🎙️ On the Way to School: Six Minutes to Elevate Your Educator’s Day 🎙️ Embark on a transformative journey with On the Way to School, the essential podcast for educators and school administrators seeking to enrich their mornings with impactful insights. Each concise six-minute episode delivers powerful tips and strategies to empower your educational leadership and classroom effectiveness. Hosted by Christopher S. Dennis What You’ll Discover: - Conflict Resolution: Master techniques to navigat ...
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Adjust Your Seat: Changing Perspectives for Success
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4:27Welcome to "On The Way To School" with Christopher S. Dennis. In episode 101, we explore the transformative power of adjustment metaphorically and literally. As the school year progresses, this episode delves into the importance of altering your perspective to gain fresh insights, enhance comfort, and unlock new opportunities. Drawing an analogy fr…
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Celebrating a Milestone: Episode 100 of 'On The Way To School'
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6:04Welcome to the 100th episode of 'On The Way To School,' a daily podcast dedicated to educators and administrators. Join your host, Christopher S. Dennis, as he reflects on the journey to this milestone, emphasizing the power of consistency and the importance of honoring your authentic core. Learn from heartfelt experiences and find inspiration to t…
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"Overcoming Hurdles: Lessons from the Track"
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7:16Welcome to episode 99 of 'On The Way To School,' in which host Christopher S. Dennis reflects on significant milestones and the power of resilience. Recorded at the end of a busy week, this episode delves into the meaningful experiences that shape us as educators and individuals. Christopher shares a heartfelt story about his son's track meet, high…
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Rediscover Your 'Why': A Reflective Journey for Educators
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5:08Join Christopher S. Dennis on "On The Way To School" as he invites educators to reignite their passion by revisiting their original motivations. Reflect on your journey, exploring the initial goals and aspirations that brought you to your current role. Whether it's unearthing an old cover letter or revisiting recommendations, this episode encourage…
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Quarterly Check-In: Grade Your Goals in 2025
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5:50Welcome to "On The Way To School" with Christopher S. Dennis, your daily motivational boost designed for educators and administrators. In this episode, Christopher encourages you to pause and reflect on your first quarter accomplishments and challenges, helping you recalibrate your goals and prepare for the dynamic months ahead. As we move from the…
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Welcome to another episode of "On The Way To School," where host Christopher S. Dennis delves into the intricacies of building and maintaining a professional reputation. As we navigate life on the path of education, maintaining integrity and reflecting on feedback becomes crucial. In this episode, you'll discover how your past actions shape your cu…
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Are we a Family? Meaningful Bonds Beyond the Classroom
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5:41Welcome to this episode of On The Way To School. Join Christopher S. Dennis as we explore the importance of nurturing authentic relationships within professional spaces, particularly in educational settings. While some organizations liken themselves to a family, this metaphor doesn't resonate with everyone. Instead, we delve into the value of indiv…
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Welcome to "On The Way To School," where we explore inspirational stories that motivate educators and administrators in their daily journeys. Join Christopher S. Dennis as he shares a poignant childhood experience about completing a car transaction at the age of 12, handling a vintage Thunderbird. This task became a cornerstone of project-based lea…
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Unlocking New Levels: Finish What You Started
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5:54Welcome 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…
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Beyond the Sharkotype: Embracing Authentic Leadership
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5:33Welcome 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 ga…
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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,…
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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.…
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After School Reflections: Love, Dialogue, and Faith
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6:49In 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 …
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Navigating Federal Fallout: Staying the Course in Education
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6:29Welcome 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, Christoph…
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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 fo…
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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, emphas…
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Consistency and Reflection: Strengthening School Narratives
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7:10In 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…
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Riding the Podcast Journey: 83 Episodes Strong
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2:58Welcome 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…
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Welcome to On The Way To School, your daily six-minute boost for educators and administrators. Join Christopher S. Dennis as he explores the concept of organized chaos and its role in our daily lives. As we navigate the demands of a new school year, this episode reflects on the ubiquitous "junk drawer"—a metaphor for the controlled chaos many of us…
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Challenging Yourself with Advanced Curriculum
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6:14Welcome to On The Way To School, your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. In this episode, Christopher S. Dennis encourages listeners to embrace the new year by taking on more challenging roles within educational settings. From maintaining up-to-date grade books to understanding the dynamics of proximity and influence, Dennis e…
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Welcome to 'On The Way To School,' your six-minute daily podcast for educators and administrators, led by Christopher S. Dennis. In today's episode, we explore the challenges and opportunities facing educators as they navigate the complex landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our society. Christopher discusses the importance of understan…
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Mindset Upgrade: Reprogramming Your Mental Hard Drive
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7:14In this episode of On The Way To School, host Christopher S. Dennis discusses the importance of upgrading our mental, social, emotional, and professional mindset. Drawing analogies with the evolution of hard drives, he emphasizes the need to let go of outdated habits and embrace new strategies for personal and professional growth. Christopher share…
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New Semesters: Lessons in Leadership and Growth
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6:27Join Christopher S. Dennis on "On The Way To School," as he shares insights from the classroom and discusses the joys and challenges of teaching a new semester-long history elective on Equity, Justice, and Leadership. Learn about the importance of setting the right classroom environment and hear real-life examples of student perspectives on leaders…
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Welcome to "On The Way To School," where Christopher S. Dennis provides a morning boost for educators and administrators. In today's episode, we explore the reduction of wildfire threats and a breakthrough ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Transitioning to life's analogies, Dennis delves into how video games can inspire personal growth and fulfil…
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From Ideas to Action: A Roadmap for Educators
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5:57Welcome to "On The Way To School," your daily six-minute motivational boost designed specifically for educators and administrators. Join host Christopher S. Dennis as he delves into the journey of transforming educational ideas into action. Christopher covers the essential steps of moving from concept to creation, guiding us on how to break down bi…
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Supreme Accountability: Leadership at Its Best
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6:10Welcome to "On The Way To School," your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. I'm Christopher S. Dennis, and today's focus is on supreme accountability in leadership. As leaders in educational settings, it's crucial to take ownership of all situations, whether you were aware of them initially or not. From celebrating successes to…
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Resilience Through the Flames: Stories of Humanity and Hope
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4:57Join Christopher S. Dennis on a heartfelt episode of "On The Way To School" as he addresses the profound impacts of the Los Angeles fires on the community. Through personal stories and reflections, Christopher shares his gratitude for the strength and resilience shown by friends and colleagues. This episode offers a glimpse into the communal spirit…
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Building Resilience Through Faith and Community
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4:48Welcome to On The Way To School, your daily six-minute boost for educators and administrators. I'm Christopher S. Dennis, and today we explore the power of spirituality in our professional and personal lives. In this episode, I delve into how acknowledging our spiritual identities and connections can serve as a foundation for resilience and leaders…
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Unlocking the Quantum Leap Within: Becoming Your Best Self Today
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7:50Join Christopher S. Dennis on On The Way To School as he delves into the transformative concept of quantum leaping, encouraging educators and leaders to visualize their potential and step into their ideal selves. In this episode, Christopher shares powerful insights on overcoming self-doubt, leveraging feedback, and unlocking the mental clarity nee…
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Embrace Gratitude: The Key to Transformative Leadership
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5:17Welcome to a fresh year with "On The Way To School," hosted by Christopher Dennis. In this episode, embark on a journey towards transformative leadership through the power of gratitude. Christopher shares his insights on how expressing gratitude enriches relationships and fosters stronger networks, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the co…
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Breaking Free from People-Pleasing: Essential Lessons for Educators
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6:13Welcome to "On the Way to School" - your daily dose of motivation for educators with Christopher S. Dennis. In this episode, dive into the transformative journey of moving past people-pleasing and embracing authentic educational leadership. Discover key insights on why controlling others' perceptions is futile, the importance of setting purposeful …
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Empowering Student Voices: A Lesson in Leadership
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6:18Welcome to "On the Way to School" with Christopher S. Dennis, your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. In today's episode, we delve into the transformative power of listening to and supporting student voices in real time. Reflecting on experiences from the dean's office at Scripps College, Christopher shares valuable insights o…
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Unlocking Leadership: Navigating Politics in Education
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6:35In today's episode of "On The Way To School," host Christopher S. Dennis explores the intricacies of leadership and politics within educational institutions. Reflecting on his past experiences, Christopher shares valuable advice on effectively navigating professional challenges and building influential relationships. Listeners will gain insight int…
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"From Clutter to Clarity: Streamlining Your Digital Life"
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6:22Welcome to "On The Way To School," your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. In today's episode, host Christopher S. Dennis reflects on the joy of holiday gatherings with school communities and highlights the importance of celebrating milestones together. Christopher shares his insights on the overwhelming nature of digital cons…
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Reflecting on Your Career Journey: A Year-End Review
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5:27Welcome to On The Way To School, your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. I'm Christopher S. Dennis, and today, we focus on the importance of reflecting on your career journey. In this episode, we explore the significance of assessing your achievements as the year ends. We offer insights on evaluating whether you've met your go…
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Building Powerful School Communities: Insights from Elphaba's Journey
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6:01Welcome to On The Way To School, your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. In today's episode, Christopher S. Dennis reflects on the captivating experience of Wicked Week, drawing parallels between the movie and the educational environment at Shiz University. This episode emphasizes the importance of building powerful communitie…
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Breaking Free from People-Pleasing Habits: Insights from Wicked
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6:38In today's On The Way To School episode, join Christopher S. Dennis as we dive into "Wicked Week" and explore the nuances of social compliance and personal authenticity. We examine the character dynamics in the story of Wicked, mainly focusing on Glenda's journey and the challenges of balancing people-pleasing with personal integrity. Discover how …
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Reflections from 'Wicked': Lessons Beyond the Stage
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6:43Join Christopher S. Dennis on "On The Way To School" as he delves into the cultural impact of the film "Wicked." Reflecting on personal experiences watching the movie with his family, Christopher explores themes of unexpected learning, the power of art to engage, and the importance of nurturing inner strength. Through the story of Elphaba, he draws…
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Welcome to another inspiring episode of "On The Way To School." Join Christopher S. Dennis as he dives into the enchanting world of the movie "Wicked." Discover powerful insights on embracing your unique journey and becoming your story's main character. Drawing parallels between the film and educational leadership, this episode encourages educators…
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Reflecting on the Evolution of Educational Technology
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5:19Welcome to the Thanksgiving break edition of On The Way To School, your daily boost for educators and administrators, hosted by Christopher S. Dennis. In this episode, we take a nostalgic journey back to the early days of personal computing and the initial steps of integrating technology into education. We explore the transformative experiences fro…
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Welcome to "On The Way To School!" In this special Thanksgiving break episode, we explore the concept of decisiveness in leadership, featuring a new video setup for a richer experience. Join me as we dive into the challenges and strategies for making impactful decisions. Discover the pivotal role of a leader's decision-making process and why being …
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Pre-Holiday Prep: Clean Desks and Thanksgiving Leftovers
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5:22Welcome to "On The Way To School," your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators with Christopher S. Dennis. As we approach Thanksgiving, Christopher shares a light-hearted discussion on how long Thanksgiving leftovers should last and their unique shelf life compared to regular meals. In this episode, Christopher emphasizes clearing …
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Work Travel: Opportunities and Etiquette for Educators
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6:35Welcome to the Thursday edition of "On The Way To School" with Christopher S. Dennis, your daily boost for educators and administrators. As we approach the break, Christopher explores the often-overlooked topic of work travel for conferences, workshops, and training. He highlights the benefits of stepping out of the routine and the bubble of your s…
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The Search: Hiring for Leadership in Schools
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7:01Welcome to the third episode of "On The Way To School," your daily six-minute boost for educators and administrators, hosted by Christopher S. Dennis. In this episode, Christopher delves into the intricate hiring process for executive and administrative roles within educational institutions. Many educators contemplate their career paths and upcomin…
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Are We Addicted? Understanding Smartphone Use in Schools
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6:12Welcome to the Tuesday edition of "On The Way To School," your daily six-minute boost for educators and administrators. Join Christopher S. Dennis as he explores the timely topic of smartphone use in educational settings. In this episode, Christopher discusses the ongoing debate about allowing smartphones in schools, sharing insights from his insti…
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Finding Balance: Self-Coaching for Educators
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6:07Welcome to "On The Way To School," your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. Join Christopher S. Dennis as he shares insights and experiences from his recent visit to Astro Camp with fifth graders, highlighting the joys of connecting with students outside the classroom. In today's episode, Christopher delves into the importance …
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Navigating Leadership with Coffee and Croissants
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5:59Join Christopher S. Dennis on this Thursday edition of "On The Way To School" as he shares his morning indulgence at Jack-in-the-Box and prepares for an exciting day at AstroCamp with fifth graders. Reflecting on his childhood experiences, Christopher highlights the importance of such trips in broadening students' horizons and fostering community s…
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Welcome to "On The Way To School," your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators with Christopher S. Dennis. In today's episode, we delve into the challenges and emotional complexities of decision-making in the educational environment. Christopher shares his experiences from a busy day visiting classrooms and engaging with students, …
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Navigating and Resisting: Harnessing Community Cultural Wealth
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6:10Welcome to "On The Way To School," your daily six-minute boost for educators and administrators, hosted by Christopher S. Dennis. In today's episode, Christopher shares his experiences as an administrator navigating a busy Tuesday, from supporting transgender students to engaging in strategic planning. Continuing the series on community cultural we…
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Community Cultural Wealth: The Power of Familial and Social Capital
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7:22Join host Christopher S. Dennis on today's episode of On The Way To School, your daily six-minute motivational boost for educators and administrators. As we gear up for the end of the year, Christopher shares insights on the importance of intentional planning using a unique tool called the "big ass calendar." This tool helps visualize milestones an…
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