The Principal Exchange Podcast

Your school already has an algorithm. It determines what gets attention, what gets repeated, and what quietly fades away. And whether you realize it or not, leadership behavior, systems, and reactions shape that algorithm daily. In this episode, we break down how school algorithms form, the unintended behaviors they often reward, and how principals can retune them — without adding initiatives or burning people out. If you’ve ever wondered why certain behaviors spread while others disappear, this episode gives you a new lens to see — and lead — your school differently. Make sure you follow us on social media:  Facebook Instagram

The school year isn’t one long stretch — it’s really three separate years, each with its own energy, challenges, and leadership demands. In this episode, we break down the three phases of the school year and what principals can do in each one to lead more effectively without burning out themselves or their staff. From the high-energy launch, to the midyear grind, to the final stretch, this conversation helps leaders stop reacting and start leading with intention. Because great leadership isn’t about doing the same thing all year — it’s about knowing when to shift. If you’ve ever felt like your leadership moves worked in August but fell flat later in the year, this episode will help you reframe the work and lead the season you’re actually in. Make sure you follow us on social media:  Facebook Instagram

The calendar might flip to January, but the second semester doesn’t reset itself. Culture drifts, systems loosen, and people come back carrying everything from exhaustion to new-year hope. In this episode, we’re breaking down five practical leadership moves that help principals start the second half of the year with clarity, calm, and momentum. From re-anchoring culture and tightening systems to refocusing instruction and reconnecting with your people, these simple shifts create the strong, steady foundation your school needs right now—not in March when everything feels urgent. Because teachers and students don’t need a brand-new plan in January—they need renewed leadership direction. If you’re ready for a smoother, more focused, more aligned second semester, start here.   As mentioned in the pod - here is the Semester Success Mini Course   Make sure you follow us on social media:  Facebook Instagram  

There’s something special about this in-between week—the one where no one is totally sure what day it is, pajamas count as real clothes, and leftovers become every meal. It’s quiet enough for your mind to finally slow down, but not busy enough to pull you back into the rush. In other words… it’s the reset you actually needed. In this mini-episode, we’re talking about gentle reflection—not resolutions, pressure, or an overhaul of your life before January. We share our own “word of the year” ideas and the small intentions we’re carrying into the new semester: routines that feel grounding, habits that help us be present.. Because this week isn’t about becoming someone new.It’s about reconnecting with who you already are. Take the space you need this week—and the nap you deserve.We’ll see you next week with a full episode.   Make sure you follow us on social media:  Facebook Instagram

It’s the first week of Christmas break, and we’re doing what we always tell principals to do—rest when your school rests. But before we step back, we wanted to drop in with a short, cozy moment of connection. In this mini-episode, we’re taking you back to the Christmases that shaped us—childhood memories filled with slow mornings, twinkling lights, holiday traditions, and the kind of nostalgia that reminds us we’re more than our inboxes and responsibilities. Sometimes, revisiting who we were helps us reconnect with who we still are beneath the daily weight of leadership. This one isn’t about strategy. It’s about grounding. Presence. Permission to be human. If you need a quiet pause in the middle of the holiday rush, this episode is your invitation.   Make sure you follow us on social media:  Facebook Instagram

Principals wear busyness like a badge of honor. But here’s the real question: what would actually happen if you took a Friday off? Would everything fall apart—or would it show you something about the systems and culture you’ve built? In this episode, we’re unpacking why leadership isn’t about being everywhere all the time—and how stepping back can actually make your school stronger. From loosening the “control mindset” to testing your systems with micro–Fridays, these strategies help you shift from being the firefighter to being the builder of a self-sustaining team. Because if your school can’t run without you for a day, that’s not proof of your value—it’s proof of weak systems. If you’re craving breathing room but afraid to step away, start here. This episode will help you lead with trust, not presence—and build a school that stands strong even when you’re not there.   Make sure you follow us on social media:  Facebook Instagram

This week, we’re bringing you something a little different—our very first guest interview! We sat down with Becca Silver, founder and CEO of The Whole Educator and one of our keynote speakers for the upcoming Principal Exchange Winter Conference. Together, we’re digging into a topic every school leader knows all too well: teacher resistance. Becca shares why resistance happens, why it’s normal, and why the real issue isn’t “difficult teachers” but unmet needs, mindsets, and task-centered leadership approaches that unintentionally create pushback. From human-centered coaching to understanding different motivation profiles, Becca breaks down what’s really happening beneath the surface—and how principals can lead change more effectively and compassionately. If you’ve ever rolled out a curriculum, launched an initiative, or simply asked your staff to try something new, this conversation will help you see resistance through a whole new lens. About Today’s Guest: Becca Silver Becca is the founder of The Whole Educator, a coach-of-coaches, leadership trainer, and expert in human-centered instructional leadership. Her keynote, “It Shouldn’t Be This Hard: Why Resistance Happens and What to Do About It,” will kick off our Winter Virtual Conference. Learn more about Becca: Website: thewholeeducator.com Instagram: @thewholeeducator LinkedIn: Becca Silver Podcast: Coaching the Whole Educator Conference Bonus Loved what you heard? Use the code RESISTANT for 10% off your Winter Conference ticket and join Becca—and a powerhouse lineup of speakers—for a full day of practical strategies and leadership support.   Make sure you're following us (TPE) on social media:  Facebook Instagram

The holidays in schools are a mix of joy, chaos, and exhaustion. Kids are hyped, staff are stretched, and the calendar is packed. In this episode, we’re breaking down quick, practical strategies to help you finish December strong—and set January-you up for success. From prepping for sub shortages and organizing parent help, to rethinking staff gifts and anchoring fun in learning, these simple moves will help you keep things steady now and start the new year with momentum. Because December-you is tired. But January-you? They’ll thank you for what you do this month. If you’re ready to make it through the holiday stretch without burning out, start here. This episode will help you lead with clarity, calm, and just enough cheer to carry your school across the finish line.   Make sure you follow us on social media:  Facebook Instagram

This week, we’re doing what we always tell principals to do—taking a break when schools take a break. In this short Thanksgiving episode, Sarah & Andra pop in (pie in hand and laptops closed!) to say thank you to the incredible community of leaders who show up here every week. Between laughter about family traditions, parade memories, and Black Friday nostalgia, they share one simple challenge: pause, reflect, and name three things you’re grateful for that have nothing to do with school. Because rest isn’t earned—it’s essential. So kick back, close your computer, and know that you are deeply appreciated. We’ll see you next week for a full episode—but for now, enjoy your well-deserved break.

We all know feedback is supposed to make people better. But let’s be honest—it often just makes people defensive. And if your feedback isn’t building trust, it’s breaking it. In this episode, we’re unpacking why feedback so often falls flat—and how to fix it. From giving specific, timely feedback that actually lands, to navigating those “train wreck” lessons with honesty and support, these strategies help you shift feedback from something people dread to something they depend on. Because feedback isn’t about pointing out flaws—it’s about pointing people forward. If you’ve been trying to build a culture of growth but keep running into resistance, start here. This episode will help you make feedback clear, useful, and welcomed—so it actually drives change.   Make sure you follow us on social media:  Facebook Instagram

Schools are drowning in data—test scores, benchmarks, walkthrough rubrics, behavior logs—and yet half the time, it feels like we’re just checking boxes instead of actually learning anything from it. In this episode, we’re unpacking the difference between collecting data because you have to and using data because it helps you lead. From simplifying what you track, to asking better questions, to closing the loop with teachers, these strategies will help you turn data from noise into direction. Because data isn’t powerful because you collect it—it’s powerful because you use it. If you’ve been buried in spreadsheets but starving for insight, start here. This episode will help you turn data into a compass that actually points your school where it needs to go.   Make sure you follow us on social media:  Facebook Instagram

Students can be in their seats, quiet, and compliant—and still not be learning. That’s why engagement matters. In this episode, we’re unpacking the difference between keeping kids busy and actually engaging them in thinking, talking, and caring about what they’re learning. From shifting walkthroughs to focus on engagement, to celebrating small wins, to giving staff ready-to-use strategies, we’ll show you how engagement becomes the lever that drives behavior, learning, and culture. Because engagement isn’t entertainment—it’s everything. If you’re ready to move beyond compliance checklists and build classrooms where students are truly invested, start here.   Get Bashing Boredom Here!  If you want to talk about bulk orders or free resources reach out to us at tailored@educationtailored.com   Make sure you follow us on social media:  Facebook Instagram   Want more than just ideas? Join hundreds of principals inside The Principal Academy—a growing movement of school leaders reclaiming time, strengthening culture, and leading with purpose. Check it out here!

When we talk about school culture, most people immediately think about staff morale—whether teachers feel supported, if the lounge is positive, if the vibe is good. But here’s the question we don’t ask enough: What does your culture feel like to kids? In this episode, we’re shifting the lens from staff to students. From the way kids are greeted at the door, to how corrections are delivered, to whether lessons feel engaging or just repetitive, student culture is built in the small, everyday interactions. And if students don’t feel seen, valued, and connected, no amount of spirit week can fix that. Because culture isn’t built in the lounge—it’s built in the hallways, classrooms, cafeteria, and bus loop. If you want to move beyond morale posters and really create a school kids want to be part of, start here. This episode gives you practical, ready-to-use strategies to build culture that students actually experience as belonging.   Make sure you follow us on social media:  Facebook Instagram   Want more than just ideas? Join hundreds of principals inside The Principal Academy—a growing movement of school leaders reclaiming time, strengthening culture, and leading with purpose. Check it out here!

Family nights can be one of the most powerful ways to connect parents, kids, and schools—but they can also be some of the most disappointing when only a handful of people show up. In this episode, we’re unpacking why traditional formats flop and what actually gets families through the door. From drop-in, drop-out structures and student-centered showcases to short, fun, food-filled events, these strategies flip family nights from “one more meeting” into “can’t-miss experiences.” Because families don’t want another lecture—they want to see their kids shine. If you’ve been stuck with low turnout, start here. This episode will help you design family nights that build connections, celebrate students, and keep families coming back.   Stories and STEM Family Night    Make sure you follow us on social media:  Facebook Instagram   Want more than just ideas? Join hundreds of principals inside The Principal Academy—a growing movement of school leaders reclaiming time, strengthening culture, and leading with purpose. Check it out here!

The “honeymoon phase” is over, the candy is flowing, and Halloween somehow turns into a week-long holiday in kid time. No wonder late October feels like chaos in schools. In this episode, we’re unpacking why this season feels so heavy—and how principals can lead through it without losing their minds. From setting clear boundaries on costumes and candy, to channeling spooky energy into learning, to giving teachers quick morale boosts when fall fatigue hits, these moves keep the chaos from taking over. Because you can’t stop October energy—but you can shape it. If you’ve been feeling the weight of sugar highs, spooky vibes, and behavior spikes, start here. These strategies prove you don’t have to just survive October—you can use it to build culture.   Make sure you follow us on social media:  Facebook Instagram   Want more than just ideas? Join hundreds of principals inside The Principal Academy—a growing movement of school leaders reclaiming time, strengthening culture, and leading with purpose. Check it out here!

Attendance dips, and the first instinct is often to blame kids or families—or fire off another robo-call. But here’s the truth: attendance isn’t just a kid problem. It’s a systems problem. In this episode, we’re breaking down why the usual fixes fall flat and what it takes to actually shift patterns long-term. From schoolwide culture moves and attendance mentors to family partnerships and staff systems, these strategies move beyond compliance and build connection. Because when kids feel like it doesn’t matter whether they’re there or not, that’s not a student issue—that’s a leadership challenge. If you’re tired of playing attendance whack-a-mole, start here. This episode gives you practical, ready-to-use steps to replace robo-calls with relationships and turn absenteeism into belonging.   Every Opportunity Video   Make sure you follow us on social media:  Facebook Instagram   Want more than just ideas? Join hundreds of principals inside The Principal Academy—a growing movement of school leaders reclaiming time, strengthening culture, and leading with purpose. Check it out here!

Some days you’ve got time for a deep dive into strategy. Other days? You just need a win before the first bell rings. In this episode, we’re sharing five practical “5-minute fixes” you can use this week to shift energy fast—without overhauling your entire system. From sticky note recognition and gratitude emails to hallway whispers and the “invisible principal game,” these micro-moves build trust, sharpen focus, and strengthen culture in small but powerful ways. Because leadership isn’t just in the big initiatives—it’s in the micro-moments that tell your staff, your students, and your community what you value most. If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, start here. These quick wins prove you don’t need hours—you just need intention.   Make sure you follow us on social media:  Facebook Instagram   Want more than just ideas? Join hundreds of principals inside The Principal Academy—a growing movement of school leaders reclaiming time, strengthening culture, and leading with purpose. Check it out here!

You thought the summer recharge would carry you further—but here we are, barely a month into school, and the tank already feels empty. If you’re exhausted in September, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re having an honest conversation about why burnout hits so early and what you can do to reset before it becomes your default. We’ll bust the biggest myths principals believe (“If I just power through now, it’ll calm down later”), unpack the real reasons September feels so overwhelming, and share practical resets you can start this week—like the 3-3-3 Reset, energy audits, and modeling rest as leadership. Because burnout isn’t proof you’re not cut out for this job—it’s proof that leadership without boundaries will take everything you give it. September doesn’t have to break you if you reset now.   Make sure you follow us on social media:  Facebook Instagram   Want more than just ideas? Join hundreds of principals inside The Principal Academy—a growing movement of school leaders reclaiming time, strengthening culture, and leading with purpose. Check it out here! .

Every week, we’re here with strategies and systems to make school leadership feel a little lighter. But today? We’re stepping out of the usual rhythm to share something different. In this bonus episode, we’re telling the story of how The Principal Exchange came to be. From our venture outside of the public school system, to realizing how isolated school leaders often feel, to joining forces to create practical resources and a community of support—you’ll hear the “why” behind everything we do. We’ll walk you through what we’re building right now (the Academy, the Marketplace, our conferences), the vision that drives us, and the belief that’s at the core of it all: leadership doesn’t have to be lonely.   Make sure you follow us on social media:  Facebook Instagram   Want more than just ideas? Join hundreds of principals inside The Principal Academy—a growing movement of school leaders reclaiming time, strengthening culture, and leading with purpose. Check it out here!

Every principal starts the year determined to be in classrooms daily—but then the fires, parent emails, and coverage needs hit. Before you know it, months have flown by and your classroom visits are more accidental than intentional. In this episode, we’re breaking down how to actually lead instruction without burning yourself out. You’ll hear practical mindset shifts and simple systems that make classroom visits doable, like: Why instructional leadership isn’t about more walkthroughs, but more purposeful ones How to calendar classroom time so it actually happens Quick feedback strategies teachers appreciate (and will actually use) Creative ways to bring others into the work so you’re not carrying it alone If you’ve ever felt torn between running the building and leading instruction, this episode will help you reset your approach—and remind you that you don’t have to do it all to lead well.   Make sure to follow us on social media:  Facebook Instagram   Want more than just ideas? Join hundreds of principals inside The Principal Academy—a growing movement of school leaders reclaiming time, strengthening culture, and leading with purpose. Check it out here!