Podcasts about advocacy podcast

School leaders, This week's IASP Advocacy Podcast serves as our season wrap-up episode before we pause for summer and return as the 2026–27 school year begins. This episode focuses on three reminders—and one challenge—as we close the loop on one school year and begin setting the course for the next. In this episode, we discuss: • Preparing now for smoother implementation later • Engaging with legislators and community leaders locally • Investing in your own professional growth  • And one final challenge: putting yourself on the calendar this summer As additional implementation guidance and resources are released by the Indiana Department of Education, IASP will continue sharing updates and information with Indiana school leaders throughout the summer. Have an awesome summer, IASP. Thank you for the incredible work you do for Indiana students and schools! Cindy Long Assistant Executive Director Indiana Association of School Principals

As the school year comes to a close, we know many of you are balancing celebrations, awards programs, final responsibilities, summer planning, and everything in between. This week's IASP Advocacy Podcast is designed to send you into Memorial Day weekend with wise words from Dave Strouse. This isn't the time for a legislative breakdown or a deep dive into policy. Instead, we're taking time to focus on leadership. Beginning in July, Dave Strouse will join the IASP team after more than 25 years in education and most recently serving as principal at Batesville Middle School. If you're wrapping up the school year and need something a little lighter heading into the long weekend, join Dave and me for a reflective, leadership-focused conversation that will leave you feeling positive about the impact you're making with students, staff, and school communities every day.

This week's IASP Advocacy Podcast takes a different approach to the 2026 legislative session. Rather than simply walking through a long list of mandates, this episode focuses on the bigger picture:

Indiana's new bell-to-bell cell phone expectations are no longer theoretical—they're becoming reality in schools across the state. In this week's IASP Advocacy Podcast, I had the opportunity to sit down with Bryan Ramirez, Assistant Principal at North Central High School and the 2025 District 7 Assistant Principal of the Year. Bryan and his team have already taken meaningful steps to limit student phone access—and his perspective is both practical and encouraging.

We're in the middle of election season. Graduation is right around the corner. And for many of our students, especially our seniors, the future is no longer abstract—it's right in front of them.

This week's IASP Advocacy Podcast focuses on something we're seeing more and more right now—confusion. Across Indiana, there are two topics generating a lot of questions from communities, staff, and even policymakers: Why school board elections and referendums aren't showing up on primary ballots What's the status of the Accountability Model? In this episode, I walk through both—breaking down what's actually happening, what's changed, and what school leaders should be prepared to explain.

What does real advocacy look like in a school? This week on the IASP Advocacy Podcast, we're highlighting a powerful, practical example.

This week on the IASP Advocacy Podcast, we're making the shift. The legislative session may be over—but your influence as a school leader is just getting started. In this episode, I take a step back from tracking bills and focus on what comes next: How to use the new IASP website—especially the Advocacy page—to support your work Why primary season is a critical (and often overlooked) opportunity for school leaders A simple way to find out who is on your ballot—and who you should be connecting with now This is a great time to move from understanding policy to building relationships—and this episode will help you take that first step.

IASP Members, This week, we're sharing a special Fireside Chat featuring Dr. Todd Bess and attorney Seamus Boyce. This conversation provides a timely, comprehensive look at what school leaders need to know as we close out 2025 and prepare for the 2026 legislative session. 1. A Look Back: Key Mandates Shaping This School Year Seamus begins by reviewing the major mandates and statutory changes that took effect at the start of the 2025–26 school year. This section is an excellent refresher on the requirements that continue to influence leadership decisions, planning, and compliance. For those who want a deeper review, here is the slide deck Seamus shared at the recent IASP Conferences.

Hello IASP Members, This week's Advocacy Podcast takes you behind the scenes as our Legislative Committee continues its work on the 2026 Legislative Platform and Priorities. The platform is the foundation of our advocacy efforts, and in this episode I walk through the major themes shaping our early conversations—everything from principal leadership, student and staff well-being, and assessment and accountability to funding realities, educator pipeline challenges, and emerging needs in technology and multilingual education. It's a big-picture episode designed to help you understand where we're headed and how your experiences as building leaders drive our legislative work. I also share a few important announcements: Assistant Principals Conference – Thursday & Friday, November 20–21. Incredible keynote speakers, rich concurrent sessions, and specialized learning strands. There's still time to register! Fall Professionals Conference – Sunday, November 23–Tuesday, November 25. Another outstanding lineup with keynotes, special guests, and robust professional learning opportunities. If you haven't signed up yet, we'd love to see you there. A quick programming note: the learning taking place at these two conferences will stand in place of the Advocacy Podcast for the next two weeks. We'll be back in early December with information on the final School Accountability Rule, and then we'll return in January with our weekly Legislative Update Podcast as soon as lawmakers are back in session. Thank you for all you do and for staying engaged in the work that moves Indiana schools forward.

Hello, IASP Members! This week's IASP Advocacy Podcast features Amy Niemeier, Principal of Slate Run Elementary School and an active contributor to the School Accountability working group. Amy joins me to share her insights on the latest developments in Draft #2 of Indiana's new School Accountability rule — and, perhaps most importantly, how she's managing the messaging around the return of school letter grades with staff and her community. Tune in for the elementary point of view on one of the most discussed topics in Indiana education policy right now. Stay informed. Stay focused. And keep leading Indiana forward.

Hello, IASP Members, Today, advocacy and leadership come together in a big way! In this week's IASP Advocacy Podcast, we're celebrating an exciting announcement about the future of the Indiana Principal Leadership Institute (IPLI). Since 2013, IPLI has been hosted by Indiana State University with a strong partnership with IASP. Earlier this week, ISU announced that IPLI will begin transitioning to IASP over the next year, ensuring continued growth, sustainability, and impact of IPLI's mission. This move strengthens IASP's commitment to leadership development and aligns perfectly with our vision to support principals at every stage of their careers. Joining me on today's episode are Dr. Todd Bess and Dr. Tiffany Barrett as we discuss this exciting transition, what it means for Indiana school leaders, and how IASP will continue IPLI's proud legacy of relationships, reflection, and growth.    

Hello, Indiana School Leaders, This week's IASP Advocacy Podcast takes you inside two major meetings shaping education policy in Indiana: the Fiscal Policy Interim Study Committee and the State Board of Education's discussion of Draft 2 of the School Accountability model.

Hello, School Leaders! This week's IASP Advocacy Podcast tries something new. I'm joined by Executive Director Dr. Todd Bess for a rapid, insightful game we're calling One Word, Two Lenses—we each bring a word shaping education right now and look at it from the local (in-school) lens and the larger (statewide/policy) lens. In this episode, we cover: Accountability — measuring impact through student success factors Advocacy — connection, one conversation at a time Attendance — student attendance vs. school attendance Leader Development — mentoring tomorrow's leaders and growing with IASP Fall BREAK — time to recharge and rejuvenate  As always, thank you for leading with purpose and partnering with IASP to keep Indiana's schools moving forward. Warmly, Cindy Long

Good morning, School Leaders! It's Friday, and that means it's time for the IASP Advocacy Podcast — your go-to for education policy, leadership insight, and what's next in Indiana and beyond. This week's episode features Dr. Bess's Fireside Chat with KGR attorney Seamus Boyce, and it's packed with timely updates you won't want to miss. Topics include:

Good morning, School Leaders! It's Friday, and that means it's time for the IASP Advocacy Podcast! In this week's episode, I'm fresh off our September Board of Directors meeting and district visits across the state. I'll share three big topics that are shaping our schools right now: School Accountability – Why the draft model is a step forward and how it can better highlight the incredible work happening in our schools. Freedom of Speech – A timely discussion on educators' First Amendment rights  Teacher Appreciation Grant (TAG) – A dive into the stipulations of the grant, who is eligible, and some practical approaches. Click here to access the IDOE Guidance document.

Good morning, School Leaders! It's Friday, and that means it's time for the IASP Advocacy Podcast — your go-to for education policy, leadership insight, and what's next in Indiana and beyond. This week, I'm joined by Dave Strouse, Principal of Batesville Middle School and IASP's NASSP Coordinator. Dave just returned from his bi-monthly NASSP meeting and he's bringing you the inside scoop. Here's what you'll hear in this episode: ✅ Conference Shifts — NASSP is adjusting its conference timeline. Find out what's changing and why it matters. ✅ Federal Appropriations — What must be done before September 30 to avoid a government shutdown. ✅ National Principals Month — October is all about celebrating YOU and the incredible work you do.

Good morning, School Leaders, This week's IASP Advocacy Podcast recaps important takeaways from the September 9th State Board of Education (SBOE) meeting. Here are some highlights:

Hello IASP Members, This week on the IASP Advocacy Podcast, we're looking at advocacy through a different lens. As school leaders, advocacy isn't just about legislation — it's also about telling the story of your school. Whether it's culture, attendance, or programming, we are always sharing what makes our schools unique. In this episode, I'm joined by IASP's new intern, who shares her work-based learning experience and talks about her role in launching Reel Impact — a brand new digital media competition from IASP Student Programs. You'll hear about: The power of work-based learning opportunities What it takes to create a short, high-impact video How her school community reacted to her project Why Reel Impact videos can be powerful tools for advocacy — not only with students and parents, but also with local officials and state legislators. Consider how you and your students could use Reel Impact to showcase your school's story while also engaging your community and decision-makers. Thanks for all you do to advocate for your schools and your students! Warm regards, Cindy Long Assistant Executive Director Indiana Association of School Principals

Dear IASP Members, It's Friday, and that means it's time for the IASP Advocacy Podcast — your go-to for education policy, leadership insight, and what's next in Indiana and beyond. This week, I sat down with Denise Funston, Director of Exceptional Needs for Community Schools of Frankfort, to talk all things special education. We dive into: Indiana's new IEP process and PowerSchool implementation The biggest challenges in rollout and how schools are adapting Strategies for addressing special education staffing shortages Tips for school leaders on working most effectively with special education staff Denise's perspective on what she'd change if she had a “magic wand” to remove barriers for students and educators This conversation offers practical insights for principals and a deeper understanding of what's happening in special education across Indiana.

IASP Members, It's been a full and exciting week for Indiana education policy, and we've captured the highlights for you in this week's IASP Advocacy Podcast with Dr. Todd Bess.   Click here to listen to this week's IASP Advocacy Podcast! In this episode: Highlights from the State Board of Education meeting, including the release of IRead scores. A follow-up to our powerful School Accountability webinar with over 400 IASP members. **Additional resources provided via email for our members. 

I'm excited to share a brief but important episode of the IASP Advocacy Podcast: “Action Items & Accountability: What You Need to Know Before School Starts.”

This week's episode of the IASP Advocacy Podcast is short—but powerful.

A brand-new episode of the IASP Advocacy Podcast is now live — and this one's a must-listen for every school leader in Indiana. On June 4, the Indiana Department of Education presented the first draft of the state's new school accountability model to the State Board of Education. In this 15-minute episode, I break down what's changing, why it matters, and how this shift could impact your school — all in language built for building leaders.

Greetings, IASP Members! We've just released a new episode of the IASP Advocacy Podcast, and this one is a must-listen as you plan for the 2025–26 school year. In this episode, I walk through the budget shifts, new mandates, and key funding implications from the 2025 Indiana General Assembly—and what they mean for your school.

Good afternoon, IASP Members! As we start shifting into summer planning mode, I'm excited to share the latest episode of the IASP Advocacy Podcast: “Top Ten Hidden Nuggets from the 2025 Legislative Session: What Principals Need to Know Now.”

IASP Advocacy Podcast: Wrapping Up Our Legislative Series with Dr. Jane Bitting We're closing out our Voices from the Field – Legislative Perspectives podcast series with an elementary lens on the 2025 legislative session. This week's guest is Dr. Jane Bitting, Principal of Perry Hill Elementary School and IASP's next Vice President. Jane offers thoughtful reflections on how this year's new laws are shaping the foundational years of education and what elementary principals should keep in mind moving forward. In this episode, we explore: HEA 1498 – Accountability & Assessment: How changes in performance metrics and testing are impacting elementary schools. HEA 1634 – Advanced Math Placement: Why early math readiness matters and how elementary educators play a role in advanced pathways. SEA 482 – Absenteeism: The importance of early attendance interventions and building family partnerships to support consistent learning.

We're continuing our special podcast series Voices from the Field – Legislative Perspectives with another powerful conversation, this time from the middle school lens. This week's guest is Dr. Bret Bailey, Principal of Hamilton Heights Middle School and IASP Vice President. Bret shares thoughtful reflections on how recent legislation is likely to impact middle schools across Indiana. In this episode, we dive into: SEA 255 – Bullying, STEM Flexibility, and Religious Instruction HEA 1634 – Math Education HEA 1498 – Accountability and Assessment

We're excited to launch a brand-new series on the IASP Advocacy Podcast featuring members of our Executive Board! Over the next three weeks, we'll be spotlighting school leaders from across Indiana — each offering their unique perspective on key education legislation from the 2025 General Assembly session. This week's guest is Andrew Allen, Principal of Batesville High School and IASP President-Elect. Andy brings a thoughtful and experienced voice to the conversation as we dive into three impactful bills: HB 1064 – Student Transfers: Exploring how the bill may shift local control and enrollment dynamics. HB 1498 – Accountability: Unpacking new provisions around data, assessment, and what they mean for schools. HB 1001 – Teacher Appreciation Grants: Discussing changes to how these funds are distributed and recognized.  Whether you're a principal, administrator, or education advocate, this series is designed to keep you informed and connected to the policy decisions shaping our schools.  

This week's episode features a dynamic conversation recorded at the IASP Fall Conference. Dr. Todd Bess, IASP Executive Director, sits down with Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner to discuss what's ahead for school leaders in 2025. From the upcoming legislative session to the education transition under Governor-Elect Braun, Dr. Jenner shares insights on key priorities and potential policy changes shaping Indiana's schools. In addition, we bring you breaking news from the State Board of Education: the adoption of Indiana's new diploma rule. Learn about this significant update and its implications for students, families, and educators statewide.  Helpful links: IDOE Press Release Final Diploma Rule Presentation Final Diploma Rule As we prepare for the holiday season, Dr. Jenner offers an important reminder to rest and recharge—a message that resonates deeply with us at IASP. Tune in for critical updates, thoughtful discussion, and inspiration as we look ahead to the new year. Don't forget to subscribe for our next episode, dropping January 10, with fresh insights as the legislative session kicks off!

IASP Advocacy Podcast This week's IASP Advocacy Podcast brings you an engaging replay of our Fireside Chat with Dr. Todd Bess, IASP Executive Director, and Seamus Boyce, education attorney. Together, they: ✅ Recap key educational developments and legal developments from 2024. (Click here to see slides from Boyce's presentation at the AP and Fall Conference! The pass code is IASP24KGR) ✅ Share insights into how these changes have impacted schools and educators. ✅ Look ahead to 2025 with thoughtful predictions about upcoming legislative session. This conversation is packed with valuable information to help you stay informed and prepared for what's to come.

Welcome back to the IASP Advocacy Podcast! I'm Cindy Long, Assistant Executive Director here at IASP. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Todd Bess, our Executive Director, to discuss important updates from the recent State Board of Education meeting on November 12, 2024. We dive into details about the Indiana Learns grant program, designed to support families, and the upcoming Summer Learning Labs opportunities. With deadlines approaching fast for both, we've got the key information you need!

In this episode of the IASP Advocacy Podcast, we dive into the results of recent state and national elections, examining what they mean for education policy and school leadership across Indiana. After unpacking the potential impacts of these outcomes, we switch focus to an equally important topic: how we, as educators and leaders, can continue to inspire and positively influence the lives of students in Indiana.

Join us on the IASP podcast as we dive into the 2025 Legislative Platform and Priorities. Guided by input from our online survey and the expertise of the IASP Legislative Committee, we've crafted a robust advocacy framework for the upcoming Indiana General Assembly session. This week, IASP Executive Director Todd Bess joins us to share insights into the committee's process and the direction of our legislative efforts.   Are you interested in joining our Legislative Cadre?  Click here to sign up!  

The latest episode of the Indiana Association of School Principals Advocacy Podcast dives into the importance of elections and the role school leaders play in shaping education policy. Hosted by Cindy Long, Assistant Executive Director at IASP, this episode leverages the excitement of election season to explore how government decisions—from local school boards to the Indiana General Assembly—impact schools across the state. Cindy highlights the IASP advocacy efforts, emphasizing that advocacy isn't just for election time but a year-round effort. 

Episode Description Welcome to this week's episode of the Indiana Association of School Principals Advocacy Podcast! In this week's two-part episode, Assistant Executive Director Cindy Long discusses the publication of the second draft of the new Indiana high school diploma and highlights some much needed clarification from the IDOE. In part two, IASP is honored to host Principal Amy Neimeier to learn about her trip to Washington DC as the NAESP state representative. Principal Neimeier recounts the National Principals of the Year celebration and provides some additional insights about federal legislation.

Welcome to this week's episode of the Indiana Association of School Principals Advocacy Podcast! In this episode, IASP Assistant Executive Director Cindy Long sits down with the Chesterton High School administrative team to discuss their unique "Principal for a Day" event. Hear insights and highlights from Principal Brent Martinson, Associate Principal Kristen Peterson, and their special guest, State Senator Rodney Pol, as they recap the day. Tune in for an engaging conversation about leadership, education, and community collaboration!      

Welcome to the Indiana Association of School Principals Advocacy Podcast. This week, IASP Advocacy Podcast host, Cindy Long, speaks with Dr. Todd Bess about the high school diploma redesign progress, Indiana School Principals Week, and information about some of the School Leader Celebrations at the AP/Fall Conference.  We also reflect on the 2024 IASP Legislative Priorities and are seeking input regarding the IASP legislative priorities in 2025.

Welcome to the Indiana Association of School Principals Advocacy Podcast. This week, IASP Assistant Executive Director Cindy Long shares another episode of pivotal insights and updates regarding educational legislation implementation in Indiana. Join us as Principal Randy Maurer discusses literacy and IRead 3 implementation strategies.

Welcome to the Indiana Association of School Principals Advocacy Podcast. This week, IASP Assistant Executive Director Cindy Long shares another episode of pivotal insights and updates regarding educational legislation and implementation in Indiana.  Principals Steve Baker and Amy Niemeier discuss SEA 282 and the implementation of the new attendance mandates in their respective schools.    Don't miss these insights and ideas that can lead to community involvement and ultimately student achievement!

Welcome to the Indiana Association of School Principals Advocacy Podcast. This week, IASP Assistant Executive Director, shares another episode of pivotal insights and updates regarding educational legislation and implementation in Indiana. This week's episode features IASP Executive Director, Dr. Todd Bess discussing the September 11, 2024, State Board of Education meeting.  

Welcome back to the IASP Advocacy Podcast - your weekly portal to insights and updates regarding education legislation and implementation.  This week host Cindy Long spends time reviewing laws that have gone into effect for the 24-25 school year.

Welcome back to the IASP Advocacy Podcast - your weekly portal to insights and updates regarding education legislation and implementation.  This week host Cindy Long interviews Dave Strouse, Batesville Middle School Principal and IASP's representative with NASSP.  Dave brings an update from his bimonthly NASSP meeting.  Don't miss this info on Title IX, E-Rate Funding, and financial appropriations.

Welcome back to the IASP Advocacy Podcast - your weekly portal to insights and updates regarding education legislation and implementation.  This week, you'll hear from Cindy Long and Dr. Todd Bess recap the Indiana State Board of Education meeting that occurred on August 14.  Learn about Indiana I-Read 3 results and intervention plans, as well as the 2nd version of the Indiana High School graduation requirements redesign!  

Join us for an introduction with our new host, Cindy Long!  Cindy will be discussing her adventures in the world of advocacy. 

Tim McRoberts records his final episode as the host of the IASP Advocacy Podcast