Dr. Darrin Peppard on Leading Schools Down the Road to Awesome

In this bold episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Dr. Darrin Peppard—former superintendent, best-selling author, and CEO of Road to Awesome—about the single staff-meeting question that transformed his entire approach to school leadership. Dr. Peppard shares how shifting from a deficit lens to recognizing what students do right helped move his school from thousands of discipline referrals to a student-led culture of celebration and engagement.The conversation dives into building systems of positive referrals, the story and symbolism behind his “Jeep wave” mindset, and what it means for leaders to show up with clarity, intention, and heart. Dr. Peppard offers concrete strategies any educator can use to strengthen climate and culture by prioritizing relationships and engagement over mere compliance.Key takeaways:How focusing on students’ strengths and positive behaviors can fundamentally shift school culture and outcomes.Practical ways to design school-wide systems of recognition, student leadership, and positive referrals.The “Jeep wave” mindset and how small, consistent gestures of connection change how leaders and students experience school.Why engagement—not compliance—is the real lever for lasting impact in classrooms and campuses.Resources mentioned:Principal Academy Planning Tool (free download): https://mailchi.mp/roadtoawesome.net/principalplannerBook: Culture First Classrooms: Leadership, Relationships, and Practices that Transform Schools – https://a.co/d/6U5AjMfConnect with Dr. Darrin Peppard:Website: https://roadtoawesome.netPodcast: Leaning Into LeadershipLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrinmpeppard/X/Twitter: @DarrinMPeppardInstagram: @darrin_m_peppardFacebook: darrin.peppardTikTok: @DarrinMPeppard

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This episode is 55 minutes long.

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This episode was published on November 29, 2025.

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