All Episodes
Displaying 1 - 20 of 134 in total
Rethinking the Open Door Policy as a Principal
Does being a great principal mean being available all day, every day? In this episode, Barb challenges the traditional “open door policy” and the idea of people over p...
Three Common Mistakes Principals Make Around Time Management
This episode breaks down three common time management mistakes that quietly keep principals overwhelmed and stretched too thin. It explains how unrealistic self-expect...
Why You’re Still Working After 4 — and How to Fix It
You’re still working late not because you lack motivation or discipline, but because the workday is built around constant interruptions and urgency. When everything fe...
Leading Through Burnout: What Principals Can Do When You're Exhausted
Are you leading your school while secretly running on empty? In this episode, we’re diving into what principal burnout really looks like—and what you can do when you’r...
How to Mentally Disconnect from School as a Principal
What would your evenings look like if you could truly shut off your principal brain? In this episode, we talk about how to reduce rumination, calm your nervous system...
Setting the Tone for a Positive Leadership Mindset for Principals
What if the tone of your entire building started with the thoughts you practice every day? In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook, we’re digging into how your cor...
Resetting Tier 1 Behavior Supports After Winter Break
Does your school need a reset on behavior after the break? January is the perfect time for principals to pause, reflect, and reset Tier 1 behavior supports—before smal...
Celebrating Principal Wins in 2025
What if you paused long enough to notice just how far you've actually come this year? In this episode, we’re talking about the power of celebrating your leadership win...
The Eight to Four Non-Negotiables for Principals
What would your school—and your life—look like if you protected your time as fiercely as you protect everyone else’s? In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook, we b...
Managing December Emotions in Schools
Have you noticed that the closer you get to winter break, the quicker every little problem seems to turn into a big one? The weeks leading up to winter break can magni...
Keeping Behavior Expectations Consistent During the Holiday Season
Are behavior expectations slipping as holiday events, assemblies, and schedule changes take over your building? December can be exciting, but it can also be one of the...
Three Tips for Principal's Mental Health
As a principal, it’s easy to pour everything into your school and forget about yourself. But your mental health matters—because a healthy, grounded leader creates a he...
Five Traits of Strong Instructional Leaders
What sets strong instructional leaders apart from those just managing the day-to-day? In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook, you’ll learn five key traits that he...
When Teacher Teams Just Can’t Get Along (and What to Do About It)
Have you ever walked into a PLC and instantly felt the tension in the air? In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook, Barb unpacks why some teacher teams just can’t ...
When You Feel Like You Can Never Leave the Building as a Principal
As principals, it can feel impossible to step away from the building—whether you’re sick, at PD, or attending district meetings. The guilt, the worry that everything w...
Parent Pushback in Discipline: Staying Calm When Emotions Run High
Few moments feel as draining as picking up the phone after a discipline referral—only to face an upset, defensive parent on the other end. The pushback can trigger dou...
Having Meaningful Teacher Evaluations as a Principal
Teacher evaluations are one of the few times principals get to step fully into the role of instructional leader—but too often they become rushed, compliance-driven, or...
Leading Discipline Without Burning Out
Discipline is one of the most draining parts of a principal’s job—not just because of student behavior, but also the ripple effects with staff, parents, and even your ...
Imposter Syndrome as a Principal and How to Silence Your Inner Critic
Do you ever think, “If they really knew me, they’d realize I’m not ready for this”? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook, Barb dives into the ...
Balancing Empathy and Authority in School Leadership
As principals, most of us entered education because we care deeply about kids—we’re naturally empathetic. But leadership also requires authority: the ability to set di...