360. Time, Tools, and Tactics for Real Instructional Leadership: Featuring Dr. Joseph Jones and Dr. T.J. Vari

Update: 2025-12-07

Description

What if the difference between surviving the principalship and loving it again came down to how you spend 90 minutes of your day?

In this energizing episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with longtime collaborators Dr. Joseph Jones and Dr. T.J. Vari from The Schoolhouse 302 to explore how their new book, Time, Tools and Tactics of Instructional Leadership, A Principal’s Guide to Leading Learning, helps leaders escape operational overload and step fully into the role of instructional leader.

Joe and T.J. share the story behind their partnership, from trail runs at White Clay Creek to blogging, keynoting, and coaching leaders across the country, all centered on one belief, iron sharpens iron and leadership should never be left to chance. They unpack practical systems like asking, “Does this need to get done now, and does it need to be done by me?”, reverse time blocking, and their AFA framework, anchor, focus, align, which together help administrators reclaim their calendars and refocus on what happens in classrooms.

Listeners will hear how nine concrete leadership systems make it realistic to visit four to six classrooms a day, deliver specific, neuroscience-informed praise, and build clarity around a small set of high-leverage “look fors” that every teacher understands and can grow toward. Whether you are an aspiring leader, a new assistant principal, or a veteran principal feeling stuck in management mode, this conversation offers a clear first step, audit your calendar, define what 50 percent instructional work could look like, and start removing the “pebbles in your shoe” that keep you from leading learning with purpose and impact.

About Dr. Joseph Jones

Dr. Joseph Jones is the Superintendent of New Castle County Vocational and Technical School District. Starting his career as a social studies teacher, he rose to the principalship at Delcastle Technical High School, earning Delaware's Outstanding Academic Achievement Award and Secondary Principal of the Year. He holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Delaware and co-founded TheSchoolHouse302, a leadership development institute with an international footprint. Dr. Jones is a recognized speaker and co-author of 6 books on educational leadership.

About Dr. TJ Vari

Dr. T.J. Vari is the Senior Director of Product Strategy at MaiaLearning with a focus on postsecondary planning for students worldwide. Dr. Vari is a former deputy superintendent, middle school assistant principal and principal, and high school English teacher. Dr. Vari is an award-winning educator, recognized speaker, and the co-founder of TheSchoolHouse302, a leadership development company with an international footprint. He is the co-author of 6 books on educational leadership, which are the basis for his speaking engagements, coaching, and leadership development institutes.

Follow Dr. Joseph Jones:

Website: www.theschoolhouse302.com

Twitter: @supt_Jones

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Theschoolhouse302

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suptjones/

Follow T.J. Vari:

Website: www.theschoolhouse302.com

Twitter: @tjvari

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Theschoolhouse302

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-t-j-vari-78726b40/

New Book: (Preorder Now Available)

https://www.amazon.com/Time-Tools-Tactics-Instructional-Leadership/dp/1041200293?crid=163O5PHHMK5AC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ptgUvKWxjHFmtsg976PBtrY_Ie6bcXxaPs-90x8QuL_GjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.b6gNQqTpL1s6v-pNUHKnfF2548QDnELLYMhIodp4Qmg&dib_tag=se&keywords=tj+vari+instructional+leadership&qid=1765077137&sprefix=tj+vari+instructional+leadershi%2Caps%2C152&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=49b368fdf57f59d7a69f7bc587ce2056&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

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The Language of Behavior is an essential guide for school leaders committed to transforming their school culture and addressing student behavior through a more compassionate, effective approach. Drawing on their extensive experience in education, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper challenge outdated disciplinary practices and offer a clear, trauma-informed framework that empowers educators to interpret student behavior as a form of communication. Through three core tenets—Consider the Environment, Explore the Root Causes of Behavior, and Respond with Intentionality—this book equips leaders with actionable strategies to foster positive behavior, build stronger relationships, and cultivate a more supportive school climate.

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Need a Presenter for a conference or school PD?

Contact Brad Waid to book Joshua Stamper for your next event on Improving Student Behavior, Impacting School Mental Health, or Creating healthy habits.