Episodes
Do you spend enough time thinking about your own health and well-being? In this episode guest, Bonnie Finnerty joins us and shares how she transformed her stress-induced health crisis into a mission to help school leaders balance their work and well-being. In this eye-opening podcast, Finnerty shares practical strategies for administrators to improve their health, productivity, and school culture, including the game-changing "End of Day Routine" and tips for better sleep. Learn why...
Published 11/26/24
Published 11/26/24
In this episode, we dive into the world of Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) and Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs) with guest Christina Hidek, founder of PTO Answers. Christina shares her extensive experience as a PTO leader and professional organizer, offering valuable insights on how to strengthen the collaboration between schools and parent groups. Listeners will learn: The differences between PTAs and PTOsStrategies for increasing parent engagementHow principals can effectively support...
Published 11/19/24
Dealing with ongoing stress and overwhelm in your role as a school leader? In this episode, we dive deep into the world of principal burnout. You'll learn: What burnout really is and its root causesMy personal journey through burnout and how I overcame itPractical strategies to prevent and overcome burnout in your leadership roleWhether you're on the brink of burnout or looking to build your resilience, this episode offers valuable insights for every principal. Other podcast episodes that may...
Published 11/12/24
Do you often struggle with criticizing yourself? As a principal, your leadership decisions can weigh heavily on your mind. You may find yourself critiquing how you handled situations and ruminating on them long after the school day ends. In this must-listen episode for educational leaders, I delve into: Three common ways we judge ourselves in high-stakes environmentsThe surprising effects of self-judgment on your leadership effectivenessThree powerful strategies to stop judging yourself and...
Published 11/05/24
Are you struggling with conflict in your school? In this must-listen episode, guest Jen Schwanke, author of 'The Principal's Guide to Conflict', joins to tackle one of the most challenging aspects of school leadership. Discover why conflict isn't always bad, learn a practical three-step process for managing disagreements, and gain invaluable insights on maintaining your cool when tensions run high. Whether you're a seasoned principal or new to the role, this episode offers game-changing...
Published 10/29/24
Do you struggle to connect with one or more of the teachers you work with? In this episode of The Principal's Handbook, we will tackle a common challenge faced by school leaders: connecting with teachers who seem difficult to reach.  Key points covered: Recognizing and managing your own biases and assumptionsThe importance of spending more time with challenging staff membersTailoring your support to meet individual teachers' needsWhether you're struggling with a single teacher or an entire...
Published 10/22/24
In this episode of the Principal's Handbook podcast, guest Will Parker joins the show,  an experienced educator, author, and podcast host. They discuss Will's book "Pause, Breathe, Flourish: Living Your Best Life as an Educator" and explore strategies for maintaining work-life balance in educational leadership roles. Click HERE to get my Free Guide for Setting Boundaries Check out my instagram @BarbFlowersCoaching HERE for more tips and strategies! Sign up HERE for a FREE Consultation and...
Published 10/15/24
Here's an edited version of the text, improving clarity and correcting grammatical errors: Do you struggle to set boundaries as a principal? Do you find that you can't set boundaries because everything seems like an emergency? I get it; I've been there.  In this episode, we'll discuss: How to handle situations when you can't set a boundary due to a genuine emergencyWho you should set boundaries withExamples of effective boundariesThe importance of principals modeling boundary-settingWhy...
Published 10/08/24
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...
Published 10/01/24
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)! Join Principal Coaching Week: Connecting with Staff by clicking HERE Check out my instagram...
Published 09/24/24
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...
Published 09/17/24
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...
Published 09/10/24
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...
Published 09/03/24
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...
Published 08/27/24
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...
Published 08/20/24
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...
Published 08/19/24
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...
Published 08/13/24
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....
Published 08/06/24
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...
Published 07/30/24
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...
Published 07/23/24
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...
Published 07/16/24
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...
Published 07/09/24
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,...
Published 07/02/24
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...
Published 06/25/24