Funny Fridays and Food Trucks: How Great APs Create Joy in Schools

What happens when three award-winning assistant principals gather to share their leadership journeys? A powerful conversation about authenticity, vulnerability, and the transformative impact of being oneself in a leadership role.

The 2025 Connecticut Association of Schools Assistant Principals of the Year – Laura Dixon from John Barry Elementary School; Marco Tirillo from John Wallace Middle School: and LaShante James from Brien McMahon High School – discuss moving beyond the traditional authority figure role to create initiatives that spread joy throughout their schools.  While they lead in unique and distinct school environments, their philosophies converge on a common theme: effective leadership requires bringing one's whole, authentic self to the work.

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction to Award-Winning Assistant Principals
• 2:15 School Communities and Demographics
• 4:31 Leadership Impact and Equity Work
• 10:08 Intentional Recognition and Appreciation
• 13:33 Challenges and Joys of Being an AP
• 17:35 Leadership Lessons and Influential Figures
• 27:12 Rapid-Fire Leadership Questions
• 30:28 Finding the Leaders and Their Work