Advertise on podcast: Perfectly Imperfect Principals

What if one of the best ways to support teachers is to experience their day firsthand? Danieli Parker and Cristi Parsons explore the growing trend of district administrators stepping into classrooms to help address substitute shortages—and why this idea could have a much bigger impact than simply filling a vacancy. From building staff trust and boosting morale to recognizing classroom interruptions and making more informed leadership decisions, this conversation challenges school leaders to rethink what meaningful support looks like. Plus, hear real-life stories, practical ways to get started, and why planned professional development days could be the perfect opportunity for district leaders to step in. 🎧 Listen in, reflect, and consider: What could your district learn by getting back into the classroom? 💬 If your district is trying this approach, we'd love to hear what's working! Remember to embrace your imperfections and celebrate your wins. ❤️

If your PLC meetings feel like endless checklists, paperwork, and time spent filling in boxes instead of collaborating, this conversation is for you! On this episode of Perfectly Imperfect Principals, we’re talking honestly about what PLCs should be, why teachers are frustrated, and how leaders can create time for meaningful collaboration that actually makes a difference for teachers and students. 🎙️ Our message? Stop checking boxes and start having conversations that move learning forward. What do you think makes a PLC meeting truly productive? #PerfectlyImperfectPrincipals #PLC #EducationalLeadership #TeacherCollaboration

What does it really take to transform a school, a team, or an organization? In this episode of Perfectly Imperfect Principals, Danieli Parker and Cristi Parsons sit down with nationally renowned speaker and author Dr. Regina S. Owens for a powerful conversation about leadership, courage, culture, systems, and the people at the heart of education. Dr. Owens challenges us to remember that people come before process. We can't simply add another program, initiative, or “bell and whistle” and expect transformation. Real change happens when we transform thinking, develop people, and build systems that actually serve the people within them. Together, they explore: ✨ Why anyone—not just someone with a title—can be a leader✨ The powerful ideas of believing, becoming, and belonging✨ Why people aren't “Rubik's cubes” that we can simply manipulate into place✨ How technical change and cultural change must work together✨ Why initiative fatigue is real—and why we don't always need to start over✨ The courage it takes to listen, reflect, and have the hard conversations✨ How leaders can create environments where people feel empowered to learn, grow, and speak back to the system✨ And the powerful reminder that you are the gift—and you can give what you have in your hands This conversation is a reminder that leadership isn't about having everything figured out. It's about having the courage to keep learning, keep listening, and keep showing up for the people we serve. 🎙️ Join Danieli, Cristi, and Dr. Regina S. Owens for a conversation that will challenge the way you think about leadership—and encourage you to step into the purpose you already have. Because sometimes the best way to move an organization forward isn't to start over. It's to believe in your people, have the conversation, and courageously take the next step.

In this powerful episode of Perfectly Imperfect Principals, Danieli Parker and Cristi Parsons unpack the simple phrase that can transform campus culture: "Don't be a drain, be a water fountain." From an uncomfortable confrontation in a school hallway to navigating major personality clashes between action-oriented "North" leaders and process-oriented "South" team members, Danieli and Cristi share practical strategies for team calibration. Learn how to craft authentic, single-focus norms, have courageous conversations about rotting team dynamics, and intentionally guard what you allow to feed your mental and emotional capacity.

The honeymoon phase of the new school year passes quickly, replaced by behavioral unexpectedness, state directives, and growing teacher stress. In this episode of Perfectly Imperfect Principals, Danieli Parker and Cristi Parsons unpack how campus administrators can navigate high expectations with deep empathy. They discuss real-world scenarios—from teachers spending hours on unnecessary lesson plan formatting to cafeteria schedule traffic jams—and outline a clear path to stripping away noise, removing operational barriers, and leveraging guiding coalitions to keep everyone focused on student learning.

It’s September, and screeners are in full swing—leaving teachers and administrators buried under a mountain of data sheets! 💻📄 In this episode of Perfectly Imperfect Principals, Danieli Parker and Cristi Parsons dig past the surface-level color codes (red, yellow, green, and even blue!) to discuss what really needs to happen after universal screeners are given. We break down how to convert raw data into actionable next steps, avoid premature special education referrals, and look at a child’s complete educational story before making intervention plans. Plus, we explore why your guiding coalition—not just classroom teachers—should lead the charge on analyzing universal screener trends. 💡

Are we measuring student learning—or just counting minutes on a screen? 👀 The conversation around screen time in schools is heating up, but should the answer really be less technology? In this episode of Perfectly Imperfect Principals, Danieli and Cristi dive into new federal guidance around educational technology and ask a bigger question: 👉 Are we evaluating technology based on how long students use it—or what they actually learn from it? They discuss:• The difference between instructional and recreational technology• Why blanket screen-time limits can unintentionally hurt students• How technology can open doors for students who learn differently• Why teachers need training AND collaboration around ed-tech• What administrators should ask when teachers bring new tech tools forward• Why students who have already mastered a skill may need less screen time—not more• Digital citizenship, firewalls, and teaching students to use technology responsibly• Why technology should be a tool for learning—not a substitute for instruction And perhaps the biggest takeaway: Don't ask, “How much screen time are students getting?” Ask, “What are students learning because of the technology?” What do YOU think? Should schools be setting limits on screen time, or should the focus be on the quality and purpose of the technology use? 👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments! #PerfectlyImperfectPrincipals #EdTech #EducationalTechnology #SchoolLeadership #InstructionalTechnology #TeacherLeadership #BlendedLearning #EducationLeadership #EdLeadership

What has one of the greatest impacts on student achievement? According to John Hattie's research, one of the highest effect sizes isn't a new program or instructional strategy—it's collective teacher efficacy. In this episode, Cristi and Danieli unpack what collective teacher efficacy really means and why it's so much more than teachers simply working together. It's the shared belief that, together, educators have the knowledge, skills, and influence to help every student learn and succeed. The conversation explores the critical role school leaders play in building this belief through trust, collaboration, celebrating growth, and creating a culture where educators see challenges as opportunities rather than barriers. If you want to strengthen your campus culture and increase student success, this episode will leave you with practical insights for fostering one of the most powerful influences on learning.

After reflecting on their conversation with Nathanial Provencio, Cristi and Danieli explore what it truly means for school leaders to get into classrooms. While formal observations have their place, some of the most meaningful leadership happens during the everyday moments—walking the halls, visiting classrooms, talking with students, and building authentic relationships with staff. In this episode, they discuss why the first few weeks of school are one of the greatest opportunities to establish trust, learn your campus culture, and create connections that will influence the rest of the year. They share practical ideas for being visible, intentional, and present in ways that encourage teachers, engage students, and strengthen school culture. Whether you're a new administrator or a veteran leader, this conversation will remind you that your presence is one of your most powerful leadership tools—and that every classroom visit is an opportunity to build relationships that matter.

In this episode of Perfectly Imperfect Principals, Cristi and Danieli welcome author, speaker, and educational presenter Nathanial Provencio for an engaging conversation about one of the greatest challenges school leaders face—knowing the difference between what's urgent and what's truly necessary. Nathanial shares practical insights on how leaders can avoid getting trapped in the constant cycle of putting out fires and instead focus on the work that creates lasting impact for students, staff, and school culture. He also gives listeners a preview of his upcoming book, Five Stars, releasing this fall. Nathanial discusses the inspiration behind the book, why he felt compelled to write it, and the message he hopes every educator and leader takes away. Whether you're a new administrator or a seasoned leader, this episode will challenge you to rethink your priorities and lead with greater clarity, purpose, and intention.

In this episode of Perfectly Imperfect Principals, Cristi and Danieli tackle one of the most important—and sometimes challenging—aspects of leadership: navigating conversations about school data and improvement efforts. Effective leaders use data to identify trends, celebrate successes, and uncover areas of need, but how we talk about the data matters just as much as the numbers themselves. Cristi and Danieli discuss the importance of being reflective and intentional when examining past practices and performance. They remind leaders that behind every initiative, score, and system are people who invested time, energy, and heart into the work. The individuals who helped build those systems may still be sitting in the room. This episode explores how leaders can honor previous efforts while creating a path forward, fostering psychological safety, and keeping conversations focused on growth rather than blame. Most importantly, they emphasize that effective data conversations should end with a plan of action—not a list of excuses. Because great leaders don't simply analyze data; they use it to inspire meaningful change.

In this episode of Perfectly Imperfect Principals, Cristi and Danieli discuss the importance of visible leadership and why human connection matters now more than ever in an increasingly digital world. While technology has transformed how we work and communicate, it can never replace the impact of authentic relationships. School leaders often find themselves pulled in countless directions—emails, meetings, paperwork, and unexpected challenges can easily keep them behind a desk. However, some of the most meaningful leadership happens in hallways, classrooms, cafeterias, and conversations with staff and students. Cristi and Danieli share practical strategies for being more present, building trust through visibility, and creating a culture where people feel seen, supported, and valued. Because leadership isn't just about managing tasks—it's about showing up for people.

In this episode of Perfectly Imperfect Principals, Cristi and Danieli explore the power of healthy habits and the impact small, consistent actions can have on leadership. They discuss why effective leaders intentionally build routines that support their well-being, productivity, and resilience. Through personal experiences and practical insights, they share simple strategies for creating habits that stick—even in the midst of busy school schedules and competing priorities. Whether you're looking to improve your health, strengthen your leadership, or create lasting change, this episode offers actionable steps to help you lead and live with greater intention.

In this episode of Perfectly Imperfect Principals, Cristi and Danieli reflect on their own leadership journeys and the experiences that shaped who they became as leaders. Through personal stories and honest conversations, they explore how discovering your values, beliefs, and purpose influences every decision you make. They also provide practical strategies to help leaders articulate who they are, what they stand for, and the legacy they hope to leave. Whether you're a new administrator or a seasoned leader, this episode will challenge you to define your leadership identity and lead with greater clarity, consistency, and purpose.

🚨 New Episode Alert! 🚨 Cristi and Danieli are back with another exciting conversation on *Perfect Principles*! 🎙️ This time, we're diving deep into the idea of **programs over people**—what it means, why it matters, and how it shapes the way we connect and grow. Grab your headphones, hit play, and join the discussion! Let’s rethink priorities together. 💡✨ 🎧 Listen now and let us know your thoughts in the comments! ⬇️ #PerfectPrinciples #PodcastLife #ProgramsOverPeople #RealTalk