for more videos on leadership, school growth, and personal development.
💬 Comment below: Which leadership strategy do you want to start applying today?
#leadership #schoolleadership #instructionalleadership #leadershipgrowth #teacherleadership #aspiringleaders #leadershipmindset #leadershipdevelopment #leadershiptips #leadershipcoaching #leadershipjourney #educationalleadership #impactfulleadership #leadershipsuccess

From the classroom to the principal’s office: How did Jeff Linden make it happen?
In this episode, Dr. Donovan Smalls II talks with Jeff Linden about his journey from teaching students in PE and math to leading an entire school.
Dr. Donovan Smalls II talks with Jeff Linden about:
✅How to successfully transition from teacher to principal
✅Mindset shifts for aspiring school leaders
✅Leadership strategies that inspire teachers and students
✅Daily habits that build a thriving school culture
✅Tips for navigating interviews and administrative challenges
Are you looking to make the leap from teacher to school leader, prepare for leadership interviews, and step confidently into administrative roles?
For interview preparation and leadership development, learn more about my coaching program: https://donovansmalls2.com/coaching
📘 Get your copy of my book, Beyond the Classroom today → https://shorturl.at/74Bgy
For individual support, email me at donovansmalls2@gmail.com
Hit the subscribe button for more leadership tips. Don’t forget to like, comment your thoughts, and share with fellow educators!
📢 New episodes drop every Sunday.
Now streaming on:
📺 YouTube 🔗 https://urlgeni.us/youtube/channel/L0Y2m
🎧 Apple Podcasts
🔗 https://tinyurl.com/mv7f683k
🎧 Spotify
🔗 https://tinyurl.com/4wydt4nr
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
#schoolleadership #principaljourney #teachertoleader #educationleadership #schoolprincipal #leadershipskills #teachersofyoutube #teacherlife #leadershipdevelopment #educatorlife #careergrowth #schoolleaders #teachercoaching #mindsetforleaders #educationcareer #teachertraining #schoolculture #leadershiptips #teacherinspiration #careertransition #studentengagement #educationstrategy #teachersuccess #principalmindset #futureleaders