The Principal's Handbook

In this episode of the Principal's Handbook podcast, guest Brian Callahan, an experienced educator and state support team consultant. Brian shares insights on using data to inform decisions in schools, with a focus on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and school climate.Key points discussed include:The importance of easy-to-use data collection systemsFocusing on acknowledging positive behaviorsThe impact of adult behavior on school climateConsistent teaching and reinforcement of expectationsExtending PBIS beyond the classroomThe potential of AI in interpreting school dataBrian emphasizes the need for data-driven decision-making and the value of building positive relationships with students. He also touches on common mistakes teams make with PBIS data and offers suggestions for improvement. The episode concludes with a discussion on the emerging role of AI in education and encourages listeners to explore more about educational technology.Listen to the EdTech Startup Showcase HEREFind Brian Callahan HERE on LinkedIn

This episode is part of the 2024 “National Literacy Month with RIF” campaign, a partnership between the BE Podcast Network and Reading Is Fundamental.Do you feel uncertain about leading literacy instruction? Are you looking to enhance your knowledge of teaching literacy skills? In this episode, I'll share three valuable tips for spearheading literacy initiatives—even if you're not an expert (yet)!Check out my instagram @BarbFlowersCoaching HERE for more tips and strategies!Sign up HERE for a FREE Consultation and learn more about how I can help you with one-on-one coaching.Tired of second-guessing your decisions as a principal? Download my free course! Access it here.

This episode is part of the National Literacy Month series of podcasts, presented in partnership between the Be Podcast Network and Reading Is Fundamental (RIF).In this podcast episode,  Karen Dudek-Brannan, joins us to talk about early literacy assessments, reading interventions, and the importance of collaboration in schools. The conversation covers a range of topics from RTI implementation to the science of reading and the challenges of supporting struggling readers in upper grades. Karen emphasizes the interconnection between reading skills, language development, and executive functioning, and provides advice for principals on fostering collaboration among specialists and teachers.Check out my instagram @BarbFlowersCoaching HERE for more tips and strategies!Sign up HERE for a FREE Consultation and learn more about how I can help you with one-on-one coaching.Tired of second-guessing your decisions as a principal? Download my free course! Access it here.Resources from Dr. Karen:Blog post/pod episode with a list of evaluations for reading, language, and EFAdvocating for the Right to Read and Becoming a Literacy LeaderWhat is Texting Doing to Spelling and Reading Skills Ultimate Guide to Sentence Structure Follow De Facto Leaders for the literacy month series

This episode is part of the 2024 “National Literacy Month with RIF” campaign, a partnership between the BE Podcast Network and Reading Is Fundamental.Are you looking to enhance your instructional leadership skills in alignment with the Science of Reading? In this episode, we're joined by Kari Walchalk, an experienced literacy coach, who shares valuable insights on this critical topic. Our discussion covers:Proven strategies for principals to champion the Science of ReadingLeveraging teacher leaders to effectively implement reading scienceSelf-education tips for diving deeper into the Science of ReadingSupporting struggling readers from upper elementary through high schoolContact Kari Walchalk at walchalk@yahoo.comClick HERE to listen to An Overview of the Science of Reading on The Teacher Burnout PodcastCheck out my instagram @BarbFlowersCoaching HERE for more tips and strategies!Sign up HERE for a FREE Consultation and learn more about how I can help you with one-on-one coaching.Tired of second-guessing your decisions as a principal? Download my free course! Access it here.

This episode is part of the National Literacy Month series of podcasts, presented in partnership between the Be Podcast Network and Reading Is Fundamental (RIF).Do you feel like your school has a culture of literacy? Are you utilizing your school librarian to help build that culture? In this episode, guest Janet Weill shares invaluable insights on:The crucial role of school librarians in educationInnovative literacy programs that have flourished in her districtStrategies for creating a strong culture of literacyPartnering with Reading is Fundamental to get books into students' handsJanet, a veteran teacher librarian and district supervisor, offers practical advice on transforming school libraries into vibrant hubs of learning and fostering a love of reading across all grade levels. Discover how collaboration between administrators, teachers, and librarians can revolutionize literacy in your school.Check out my instagram @BarbFlowersCoaching HERE for more tips and strategies!Sign up HERE for a FREE Consultation and learn more about how I can help you with one-on-one coaching.Tired of second-guessing your decisions as a principal? Download my free course! Access it here.If you've enjoyed this episode, we'd love to have you as a subscriber! You'll get more conversations about literacy, as well as learn about ways you can focus on your well-being and the day-to-day of being a principal. You can also learn more about the other BE Podcast Network shows at https://bepodcast.network and learn more about Reading Is Fundamental at www.rif.org

Are you a school principal feeling overwhelmed as the new academic year approaches? Do you find yourself juggling too many responsibilities and neglecting your own well-being? In this episode of The Principal's Handbook, we talk about three common mistakes principals make during the back-to-school season. Learn how to prioritize initiatives, delegate effectively, and maintain your personal health while leading your school to success. Discover practical strategies to avoid burnout and become a more balanced, impactful leader as you prepare for the new school year.Join my Coaching Program, Maximize Your Time by Clicking HERE.Check out my instagram @BarbFlowersCoaching HERE for more tips and strategies!Click HERE to sign up for a free coaching session. 

Is your school harnessing the power of AI? Are you implementing school-wide strategies to help teachers and students navigate this technology? In this episode, we sit down with Priten Shah, author of "AI and the Future of Education", to explore the impact of artificial intelligence on the educational landscape. Key topics include:Mitigating teacher burnout and reducing workload through AIPotential risks of AI adoption in education, including initial increases in burnoutGuidance for teachers seeking to learn about AI, especially in districts with limited supportStrategies for principals to support AI integration and policy developmentRecommended AI products for schoolsHow AI can streamline administrative tasks for principalsThe limitations of AI detectors and fostering responsible AI use among studentsPriten offers valuable insights on balancing the benefits of AI tools with implementation challenges, emphasizing the need for ongoing professional development and open dialogue with students. This episode provides practical advice for educational leaders navigating the rapidly evolving world of AI in schools.Get Priten Shah's Book HERE.Get my free Ultimate Morning Routine Checklist and Email course by clicking HERE.Join my Coaching Program, Maximize Your Time by Clicking HERE. Join The Resilient Educator Academy HERE.Check out my instagram @BarbFlowersCoaching HERE for more tips and strategies!Click HERE to sign up for a free coaching session. 

Do you thrive on healthy routines during summer, only to struggle when the school year begins? You're not alone! In this episode, I sit down with health and fitness coach Brittany Stout to tackle this common challenge faced by teachers and school staff.We dive into practical strategies for time management, self-care, and maintaining healthy habits amidst the whirlwind of the academic year. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting your teaching journey, this conversation is packed with actionable advice to help you prioritize your well-being without compromising your professional commitments.Join us as we explore:Morning Routines: Kickstart your day with purposeRealistic Goal Setting: Small steps, big impactMindful Breaks: Finding calm in the chaosPreparation and Planning: Setting yourself up for successIdentity Shift: Becoming your healthiest teacher-selfDiscover how to carry your summer wellness momentum into the school year and thrive both in and out of school!Follow Brittany on Instagram HERE!Check out my instagram @BarbFlowersCoaching HERE for more tips and strategies!Sign up for a FREE Consultation HERE.Tired of second-guessing your decisions as a principal? Download my free course! Access it here.

Do you struggle to plan meaningful PD for your staff? In this episode, Jacqui Le-Mon, an assistant principal with extensive experience in providing impactful PD, joins us to share her insights.In this episode, we discuss:Identifying PD Needs: Learn how to identify the specific professional development needs of your staff through classroom observations, teacher evaluations, and feedback from teachers and leadership teams.Effective PD Planning: Discover strategies for planning professional development that is meaningful, continuous, and aligned with school and district goals, ensuring that PD sessions build on previous learning and are practical for teachers.Leveraging Resources: Explore the benefits of utilizing in-house experts, external consultants, and collaborative teacher-led sessions to provide diverse and impactful professional development experiences.Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn.Join The Resilient Educator Academy HERE.Check out my instagram @BarbFlowersCoaching HERE for more tips and strategies!Sign up for a FREE Consultation HERE.Tired of second-guessing your decisions as a principal? Download my free course! Access it here.

Do you feel like you never have enough time? Do you wish you could create more time in your day? The number one thing I hear from clients is how busy they are. In our culture, being busy is often seen as a badge of honor, a sign of importance. But is this constant busyness really serving us?In this episode we will talk about:Reframing Your Perception of Time: We all have the same 24 hours, but our perception varies. Shifting how we view time can help us feel less overwhelmed.Scarcity vs. Abundance Mindset: A scarcity mindset leads to stress and anxiety, while an abundant mindset promotes calm and confidence. Learn to prioritize tasks and enjoy the present moment.Practical Strategies: Implement routines, set realistic priorities, and create boundaries to better manage your time and achieve your goals.Get my free Ultimate Morning Routine Checklist and Email course by clicking HERE.Get $200 off my Coaching Program, Maximize Your Time by Clicking HERE. Offer Ends August 10th.Check out my instagram @BarbFlowersCoaching HERE for more tips and strategies!Click HERE to sign up for a free coaching session.  

Are you ready for the teachers and students to come back to school? Do you have your back-to-school strategy in place? In this episode of The Principal's Handbook, high school principal Mike Geraghty joins me to talk about preparing for the school year.In this episode, we discuss:Preparing for the Opening Staff Meeting: Strategies to ensure your first staff meeting of the year sets a positive and productive tone.Getting the Community Involved for Back-to-School: Effective ways to engage parents, local businesses, and community members in the back-to-school preparations.Helping Students Transition: Practical tips for easing students back into the school routine and making new students feel welcome.Supporting Teachers' Transition: Methods to support and motivate teachers as they return to school and prepare for the year ahead.Tune in to gain valuable insights and actionable tips to ensure a smooth and successful start to the new school year. Don't miss this essential episode as we gear up for an exciting and productive school year!Connect with Mike on LinkedIn.Check out my instagram @BarbFlowersCoaching HERE for more tips and strategies!Sign up for a FREE Consultation HERE.Tired of second-guessing your decisions as a principal? Download my free course! Access it here.

Have you ever felt burned out and like your well-being was pushed to the wayside? In this episode, I am thrilled to welcome David K. Richards, a passionate educator who transitioned from a high-powered career in corporate banking to teaching. David shares his personal journey of facing burnout in his 30s and how he discovered mindfulness as a transformative tool for well-being.Join us for an inspiring conversation that highlights the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being in the demanding field of education. ​Join The Resilient Educator Academy HERE.Check out my instagram @BarbFlowersCoaching HERE for more tips and strategies!Sign up for a FREE Consultation HERE.Tired of second-guessing your decisions as a principal? Download my free course! Access it here. Click HERE to visit David's website.Find David on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Do you find it challenging to discover hobbies you enjoy outside of work? Are there activities you've wanted to explore for fun but haven't had the time?In this episode, we delve into:The significance of cultivating hobbies for personal well-being.Various hobbies you might consider trying out.Reflecting on your current hobbies and those you aspire to pursue.Sign up for a FREE Consultation HERE.Join my nutrition group, HERE.Tired of second-guessing your decisions as a principal? Download my free course! Access it here.Love this show? Leave a 5-star review — even a single sentence helps ensure we continue delivering the content you love to hear.Connect with Barb:WebsiteInstagramLinkedinSign up for Coaching

Do you struggle to get regular movement in when you are off work? Did you know that sitting is the new smoking? In this episode, I share the importance of regular movement and ways you can incorporate it throughout the day. We are going beyond just an exercise routine.In this episode:The importance of movement throughout the dayPractical ways to move at work and outside of workSelf-reflection on how much movement you are currently gettingReflection Questions:How long is your commute to work?What does your workday typically look like?What activities do you engage in after work?Listen in and assess your overall daily movement to improve your health and well-being.Sign up for a FREE Consultation HERE. Join my nutrition group, HERE.Tired of second-guessing your decisions as a principal? Download my free course! Access it here.Love this show? Leave a 5-star review — even a single sentence helps ensure we continue delivering the content you love to hear.Connect with Barb:WebsiteInstagramLinkedinSign up for Coaching

Do you get enough sleep throughout the week? Do you find yourself neglecting sleep to get more done? In this episode, we kick off a self-care series by delving into the crucial topic of sleep. We highlight the cultural tendency to undervalue sleep in favor of a hustle mentality and discuss the profound impact this has on health and leadership effectiveness.In this episode, you will learn:Scientific research revealing how insufficient sleep impairs cognitive function, memory, decision-making, and emotional regulation.Practical tips for improving sleep, such as maintaining a consistent bedtime routine, avoiding screens before bed, getting enough sunlight, limiting alcohol consumption, and exercising regularly.Tired of second-guessing your decisions as a principal? Download my free course! Access it here.Join my nutrition group that starts on July 8th, HERE.Love this show? Leave a 5-star review — even a single sentence helps ensure we continue delivering the content you love to hear.Connect with Barb:WebsiteInstagramLinkedinSign up for Coaching

Do you struggle to hold yourself accountable to your goals or wonder what is truly possible for you? Do you wish you could change your life for the better?In this episode, we will be discussing how life coaching can help you! We'll explore the benefits of having a dedicated coach to guide you, provide support, and help you unlock your full potential. Whether you're looking to improve your personal life or achieve professional success, life coaching can be the catalyst for meaningful change.Tired of second-guessing your decisions as a principal? Download my free course! Access it here.Love this show? Leave a 5-star review — even a single sentence helps ensure we continue delivering the content you love to hear.Join The Resilient Educator Academy HERE. Join my nutrition group that starts on July 8th, HERE.Connect with Barb:WebsiteInstagramLinkedinSign up for Coaching

Do you struggle to find a balance between being productive and resting in the summer? If that's you, I've been there. In this episode, I share three key areas to focus on during the summer to ensure you're prepared for the upcoming school year. It's all about finding that perfect balance between focusing on your health and well-being, and gearing up for the next school year.Join me, Barb Flowers, on The Principal's Handbook, as I dive into practical strategies for making the most of your summer as a principal. We'll explore:WellbeingPreparing for the Opening Meeting with TeachersPlanning and Implementing New InitiativesWhether you're working during the summer or taking a well-deserved break, this episode offers actionable insights to help you strike a balance between productivity and rest. Tune in and get ready to start the new school year feeling rested, prepared, and excited!Tired of second-guessing your decisions as a principal? Download my free course! Access it here.Love this show? Leave a 5-star review — even a single sentence helps ensure we continue delivering the content you love to hear.Connect with Barb:WebsiteInstagramLinkedinSign up for Coaching

Do you struggle to find time to reflect on the past school year? Do you use your reflections to create an action plan moving forward?In this episode, you will learn:Why reflection is importantKey areas to focus on during your reflectionHow to create an actionable planListen now to start reflecting and create an action plan that will help you grow yourself and your school. Take the first step towards a more successful and fulfilling school year!Tired of second-guessing your decisions as a principal? Download my free course! Access it here.Love this show? Leave a 5-star review — even a single sentence helps ensure we continue delivering the content you love to hear.Connect with Barb:WebsiteInstagramLinkedinSign up for Coaching

Do you attend conferences and struggle to implement what you learned when you get back? Do you wish you had someone to share difficult situations with and get advice? In this episode, John Mihalyo and I discuss the importance of making time for ongoing professional development. We explore how masterminds can be a fantastic way to engage in professional learning. John also shares details about his masterminds for Catholic school leaders.If you are a Catholic school leader interested in joining a mastermind, check out John's information below. If you are a public school leader interested in coaching, click the link below.Tired of second-guessing your decisions as a principal? Download my free course! Access it here.Love this show? Leave a 5-star review — even a single sentence helps ensure we continue delivering the content you love to hear.Connect with Barb:WebsiteInstagramLinkedinSign up for CoachingConnect with John:WebsiteLinkedin

Do you struggle to implement new initiatives and get everyone on board? Do you feel like you try to make changes in your building but can't get them accomplished?If that's you, then you need to listen to this episode. Implementation experts Jenice Pizzuto and Steven Carney share insights from their new book, Implement with IMPACT: A Strategic Framework for Leading School and District Initiatives. In this episode, you will learn:What implementation science isHow to implement with IMPACTThe importance of creating sustainable initiatives that are done well and last over timeTired of second-guessing your decisions as a principal? Download my free course! Access it here.Love this show? Leave a 5-star review — even a single sentence helps ensure we continue delivering the content you love to hear.Connect with Barb:WebsiteInstagramLinkedinContact Jenice:Facebook Page InstagramLinkedinWebsiteContact Steven:Linkedin