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.

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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 op...

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 H...

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 ...

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!

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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 an...

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!

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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...

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 behin...