Instructional Leadership Insights from James Hardin

In this episode of "Better Teaching: Only Stuff That Works," host Gene Tavernetti sits down with veteran educator James Hardin. With over 20 years of experience as a principal, James shares actionable insights and personal anecdotes from his career. Topics include effective administration across various school settings, the importance of focused instruction, fostering teacher growth through coaching, and the critical role of leadership in educational success. James emphasizes the need for principals to be both instructional leaders and supportive coaches, providing practical advice for new and seasoned administrators alike. 00:00 Introduction to Better Teaching Podcast 00:28 Meet James Hardin: A Veteran Educator 02:15 Unique Experiences in Independent Schools 04:13 Differences in Teaching Levels 05:30 Effective Teaching Strategies Across Levels 07:39 Leadership and Coaching in Education 08:49 Building a Collaborative Teaching Environment 13:42 The Role of Instructional Leadership 23:03 Meeting James Hardin: A Story of Ambition 23:39 Setting High Expectations in a High-Performing School 25:14 Building Consensus Among Teachers 28:28 Achieving Top Scores and Recognition 31:11 Transitioning Between Different Socioeconomic Schools 34:46 The Role of a Principal as an Instructional Coach 38:15 Advice for New Principals This podcast sponsored by: The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here.