In this episode of "Better Teaching: Only Stuff That Works," host Gene Tavernetti sits down with veteran educator James Hardin. With over 20 years of experience as a principal, James shares actionable insights and personal anecdotes from his career. Topics include effective administration across various school settings, the importance of focused instruction, fostering teacher growth through coaching, and the critical role of leadership in educational success. James emphasizes the need for principals to be both instructional leaders and supportive coaches, providing practical advice for new and seasoned administrators alike. 00:00 Introduction to Better Teaching Podcast00:28 Meet James Hardin: A Veteran Educator02:15 Unique Experiences in Independent Schools04:13 Differences in Teaching Levels05:30 Effective Teaching Strategies Across Levels07:39 Leadership and Coaching in Education08:49 Building a Collaborative Teaching Environment13:42 The Role of Instructional Leadership23:03 Meeting James Hardin: A Story of Ambition23:39 Setting High Expectations in a High-Performing School25:14 Building Consensus Among Teachers28:28 Achieving Top Scores and Recognition31:11 Transitioning Between Different Socioeconomic Schools34:46 The Role of a Principal as an Instructional Coach38:15 Advice for New Principals