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We talk a lot about student leadership—but are we intentionally teaching students how to lead, or simply identifying the students who already look like leaders? This week on the IASP Advocacy Podcast, I'm joined by Dave Strouse, IASP Assistant Executive Director, to talk about new student leadership lessons designed for elementary, middle, and high school students. We'll talk about the skills these lessons develop, how schools can easily put them to use, and how student leadership connects to advocacy. After all, we spend a lot of time advocating for students. Part of our work is also preparing them to find their own voice and advocate for themselves and others.

In this episode of the IASP Leadership Podcast, Dr. Tiffany D. Barrett steps out of the IASP Board of Directors meeting with three board members who represent elementary, middle, and high school leadership in suburban, urban, and rural settings: Christie Heerschop of Mary Frank Elementary in Penn-Harris-Madison, Jeremy Tucker of Cornerstone Alternative School in South Bend, and Sean Fisher of North Posey High School. Together, they talk about what leading looks like in their communities, why they believe principals across Indiana are more alike than different, and what serving on the IASP board has meant to them personally and professionally. They share how they found their way to the board, including district involvement, mentorship, and INALI, and offer honest encouragement for any principal who is thinking about stepping forward. The conversation closes with what each of them is most excited about in their buildings this fall. If you've ever wondered what happens when the IASP board gathers, or whether one of those seats might be yours someday, this episode is for you. Lead on, Indiana! Show Notes Our board is intentionally built around Indiana's 12 IASP districts, with voices from elementary, middle, and high school and from suburban, urban, and rural settings. In this episode, three board members share what that looks like from their seats. In this episode Jeremy Tucker reflects on leading in both rural and urban settings: "The challenges may look different, but the work is remarkably similar." Sean Fisher describes the role of a rural school at the heart of its town: "We're truly a community school. We're the community center for our area." Christie Heerschop talks about serving several communities within a suburban corporation and sums up the conversation: "I think we are more similar than we are different." All three explain what board service involves, from advocacy for schools across the state to networking that eases the isolation of the principalship. On becoming a board member, the guests recommend joining IASP, getting involved at the district level, attending district meetings, and expressing interest to district leaders or to IASP directly. Jeremy's reminder: "You don't have to have all the answers to be a board member." Christie invites more elementary leaders to attend district meetings and consider board service. This fall, Christie is looking forward to Mustangs Give Back, a student leadership program where fourth and fifth graders take on community-based projects. Sean is launching the Viking Incentive Program at North Posey. Jeremy is preparing to welcome the first students to Cornerstone Alternative School in South Bend. Interested in board service? Join IASP, connect with your district, and reach out to IASP staff to express your interest. [Insert contact or link.] Timestamps 00:00       Welcome to the IASP Leadership Podcast 00:44       Three board members join from the IASP board meeting 01:19       Meet Christie Heerschop, Sean Fisher, and Jeremy Tucker 02:17       How the IASP board is built: 12 districts, every level, every setting 02:43       Jeremy on leading in an urban setting 03:29       Sean on the rural school as community center 04:09       Christie on the suburban experience 04:59       What IASP board members actually do 05:47       Sean on INALI, mentorship, and finding his way to the board 06:42       Tiffany on board service before joining the IASP staff 07:03       What board service has meant to each guest 09:26       How to become an IASP board member 11:16       Christie's invitation to elementary leaders 11:48       What they're looking forward to in their buildings this fall 14:21       One thing every listener should know about IASP 15:25       Thank you and closing

Hi, everyone! When we talk about advocacy, our minds often go straight to legislators, policy, and speaking up about the issues affecting our schools. But advocacy can also mean opening doors for students. This week on the IASP Advocacy Podcast, I'm joined by Jill Slinker from our Department of Student Programs to talk about the opportunities IASP provides for students—and some of the work happening behind the scenes to make those opportunities easier for schools to access. We talk about: The wide range of IASP student programs available to schools Some of the barriers that can keep schools from getting involved New one-page resources designed to make competitions easier to understand Upcoming videos that will give new coaches and sponsors a look at what participation actually looks like The support available for schools that are ready to try something new Most importantly, we talk about why this is advocacy. When we give students opportunities to compete, collaborate, lead, discover their strengths, and find their voice, we're doing more than offering another activity. We're helping students develop the confidence and skills they'll need to advocate for themselves and others. And stay tuned—next week we'll continue the conversation by looking at how we can intentionally teach students to lead. Thanks for all you do to create opportunities for Indiana's students! Cindy

What does it take to lead boldly when everything around you keeps changing? Three-time Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and author Anne Marie Anderson joins Dr. Tiffany D. Barrett for a preview of her opening keynote at the IASP Fall Professionals Conference, The Audacity of Impact. After 37 years inside the locker rooms and boardrooms of elite sports, including six Olympic Games, a Super Bowl, heavyweight title fights, and more than 40 interviews with Kobe Bryant, Anne Marie has studied what separates the teams that win consistently. In this conversation, she redefines audacity as the willingness to take bold risks, explains why leaders struggle to let go of a first decision, and shares a practical way to separate what is urgent from what is important. She also introduces her most popular concept, building your front row, and offers a simple first step for quieting the inner critic. Anne Marie opens the Fall Professionals Conference on Monday, November 23, at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis. Registration is open now at IASP.org.

Hi, everyone! We've spent a lot of time this year talking about cell phones in schools—but removing a student's phone doesn't necessarily remove screens from the school day. In this week's IASP Advocacy Podcast, I'm taking a closer look at student screen time, educational technology, and AI through the lens of one word: intentionality. The research is more nuanced than simply saying screens are good or bad. Purpose matters. Development matters. What students are actually doing with technology matters. And increasingly, school leaders may need to be ready to help policymakers think through those distinctions. In this episode, I explore: What current research says about educational technology and student learning Why "engagement" and "learning" aren't necessarily the same thing What New York City's new approach to AI and screen time may signal The importance of productive struggle as AI becomes more common Six questions school leaders can use to examine technology use in their own buildings One question I keep coming back to is: What does intentional, developmentally appropriate technology use look like in our schools? And maybe the goal shouldn't simply be less screen time. Maybe it should be more intentional screen time. Resources mentioned in the episode APA Expert Report on Children's and Adolescents' Learning with Educational Technology https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/children-adolescent-learning-educational-technology Dorris et al. — Mobile Devices and Literacy/Numeracy Outcomes https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11190352 PISA 2025 Results, Volume I: Future-Ready Students https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/pisa-2025-results-volume-i_73451bc5-en.html New York City Public Schools — Guidance on AI and Screen Time https://www.schools.nyc.gov/about-us/policies/guidance-on-artificial-intelligence ExcelinEd — "AI, Screen Time and What It Means for Young Learners" https://shows.acast.com/policy-changes-lives-an-excelined-podcast/episodes/ai-screen-time-and-what-it-means-for-young-learners-michael I hope this episode gives you a useful framework for looking at technology use in your own school—and for the policy conversations that may be ahead. Thank you for all you do for students and schools across Indiana!

What do people remember most about a leader? Often, it is not a program, initiative, or accomplishment. It is how that leader made them feel. In this episode of the IASP Leadership Podcast, Dr. Tiffany Barrett sits down with longtime Indiana school leaders and friends of IASP, Mike Pinto and Steve Baker, for a heartfelt and often humorous conversation about relationships, intentionality, influence, and legacy. Mike shares why he believes relationships are at the heart of school culture and leadership, including his memorable "hug" philosophy, the importance of noticing the small details about people, and why strong school identities are built through genuine care and connection. Steve reflects on 40 years in education and shares the story of the starfish that became a symbol of his leadership at Bluffton High School. He also tells the powerful story of reconnecting with a former student who reminded him that sometimes a leader's greatest impact is simply refusing to give up on someone. Together, Mike and Steve remind us that relationships do not happen accidentally. They require intentionality, presence, listening, and a willingness to truly see and value the people we lead. In this episode: • Why trust is built through relationships • How small moments can create lasting memories • The connection between leadership identity and school culture • Why leaders must intentionally listen and be present • How relationships carry our legacy forward • Simple ways to help people feel seen, valued, and supported One challenge for this week: Be intentional. Find one person in your school who needs to know they matter, give them your time, and truly listen. Because leadership is ultimately about making a difference, one person at a time. Lead on, Indiana!

School Leaders, About a month into the school year, patterns are beginning to emerge—including which students are already struggling to get to school consistently. This week on the IASP Advocacy Podcast, I'm talking about chronic absenteeism, the barriers that keep students from school, and what school leaders can do about them. With attendance now factoring into Indiana's accountability model, there's certainly additional urgency around this issue. But accountability isn't the most important reason attendance matters. We can invest in great curriculum, instruction, interventions, programs, and people—but students have to be there to benefit from them. 💡 A Timely Opportunity: Lilly Endowment's Opportunity to Learn Project If your school or district is working to address non-academic barriers to student success, don't miss the Opportunity to Learn Project. Eligible Indiana public school corporations, charter schools, and charter networks outside Marion County can apply for planning grants of $50,000–$100,000 to better understand and develop solutions to non-academic barriers affecting students. And you don't have to have the solution figured out yet—that's the purpose of the planning process. The planning grant application deadline is September 15 at 5:00 p.m. ET. ➡️ Opportunity to Learn Project – RFP & Application Information: https://indianalifelonglearningprojects.org/opportunity-to-learn-project-rfp/ 📚 Free Attendance Resources As you look at your own attendance data, here are several free resources worth sharing with your team: Indiana Department of Education – Chronic Absenteeism Resources Indiana-specific guidance, root-cause tools, tiered interventions, family resources, and more. https://www.in.gov/doe/chronic-absenteeism/ Attendance Works – Principal Toolkit Leading Attendance: A Toolkit for Principals includes tools for building an attendance team, understanding your data, engaging families, and developing a schoolwide strategy. https://www.attendanceworks.org/resources/toolkits/for-principals-leading-attendance/ Attendance Works – Attendance Playbook More than two dozen strategies for reducing chronic absence, organized by tiers of intervention. https://www.attendanceworks.org/resources/attendance-playbook/ Student Attendance Success Plans Ready-to-use tools that help students and families identify barriers and develop a plan for getting to school consistently. https://www.attendanceworks.org/resources/student-attendance-success-plans/ Attendance Works – Free Data Tools Free tools and spreadsheets to help schools identify attendance patterns and students who may need support. https://www.attendanceworks.org/resources/data-tools/

In This Episode Leadership journeys that shape perspective and purpose Why statewide relationships expand a leader's vision The power of honest mentors and trusted thought partners School-community celebrations, from literacy growth to early college access An invitation to connect through IASP programs, conferences, and stories Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:43 Meet the INALI leadership panel 02:51 Leadership journeys and inspiration 03:29 Why relationships beyond your district matter 06:46 The value of trusted leadership networks 08:31 Mentors, honest feedback, and learning from mistakes 10:01 School and community celebrations 17:13 Closing reflections and invitation to connect Links and Resources IASP programs and events: https://iasp.org Share a leadership or student-success story: [email protected] Indianagram: https://iasp.org/indianagram/

Indiana school leaders need connection, practical support, and the courage to make the most of their opportunity to serve. Dr. Bret Bailey, principal of Hamilton Heights Middle School and 2026-2027 IASP President, joins Dr. Tiffany Barrett to open the new season of the IASP Leadership Podcast. Bret reflects on the mentor who first recognized his leadership potential, shares his vision for helping administrators succeed in Indiana's changing accountability environment, and explains why leaders need one another. He also discusses the School Leader Paradigm, healthy ways to remain grounded, and the importance of calling leadership out in others. His final message is a timely challenge: our window to make a difference is open for only a season, so use each conversation and each day to help others thrive. In This Episode ·   Bret's unexpected path from English teacher to middle school principal and IASP president ·   His vision for helping Indiana leaders succeed in a changing accountability environment ·   Why connection, practical resources, and the School Leader Paradigm matter this year ·   How trusted people, reflection, and healthy practices help leaders stay grounded ·   A challenge to recognize potential and invite someone else into leadership Timestamps ·   00:00 Welcome and season introduction ·   00:43 Meet Dr. Bret Bailey ·   01:50 Bret's leadership journey ·   03:27 A vision for IASP and Indiana leaders ·   04:45 What school leaders need this year ·   07:29 Staying grounded in demanding work ·   09:54 Calling leadership out in others ·   11:17 The open window of opportunity ·   12:11 Closing reflections and IASP updates Guest Information Dr. Bret Bailey is the principal of Hamilton Heights Middle School and the 2026-2027 President of the Indiana Association of School Principals. He began his education career at Tri-Central and joined Hamilton Heights as an English teacher in 2009. He later served as dean of students and assistant principal before becoming middle school principal. Bret credits mentor Jared Mason with recognizing and encouraging his leadership potential and introducing him to IASP. Links and Resources Indiana Association of School Principals ·   IASP district meetings and fall conferences: visit iasp.org for current dates and registration. Author: Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP) Language: English Copyright: Indiana Association of School Principals

IASP Members, What does it look like to open a brand-new school while also navigating the priorities, initiatives, and expectations facing school leaders across Indiana? On this week's IASP Advocacy Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Jane Bitting, principal of the new Willow Creek Middle School, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership at the start of a new school year. We begin with Jane's experience opening a new building and use Dr. Katie Jenner's latest weekly update as a jumping-off point to talk about what principals are paying attention to—and how leaders keep their school's culture and priorities at the center of the work. From there, we turn to an important academic conversation. Indiana has a lot to celebrate when it comes to literacy. Five consecutive years of growth on IREAD didn't happen by accident. So, what can we learn from that success as we turn our attention to math and numeracy? We talk about: The opportunities and challenges that come with opening a brand-new school What principals take away from Dr. Katie Jenner's weekly updates and statewide priorities How school leaders can protect and preserve a strong school culture as new initiatives and expectations are introduced What Indiana got right in its focus on literacy What it could look like to bring that same intentionality and focus to math and numeracy Thank you to Dr. Bitting for joining me and sharing her perspective on leadership, culture, and the work of keeping student learning at the center of it all. Have a great weekend!

IASP welcomes Dave Strouse as its newest Assistant Executive Director. After 20 years in school administration, including 13 years as principal of Batesville Middle School, Dave brings deep experience, a strong connection to IASP, and a passion for serving school leaders and students across Indiana. In this conversation, Dave shares his leadership journey, what drew him to IASP, and what he hopes to accomplish in his new role. He offers an encouraging reminder to never lose sight of your why and previews new student leadership lessons designed for elementary, middle, and high school students. These practical resources will help schools strengthen student voice and develop young leaders through the School Leader Paradigm. Listen for an encouraging start-of-year conversation grounded in service, purpose, and possibility.

IASP Members, The start of a new school year always brings challenges—and this year, Mother Nature has certainly added a few of her own. In this week's IASP Advocacy Podcast, IASP Executive Director Dr. Todd Bess joins me to welcome school leaders back and, more importantly, to recognize the leadership you continue to demonstrate as you navigate whatever comes your way. From there, we turn our attention beyond Indiana to talk about IASP's new national affiliation with the National Principals Association (NPA). What does having one national association representing PreK–12 school leaders mean for Indiana principals? Todd shares the story behind the formation of NPA, why IASP chose to become a founding state affiliate, and how this partnership can strengthen professional learning, connection, and—especially—advocacy for school leaders at the national level. Want to learn more about the benefits of bringing school leaders together under one national association? Watch this short video. And, of course, no conversation with Todd would be complete without a shameless plug! This week's plug is for IASP's Aspiring Leader Institute. As you begin the year, think about the rising stars in your building or corporation. Who has leadership potential? Who is ready for an opportunity to grow? Sometimes all it takes is a school leader tapping someone on the shoulder and saying, "I think you'd be good at this." We'd love for you to make that tap and encourage a future school leader to take the next step. Click here to learn more about the IASP Aspiring Leader Institute. Thank you for your leadership—and welcome back!

Welcome back! The 2026-27 school year is underway, and so is a new season of the IASP Advocacy Podcast. This week, we're talking about what's happening in Indiana schools right now—from implementing new cell phone policies to celebrating another year of strong IREAD growth. And we're taking a closer look at something that needs your attention now: the 2025-26 Accountable School Audit. IDOE has opened a brief window for schools to review their 162-Day Eligible Student Rosters, which will be used in accountability calculations. Audit requests are due Friday, August 21, with supporting evidence due Friday, August 28. 🎙️ This week's guest is Jared Leiker, Principal of Lawrenceburg High School. Jared joins me to talk through the audit from a high school principal's perspective—what he's looking for in the dashboard, where school leaders may want to take a closer look, and why this isn't something to leave on next week's to-do list. Also in this episode: 📵 How are the new cell phone restrictions going in your school? We want to hear your stories, challenges, and unexpected situations. 📚 A huge congratulations to Indiana educators and school leaders as statewide IREAD proficiency reaches 88.7%, marking the fifth consecutive year of improvement. As you settle into another school year, we'll continue using the Advocacy Podcast to keep you informed about the issues affecting Indiana schools—and to bring school leaders into the conversation. Have a great start to the year!

*]:pointer-events-auto 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:f80c7b22-66fa-4c3d-aee3-0d81396a6bbd-28" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:f80c7b22-66fa-4c3d-aee3-0d81396a6bbd-28" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> In this special "Best Of" episode of the IASP Leadership Podcast, Dr. Tiffany D. Barrett sits down with IASP President Dr. Brett Bailey to reflect on the past school year, celebrate leadership growth across Indiana, and look ahead to the future of education and school leadership. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Bailey shares powerful insights on career exploration opportunities for students, the evolving role of school leaders, the importance of building strong school culture, and the impact of intentional leadership in today's educational landscape. Together, Tiffany and Brett discuss lessons learned, meaningful moments from the year, and the continued work of supporting principals and school leaders across Indiana. This reflective and inspiring episode highlights the dedication, resilience, and innovation happening in schools throughout the state while encouraging leaders to continue growing through connection, purpose, and service. Tune in for a meaningful conversation filled with leadership reflections, practical insight, and encouragement as we celebrate another impactful year with IASP.

*]: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:b31790f7-3d06-424f-8b13-b91057566d3a-14" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> In this special episode of the IASP Leadership Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Jan Bitting, IASP President-Elect, as she reflects on the moments that have made this year truly meaningful. Dr. Bitting shares the highlights that have brought her the greatest joy in her leadership journey, from celebrating student success in her school to serving alongside dedicated leaders across Indiana through IASP. Her reflections offer a powerful reminder of the impact of intentional leadership, the importance of connection, and the joy found in serving others. This conversation captures the heart of leadership-celebrating growth, honoring the journey, and recognizing the incredible work happening in our schools each day.