IASP Podcast

*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:5e5d3d71-329c-477d-9354-871ca30d4d3a-6" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant">

What does it really feel like to step into school leadership for the first time? In this special episode of the IASP Leadership Podcast, recorded live at the Aspiring Leaders Conference, three new administrators share honest reflections, practical insights, and lessons learned from their early experiences in the role.

Featuring Cathy Walradth, Principal at Blue River Valley, Martina Garza, Principal, Bailly STEM Academy and Dylan Warren, Assistant Principal at Allisonville Elementary School.

This conversation explores the pivotal moments that led them to leadership, the surprises they encountered, and the mindset shifts required to move from classroom teacher to building leader. From building trust and credibility to navigating difficult conversations and daily decision-making, this panel offers a transparent look at the realities of the job.

Listeners will walk away with actionable advice on: • Standing out in the interview process • Building strong relationships from day one • Balancing support with accountability • Staying true to your leadership style • Managing the day-to-day demands of the role

Whether you are considering your first leadership position or are in your first few years, this episode provides encouragement, clarity, and practical strategies to support your journey.

🎧 Ready to take the next step? Learn more about IASP leadership development opportunities, including INALI and IPLI, and continue growing as a leader.

Thank you for listening and, as always, Lead On Indiana.

Indiana's new bell-to-bell cell phone expectations are no longer theoretical—they're becoming reality in schools across the state.

In this week's IASP Advocacy Podcast, I had the opportunity to sit down with Bryan Ramirez, Assistant Principal at North Central High School and the 2025 District 7 Assistant Principal of the Year. Bryan and his team have already taken meaningful steps to limit student phone access—and his perspective is both practical and encouraging.

👉Podcast Link: https://iasppodcast.libsyn.com/iasp-advocacy-podcast-5126

In our conversation, Bryan shares:

• What they've already implemented at North Central
• What additional changes are coming for the 2026–27 school year
• How students and families have responded
• The biggest challenges—and the unexpected wins

If you're thinking through your own approach to the new legislation, this conversation offers real insight from a school that's already in motion.

If you have follow-up questions or want to connect directly, Bryan has generously offered to be a resource: 📧 [email protected]

Thanks for tuning in. Keep strengthening your voice, building relationships, and leading with strategic purpose.

And as always—keep leading Indiana forward.

In this special episode of the IASP Leadership Podcast, we take you inside a powerful session from the 2026 Aspiring Leaders Conference, where future school leaders heard directly from central office administrators about what truly matters in the hiring process.

Featuring insights from Dr. Sean Taylor, Dr. Crystal Thorpe, and Kyle Mealy, this candid conversation explores the qualities that set candidates apart, including leadership presence, coachability, intentionality, and the ability to lead from any position. Panelists also share practical advice on navigating interviews, building your leadership identity, and avoiding common missteps that can hinder advancement.

Grounded in the School Leader Paradigm, this episode challenges aspiring principals, assistant principals, and teacher leaders to reflect on their growth and readiness to lead within the unique context of their school communities.

Whether you are preparing for your first leadership role or continuing to grow as a learning leader, this episode offers actionable insights to help you take the next step with confidence and purpose.

🎧 Learn more about IASP programs, including Leading APs, at IASP.org.

We're in the middle of election season. Graduation is right around the corner. And for many of our students, especially our seniors, the future is no longer abstract—it's right in front of them.

🎙️ In this week's IASP Advocacy Podcast, I reflect on what we're preparing our graduates for—and the changing expectations from legislation that will shape their next steps.

The common thread in this episode is the growing influence of current legislation focused on public university degree programs and return on investment (ROI). We're seeing clear signals—from the General Assembly to higher education—that outcomes, earnings potential, and alignment to workforce needs are becoming central to how postsecondary pathways are defined.

And that matters for K–12, because those decisions don't start after graduation—they start in our schools.

This is a short, reflective listen as we head into graduation season—and a reminder of the impact of your leadership.

This week's IASP Advocacy Podcast focuses on something we're seeing more and more right now—confusion.

Across Indiana, there are two topics generating a lot of questions from communities, staff, and even policymakers:

• Why school board elections and referendums aren't showing up on primary ballots
• What's the status of the Accountability Model?

In this episode, I walk through both—breaking down what's actually happening, what's changed, and what school leaders should be prepared to explain.

What does real advocacy look like in a school?

This week on the IASP Advocacy Podcast, we're highlighting a powerful, practical example.

🎙️ Featured Guest: Rick Davis, Principal at Sheridan

Rick joins the podcast to share how Sheridan has built—and sustained—a strong tradition of connecting legislators with students. This isn't a one-time event or a formal program. It's a consistent, intentional effort that has created meaningful relationships and authentic civic learning experiences for students.

If you've ever thought about inviting a legislator into your building—but weren't sure where to start—this conversation is for you.

💡 Ready to try it in your school?

IASP has created resources to make this easy.

You can find our Principal for a Day guidance here: 👉 Indiana Association of School Principals Advocacy Page

This resource walks you through exactly how to invite a legislator into your building and structure a meaningful visit.

And if you're already doing this—or decide to get started—we want to hear from you! Reach out to IASP so we can highlight your work and your partnerships with legislators.

🏛️ Why this matters

This conversation connects directly to a broader statewide focus on civic engagement.

This week, the Indiana Bar Foundation and iCivics hosted the Indiana Civics Summit and Educator Convening, highlighting Indiana's civic health and the role schools play in strengthening it.

If you haven't yet, I encourage you to explore the 👉 2025 Indiana Civic Health Index

It offers valuable insight into how participation, connection, and community engagement are shaping our state—and reinforces the important role schools play in that work.

In this episode of the IASP Leadership Podcast, Dr. Tiffany D. Barrett is joined by Kristen Peterson, Associate Principal at Chesterton High School and IASP Assistant Principal Liaison, along with Tom Stoner, Assistant Principal at Rensselaer Central High School and author of this month's From the AP Lens article in the April Indianagram.

Together, they highlight an inspiring student-led initiative known as BAMFAM (Bomber Athletic Medicine Family), a program that empowers students to take an active role in school safety, wellness, and community impact. From developing a cardiac emergency response plan to training staff and students in CPR, and even hosting teddy bear clinics for elementary students, BAMFAM demonstrates the powerful role students can play in shaping a culture of care and safety.

Listeners will hear practical strategies for:

• Empowering student leadership in meaningful ways
• Building a culture of safety and well-being
• Creating community partnerships that extend beyond school walls
• Taking the first steps to launch student-led initiatives

This conversation offers actionable ideas and inspiration for assistant principals and school leaders looking to strengthen student voice, safety, and leadership in their schools.

Be sure to read the full From the AP Lens article in the April edition of the Indianagram for even more insights and ideas.

Guests:

• Kristen Peterson, Associate Principal, Chesterton High School
• Tom Stoner, Assistant Principal, Rensselaer Central High School

Hosted by: Dr. Tiffany D. Barrett, Assistant Executive Director, Indiana Association of School Principals

Lead on, Indiana.

This week on the IASP Advocacy Podcast, we're making the shift.

The legislative session may be over—but your influence as a school leader is just getting started.

In this episode, I take a step back from tracking bills and focus on what comes next:

• How to use the new IASP website—especially the Advocacy page—to support your work
• Why primary season is a critical (and often overlooked) opportunity for school leaders
• A simple way to find out who is on your ballot—and who you should be connecting with now

This is a great time to move from understanding policy to building relationships—and this episode will help you take that first step.

🔗 As mentioned in the episode:

• Explore the new IASP Advocacy Page: https://iasp.org/about-iasp/advocacy/ • Find out who's on your ballot: https://indianavoters.in.gov

As always, thanks for the work you do every day for Indiana's students!

This week's IASP Legislative Update Podcast continues our review of the KGR Legislative Debrief with Part II, featuring Seamus Boyce, Keith Butler, and Jake Weber.

While the full debrief is just over an hour and well worth your time, this episode focuses on one specific portion that is generating significant questions from school leaders across Indiana: SEA 76 – Cooperation with Immigration Officials.

In the podcast, I've pulled a short segment from the debrief—minute 49:00 through 58:56—where Attorney Seamus Boyce walks through this new law and begins to frame what it may look like in practice for schools.

Many of you have shared similar concerns:

• What happens if an immigration official comes to my school?

• What am I required to do?

• Who should I contact?

For most school leaders, this is unfamiliar territory—and that uncertainty is real. This segment helps provide a starting point for thinking through those "what if" scenarios.

Aspiring Leaders Conference 2026: Your Launchpad into School Leadership

Are you ready to take the next step into school leadership?

In this episode of the IASP Leadership Podcast, Dr. Tiffany D. Barrett sits down with Indiana's 2025 Principals of the Year—Todd Reagan, Tom Hakim, and Amy Boone—to explore what it really takes to move from the classroom into leadership.

Together, they share:

• What inspired them to pursue leadership
• What aspiring administrators often don't realize
• How to strengthen your resume and interview skills
• The qualities principals look for when hiring
• Why the IASP Aspiring Leaders Conference is a must-attend experience

The IASP Aspiring Leaders Conference (April 24–25 in Indianapolis) is designed for educators who are ready to explore leadership, build confidence, and gain practical tools to step into their first administrative role.

With hands-on learning, mock interviews, resume reviews, and real conversations with current administrators, this conference provides a powerful, low-risk opportunity to grow.

If leadership is on your heart, this episode—and this conference—are for you.

👉 Register now: https://iasp.org/aspiring-conference-registration/

Keywords: aspiring school leaders, assistant principal pathway, education leadership Indiana, principal leadership development, school leadership conference, IASP, teacher to administrator transition