School leadership doesn’t stop when the final bell rings. Beyond the Bell takes you inside the real conversations of leadership, where current principal Jon Minton mixes humor, research, personal stories, and honest insight to tackle 21 of the most challenging and relevant leadership topics with leaders of all experience levels. Each episode delivers practical strategies and thought-provoking discussions with special guests to help both new and seasoned leaders thrive in the complexities of the role. Because the real work—and the real growth—of leadership happens Beyond the Bell.

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Recorded live at the NASSP Leadership Awards and Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C., this conversation with Justin Wax is packed with energy, optimism, and practical leadership wisdom. From the moment we sat down, it felt less like an interview and more like a conversation with someone I had known for years, a testament to Justin’s ability to connect with people and make them feel valued.In this episode, we explore Justin’s leadership journey, the importance of building authentic relationships, and how school leaders can create cultures where both students and staff thrive. Justin shares lessons learned along the way, reflects on the power of presence and connection, and offers insight into what it means to lead with both confidence and humility.Whether you&#39;re a veteran administrator or just beginning your leadership journey, you&#39;ll walk away with reminders about the importance of people, purpose, and showing up every day with the energy needed to make a difference.Key themes:<ul><li>Building authentic relationships</li><li>Creating positive school culture</li><li>Leading with energy and purpose</li><li>The power of connection and presence</li><li>Lessons learned through the leadership journey</li></ul>

#11: Justin Wax: NASSP Louisiana Middle School Principal of the Year

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In this episode of Beyond the Bell, Jon sits down with Colorado High School Principal of the Year ToniJo Niccoli, principal of New Meridian High School and the district’s Career and Technical Education Center in northern Colorado. Toni Jo shares her unique journey into education, from originally planning to become a kindergarten teacher to finding her passion working with students in alternative education settings.The conversation explores ToniJo’s leadership philosophy centered on relationships, belief in students, and intentional systems. She reflects on leading a school that increased its on-time graduation rate from 12.5% to 93.5%, explaining how culture, consistency, and strategic support systems helped transform outcomes for students often labeled “at-risk.” ToniJo also discusses the importance of student voice, being visible and accessible as a principal, and why she rejects labels that predetermine a child’s worth.Jon and ToniJo dive into balancing leadership with personal life, navigating change and resistance, building authentic connections with students, and staying true to yourself as a leader. The episode highlights the power of small moments, relentless belief in kids, and creating a school environment where students feel valued, challenged, and supported every day.Whether you’re a school leader, educator, or someone passionate about helping others grow, this episode offers practical insight and heartfelt perspective on leadership that puts people first.

#10: ToniJo Niccoli: NASSP Colorado High School Principal of the Year

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In this episode of Beyond the Bell, we sit down with David Wiedlich for a conversation that challenges the way we think about leadership, resilience, and longevity in the role.Together, we explore what it means to lead through those pressures with intention. From the concept of trauma-informed leadership to the importance of self-awareness and sustainability, this conversation goes beyond strategies and into the mindset required to endure and thrive in school leadership. David shares insights on how leaders can remain steady for their teams while also recognizing the toll the work can take and what to do about it.This episode connects deeply to the realities outlined across Beyond the Bell, from managing the emotional weight of leadership to maintaining effectiveness over time. If you have ever felt the quiet strain of the role or questioned how to stay strong in the long run, this conversation will resonate.

#9: David Wiedlich: NASSP Pennsylvania Middle School Principal of the Year

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In this episode, George and Jon spend some time discussing an overlooked leadership habit: the way simple, mindless moments can actually help school leaders recharge. They share stories from their time as assistant principals, when these moments accidentally became part of the workflow, and how they have learned to use them intentionally as principals. There&#39;s also the tension leaders feel when stepping away, even briefly, and why the job’s “always on” nature makes it hard to slow down without guilt. Backed by research and practical examples, they explore how short mental breaks improve clarity, reduce stress, and help leaders return more focused and effective. Sometimes you can’t turn the job off, but you can turn it down. And those small pauses may be one of the most powerful tools you have to lead at your best.

#8: Powering Down: Strength in Mindless Moments

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In this episode of Beyond the Bell, we sit down with Dr. Mia Hyde to explore what it means to scale up in leadership and navigate change effectively. Mia explains that growth isn’t simply about doing more, it’s about guiding others through change with clarity and purpose. From the classroom to the state level, she reminds us that meaningful progress happens when leaders stay grounded, communicate with vision, and focus on people, not just processes. Leading change can stir up tough emotions, and Mia shares insight into what that experience looks and feels like when leading from the front.

In this episode of Beyond the Bell, we sit down with Dr. Mia Hyde to explore what it means to scale up in leadership and navigate change effectively. Mia explains that growth isn’t simply about doing more, it’s about guiding others through change with clarity and purpose. From the classroom to the state level, she reminds us that meaningful progress happens when leaders stay grounded, communicate with vision, and focus on people, not just processes. Leading change can stir up tough emotions, ...

#7: Scaling Up with Dr. Mia Hyde

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What if feeling ineffective doesn’t mean you’ve lost it, just that you’re between seasons of effectiveness? In this episode of Beyond the Bell, Steve Long joins in on a conversation to explore that idea through the lens of effectiveness windows, those seasons when everything seems to click… and the ones when it doesn’t.Drawing from years of leadership experience, Steve reflects on how his own effectiveness has shifted across different roles and seasons of his career. Together, Steve and Jon unpack why those highs and lows are natural, how self-awareness helps leaders recognize when their window is open or closing, and what it takes to stay steady when momentum dips. Whether you’re in a season of growth or grit, this episode reminds leaders that consistency, reflection, and perspective are what sustain true effectiveness over time.

What if feeling ineffective doesn’t mean you’ve lost it, just that you’re between seasons of effectiveness? In this episode of Beyond the Bell, Steve Long joins in on a conversation to explore that idea through the lens of effectiveness windows, those seasons when everything seems to click… and the ones when it doesn’t. Drawing from years of leadership experience, Steve reflects on how his own effectiveness has shifted across different roles and seasons of his career. Together, Steve and Jon ...

#6: Effectiveness Windows with Dr. Steve Long

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In this episode of Leading Within Yourself, Jon and George dig into what it really means to be emotionally ready to lead. They share personal stories from their own leadership journeys like the moments that tested their steadiness, the lessons they’ve learned about showing up each day with clarity and calm, and how emotional readiness shapes every decision they make. They didn&#39;t nail it overnight and quickly share how their struggles have helped them grow stronger and more reflective than ever.Created for aspiring school leaders, and for anyone seeking to lead from the inside out, this conversation digs into the inner work that drives intentional leadership and lasting growth. Listen in as Jon and George unpack how leading within yourself can help you become the leader your school and students need most.

In this episode of Leading Within Yourself, Jon and George dig into what it really means to be emotionally ready to lead. They share personal stories from their own leadership journeys like the moments that tested their steadiness, the lessons they’ve learned about showing up each day with clarity and calm, and how emotional readiness shapes every decision they make. They didn&#39;t nail it overnight and quickly share how their struggles have helped them grow stronger and more reflective than eve...

#5: Leading Within Yourself

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In this one-on-one conversation, we sat down with Dr. Josh Carter, who at the time was serving as a principal in Johnson City, TN. Since then, Dr. Carter has transitioned into a district leadership role, bringing his perspective and experience to a broader level of impact.Our discussion was thoughtful and practical as Dr. Carter reflected on the challenges and opportunities principals face daily, how to build trust with staff, and the importance of keeping students at the center of decision-making. His wisdom on leadership transitions, team culture, and professional growth makes this interview a meaningful listen for current and aspiring leaders alike.

In this one-on-one conversation, we sat down with Dr. Josh Carter, who at the time was serving as a principal in Johnson City, TN. Since then, Dr. Carter has transitioned into a district leadership role, bringing his perspective and experience to a broader level of impact. Our discussion was thoughtful and practical as Dr. Carter reflected on the challenges and opportunities principals face daily, how to build trust with staff, and the importance of keeping students at the center of decision-...

#4: Answering Tough Questions with Dr. Josh Carter

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In leadership, it’s easy to get busy and even easier to confuse busyness with progress. Mistaking Activity for Achievement pulls back the curtain on what really drives meaningful growth. In this episode, Jon and George tackle the difference between checking boxes and making a lasting impact, exploring the habits, mindsets, and decisions that separate genuine achievement from endless activity. Join in for an honest conversation, real-world stories, and practical insight for leaders who want to focus less on doing more and more on doing what matters most.

In leadership, it’s easy to get busy and even easier to confuse busyness with progress. Mistaking Activity for Achievement pulls back the curtain on what really drives meaningful growth. In this episode, Jon and George tackle the difference between checking boxes and making a lasting impact, exploring the habits, mindsets, and decisions that separate genuine achievement from endless activity. Join in for an honest conversation, real-world stories, and practical insight for leaders who want to...

#3: Mistaking Activity for Achievement

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Failure isn’t the end of the story, it’s where the real learning begins. In this episode of Beyond the Bell, co-hosts Jon Minton and George Laoo unpack what it means to get better at getting worse. As school leaders, they know firsthand that mistakes, setbacks, and missteps are inevitable. But the way we respond to those moments can define our growth and leadership.Join Jon and George as they share personal stories from the frontlines of education, reflect on the lessons that failure has taught them, and explore how embracing the hard parts of leadership can lead to resilience, innovation, and stronger school communities.If you’ve ever wondered how to reframe failure as fuel for growth, this conversation will encourage you to lean in, reflect, and keep moving forward, even when things don’t go as planned.

Failure isn’t the end of the story, it’s where the real learning begins. In this episode of Beyond the Bell, co-hosts Jon Minton and George Laoo unpack what it means to get better at getting worse. As school leaders, they know firsthand that mistakes, setbacks, and missteps are inevitable. But the way we respond to those moments can define our growth and leadership. Join Jon and George as they share personal stories from the frontlines of education, reflect on the lessons that failure has tau...

#2: Getting Better at Getting Worse

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/11/11/16/f83789a2-31ac-4a3d-9572-15e181628240_17728367-1-stuck-in-the-seat.mp3

Spending too much time stuck in the office? Leaders want to stay accessible, but it’s easy to get trapped behind the desk. In this episode, George and Jon share their own experiences and practical strategies to help leaders step out, stay proactive, and build stronger connections. It’s not always easy but it’s essential for effective leadership. Topics explored in this episode:Being proactive rather than reactiveThe importance of face-to-face communicationStrategies for organizing time to get unstuck

Spending too much time stuck in the office? Leaders want to stay accessible, but it’s easy to get trapped behind the desk. In this episode, George and Jon share their own experiences and practical strategies to help leaders step out, stay proactive, and build stronger connections. It’s not always easy but it’s essential for effective leadership.  Topics explored in this episode: Being proactive rather than reactive The importance of face-to-face communication Strategies for organizing ti...

#1: Stuck in the Seat

School leadership doesn’t stop when the final bell rings. Beyond the Bell takes you inside the real conversations of leadership, where current principal Jon Minton mixes humor, research, personal stories, and honest insight to tackle 21 of the most challenging and relevant leadership topics with leaders of all experience levels. Each episode delivers practical strategies and thought-provoking discussions with special guests to help both new and seasoned leaders thrive in the complexities of the role. Because the real work—and the real growth—of leadership happens Beyond the Bell.