The PrinciPAL Podcast Show
Principal Perspectives: Exploring School Leadership
Welcome to "Principal Perspectives," also known as the PrinciPAL Podcast Show! This podcast delves deep into the world of school leadership. Join us as we sit down with principals from diverse educational backgrounds, each with a unique story to tell and a wealth of knowledge to share.
In each episode, we'll bring you insightful conversations with principals who are at the forefront of educational innovation and excellence. Whether you're an educator, a parent, a student, or simply curious about the dynamic role of school principals, this podcast is your window into the heart and mind of these dedicated leaders.
Our interviews will cover a wide range of school leadership topics, including:
🏫 Effective Leadership Strategies: Learn about the proven techniques and leadership philosophies that successful principals employ to create a positive school culture and drive student success.
📚 Curriculum and Instruction: Discover how principals are shaping curriculum, implementing teaching methods, and adapting to the ever-evolving needs of students.
🧒 Student Engagement: Explore innovative approaches to fostering student involvement, motivation, and well-being in today's educational landscape.
🌟 Professional Development: Hear about the ongoing training and growth principals undergo to stay current in the field and support their teaching staff.
💡 Parent and Community Engagement: Gain insights into building strong partnerships between schools, parents, and the local community to enhance the overall educational experience.
🌍 Equity and Inclusion: Understand the crucial role principals play in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within their schools.
And more....
Join us as we go beyond the title and get to know the individuals who shape the future of our schools. "Principal Perspectives" is your go-to podcast for inspiration, knowledge, and a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs of school leadership.
Tune in to our episodes every week to be inspired, informed, and empowered by the stories and wisdom of these remarkable educational leaders. Subscribe now and embark on a journey to explore the multifaceted world of school leadership.
Our Story
Dr. Sharon and Dr. Shanessa, both lifelong educators and native North Carolinians, share a passion for education and media. They decided to come together to discuss the significant role of school leaders and the impact that leadership has on a school. We are excited to bring you dynamic interviews with principals from PK-12 as they discuss best practices, the challenges, and rewards of serving as a school principal.
Meet the Hosts!
Dr. Sharon H. Porter (Dr. Sharon) is a veteran educator with over 30 years experience as a classroom teacher, school and central office administrator. She is currently serving as an elementary principal in the Washington DC metropolitan area.
She is also the President of SHP Enterprise, the umbrella entity of Perfect Time SHP LLC, Coaching, Consulting, and Book Publishing Firm, SHP Media and Broadcasting., and Vision & Purpose LifeStyle Magazine and Media.
She is the Executive Director and Founder of The Next In Line to Lead Aspiring Principal Leadership Academy (APLA), where she trains, mentors, and coaches assistant principals from across the U.S. who desire to take the helm as principal, in addition to the New Principal RoundTable where she coaches and mentors first year principals.
Dr. Sharon is owner, and Editor-In-Chief of Vision & Purpose LifeStyle Magazine, is the host of The I Am Dr. Sharon Show, and is Cofounder and Vice-President of Media and Communications for WNM Ventures LLC, and the Founder of the Young Ladies Who L.E.A.D. Mentoring Program
Dr. Sharon is the author, visionary, and publisher of The Next In Line to Lead book series, The Women Who Lead Book series, and The HBCU Experience Anthology, book series., Class of 2017, What's Next?, and have contributed in many anthologies.
Dr. Sharon is a graduate of Howard University, Walden University, Johns Hopkins University, National-Louis University, and Winston-Salem State University. She is a part of the 2019 Harvard University School of Education Women in Leadership Cohort.
She is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council, International Association of Women (IAW), American Business Women's Association, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She serves on the Board of Advisors for The Women of Prince George’s. Dr. Sharon is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and National Association of Elementary School Principal ( NAESP) Certified Principal Mentor.
The work of Women in Leadership is a passion. Dr. Sharon often speaks on the 4 Principles of Effective Leadership: Integrity, Execution, Competency, and Collaboration. She continues to encourage, empower, and enhance the lives of women leaders across the United States.
She is the host of The I Am Dr. Sharon Show, an in-studio show that streams on Roku. Additionally, she hosts and produces the following podcasts: Women Who Lead Vision & Purpose, Write the Book Now, Leadership Matters, and Leading With Purpose.
Dr. Sharon is a wife, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, bonus-mom, and pet parent to two adorable dogs, CoCo Cotton and Miss Bella.
Dr. Sharon is committed to lifelong learning and growth, recognizing that leadership is an evolving journey. She actively seeks opportunities for self-improvement and encourage those around her to do the same.
Her leadership philosophy centers around the principles of authenticity, servant leadership, and continuous improvement. She believes that a great leader should lead by example, consistently demonstrating integrity, empathy, and a commitment to ethical behavior.
Dr. Shanessa Fenner is an elementary school principal and has also been a middle school principal. She is a writer for many publications that include Up & Coming Weekly, Women’s View, Sheen Magazine, Array Magazine, Consciousness Magazine, The Fayetteville Press Newspaper, Bronze Magazine, OTC Beauty Magazine, Way To Parent Magazine, City Insights, and many more publications. She has also written pieces for Jet, Black Enterprise, Black America Web, and Essence magazines. She had a blog with The Fayetteville Observer Newspaper called “Shanessa’s Hot Topics.” Dr. Fenner is also a print model, motivational speaker, actress, and has her own TV show “The Bronco Exchange” on channel 7. She is a former radio personality on KISS 107.7 FM and had her own radio show entitled “Real Talk with Dr. Shanessa Fenner and was co-host of a radio show called “iTeach.” She is currently host of a podcast called “The City Insight” that features barbers, cosmetologists, beauticians and fashion designers. Dr. Fenner is also an adjunct professor and a licensed insurance agent.
Dr. Fenner obtained her bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Central University, two master’s degrees from Fayetteville State University in the areas of Elementary Education and School Administration, and her doctorate in Educational Leadership from Fayetteville State University. She was awarded the North Carolina Principal Fellows Scholarship. She is a new member of Power (Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized) in 2022.
Shanessa was featured in Ebony Magazine as one of the nation’s most eligible bachelorettes and in Sophisticate’s Black Hair Magazine in the “Someone You Should Know” section. She was voted one of the most influential women in Fayetteville and won Best Local Columnist and Best Local TV show. She was a recipient of The Fayetteville Observer’s “Forty Under Forty Award” and featured in Sophisticate’s Black Hair Magazine in the “Role Model Beyond Beauty” column. Shanessa was a hair spokesmodel for Bee Mine Hair Products.
Dr. Fenner has been featured on the cover of a book, on the cover of two magazines, featured in poetry books, written two book forewords, and featured in various advertisements and commercials. She is also a songwriter and has written several songs that have been recorded for two artists’ albums: Southern Soul artist Michelle Miller’s album and Southern Soul artist Carl Marshall’s album. Her voice has also been featured on the song “Leave That Man’s Wife Alone” by Carl Marshall. She was also an actress on two local soap operas in which she played a judge on one and a detective on the other soap opera. She is a voiceover actress as well.
She is an elementary school principal and has a girl’s group at her school called “Dr. Fenner’s Young Women of Distinction.” She tells them to reach for the stars and don’t let people make you feel like you are not worthy enough because you are smart, talented, and able-bodied. Her TV interview on her TV show with Congressman John Lewis, was aired everywhere and the historic interview was amazing. She has also interviewed Dr. Maya Angelou, Iyanla Vanzant, Melissa Morgan, Nikki Giovanni, and many more celebrities and artists for the various publications she writes for.
She continues to be a multifaceted woman that does not leave a stone unturned and her motto is “We were placed here to do great things and that is what I am going to do by the grace of God.”