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The Assistant Principal Podcast

The Assistant Principal Podcast

By: Frederick Buskey
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 A bi-weekly podcast to improve the quality of life and leadership for assistant principals.Strategic Leadership Consulting, LLC Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • When Things Didn't Go Well in the Fall

    When Things Didn't Go Well in the Fall
    Jan 27 2026
    289 When Fall Didn’t End Very Well Teaser: “I would love it if you would consider doing a podcast episode on what happens when a principal gets off track and needs to get the trains back on track... Just as our students get off track around October (the honeymoon phase is over), I found myself last fall losing sight of our mission and goals for the year. My AP and I got excited and started getting buried in trying new initiatives, and I think it caused some frustrations with the staff. We started to focus on the noise instead of patterns. I didn't know if you had any tips or strategies that you could share to help stay focused on the path I designed back in the summer.” Sponsor Spot 1:I’d like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today’s show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn’t that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes. Show Intro Celebrations:Family, home, routines and processes Key Points Part 1Common mistakes:· Initiatives· Popping green balloons· Unilateral decision-making· Coaching before building trust Strategic v tactical level· Strategic – it’s about culture (6 dimensions) Episode 179· Cycle of relationships (tactical) Other factors:· Transparency and communication (4 types of decisions)· Vulnerability· Listen, listen, listen Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast… Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit http://ixl.com/assistant to get started. Key Points Part 2 Getting things back on track:· Transparency and vulnerability: “Last fall was tough. I made a lot of mistakes and I’m sorry I’m determined to be a better leader and a better servant that begins with listening. I’ll be asking each of you questions about the fall. What went well were there any surprises? Is there anything we should be doing differently. I will not give feedback it’s not a conversation. I just want to listen and learn so I can become a better leader.”· Use the 5-mc process as a culture check in· Learning about teachers: provide a list of reflective questions. Ask them to choose three they would like to talk about. Meet with them (preferably in their rooms) and create space for them to talk. You can paraphrase and answer direct questions but avoid adding your stories, justifying previous actions, or suggesting changes.· Possible questions See episode 177:1. What is your teaching superpower?2. What is the biggest difference between who you are now as a teacher and when you began?3. If your you could make your students better at one thing, what would it be?4. What is your proudest teaching moment and why?5. How do you see yourself being different five years from now?And these from ClaudeAI:1. What part of your teaching day energizes you most? 2. When do you feel most connected to your students? 3. What's something you've learned from your students this year? 4. If you could spend more time on one aspect of your teaching, what would it be? 5. What does a really good day in your classroom look like? 6. What do you wish people understood about your classroom or your students? 7. What's a challenge you're working through right now that you feel good about tackling? 8. When you think about a student who really grew this year, what do you think made the difference? 9. What conditions help you do your best work? Summarizing (The big takeaway)· Be transparent and vulnerable· Ask good questions and listen to build trust and identify pain points· Support teachers by addressing pain points· Reflect on programs versus people. My opinion: better ...
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    38 mins
  • Oh, They are Mad! with Darrin Peppard

    Oh, They are Mad! with Darrin Peppard
    Jan 12 2026
    Oh, They are Mad! with Darrin Peppard Power Quote: “Listen more, talk less.” Teaser:Here’s the email I received that inspired this episode: I’m wondering if you have an episode of your podcast focusing on dealing with unreasonable parents. This year has been exceptionally difficult regarding the attacks I’m receiving from parents. Either they are offended when I discipline their child because their child is innocent, or they are offended that I disciplined their child without contacting them prior to the discipline so they can solve the problem for me. I understand that discipline should not be the focus of my day and it typically is not. I also try really hard to make sure 20% of the kids do not consume 80% of my time. But how do I not allow the parents to consume me? In each case, the student has owned it, accepted the consequence and moved on… while at school. Then they get home and tell a different story about a big bad AP who is targeting them.I have some knowledge in this area but wanted some additional expertise so I’m partnering with my friend and colleague Darrin Peppard of the Leaning Into Leadership podcast and we are recording our conversation to be simulcast on both shows. Before we get started… Sponsor Spot 1:I’d like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today’s show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn’t that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes. Show Intro Guest Bio:As a 'recovering' high school principal and former school district superintendent, Darrin Peppard draws from over 25 years of experience in education, including 13 years in leadership roles. Darrin is renowned for his expertise in school culture and climate, coaching emerging leaders, and his culture-first approach that emphasizes keen insight and a dynamic personality. His accolades include being named the 2016 Wyoming Secondary School Principal of the Year by WASSP/NASSP, the 2015 Jostens Renaissance Educator of the Year, and induction into the Jostens Renaissance Hall of Fame in 2019. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Wyoming (2017). Through his book "Road to Awesome: The Journey of a Leader," Darrin shares strategies for maintaining a positive attitude, elevating others, and finding joy in leadership. Co-authored with Katie Kinder, his latest work, "Culture First Classrooms: Leadership, Relationships, and Practices that Transform Schools," provides proven methods for building transformative educational environments. Darrin also hosts the "Leaning into Leadership" podcast, where he discusses decision-making, cognitive biases, and more with industry experts. Warmup questions:· We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today? Questions/Topics/PromptsWe could look at four phases:· Building capital in advance (deposits before withdraws)o Identify students and families who may need extra careo Parents want to be heardo Make early and positive contacts. Have the teacher do the same (teach them how)· The meeting with the studento Begin with care – Are you okay?o Separate the behavior from the studento Have them write their versiono Listen· The post-conversation/information for parento Can have the student (with you) call the parento Make sure parent knows exactly what to expecto End with optimism and affirm the value and dignity of the student· Problem discussionso Clarify what the problem iso Do not take it personally (may not be about you) – DPs basketball exampleo Remember parents may have prior negative experiences Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast… Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/...
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Three Resolutions and One Word

    Three Resolutions and One Word
    Jan 6 2026
    Three Resolutions and One Word Teaser:The New Year is a great time to refocus and gain some clarity, but New Years’ resolutions feels to me like something that sounds good in theory but doesn’t work in practice. At least it hasn’t for me. Instead of resolutions this year, I’m using one word to help me keep my priorities straight, and three intentions that, if I work them daily, will lead me to my major goal of 2026. I’ll apologize on the front end if this episode comes off as narcissistic. I feel a bit awkward talking about myself and diving deep into how my brain works, but I’m doing it this way because I think if you can see what I’m doing and why I’m doing it, you will be able to take these practices and adapt them to your own lie and leadership. Notice the word “adapt.” Please don’t copy. Rather, think about how your context and needs are different from mine and how you might tweak the core ideas to better align with how your brain works and what your schedule allows. Sponsor Spot 1:I’d like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today’s show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn’t that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes. Show Intro Celebrations:· Caveat· I can walk without a limp! And Christmas and New Years (families both born into and chosen) Key Points Part 1· Two “secrets” to being a great leader:o Be presento Priority management· One word – overview· One word helps us be more intentional· Sharing previous one words· How this year’s one word shapes my priorities and daily actions Sponsor Spot 2:● With IXL, you get a personalized online learning and teaching solution that helps you improve achievement, empower teachers, track progress, and more. This one platform for K to 12 helps teachers accomplish what normally would require dozens of other tools.● As students practice skills, IXL automatically adapts to ensure each learner is always supported and challenged at the right level. IXL also provides every student with a personalized learning plan to help them close knowledge gaps effectively. ● As a school leader, you’re always looking for ways to make it easier for teachers to do great work. Why not take the load off your teachers so they can do their best work? IXL can help.It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit http://ixl.com/assistant to get started. Key Points Part 2 My three 2026 intentions are the daily actions that should help me achieve my goals. My goal is to remake my body to maximize the time I have left to hike. A key measurement for the goal is: Complete the 71-mile High Sierra Trail in August of 2026. The High Sierra is a stunning trail through the southeast Sierra Nevada range in California. It ends at the summit of Mt. Whitney (elevation 14,505), the highest peak in the continental United States. I am used to hiking mountains, but at 5,000 feet, not 10,000 feet. Half of the trail is at altitudes high enough to cause altitude sickness. Notice my goal is not to hike the High Sierra Trail. It is the measurement. Do not mistake your measurement for your goal! Three intentions I need to hold to achieve my goal:Build my days around movement. Movement is the most important thing.Move in different ways (resistance training, yoga, biking, hiking, water-aerobics) every dayConsume media that encourages me to move. Notice:● These intentions drive actions I can take every day● If I act on these intentions each day, there is a very high likelihood of meeting my goals● They keep me focused on movement and combat my own distractibility In goal setting and strategic planning, the biggest mistake I see people consistently making is they do not operationalize the goal. They develop plans and benchmarks, but fail to identify the daily practices and actions that will inevitably lead to success. Summarizing (The big takeaway) Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!· Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.com· Ranford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoul· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/ Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistantKaleidoscope Adventures: https://...
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    37 mins
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