Leaning into Leadership

In this fourth installment of our special NASSP Principal of the Year series, Darrin sits down with Terita Walker, principal of Denver East High School and one of three finalists for NASSP's 2025 National High School Principal of the Year award.Walker has transformed East into a school where inclusivity, student empowerment, and academic excellence thrive. With nearly two decades at the school, she reflects on her growth as a leader, the intentional systems she's built to elevate student voice, and how she's making time to deeply connect with teachers post-pandemic.This episode explores how school culture is built through trust, visibility, and authenticity—and why Terita believes joy is found in the journey.About Terita WalkerWalker is the principal of Denver East High School in Colorado. Through intentional leadership and a deep commitment to equity, she has fostered a culture where students and staff thrive. She regularly engages with East's 90+ affinity groups, hosts monthly coffee chats, co-leads community events, and credits the school's success to the collective work of students, staff, families, alumni, and district partners.

In this third episode of our NASSP National Principal of the Year Finalist series, we head to Ketchikan, Alaska, where Sherilynn Boehlert serves as the principal of Schoenbar Middle School. Sheri shares her inspiring leadership journey—from growing up in a family of educators to leading a Blue Ribbon elementary school and now impacting lives at the middle level.With honesty and humor, Sheri unpacks her leadership “survival can”—the key tools and values that have helped her build continuity, shared leadership, and school-wide improvement. She discusses the power of relationships, the importance of hiring for fit and culture, and how her team's deep trust has fueled meaningful change.Plus, we hear about Schoenbar's legendary student survival trip, an experience unlike any other that not only connects students to nature—but serves as a powerful metaphor for leadership.This episode is filled with truth bombs, laughter, and deep insight into what it means to lead with heart in challenging and beautiful places.Guest Bio:Sherilynn Boehlert is the principal of Schoenbar Middle School in Ketchikan, Alaska. Previously, she served as the school's assistant principal and was the principal of Point Higgins Elementary School, which was named a National Blue Ribbon School under her leadership. Boehlert is a graduate of Arizona State University West's Leadership for Educational Entrepreneurs program and is deeply committed to student-centered decision-making, inclusive leadership, and data-driven practices that build strong, collaborative environments.Connect with Schoenbar Middle School:

Episode Summary:Teacher evaluation has long been a source of frustration—for both educators and administrators. In this episode of the Leaning Into Leadership podcast, I sit down with Craig Randall, the developer and author of Trust-Based Observations, to reimagine what teacher observation can and should look like.Craig shares how shifting the focus from ratings to relationships not only supports teacher growth but also transforms school culture. We talk about why most traditional evaluation models actually hinder innovation, how to build psychologically safe spaces for professional learning, and what it takes to move from a compliance-based mindset to one of curiosity, collaboration, and trust.You'll also hear:The 9 key pedagogical focus areas of the TBO systemHow to navigate time and legal constraints with TBOWhy great teachers still need—and crave—strong feedbackWhat Brene Brown's “trust marbles” have to do with better instructional leadershipHow leaders can model the exact mindset they want teachers to bring to their classroomsWhether you're a district leader, principal, or aspiring administrator, this episode will challenge your assumptions and offer a clear path to better, more human-centered instructional leadership.

In this inspiring episode of Leaning Into Leadership, we continue our NASSP National Principal of the Year series with Tony Cattani, a finalist for the 2025–2026 National High School Principal of the Year. For 18 years, Tony has led Lenape High School in Medford, NJ, where he's created a thriving school culture grounded in trust, reflection, and instructional growth.Tony shares how his leadership journey evolved from managing to truly leading, and how a single conference keynote transformed his outlook. We dive into his groundbreaking peer observation model that has generated more than 3,000 teacher visits, fostered collective efficacy, and built a culture where everyone grows together. From collegiality cafes to popcorn lesson invitations, Tony's story is a masterclass in empowering educators and redefining professional development.This conversation is packed with actionable leadership insights, a healthy dose of humility, and yes—a metaphor involving Buffalo chicken dip that perfectly sums up what it means to lead with purpose and pride.Learn more about NASSP's Principal of the Year program at https://www.nassp.org/news/nassp-announces-national-principal-of-the-year-finalists/

In this powerful kickoff to our NASSP Principal of the Year finalist series, Dr. Damon Lewis of Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy in Norwalk, CT shares his incredible leadership journey—from paraeducator to transformational middle school principal. Under his leadership, chronic absenteeism dropped from 31% to 8%, equity-driven initiatives expanded access to gifted and accelerated programs, and eighth-grade PSAT scores outpaced national, state, and district averages.Dr. Lewis discusses the culture shift at his school, his “so what, now what” mindset, and why proper preparation, intentional systems, and relentless focus on every student have made the difference. He also opens up about how his personal story fuels his mission—and how being a national finalist is a platform for advocacy, equity, and excellence in public education.Key Topics:Vision-driven leadership and systems thinkingAccelerating achievement while addressing inequityListening as a leadership superpowerThe impact of culturally responsive leadershipWhy excuses build bridges to nowhereLearn more about NASSP's Principal of the Year program at https://www.nassp.org/news/nassp-announces-national-principal-of-the-year-finalists/

In this episode of Leaning Into Leadership, Dr. Chris Culver brings the energy, insight, and authenticity that's made him a rising national voice in school leadership and culture. A former principal and cabinet-level administrator, Chris now leads Orange Sparrow, a consulting practice built on the Science of Kindness and a deep understanding of generational learning needs.Chris and Darrin dive into:Why building trust, belonging, and relationships is non-negotiablePractical ways to shift from rows to collaborationHow to engage a phone-based generation of learnersCreating emotionally grounded classrooms and leadership environmentsThe power of gratitude, intentional reflection, and graceChris shares his powerful 5+1 framework rooted in his doctoral research and personal journey—and leaves listeners with a call to lead through kindness, not just because it feels good, but because it works.Bio: Dr. Christopher Culver is a highly sought-after, dynamic, and engaging speaker. He is a proud product of Oklahoma public education. Raised in a divorced family, he split his time between Tulsa during the week, a 300-acre farm in Wyandotte, OK, and several times throughout the year in Fayetteville, NC.For more than a decade, Dr. Culver has served educational communities as a classroom teacher, secondary principal, and, most recently, as a cabinet-level administrator. He is the former President of the Oklahoma Association for Bilingual Education and currently serves as Vice President of the Oklahoma Citizens for Education nonprofit. Today, he works as a speaker and leading thought partner on the Science of Kindness, a consultant with expertise in culture and Gen Z/Gen Alpha understanding, and a part-time professor at Oklahoma City University, where he teaches future teachers and leaders.Earning an EdD through research on culture and the collective impact on motivation, Dr. Culver is dedicated to spreading kindness, improving mindsets, and creating spaces where everyone is seen, heard, valued, and respected. He believes that if you cannot find the light, be the light!Website: www.orangesparrow.orgEmail/contact info: christopher@orangesparrow.org Social Media: @DrChrisCulver

In this episode, Darrin sits down with longtime education leader and author Todd Nesloney for a powerful conversation on leadership, culture, and hiring. Todd shares his journey from instructional aide to principal, and now as the Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership for TEPSA. They discuss actionable insights into how schools can improve hiring processes, retain great staff, and onboard new hires in ways that reflect school values. Todd also shares lessons from his writing career, the importance of amplifying others' voices, and why leaning into discomfort is essential for leadership growth.If you're looking to improve your hiring systems, strengthen your culture, or simply need inspiration to keep growing as a leader—this episode is for you.

In this special joint episode of Leaning Into Leadership and The Assistant Principal Podcast, Dr. Darrin Peppard teams up with Dr. Frederick Buskey to explore how school leaders can take a more strategic, sustainable approach to planning for the year ahead.Together, they walk through a four-phase leadership cycle — Prepare, Perform, Refine, and Renew — with clear examples and strategies for turning vision into actionable leadership habits. From setting a focused instructional plan and building relational momentum to addressing systemic barriers and reflecting on growth, this episode is packed with practical tools leaders can use immediately.They also share insights into their new collaborative initiative, Middle Ground: Leadership Excellence Network, a cohort-based leadership experience in partnership with the North Carolina Middle Level Educators Association (NCMLE). This program is designed to provide wraparound support for middle school principals through coaching, workshops, and peer connection throughout the school year.Key Topics:How to create daily leadership practices tied to big goalsUsing clarity to drive instructional prioritiesLeveraging team alignment and inter-rater reliabilityThe power of intentional culture-buildingSystems that free up time — like tiered behavior and email strategiesTools like SWOT and Start-Stop-Continue-Consider for reflection and renewalThe launch of the Middle Ground cohort for North Carolina middle school leadersResources & Links:Get Darrin's Principal Planning Tool Learn more about Frederick at frederickbuskey.comJoin the NCMLE Middle Ground: Leadership Excellence Network - If you are super interested but don't live in NC, drop me a line and we'll figure out a way to support you.Subscribe to the Leaning Into Leadership PodcastSign up for Darrin's weekly leadership email at roadtoawesome.netFrederick's Email: frederick@frederickbuskey.comWebsite: https://www.frederickbuskey.com/LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/strategicleadershipconsultingDaily Email subscribe: https://adept-experimenter-3588.ck.page/fdf37cbf3aThe Strategic Leader's Guide to Reclaiming Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWRS2F6N?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520

What if the real cause of educator burnout isn't a lack of resilience or self-care—but the workplace itself?In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Darrin is joined by longtime friend and national thought leader Nathan Eklund, founder of Vital Network, to explore how schools can reimagine themselves as vibrant, sustainable workplaces for educators. With over 20 years in education, including a decade in the classroom and a career dedicated to improving adult work culture in schools, Nate brings deep insight into what truly moves the needle when it comes to retention, satisfaction, and sustainable leadership.This is not another episode about bubble baths and yoga. Nate and Darrin dive deep into systemic solutions—why burnout is often misunderstood, how leadership isolation contributes to turnover, and what schools and systems can do to create cultures where teachers and leaders actually want to stay.In this episode, you'll learn:✅ Why burnout is a systems issue, not an individual weakness✅ How workplace conditions—not perks—determine retention✅ The power of rethinking daily routines like staff meetings to improve morale✅ How to support multiple generations of educators under one roof✅ The overlooked burnout crisis among principals and school leaders✅ What it means to lead with the phrase: “I don't know—what do you think?”✅ How Vital Network partners with states and districts to make long-term, scalable change✅ Why the best recruitment strategy is being a place people want to workOne Big Takeaway:Listening isn't soft leadership—it's the strategic superpower of leaders who want to build trust, engagement, and longevity in their schools.Connect with Nate Eklund:

Episode 210 – Schools That Give an F: Clarity, Culture, and Contribution with Rob McLeodIn this episode, Darrin is joined by international educator and podcast host Rob McLeod to explore a critical leadership conversation: school alignment. Drawing from his own career across three countries and multiple school systems, Rob shares how he rediscovered his passion by finding alignment between his personal values and the work his school was doing.Together, they discuss:The three distinct types of schools: Expert, Coach, and CounselorHow to identify your school's default leadership styleWhy many schools unintentionally pull in different directionsHow leaders can use a values-based framework to bring their school into alignmentThe importance of understanding staff priorities: Responsibility, Achievement, or MeaningRob's upcoming book, Schools That Give an F, offers practical tools for school leaders to create environments where every educator contributes meaningfully.

In this special midweek crossover episode with the Teach Better Podcast, Darrin sits down with Teach Better CEO and Co-founder Chad Ostrowski to dive deep into one of the most important leadership tasks schools face: planning professional development that actually moves the needle.Darrin and Chad unpack the mistakes too many schools make—like treating PD as a day, not a movement—and offer a practical, strategic approach to make learning stick all year long. You'll hear about:How to build clarity into every phase of your PD planThe power of tiered professional developmentWhy leaders must model differentiated supportHow to avoid turning your PD initiative into “the villain”Planning walkthroughs, building internal capacity, and protecting your time as a leaderAnd how Teach Better + Road to Awesome are partnering to offer aligned leadership and instructional growthWhether you're a new principal or a veteran leader, this episode is packed with practical steps to help you develop PD that actually leads to instructional improvement.

What if your biggest mistakes became the very stories that helped others succeed? In this episode of Leaning Into Leadership, Dr. Darrin Peppard sits down with Kevin Mecchella — former class clown turned classical musician, educator, and nationally recognized student speaker — to talk about the power of decision-making and how schools can equip students with tools to choose better every day.Kevin shares his personal journey from chasing laughs to chasing success, including a pivotal life moment that redefined how he views choices and consequences. Drawing on his experiences as a K–12 teacher and professional musician, Kevin now fuses music, humor, and vulnerability to deliver unforgettable mental health and leadership programming for schools across the country.In this episode, you'll hear:Kevin's transformation from educator to keynote speakerThe importance of teaching students a process for decision-makingWhy motivational talks fall short — and how his “Visionary Values” program creates lasting changeHis favorite stories and questions from students (including one involving a flugelhorn!)How he's leaning into leadership by leaning back into his own self-careWhether you're a principal seeking meaningful programming for your students or a leader reflecting on the power of our own past, this episode will inspire you to show up more intentionally — for yourself and for those you serve.

In this inspiring episode, Darrin sits down with Ronn Nozoe, lifelong educator and Chief Executive Officer of NASSP (National Association of Secondary School Principals). Together, they explore the current landscape of school leadership, the importance of supporting new leaders, and how educators can take ownership of their professional growth.Ronn shares reflections from his journey — from a classroom in Hawaii to national leadership — and discusses how listening, connection, and collaboration are reshaping the future of educational leadership. You'll also hear about the value of NASSP's Principal of the Year program and the upcoming United Conference in Seattle.Key Takeaways:Why school leaders today are true heroes and must be seen as professionalsThe impact of rapid turnover in leadership roles and how to navigate itHow NASSP fosters deep, authentic professional learningWhy listening is one of the most powerful leadership movesThe value of peer networks and nationwide connection through the United ConferenceAbout Ronn Nozoe:Ronn Nozoe is a lifelong educator and the Chief Executive Officer of NASSP. He has held leadership roles at ASCD, the U.S. Department of Education, and across Hawaii's Department of Education. A former principal and teacher, Ronn brings decades of wisdom and a deep commitment to transforming education through school leadership.Links Mentioned:Learn more about NASSP: nassp.orgExplore the United Conference: unitedconference.org

In this powerful episode, Dr. Darrin Peppard sits down with Dr. Brandi Kelly—author, speaker, coach, and founder of Spark Hope EDU—to explore what it truly means to Lead with Hope. Dr. Kelly shares her deeply personal story that led her to develop the HOPE framework: Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, and Excellence. Through her new book and nationwide work with leaders, Brandi challenges us to lean into self-reflection, build our self-efficacy, and become the encouragers our schools need more than ever. Whether you're leading a classroom or a district, this episode will reignite your purpose and remind you why culture, connection, and hope matter most.Guest Bio:Dr. Brandi Kelly is an accomplished author, speaker, podcaster, coach, and consultant with a passion for building thriving organizational culture. With over 20 years of experience, she is dedicated to empowering leaders to inspire growth, create positive change, and cultivate environments where success thrives. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Maxwell Certified Coach, Dr. Kelly is the recipient of numerous leadership honors, including the NAESP Distinguished Elementary School Principal Award and Middle School Principal of the Year Award. She is also the founder of Spark Hope EDU. Learn more at www.sparkhopeedu.com.Key Takeaways:How personal tragedy inspired Brandi's journey into educationThe HOPE system and how it builds self-efficacyWhy reflection isn't optional for leaders—it's essentialThe role of optimism, purpose, and habits in resilient leadershipWhat it looks like to lead with hope in today's schoolsLinks & Resources:Connect with Brandi at www.sparkhopeedu.comGrab your copy of Lead with Hope (available May 5!)Follow Brandi on social media @SparkHopeEDUSubscribe to the Lead with Hope PodcastLearn more about Darrin's work and speaking: www.roadtoawesome.net

In this episode, I'm joined by Jimmy Casas—best-selling author, leadership coach, and former award-winning principal. Jimmy and I dive into his incredible journey from bar manager to one of the most recognized school leaders in the country. We unpack the power of origin stories, the traps of superhero leadership, and why leaders must know who they want to be in order to lead effectively.Jimmy shares how Culturize became the game-changing book it is today, why so many school leaders fall into “fixer” mode, and how coaching has changed the game for him and countless leaders. We also talk about the evolving landscape of school leadership, the importance of building leadership capacity, and his belief that culture is caused—by adults, not students.Whether you're early in your leadership journey or a seasoned veteran, this conversation is packed with practical insights, authentic reflection, and coaching wisdom that will inspire and equip you to lead with clarity and purpose.

In this episode of Leaning Into Leadership, Dr. Darrin Peppard sits down with the brilliant William D. Parker—an award-winning former principal, author, speaker, and executive coach. Will is the founder of Principal Matters, LLC and the host of Principal Matters: The School Leader's Podcast, with over 1.5 million downloads. Through his coaching, books, and virtual leadership academies, Will empowers school leaders to improve culture, communication, and student outcomes.Together, Darrin and Will dive deep into the real and raw experiences of school leadership. Will shares his journey from teacher to principal, including the moment he almost walked away from education—and the letter of resignation that changed his life. They explore the importance of reflection, well-being, and why leaders must pour into themselves before they can lead others.They also discuss Will's latest book, Whose Permission Are You Waiting For? An Educator's Guide to Doing What You Love, and how leaders can take back their autonomy by acting with clarity, curiosity, and intention.Key Takeaways:Leadership begins with personal wellness: Will's turning point came through a wake-up call at home, leading him to redefine how he approached leadership.The question every educator should ask: Whose permission are you waiting for?Leading with curiosity can unlock clarity and drive real school improvement.Scaling your influence is not about doing more—it's about sharing your expertise and elevating others.Reflection and coaching provide the safe space leaders need to grow.Quotes:"You become a better leader when you start pouring into yourself.""You don't need someone's permission to do what's right for kids.""Scaling your influence is an obligation. Don't keep your expertise to yourself.""Curiosity + Inquiry = Discovery. That's the formula for powerful leadership."Connect with William D. Parker:Website: williamdparker.comEmail: will@williamdparker.comLinkedIn: William D. ParkerInstagram: @william_d_parkerFacebook: William Davis ParkerResources Mentioned:Whose Permission Are You Waiting For? by William D. ParkerPause. Breathe. Flourish. by William D. ParkerThe Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay StanierPrincipal Matters: The School Leader's Podcast hosted by Will ParkerWant more? Visit roadtoawesome.net for leadership coaching, professional development, and keynote speaking that...

Mid-Month Edition with Todd Bloomer & Dominic ArmanoThis month, the Three Amigos—Darrin Peppard, Todd Bloomer, and Dominic Armano—are back with an episode that dives headfirst into one of the most common questions they get:“How do I land that principal job?”From the nerves of the interview to that surreal moment when you finally kick your feet up in the principal's chair (even if it only lasts 10 minutes), this episode is packed with real talk, practical tips, and plenty of laughs.Whether you're just starting to think about school leadership or are gearing up for your third-round interview, this is the episode for you.

Dr. Frank Rudnesky is a professional speaker, author, and educational leader known for his contagious energy and passion for leadership. He has penned several books, including Fired Up Leadership, Fired Up Student Leadership, and 50 Great Things Leaders Do: Let's Get Fired Up. Dr. Rudnesky draws on his extensive experience as a teacher and award-winning middle school principal to deliver transformative keynotes, workshops, and presentations.Episode Summary:In this episode of Leaning Into Leadership, Dr. Darrin Peppard welcomes his long-time friend and leadership expert, Dr. Frank Rudnesky. Together, they explore the critical role of student leadership in schools and how empowering students can profoundly impact school culture. Dr. Rudnesky shares personal stories, practical strategies, and lessons from his latest book, Igniting Students' Passions: Empowering Lifelong Leaders. The conversation touches on creating leadership opportunities for all students, fostering trust, and igniting passions that inspire lifelong leadership skills.Key Takeaways:Leadership is not confined to titles; it's a choice and a mindset.Creating intentional leadership opportunities for students helps them discover their potential and sets them on a path of lifelong leadership.Empowering students to step out of their comfort zones and take ownership of their learning fosters a positive and inclusive school culture.Practical strategies like leadership academies, service projects, and mentorship programs can help schools cultivate student leaders.Amplifying the voices of students and educators builds strong, connected communities and reinforces the importance of servant leadership.Connect with Dr. Rudnesky at FiredUpLeadership.org, via email at FrankRudnesky@gmail.com, or on X, Instagram, and TikTok @DrFrankRud.

On this episode of Leaning Into Leadership, Darrin welcomes Chris Dormer, Superintendent of Norristown Area School District in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Chris brings nearly three decades of educational experience from diverse settings, including roles as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent.Chris shares powerful insights into shifting school leadership from crisis mode—something many leaders have felt stuck in since the pandemic—to a more proactive, intentional leadership approach. He emphasizes the importance of serving each and every student, rather than focusing broadly on “all students,” and how this subtle yet powerful shift in mission can transform school culture.Throughout the conversation, Chris offers practical strategies leaders can immediately implement, including prioritizing classroom visits, giving actionable and meaningful feedback, and ensuring leadership teams stay focused on what truly matters most—teaching and learning.Key takeaways from this episode:Why proactive leadership is crucial in moving beyond crisis-driven schools.How shifting from “all” students to “each and every” student can profoundly impact your school's culture.Practical ways to protect your calendar and prioritize instructional leadership.Strategies for developing and empowering leadership teams through intentional professional growth.This episode is packed with leadership wisdom and practical insights that will help you and your team refocus, reenergize, and recommit to the most important work in education.Connect with Chris Dormer:Email: cdormer@nasd.k12.pa.usLinkedIn: Christopher DormerWebsite: Norristown Area School DistrictBook Darrin for your next event!Darrin Peppard is currently booking keynotes and workshops for opening convocations, teacher and principal conferences, and leadership development events. If you want to set the stage for an unforgettable school year or inspire meaningful growth at your next conference, reach out to Darrin today!Website: roadtoawesome.netEmail: darrinmpeppard@roadtoawesome.netConnect on LinkedIn: Darrin PeppardListen, Subscribe, and Share!If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your network. Your feedback helps us bring you more incredible conversations!Leaning Into Leadership is available wherever you listen to podcasts—be sure to subscribe today!

In this milestone 200th episode of the Leaning Into Leadership podcast, host Dr. Darrin Peppard reflects deeply on the theme of commitment. Darrin shares personal insights and impactful stories highlighting how his commitment to delivering weekly episodes since January 2022 has shaped the podcast and his journey as a leadership speaker, coach, and author.He celebrates the community of listeners who have supported the podcast, discusses the evolution of guest selection towards more educational leaders based on audience feedback, and emphasizes how consistency, clarity, and credibility have become foundational values of his leadership philosophy. Throughout the episode, Darrin highlights the profound relationships and opportunities fostered through podcasting, including friendships, collaborations, and impactful professional growth.Key Topics Covered:The Value of Commitment:Inspiration drawn from a flight attendant's 30-year service pin story.The importance of consistently showing up and following through on commitments.Impactful Guests and Relationships:Reflecting on meaningful conversations with guests such as Katie Kinder, Dominic Armano, Todd Bloomer, Greg Bennick, Bradley Skinner, Luis Báez, Lauren Kaufman, Sean Gaillard, and Joshua Stamper.How these relationships evolved into friendships, business opportunities, and collaborative projects like co-authoring Culture First Classrooms.Listening and Responding to Audience Feedback:Observing analytics and listener communication to shift the podcast focus toward more educational leadership topics.Renewed commitment to align episodes closely with listeners' interests and needs.Personal and Professional Growth:The critical lesson learned about consistency driving clarity, trust, and credibility.How the podcast has enhanced Darrin's visibility, leading to speaking engagements, coaching opportunities, and deeper professional connections.Notable Moments:Darrin's personal story about missing only one Sunday episode due to emergency gallbladder surgery, highlighting his deep dedication to listeners.Revisiting Alex Sheen's "Because I Said I Would" story, emphasizing the power of promises and follow-through.Highlighting listener feedback about recent episodes and their impactful insights, such as Rae Hughart's email productivity tips.Pep Talk (Action Step):Darrin invites listeners to make a commitment today that positively impacts their leadership journey, whether personal, professional, or relational. He encourages reflection on empowering others, clarifying visions, and deepening commitment.Connect with Darrin:Engage on social media platforms.Leave a five-star review to help expand the podcast's reach and impact.Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment!Get your copy of Culture First Classrooms right here!!

Grab your copy of Culture First Classrooms: Leadership, Relationships, and Practices that Transform Schools from your favorite vendor: Amazon or Barnes & Noble or get your autographed copy here.In this episode, Darrin Peppard sits down with Rae Hughart, educator, TEDx speaker, and founder of the Teachers Deserve It (TDI) movement. Rae is passionate about empowering educators to reclaim their time, reduce burnout, and amplify their impact in the classroom.Rae shares the intriguing backstory behind the TDI movement, starting from an unexpected dinner conversation that led to co-authoring the book Teachers Deserve It with Adam Welcome. She emphasizes the importance of practical, sustainable teaching strategies that genuinely give teachers back their time and autonomy.Key highlights from this episode include:Origin Story of "Teachers Deserve It": How a dinner conversation with Adam Welcome sparked the creation of a movement and a bestselling book.Practical Tips to Save Time: Rae details a powerful email automation strategy that helped a teacher reclaim five hours of their week. This simple yet effective tip provides immediate value for educators overwhelmed by their inboxes.Supporting Paraprofessionals: Rae discusses the crucial role of paraprofessionals in schools and shares how the TDI team responded to community requests by creating dedicated training bundles specifically designed to uplift and support paraprofessional staff.Content Creation and Problem-Solving: Rae provides insights for educators interested in creating impactful content online. Her advice: clearly identify problems and offer actionable solutions.Leaning into Leadership: Rae reflects on her growth as a leader, specifically emphasizing the importance of active listening, facilitating reflection, and allowing time for solutions to emerge naturally.Connect with Rae Hughart:Website: TeachersDeserveIt.comSocial Media: @RaeHughartTikTok: @RaeHughartEDUFree Resource:Email Automation Download (available via TeachersDeserveIt.com)Tune in to learn practical strategies to save time, reduce burnout, and re-center your practice on what truly matters—because teachers deserve better.

In this special encore presentation, we revisit one of our most inspiring conversations with educator and author Katie Kinder. Katie is the celebrated author of Untold Teaching Truths, Hallway Leadership, and now co-author of Culture First Classrooms: Leadership, Relationships, and Practices that Transform Schools. She is an award-winning educator, and a dynamic professional development facilitator who has been bringing joy and practical teaching strategies to educators nationwide since 2006. Tune in to rediscover Katie's vibrant approach to making learning not only impactful but genuinely fun. Whether it's your first time or you're returning to this classic conversation, get ready to find new ways to hook your students from day one and reignite your passion for teaching!Highlights from the Episode:Strategies to captivate students from the first day of schoolInfusing joy and fun into everyday learning experiencesPractical classroom management tips for lasting student engagementInspiring educators to embrace their authentic teaching styleResources Mentioned in This Episode:Katie's TED TalkEpisode of Teaching Champions (Referenced in #PepTalk)Katie's WebsiteConnect with Katie Kinder:Twitter/X: @KatieKinder1Instagram: @untoldteachingtruthsConnect with Darrin:Book Darrin to speak at your school or conferenceExplore insightful leadership tips on Darrin's BlogJoin the Road to Awesome Email ListSubmit your book idea to Road to Awesome

Get Your Copy of Culture First Classrooms!Culture First Classrooms: Leadership, Relationships, and Practices that Transform Schools launches tomorrow, March 17! This book is packed with insights from educators across the country on how to build a thriving school culture. Don't miss out! Get it NOW on Amazon or Barnes & Noble or get an autographed copy hereIn This Episode, We Cover:How AI is reshaping education and why schools need to embrace itThe biggest misconceptions about AI in schoolsPractical ways school leaders and teachers can integrate AI into their daily workHow Gruvy Education is making AI training accessible and actionable for educatorsAI tools that can save educators time and improve efficiencyConnect with William Grube & Gruvy Education:Website: Gruvy EducationTwitter (X): @gruvyeducationInstagram: @gruvyeducationFacebook: Gruvy EducationLinkedIn: William GrubeYouTube: Gruvy EducationJoin the Conversation:If you found today's episode valuable, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the Leaning Into Leadership podcast. Share this episode with fellow educators and leaders who are looking to harness the power of AI in their schools!Thanks for tuning in—until next time, keep leading with purpose!

In this episode of Leaning Into Leadership, host Darrin Peppard welcomes back David James, a 7th-grade social studies teacher at Harold E. Winkler Middle School in Concord, North Carolina. Known for his leadership both in the classroom and through his work with the North Carolina Association for Middle Level Education (NCMLE), David shares powerful insights into what it takes to lead effectively as a teacher. He discusses the importance of building leadership capacity within schools, the impact of teacher-led professional development, and how setting high expectations transforms school culture.David also offers a sneak peek into his contribution to Culture First Classrooms: Leadership, Relationships, and Practices that Transform Schools, the new book by Darrin Peppard and Katie Kinder, launching on March 17th. In his chapter, David explores how establishing clear expectations from day one leads to a positive and sustainable culture, both inside and outside the classroom.Key Takeaways:Building Capacity: The importance of teacher leadership in maintaining school culture, especially with the frequent turnover of school administrators.Wolfpack Workshop: How this in-house professional development model at Winkler Middle School empowers teachers and drives student achievement.Culture First Classrooms: Insights from David's chapter on setting expectations and building a culture of trust and accountability.NCMLE 2025 Conference: An overview of the upcoming conference and its evolution into a national-level event for middle school educators.Leadership Advice: Practical tips for teachers looking to take on more leadership roles in their schools.Mentioned in This Episode:Culture First Classrooms – Launching March 17th!The Wolfpack Workshop at Winkler Middle School.NCMLE 2025 Conference – March 23rd-25th in Charlotte, NC.Book: Culturize by Jimmy Casas.Connect with David James:Twitter/X: @HeroicHistory22 | @NCMiddleInstagram: @HeroicHistory22 | @NCMiddleTikTok: @HeroicHistory22 | @NCMiddleFacebook: @NCMLEWebsite: www.ncmle.orgConnect with Darrin Peppard:Twitter/X: @DarrinMPeppardLinkedIn: Darrin PeppardWebsite: roadtoawesome.netCall to Action:If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Make sure to grab your copy of Culture First Classrooms when it launches on March 17th and check out the NCMLE 2025 Conference for more amazing professional learning...

In this episode of Leaning Into Leadership, Darrin sits down with Bobby Canosa-Carr, a leadership coach, former principal, mindfulness teacher, and author of Can I Go to the Bathroom? and Other Asinine Questions We Ask in School.They dive deep into how disempowerment impacts school leaders, teachers, and students—and what we can do about it. Bobby shares his journey from principal to leadership coach, the lessons he learned along the way, and why the behaviors we model as leaders shape school culture more than anything else.

In this powerful episode of Leaning Into Leadership, Dr. Darrin Peppard sits down with longtime friend and educational thought leader Bradlee W. Skinner to discuss the journey through failure, teacher retention, and the importance of empowering educators. Bradlee opens up about his personal struggles with burnout, stepping away from education, and the pivotal moments that brought him back—stronger and more purpose-driven than ever.Together, Darrin and Bradlee explore the role of teacher leadership, the dangers of the "just a teacher" mindset, and how school leaders can create environments that encourage collaboration, trust, and professional growth. They also discuss Bradlee's impactful contribution to the upcoming book Culture First Classrooms, where he challenges the concept of classroom management in favor of classroom leadership.If you've ever felt the weight of burnout or questioned your path in education, this episode will leave you inspired to own your story, embrace failure as a stepping stone, and create a culture where teachers and students thrive.Key Takeaways:✅ Teacher burnout vs. teacher beatdown – Understanding the emotional toll of teaching and what really drives educators to leave the profession.✅ The power of second chances – Bradlee shares how mentorship, self-reflection, and leadership opportunities helped him rediscover his purpose.✅ Shifting from classroom management to classroom leadership – Why building relationships and empowering students is more effective than simply managing behavior.✅ Teacher leadership matters – Practical ways teachers can lead without leaving the classroom, and how administrators can create space for leadership to flourish.✅ Culture and climate in schools – How small actions from school leaders, such as eliminating the "just a teacher" mentality, can transform staff engagement.✅ Failing forward – Why embracing failure is crucial for student growth, teacher development, and leadership success.Connect with Bradlee W. Skinner:

In this episode, returning guest Katie Kinder joins Dr. Darrin Peppard for a behind-the-scenes look at their upcoming book, Culture First Classrooms: Leadership, Relationships, and Practices that Transform Schools. They dive into the journey of co-authoring a book, the power of classroom culture, and how fostering strong relationships transformsschools.Katie and Darrin share personal stories about their paths as educators, what led them to co-write this book, and how they selected 21 amazing contributors to share their insights. They also explore why great teaching is an art, not a formula, and how school leaders can support teachers in building a culture-first approach to education.Key Takeaways:✅ Culture comes first—without strong relationships and a supportive environment, no initiative will thrive.✅ Teaching is artistry—there's no single way to be effective, and great educators bring energy, fun, and connection to their work.✅ Leadership impacts everything—when educators feel empowered and valued, they take more risks and push students to succeed.✅ This book is a lifeline—it's filled with real, actionable insights from educators leading the way in post-pandemic classrooms.About Katie Kinder:Katie Kinder, author of Untold Teaching Truths and Hallway Leadership, is a passionate professional learning facilitator and education advocate. With nearly two decades in education, she inspires and equips teachers with real strategies to hook students from day one. A former Teacher of the Year and Top Five District Finalist, Katie brings energy, authenticity, and a deep love for educators everywhere.Connect with Katie Kinder:

In this solo episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the journey of writing Culture First Classrooms: Leadership, Relationships, and Practices that Transform Schools, my upcoming book co-authored with Katie Kinder!We dive into:✅ The writing process—what it's like to co-author a book and how it differs from writing solo✅ How we identified the 21 incredible educators who contributed their insights✅ The highs, lows, and unexpected moments in bringing this book to life✅ What Culture First Classrooms truly means and why this book is so important for educatorsThis is an episode for anyone curious about the book-writing process, thinking about writing their own, or simply wanting a deeper look into what's coming in March! Plus, I share a few sneak peeks from some of the powerful stories inside the book.

In this episode of Leaning Into Leadership, Dr. Darrin Peppard sits down with Dr. Joe Famularo, a veteran educator and superintendent, to explore his IOU Leadership framework. Dr. Famularo shares his journey from classroom teacher to district leader, the principles that guide his leadership, and how the IOU model—Inward, Outward, and Upward Leadership—helps leaders build a thriving culture rooted in trust and continuous improvement.Key Topics Covered:✅ The IOU Leadership Framework: What it means to lead inward, outward, and upward.✅ The Role of Self-Awareness in Leadership: Why knowing yourself is the foundation for effective leadership.✅ Building a Culture of Trust: The impact of relationships and shared leadership in schools.✅ Living with Intention vs. Living by Default: How to shift from reactive to proactive leadership.✅ PH2E Life Propeller Assessment: A tool to evaluate personal and professional growth.✅ The Importance of Clear Vision and Common Language: How defining values and mission creates sustainable success in schools.✅ Leader in Me & The 7 Habits: How Covey's principles influenced his district's transformation.About Dr. Joe FamularoDr. Joe Famularo is a lifelong educator with over 34 years in the same district, including 18 as superintendent. Passionate about leadership and continuous improvement, he developed the IOU Leadership framework to help individuals and organizations create cultures of trust, purpose, and excellence. He is the author of IOU Life Leadershipand the upcoming book IOU School Leadership.

In this episode of the Leaning Into Leadership podcast, Dr. Darrin Peppard is joined by Barb Flowers, Principal of the U.S. Elementary Division at Eastwood Global and a certified life coach specializing in leadership development for principals. Barb shares her journey from being a brick-and-mortar school leader to helping launch an innovative online school and homeschooling program while coaching principals to lead with clarity and confidence.Key Topics Discussed:Barb's unique leadership role at Eastwood Global, combining International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum with the science of reading.The parallels and contrasts between traditional school leadership and leading in a virtual environment.Proven strategies for managing time, reducing stress, and setting boundaries as a school leader.The importance of saying “no” to unnecessary initiatives and focusing on what truly matters.How principals can develop self-belief and avoid the trap of comparison.Barb's insights into the power of thought work and using affirmations to foster confidence and intentionality in leadership.Practical routines and habits for maintaining focus and avoiding overwhelm.Key Takeaways for Listeners:Why removing email from your phone is a game changer for work-life balance.How to set boundaries that protect your time and energy while modeling the same for your staff.The transformative impact of focusing on thought work to create more positive emotions and actions.Why limiting initiatives and prioritizing depth over breadth benefits your entire school community.Actionable steps to create routines that align with your leadership vision and values.About Barb Flowers:Barb brings 14 years of public education experience, including six years as a principal, to her role as a leadership coach and educational leader. She helps principals overcome stress, manage their time effectively, and lead with purpose, all while balancing the demands of professional and personal life.Connect with Barb Flowers:Podcast: The Principal's HandbookWebsite: barbflowerscoaching.comLinkedIn: Barb Flowers, PhDInstagram: @DrBarbFlowers

Welcome to episode 188 of the Leaning Into Leadership podcast! In this mid-month episode, Darrin is joined once again by his recurring guests, Todd Bloomer, a high school principal from San Antonio, TX, and Dominic Armano, an elementary principal from Long Island, NY. Together, they dive into the human side of leadership, sharing stories, challenges, and practical insights for leaders at every level.Topics Covered in This Episode:Weathering the Storm (Literally and Figuratively): From snow days to unexpected challenges, the trio shares how school leaders navigate the unpredictability of their work while keeping students' needs at the forefront.Making Tough Decisions: Darrin reflects on a recent blog post about the emotional and professional toll of making hard leadership calls. Todd and Dominic add their insights on balancing what's right for kids and the community while managing personal resilience.Telling Your Story: Dominic leads a discussion on the importance of branding and public relations in education. Todd and Darrin share strategies to effectively showcase your school's values and successes without fear of being seen as "flashy."Learning from Other Leaders: Todd challenges Darrin and Dominic to share inspiring practices they've seen in schools recently, highlighting leadership newsletters and a deeply integrated SEL curriculum.Focus for 2025: The group wraps up by sharing their personal resolutions and goals for the year, including self-care, leadership clarity, and embracing challenges.Key Takeaways:Leadership decisions are rarely black-and-white; staying focused on what's best for kids can guide tough choices.Strong relationships and clear communication are essential for building trust and minimizing pushback.Social media and storytelling are critical tools for creating a positive narrative about your school and its values.Self-care isn't selfish—it's necessary for showing up as your best self in leadership roles.Innovative ideas from peers and colleagues can inspire and improve your leadership practice.Resources Mentioned:Darrin's blog post on leadership decisions Fired Up Leadership by Dr. Frank RudneskyConnect with Us:Darrin Peppard: Website | TwitterTodd Bloomer: TwitterDominic Armano: TwitterIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us bring more leadership insights to educators like you!

Are you feeling overwhelmed and struggling to prioritize your time as a school leader? In this episode, I share some exciting news about my upcoming digital course, Take Control of Your Leadership:. This course is designed to help you overcome overwhelm, focus on what truly matters, and lead with clarity, and it's LIVE - go to theprincipalacademy.com and check out Take Control of Your Leadership.Anders Indset—known as "The Business Philosopher"—is a Norwegian-born writer and deep-tech investor. He is a four-time Spiegel best-selling author and has been recognized by Thinkers50 as one of the most influential thinkers in technology and leadership for the years to come. With two decades of experience working with multinational companies, he is a trusted sparring partner for international CEOs and political leaders, and a guest lecturer at leading international business schools. Anders is the founder of the Njordis Group and the Global Institute of Leadership & Technology (GILT), as well as the initiator of numerous projects like the Quantum Economy Alliance. Anders is a bridge-builder between humanity and technology, shaping the economy of tomorrow with his practical philosophy. With his deep understanding of the impact of exponential technologies, Anders demonstrates how and why leadership and its relationship to philosophy are more relevant than ever. He firmly believes that in a world with nearly unlimited access to knowledge, a deeper understanding and the ability to anticipate future scenarios, combined with the development of interpersonal skills, will be the most sought-after qualities for leaders. His works have been translated into over 10 languages, and his new book, ‘The Viking Code – The Art & Science of Norwegian Success', was released on October 8. His forthcoming ‘Singularity Paradox – Bridging the Gap Between Humanity & AI' (www.singularityparadox.com) has been scheduled for Q1 2025, a book co-authored with renowned Quantum Physicist Dr. Florian Neukart. Social Media: https://de.linkedin.com/in/andersindsethttps://www.instagram.com/andersindsethttp://twitter.com/andersindsethttp://facebook.com/anders.indsethttps://www.youtube.com/andersindsetWebsite: https://andersindset.com/Email/contact info: engagement@andersindset.com

In this episode of the Leaning Into Leadership podcast, we're exploring the powerful metaphor of the lighthouse and how it relates to effective school leadership. Inspired by a visit to Martha's Vineyard, host Darrin Peppard reflects on the enduring purpose of lighthouses and the lessons they offer for guiding schools and teams in 2025. Discover five lighthouse-inspired principles—from guiding through challenges to creating a culture of hope and safety—and learn actionable strategies to shine brightly as a leader this year. Whether you're navigating staff burnout, shifting priorities, or the complexities of educational leadership, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to lead with purpose.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The five lighthouse-inspired principles of effective leadershipHow to provide clarity and focus for your team during uncertain timesThe importance of being a consistent and visible presence in your schoolHow to position yourself strategically to make the greatest impactThe power of empowering your team and fostering trustWhy creating a culture of hope and safety is essential for school successGuiding Through ChallengesLearn how to define your "true north" and guide your school community through obstacles with clear priorities and a shared vision.Steadfast PresenceDiscover why consistency and visibility are key to building trust and creating stability for your team.Strategic PositioningExplore how to focus your time and energy where it matters most to drive impactful outcomes for students and staff.Shining a Light for OthersFind out how empowering your team with clarity and support can create a culture of trust and shared ownership.Symbol of Hope and SafetyUnderstand how fostering a positive culture helps staff and students feel valued, supported, and ready to grow.Share Your Thoughts: Did this episode inspire you to embrace the lighthouse principles in your leadership? Let us know your thoughts! Leave a review or share the episode on social media with your biggest takeaway. Don't forget to tag us so we can join the conversation.Blogpost link referenced in the episode - Be a Lighthouse: Five Guiding Principles for School Leaders in 2025

In this insightful episode of Leaning Into Leadership, Dr. Darrin Peppard sits down with Charlie Peck and Joshua Stamper to discuss their upcoming book, The Language of Behavior, and the accompanying podcast. Together, they explore strategies to decode student behaviors, build positive relationships, and implement proactive systems that empower educators and students alike. From creating the "Relationship Action Team" to implementing the push-in model, this conversation is packed with practical tools and actionable strategies for leaders at every level.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The origin story of The Language of Behavior book and podcast.Why traditional disciplinary measures often fail and how to shift toward relational approaches.Insights into the push-in model and its transformative impact on classrooms.The power of grassroots leadership initiatives in fostering systemic change.How to "lean into leadership" by staying true to your values and beliefs.Key Takeaways:Behavior as a Message: Understand that behaviors are a form of communication and decoding them requires curiosity and compassion.Team-Based Solutions: Building a collaborative team, like the Relationship Action Team, empowers educators to implement meaningful changes.Proactive Strategies: Tools like the push-in model help address low-level infractions without removing students from the learning environment.Invest in Teachers: Equipping teachers with practical strategies and fostering a sense of community can reignite their passion for education.Authentic Leadership: Embrace your values and lead with authenticity to inspire trust and joy in your team.Featured Quotes:"Behaviors are just the message. We can learn to decode them to better support our students." – Charlie Peck"When I stopped trying to meet others' expectations and leaned into who I am as a leader, everything changed for the better." – Joshua StamperResources Mentioned:The Language of Behavior book (coming soon)The Language of Behavior podcast (available on all major platforms)Previous episodes featuring Charlie Peck and Joshua StamperConnect with Our Guests:Charlie Peck: thrivingeducator.com @CharlePeck on all social mediaJoshua Stamper: joshuastamper.com @Joshua__Stamper on social media

Episode Summary: In this deeply personal solo episode, Dr. Darrin Peppard shares a pivotal story from his leadership journey that became a wake-up call about the importance of self-care. Reflecting on an experience during his second year as a principal—missing his best friend's wedding due to burnout and exhaustion—Dr. Peppard delves into the lessons he learned about prioritizing health and well-being as a leader. He provides practical strategies for leaders to avoid burnout, set boundaries, and invest in themselves, so they can lead with clarity, focus, and purpose.Whether you're a school leader or any professional striving to balance the demands of leadership, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped with actionable steps to show up as your best self in 2025.What You'll Learn in This Episode:A Personal Leadership Wake-Up Call: Dr. Peppard recounts how missing his best friend's wedding due to illness and overwhelm served as a life-changing moment.The Cost of Neglecting Self-Care: How a “superhero” mindset can lead to burnout and missed opportunities.Practical Changes for Leaders:Creating systems for healthy eating and exercise.Setting boundaries for work and personal time.Building clarity around priorities as a school leader.Why Self-Care is Essential for Leadership: Learn how taking care of yourself positively impacts your effectiveness as a leader and your ability to inspire those around you.Actionable Steps for 2025: Tips to reflect, adjust, and prioritize self-care and high-leverage leadership activities in the new year.Resources Mentioned:Blog Post: The Turning Point: Why Leaders Must Take Care of Themselves Free Webinar: Join Dr. Peppard on December 30, 2024, at 4 PM ET for a free webinar on priorities, time management, and intentional leadership. Register here: https://www.theprincipalacademy.com/realresultsTake Action:Reflect on your leadership practices over the past year. Are you showing up as your best self? What can you change?Implement one of the strategies shared in this episode to improve your self-care and leadership in 2025.Share this episode with a fellow leader who might need the reminder to prioritize themselves.Let's Connect:Website: Road to AwesomeLinkedIn: Dr. Darrin PeppardHelp the Podcast Grow: If you enjoy the Leaning Into Leadership Podcast, please leave a five-star review on your favorite podcast app. Your feedback helps us reach more leaders and continue providing valuable content.Happy New Year! Thank you for joining me for this special episode. Wishing you clarity, purpose, and an incredible year ahead. Let's make 2025 the year of intentional leadership!

Are you ready to lead with clarity and purpose in 2025? Join me on Monday, December 30, at 3 PM ET for a FREE webinar: Take Control of Your Leadership: Clear Priorities, Real Results. In just one hour, you'll learn actionable strategies to define your priorities, recognize and reinforce values, and reclaim your time for the work that truly matters.Save your spot today at www.theprincipalacademy.com/realresults—let's kick off 2025 as your best leadership year yet!Are you feeling overwhelmed and struggling to prioritize your time as a school leader? In this episode, I share some exciting news about my upcoming digital course, Take Control of Your Leadership:. This course is designed to help you overcome overwhelm, focus on what truly matters, and lead with clarity, and it's LIVE - go to theprincipalacademy.com and check out Take Control of Your Leadership.In this engaging conversation, Dr. Darrin Peppard and Barbara Gruener explore the journey of entrepreneurship, the importance of relationships in education, and the therapeutic power of writing. Barbara shares her inspiring background, her transition back to teaching, and the significance of self-care for educators. They also discuss Barbara's latest book, Birdie and Mipps, which reflects on the themes of nicknames and relationships, and the feedback it has received from readers. The conversation concludes with Barbara's insights on leaning into leadership and supporting others in their journeys.TakeawaysEntrepreneurship can lead to meaningful connections.Teaching experiences shape our understanding of education.Relationships are at the core of effective teaching.Self-care is essential for educators to thrive.Writing serves as a therapeutic outlet for emotions.Birdie and Mips explores the significance of nicknames.Feedback from readers can highlight the impact of a book.Mentorship plays a crucial role in leadership.Inspiration and kindness can transform lives.Everyone is fighting their own battles, and empathy is key.Find Barbara at:corneroncharacter.combarbaragruenerauthor.com

Episode 182 is a special episode, in which Todd Bloomer, Dominic Armano, and your regular host, Darrin Peppard, dedicate an entire episode to new principal Candace Pearson. We are excited for Candace to take on her first principalship, and so we decided to share our insights, experience, and expertise to help set her, and anyone else new to the role, up for success.Are you feeling overwhelmed and struggling to prioritize your time as a school leader? In this episode, I share some exciting news about my upcoming digital course, Take Control of Your Leadership:. This course is designed to help you overcome overwhelm, focus on what truly matters, and lead with clarity, and it's LIVE - go to theprincipalacademy.com and check out Take Control of Your Leadership.Got a question for us? Submit it here or hit us up on social mediaTodd Bloomer was born and raised in New York, Todd Bloomer got to Texas as soon as he could to start his educational career. As a teacher and coach, Todd fell in love (literally) in Texas with public education, high school football, and his wife, Sharon. After moving to San Antonio, Texas, Todd transitioned to the assistant principalship at a middle school in 2007. In 2010, he became a high school assistant principal and in 2014 Todd was named a middle school principal. In 2019, Todd was named a high school principal. In 2020, Todd was name the Texas Region 20 Secondary Principal of the year, During his journey as an administrator, Todd benefited from strong mentors and developed a blueprint to being successful. Through trial and error, and some luck, Todd has developed into a widely respected administrator in the state of Texas. Todd also served as a high school principal during and after COVID. Learning a school of 2,500 students during uncertainty has made his voice, his insight, and his advice all the more relevant. Through humor, storytelling, and being vulnerable, Todd shares his soul on what has worked and what hasn't. Todd and his wife Sharon have been married for 24 years. They have five wonderful children. Todd and his wife reside in beautiful San Antonio, Texas. Todd is very active on social media. You can follow him @bloomer_sa on Twitter and Todd Bloomer on LinkedIn. Todd is also very active as an advocate at the state level with elected officials as he works to defend the profession he loves.Dominic Armano is a loving husband and father, a proud educator, an innovative principal a speaker and author. Over the course of his career, Dominic has served as an elementary and middle school teacher, assistant principal and currently he is serving as an elementary school principal. In all of these roles, he has made it his priority to promote a positive culture for students, staff, and the community.Dominic has an undergraduate degree in elementary education and graduate degrees in both special education and school district leadership. Through his years in education, Dominic has become passionate about social-emotional learning and has developed programs that encourage education through a whole child approach. This pathway strengthens the core of instruction and helps to build a community of eager, enthusiastic, and passionate learners. In addition to his work as an educator, Dominic is a motivational speaker and blogger. He is the President of the Education Chapter of the Dowling College Alumni Association. In 2019, he was inducted into the New York Academy of Public Education, and he is a member of the New York City Elementary School Principals Association.He has previously served with the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying as both a member of the...

Are you feeling overwhelmed and struggling to prioritize your time as a school leader? In this episode, I share some exciting news about my upcoming digital course, Take Control of Your Leadership:. This course is designed to help you overcome overwhelm, focus on what truly matters, and lead with clarity, and it's LIVE - go to theprincipalacademy.com and check out Take Control of Your Leadership.Link to Darrin's blogpost (mentioned in the PepTalk)And now...about our guest on this week's episode:Kurtis Hewson is an award-winning former administrator and teacher, as well as teaching faculty at the post-secondary level. He is the co-founder of Jigsaw Learning, a co-author of the text Collaborative Response: Three Foundational Components That Transform How We Respond to the Needs of Learners (Corwin, 2022), and currently works with districts and schools nationally and internationally establishing Collaborative Response frameworks and interacting with thousands of educators annually.Check out Episode 137 with Kurtis HewsonSocial Media:X - @hewsonk27 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson/Email/contact info: kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.caResources:Overview of Collaborative Response article - https://bit.ly/CR-overviewFree Access to the Introductory chapter for the Collaborative Response book - https://bit.ly/CR-intro

Are you feeling overwhelmed and struggling to prioritize your time as a school leader? In this episode, I share some exciting news about my upcoming digital course, Take Control of Your Leadership:. This course is designed to help you overcome overwhelm, focus on what truly matters, and lead with clarity, and it's LIVE - go to theprincipalacademy.com and check out Take Control of Your Leadership.And now...about our guest on this week's episode:Greg Speranza is a leadership coach , school quality expert and an organizational development specialist who supports school and district leaders—and those aspiring to be- by helping them to optimize their talents, vision, and critical thinking skills.A former school turnaround leader, Greg understands the incredible responsibilities and stresses which his clients face, as well as the skills and competencies necessary to engage the entire organization in a positive manner. Through baseline assessments and in depth conversations, Greg meets clients where they are, and works with them to develop a plan of action. Through clear and reflective coaching, Greg and his clients discuss options and strategies which specifically address the desired shift in both behavior and outcomes.Greg has effectively coached over 300 school and district leaders in 22 states, helping them discover their best selves so that they and their organizations will thrive.Greg has led over 200 school quality visits, as well as focus groups, data analysis sessions, strategic planning; and developed surveys, trainings and delivered a multitude of targeted programs aimed at promoting the education and exceptionalism of each person he has served. He also develops trainings and resources for leaders and their teams to become more cohesive, coherent and laser focused on achieving their goals.Connect with Greg: Social Media: linkedin.com/in/gregsperanzaWebsite: www.mindstreamcoaching.comEmail/contact info: Greg@mindstreamcoaching.com

Are you feeling overwhelmed and struggling to prioritize your time as a school leader? In this episode, I share some exciting news about my upcoming digital course, Take Control of Your Leadership:. This course is designed to help you overcome overwhelm, focus on what truly matters, and lead with clarity, and it's LIVE - go to theprincipalacademy.com and check out Take Control of Your Leadership.And now...about our guest on this week's episode:Dre Baldwin is CEO and Founder of Work On Your Game Inc. He has given 4 TEDxTalks and has authored 35 books. Dre's content has been consumed over 103 million times. His daily Work On Your Game MasterClass has amassed over 2,900 episodes and over 7.3 million listeners. Dre had a 9-year professional basketball career, playing in 8 countries. Dre's framework is the "roadmap in reverse" for professional High Performance, Consistency and Results. Website: workonyourgameuniversity.comSocial Media: http://Instagram.com/DreBaldwinhttp://YouTube.com/Dreupthttps://www.facebook.com/WorkOnYourGameUniversityhttp://LinkedIn.com/in/DreAllDayhttp://Twitter.com/DreAllDayhttp://TikTok.com/WorkOnYourGame

Are you feeling overwhelmed and struggling to prioritize your time as a school leader? In this episode, I share some exciting news about my upcoming digital course, Take Control of Your Leadership:. This course is designed to help you overcome overwhelm, focus on what truly matters, and lead with clarity, and it's LIVE - go to theprincipalacademy.com and check out Take Control of Your Leadership.And now...about this week's special mid-week episode: I am sitting down with Todd Bloomer, one of my two regular mid-week guests to talk school leadership, the holidays, and more! Don't miss this awesome show!Get Todd's book: The Blueprint: Survive and Thrive as a School Administrator

Are you feeling overwhelmed and struggling to prioritize your time as a school leader? In this episode, I share some exciting news about my upcoming digital course, Take Control of Your Leadership:. This course is designed to help you overcome overwhelm, focus on what truly matters, and lead with clarity, and it's LIVE - go to theprincipalacademy.com and check out Take Control of Your Leadership.And now...about our guest on this week's episode:Shailendra Pratap Jain is Bret Wheat Endowed Professor of Marketing and International Business at the Foster School of Business, University of Washington, Seattle. He has held faculty positions at Indiana University's Kelley School, University of Rochester's Simon School, Cornell University's Johnson School, University of Western Ontario's Ivey School, Cambridge University's Judge School, Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, and BITS School of Management, Mumbai. Well-known for his widely published scholarship in consumer psychology, Dr. Jain has extensive publishing and editorial experience in top marketing journals and has won many executive and graduate (MBA) teaching awards. Prior to his academic career, he worked in sales, brand management, and advertising in industry and is associated with several noted marketing campaigns in India.Shalini Sarin Jain is Associate Professor of Management and the inaugural Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Milgard School of Business, University of Washington, Tacoma. She has published articles on gender representation and compensation parity in top management, allegations of sexual misconduct, sustaining livelihoods or saving lives during COVID, and corporate response to mandatory CSR regulation in leading management journals including the Journal of Business Research, Journal of Business Ethics, Management and Organization Review, and Journal of Family Business Strategy. Dr. Jain teaches courses in business and society, ethics, and CSR at the undergraduate and MBA level and has extensive industry, government, and non-profit experience leading and providing consulting services to state, county, and city governments.Connect with Dr.'s Jain on LinkedIn: Dr. Shelly Jain Dr. Shalini JainGet their book here: Managing Brand Transgressions: 8 Principles to Transform Your Brand

In this episode of Leaning Into Leadership, I'm pulling back the curtain on my new course, Take Control of Your Leadership. This transformative course is designed to help school leaders overcome overwhelm, focus on what matters most, and lead with clarity and purpose.Go to https://www.theprincipalacademy.com to learn more and to enroll in the course today. Use the code TCYL24 at checkout to save $150. (offer expires 11/24/2024)Join me as I share personal stories and practical tips from each of the six modules:Gaining Clarity and Examining Systems: Define your leadership values and focus on what truly matters.Time Management: Take back your time with strategies to stay organized and intentional.Building and Maintaining Positive School Culture: Cultivate a culture where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.Focusing on Teaching and Learning: Become the instructional leader your school needs.Building and Leveraging Leadership Teams: Work collaboratively to amplify your impact.Staying Focused on Your Vision: Align your daily actions with your long-term goals.Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you lead with confidence and clarity.Again, go to https://www.theprincipalacademy.com to learn more and to enroll in the course today. Use the code TCYL24 at checkout to save $150. (offer expires 11/24/2024)Want the School Leader's Weekly Planner for free?? Click hereDon't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow leader who could use a little clarity in their work!

Are you feeling overwhelmed and struggling to prioritize your time as a school leader? In this episode, I share some exciting news about my upcoming digital course, Take Control of Your Leadership: A Road to Awesome Map for Early Career Leaders. This course is designed to help you overcome overwhelm, focus on what truly matters, and lead with clarity, and it's launching soon!!!Sign up for our mailing list at roadtoawesome.net to get early access, special pricing, and exclusive bonuses! And stay tuned for information on this exciting new course.And now...about our guest on this week's episode:Bentli Lewis serves as the principal of Oakbrook Middle School in Ladson, South Carolina, a community nestled just outside of Charleston in the LowCountry. She began her career in education in 2012 as a high school English teacher and varsity tennis and softball coach. After five years in the classroom, she transitioned into a role as a Graduation Specialist, where she served for one year before moving to her current school district.In her new district, Lewis stepped into the position of Assistant Principal at Summerville High School, a role she held for four years, gaining valuable experience and honing her skills as a building leader. Her dedication and leadership led to her appointment as the principal of Oakbrook Middle School, where she recently completed her second full year in the role. Lewis is passionate about the incredible work happening at Oakbrook Middle and is excited about the school's ongoing successes and bright future.You can find Bentli on social media:Instagram - @bentlijlewFacebook - Bentli Jones LewisX (Twitter) - @bentlij

On this solo episode of the podcast, we explore a vital topic for school leaders: maintaining resilience and avoiding burnout. I discuss five practical strategies to help you stay grounded, energized, and focused, even amidst the demands of leadership. From setting boundaries and effective delegation to building a support network and prioritizing self-care, these tips are designed to help you thrive in your role. Tune in to learn how to protect your energy, enhance your impact, and lead with clarity and purpose.Are you feeling overwhelmed and struggling to prioritize your time as a school leader? In this episode, I share some exciting news about my upcoming digital course, Take Control of Your Leadership: A Road to Awesome Map for Early Career Leaders. This course is designed to help you overcome overwhelm, focus on what truly matters, and lead with clarity.Sign up for our mailing list at roadtoawesome.net to get early access, special pricing, and exclusive bonuses! And stay tuned for information on this exciting new course.In this episode of Leaning Into Leadership, we explore why instructional leadership is crucial for student success and how it often gets deprioritized. Learn five actionable steps to reclaim your focus on instruction and make a meaningful impact. Ready to lead with purpose? Tune in now, and don't forget to sign up at roadtoawesome.net for exclusive offers and updates on my new digital course, Take Control of Your Leadership.

Are you feeling overwhelmed and struggling to prioritize your time as a school leader? In this episode, I share some exciting news about my upcoming digital course, Take Control of Your Leadership: A Road to Awesome Map for Early Career Leaders. This course is designed to help you overcome overwhelm, focus on what truly matters, and lead with clarity.Sign up for our mailing list at roadtoawesome.net to get early access, special pricing, and exclusive bonuses! And stay tuned for information on this exciting new course.And now...about our guest on this week's episode:Tammy Klotz is a vibrant and accomplished executive and best-selling author with over three decades of diverse experience in the manufacturing industry, specializing in cybersecurity and transformational leadership. She offers keen expertise in navigating mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures within both publicly-traded and privately-held companies and is seasoned in security, risk, and compliance leadership. Tammy brings a dynamic and positive approach to problem solving, excelling in simplifying intricate IT and cybersecurity concepts and facilitating pragmatic, non-technical dialogues that resonate with business executives. She is recognized as a strong, knowledgeable, thoughtful security executive who excels in public speaking and thought leadership, striving to empower others through knowledge sharing.Grab Tammy's book here: Leading with Empathy and GraceConnect with Tammy on LinkedIn

Welcome to a special mid-week edition of Leaning into Leadership. This week I am sitting down with my once per month guests, my friends and fellow principals Todd Bloomer and Dominic Armano. We play rapid fire this time around with questions leaders have but aren't always willing to ask.Are you feeling overwhelmed and struggling to prioritize your time as a school leader? In this episode, I share some exciting news about my upcoming digital course, Take Control of Your Leadership: A Road to Awesome Map for Early Career Leaders. This course is designed to help you overcome overwhelm, focus on what truly matters, and lead with clarity.Sign up for our mailing list at roadtoawesome.net to get early access, special pricing, and exclusive bonuses! And stay tuned for information on this exciting new course.In this episode of Leaning Into Leadership, we explore why instructional leadership is crucial for student success and how it often gets deprioritized. Learn five actionable steps to reclaim your focus on instruction and make a meaningful impact. Ready to lead with purpose? Tune in now, and don't forget to sign up at roadtoawesome.net for exclusive offers and updates on my new digital course, Take Control of Your Leadership.Smore - Ever feel like you're the only one reading your school newsletters? Smore is here to change that! Built for educators, Smore gives you hundreds of easy-to-use templates to craft newsletters your community will love...and actually read. You can add videos, images, polls, and more. Stop guessing about what content your community wants to read. Use Smore's analytics to see who opens your emails and which links get clicked. And did I mention that Smore lets you translate your newsletters into more than 100 languages? I'm telling you, this is the platform you want to use.Sign up now and take $50 off your first year of your Smore plan. Make your newsletters easier and more engaging at smore.com/teachbetter. Again that's smore.com/teachbetter

Are you feeling overwhelmed and struggling to prioritize your time as a school leader? In this episode, I share some exciting news about my upcoming digital course, Take Control of Your Leadership: A Road to Awesome Map for Early Career Leaders. This course is designed to help you overcome overwhelm, focus on what truly matters, and lead with clarity.Sign up for our mailing list at roadtoawesome.net to get early access, special pricing, and exclusive bonuses! And stay tuned for information on this exciting new course.Smore - Ever feel like you're the only one reading your school newsletters? Smore is here to change that! Built for educators, Smore gives you hundreds of easy-to-use templates to craft newsletters your community will love...and actually read. You can add videos, images, polls, and more. Stop guessing about what content your community wants to read. Use Smore's analytics to see who opens your emails and which links get clicked. And did I mention that Smore lets you translate your newsletters into more than 100 languages? I'm telling you, this is the platform you want to use.Sign up now and take $50 off your first year of your Smore plan. Make your newsletters easier and more engaging at smore.com/teachbetter. Again that's smore.com/teachbetterAnd now...about our guest on this week's episode:Nicholas Bradford is a lifelong educator with extensive experience with challenging students inside and outside the classroom. In 2009 Nicholas Bradford started his Restorative Justice education in VT. Working in therapeutic settings, schools, afterschool programs, and justice settings have shaped a skill set that delivers a comprehensive Restorative Justice framework.Having worked with many schools and districts he has built a robust program that gives schools, educators, and students the skills and structures they need to create a culture of belonging and success in spite of conflict.He recently co-authored “A Real-World Guide to Restorative Justice for Schools.”Connect with Nicholas: LinkedIn & FacebookEmail/contact info: N.Bradford@nationalcenterforrestorativejustice.com

Are you feeling overwhelmed and struggling to prioritize your time as a school leader? In this episode, I share some exciting news about my upcoming digital course, Take Control of Your Leadership: A Road to Awesome Map for Early Career Leaders. This course is designed to help you overcome overwhelm, focus on what truly matters, and lead with clarity.Sign up for our mailing list at roadtoawesome.net to get early access, special pricing, and exclusive bonuses! And stay tuned for information on this exciting new course.Smore - Ever feel like you're the only one reading your school newsletters? Smore is here to change that! Built for educators, Smore gives you hundreds of easy-to-use templates to craft newsletters your community will love...and actually read. You can add videos, images, polls, and more. Stop guessing about what content your community wants to read. Use Smore's analytics to see who opens your emails and which links get clicked. And did I mention that Smore lets you translate your newsletters into more than 100 languages? I'm telling you, this is the platform you want to use.Sign up now and take $50 off your first year of your Smore plan. Make your newsletters easier and more engaging at smore.com/teachbetter. Again that's smore.com/teachbetterAnd now...about our guest on this week's episode:Luis Báez is a Revenue Enablement Strategist + Sales Coach dedicated to serving executives and sales leaders at businesses. In 2017, after years of working in some of the biggest Silicon Valley startups (think LinkedIn, Google, Uber, Tesla, and more), Luis began to teach impassioned business owners how to scale their revenues and impact by creating and selling high-end offers. During that time, he was also invited to speak about leadership and personal branding at business schools across the country including Stanford, UC Berkeley and Bard. Today Luis is a published author through the internationally-recognized Madecraft organization, which includes an incredibly popular LinkedIn Learning course on personalized sales that has been taken by over 20K people to date. When it comes to podcasts, Luis has absolutely brought the beard & baritone to popular podcasts including ¿Quién Tú Eres?, The Online Business Show with Tyler McCall, Brand Master Flash and The Heather Sager Show among others. Connect with Luis: Website: Luisbaez.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baezluisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsluisbaezCheck out the course:

Are you feeling overwhelmed and struggling to prioritize your time as a school leader? In this episode, I share some exciting news about my upcoming digital course, Take Control of Your Leadership: A Road to Awesome Map for Early Career Leaders. This course is designed to help you overcome overwhelm, focus on what truly matters, and lead with clarity.Sign up for our mailing list at roadtoawesome.net to get early access, special pricing, and exclusive bonuses! And stay tuned for information on this exciting new course.In this episode of Leaning Into Leadership, we explore why instructional leadership is crucial for student success and how it often gets deprioritized. Learn five actionable steps to reclaim your focus on instruction and make a meaningful impact. Ready to lead with purpose? Tune in now, and don't forget to sign up at roadtoawesome.net for exclusive offers and updates on my new digital course, Take Control of Your Leadership.Smore - Ever feel like you're the only one reading your school newsletters? Smore is here to change that! Built for educators, Smore gives you hundreds of easy-to-use templates to craft newsletters your community will love...and actually read. You can add videos, images, polls, and more. Stop guessing about what content your community wants to read. Use Smore's analytics to see who opens your emails and which links get clicked. And did I mention that Smore lets you translate your newsletters into more than 100 languages? I'm telling you, this is the platform you want to use.Sign up now and take $50 off your first year of your Smore plan. Make your newsletters easier and more engaging at smore.com/teachbetter. Again that's smore.com/teachbetter