Interventions and Detentions

bradtarggart
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Interventions and Detentions is where education meets real talk. Hosted by principal Brad Targgart, the podcast dives into the challenges, celebrations, and realities of life in schools today. From why good teachers leave, to the power of collaboration, to building stronger interventions and leadership practices, Brad brings honesty, reflection, and humor to every episode. Along the way, he unpacks stories from the frontlines of education, reflects on lessons learned, and offers both practical insights and lighthearted moments that remind us why the work matters. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or someone passionate about the future of education, Interventions and Detentions will leave you with ideas to carry back into your own practice—plus a few laughs along the way.

  1. 5D AGO

    Episode 2:23 Recess Matters More Than You Think

    Episode 2:23 – Recess Matters More Than You Think When was the last time we really stopped to think about recess? In this episode of Interventions & Detentions, Brad takes a deep dive into the history of recess in American schools, how it has evolved over time, and why it may be one of the most misunderstood parts of the school day. From the impact of high-stakes testing to the debate over recess before or after lunch, this conversation explores how scheduling decisions shape student behavior, regulation, and learning. Brad also unpacks the social power of recess — where leadership emerges, conflict is navigated, and resilience is built. Most importantly, this episode challenges us to reconsider play not as a break from learning, but as a foundational part of it. Unstructured play isn’t fluff. It’s developmental. It’s neurological. And it may be more protective than we realize. If you’re an educator, school leader, or parent who cares about the whole child, this episode will give you practical insights and perspective shifts you can apply immediately. Because sometimes the most important learning happens outside.

    43 min

  2. FEB 6

    Episode 2:22 Grading With Fluidity, Not Finality with Dave a Nagel

    Making Learning Visible — A Conversation on Visible Grading with Dave Nagel What if grading didn’t signal the end of learning, but instead helped students see where they are, where they’re going, and how to get there? In this episode, Brad is joined by Dave Nagel, educational consultant, coach, and co-author of Grading Visible Learners: Learning With Fluidity, Not Finality, for a thoughtful conversation on Visible Grading and its connection to student learning. Dave unpacks how traditional grading practices can unintentionally shut learning down—and how visible grading shifts the focus from point accumulation to clarity, feedback, and growth. Drawing from research connected to Visible Learning, Dave shares practical ways educators can make grading more transparent, meaningful, and supportive for students and teachers alike. In this episode, you’ll hear: • What “visible grading” really means in classrooms • How grading can support learning rather than finalize it • Why clarity and feedback matter more than points • What convinces skeptical educators to rethink grading practices • Practical shifts teachers and leaders can make without overhauling everything Whether you’re a classroom teacher, instructional coach, or school leader, this conversation will challenge how you think about grades—and how they impact learning.

    1h 11m

  3. JAN 30

    Episode2:21 The Teaching Code Of Ethics

    Season 2, Episode 21 The Code We Don’t Talk About: Ethics, Teaching, & the Lines We Cross We see posts about teacher ethics all the time. We like them. We share them. We agree with them. But we rarely slow down and talk about what ethics actually look like on our hardest days. In this episode, Brad takes a post he came across while scrolling Facebook on The Teachers Community and turns it into a real, honest conversation about ethics in education—beyond posters, policies, and sound bites. This is not an episode about calling teachers out. It’s about calling ourselves back in. We unpack what it means to: • Stay committed to students when they challenge us • Practice integrity when no one is watching • Protect the dignity of the profession during burnout • Navigate relationships with colleagues, parents, and community • Use authority and discipline in ways that build rather than break Ethics aren’t tested when teaching is easy. They’re tested when we’re tired, frustrated, and stretched thin. If you’ve ever questioned whether your actions still match your values—this conversation is for you.

    18 min

  4. JAN 23

    Episode 2:20 Classroom Management Didn’t Fail... The Social Contract Did.

    Classroom management hasn’t changed — but the culture around it has. In this episode of Interventions and Detentions, we examine how enforcing expectations now happens in a climate where authority is questioned, limits are challenged, and support for educators is inconsistent. This isn’t about better strategies or stricter rules. It’s about what happens when the shared understanding that adults deserve dignity while doing their job breaks down. If you’ve ever felt blamed for holding the line everyone claims to want held, this episode puts words to that reality.

    32 min

  5. JAN 16

    Episode 2:19 From the Classroom to the Office

    In Episode 2:19 of Interventions and Detentions, Brad sits down with Stuart Smith, a veteran educator who recently made the jump from the 5th grade classroom to the assistant principal’s office. With over 27 years in education, Stuart shares honest insights on leading former peers, navigating the realities of administration, and keeping a teacher’s heart while stepping into leadership. This episode is a must-listen for educators curious about leadership and administrators who remember what those first days in the office really felt like.

    54 min

  6. JAN 9

    Episode 2:18 Peer Mediation in Middle Schools

    In this episode of Interventions and Detentions with Brad, we take a realistic look at when peer mediation works, when it doesn’t, and why power dynamics matter. We also clarify how peer-led programs like Sources of Strength support school culture without replacing mediation. Grounded in real middle school leadership experience, this conversation focuses on student safety, appropriate interventions, and practical decision-making in high-needs schools.

    30 min

  7. JAN 2

    Episode 2:17 2025 Year in a Review: The Wins, The Wounds, and The Work

    2025 was a year that asked a lot of educators. In this reflective solo episode of Interventions and Detentions, I pause to look back on the wins, the wounds, and the work that defined the year in schools. I unpack the major themes that surfaced across classrooms and leadership offices—instruction coming back to the center, behavior as a signal rather than a problem, leadership fatigue, and the growing parent-school divide. I also reflect on the conversations that shaped this podcast in 2025 and the quiet victories that too often go unnoticed. This episode isn’t about trends or quick fixes. It’s about naming what was real, honoring the people who carried the work, and clarifying what matters as we move forward. If you made it through 2025 in education, this one’s for you.

    39 min

  8. 12/19/2025

    Episode 2:16 – Leading with Instruction

    In this episode of Interventions & Detentions, Brad sits down with Andrew Barrand, first-year principal at Lakeland Intermediate School, to explore the powerful connection between high-quality instruction and student behavior. Together, they discuss how engaging teaching practices, proactive classroom strategies, and Conscious Discipline can reduce behavior issues before they begin. Andrew also reflects on lessons learned in his first year as a building leader, the shift from classroom teacher to principal, and advice for educators aspiring to lead—all while keeping teaching and learning at the center of school leadership.

    45 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Interventions and Detentions is where education meets real talk. Hosted by principal Brad Targgart, the podcast dives into the challenges, celebrations, and realities of life in schools today. From why good teachers leave, to the power of collaboration, to building stronger interventions and leadership practices, Brad brings honesty, reflection, and humor to every episode. Along the way, he unpacks stories from the frontlines of education, reflects on lessons learned, and offers both practical insights and lighthearted moments that remind us why the work matters. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or someone passionate about the future of education, Interventions and Detentions will leave you with ideas to carry back into your own practice—plus a few laughs along the way.

Information

  • Creator
    bradtarggart
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Interventions and Detentions