The Principal Exchange Podcast

In this episode, Andra sits down with Lisa Gray, a veteran teacher, to get a unique teacher's perspective on how to build a culture of creative teaching — and what it looks like when a teacher is actually given room to teach creatively. Lisa shares how she does it in her own classroom: the way she plans for curiosity over compliance, the resources she reaches for — including Twinkl — when she wants something engaging without spending her whole evening building it from scratch, and the small choices that turn a standard lesson into something kids remember. And they talk about the other half of it: what the admin provides. Because creative teaching doesn't happen on a teacher's grit alone — it happens when a leader protects the time, trusts the teacher's judgment, and celebrates the attempt, not just the polished result. Andra and Lisa get honest about what that support looks like in practice, and what happens when it's missing. If you've ever wished your building felt a little more alive — a little less worksheet, a little more wonder — this one's for you. Check out TPE Lead! Follow us: @theprincipalexchange Check out our episode sponsor: Twinkl Link to their website: https://www.twinkl.com/r/18p0e1 Link to the 7-day commitment-free Twinkl trial: https://www.twinkl.com/r/1dcpv1  

In this final episode of our five-belief series, Sarah and Andra explain why adults in a school are the key lever for student success. We discuss giving adults clarity on goals and roles, treating students as "our" students, the importance of fresh starts each day, building leaders through delegation, and checking the pulse of staff. This is Episode 5 of 5. If you haven't listened to the whole belief series, we'd encourage you to go back and start with Episode 55: What Do You Believe? Check out TPE Lead! Follow us: @theprincipalexchange Also, check out this episode's partner sponsor, Kids Discover www.kidsdiscover.com Make sure you're following us: @theprincipalexchange

In Episode 4 of our Five Beliefs Series, Sarah and Andra talk about what they mean when they say: Behavior is a Symptom. We explain how we believe that every behavior communicates something, why we truly believe that all students want to be successful, and why expectations beat 'rules' every time! We also discuss designing consequences that teach, the power of relationships, and the importance of consistency across staff.  This is Episode 4 of 5. Next up: Adults are the Lever. Check out TPE Lead! Follow us: @theprincipalexchange Check out our episode sponsor: Twinkl Link to their website: https://www.twinkl.com/r/18p0e1 Link to the 7-day commitment-free Twinkl trial: https://www.twinkl.com/r/1dcpv1    

We’re throwing back to an early episode all about the whirlwind of October in schools — sugar highs, costume questions, behavior spikes, and teacher fatigue. Sarah and Andra talk through why this time of year feels so intense and what to expect across classrooms and families. We share clear, practical strategies for leaders: set consistent boundaries, channel seasonal energy into academic and engaging activities, support staff through the slump, protect routines, and use fall events to build school culture. Plus a quick three-step strategy stack to minimize chaos and keep learning on track.

In Episode 3 of our Five Beliefs Series, Sarah and Andra talk about what they mean when they say: Data Is a Compass, Not a Checkbox. This isn't about collecting more data or pretending benchmarks and state assessments don't matter. They do. It's about using the right evidence for the right decision and getting underneath the number before deciding what happens next. Because a data point doesn't change instruction. What we do because of it does. We'll talk about the difference between big and small data, why data isn't always a number, why the current reality has to be willing to change the plan, and what it really means for data conversations to end in action. And we'll talk about something we think schools sometimes lose sight of: The goal isn't to have more data. The goal is to use the right data to help students move forward, solve problems, and make better decisions. Because being data-driven isn't about having more data. It's about moving from: Evidence → Understanding → Decision → Action. This is Episode 3 of 5. Next up: Behavior Is a Symptom. Check out TPE Lead! Follow us: @theprincipalexchange