Principals' Leadership Lounge

In this special Thanksgiving episode of Principals' Leadership Lounge, we’re celebrating a monumental achievement—Joe has officially earned his doctorate! Join us as Joe reflects on his journey to becoming Dr. Sweeney, sharing insights, challenges, and the leadership lessons he learned along the way.

Al and Joe also take time to express gratitude for the principalship, exploring the joys, struggles, and profound impact of leading a school community. Whether you're an aspiring leader or a seasoned principal, this episode is packed with heartfelt reflections and practical takeaways to inspire and empower.

Tune in for a mix of celebration, thankfulness, and leadership wisdom—you won’t want to miss it!

In this episode of the Principals' Leadership Lounge, Joe and Al tackle the chaos of school life with a conversation titled "Drinking from the Hose and The Week Before the Week." With energy high and time scarce, they share how they navigate the rapid pace of back-to-back events and initiatives, offering tips on how to stay organized and avoid burnout. From managing the lead-up to a long holiday break to keeping staff and students focused, this episode is packed with practical advice, humor, and relatable moments. Whether you’re a school leader or simply someone trying to keep up with the busy season, you won’t want to miss it!

In this episode, Joe and Al compare notes on shared challenges across their schools, focusing on those ever-busy hallways. From students lingering between classes to strategies for keeping traffic flowing and minimizing disruptions, they explore the commonalities and differences in their approaches. Tune in as they discuss practical solutions, share funny stories, and dig into what it takes to maintain a positive, productive school environment. This episode is packed with relatable insights for school leaders everywhere dealing with the daily hustle of managing a school building!

In this episode of Principals' Leadership Lounge, Joe and Al explore the exciting—and sometimes challenging—world of school dances! As school leaders, they share stories from the dance floor, discussing the logistics, planning, and surprising elements that make these events memorable for students and staff alike. But that's not all! Joe also gives listeners an update on his journey toward a doctoral degree

In Episode 10 of the Principals' Leadership Lounge, Joe and Al take you behind the scenes of the 2024 IPA Conference, sharing their key takeaways, favorite moments, and professional growth tips. Then, they dive into the Anatomy of a School Year, breaking down the essential phases, challenges, and strategies that help principals and educators guide their schools through another successful year. Whether you're just getting started or are in the thick of the school year, this episode offers practical insights and a fresh perspective on navigating each stage with purpose and confidence. Don’t miss it!

In Episode 9 of Principals' Leadership Lounge, Joe and Al dive into the unexpected realities of school leadership—the lessons they didn't learn in principal school! From navigating tricky situations to balancing the mental and emotional toll of leading a school, this episode uncovers the challenges and surprises that formal training didn’t quite prepare them for. They share stories of on-the-job growth, lessons learned the hard way, and how real-life experience has shaped them into the leaders they are today.

In Episode 8 of Principals' Leadership Lounge, Joe and Al dive into a candid conversation about emotions, vulnerability, and the importance of showing up for your school community as leaders, friends, and family members. They reflect on the ups and downs of the school year, what it’s like to navigate the rollercoaster of emotions that principals often face, and give a special shoutout to their moms, who helped shape their resilience. Tune in for some laughs, real talk, and heartwarming stories as they discuss how embracing emotional intelligence helps create stronger connections in both professional and personal lives.

In this lively and candid episode of the Principals' Leadership Lounge Podcast, Joe and Al tackle the realities of The Grind that comes with being a school leader. They discuss the daily challenges of balancing responsibilities while keeping school safety a top priority. From managing crisis situations to fostering a secure learning environment, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice for principals and educators alike.

And of course, they touch on the inevitable side effects of the job—like gray hair! Tune in for real talk, valuable tips, and a few laughs as Joe and Al share their experiences navigating the demands of leadership while keeping both their schools—and themselves—in check.

In episode #6 of the Principals' Leadership Lounge Podcast, Joe and Al delve into the power of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and its impact on creating a positive school culture. Designed specifically for principals and educators, this episode provides actionable strategies and insights on effectively implementing PBIS in your school. Joe and Al share experiences and practical advice on engaging students, staff, and parents in the process, and discuss how fostering a positive environment can lead to improved outcomes for everyone. Whether you’re looking to refine your current PBIS practices or start from scratch, this episode offers valuable guidance to help you lead with purpose and create a culture where everyone thrives. Tune in to get inspired and empowered!

In this episode of the Principals' Leadership Lounge Podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Tom Filline, better known as the angrygymteacher! Tom brings his energetic and honest approach to the conversation, sharing insights on leadership, education, and what it really means to inspire students through physical education. Whether you’re a seasoned principal or new to the role, you’ll walk away with practical tips, a fresh perspective, and a few laughs along the way.