How Small Moves And Instructional Rounds Transform A Middle School

Our newest podcast episode features guest Mark Summa, assistant principal of Avon Middle School and Connecticut's 2026 Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year. Mark shares how small, intentional leadership moves—rooted in safety, love, and high expectations—shape school culture and student belonging in the middle grades. The conversation offers concrete insights on leading at scale while staying human, sustaining resilience in demanding roles, and leveraging relationships to drive growth.

Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome And Guest Introduction
• 1:41 Portrait Of Avon Middle School
• 4:22 Why The Assistant Principal Role
• 8:01 Small Moves That Change Trajectories
• 10:36 Leading Hard Conversations With Care
• 12:32 Instructional Rounds And Culture Shift
• 17:40 Carrying The Emotional Load
• 18:32 Dream Grant: Purposeful Skills And Movement
• 22:56 Ignite Round: Quick Takes
• 24:53 Resilience And The Spotlight
• 27:13 Closing And Listener Call To Action