A Matter of Principals

Association of Washington School Principals

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A Matter of Principals is the podcast from AWSP, the Association of Washington School Principals. We exist to support principals and the principalship in the education of all students. We believe strong leaders create strong schools and strong students. Join us.

4 days ago

Tyler Dockins on Hiring Teachers by Letting Them Teach First

In this episode of A Matter of Principals, AWSP Deputy Director Jack Arend sits down with Tyler Dockins, principal of Irene Reither Elementary School in Meridian School District, to explore an innovative approach to hiring teachers and building a thriving school culture. Leading a pre-K–5 school with more than 800 students and 100 staff members, Tyler believes that great teaching deserves a hiring process that goes beyond traditional interview questions. Instead of relying solely on what candidates say they can do, his school gives them an opportunity to demonstrate their instructional skills in front of students. Tyler walks listeners through the process, from screening applicants and learning their stories to classroom demonstration lessons, student feedback, and simulated instructional coaching conversations. He explains how the approach helps identify teachers with strong potential, creates meaningful professional learning opportunities for existing staff, and strengthens trust in hiring decisions. The conversation also explores the leadership lessons behind implementing a new system: challenging traditional practices, collaborating with district leaders, using resources creatively, and sharing effective strategies across schools. Throughout the episode, Tyler emphasizes the importance of hiring for potential, fostering a love for the craft of teaching, and surrounding yourself with people who make you better. For principals and assistant principals looking to improve hiring practices, strengthen school culture, and put the AWSP Leadership Framework into action, this episode offers a practical model worth exploring. Special Guest: Tyler Dockins.
18 Oct

An Idea Is Not Implementation: Andrea Dixon-Hundredmark on Safety, Systems, and Student Success

Great leadership isn’t just about implementing new ideas. It’s about building systems that work—and having the courage to recognize when they don’t. In this episode of A Matter of Principals, AWSP Deputy Director Jack Arend sits down with Andrea Dixon-Hundredmark, principal of the Weston campus and Director of Student Safety for Arlington Public Schools. Andrea shares how her team at Weston is rethinking traditional approaches to education to better serve students whose needs and experiences don’t always fit conventional school structures. From innovative credit-recovery opportunities to removing everyday barriers to learning, the campus is creating meaningful opportunities for students to experience success. The conversation also explores ANCHOR (Assessment, Needs, Collaboration, Help, and Ongoing Review), a developing district-level initiative designed to strengthen behavioral threat assessment practices. Working alongside Northwest ESD 189, Andrea and her colleagues are identifying gaps, building staff capacity, and creating more consistent systems that support students and school leaders. Throughout the conversation, Andrea emphasizes the importance of relationships, collaborative problem-solving, and the difference between having a good idea and implementing it effectively. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How the Weston campus is reimagining student success through flexible, responsive systems. Why relationships and trust are foundational to effective school leadership. How ANCHOR supports building-level behavioral threat assessment teams. The importance of moving beyond training to coaching, implementation, and ongoing support. Why identifying gaps in existing systems is an opportunity for growth. How school leaders can approach challenging situations with curiosity rather than immediately turning to correction. Andrea leaves listeners with a powerful reminder: Get curious before you get corrective. Listen in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, innovation, school safety, and creating opportunities for every student to succeed. Special Guest: Andrea Dixon-Hundredmark.
11 Oct

Gary Kipp on Leadership, Learning, and the Framework That Shaped a State

In this special episode of A Matter of Principals, David Morrill sits down with former AWSP Executive Director Gary Kipp to explore the origins and evolution of the AWSP Leadership Framework. As one of the key architects of the framework, Gary reflects on the educational shifts that shaped its development, including the move from classroom autonomy toward greater system alignment, the impact of No Child Left Behind, and the Race to the Top initiative that accelerated the adoption of performance-based evaluation systems. Gary shares the story of how a small group of practitioners and researchers spent two years identifying the most important leadership responsibilities that influence student learning. Those original seven responsibilities ultimately became the foundation of the AWSP Leadership Framework used by principals and assistant principals across Washington State today. The conversation also explores common misconceptions about the framework, including the tendency to view it as a checklist or evaluation tool rather than a planning and improvement framework. Gary discusses the interconnected nature of leadership, why no criterion exists in isolation, and how principals can use the framework proactively to improve culture, instruction, and student outcomes. Whether you’re new to school leadership or have worked with the framework for years, this episode provides valuable context about its purpose, history, and enduring relevance.
4 Oct

Kim Doepker & Heidi Fagerness on Leadership, Learning, and Finding Your People

In this episode of A Matter of Principals, AWSP Associate Director Gina Yonts sits down with two outstanding middle school leaders: Kim Doepker and Heidi Fagerness. What unfolds is less an interview and more a conversation between colleagues who have become trusted thought partners through their involvement with AWSP and the Middle Level Leadership Committee. Kim and Heidi reflect on their unique journeys into leadership, discuss the challenges and opportunities of middle school leadership, and share how collaboration with fellow principals has strengthened their work around MTSS, school improvement, data analysis, systems development, and culture-building. Throughout the conversation, their complementary leadership styles become clear. Kim describes herself as a systems-focused leader who thrives on creating structures and clarity, while Heidi embraces her role as a culture-focused leader who prioritizes relationships, trust, and belonging. Together, they explore what it means to be vulnerable as a leader, how professional networks accelerate growth, and why every principal needs people they can call when challenges arise. The episode serves as a reminder that great leadership is not about having all the answers—it’s about creating the conditions for learning, growth, and collaboration among students, staff, and fellow leaders. Special Guests: Heidi Fagerness and Kim Doepker.
27 Sept

Manny Rangel on Relationships, Advocacy, and Belonging

In this episode of A Matter of Principals, AWSP Associate Director Gina Yonts sits down with Manny Rangel, assistant principal at La Center Middle School, for a heartfelt conversation about leadership, belonging, and the life-changing power of relationships. Drawing from his experiences growing up in the Yakima Valley, serving in the military, coaching basketball, and working in school leadership, Manny shares the mentors and educators who helped shape his path. Those experiences continue to fuel his passion for ensuring students and families feel seen, valued, and supported. Throughout the conversation, Manny reflects on the importance of advocacy, family engagement, inclusion, and creating meaningful connections with students—especially those who may feel disconnected from school or uncertain about their future. He shares stories about supporting immigrant families, strengthening parent participation, improving student attendance, and helping students recognize their own potential. At the heart of every story is a simple belief: relationships come first. For school leaders, the episode offers a powerful reminder that leadership is not about fixing people—it’s about helping them see what is possible and ensuring they never walk alone. Special Guest: Manny Rangel.
20 Sept

Leading for Communication, Culture, and Student Success with Nick Birklid

In this episode of A Matter of Principals, AWSP Deputy Director Jack Arend sits down with Nick Birklid, principal of Eatonville Elementary, to discuss leadership growth, school culture, and the importance of creating systems that support both students and staff. Nick shares his journey from teacher and coach to principal, reflecting on how his early focus on systems evolved into a deeper understanding of communication, trust, and culture-building. He candidly discusses lessons learned from previous leadership experiences and explains how those lessons have shaped his work at Eatonville Elementary. The conversation explores the school's efforts around inclusion, distributed leadership, staff collaboration, and supporting students receiving special education services. Nick also shares practical examples of how he creates opportunities for teachers and paraeducators to contribute to decision-making and student success. Throughout the episode, one theme remains consistent: great systems matter, but culture is what allows those systems to succeed. Listeners will come away with practical leadership insights about communication, vulnerability, continuous improvement, and the importance of building schools where every student feels they belong. Special Guest: Nick Birklid.
14 Sept

Family, Trust, and Academic Excellence: A Conversation with Dr. Heather Hastie-Ulery

In this episode of A Matter of Principals, AWSP Associate Director Scott Friedman sits down with Dr. Heather Hastie-Ulery, principal of Davis High School in Yakima School District, to explore how authentic relationships, student voice, and high expectations are shaping a thriving school community. Serving more than 2,000 students in one of Washington's most diverse high schools, Heather shares how Davis has embraced the concept of authentic cariño—a culture of care that extends beyond relationships to include academic excellence, student belonging, and community engagement. The conversation explores the school's advisory system, student voice circles, family engagement strategies, and distributed leadership structures that have helped improve outcomes for students while strengthening trust among staff, students, and families. Heather also reflects on the importance of listening deeply, empowering others to lead, and creating systems that ensure every student feels known, valued, and challenged. This episode offers practical leadership insights for principals and assistant principals seeking to strengthen culture, improve engagement, and create schools where all students can thrive. Special Guest: Dr. Heather Hastie-Ulery.
7 Sept

Kids First, Systems Second: Leading for Impact with Ryan Arnold

In this episode of Principal Matters, Scott Friedman sits down with East Valley High School Principal Ryan Arnold to discuss his leadership journey from classroom teacher to principal and the lessons he's learned along the way. Ryan shares how strong relationships, instructional leadership, and distributive leadership have shaped his approach to leading a high school. He discusses building trust with students and staff, creating a positive school culture, supporting continuous improvement, and developing sustainable systems that outlast any one leader. The conversation explores the importance of human connection in education, the role of school climate in driving student success, and why effective leadership begins with helping people feel seen, understood, and valued. Key topics include: • Relationship-centered leadership • Building school culture and climate • Instructional leadership • Staff empowerment and distributive leadership • Continuous improvement systems • Student belonging and engagement • Career and postsecondary readiness • Creating sustainable change in schools Whether you're a new administrator or a veteran school leader, this episode offers practical insights into creating the conditions where students and staff can thrive. Special Guest: Ryan Arnold.

A Matter of Principals is the podcast from AWSP, the Association of Washington School Principals. We exist to support principals and the principalship in the education of all students. We believe strong leaders create strong schools and strong students. Join us.

Creator

Association of Washington School Principals
Years Active

2015 - 2026
Episodes

57
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Association of Washington School Principals
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A Matter of Principals

Comedy

Comedy

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