The Principal's Handbook

What sets strong instructional leaders apart from those just managing the day-to-day? In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook , you’ll learn five key traits that help principals lead learning, not just logistics. You’ll discover: Why great leaders see themselves as lifelong learners and model that for their staff How to protect time for instructional leadership—even when the day gets chaotic W...

Have you ever walked into a PLC and instantly felt the tension in the air? In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook , Barb unpacks why some teacher teams just can’t seem to get along—and what you can do about it as a leader. You’ll learn: How to identify hidden patterns and root causes behind team conflict (it’s not always personalities). Mindset and empathy shifts that help you approach tough...

As principals, it can feel impossible to step away from the building—whether you’re sick, at PD, or attending district meetings. The guilt, the worry that everything will fall apart, and the pressure to be present 24/7 can take a toll. In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook , Barb Flowers unpacks why leaving the building matters for both your staff and your own well-being.  You’ll learn: How...

Few moments feel as draining as picking up the phone after a discipline referral—only to face an upset, defensive parent on the other end. The pushback can trigger doubt, defensiveness, and second-guessing. But here’s the truth: conflict with parents doesn’t have to derail you. It can actually become a chance to strengthen trust and connection. In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook , Barb Fl...

Teacher evaluations are one of the few times principals get to step fully into the role of instructional leader—but too often they become rushed, compliance-driven, or even discouraging for staff. In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook , Barb Flowers unpacks how to make evaluations a meaningful, growth-oriented process instead of just another checkbox. You’ll learn: Why anchoring your feedbac...

Discipline is one of the most draining parts of a principal’s job—not just because of student behavior, but also the ripple effects with staff, parents, and even your own energy. Without the right systems and boundaries, discipline can feel like it takes over your entire life. In this episode, I’ll walk you through practical ways to lead discipline with confidence without burning out in the proces...

Do you ever think, “If they really knew me, they’d realize I’m not ready for this”? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook , Barb dives into the reality of imposter syndrome—the self-doubt that makes you question your skills, experience, and belonging. Drawing from her own journey as a young administrator and seasoned principal, Barb normalizes these feelings and shares prac...

As principals, most of us entered education because we care deeply about kids—we’re naturally empathetic. But leadership also requires authority: the ability to set direction, uphold standards, and make tough calls. The challenge? Finding the balance between the two. In this episode, Barb Flowers unpacks the tension between empathy and authority and why both are essential for effective leadership....

Struggling to feel confident in your leadership role? This episode with AP and doctoral researcher Stan Koterba explores how self-efficacy —your belief in your ability to lead—directly connects to how you manage your time, set boundaries, and build sustainable routines. We’ll talk imposter syndrome, email habits, delegation, and the mindset shifts that help principals stop overworking and start le...

What if your identity as a principal isn’t fixed—but a choice you get to make every day? In this episode, we’re diving into the powerful concept of identity and how it shapes your leadership. Barb unpacks the 1.0 vs. 2.0 self exercise—one of her favorite coaching tools—to help you reflect on who you’ve been and intentionally step into who you want to become. You’ll walk away with a practical strat...

In this episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest challenges principals face: discipline . If you’ve ever felt like student behavior consumes your entire day, leaving you drained and reactive, you’re not alone. I’ll walk you through the common traps principals fall into — reacting emotionally, taking behavior personally, and rushing to consequences — and share mindset shifts that will help you le...

Is your PBIS Tier 2 system supporting students—or overwhelming your staff? In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook , Barb Flowers shares why Tier 2 behavior systems are often the trickiest to implement and exactly how her team transformed theirs from a paperwork-heavy burden into a simple, sustainable support system for students and teachers. You’ll learn: Why Tier 2 matters and the common mis...

Are you tired of feeling like there’s never enough time to get it all done? In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook , we dive into Master Your Week: Planning Tips for Principals . Join Barb Flowers, certified life coach and experienced principal, as she unpacks how intentional planning can transform your efficiency, reduce stress, and even help you walk out the door by 4 p.m. Barb shares her p...

Do you wish you could lead with more intention and less stress this year? In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook , we’re diving into how to create leadership routines that actually stick—so you can be more proactive, visible, and grounded throughout the school year. I’ll walk you through: Why routines are the secret to consistent leadership How to build routines that align with your prioritie...

Struggling with behavior challenges in your school? In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook , Barb Flowers explains why a strong Tier One PBIS system is a game changer for improving school-wide behavior. Whether you don’t have a system yet or yours feels stale, Barb shares simple, practical steps to set clear expectations, reinforce positive behavior, and use consistent consequences. Get ready...

What does a successful school year look like for your building? In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook , we explore how to set clear, purposeful goals that guide your school forward. I’ll share my personal approach to creating a vision and drafting goals before the year begins — rooted in district priorities, building data, and staff input — so you can lead with confidence and intention. You'...

Are you stepping into a new school year feeling nervous or unsure how to start strong? In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook , we dive into a powerful back-to-school mindset reset to help you kick off the year with confidence and clarity. Whether you're a seasoned principal or stepping into a new building like I am this year, it's completely normal to feel those back-to-school butterflies. W...

Are you letting your mindset get in the way of leading challenging teachers effectively? In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook , Barb shares three powerful mindset shifts every school leader needs when working with challenging teachers. From taking things personally, to labeling staff as “negative” or “toxic,” to simply avoiding tough personalities altogether — Barb unpacks the traps that ma...

Are you being intentional about building parent connections this year — or just hoping relationships fall into place? In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook , we continue our summer planning mini-series with Part #4, diving into three strategies I’m using right now to plan for meaningful parent engagement in my new school. From being truly present at key events, to sending clear, proactive co...

Are you truly prepared to lead instruction next year, or are you hoping to figure it out on the fly? In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook , we dive into Part #3 of our summer planning mini-series: the three key steps I’m taking right now to plan for instructional leadership in my new school. From digging into curriculum (and why you can’t skip this), to analyzing building data trends, to st...

In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook , I’m pulling back the curtain on how I’m planning to lead a new staff through a major change—merging two buildings into one. From anticipating the emotions that come with uncertainty to crafting an opening staff meeting that fosters trust, empathy, and connection, I’ll share the intentional steps I’m taking this summer to set the stage for a smooth tran...

In this first episode of my summer planning mini-series, I’m pulling back the curtain on exactly how I’m preparing for student behavior — before the first day of school even starts.  Whether you’re a new principal, moving buildings like me, or just want a fresh approach for your current school, this episode will give you practical ideas to set the stage for a calmer year.  If you want to start the...

Supporting Teachers with Classroom Management: Are We Missing the Basics? How often do we overlook the fundamentals of classroom management in favor of the latest trends? In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook , I dive into the critical role principals play in supporting teachers to get back to the basics—establishing solid routines and clear expectations that create a foundation for effectiv...

In this episode of The Principal's Handbook , we’re diving into how to manage your time effectively over the summer while still making the most of your break. It may sound counterintuitive, but creating a productive break can help you recharge and set yourself up for success when the school year begins. Tune in for tips on: Defining what you truly need from your summer break Creating a balanced st...

In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook , Barb dives into how principals can create a personal summer professional development (PD) plan. It's time to reflect on your leadership growth, set intentional goals for improvement, and find the right resources to sharpen your skills for the upcoming school year. Key Points: Reflect on the past school year: Celebrate successes and identify areas for g...