Summer Leadership Recharge: Creating Impactful Professional Development Plans

Summer Leadership Recharge: Creating Impactful Professional Development Plans

Author: Matthew Woods - Education Podcast Network July 22, 2026 Duration: 36:07
☀️ Summer Leadership Recharge: Principal Edition 🌲🎙️ Creating Impactful Professional Development Plans

Professional development shouldn't be something educators attend—it should be something that transforms practice.This week, I'm joined by Dr. Stephanie Burroughs, Assistant Superintendent, to discuss how school leaders can design meaningful professional learning that empowers teachers and improves student outcomes.

Together, we explore:
✔️ Building professional development with purpose
✔️ Aligning learning to school goals and teacher needs
✔️ Creating opportunities for meaningful collaboration
✔️ Moving beyond "one-and-done" professional development

Whether you're planning PD for a new school year or looking to strengthen your leadership, this conversation offers practical strategies you can implement immediately.

🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms!


Matthew Woods, a former teacher and current administrator, draws from his own journey to create Leading Out The Woods. This isn't a lecture from an ivory tower, but a conversation grounded in the real, often messy, world of K-12 schools. Each episode feels like a candid talk with a colleague who's been in your shoes, sharing reflections and practical strategies that have emerged from the classroom and the administrative office. You'll hear honest discussions about the challenges educators face daily, paired with actionable ideas aimed at improving practice and fostering resilience. The goal is to navigate the complex forest of modern education together, finding clearer paths forward. Released every other Friday, this podcast from the Education Podcast Network serves as a regular source of camaraderie and insight for teachers and administrators looking to refine their craft. It’s a space dedicated to thoughtful exchange, where the shared experiences of educators are valued as the most important resource.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Leading Out The Woods
Podcast Episodes
Anchor Chat # 28: What Are We Tolerating? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Anchor Chat # 28: What Are We Tolerating?In this episode, Dr. Woods explores a challenging but essential leadership question: What are we tolerating in our schools that may be quietly shaping our culture? From inconsiste…
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Bringing Joy Back: Why H.O.P.E. Is a Leadership Strategy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Episode #130 is up! Check it out!!!Special Guest Dr. Brandi Kelly, Speaker, Author, Leadership Coach, and Founder of Spark HOPE Edu, joins Dr. Woods on episode #130 of Leading Out The Woods to discuss Bringing Joy Back:…
Throwback Thursday! Rethinking Black History [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Throwback Thursday! Rethinking Black History featuring Dr. LaGarrett KingOriginally Released On: 2-12-2021This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode. Takeaways fr…
Anchor Chat #27: Clarity Is the Strategy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:33
Anchor Chat #27: Clarity Is the StrategyIn this episode of Anchor Chats, Dr. Woods reflects on Clarity Is the Strategy, emphasizing that clear expectations, focused priorities, and consistent communication are the founda…
Teaching Peace in a Divided Time [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Episode #129 is up! Check it out!!!Special Guest Ryan Tillman, Speaker, CEO, and Founder of Breaking Barriers United, joins Dr. Woods on episode #129 of Leading Out The Woods to discuss Teaching Peace in a Divided Time.…
Throwback Thursday! Teachers Promise [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Throwback Thursday! Unpacking Collaborative Leadership featuring Pam EhnleOriginally Released On: 4-4-2025This week, we’re revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:✅ Pam shares…