In this episode, Kevin Jost and Jason Paurus are joined by Bob Driver, the Executive Director of MASSP (Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals), to discuss how principals can leverage the summer months for rejuvenation, strategic planning, and professional development.

The hosts begin by framing the discussion around the shift in focus that principals experience during the summer, from managing daily operations to long-term planning and preparation for the upcoming school year. They highlight several strategies principals can implement, including developing a comprehensive summer plan, engaging in professional development opportunities, reviewing and refining policies and procedures, strengthening school culture, overseeing facility improvements, and analyzing data to identify areas for improvement.

The conversation then turns to the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being during the summer. Bob, Kevin, and Jason emphasize the need for principals to take breaks and vacations, practice intentional self-care through activities like exercise, healthy eating, and mindfulness practices, nurture relationships and support systems, and consider seeking professional support if needed.

Bob Driver provides a detailed overview of the upcoming MASSP Summer Conference, scheduled from June 24th to 27th at Breezy Point. The conference promises a comprehensive lineup of keynote speakers, concurrent sessions, a dedicated middle-level experience, team-building and wellness activities, and opportunities for networking and celebration.

In closing, the hosts offer final pieces of advice for principals navigating the summer months. Jason challenges principals to work on themselves and prioritize inner work, whether through seeking professional support, starting a new routine, or implementing strategies for better work-life integration. Bob encourages principals to practice disconnecting from their phones and embracing moments of digital detachment. Kevin emphasizes the importance of having fun and finding ways to laugh, as laughter can be a powerful source of rejuvenation.

Overall, the episode underscores the unique opportunity that the summer presents for principals to prioritize their mental health, engage in strategic planning, and prepare themselves for a successful and impactful school year ahead.

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2Principal Partner:

Healthwise Behavioral Health & Wellness

We want to take a moment to communicate our most sincere gratitude for our supportive sponsor Healthwise Behavioral Health and Wellness. This organization has believed in the 2Principals from the start and we couldn’t be more thankful. If you are looking for an organization that has a philosophy of considering the whole-person with comprehensive services that are rooted in evidence-based science while at the same time understanding the inter-connectedness of the mind, body, and experience, then look no further than Healthwise Behavioral Health and Wellness.

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