The Imperfect Principal

In the last episode of the season, Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp talks with Scullen Middle School Counselor Alison Genslinger and Math Teacher Chris Scheid to wrap this year up. We discussed iMTSS at Scullen, which they have recently implemented this school year, and the challenges and success of their implementation. 

This week, Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp welcomes Principal Katie Bennett of Clow Elementary who has brought Megan Berck her secretary and Kendall Stipp, first grade teacher and my wife to discuss the experience of working in a building that their own children attended. Making Clow truly a community school. All the joy and uncomfortableness that comes with working in your scho...

On this week’s show, Principal Laurie Hillman of Fry Elementary School has brought with her teachers Jeanne Gerdisch and Erin Mongelli who run their STEAM Integration at Fry. This group works to integrate STEAM activities for elementary students. We talk about the PTA supported Science Fair and STEAM Week at Fry.     a WVTV production ©2026

On this week’s show, Dr. Leslie Mitchell, principal of Hill Middle School of IPSD204, visits the studio to talk about the work they do with their Original Group Club (also known as the OG’s). This club is sponsored by Loni Fazio and Natasha Morgan. This club works to celebrated students’ cultural identity and find opportunities for students who can feel detached at times and struggle academically....

On Imperfect Principal, we sit down with Principal Michael Zeman of Longwood Elementary as he leads his building of 350 students located in Aurora, Illinois. Michael brought with him 4th grade teacher Gabby Monahan who talked about engaging students in math and shared their community approach to getting all their student walkers to school each day.

On this week’s episode, Imperfect Principal is back in the new year of 2026 with the McCarty Elementary team of Principal Sherry Fredericks, SEL Coach Sara Leys and Student Service Coordinator Laurie Schuh. Our conversation focused on the McCarty Connect program with Waubonsie Valley High School students at the end of the elementary school day, and how to use Relationship Mapping to connect all st...

On this week’s episode, Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp welcomes Fischer Middle School principal Kevin Schnable and his guests Assistant Principal Courtney DiFiore and ELA Teacher Geraldine Troczynski. We will take on the topic of belonging at Fischer Middle School, where restorative justice practices and building school culture has been instrumental in creating a positive vibe...

On this week’s episode, Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp sits down with Owen Elementary School principal Heather Whisler, and her invited guest Kelli Glass. Kelli teaches AIM (Achieving Independent Milestones) . Listen as we explore the power of AIM at Owen and discuss unique ideas of how to bring in parents of AIM students in fun ways to build school community. a WVTV production...

On this week’s episode, Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp features Crone Middle School. Principal Melissa Couch brought along Adaptive Physical Education Teacher Bryan Jenkins and School Service Coordinator Morgan Crackel to talk about their adaptive P.E. class at the middle school level that incorporates peer partners. They share some Halloween wisdom and a spirit of letting midd...

On this week’s episode, Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp invites retiring Springbrook Elementary principal David Worst and his Library Media Director, Dr. Natalie Hoyle Ross. Natalie was one of Dave’s first hires 18 years ago to run her library at Springbrook. The two speak about the community they work to build in their elementary school, and how they incorporate reading at the...

This week, Jason Stipp invites former co-host Allison Landstrom, principal of Peterson Elementary and kindergarten teacher Lauren Quinn and Multi-Lingual teacher Rosa Brolley to talk about what makes teaching at Peterson so rewarding. We discuss the amazing growth of first-year English speakers and the power of community circles in building belonging.   a WVTV production ©2025

Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp talks with Granger Middle School's Al Davenport, Kelly Daveies & Scott Morrison.   a WVTV production ©2025

Waubonsie Valley principal Jason Stipp talks with Brookdale Elementary's Dr. Keeley Schmid & Lindsey Stepper.   a WVTV production ©2025

Each week, Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp and Peterson Elementary principal Allison Landstrom take on the challenges and joy of educational leadership. The Joys of Leading Schools: In this final episode, Jason Stipp and Allison focus their final conversation around the joy in the work of leading people and schools. What fills their cups and what to keep looking for to inspire y...

Each week, Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp and Peterson Elementary principal Allison Landstrom take on the challenges and joy of educational leadership. In the month of May as educators we reflect on the year that was. In our final two episodes, Stipp and Landstrom speak to the most challenging parts of their jobs as leaders of buildings, and then the most rewarding parts of the...

Each week, Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp and Peterson Elementary principal Allison Landstrom take on the challenges and joy of educational leadership. This week, Allison Landstrom leads the topic of All Things Email. What is your style, when do you respond and other ways to manage electronic communication in the life of educational leadership. a WVTV production ©2024

Each week, Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp and Peterson Elementary principal Allison Landstrom take on the challenges and joy of educational leadership. This week, Jason leads the conversation in how to exit those students moving on to the next level, as well as staff leaving for retirement or other opportunities. How do you solicit feedback and what do you do with this feedback...

Each week, Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp and Peterson Elementary principal Allison Landstrom take on the challenges and joy of educational leadership. This week, Alli kicks off the show with the word “accountability.”  How do we use this word in the education setting, positively or negatively? How do you hold your school community and yourself accountable? Listen as these two...

Each week, Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp and Peterson Elementary principal Allison Landstrom take on the challenges and joy of educational leadership. This week, Jason leads the discussion in “finishing the marathon,” regarding the ending of the school year. How to finish strong with some gas in the tank. a WVTV production ©2024

Waubonsie Valley principal Jason Stipp and Peterson Elementary principal Allison Landstrom discuss the art of deciding when to say "yes" and when to find "no" in the role of educational leadership. How do you balance these two answers in serving your school community. a WVTV production ©2024

Waubonsie Valley principal Jason Stipp leads the conversation along with Peterson Elementary principal Allison Landstrom in having to communicate changes in grade, room, and staffing assignments with staff. How to be firm, open and clear in needs for your students as you change teacher’s assignments for the following year. a WVTV production ©2024

Peterson Elementary principal Alli Landstrom and Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp talk about the question of “How do you plan in the spring for impactful professional development in the fall?” Join them as they break down constructive ways in leading schools. a WVTV production ©2024

Peterson Elementary principal Alli Landstrom and Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp talk about the challenges associated with the release of staff. Never an easy thing. However, there are things that can make this process professional and supportive for all. a WVTV production ©2024

Peterson Elementary principal Alli Landstrom and Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp talk about ways to engage all your staff, from part time to traffic monitors. What are ways to keep people connected!

Peterson Elementary principal Alli Landstrom and Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp talk about the challenge of balancing staff, student, and parent needs. Where do you lean as a building leader? a WVTV production ©2024