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PODCAST · education

Perfectly Imperfect Principals

by Danieli Parker and Cristi Parsons

Many of us entered into our role as educators to have a positive influence on the learning experience of our children. Sharing our positive outcomes can foster a dynamic learning community.

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Episodes

  1. 😬 Is PLC becoming a four-letter word in education?

    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…

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  2. You’re Not a Rubik’s Cube: People First, Process Second with Dr. Regina S. Owens

    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,...

  3. Don't Be a Drain, Be a Water Fountain: Team Dynamics & Authentic Norms

    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…

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  4. Keeping the Main Things the Main Things When Teachers Are Drowning

    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...

  5. 🚨 STOP looking at the colors and START looking at the kids!

    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...

  6. Are We Using Too Much Technology in Schools—or Just Using It Wrong?

    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...

  7. The Belief That Changes Everything

    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…

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  8. Relationships Before Ratings

    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,...

  9. Leading What Matters Most with Nathanial Provencio

    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…

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  10. Honor the Past, Lead the Future

    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…

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  11. The Power of Presence

    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...

  12. Small Habits, Big Leadership

    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....

  13. What Do You Stand For? Defining Your Leadership

    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...

  14. Programs vs People!

    🚨 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,...

  15. Pause. Refocus. Lead.

    Overwhelmed? We get it 😅 Join Parsons and Parker as they chat about shifting focus from the noise to what truly matters most — people, purpose, and perspective. 🎯

  16. Culture is the Catalyst: A Conversation with Eddie Velez

    🔥 In this powerful and timely episode, we sit down with former principal Eddie Velez to unpack the real driver of school success—culture. Eddie dives deep into how a strong, shared culture can move a school forward, and why students and staff must take ownership of it. 💪 If you're a school...

  17. 🎙️ What if joy wasn’t a fleeting feeling but a daily practice? Joined with special guest Dr. Timothy D. Kanold

    In this powerful episode of Perfectly Imperfect Principals, we sit down with Dr. Timothy D. Kanold—educator, leader, and author of JOY—to explore how school leaders can cultivate a deep, lasting joy in their personal and professional lives. If you’re feeling burned out or disconnected, this...

  18. Simplify Your Planning: Maria Nelson’s 15-Day Challenge

    🚨 Exciting news, friends! 🚨 We’ve got a VERY special guest joining us—Maria Nelson, the brilliant author behind the *15 Day Challenge*! 🎉 She’s here to drop some serious wisdom on simplifying unit planning. 🙌 If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the process (we’ve all been there 😅), Maria’s…

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  19. Exploring the Future of AI in Education with Carl Hooker

    We’re excited to welcome the dynamic Carl Hooker to the podcast for an engaging conversation about the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence! Whether you’re an educational leader or simply curious about how AI is shaping the future of learning, this episode is packed with insights you...

  20. 🌟Special Guest🌟 Principal Precious!!

    🌟 Exciting News, Everyone! 🌟 Today, we're thrilled to have a special guest joining us—an amazing principal! 🎉 She's here to sprinkle some wisdom on how to navigate the wild ride that is springtime. 🌸🌼 Get ready for some fantastic tips and advice that you won't want to miss. We can't wait to...

  21. Spring Forward: Renew, Refresh, Reignite

    🌼 Spring is here, and while the flowers are blooming, many of us on campus are feeling a bit worn out. 😴 But fear not! It's the perfect time to re-energize and reignite that spark within us. 🌟 Join us as we dive into ways to refresh and take care of ourselves, so we can continue to nurture our...

  22. 🌟Special Guest! Tom Schimmer🌟

    🎉 Exciting News, Everyone! 🎉 We're thrilled to have the incredible author Tom Schimmer with us this week! 📚✨ Tom, the brilliant mind behind "Grading from the Inside Out," will be diving into the world of grading policies and how we can start meaningful conversations about assessing student...

  23. Have the MTSS blues? Let’s move from terminology to action!

    🌟 Exciting News, Everyone! 🌟 We're thrilled to share today's episode where we unravel the mysteries of MTSS (or RTI, as some schools still call it). 🤔 Ever wondered what those tiers really mean and how they should look in our schools? We're diving deep into how we can support all learners on...

  24. “From Dreams to Doing: Taking the First Step” 🚀✨

    🌟 Hey everyone! 🌟 This week, join Cristi and Danieli as they dive into an inspiring episode all about turning dreams into reality! 🚀✨ It's not just about dreaming big or reading about it in books—it's about taking that brave first step to make it happen. 💪 Remember, success often comes from...

  25. New Year, Clear Goals: Simplifying Data for Student Success!!

    🎉 Happy New Year, everyone! 🎉 As we dive into 2025, let's keep things simple and effective. We're all about making data easy to understand so we can make the best decisions for our students. Let's work together to ensure every student is learning at their highest potential. Here's to a year of...

  26. Crucial Conversations: Strategies for Building Stronger Teams

    Hey educators! 🎓✨ It's that time of year again when things get a little hectic, and some of us might be wondering if it's time to have "that" conversation. You know, the one where you address concerns like someone not showing up on time or other issues that need attention. 🤔 Join us as we dive...

  27. Guest authors!!! Navigating the Unexpected: Preparing for Trauma Response on Campus

    🌟 Exciting News, Friends! 🌟 This week, Cristi and Danieli are bringing something special to the table! 🎉 They’re chatting with the brilliant authors of "Navigating the Unexpected." 📚✨ Join us for an insightful discussion on how to prepare for your trauma response on campus. Whether you're a...

  28. Empowering Leadership Teams with Jed Kees

    🌟 Exciting News, Everyone! 🌟 It's Guiding Coalition time! 🎉 We're thrilled to have a special guest, Jed Kees, joining us to dive into the role of the Guiding Coalition. 🤝✨ Jed will be sharing insights on how to help your campus truly understand this vital role and offering some fantastic tips...

  29. Unleashing Data Power: Empowering Educators to Drive Student Success

    Hey educators and school leaders! 🌟 Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your data power conversations? Let's come together to explore how administrators, instructional coaches, and district leaders can empower teachers to harness campus data effectively. 📊✨ Join us on this journey to...

  30. Dread Assessments? Let's Flip the Script and Make Them Meaningful Again!

    Feeling overwhelmed by the mere mention of assessments? 😰 You're not alone! Many educators experience that heart-racing moment when they think about assessments. But guess what? We're here to change that narrative! 💪 Join us as we dive into the different types of assessments and their true...

  31. 🌟Special Guest Heather Friziellie🌟

    🌟 What a treat we have for you this week! 🌟 We're kicking off Season 3 with a bang, featuring our special first guest, the incredible author, educator, and speaker, Heather Friziellie! 🎉✨ Join us as Heather shares her wisdom on self-care and the power of using our words positively in every...

  32. ❤️Loving What You Do!❤️

    Join us as we kick off our third season with Perfectly Imperfect Principles! 🌟 We are beyond thrilled to dive into today's topic: rekindling the joy in education. 📚✨ Let's chat about how we can steer clear of negativity and refocus on the reasons we chose this amazing profession in the first...

  33. 🌟Summer of the Stars with a Teacher Star🌟 A teachers perspective to change!

    🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 Today, we had the pleasure of chatting with Donna Kingsley, a dedicated elementary teacher with 11 years of experience. 🎉 Donna shared her incredible journey of shifting her mindset for change. Her story is truly inspiring! 🌱✨ Donna emphasized the importance of asking...

  34. ⭐️Leadership Insights: Special Guest Shauna Hittle ⭐️

    🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 This week, we have a special guest joining us - the amazing Ms. Shauna Hittle!! 🎉 Shauna will be sharing invaluable tips for administrators from a district perspective. 📚✨ Tune in to hear her experiences, the advice she gives to campus administrators, and the lessons she...

  35. ⭐️ Special Guest Dr. Luis Cruz! ⭐️

    🎉 Exciting News, Everyone! 🎉 This week, we have a special guest joining us - the incredible Dr. Luis Cruz! 🌟 Dr. Cruz is not just an author and speaker, but a powerhouse educator making waves across the nation. 🌍✨ He's here to share some amazing tips on how we can bring about real change on…

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  36. Role of Assistant Principal

    🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 Join Cristi and Danieli as they welcome a special guest who shares her incredible journey as an assistant principal! 🎓✨ Get ready to hear about the valuable lessons she's learned while navigating campus administration, working across various grade levels, and collaborating...

  37. ⭐️Opening a NEW campus!⭐️

    🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 In this week's episode, we have a special guest joining us - Jennifer Hoskins, an amazing elementary principal! 🎓✨ Jennifer sits down with Cristi and Danieli to share some invaluable tips and lessons learned from the incredible journey of opening a new school. 🏫💡 Whether...

  38. Handling the Unexpected!

    Hey everyone! 🌞 Ever gotten that dreaded call from a staff member saying they won't be returning next year? 😱 As a leader, dealing with these unexpected changes during the summer can be super challenging. But don't worry, we've got your back! 💪 Join us as we share some awesome hints and tips…

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  39. Getting the most out of those summer conferences!

    🌞📚 Summer's here and it's the perfect time to level up your learning game! 🚀 Join Cristi and Danieli as they dive into some super helpful tips to make the most of your summer learning opportunities. Don't miss out on making this summer both fun and fruitful! 💡✨ #SummerLearning #EducationTips...

  40. Summer Vacation Time! 😎

    🌞📚 Hey, amazing administrators! Feeling a bit stressed about summer plans? 🏖️ Don't worry, we've got you covered! Join Cristi and Danielle for an exciting session where we'll dive into some fantastic strategies and ideas to help you get ahead for the next school year AND make sure you enjoy…

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  41. FutureEd: Navigating the AI Frontier in Education

    Join us for an electrifying deep dive into the cutting-edge intersection of artificial intelligence and education! In this episode, Cristi and Danieli share their insights, experiences, and visions for harnessing AI to revolutionize teaching and learning. Get ready to be inspired, informed, and...

  42. 🍎Teacher Appreciation🍎

    🍎✨ Hey there, amazing school administrators! Teacher Appreciation Week is sneaking up on us, and it's the perfect time to show our incredible educators just how much they mean to us! 🎉 Are you scratching your head, trying to come up with creative and heartfelt ways to celebrate your staff…

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  43. Taking RISK!

    🌟 Calling all educational leaders! 📚✨ Are you feeling the end-of-year fatigue but also buzzing with ideas for the next school year? Let's channel that energy into something groundbreaking! Join Cristi and Danieli for an inspiring chat about taking risks in education. 🎓 It's the perfect time to...

  44. Kinder Camp 🏕️

    🌟 Exciting News for Parents and Educators! 🌟 Hey everyone! 👋 Today's a big day because we've got Misty Roberts and Kendall Tomberlane joining us for a chat you won't want to miss. We're diving into the world of Kinder Camp – the game-changing approach to understanding our little…

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  45. Facing the GIANTS!!!

    🌟💪 Giants come in all shapes and sizes, and we all have our own to face. But guess what? You're not alone! 🤝 Join the incredible Cristi and Danieli as they dive deep into the world of invisible and literal giants that loom over us. 👩‍🏫🍎 As educators, we're at the frontline, but what are our...

  46. The “TEST”!!!

    📚✨ Test season is upon us, folks! Dun-dun-dun... 🎵 We all know it can be a nail-biting period for educators and students alike. But fear not! Cristi and Danieli are here to sprinkle some magic on the dreaded state assessments. 🌟 Join their conversation on how to keep the joy of learning alive...

  47. Rediscovering Joy: A Conversation for Educators

    🍎✨ Teachers, do you ever feel like you're stuck in a rut, searching for that spark of joy in your work? You're not alone! Let's come together and chat about the incredible honor and delight of being an educator. 📚 Join Cristi and Danieli today as we dive into the profound impact we have on…

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  48. Unlocking Literacy: Insights from Paula Maeker on Empowering Educators and Students📚✨

    🎉📚 Get ready, friends! Today's episode is going to be extra special because we're joined by none other than Paula Maeker, the co-author of "Literacy in a PLC"! We're diving deep into the world of literacy in our schools and tackling everything from the science of reading to the pressures our...

  49. Navigating Parent-Teacher Conflict

    📣 Calling all educators! 🍎✨ Ever feel like you're in the trenches when it comes to dealing with parent-teacher conflicts? You're not alone! This week, Cristi and Danieli are here to share their wisdom on how to pick your battles wisely. 🛡️ 🤔 What's really an attack, and what's just a...

  50. Mastering the Art of Prioritization: Choosing Your Battles Wisely

    🛡️🤔 Leaders, it's time for some real talk! Are you constantly juggling a million challenges and wondering which ones truly deserve your energy? 🤹‍♂️💥 Let's dive into the art of choosing our battles wisely. 🎯 In our latest episode, we're unpacking the secrets to prioritizing effectively and...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Many of us entered into our role as educators to have a positive influence on the learning experience of our children. Sharing our positive outcomes can foster a dynamic learning community.

HOSTED BY

Danieli Parker and Cristi Parsons

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Perfectly Imperfect Principals have?

Perfectly Imperfect Principals currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Perfectly Imperfect Principals about?

Many of us entered into our role as educators to have a positive influence on the learning experience of our children. Sharing our positive outcomes can foster a dynamic learning community.

How often does Perfectly Imperfect Principals release new episodes?

Perfectly Imperfect Principals has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Perfectly Imperfect Principals?

You can listen to Perfectly Imperfect Principals on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Perfectly Imperfect Principals?

Perfectly Imperfect Principals is created and hosted by Danieli Parker and Cristi Parsons.
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