The Principal Exchange Podcast

Episode 17: What January You Needs From December You

The holidays in schools are a mix of joy, chaos, and exhaustion. Kids are hyped, staff are stretched, and the calendar is packed.
In this episode, we’re breaking down quick, practical strategies to help you finish December strong—and set January-you up for success. From prepping for sub shortages and organizing parent help, to rethinking staff gifts and anchoring fun in learning, these simple moves will help you keep things steady now and start the new year with momentum.
Because December-you is tired. But January-you? They’ll thank you for what you do this month.
If you’re ready to make it through the holiday stretch without burning out, start here. This episode will help you lead with clarity, calm, and just enough cheer to carry your school across the finish line.
 
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The Principal Pause: Thanksgiving Break

This week, we’re doing what we always tell principals to do—taking a break when schools take a break.
In this short Thanksgiving episode, Sarah & Andra pop in (pie in hand and laptops closed!) to say thank you to the incredible community of leaders who show up here every week. Between laughter about family traditions, parade memories, and Black Friday nostalgia, they share one simple challenge: pause, reflect, and name three things you’re grateful for that have nothing to do with school.
Because rest isn’t earned—it’s essential.
So kick back, close your computer, and know that you are deeply appreciated. We’ll see you next week for a full episode—but for now, enjoy your well-deserved break.

Episode 16: Feedback That Sticks: 5 Reasons It Fails and How to Fix It

We all know feedback is supposed to make people better. But let’s be honest—it often just makes people defensive. And if your feedback isn’t building trust, it’s breaking it.
In this episode, we’re unpacking why feedback so often falls flat—and how to fix it. From giving specific, timely feedback that actually lands, to navigating those “train wreck” lessons with honesty and support, these strategies help you shift feedback from something people dread to something they depend on.
Because feedback isn’t about pointing out flaws—it’s about pointing people forward.
If you’ve been trying to build a culture of growth but keep running into resistance, start here. This episode will help you make feedback clear, useful, and welcomed—so it actually drives change.
 
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Episode 15: Data: Checkbox or Compass

Schools are drowning in data—test scores, benchmarks, walkthrough rubrics, behavior logs—and yet half the time, it feels like we’re just checking boxes instead of actually learning anything from it.
In this episode, we’re unpacking the difference between collecting data because you have to and using data because it helps you lead. From simplifying what you track, to asking better questions, to closing the loop with teachers, these strategies will help you turn data from noise into direction.
Because data isn’t powerful because you collect it—it’s powerful because you use it.
If you’ve been buried in spreadsheets but starving for insight, start here. This episode will help you turn data into a compass that actually points your school where it needs to go.
 
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Episode 14: Engagement Isn’t Entertainment: Why Student Engagement Matters More Than Ever

Students can be in their seats, quiet, and compliant—and still not be learning. That’s why engagement matters.
In this episode, we’re unpacking the difference between keeping kids busy and actually engaging them in thinking, talking, and caring about what they’re learning. From shifting walkthroughs to focus on engagement, to celebrating small wins, to giving staff ready-to-use strategies, we’ll show you how engagement becomes the lever that drives behavior, learning, and culture.
Because engagement isn’t entertainment—it’s everything.
If you’re ready to move beyond compliance checklists and build classrooms where students are truly invested, start here.
 
Get Bashing Boredom Here! 
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Want more than just ideas? Join hundreds of principals inside The Principal Academy—a growing movement of school leaders reclaiming time, strengthening culture, and leading with purpose. Check it out here!

Episode 13: Culture Isn’t Just for Staff—It’s for Students Too

When we talk about school culture, most people immediately think about staff morale—whether teachers feel supported, if the lounge is positive, if the vibe is good. But here’s the question we don’t ask enough: What does your culture feel like to kids?
In this episode, we’re shifting the lens from staff to students. From the way kids are greeted at the door, to how corrections are delivered, to whether lessons feel engaging or just repetitive, student culture is built in the small, everyday interactions. And if students don’t feel seen, valued, and connected, no amount of spirit week can fix that.
Because culture isn’t built in the lounge—it’s built in the hallways, classrooms, cafeteria, and bus loop.
If you want to move beyond morale posters and really create a school kids want to be part of, start here. This episode gives you practical, ready-to-use strategies to build culture that students actually experience as belonging.
 
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Want more than just ideas? Join hundreds of principals inside The Principal Academy—a growing movement of school leaders reclaiming time, strengthening culture, and leading with purpose. Check it out here!

Episode 12: Family Nights That Families Actually Show Up To

Family nights can be one of the most powerful ways to connect parents, kids, and schools—but they can also be some of the most disappointing when only a handful of people show up.
In this episode, we’re unpacking why traditional formats flop and what actually gets families through the door. From drop-in, drop-out structures and student-centered showcases to short, fun, food-filled events, these strategies flip family nights from “one more meeting” into “can’t-miss experiences.”
Because families don’t want another lecture—they want to see their kids shine.
If you’ve been stuck with low turnout, start here. This episode will help you design family nights that build connections, celebrate students, and keep families coming back.
 
Stories and STEM Family Night 
 
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Want more than just ideas? Join hundreds of principals inside The Principal Academy—a growing movement of school leaders reclaiming time, strengthening culture, and leading with purpose. Check it out here!

Episode 11: Sugar Highs, Spooky Vibes, and Surviving October in Schools

The “honeymoon phase” is over, the candy is flowing, and Halloween somehow turns into a week-long holiday in kid time. No wonder late October feels like chaos in schools.
In this episode, we’re unpacking why this season feels so heavy—and how principals can lead through it without losing their minds. From setting clear boundaries on costumes and candy, to channeling spooky energy into learning, to giving teachers quick morale boosts when fall fatigue hits, these moves keep the chaos from taking over.
Because you can’t stop October energy—but you can shape it.
If you’ve been feeling the weight of sugar highs, spooky vibes, and behavior spikes, start here. These strategies prove you don’t have to just survive October—you can use it to build culture.
 
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Want more than just ideas? Join hundreds of principals inside The Principal Academy—a growing movement of school leaders reclaiming time, strengthening culture, and leading with purpose. Check it out here!

Episode 10: Attendance Is a Systems Problem, Not Just a Kid Problem

Attendance dips, and the first instinct is often to blame kids or families—or fire off another robo-call. But here’s the truth: attendance isn’t just a kid problem. It’s a systems problem.
In this episode, we’re breaking down why the usual fixes fall flat and what it takes to actually shift patterns long-term. From schoolwide culture moves and attendance mentors to family partnerships and staff systems, these strategies move beyond compliance and build connection.
Because when kids feel like it doesn’t matter whether they’re there or not, that’s not a student issue—that’s a leadership challenge.
If you’re tired of playing attendance whack-a-mole, start here. This episode gives you practical, ready-to-use steps to replace robo-calls with relationships and turn absenteeism into belonging.
 
Every Opportunity Video
 
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Want more than just ideas? Join hundreds of principals inside The Principal Academy—a growing movement of school leaders reclaiming time, strengthening culture, and leading with purpose. Check it out here!

Episode 9: 5 Five-Minute Fixes Every Principal Should Steal

Some days you’ve got time for a deep dive into strategy. Other days? You just need a win before the first bell rings.
In this episode, we’re sharing five practical “5-minute fixes” you can use this week to shift energy fast—without overhauling your entire system. From sticky note recognition and gratitude emails to hallway whispers and the “invisible principal game,” these micro-moves build trust, sharpen focus, and strengthen culture in small but powerful ways.
Because leadership isn’t just in the big initiatives—it’s in the micro-moments that tell your staff, your students, and your community what you value most.
If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, start here. These quick wins prove you don’t need hours—you just need intention.
 
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Want more than just ideas? Join hundreds of principals inside The Principal Academy—a growing movement of school leaders reclaiming time, strengthening culture, and leading with purpose. Check it out here!