Principal Office Hours

Nsightz Inc

Finally—a podcast that proves school principals have personalities (and killer insights, too). Every week, join us for candid conversations with K-12 principals who are navigating the beautiful chaos of educational leadership without losing their minds or sense of humor. Each 40-minute episode features real principals sharing what actually works in school leadership—from handling helicopter parents and budget nightmares to building school culture that doesn't make everyone roll their eyes. Consider this your professional development that doesn't feel like professional development. Our guests aren't afraid to share their epic fails alongside their victories. They'll tell you about the initiative that spectacularly bombed during assembly, right before revealing how they turned their school's reading scores around. It's educational leadership with the BS filter turned off. Whether you're currently wearing the principal badge, aspiring to the big chair, or teaching while secretly taking notes on what you'd do differently, Principal Office Hours delivers actionable strategies you can implement faster than a student being sent to detention. Subscribe now and join the faculty lounge conversation that's too real for the school board meeting. New episodes drop every week. Warning: May cause spontaneous leadership growth and occasional inappropriate laughter during staff meetings.

  1. 5 SEPT

    Don't Let Students Fall Through the Cracks Because Adults Can't Get Their Processes Right

    Summary: Join C.T. and guest Kristin Murphy, principal of Saratoga Elementary School in California, as they explore the development and implementation of the Coordination of Student Supports (COST) process within her district. Kristin shares practical insights on building a cohesive team to address academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs through coordinated interventions. She discusses establishing structured meeting schedules, creating agendas, and tracking follow-ups to ensure timely and effective support for students. This episode highlights the importance of collaboration, clear roles, data-informed decisions, and district-wide commitment in creating a successful, sustainable system that benefits students across all schools. Key Takeaways: COST Defined: COST (Coordination of Student Supports) is a centralized, collaborative process within MTSS that coordinates academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports to address the whole child.Importance of Teamwork: Effective COST teams include diverse members such as principals, teachers, specialists, and administrative staff, each bringing unique perspectives to create tailored support for students.Regular, Structured Meetings: Scheduling COST meetings every other week with a clear agenda and timekeeping ensures consistent follow-up and intervention monitoring throughout the school year.Entry and Exit Criteria: Setting specific criteria to determine when students enter or exit interventions helps assess progress, ensures fidelity of support, and allows for data-informed adjustments.Leadership Role: Principals play a crucial role in supporting staff by facilitating meetings, providing resources, and fostering a culture of accountability and teamwork.Overcoming Barriers: Start small by establishing a regular meeting time, build buy-in from district and school staff, and use simple tools like Google Suite to implement COST cost-effectively.Focus on Accountability: Establishing norms for doing what is promised and following up on interventions strengthens the support system and improves student outcomes.Adaptability: The COST process can be adapted for different school levels, and input from all relevant teachers is integrated, especially in middle schools where students have multiple teachers. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Cost Process 00:50 Meet the Expert: Kristen Murphy 02:56 Understanding the Cost Process 06:43 Implementing Cost in Schools 08:46 Key Components and Best Practices 21:07 Effective Meeting Management 23:25 Accountability and Follow-Up 26:01 Building a Supportive School Culture 31:30 Overcoming Implementation Challenges Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with :  Whether you're currently wearing the principal badge, aspiring to the big chair, or teaching while secretly taking notes on what you'd do differently, Principal Office Hours delivers actionable strategies you can implement faster than a student being sent to detention. Subscribe now and join the faculty lounge conversation that's too real for the school board meeting. New episodes drop every week. Warning: May cause spontaneous leadership growth and occasional inappropriate laughter during staff meetings.

    35 min

  2. 31 AUG

    Building School Culture with your Heart, Head and Hands

    Summary: Join C.T. and guest Heidi Fagerness, principal of Chehalis Middle School in Washington State, as they discuss building positive school culture through heart, head, and hands leadership. Heidi shares her daily rituals of gratitude, commitment, and forgiveness that keep her centered and inspired to lead with love and care. Drawing from over 30 years of experience, she emphasizes the power of intentional themes to unify staff and students, fostering hope, perspective, and connection. This episode highlights practical strategies for creating psychological safety, strengthening relationships, and leading with empathy to build a supportive, resilient school community where everyone can thrive. Key Takeaways: Heart, Head, and Hands Leadership: Effective school culture is built through emotional connection (heart), clear thinking and planning (head), and practical action (hands), all infused with love and care.Daily Rituals for Mindset: Practicing gratitude, commitment, and forgiveness daily helps Heidi maintain balance, center herself, and lead with positive energy even on challenging days.Intentional Themes: Setting a meaningful theme each year creates focus, unity, and motivation among staff and students, influencing behavior, mindset, and school climate.Building Trust through Listening: Active listening and creating psychological safety support authentic relationships and empower staff and students to grow and thrive.Restorative Practices: Emphasizing reflection, accountability, and learning from mistakes fosters a supportive discipline approach that prioritizes growth over punishment.Personal Growth and Reflection: Continuous self-awareness and openness to feedback are vital for effective leadership and navigating difficult moments with grace.Community Engagement: Strong partnerships with families, staff, and local organizations contribute to a vibrant, supportive school environment. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Building Culture 00:44 Meet Our Inspiring Guest: Heidi Frans 01:27 Heidi's Journey and Leadership Philosophy 06:45 The Role of Gratitude in Leadership 07:18 Daily Rituals for Success 11:19 The Power of Themes in School Culture 17:09 Instilling Hope in Education 17:37 Recognizing and Celebrating Educators 18:16 Empowering Students Through Movement and Voice 18:58 Developing Themes and Collaborative Planning 20:40 Supporting Individual Students 22:24 Creating a Positive Environment for Discipline 26:31 Teaching Behavior and Accountability 27:35 Seeking Inspiration Beyond Borders 30:58 Reflecting on Global Educational Experiences 33:40 Leading with Love and Gratitude Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Heidi Fagerness: linkedin.com/heidi-fagerness  Whether you're currently wearing the principal badge, aspiring to the big chair, or teaching while secretly taking notes on what you'd do differently, Principal Office Hours delivers actionable strategies you can implement faster than a student being sent to detention. Subscribe now and join the faculty lounge conversation that's too real for the school board meeting. New episodes drop every week. Warning: May cause spontaneous leadership growth and occasional inappropriate laughter during staff meetings.

    37 min

  3. 12 AUG

    How to Get Your Staff to Love Giving their Best in School Without Burning Out

    Summary: Join C.T. and guest JJ Albert, principal of Mark Twain Elementary School in Central California, as they explore effective staff motivation, onboarding, and curriculum management in a low socioeconomic, transitional community. JJ shares how he builds strong rapport with a small teaching staff through visibility and open communication, fostering psychological safety and collaboration. He discusses redesigning pacing guides into flexible, manageable cycles and providing ready-to-use lesson plans to reduce teacher stress and promote instructional fidelity. The conversation also covers strategies for efficient, focused staff meetings and involving teachers in decision-making. This episode offers practical leadership approaches to support teacher growth and sustain motivation while addressing community challenges. Key Takeaways: Strong Rapport and Visibility: JJ emphasizes building personal relationships with a small staff through classroom visits, open communication, and making teachers feel comfortable and supported.Flexible Pacing Guides: He redesigned pacing guides into manageable 4-6 week cycles aligned to essential standards, allowing adjustments for real-world teaching interruptions, which reduces teacher stress and burnout.Instructional Support: JJ and his academic coaches provide ready-to-use lesson plans linked to curriculum standards, shifting teacher focus from planning to delivery and instructional quality.Collaborative Staff Meetings: He transformed meetings to be more efficient and focused on collaboration and instructional strategies, eliminating lengthy announcements and empowering grade-level teamwork.Inclusive Decision-Making: JJ involves teachers in curriculum and instructional decisions, valuing input while maintaining final administrative responsibility to foster ownership and professional growth.Teacher Onboarding and Ongoing Support: New teachers receive comprehensive onboarding covering both operational details and evaluation processes, supported by academic coaches and a collaborative environment.Focus on Student-Centered Service: JJ views education as a service profession, emphasizing clear expectations, professional responsibility, and creating a culture where staff feel valued and motivated to support students.Addressing Challenges of Transient Population: Leading a school with many students who transition in and out, JJ prioritizes coordination with other principals and aligned curricular efforts to provide cohesive student experiences. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode 00:48 Meet JJ Albert: An Experienced Educator 01:34 Understanding Mark Twain Elementary 02:14 Challenges of a Unique School Structure 05:58 Building Rapport with Staff 11:31 Onboarding New Teachers 21:50 Rethinking Pacing Guides 28:00 Streamlining Lesson Plans 32:34 Efficient Staff Meetings 37:10 Advice for Admins Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with:  Whether you're currently wearing the principal badge, aspiring to the big chair, or teaching while secretly taking notes on what you'd do differently, Principal Office Hours delivers actionable strategies you can implement faster than a student being sent to detention. Subscribe now and join the faculty lounge conversation that's too real for the school board meeting. New episodes drop every week. Warning: May cause spontaneous leadership growth and occasional inappropriate...

    42 min

  4. 7 AUG

    Your Title Doesn't Make You Entitled, Even if You're the Principal of a 3,200 Student High School

    Summary: Join C.T. and guest Ron Polk, principal of James Logan High School in California’s New Haven Unified School District, as they explore leadership in one of Northern California’s largest high schools with 3,200 students. Ron shares how his own journey from ESL teacher to award-winning principal shapes his mission to build a culture of trust, care, and accountability. He emphasizes being present, approachable, and invested in students’ lives, fostering school pride, and supporting new teachers with a coaching mindset. This conversation highlights practical strategies for creating a supportive team environment where students take ownership, guided by authentic relationships and high expectations. Key Takeaways: Leadership Rooted in Care and Presence: Ron Polk emphasizes being a visible, approachable presence on campus, fostering genuine relationships with students to build trust and a sense of family within a large school community of over 3,200 students.Coaching Mindset for Staff Support: He supports both new and veteran teachers through coaching, promoting self-reflection and practical strategies to improve classroom management and student engagement, always prioritizing student success.High Expectations Coupled with Support: Ron balances holding students accountable for their effort and behavior with advocating for them and providing care, encouraging self-advocacy and responsibility as essential life skills.Authenticity and Sharing Personal Journey: By sharing his own life story and challenges, he connects with students authentically to inspire hope and resilience, helping them envision possibilities for their futures.Building School Pride and Community: He works intentionally to cultivate school spirit and pride, encouraging students to see their school as a place they belong and from which they carry lifelong connections.Use of Relational Discipline: When discipline issues arise, Ron handles situations thoughtfully—engaging students directly, encouraging reflection, involving parents appropriately, and focusing on growth rather than punishment alone.Data- and Experience-Informed Practices: His leadership draws on decades of educational experience, blending practical classroom knowledge with a deep understanding of community and student needs. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode 00:32 Meet Ron Polk: An Inspirational Educator 01:29 Challenges and Community at James Logan High 02:28 Building School Spirit and Pride 04:35 Mentorship and Leadership Qualities 07:31 The Importance of Care and Trust 11:38 Being Present and Accessible 17:28 Supporting New Teachers 30:16 Navigating the Pandemic's Impact Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Ron Polk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-polk-827015a9/  Whether you're currently wearing the principal badge, aspiring to the big chair, or teaching while secretly taking notes on what you'd do differently, Principal Office Hours delivers actionable strategies you can implement faster than a student being sent to detention. Subscribe now and join the faculty lounge conversation that's too real for the school board meeting. New episodes drop every week. Warning: May cause spontaneous leadership growth and occasional inappropriate laughter during staff meetings.

    39 min

  5. 25 JUL

    How to Give and Receive Feedback at School with Clarity, Consistency and Care

    Summary: Join C.T. and guest Charlotte Pickett, Lead Facilitator at Nea Community Learning Center in Alameda, California, as they explore the art of giving and receiving feedback with care, clarity, and consistency in a diverse TK–8 project-based charter school. Charlotte shares her “Three Cs” leadership framework, emphasizing honest communication, clear expectations, and predictable systems that build trust and support. Drawing from her rich experience in both large districts and small schools, she discusses strategies for creating psychological safety, balancing structure with flexibility, and delivering strength-based feedback that fosters growth and positive relationships among staff, students, and families. Key Takeaways: Three Cs Framework: Leadership anchored in Care, Clarity, and Consistency creates a foundation for trust, respect, and predictable school culture that supports diverse learners and staff.Care as Listening and Honesty: Prioritizing genuine listening, valuing diverse experiences, providing consistent and honest feedback, and fostering open-mindedness strengthen community relationships.Clarity Through Systems: Clear structures, predictable procedures, and transparent communication (especially around behavior and academics) promote fairness and reduce anxiety among students, staff, and families.Consistency Builds Trust: Applying rules and consequences equitably, and maintaining reliable follow-through supports a safe, stable environment.Balancing Structure with Flexibility: Navigating the tension between the intimacy of a small school community and the need for well-defined systems is achieved through feedback cycles and responsiveness to stakeholder input.Effective Feedback Practices: Creating psychological safety for giving and receiving feedback involves honesty, direct but compassionate communication, relationship-building, and follow-up conversations.Personal Growth in Leadership: Charlotte emphasizes ongoing reflection, vulnerability, and support networks as essential for developing the ability to give and receive feedback productively.Project-Based, Inclusive Learning Environment: Nia’s commitment to fostering inquiry, diversity, and student leadership nurtures a rich, culturally responsive educational setting. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Feedback in Leadership 00:28 Meet Charlotte Pickett 01:03 Nia Community Learning Center Overview 02:38 Diversity and Inclusion at Nia 05:22 Framework for the School Year: The Three Cs 07:02 Implementing Care, Clarity, and Consistency 11:41 The Art of Giving and Receiving Feedback 16:33 Personal Growth and Leadership 19:48 Balancing Structure and Flexibility Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Charlotte Pickett: linkedin.com/in/pickettcharlotte/  Whether you're currently wearing the principal badge, aspiring to the big chair, or teaching while secretly taking notes on what you'd do differently, Principal Office Hours delivers actionable strategies you can implement faster than a student being sent to detention. Subscribe now and join the faculty lounge conversation that's too real for the school board meeting. New episodes drop every week. Warning: May cause spontaneous leadership growth and occasional inappropriate laughter during staff meetings.

    37 min

  6. 23 JUL

    How a High School Principal Starts the School Year on a Strong Note

    Summary: Join C.T. and guest Joseph Blasher, principal of Castlemont High School in Oakland, California, as they discuss how data-driven leadership prepares a diverse urban high school for a strong academic year. Joseph shares his six-week planning approach focused on attendance, literacy, and student engagement, aligning staff, students, and families around clear priorities. He highlights the use of empathy interviews by teachers to understand student challenges and the importance of ongoing reflection through department meetings and coaching. This conversation offers practical strategies to build momentum early, adjust plans responsively, and foster a supportive, rigorous school culture. Key Takeaways: Data-Informed Planning: Joseph emphasizes using diverse data sources—attendance, literacy assessments, student surveys—to prioritize focus areas and track progress.Structured Six-Week Cycles: A detailed six-week plan guides student engagement, attendance efforts, and academic interventions, allowing timely reflection and adjustments.Empathy Interviews: Teachers conduct regular qualitative check-ins with students to understand barriers and adapt teaching responsively.Collaborative Practices: Weekly department meetings and coaching encourage continuous improvement, shared strategies, and professional development.Clear Roles and Communication: Defined responsibilities for staff, students, and families create alignment and accountability for meeting school-wide goals.Holistic, Trauma-Informed Approach: Leadership balances academic rigor with social-emotional awareness, responding to community challenges with resilience and care. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:45 Meet the Principal: Joseph Blecher 01:20 About Castlemont High School 03:10 Challenges and Emotions of Graduation 04:14 Using Data to Prepare for the School Year 06:29 The Six-Week Plan 07:21 Setting Priorities and Goals 25:22 Empathy Interviews and Teacher Support 30:08 Advice for New Principals Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Joseph Blasher: linkedin.com/in/joseph-blasher-142938b  Whether you're currently wearing the principal badge, aspiring to the big chair, or teaching while secretly taking notes on what you'd do differently, Principal Office Hours delivers actionable strategies you can implement faster than a student being sent to detention. Subscribe now and join the faculty lounge conversation that's too real for the school board meeting. New episodes drop every week. Warning: May cause spontaneous leadership growth and occasional inappropriate laughter during staff meetings.

    34 min

  7. 21 JUL

    People Work for People-Ensuring Students Have What They Need to Succeed is a Form of Caring for Staff

    Summary: Join C.T. and guest Dr. Latora Baldridge, Head of Schools at Lodestar within the Lighthouse Community Public Schools in Oakland, California, as they dive into what it means to lead with intentional presence and foster a sustainable, student-centered culture across a TK–12 campus. This engaging conversation highlights Dr. Baldridge’s holistic leadership approach, her focus on building strong, distributed teams, and the practices that have produced notable gains in student achievement, college readiness, and teacher retention—with a 90% staff retention rate and 88% of graduates meeting California’s A–G college requirements. Key Takeaways: Intentional Presence and Prioritization: Leadership must be intentional about presence, with priorities clearly defined and reflected in daily and weekly schedules. This ensures that staff and student needs are addressed proactively, not reactively.Empowering Teams: Spreading leadership capacity by building strong, empowered teams enhances a school’s ability to meet diverse needs and maintain a cohesive culture across all grade levels.Human-First Culture: Valuing humility and connection above authority creates a culture where everyone—students, teachers, and families—feels seen, heard, and supported.Routine, Purposeful Check-Ins: Regular, informal check-ins (“five-minute good, bad, and ugly”) with staff help surface issues early, prevent small problems from becoming large, and foster a reciprocal, trusting culture.Systems of Student Support: Data-driven, coordinated student support systems (like MTSS and COST) are core to ensuring students get what they need to thrive. This, in turn, directly supports teachers by reducing classroom stress and burnout.Delegation and Focus: Leaders must delegate non-priority tasks, aligning all work to a short list of top priorities, and be willing to let go of activities that do not serve the school’s central mission.Celebrating Community and Milestones: Bringing together the whole TK–12 community for celebrations (e.g., “Declaration Day”) strengthens the “family school” vibe, provides role models for younger students, and fosters a sense of belonging.Special Education as Good Teaching: Supporting students with diverse needs requires systemic, schoolwide attention and communication—not just the efforts of individual teachers.Adaptability and Communication: Systems should be flexible, transparent, and responsive. When interventions do not work, leaders must communicate openly, adjust, and keep the community informed. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:45 Guest Introduction: Dr. Latora Baldridge 01:26 Exploring Lodestar Lighthouse Community Public Schools 02:46 Managing a TK-12 Campus 10:40 Intentional Leadership and Staff Connection 28:41 Prioritizing Student Support Systems 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:45 Guest Introduction: Dr. Lara Baldridge 01:26 Exploring Lodestar Lighthouse Community Public Schools 02:46 Managing a TK-12 Campus 10:40 Intentional Leadership and Staff Connection 28:41 Prioritizing Student Support Systems 38:50 Advice for School Administrators Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Dr. Latora Baldridge: linkedin.com/in/latora-baldridge-000 ...

    43 min

  8. 17 JUL

    Principals, Do This for a Huge Boost to Your School Culture -Walk Around

    Summary: CT sits down with William Nee, principal of Oakland Unity High School in Oakland, California, for an in-depth discussion on “active supervision” in school leadership. Rather than adopting a traditional, office-bound approach, William spends most of his school days on his feet, actively engaging with students, staff, and the school environment. This episode explores William’s philosophy and the real-world practicalities of his “mobile office” approach, his focus on relationships, and the outcomes his school has achieved. Key Takeaways: Active supervision is a proactive, intentional strategy that involves moving around, scanning all areas, and frequently interacting with students—whether in classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, or transitions.Prevents and addresses behavioral issues, reduces challenging behaviors, and increases on-task and positive behavior.Fosters student safety by monitoring all students, anticipating risks, and responding quickly to prevent injuries or unsafe situations.Builds stronger relationships between staff and students through regular, informal interactions, encouraging positive feedback, and providing timely support when needed.Increases student engagement and learning assistance by identifying students who need help and offering immediate, developmentally appropriate feedback and redirection.Promotes a positive school culture by reinforcing expectations, prompting appropriate behavior, and delivering corrective actions as needed—all in a fair, consistent, and relational manner.Effective in all settings and age groups, including classrooms, outdoor play, transitions, and after-school activities, and is adaptable to different levels of risk and student independence.Requires minimal resources but yields significant benefits, reducing disruptions and increasing safety with simple strategies like proximity, scanning, and regular student check-ins.Staff training and intentional setup are essential—active supervision works best when the environment is organized for visibility, staff are positioned strategically, and everyone understands their role in supervision Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Active Supervision 00:57 Meet Principal William Nee 01:12 The Oakland Unity High School Story 03:11 The Evolution of School Discipline 04:42 The Power of Active Supervision 05:49 A Day in the Life of Principal Nee 08:29 The Importance of Presence 09:36 Lessons from the Hallways 13:59 Building Relationships and Community 16:36 The Impact of Active Supervision 17:39 Engaging with Students in the Hallway 18:41 Balancing Administrative Duties and School Culture 19:35 The Importance of Being Present 21:30 Tools and Techniques for Effective Supervision 23:18 Adapting Leadership Styles Post-COVID 25:54 Focusing on Academic Results 31:06 Advice for Implementing Active Supervision Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with William Nee: linkedin.com/in/william-nee-a16b00233  Whether you're currently wearing the principal badge, aspiring to the big chair, or teaching while secretly taking notes on what you'd do differently, Principal Office Hours delivers actionable strategies you can implement faster than a student being...

    34 min
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About

Finally—a podcast that proves school principals have personalities (and killer insights, too). Every week, join us for candid conversations with K-12 principals who are navigating the beautiful chaos of educational leadership without losing their minds or sense of humor. Each 40-minute episode features real principals sharing what actually works in school leadership—from handling helicopter parents and budget nightmares to building school culture that doesn't make everyone roll their eyes. Consider this your professional development that doesn't feel like professional development. Our guests aren't afraid to share their epic fails alongside their victories. They'll tell you about the initiative that spectacularly bombed during assembly, right before revealing how they turned their school's reading scores around. It's educational leadership with the BS filter turned off. Whether you're currently wearing the principal badge, aspiring to the big chair, or teaching while secretly taking notes on what you'd do differently, Principal Office Hours delivers actionable strategies you can implement faster than a student being sent to detention. Subscribe now and join the faculty lounge conversation that's too real for the school board meeting. New episodes drop every week. Warning: May cause spontaneous leadership growth and occasional inappropriate laughter during staff meetings.

Information

  • Creator
    Nsightz Inc
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Nsightz Inc
  • Show Website
    Principal Office Hours