🎧 This week’s guest is Dee Thornton, Director of Student Engagement for the American Heart Association in Central Indiana. Dee joins me to share how the AHA is helping schools easily comply with HEA 1515, the new law that takes effect on July 1, 2025, and requires AEDs and venue-specific cardiac emergency plans at school events—including athletics, marching band, drama, and musical activities. This episode offers: ✅ A clear breakdown of HEA 1515’s requirements ✅ Turnkey training options and res...
Jun 27, 2025•17 min
Join us for this episode of the IASP Leadership podcast. A weekly podcast production containing short, sweet, nuggets of Wednesday wisdom for our leadership growth. On today's episode, we have Andy Allen, Principal at Batesville High School and President-Elect with us today to share some highlights as part of our BEST of series to round out the year. This series is a highlight reel of all things good in education and today, we can’t wait to hear from Mr. Allen’s perspective!...
Jun 25, 2025•29 min•Season 6Ep. 222
I’m excited to share a brief but important episode of the IASP Advocacy Podcast: “Action Items & Accountability: What You Need to Know Before School Starts.” 🎙️ In this quick listen, I discuss: The federal requirements for School Improvement Plans, including what’s still required for CSI schools, and clarifying expectations for TSI and ATSI designations A more comprehensive understanding of the TAG grant, its effective date, and what that means for a 2024-25 payout A reminder that the Schoo...
Jun 20, 2025•7 min
Join us for this episode of the IASP Leadership podcast. A weekly podcast production containing short, sweet, nuggets of Wednesday wisdom for our leadership growth. In this episode, we hear from our Assistant Principal Liaison and Associate Principal at Chesterton HS, Mrs. Kristen Peterson, and Mr. Josh Burkett, Elementary Assistant Principal at Wes-Del Community Schools. They join us for the “Through the Assistant Principal Lens” series. I’m your host, Dr. Tiffany Barrett, and today Josh will s...
Jun 18, 2025•22 min•Season 6Ep. 221
This week’s episode of the IASP Advocacy Podcast is short—but powerful. 🎧 Tune in for highlights from our annual Leadership Retreat in Plymouth, Indiana, including a heartfelt message from retired principal Steve Baker, a warm thank-you to outgoing president Dr. Holly Arnold, and a welcome to our 2025–26 president, Mr. Andy Allen. Additionally, we look ahead to IASP’s advocacy priorities for the year, with a focus on building strong relationships with legislators and amplifying principal voices...
Jun 13, 2025•9 min
Join us for this episode of the IASP Leadership podcast. A weekly podcast production containing short, sweet, nuggets of Wednesday wisdom for our leadership growth. On today's episode, we have Dr. Bret Bailey, Principal of Hamilton Heights Middle School and IASP Vice-President with us to share some highlights from this year as part of our BEST of series. This series is a highlight reel of all things good in education, and today, we appreciate Dr. Bret Bailey sharing his BEST with us!...
Jun 11, 2025•25 min•Season 6Ep. 220
A brand-new episode of the IASP Advocacy Podcast is now live — and this one’s a must-listen for every school leader in Indiana. On June 4, the Indiana Department of Education presented the first draft of the state’s new school accountability model to the State Board of Education. In this 15-minute episode, I break down what’s changing, why it matters, and how this shift could impact your school — all in language built for building leaders. 🎙️ Episode Title: "Redefining School Success: A Look at...
Jun 06, 2025•15 min
Join us for ther episode of the IASP Leadership podcast. A weekly podcast production containing short, sweet, nuggets of Wednesday wisdom for our leadership growth. On today's episode, we have Dr. Jane Bitting, Principal of Perry Hill Elementary School and IASP incoming vice-president with us to share some highlights from her year as part of our BEST of the 2024-2025 series. This series is a highlight reel of all things good in education, and today, we appreciate Dr. Jane Bitting sharing her BES...
Jun 04, 2025•23 min•Season 6Ep. 219
Greetings, IASP Members! We’ve just released a new episode of the IASP Advocacy Podcast, and this one is a must-listen as you plan for the 2025–26 school year. In this episode, I walk through the budget shifts, new mandates, and key funding implications from the 2025 Indiana General Assembly—and what they mean for your school. 🎧 Episode Title: “Unfunded Mandates & Budget Shuffles: What Indiana’s 2025 Laws Mean for Your School” From teacher compensation requirements and IREAD mandates to cha...
May 30, 2025•12 min
Join us for this episode of the IASP Leadership podcast. A weekly podcast production containing short, sweet, nuggets of Wednesday wisdom for our leadership growth. On today's episode, we have none other than Mr. Steve Baker, Principal at Bluffton High School and our very own Liaison to the DOE with us to share some highlights from this year as part of our BEST of series. This series is a highlight reel of all things good in education, and today, we would like to honor one of the very best, Mr. ...
May 28, 2025•33 min•Season 6Ep. 218
Good afternoon, IASP Members! As we start shifting into summer planning mode, I’m excited to share the latest episode of the IASP Advocacy Podcast: “Top Ten Hidden Nuggets from the 2025 Legislative Session: What Principals Need to Know Now.” 🎙️ In this episode, I count down ten lesser-known—yet incredibly important—legislative changes that could impact your school leadership moving into the 2025–26 year. From big shifts in the Teacher Appreciation Grant and school accountability to new mandates...
May 23, 2025•20 min
Join us for this episode of the IASP Leadership podcast. A weekly podcast production containing short, sweet, nuggets of Wednesday wisdom for our leadership growth. In this episode, we hear from our Assistant Principal Liaison and Associate Principal at Chesterton High School, Mrs. Kristen Peterson, and guest Tiffany Hawkins, Assistant Principal at Chesterton High School, joining us for our “Through the Assistant Principal Lens” series. I’m your host, Dr. Tiffany Barrett, and today Tiffany and K...
May 21, 2025•15 min•Season 6Ep. 217
IASP Advocacy Podcast: Wrapping Up Our Legislative Series with Dr. Jane Bitting We’re closing out our Voices from the Field – Legislative Perspectives podcast series with an elementary lens on the 2025 legislative session. This week’s guest is Dr. Jane Bitting, Principal of Perry Hill Elementary School and IASP's next Vice President. Jane offers thoughtful reflections on how this year’s new laws are shaping the foundational years of education and what elementary principals should keep in mind mo...
May 16, 2025•20 min
Join us for this episode of the IASP Leadership podcast. A weekly podcast production containing short, sweet, nuggets of Wednesday wisdom for our leadership growth. In this episode, we’re excited to bring you a special panel discussion featuring three outstanding Indiana superintendents: Dr. Michael Beresford of Carmel Clay Schools, Dr. Scott Collins of MSD Decatur Township, and Mr. Jason Cary of Greenfield-Central Schools. This conversation was recorded live at the Aspiring Principals Conferenc...
May 14, 2025•25 min•Season 6Ep. 216
We’re continuing our special podcast series Voices from the Field – Legislative Perspectives with another powerful conversation, this time from the middle school lens. This week’s guest is Dr. Bret Bailey, Principal of Hamilton Heights Middle School and IASP Vice President. Bret shares thoughtful reflections on how recent legislation is likely to impact middle schools across Indiana. In this episode, we dive into: SEA 255 – Bullying, STEM Flexibility, and Religious Instruction HEA 1634 – Math Ed...
May 09, 2025•22 min
Join us for this episode of the IASP Leadership podcast. A weekly podcast production containing short, sweet, nuggets of Wednesday wisdom for our leadership growth. On today's episode, we are offering a special opportunity to dig deeper into Micro-Credentials with our past IASP President, Mrs. Aimee Lunsford, Chief Academic Officer, and Catherine Cavanaugh, Kindergarten Teacher, and Hilary Stouder, Building Principal, all from Warsaw Community Schools, in Warsaw, Indiana. Are YOU interested in t...
May 07, 2025•27 min•Season 6Ep. 215
We’re excited to launch a brand-new series on the IASP Advocacy Podcast featuring members of our Executive Board! Over the next three weeks, we’ll be spotlighting school leaders from across Indiana — each offering their unique perspective on key education legislation from the 2025 General Assembly session. This week’s guest is Andrew Allen, Principal of Batesville High School and IASP President-Elect. Andy brings a thoughtful and experienced voice to the conversation as we dive into three impact...
May 02, 2025•23 min
Join us for this episode of the IASP Leadership podcast. A weekly podcast production containing short, sweet, nuggets of Wednesday wisdom for our leadership growth. In this episode, we hear from four of our new leaders as they share about their experiences. Please welcome Bryan Ramirez, of Northview Middle School, Tony Tate, of Decatur Middle School, Rhonda Bates, of IU High School Online, and Tevin Shoultz, of Jennings County Middle School. Would you like to know more about INALI? Click here to...
Apr 30, 2025•25 min•Season 6Ep. 214
This week’s Legislative Update podcast is packed with everything you need to know as we near the end of the 2025 legislative session! 🎙️ 🏛️ In this episode, we will zoom in on: What bills are alive, amended, or dead (👋 HB 1500, hello SB 146 ✅). Updates on teacher pay, school safety, absenteeism, and curriculum costs. What’s likely to shift before sine die—possibly as late as Tuesday, April 29. Where major Braun-backed priorities stand, from universal choice to teacher pipeline proposals. 📜 N...
Apr 25, 2025•20 min
Join us for this episode of the IASP Leadership podcast. A weekly podcast production containing short, sweet, nuggets of Wednesday wisdom for our leadership growth. In this episode, we hear from Aimee Lunsford, Chielf Academic Officer at Warsaw Schools as she shares some important information on the Science of Reading.
Apr 23, 2025•32 min•Season 6Ep. 213
Happy Easter from all of us at IASP! 🌸 As we hop into the final stretch of the 2025 legislative session, this week’s podcast brings you up to speed on the latest from the Statehouse: The updated State Budget & Revenue Forecast A closer look at Senate Bill 1 Bills signed by Governor Braun What’s headed to Conference Committee The end of this legislative session is very near! Keep tuning in to learn that latest Legislative Updates for school leaders!...
Apr 18, 2025•18 min
Join us for this episode of the IASP Leadership podcast. A weekly podcast production containing short, sweet, nuggets of Wednesday wisdom for our leadership growth. In this episode, we hear from Jeff Lehman, Middle School/High School Assistant Principal at South Adams Schools and Kristen Peterson, Associate Principal at Chesterton High School & IASP Assistant Principal Liaison, as they share more on school safety, in our Through the AP Lens Series.
Apr 16, 2025•26 min•Season 6Ep. 212
This week’s Legislative Update Podcast features a quick rundown of the final Senate bills heard in the House Education Committee—some key pieces of legislation you’ll want to keep an eye on as we approach the end of session. In this episode, we cover: SB 255 – updated language regarding bullying SB 442 – instruction on human sexuality SB 482 – addressing chronic absenteeism SB 373 – a wide-ranging education bill from Senator Raatz SB 202 – Senator Goode’s Higher Education bill Also—don’t miss ou...
Apr 11, 2025•14 min
Join us for this episode of the IASP Leadership podcast. A weekly podcast production containing short, sweet, nuggets of Wednesday wisdom for our leadership growth. In this episode, we hear from Dr. Tiffany Barrett and Cindy Long, IASP Assistant Executive Directors as they share all of the programs and offerings IASP currently has available.
Apr 09, 2025•27 min•Season 6Ep. 211
This episode features two very special guests from the Indiana Association of School Business Officials: Executive Director Dr. Scott Bowling and long-time IASBO lobbyist Denny Costerison. In this conversation, we tackle two important goals—first, to gain a clearer understanding of the Indiana State Budget and its impact on education, and second, to break down the role of property taxes in school funding and explore how Senate Bill 1 could bring changes in this area.
Apr 04, 2025•38 min
Welcome to the IASP Leadership Podcast, where we dive deeper into the art and science of effective leadership. Join us as we explore actionable insights, thought-provoking discussions, and real-world experiences that empower you to lead with impact. On today's episode, we have guest, Monica Genta. Monica is an energetic educator, speaker, and author. Through her professional development sessions and keynote presentations Monica focuses on practical strategies, creative ideas, and positive mindse...
Apr 02, 2025•31 min•Season 6Ep. 210
I invite you to tune in to this week’s episode of the IASP Legislative Update Podcast 🎧, where I break down key activity from both the House and Senate on March 26. This episode covers: 🏫 Debate around HB 1002, including amendments on charter school oversight, trauma-informed language, and school supply fees. 📚 Updates on SB 358, SB 365, and SB 373, including the Career Coaching Fund and the Mastery Program pilot. 🗳️ Highlights from the ongoing discussions about school choice, student transf...
Mar 28, 2025•18 min
Join us for this episode of the IASP Leadership podcast. A weekly podcast production containing short, sweet, nuggets of Wednesday wisdom for our leadership growth. In this episode, we hear from Lauren Sisler. Lauren is an award winning sports broadcaster with ESPN and she also is a advocate for mental health and a motivational speaker and we wanted her to join us today to share her wisdom, background, and insights about resilience and overcoming obstacles.
Mar 26, 2025•30 min•Season 6Ep. 209
Staying on top of education legislation is more important than ever, and IASP is here to keep you informed every step of the way. I’m excited to share the IASP Legislative Update Podcast, where I break down the latest developments from the Indiana General Assembly and explore what they mean for schools across our state. Each Friday, I cover key legislative actions affecting teacher compensation, school accountability, curriculum standards, student rights, and more. Here are some highlights from ...
Mar 21, 2025•16 min
Join us for this episode of the IASP Leadership podcast. A weekly podcast production containing short, sweet, nuggets of Wednesday wisdom for our leadership growth. In this episode, we hear from our Assistant Principal Liaison and Associate Principal at Chesterton High School, Mrs. Kristen Peterson, and guest Michelle Roach, Assistant Principal/programmer at Benjamin Bosse High School. They are joining us for our “through the Assistant Principal Lens” series today to share their expertise on the...
Mar 19, 2025•22 min•Season 6Ep. 208