The Empowered Principal® Podcast

Hosted by Angela Kelly - Education Podcast Network

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Episodes

447

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

The Empowered Principal® is designed to offer tools and strategies that no other elementary principal resource provides - exercises that strengthen your emotional fitness as an educational leader. Former teacher, principal, district administrator, and Certified Life Coach Angela Kelly discusses why elementary principals feel complete overwhelm, ways to approach the issue of time, how to build authentic relationships with staff, parents, students, and district officials, and how to enjoy your job and life overall. Together, we tackle the toughest aspects of being a principal by learning how to manage your thinking so that you can handle whatever comes your way. Listeners can download a free workbook from my website at www.angelakellycoaching.com

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 16, 202646 min

Ep #442: Not Your Granny's Grammar: Engaging Grammar Instruction with Patty McGee

Understanding how students experience and engage with language is key to creating meaningful literacy learning. Yet so often, grammar instruction is approached in a rigid, punitive, or overly prescriptive way, leaving both students and teachers frustrated. In this episode, I talk with Patty McGee, author of Not Your Granny's Grammar, about how she reimagines grammar instruction to make it engaging, experiential, and student-centered. We explore her philosophy for creating learning experiences in which students can experiment with language, reflect on their writing, and develop confidence, while teachers feel empowered to guide without fear of making mistakes. Find the full episode show notes, transcript, and a code for 20% off Patty's book here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/442 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/ Learn more about Patty's work: https://pattymcgee.org/

June 9, 202640 min

Ep #441: Experiential Neuroscience in Education with Thayne Martin

Disclaimer: Please be advised that this episode contains content related to childhood trauma and a suicide attempt. If these topics are challenging for you, you may wish to skip this episode or seek support. Understanding how students think, feel, and connect is key to creating meaningful learning experiences. Yet so often, the human side of education is overlooked in favor of purely academic outcomes. In this episode, I talk with Thayne Martin, a leading expert in experiential neuroscience, about how understanding the brain and emotions can transform the educational experience. We dive into how gratitude, prosocial skills, and experiential learning techniques help students develop resilience, connection, and a sense of belonging. Thayne shares practical strategies for educators and school leaders to incorporate these approaches into classrooms, staff culture, and leadership practices. Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/441 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/ Connect with Thayne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thaynemartin

June 2, 202622 min

Ep #440: Rewriting Your Empowerment Story

The stories we tell ourselves shape the way we lead, the way we see ourselves, and the way we experience the world around us. In this episode, I explore the disempowering narratives so many school leaders carry about their identity, capability, belonging, and worth. I discuss how comparison, self-doubt, and the belief that we are not enough can quietly influence the decisions we make, the support we accept, and the opportunities we allow ourselves to pursue. I also unpack the difference between truly belonging versus simply trying to fit in by pleasing others or hiding parts of ourselves. Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/440 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

May 26, 202620 min

Ep #439: Why Education Needs Trailblazing Leaders

Education is constantly evolving, and the leaders who have the greatest impact are often those willing to step beyond what's familiar and lead in new ways. In this episode, I explore why education needs trailblazing leaders who are willing to think differently, challenge outdated approaches, and create new possibilities for students, staff, and school communities. I discuss the emotional realities of leadership when you are the person stepping outside the norm, including the fear, resistance, uncertainty, and vulnerability that can come with forging a new path. Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/439 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

May 19, 20261 hr 20 min

Ep #438: The Future of Education: Emotional Intelligence in Leadership with Melanie Ann Layer

As educational leaders, we're constantly looking for new ways to inspire change, innovation, and growth within our schools. But what if the answer to transforming education lies not just in new programs or strategies, but in how we approach the very essence of leadership? In this episode, I have a deeply insightful conversation with Melanie Ann Layer, CEO and founder of Alpha Femme. Together, we dive into the vision for the future of education, the integration of emotional intelligence and leadership, and how we can create an environment that nurtures both teachers and students alike. Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/438 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/ Connect with Melanie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alphafemme/

May 12, 2026Episode 43726 min

Ep #437: Rebuilding Your Leadership Identity After Being Released from Your Position

Being released from a leadership position can feel deeply personal, shaking not only your career path but also your sense of identity, confidence, and future. In this episode, I explore the emotional and professional realities school leaders face when they are released from their position. I break down how experiences like shame, fear, self-doubt, and uncertainty can impact your nervous system, leadership identity, and decision-making. More importantly, I share how to process these challenges so you can maintain your integrity, reclaim your power, and avoid letting a single professional setback define your future. Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/437 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

May 5, 2026Episode 43644 min

Ep #436: The Science of Handwriting: Why It Still Matters for Student Success with Holly Britton

Handwriting may be one of the most underestimated foundations of student success in today's educational landscape. In this episode, I sit down with handwriting expert and Squiggle Squad founder Holly Britton to explore the science of handwriting and why it remains an essential part of literacy, brain development, and student learning. We unpack the difference between handwriting as simple penmanship versus handwriting as a critical transcription skill, and why developmentally appropriate instruction is key to helping students build confidence, literacy, and long-term academic success. Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/436 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/ Check out Squiggle Squad here: https://squigglesquad.com/

April 28, 2026Episode 43536 min

Ep #435: The Energy Mindset Behind Your Leadership

As leaders, we are constantly shaping the environment around us, and the energy and mindset we bring play a powerful role in the impact we have. In this episode, I explore what it really means to lead from the inside out. From the concept of leadership energetics to the realities of stepping into new levels of responsibility, I share how your thoughts, emotions, and self-concept influence your decisions, your confidence, and your overall leadership experience. Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/435 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

April 21, 2026Episode 43447 min

Ep #434: How to Recognize and Prevent Burnout in Schools with Jasmin Dennis

Burnout in schools is a real and growing concern, and as leaders, it's important to not only recognize the signs but also to prevent it from taking hold. In this episode, I'm joined by Jasmin Dennis, a burnout expert who shares her insights on identifying, preventing, and addressing burnout in schools. Together, we explore how burnout manifests for school leaders, how it affects the school environment, and why it's essential to take proactive steps toward prevention before it's too late. Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/434 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/ Check out JAZZDHEALTH here: https://jazzdhealth.com/

April 14, 2026Episode 43322 min

Ep #433: Overcome Childlike Energy and Step into Mature Empowerment

Have you ever found yourself stuck in childlike energy, acting from a place of immaturity instead of mature empowerment, when starting something new? As aspiring or new school leaders, we can experience moments when we feel like we're operating from a place of fear, insecurity, or emotional reactivity rather than from true, aligned power. In this episode, I break down what childlike energy is and why it can feel so hard to break free from. This episode will guide you back to alignment, helping you lead from a place of self-trust and true power, even when faced with difficult challenges. Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/433 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/