Episode Details

From PhD to Principal Pathway: Social-Emotional Learning and the Real Work of Administration

On the La Grande School District Podcast, Brett Smith and host Scott Carpenter talk with Dr. Jess Roberts about his recent PhD completion and his current administrator licensure work during National Principal Appreciation Month. Carpenter recaps a positive teacher writing training day while Smith describes subbing in a fifth-grade class and being reminded of classroom management demands. Roberts explains his seven-year doctorate in psychology of learning and technology, focusing his dissertation on why teachers practice social-emotional learning (SEL), finding that many post-COVID teachers use SEL as self-care as much as for student benefit. The group discusses how culture-of-care efforts take years to spread, the unseen workload and isolation of administrators, and the extensive coursework and internship hours required for licensure. Roberts expects to finish his initial admin license by June, while Smith describes earning Oregon’s professional administrator license and learning district-level work.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

00:44 A Day in the District

02:31 Why Pursue a PhD

05:22 Dissertation on SEL

09:52 Admin Life and Mentorship

12:23 Admin Licensure Hours

14:11 Brett Professional License

16:18 Behind the Scenes Leadership

25:25 Authenticity and School Culture

27:04 Principal Appreciation Closing

28:02 Final Reflections and Sign Off