The Principal Exchange Podcast

Part of our "Systems That Free You" series

New teachers either sink or swim based on how connected they feel early on. And it's not about building some elaborate 30-day plan with checkboxes.

In this episode, Sarah and Andra talk through what actually helps a new teacher in their first month—the handful of genuine moments that matter way more than a formal system. If you've got new hires starting soon, this one's for you.

Check out TPE Lead (now free!): tpe-lead.com

Also, check out this episode's partner sponsor Kids Discover www.kidsdiscover.com

Make sure you're following us: @theprincipalexchange

Part of our "Systems That Free You" series

You solve it. Two days later, it's back. A behavior issue, a hallway expectation, a staff frustration—you handle it, and then somehow it just... resurfaces.

In this episode, Sarah and Andra break down why principals feel stuck playing Whack-a-Mole all year, and what actually has to change if you want problems to stop recycling. Spoiler: it's not about working harder.

Check out TPE Lead (now free!): tpe-lead.com

Make sure you're following us: @theprincipalexchange

You're carrying things that don't matter. Old initiatives. Obligatory traditions. Meetings about meetings. Programs you inherited but never believed in.

In this episode, Sarah and Andra walk you through a simple four-step audit to identify what's actually essential versus what's just stealing your energy. Because July is the only month you have to simplify before August chaos normalizes everything.

If you start the year with ten intentional commitments instead of twenty scattered ones, everything changes.



Audit Checklist:

Step 1: List Everything You Actually Do: Dump it all, don't filter. (Observations, Staff meetings, PLC meetings, Parent events, Newsletter, Data analysis, etc.)

Step 2: Sort Into 3 Buckets

ESSENTIAL (Keep these): Directly impacts learning, safety, or teacher growth.

IMPORTANT BUT DELEGABLE (Can someone else own it?): Matters but doesn't have to be you.

ENERGY DRAINS (Consider cutting): Steals time but doesn't move the needle.

Step 3: Ask the Three Questions

For anything in ENERGY DRAINS, ask:

"If I stopped this tomorrow, what actually happens?"

"Who cares about this besides me?"

"Could someone else do this?"

Step 4: Cut 3-5 Things



Check out TPE Lead (now free!): tpe-lead.com

Make sure you're following us: @theprincipalexchange

You know deep work matters. But principals keep saying: "I can't. There's always something. The walkie never stops."

In this episode, Sarah and Andra deliver five concrete, actionable strategies to actually protect that time. These aren't theory—they're systems that work in real school buildings. If you've been stuck in reaction mode and want practical ways to finally create uninterrupted time for the work that actually moves your school forward, listen in.

Check out TPE Lead (now free!): tpe-lead.com

Make sure you're following us: @theprincipalexchange

Your day is packed with emails, walkie calls, teacher requests, and crises. By the time the building empties, you finally tackle real leadership work—observations, planning, coaching. It's 7 PM and you're exhausted.

In this episode, Sarah and Andra use the phone metaphor: just like airplane mode stops notifications, principals need designated deep work time without constant disruptions. The myth? Good leaders are always available. The truth? Good leaders do the strategic work that moves schools forward—and that requires closing the door sometimes.

The trap: busyness feels productive but it's not leadership. Real leadership is the deep work that prevents future problems and builds sustainability. It requires uninterrupted thinking time.

This episode gives you permission to protect your deep work and shows why it's essential, not selfish.

Check out TPE Lead (now free!): tpe-lead.com

Make sure you're following us: @theprincipalexchange