In this episode, Dr. Woods explores how the first moments of the school day shape everything that follows. From adult presence at arrival to clear routines and instructional warm starts, effective start-of-day systems create consistency, calm, and connection for both students and staff.

Rather than leaving mornings to chance, Dr. Woods highlights how intentional structures—predictable arrival procedures, positive greetings, reinforced expectations, and aligned staff systems—reduce chaos and increase readiness to learn. When leaders and teachers are purposeful about the start of the day, they establish a tone that supports strong behavior, engagement, and instruction.

This Anchor Chat reminds educators that the school day doesn’t begin with the first lesson—it begins the moment students walk through the door.

Throwback Thursday! Authentic Literature featuring Dr. Donyall Dickey
Originally Released On: 5-7-2021

This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:
✅ Dr. Dickey shares what authentic literature and how it should be used in teaching and learning.
✅ Dr. Dickey discusses his book, Mitigating Curricular Chaos, which shares strategies on constructing and procuring core content curricula that addresses and mitigates the achievement gap.Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today. 

🎧👉 Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform or at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-out-the-woods/id1507447161

🕰️ Don’t forget to check back every Thursday for more Throwback episodes!

Episode #127 is up!  Check it out!!!

Special Guest Vernon Wright joins Dr. Woods on episode #127 of Leading Out The Woods to discuss Connect. Impact. Scale. In this episode, Vernon shares his instructional leadership philosophy and the intentional ways he builds connections, empowers educators, and scales meaningful impact across school communities. Together, they explore practical strategies leaders can use to strengthen relationships, elevate instructional practice, and drive long-term success for both students and staff.

Throwback Thursday! Episode #64: I Choose to Stay

Originally Released On: 7-29-2022

This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:

✅ Dr. Thomas-EL discusses why 'he chose to stay' in education.
✅ Dr. Thomas-EL shares strategies on improving staff morale and capacity.Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today.

🎧👉 Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform or at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-out-the-woods/id1507447161

🕰️ Don’t forget to check back every Thursday for more Throwback episodes!

Throwback Thursday! Student Content Creator featuring Rachelle Dene Poth

Originally Released On: 3-12-2021

This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:
✅ Rachelle shares her thoughts on students having input on the content they create in classrooms.
✅ Rachelle discusses the paradigm shift from teachers being the “gatekeepers” of knowledge to more a facilitator of learning.

Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today.

🎧👉 Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform or at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-out-the-woods/id1507447161

🕰️ Don’t forget to check back every Thursday for more Throwback episodes!

Throwback Thursday! Started from the Bottom, Now I'm Here 

Originally Released On: 6-18-21

This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:

✅ Darrion discusses how he motivates and inspires his students and school community.
✅ Darrion shares advice with other educators trying to make a positive impact with students at-risk.Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today.

🎧👉 Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform or at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-out-the-woods/id1507447161

🕰️ Don’t forget to check back every Thursday for more Throwback episodes!

Episode #126 is up!  Check it out!!!

Diversifying the Educator Pipeline

Special Guest Dr. Shaylyn Marks, Assistant Professor of Teacher Education at California State University, Bakersfield, joins Dr. Woods on episode #126 of Leading Out The Woods to discuss Diversifying the Educator Pipeline. In this episode, they explore Dr. Marks’ research and her book, Diversifying the Educator Pipeline: Supporting Black Educators through Recruitment, Preparation, and Retention. Together, they unpack the historical impact of Brown v. Board of Education, the challenges Black preservice teachers have faced and the urgent need to recruit, support, and retain more Black educators in today’s schools.

Throwback Thursday!

Title: Episode #107: Mindfulness Awareness for Educators featuring Danielle Nuhfer

Originally Released On: 5-31-24

This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode, we:- Danielle shares her three tips for bringing mindfulness awareness into the classroom for educators.- Danielle discusses her book, " The Path of the Mindful Teacher."Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today.

🎧👉 Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform or at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-out-the-woods/id1507447161

🕰️ Don’t forget to check back every Thursday for more Throwback episodes!

Throwback Thursday!
Title: Episode #27_Staff Motivation & Morale featuring Dr. Todd Whitaker 
Originally Released On: 2-26-21

This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode, we:
✅ discuss the importance of staff motivation and morale in school management,
✅ provide tips on what you can do to ensure this is happening in your school.

Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today. 🎧

Anchor Chat #24: Too Much Data, Not Enough Direction

In this episode of Anchor Chats, Dr. Woods reflects on Too Much Data, Not Enough Direction, exploring how educators can move beyond simply collecting data to using it with purpose and clarity. He discusses the importance of identifying meaningful trends, setting actionable goals, and aligning data analysis with instructional priorities. Dr. Woods encourages educators to focus on direction over volume—transforming data into intentional steps that drive student growth.

Episode #125 is up!  Check it out!!!

Special Guest Command Sergeant Major Bart E. Womack, U.S. Army (Retired), joins Dr. Woods on episode #125 of Leading Out The Woods to discuss Navigating the Storm: Crisis Response for School Leaders. A survivor of an insider threat attack within the 101st Airborne Division, Bart shares powerful first-hand insights that bring authenticity and urgency to discussions on school safety. In this episode, they explore lessons learned from his experience, proactive strategies for identifying and mitigating potential threats, and practical guidance to help school leaders strengthen crisis response and protect their communities.

Throwback Thursday! "The Art of Delegation" featuring Dr. Marcus Belin

Originally Released On: 11-19-21

This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode, we explore:

✅ How ‘Delegation’ is an essential concept of leadership.
✅ Empowering colleagues to complete tasks unsupervised.

Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today. 

Anchor Chat #23: What’s Your Tier 1 Reality?

In this episode of Anchor Chats, Dr. Woods reflects on What’s Your Tier 1 Reality?, examining the importance of understanding and strengthening core instruction. He challenges educators to evaluate the effectiveness of their Tier 1 practices, ensuring they meet the needs of all students before relying on interventions. Dr. Woods emphasizes that strong Tier 1 instruction is the foundation of academic success.

Throwback Thursday! Is Financial Literacy Working?

Originally Released On: 7-15-2022

This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:

✅ Dr. Thomas shares how we should conceptualize financial literacy.

✅ Dr. Thomas discusses barriers students and families routinely encounter when learning about financial literacy.

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!

Episode #124 is up!  Check it out!!!

Special Guest Rae Hughart, CEO and Founder of Teachers Deserve It, joins Dr. Woods on episode #124 of Leading Out The Woods to discuss her book Teachers Deserve It!, co-authored with Adam Welcome. In this episode, they explore the inspiration behind the book, the “why” that drives educators to teach, and how these powerful motivations often go unnoticed. Together, they highlight the importance of celebrating and uplifting the teaching profession.

Throwback Thursday! The Throwaway Kids: Combating the Stereotype

Originally Released On: 4-9-2021

This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:

✅ Mirko discusses the obstacles that stand in the way of making sure that every student succeeds.
✅ Mirko shares what can be done to ensure that students who had experiences similar to his are able to be seen, heard and succeed.

Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today.

🎧👉 Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform or at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-out-the-woods/id1507447161

🕰️ Don’t forget to check back every Thursday for more Throwback episodes!

Throwback Thursday! Inside the Schoolhouse: What Great Principals Know and Do featuring Dr. John Gratto

Originally Released On: 8-13-2021

This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:

✅ 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!

In this episode, Dr. Woods highlights a powerful shift for school leaders: learning to recognize and celebrate the small wins that fuel long-term success. Big transformations rarely happen overnight—but small, consistent victories build the momentum that drives lasting change. From a student reaching a behavior goal, to smoother transitions, to a teacher trying a new strategy, these wins create energy, trust, and morale across a school.

Episode #123 is up!  Check it out!!!

Invisible No More: The Truth About Rural Education

Special Guest Dr. Jamon Flowers, Assistant Professor at the University of Georgia, joins Dr. Woods on episode #123 of Leading Out The Woods to discuss Invisible No More: The Truth About Rural Education. In this episode, they unpack the unique challenges and opportunities within rural schools, highlighting the importance of access and advocacy to ensure rural students and communities are no longer overlooked.

Throwback Thursday! Augmenting the Reality of Education Through Immersive Experiences featuring Dr. Alfonso Mendoza

Originally Released On: 2-25-2022

This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:
✅ Dr. Mendoza shares why ARVR in Education helps increase student engagement and instruction.
✅ Dr. Mendoza discusses where he sees the future of education headed with this technology.

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!