The Principal Patterson Podcast

A lot of school leaders are carrying a quiet question they haven’t said out loud yet:Is it okay to want leadership coaching outside of my district? In this episode, I share a moment from my own time as a principal when I had to wrestle with that exact question, what I was afraid it might signal, what actually happened when I asked, and why that decision changed how I led. In this conversation, we talk about: Why seeking coaching outside your district isn’t a red flag The real difference between district PD and executive leadership coaching The pressure school leaders carry in silence and where that weight needs to go How having a confidential space to process makes leadership clearer and more sustainable If you’ve ever felt the tension between being a committed district leader and wanting more support, this episode will help you reframe that choice. If you’re ready for leadership support that allows you to lead well without losing yourself, you can explore coaching and leadership development opportunities using the link below. https://www.principalpatterson.com 🎧 Listen NowIf this episode hit home for you:💡 Leave a quick review—it helps more leaders find this space📢 Share it with a colleague who could use fresh strategies🎧 Hit subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next📲 Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more leadership tipsLet’s keep working together to create schools of excellence—one principal at a time.

What does sustainable school leadership actually look like, especially when you’re turning around a school? In this episode, I’m joined by Amanda Spight, a National Distinguished Principal, for a real conversation about what it takes to lead meaningful change without carrying everything on your back. Amanda shares her leadership journey, the systems she put in place to stabilize culture and discipline, and the mindset shifts that helped her move from survival mode to sustainability. This conversation is honest, practical, and deeply affirming for principals who are doing hard work in real schools. We talk about what most people don’t see…the ordinary, daily decisions that quietly create extraordinary leadership. In this episode, we discuss: Why sustainable leadership is built through systems, not hustle How Amanda led a school turnaround without burning out The role of trust, delegation, and clear structures in school culture Why principals don’t need to be in everything to lead effectively How discipline systems can free leaders instead of drain them What it means to be “set apart, not set aside” as a school leader One of the most powerful lines from Amanda: “You don’t have to be mean to mean business.” That statement alone reframes so much of what school leaders have been taught. Strong leadership doesn’t require hardness, intimidation, or constant pressure. It requires clarity, consistency, and the courage to lead with both high expectations and humanity. Extraordinary leadership doesn’t always show up in big moments.It lives in the ordinary ones. 🎧 Listen Now If this episode hit home for you: 💡 Leave a quick review—it helps more leaders find this space📢 Share it with a colleague who could use fresh strategies🎧 Hit subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next📲 Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more leadership tips Let’s keep working together to create schools of excellence—one principal at a time.

What happens when your leadership journey doesn’t follow the “traditional” path and yet prepares you for everything you were called to do? In this episode, I sit down with Principal Jennelle Burden, a visionary school leader whose story reminds us that leadership is rarely linear… but always purposeful. Jennelle shares how her nontraditional path, from banking to higher ed to K–12 shaped the way she leads today. Instead of waiting for a title, she started leading from where she was, and every step revealed more of her calling to build people and build systems. Inside this conversation, Jennelle opens up about the weight of leadership, what it means to step into a new school and shift culture with intention, and the moment she realized that resetting a system isn’t failure — it’s refinement.  She breaks down: Why resistance is often proof that growth is happening How to balance culture, systems, and the urgency to improve What it looks like to rebuild a school with strategy and clarity The personal weight leaders carry that no one sees How coaching helped her “clear the fog” and lead with intention again One of the most powerful lines from Jennelle:  “Culture is not vibes; culture is what we repeatedly do.” And this episode shows exactly how she lives that out. If you’re leading change, navigating resistance, or rebuilding anything this year, this episode will speak directly to you. 🎧 Listen Now If this episode hit home for you: 📢 Share it with a colleague who could use fresh strategies 🎧 Hit subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next 📲 Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more leadership tips Let’s keep working together to create schools of excellence—one principal at a time.  

Every leader has a turning point, that moment when something finally clicks. For Dr. Kimberly, that moment came when she realized she didn’t need to prove herself by performing; she needed to lead by being clear about who she already was. Before stepping into her role as assistant principal, she faced her share of closed doors and quiet doubts. But instead of giving up, she decided to get clear. Clear about her value, her voice, and her vision as a leader. In this episode, Dr. Kimberly shares what that transformation looked like — and how clarity became the key that unlocked everything else. We talk about: Why authenticity will open more doors than performance ever could How systems and boundaries build trust (yes, even with your bus drivers) The difference between perfection and progress What it really means to lead with both heart and high expectations This episode isn’t about titles or timelines. It’s about transformation. It’s about what happens when a woman in leadership decides to stop waiting for someone to validate her and starts walking in clarity. ✨ Ready to experience your own leadership breakthrough? Join Dr. Kimberly and other women in school leadership at TLC Live 2026 — the conference designed to help you lead with clarity, confidence, and sustainability. Mark your calendar and grab your seat at TLC Live 2026: Best in Class – Taking Flight . The next level of your leadership starts with clarity.

I want to tell you a quick story.Earlier this month, I walked into the Goldman Sachs headquarters in New York City—nervous, excited, and still wrapping my mind around the fact that I was selected as one of just 300 women across the country for their One Million Black Women: Black in Business program.Days later, I received my JP Morgan Chase Coaching for Impact credential.Now, listen… I don’t share this to impress you. I share it to show you something.These two honors? They’re not just big wins for my business. They’re a mirror. A reflection of what I ask my clients to do every single day.I tell principals to slow down and sharpen their leadership lens—and I do the same. I encourage women leaders to invest in their own growth—so I invest in mine. I challenge folks to stretch beyond their comfort zones—and I’ve been doing that in rooms I once thought were out of reach.This episode is me practicing what I preach. It’s about alignment. Integrity. And walking the same path I coach others to walk—because I believe coaching shouldn’t come from a script, it should come from experience.I’m sharing what these milestones mean, how they’re already shaping the way I serve leaders, and why the ripple effect of your growth as a leader matters more than ever.This isn’t about theory. This is transformation in real time.So hit play—and then ask yourself the same question I’ve been sitting with:What’s your next leadership stretch?Because we’re building schools of excellence—one leader at a time. And it starts with you. If this episode hit home for you: 💡 Leave a quick review—it helps more leaders find this space📢 Share it with a colleague who could use fresh strategies🎧 Hit subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next📲 Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more leadership tips Let’s keep working together to create schools of excellence—one principal at a time.

If your teachers are sending students out of the classroom constantly, calling for admin backup, and feeling like they can’t manage behaviors on their own, it's not just your school. Right now, student behavior issues are at an all-time high, and it’s taking a toll on both instruction and school culture. The problem? Many teachers don’t know the difference between what they should handle and what truly requires admin intervention. And without clear expectations and support, they default to what feels easiest—removing students. But here’s the reality: every time a student is sent out, valuable learning time is lost. In this episode, I’m sharing how to empower and equip your teachers to handle classroom behaviors with confidence. Here’s what we’re covering: ✅ Clarity: How to help teachers understand the difference between teacher-managed behaviors vs. admin-level issues ✅ Confidence: A simple T-chart activity to reset expectations and create alignment across your staff ✅ Competence: How to introduce a tiered response system so teachers know exactly how to handle different levels of behavior ✅ Consistency: Why using common language and strategies across classrooms is essential for schoolwide success ✅ Collaboration: The one question you need to ask your teachers to ensure they feel truly supported This isn’t just about reducing office referrals—it’s about building a school culture where teachers feel capable and students get the support they need. Let’s make it happen!   If you’re a high-performing woman in school leadership, I’ve got something designed just for you. The Leadership Collective Live is happening June 27-29, 2025, in Orlando, FL, and it’s NOT your typical conference. You’ll step away from the constant demands of leadership and finally get time to reset, recharge, and refine your leadership strategy—with real support, not just inspiration. 🔗 Click the link below for all the details and to grab your spot: www.principalpatterson.com/tlc/live If this episode hit home for you: 💡 Leave a quick review—it helps more leaders find this space 📢 Share it with a colleague who could use fresh strategies 🎧 Hit subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next 📲 Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more leadership tips Let’s keep working together to create schools of excellence—one principal at a time.

As a school leader, you’ve probably felt that “Us vs. Them” tension between admin and teachers. It’s frustrating, right? You’re pulling in one direction, but your team feels like they’re pulling in another. Here’s the truth: that disconnect almost always comes down to trust. In this episode, I’m breaking down how to rebuild that trust and start working as one team again. I’m sharing four areas that can help close that gap and get everyone on the same page: Character: Are your actions matching your words? Your team is paying attention. Communication: It’s not just what you say—it’s how and when you say it. Competence: Are you leading by example and staying sharp in your own learning? Care: Are you valuing your people or just focusing on the results they bring in? I’ll also walk you through ways to shift the mindset from “Us vs. Them” to “We’re in this together.” Because let’s face it, no one wins when the team feels divided.   Heads up! I’ve got something special coming up: The Leadership Collective Live is finally happening! This is your chance to step away from the constant pressure and distractions and spend two days in Orlando, Florida (June 27-29, 2025) resetting, recharging, and refining your leadership. If you’re a high-achieving woman in school leadership who’s ready for real strategies (without all the conference fluff), this was made for you. 🔗 Click the link below for all the details and to grab your spot: https://www.principalpatterson.com/tlc/live   If this episode hit home for you: Leave a quick review—it helps more leaders find this space Share it with a colleague who could use some fresh leadership strategies Hit subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin.  Let’s keep working together to create schools of excellence—one principal at a time.

Hey there, leaders!In this episode of The Principal Patterson Podcast, I’m diving into one of the biggest challenges in school leadership—navigating change when your team is resistant. I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to introduce something new, only to be met with hesitation, skepticism, or even outright pushback. I’m sharing a personal story from my first year as a principal when I rolled out a new instructional coaching model and quickly realized that change—even when it’s for the better—is never easy. That experience taught me that leading through change isn’t just about having a great plan; it’s about understanding the psychology behind how people process change.In This Episode, We’ll Cover:✅ The three psychological phases of change: emotional reaction, cognitive shift, and commitment point—and how to support your team through each.✅ The four types of resistance you’ll encounter (silent resistors, legacy keepers, overwhelmed skeptics, and willing vocal opponents) and strategies for working with each group.✅ How to acknowledge concerns without losing momentum and frame change in a way that builds trust and buy-in.✅ Why providing psychological safety is a game-changer in getting your team on board with new initiatives.Change doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle. When you understand what’s really happening beneath the surface, you can lead with confidence, clarity, and compassion.Join Me for a Live Training on February 20!If this episode resonated with you, I want to invite you to my live virtual workshop on February 20: "Leading Through Change: How to Transform Your School Without Sacrificing Your Sanity." This 2 hour session will dive even deeper into the key shifts school leaders must make to successfully implement change in 2025.📅 Date: February 20, 2025 (National Leadership Day)🕖 Time: 7 PM EST 💡 What You’ll Get: Actionable strategies, a downloadable workbook, and a live Q&A with me! 💻 Secure your spot today! https://www.principalpatterson.com/leading-through-change Listen now and let’s lead change with confidence!

As we dive into the second half of the school year, let’s talk about how you can create the synergy needed to sustain culture shifts and reclaim your time as a school leader.5 Key Leadership Skills for School Leaders:Strategic Thinking – Plan your time and priorities to steer your school toward success.Identifying & Developing Talent – Empower teacher leaders to lighten your workload and foster collaboration.Leading Change – Cultivate buy-in and embrace collaboration for smoother transitions.Decision-Making – Use data and feedback to make clear, confident decisions.Influencing Others – Build trust and inspire your team to believe in the school’s mission and vision. Big Takeaways: Resetting isn’t about fixing what’s broken; it’s about rebuilding for something better. Focus on creating synergy, building a thriving culture, and taking back control of your time. Remember: leadership is about intentionality, collaboration, and influence. Free Training Alert Ready to make this second semester your best yet? Download my FREE training: The Second Semester Reset, where I’ll share the top three strategies for starting the semester strong.👉 Visit principalpatterson.com/reset to grab your training now. If this episode resonates, please rate, review, and share it with a fellow leader. Together, we’re transforming schools, one principal at a time. Let’s Connect!Follow me on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principalpatterson/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/principalpatterson1Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanaviapatterson/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@principalpatterson

After working with dozens of successful principals, I’ve noticed a powerful shift in how they approach leadership. They’re not just working differently—they’re thinking differently. This shift is the foundation of what I call the Sustainable Leadership Cycle, and it’s helping them lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose. If you’re ready to move beyond survival mode and embrace sustainable leadership, join me on December 5th at 7 PM ET for The Second Semester Reset, a free masterclass designed to help you thrive. Register now at www.principalpatterson.com/reset

How often do you find yourself saying, “I’m just trying to make it work”? For so many school leaders, this means juggling crises, meeting district demands, supporting struggling staff, and constantly putting yourself last. But here’s the truth: making it work comes at a cost you can’t afford to keep paying. In this bonus episode, I’m breaking down why it’s time to stop surviving and start resetting. I’ll share why resetting your standards, reclaiming your excellence, rebuilding your team, and rebooting the balance between work and life are essential for sustainable leadership. Join me on December 5th at 7 PM ET for my free masterclass, The Second Semester Reset, where we’ll dive deeper into these strategies and give you the tools to thrive in the second half of the school year. Register now at www.principalpatterson.com/reset

The holiday season is just around the corner, and I know many school leaders are already feeling the weight of months spent managing crises, sub shortages, and teacher turnover. If the second semester feels like an uphill battle, I want you to hear this: it doesn’t have to be. In this bonus episode, I’m sharing why the second semester is the perfect opportunity to reset, refocus, and reenergize. I’ll give you a sneak peek into what I’ll be covering during my free masterclass, The Second Semester Reset, happening on December 5th at 7 PM ET. You’ll leave with strategies to reset your standards, build a strong school culture, and prioritize your well-being without burnout. Don’t let the rest of the year feel like survival mode—register now at www.principalpatterson.com/reset and start leading with sustainability and purpose!

I’ll never forget one of those mornings as a principal—the kind that starts with back-to-back crises before the school day even begins. It was exhausting, overwhelming, and felt like it would never end. But that day became a turning point for me—not because I figured out how to juggle it all, but because I realized something huge: the way we’ve been trained to lead is broken. In this bonus episode, I’m sharing what I learned about moving from survival mode to sustainable leadership and how it transformed everything for me. This shift is exactly what I’ll be teaching in The Second Semester Reset, my final masterclass of 2024. Ready to make the shift? Register now at www.principalpatterson.com/reset

School leaders everywhere are facing the high energy of students, teachers running on fumes, and endless administrative tasks piling up. This episode is all about keeping that momentum going through the next 90-day sprint without burning out.Here’s What We’ll Cover:Managing Your Energy – How a personal power hour and the 80/20 rule can keep you focused on what truly matters.Supporting Your Team – Showing appreciation in ways that resonate, setting achievable short-term goals, and giving flexibility to lift teacher morale.Planning Ahead – Strategies to break down year-end tasks, create mini-deadlines, and keep everyone on the same page, reducing the last-minute scramble.We’ll also talk about three essential laws of leadership that will help you lead effectively through this season. Your Action Step: Choose one strategy to implement this week, whether it’s carving out a personal power hour or surprising your team with a small gesture of appreciation.Leadership isn’t about doing it all—it’s about focusing on what matters most. Let’s tackle this 90-day sprint together, with purpose and clarity. And if you need some extra support, drop a comment or message me. We’re in this together! If this episode resonates, please rate, review, and share it with a fellow leader. Together, we’re transforming schools, one principal at a time. 00:00 Introduction to the Principal Patterson Podcast00:45 Maintaining Leadership Momentum02:13 Challenges Faced by School Leaders05:10 Strategies for Managing Energy and Productivity08:16 Boosting Team Stamina11:11 Planning Ahead to Minimize Stress13:09 Laws of Leadership16:19 Conclusion and Weekly Challenge17:32 Final Thoughts and Call to Action Follow me on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principalpatterson/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/principalpatterson1Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanaviapatterson/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@principalpatterson

Culture doesn’t just happen; it has to be intentionally built and consistently maintained. If left undefined, it will manifest in ways that undermine your school’s goals and vision. In this episode, I’m walking you through four essential steps to build a healthy, sustainable school culture that positively impacts everything from academic outcomes to staff morale and student engagement.What You’ll Learn:1. Designing Your Culture: We’ll discuss how to define what you want your school culture to look like, including identifying core values that guide behaviors and interactions.2. Deploying Your Culture: Turning your vision into actionable behaviors is key. Discover how to embed cultural expectations into the daily routines and systems of your school.3. Promoting Your Culture: Making culture visible and ensuring everyone plays a role in upholding it is crucial. We’ll explore strategies to reinforce and celebrate your school’s values.4. Protecting Your Culture: Maintaining consistency is vital. Learn how to address behaviors that conflict with your cultural values and ensure your school community stays aligned.Throughout the episode, I share real-life examples and practical strategies that you can implement immediately, whether you’re a new leader or have years of experience. 00:00 Introduction to the Principal Patterson Podcast00:45 The Importance of School Culture01:23 Defining School Culture02:10 Designing Your School's Culture04:25 Implementing Core Values08:22 Deploying Your School's Culture10:43 Creating Culture Without Conflict Workshop13:40 Promoting the Culture15:17 Making Culture Visible16:46 Embedding Culture in Daily Practices17:35 Protecting Your Culture22:38 Creating a Culture of Accountability23:19 Conclusion and Workshop Invitation25:05 Podcast Wrap-Up and Call to ActionJoin the Workshop:If you're ready to go even deeper into creating a school culture that sticks, I invite you to join my live virtual workshop, Creating Culture Without Conflict, on Saturday, October 26. You’ll walk away with practical tools to not only design your culture but ensure it's lived out and protected every single day. Register for the workshop: https://www.principalpatterson.com/creating-culture-without-conflict-live Follow me on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principalpatterson/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/principalpatterson1Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanaviapatterson/

Understanding your school’s culture is crucial, and today, I’m sharing insights on the three key phases: toxic, tolerable, and top-tier. During a recent culture audit at a partner school, I witnessed the power of honest feedback within leadership teams. The discrepancies between leaders’ perceptions and the realities on the ground revealed significant gaps.   Whether you’re dealing with a toxic environment filled with conflict or a tolerable culture that feels stagnant, knowing where your school stands is essential. I’ll share practical steps you can take to improve your culture, no matter your starting point.   If you’re ready to dive deeper into creating a positive school culture, I invite you to register for my workshop, Creating Culture Without Conflict. Together, we can create schools that uplift both staff and students because there’s always room for growth.   00:00 Introduction to the Principal Patterson Podcast00:45 Assessing Your School's Culture04:41 Understanding the Toxic Phase05:51 Characteristics of a Toxic Culture07:59 Moving from Toxic to Tolerable09:21 Exploring the Tolerable Culture09:57 The Buying Time Phase10:24 Creating a Culture Improvement Plan11:31 Top Tier Culture: The Pinnacle of Success13:20 Challenges of Maintaining a Top-Tier Culture15:58 Reflecting on Your School's Culture16:46 Practical Steps for Culture Improvement17:55 Conclusion and Call to Action Register for the workshop: https://www.principalpatterson.com/creating-culture-without-conflict-live   Follow me on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principalpatterson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/principalpatterson1 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanaviapatterson/  

When I first became a principal, I walked into a school with an existing leadership team—passionate, capable, but completely out of sync. The conflicts were deep, and the school’s struggles were a direct reflection of the leadership breakdown. I realized something crucial: everything that happens in our schools is either leadership created or leadership allowed. And if there’s conflict or misalignment at the top, it’s going to ripple all the way down into classrooms and directly impact student performance.  As I began to learn more about team dynamics, I discovered Bruce Tuckman’s five stages of team development: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning. Understanding these stages transformed how I approached building my leadership team.   In this episode, I’ll take you through my own experience with rebuilding a fractured team, navigating the storming phase, and how I leaned into conflict rather than avoiding it. I’ll share three key steps for transforming any team into a cohesive, high-performing unit: Identify the Stage your team is in, whether you're forming, storming, or performing. Clarity is essential. Assess Your Own Leadership as your team is a reflection of your leadership. Where are you leading from? Title alone, or trust and buy-in? Discover the Disconnect using tools like DISC to understand communication styles, motivations, and stresses can help realign your team for long-term success.   Building an unbreakable leadership team isn’t about avoiding challenges but addressing them head-on and coaching through the storm. Stick with me, and by the end of this episode, you'll have the strategies you need to assess, strengthen, and lead your team to success.   🔗 Don’t forget to grab your free Take Action Guide (TAG) for this episode. It includes reflection questions, practical exercises, and planning tools to help you put today’s concepts into action. Download it at PrincipalPatterson.com/tag.   00:00 Introduction to the Principal Patterson Podcast 00:46 Building an Unbreakable Leadership Team 01:22 Personal Experience: Challenges in Leadership 02:14 Understanding Team Development Stages 03:02 Forming Stage: Establishing Role Clarity 04:30 Storming Stage: Embracing Conflict 06:32 Norming and Performing Stages 07:26 Adjourning Stage: Transition and Reflection 08:33 Assessing Your Team's Development Stage 09:21 Identifying Your Leadership Level 11:09 Take Action Guide (TAG) 12:00 Discovering the Disconnect 15:28 Conclusion and Call to Action   Follow me on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principalpatterson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/principalpatterson1 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanaviapatterson/

Reflecting on my own journey, I remember stepping into my first principal role feeling confident and ready to tackle any challenge. I had a successful background as an assistant principal and a wealth of training behind me. But, as many of you know, reality often throws curveballs that challenge our preconceived notions of what leadership looks like. My school was in a state of crisis, and despite my training, I was faced with adult challenges and a toxic culture that needed transformation.It became clear that my previous strategies weren't going to cut it. I needed to embrace continual learning and unlearn outdated practices that no longer served my school community. By shifting my mindset and challenging the status quo, I opened myself up to new ideas, which ultimately led to incredible transformations in both my leadership style and the school environment.The truth is, education is constantly evolving, and as leaders, we must adapt alongside it. Our ability to foster a culture of continuous improvement is paramount. This isn’t just about us; it’s about modeling lifelong learning for our staff and students.   Throughout this episode, I share practical strategies you can implement immediately. From conducting a personal leadership audit to creating a culture of learning among your staff, I’m here to guide you in challenging outdated practices and fostering innovation.Don’t forget to grab your Take Action Guide (TAG), which includes reflection questions and planning tools tailored to this episode’s themes. You can find it at PrincipalPatterson.com/tag.Remember, the journey of leadership is about progress, not perfection. Let’s embrace the discomfort of change together and commit to a path of continual growth. Join me as we work to create schools of excellence, one principal at a time.00:00 Introduction to the Principal Patterson Podcast 00:46 The Importance of Shifting Your Leadership 01:20 A Personal Story of Leadership Transformation 02:25 Challenges in Transforming a School 05:32 Embracing Continual Learning 10:09 Practical Steps for Leadership Improvement 16:13 Take Action Guide and Conclusion   Follow me on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principalpatterson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/principalpatterson1 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanaviapatterson/

Welcome to The Principal Patterson Podcast! I’m Chanavia Patterson, and I’m thrilled to guide you on your journey to becoming a high-performing school leader. Each week, we’ll dive into the essential pillars of successful schools. Everything that happens in our schools is either leadership-created or leadership-allowed. Together, let’s build schools of excellence, one principal at a time!