Episode Details

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—- The Question of the Week is supported by Summer Pops Math Workbooks.Principals, when students practice math over the summer, math scores go up. What’s your summer math plan this year? A great way to start is by ordering FREE summer workbook samples at Summer Pops Workbooks.com. —-

Before this week’s interview, Will Parker answers a question from a student in Jen Schwanke’s graduate class at OSU.

The question is: When building a school team, how do you balance hiring for specific skills versus hiring for cultural fit? (Question from Brittney Oliver, 3rd Grade Teacher, Student in Education Master’s program at the Ohio State University)

Listen in to hear his response and thank you for doing what matters!

Meet Lana Penley

Lana Penley, former Principal turned CEO, stands at the forefront of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) movement in education.  After a school fire crisis, Lana spearheaded a complete transformation at her school, reducing suspensions, improving academic performance, and fostering a thriving community for both students and staff

As the dynamic CEO and Co-Founder of Unlocking SEL, Lana draws on 25 years of experience to shape her groundbreaking, mindful, and community-based approach to schooling, solidifying her status as a preeminent voice in SEL. She is on a mission to reimagine what’s possible for schools today, helping them become healthier and happier places through SEL, increasing positive student outcomes while reducing teacher burnout.

Her upcoming publication, Unlocking SEL: The 5 Keys to Transform Schools through Social and Emotional Learning, offers step-by-step strategies for comprehensive school and classroom transformation

With 25 years in education, Lana is also a renowned keynote speaker, avid pickleball player, dog mom, and the founder of groundbreaking courses like SEL Jumpstart—a mini-course designed to help educators stop delaying and start doing with  SEL.

No matter what she’s doing, Lana brings a unique blend of engaging storytelling, wit, emotional connection, and practical insights, making her style truly unforgettable.

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