In this episode of the Transforming Lives Podcast, we dive deep into school leadership strategies with Dr. Salome Thomas-EL, widely known as Principal EL. His new book, Meet Their Needs and They’ll Succeed, is a blueprint for transforming school culture and building a positive environment where every student can thrive.

We discuss how mentorship in education and trauma-informed teaching are essential to creating meaningful student engagement in schools. Principal EL shares real stories of leadership that go beyond compliance, focusing on how to build school culture that fosters trust, connection, and success.

Whether you’re a principal, teacher, or aspiring leader, this conversation will challenge you to rethink your approach to educational leadership. Principal EL’s message is clear: when we meet students’ needs, they will succeed.

This is a must-listen episode for anyone passionate about creating a positive school climate and seeking actionable school leadership strategies that truly make a difference.

Dr. Salome Thomas-EL’s Bio:

Dr. Salome Thomas-EL lives in Pennsylvania with his family and has been a teacher and principal since 1987. He is currently a K-8 principal in Wilmington, DE and received national acclaim as a teacher and chess coach at Vaux Middle School in Philadelphia, where his students have gone on to win world recognition as Eight-Time National Chess Champions. Principal EL is the author of the best-selling books, I Choose to Stay (Movie rights optioned by Disney Films), and The Immortality of Influence, which stresses the importance of leadership, mentoring, parenting and service to others. He is also the co-author of 3 books on leadership and teacher retention. Dr. EL’s newest book, Meet Their Needs, and They’ll Succeed, was released in April 2025. He speaks to groups around the country and appeared on C-SPAN, CNN, and NPR Radio. Principal EL has studied school leadership abroad in England and at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. He holds a doctorate in Education Leadership from Wilmington University in Delaware. He has received the Marcus A. Foster Award as the outstanding School District Administrator in Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania’s distinguished Martin Luther King Award. Reader’s Digest Magazine recognized Principal EL as an “Inspiring American Icon.” Dr. EL was featured on Good Morning America and appeared on the Oprah Radio Network.

👉 In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why “Meeting Needs” is the foundation of student success
• How the “Four Cs” can transform school culture
• Building trauma-informed leadership that lasts
• The connection between strategy (like chess) and student success
• Principal EL’s one-line challenge to every school leader in America

✉️ For more on Dr. Salome Thomas-EL:
Visit his website: www.PrincipalEL.com
Buy Meet Their Needs, and They’ll Succeed: https://ascd.org/books/meet-their-needs-and-theyll-succeed?variant=121003

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