We Don’t Do “Challenges,” We Do Growth (And A Little Drake)

Behind every award-winning school is a story of leadership, perseverance, and growth. Benny Dover Jackson Multi-Magnet Middle School in New London, Connecticut, has traveled a remarkable path from a period of profound challenge to becoming 2026 Middle School of the Year—and that journey offers practical lessons for anyone leading school improvement. Host Dr. Alicia Bowman sits down with Chris Vamvakides, BDJ’s former principal and now assistant superintendent in New London Public Schools, to explore how intentional practices, consistent routines, thoughtful hiring and retention, and a shared commitment to students helped restore trust, strengthen relationships, and create a thriving school culture.

A school doesn’t become “Elementary School of the Year” by accident, and it takes far more than adopting the latest promising program.  Host Alicia Bowman sits down with Jen DeRagon, principal of George Hersey Robertson Intermediate School in Coventry, Connecticut, to unpack the leadership choices behind a joyful, award-winning school community. They talk candidly about pandemic-era uncertainty, the power of vulnerability, and the practical culture moves that help staff and students thrive.

In this episode of the Linking Leaders PodCASt, we sit down with Diurca Lugo-Tomasella, the 2026 Connecticut Elementary School Principal of the Year, to unpack how she has built a dual language school where identity, biliteracy, and high expectations live side by side. We talk culture systems, family partnership, teacher leadership, and the habits that help principals carry the weight of the work without carrying it alone.

In this episode of the Linking Leaders PodCASt, Dr. Alicia Bowman sits down with Dr. Dana Mulligan, 2026 Connecticut High School Assistant Principal of the Year, to explore what it means to lead with heart, humility, and a "we're all in this together" mindset. From building a family-centered school culture through daily advisory to making tough decisions guided by “what would I want for my own child,” Mulligan shares practical insights from over two decades in the AP role. It’s a candid look at the small moments, shared leadership, and yes—those livin’-on-a-prayer days—that define impactful school leadership.

In this episode of Linking Leaders, Dr. Alicia Bowman sits down with 2026 Connecticut High School Principal of the Year, Anthony “T.J.” Salutari, for a candid and energizing conversation about his experiences leading Daniel Hand High School in Madison. From an unexpected nudge into the principalship to over two decades of educational leadership, T.J. shares how he’s learned to adapt his leadership style, center relationships, and stay grounded in a role that’s equal parts rewarding and relentless. T.J. offers a powerful look inside a school culture built on belonging, where dissent isn’t just welcomed—it’s expected. He also gets real about the emotional weight of the job and the importance of boundaries. This episode is a must-listen for current and aspiring leaders who want practical insight, honest reflection, and a reminder of why this work matters so deeply.

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.

When you step inside Skinner Road School in Vernon, you know immediately that it is a special place. Almost palpable are the sense of belonging, the joy of learning, and the unmistakable energy of a community that believes in its children. At the center of it all stands Principal Bryan Kerachsky, the 2025 Elementary School Principal of the Year. In this conversation, Bryan shares how his school turned belonging into a coherent, schoolwide system that strengthens relationships and accelerates learning. He offers a clear look at the structures, leadership practices, and cultural habits that sustain meaningful improvement beyond any one person. 

What if a middle school could flip its story—from under-performing to excelling? We sit down with Dr. Damon Lewis, principal of Norwalk's Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy and National Middle School Principal of the Year, to unpack the deliberate moves behind his school's rise: mantras that drive action, systems that respect time, and core values that shape decisions, strengthen trust, and keep the work centered on kids and community.

What makes an award-winning elementary school? For Melissa Mucci, Principal of Somers Elementary School, it comes down to a powerful motto: "We're a family and we're a tree." This guiding philosophy has earned her school the Connecticut Association of Schools 2025 Elementary School of the Year award.In this candid conversation, Melissa talks about how SES rebounded from a year of tragedy, in which it faced the unimaginable loss of three students and a staff member, to win the prestigious School of the Year award. When reflecting on her leadership journey, she describes how challenges from the previous school year ultimately strengthened the school community. Listen up and learn how a small Connecticut elementary school became a model of educational excellence through family bonds and deep roots.

What does it take to lead a school to award-winning excellence? For Emma Balter, Principal of Six to Six Magnet School, the journey began after 29 years in the classroom when she unexpectedly stepped into administration. Now, as leader of Connecticut's 2025 Middle School of the Year, she shares the leadership strategies that transformed her school community.Six to Six Magnet School embodies a unique educational model - an inter-district school serving 450 students from Bridgeport and 17 surrounding communities, creating remarkable diversity both ethnically and socioeconomically. True to its name, the school operates from 6am to 6pm, supporting working families with extended hours while delivering exceptional STEM-focused education through powerful community partnerships.Balter's leadership mantra of "growing and changing" reflects her commitment to continuous improvement. She candidly discusses her growth in having difficult conversations, sharing how Glenn Singleton's "Courageous Conversations" helped ground her approach to equity and inclusion.Join us for this inspiring conversation about brave leadership, building administrative alignment, and why maintaining classroom connections matters. Whether you're an experienced administrator or aspiring leader, Balter's journey offers valuable lessons for creating award-winning school communities where both students and educators thrive.