Chuck Benigno, Ph.D.

The best teaching is not in front of the classroom, but in between the aisles and over the shoulders of students.

Love this 👇 Congrats, Coach!

Great principals do a thousand things in a given week. They solve problems, support teachers, calm worried parents, guide students, analyze data, and keep a school moving forward. It’s complex work. But when you step back and look closely, the most effective principals tend to get a few foundational things consistently right. Here are ten of the habits that set great principals apart: 1. They recognize the value of every adult in the building. From teachers to custodians to office staff, great principals know that schools succeed because of people. They notice the work others do, and they make a point to say thank you often. 2. They support their teachers—especially when it matters most. Whether the challenge is a difficult student, a frustrated parent, or a tense situation with a colleague, great principals stand beside their teachers. They trust them. They believe in them. And their staff knows they have someone in their corner. 3. They lead from the halls, not just the office. Great principals understand that leadership happens where learning happens. You’ll find them in classrooms, hallways, the lunchroom, the bus line, and at carpool—engaging with students and connecting with staff. 4. They involve others in decisions. Great principals know they don’t have all the answers—and they don’t try to. They seek input, invite perspectives, and empower others to help shape the direction of the school. 5. They stay focused on learning. Student achievement is always on their radar. They spend time in classrooms, encourage strategic instruction, and ensure assessments are meaningful. Most importantly, they help teachers use data to better meet the needs of their students. 6. They cultivate collaboration. Great principals know that teaching can’t be a solo sport. They intentionally create structures and expectations that help teachers learn from one another and grow together. 7. They refuse to settle for the status quo. The best principals hold high expectations—for themselves and for everyone in the building. They articulate a compelling vision and challenge their school community to keep getting better. 8. They protect staff morale. Great principals know that culture matters. They work to create an environment where teachers feel respected, supported, and proud to work. 9. They bring positive energy every day. Schools are emotional places, and leadership energy is contagious. Great principals understand that positivity isn’t optional—it’s essential. 10. They always keep students at the center. Every decision, every conversation, every initiative ultimately comes back to one question: What’s best for kids? Great principals build relationships with students and make sure their well-being and success drive the work of the school. None of these practices require perfection. But when principals commit to these habits day after day, they create schools where teachers feel supported, students feel valued, and learning thrives. Cheers, Danny

“It ain‘t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so.” - Mark Twain A great read from @sahilbloom on an important mindset for life. sahilbloom.com/newsletter/the…

This 👇

@djkujho You still looking good in the red and blue! #NorthForrest

North Forrest asked if I could come DJ for the Basketball Team’s pep rally and that wasn’t nothing but a word! Thank you to the teachers, parents, and coaches that welcomed me! Good luck in the Tourney! 🏀🦅 DJ & Photography services donated by The Good Vibe Foundation

@MySportsUpdate Southern Miss fans know that @Browns got the right man for the job! We love @CoachToddMonken

New #Browns HC Todd Monken gets emotional talking about his late parents and the rest of his family: "Sh*t! I told myself I wasn't going to cry for God's sakes."

@PelicansLead We need to use him more in closing minutes. He’s the only one who can shoot the three, hit a pull up mid-range and/or back someone down all the way to the rim. And, he’s only 26. Sign him to an extension now.

Honest thoughts on this man?

@S_U_Network The Family Man with Nicholas Cage is an underrated kind of Christmas classic!

What’s your favorite Christmas movie of all time? A) Home Alone B) Elf C) A Christmas Story D) It’s a Wonderful Life E) The Polar Express F) The Santa Clause G) How the Grinch Stole Christmas H) Die Hard I) National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation J) Comment another 🎄🎅 movie

Merry Christmas everyone. But more than that I hope you have a Blessed Christmas. And if you want to know what that means there’s probably not a better source than Linus. He explained it to Charlie Brown almost 60 years ago in a Christmas Special that has become an American favorite. In 1965 it was extremely daring to have Linus recite from the Bible on prime time television. It probably wouldn’t even happen today and the network executives did not want it as part of the show then. But Charles Schultz, the creator of Peanuts, was a strong Christian man and he wouldn’t back down. Schultz’s conviction resulted not only in Charlie Brown learning the true meaning of Christmas but in Luke Chapter 2 being heard by millions of people every year at Christmas time.

My guy 👇 #Laurel

#10 Reggie Collier! 🔥🔥🔥

@SouthernMissMBB @CoachLadner My mentor and college advisor. Coach was such a force at USM as he guided hundreds of young coaches to be men of character. Truly a legend and role model. Prayers for the whole family!

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Ladner family after the passing of Coach Jay Ladner’s father, J Larry Ladner, over the weekend. He was a legendary person in the basketball and education world in south Mississippi. It’s a legacy that will not be forgotten 🖤💛

Win!

The 9th year of the PREPS CEO Leadership Academy is looking good and they are truly making a difference in schools across Mississippi. #LeadershipMatters

@ProPelsTalk Why is Queen not in for another offensive option?

Having Missi on the floor is basically playing 4 on 5

@Jim_Eichenhofer @PelsFilmRoom Why is Saddiq Bey not in the game?

@PelsFilmRoom his defenders continue to guard him like he can't put the ball on the floor and go by them

Queen gets the stop on defense then scores it over Gafford on the other end

Evening Prayer: Loving God, may Your peace be present with those this evening who have had a difficult day and simply want to rest. May Your peace be close to those who are anxious and want to experience Your calm. May Your peace be with all of us. Grant us restful sleep. Amen.