The Imperfect Principal

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 school community. a WVTV production ©2026

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. They are working hard to create opportunities for all!   a WVTV production ©2026

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 staff to students. Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp hosts.  a WVTV production ©2026  

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 within their middle school. Take a listen to the journey of third year principal Kevin Schnable as he celebrates his school community. a WVTV production ©2025

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 ©2025

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 middle-aged students shine!   a WVTV production ©2025

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 primary grades using the Monarch and Bluestem Lists.

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 your work. It is all around us! 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. 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 their work. 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, 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? Hearing this perspective can make for a better start to the following year. 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, 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 principals navigate the power behind such words. 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 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

Peterson Elementary principal Alli Landstrom and Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp discuss the State of Illinois 5 Essential Survey taken by students, staff and parents. How can you solicit survey input and what to do with survey data once you receive. Getting the most from this survey data! a WVTV production ©2024

Waubonsie Valley principal Jason Stipp and Peterson Elementary principal Alli Landstrom tackle the task of testing. Something you cannot run from, so how do you make the most of it, for students and teachers.   a WVTV production ©2024

Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp and Peterson Elementary principal talk about getting the most out of your interview process, who to invite, what questions to ask and some tips that work for their levels.

Waubonsie Valley principal Jason Stipp and Peterson Elementary Principal Alli Landstrom discuss what texts they read or have read that “fill their cup” as an educational leader. What sources do or have they leaned on to find new approaches in leading school communities in achieving goals. a WVTV production ©2024

Peterson Elementary Principal Alli Landstrom and Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp jump into 2024 with conversation of  how educational leaders can take advantage of two fresh starts or “New Years”.  Listen here as we discuss ways to take advantage of a fresh start. a WVTV production ©2024

Waubonsie Valley principal Jason Stipp and Peterson Elementary Principal Alli Landstrom talk about what is done to celebrate with staff at the end of the calendar year and what to do to relax and break the cycle over winter break.  a WVTV production ©2023  

Peterson Elementary Principal Alli Landstrom leads the conversation with Waubonsie Valley principal Jason Stipp with the topic of prioritizing your day as an educational leader. With multiple choices and priorities, how do you “get it all done”. What tips and tricks can you use to feel you accomplished something in the realm of educational leadership.   a WVTV production ©2023

Peterson Elementary Principal Alli Landstrom leads the conversation with Waubonsie Valley principal Jason Stipp of what is some of the best advice you received as an educational leader. How did you tailor that advice to support you and how has it impacted your leadership style.   a WVTV production ©2023

Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp leads the conversation with Peterson Elementary principal Alli Landstrom on dealing with the loss of life in a school building. How to lead during a time of grief in a school community, and what are ways as an educational leader can you help to support and heal. a WVTV production ©2023

Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp and Peterson Elementary principal Alli Landstrom discuss celebrations. As leaders, they talk about ways in which they celebrate staff and the things in life that bring joy to their work in schools. Listen as we talk about “munch money” and celebratory events in the world of educational leadership. a WVTV production ©2023

In this spooky Halloween edition, Peterson Elementary principal Alli Landstrom leads the conversation of meetings! How to organize and successfully navigate the many different meetings that we as educational leaders engage in on a daily basis in our roles. a WVTV production ©2023

Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp and Peterson Elementary principal Alli Landstrom discuss the balancing act that school leaders face in engaging in national and international events that can impact their local school communities. When and how to engage is always a challenge.

Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp and Peterson Elementary principal Alli Landstrom continue their two-part series connecting Educational Leadership to the evaluation process. Join us as we discuss reflective conferences and on stage observations.  a WVTV production ©2023

Peterson Elementary principal Alli Landstrom leads the conversation regarding the process of evaluations. How do you effectively organize your evaluations, what structures and attitudes are important when taking on the task of staff evaluations? a WVTV production ©2023

Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp leads the continued conversation with Peterson Elementary principal Alli Landstrom about engaging in difficult conversations with people under the premise of safe spaces and brave spaces. Having the courage and bravery to engage in these difficult conversations and ways to make them go as best as possible. a WVTV production ©2023

Principal Alli Landstrom leads the conversation with principal Jason Stipp about “brave spaces” as opposed to “safe spaces”. How as leaders do we create spaces in our schools for conversations in which voices are valued and challenging topics are taken on?   a WVTV production ©2023

Principals Alli Landstrom and Jason Stipp talk about their efforts to limit the unavoidable distractions that come with school so that teachers can do the hard work of teaching students. What distractions do we allow? How to we prepare for distractions, and how do we talk about distractions to this valuable work? These are the questions they take on this week.   a WVTV production ©2023

In this week’s episode, Peterson Elementary School principal Alli Landstrom leads the conversation with Waubonsie Valley principal Jason Stipp on engaging students/schools in positive behaviors, and how that strengthens a school culture. The discussion focusses on structures and techniques in creating a positive school environment, helping students see their best self.    a WVTV production ©2023

Waubonsie Valley principal Jason Stipp and Peterson Elementary School principal Alli Landstrom discuss the creation and implementation school improvement planning, what works well and what challenges come with the process. a WVTV production ©2023

Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp and Peterson Elementary School principal Alli Landstrom break down some simple steps in effectively communicating with students, staff, and parents in a time when communication is essential in the role of a principal. a WVTV production ©2023

Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp and Peterson Elementary School principal Alli Landstrom discuss ways in which to lead and prepare as a building leader for a positive experience for families in welcoming them to an open house, typically at the start of each school year.  a WVTV production ©2023

Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp and Peterson Elementary School principal Alli Landstrom discuss presenting what an idea IS and what an idea IS not.

Waubonsie Valley High School principal Jason Stipp and Peterson Elementary School principal Alli Landstrom introduce their new podcast.