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Episode 45: Beyond the Classroom: How a PE Teacher Became a Transformational Leader with Dr. Donovan Smalls II
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What if the best instructional leadership doesn’t start with a rubric but with people? We sit down with Dr. Donovan Smalls II to unpack how a former PE teacher and college professor became an assistant principal known for calm under pressure, disciplined time management, and a people-first approach that lifts instruction across a building.
We dig into the pivotal COVID moment that rerouted his career and why choosing to be the solution is the first real test of leadership. Donovan shares how he architects his day—blocking morning walkthroughs, staying visible, and using curriculum work when culture isn’t ready for frequent drop-ins so instruction stays a priority despite bus duty, discipline, and the inbox. He offers candid stories about navigating heated parent meetings with poise, setting boundaries with grace, and keeping the focus on all students, not just the loudest requests. The result is a roadmap for aspiring leaders who want to manage their time, build trust with teachers, and protect the learning environment with emotional intelligence.
We also explore his bestselling book, Beyond the Classroom, and why leading people and organizations must come before leading instruction. Donovan explains how the leadership interview differs from the teacher interview, and how to tell a compelling leadership story that lands the job and sets you up to lead from day one. Along the way, we trade practical examples of classroom visibility that teachers and students actually enjoy, plus the power of national networking to expand your toolkit and confidence. If you’re aiming for assistant principal or principal roles or looking to level up where you are—you’ll find concrete tactics and encouraging perspective you can use this week.
Connect with Dr. Donovan Smalls II:
Website: https://www.donovansmalls2.com/
Instagram: @donovansmalls2
TikTok: @donovansmalls2
Threads: @donovansmalls2
X: @DonovanSmalls2
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovansmalls2/
The Aspiring School Leader Podcast: (Youtube)
The Aspiring School Leader Podcast: (Apple Podcast)
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Chapters
1. Guest Intro & Background (00:00:00)
2. From Coaching to Teaching (00:03:32)
3. Student-First Mindset in Leadership (00:04:59)
4. COVID Pivot to Administration (00:07:24)
5. Broadening Impact Beyond One Classroom (00:11:18)
6. Time Management as a Self-Starter (00:14:07)
7. Walkthroughs, Visibility, and Trust (00:17:39)
8. Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure (00:22:42)
9. Podcasting and Coaching Aspiring Leaders (00:28:26)
10. Work–Life Balance and Sustainable Output (00:32:59)
11. Nationwide Networking and PD (00:37:04)
12. Advice for Aspiring Principals (00:40:34)
13. Finding Your Level: Elem, MS, HS (00:44:23)
14. Handling Public Perception and Feedback (00:47:27)
15. Why the Work Matters: Centering Kids (00:50:28)
16. Book, Podcast, and How to Connect (00:53:19)
46 episodes
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