Perfectly Imperfect Principals

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Perfectly Imperfect Principals is a education podcast hosted by Danieli Parker and Cristi Parsons, with 47 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Danieli Parker and Cristi Parsons hosts Perfectly Imperfect Principals, a education show with 47 episodes published.

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  Perfectly Imperfect Principals

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

  Sep 14, 202621 min

  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 between action-oriented "North" leaders and process-oriented "South" team members, Danieli and Cristi share practical strategies for team calibration. Learn how to craft authentic, single-focus norms, have courageous conversations about rotting team dynamics, and intentionally guard what you allow to feed your mental and emotional capacity.

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  Perfectly Imperfect Principals

  Keeping the Main Things the Main Things When Teachers Are Drowning

  Sep 8, 202615 min

  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 deep empathy. They discuss real-world scenarios—from teachers spending hours on unnecessary lesson plan formatting to cafeteria schedule traffic jams—and outline a clear path to stripping away noise, removing operational barriers, and leveraging guiding coalitions to keep everyone focused on student learning.

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  Perfectly Imperfect Principals

  STOP looking at the colors and START looking at the kids!

  Aug 31, 202615 min

  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 discuss what really needs to happen after universal screeners are given. We break down how to convert raw data into actionable next steps, avoid premature special education referrals, and look at a child’s complete educational story before making intervention plans. Plus, we explore why your guiding coalition—not just classroom teachers—should lead the charge on analyzing universal screener trends.

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  Perfectly Imperfect Principals

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

  Aug 24, 202620 min

  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 educational technology and ask a bigger question: Are we evaluating technology based on how long students use it—or what they actually learn from it? They discuss: • The difference between instructional and recreational technology • Why blanket screen-time limits can unintentionally hurt students • How technology can open doors for students who learn differently • Why teachers need training AND collaboration around ed-tech • What administrators should ask when teachers bring new tech tools forward • Why students who have already mastered a skill may need less screen time—not more • Digital citizenship, firewalls, and teaching students to use technology responsibly • Why technology should be a tool for learning—not a substitute for instruction And perhaps the biggest takeaway: Don't ask, “How much screen time are students getting?” Ask, “What are students learning because of the technology?” What do YOU think? Should schools be setting limits on screen time, or should the focus be on the quality and purpose of the technology use? Drop your thoughts in the comments! #PerfectlyImperfectPrincipals #EdTech #EducationalTechnology #SchoolLeadership #InstructionalTechnology #TeacherLeadership #BlendedLearning #EducationLeadership #EdLeadership

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  Perfectly Imperfect Principals

  The Belief That Changes Everything

  Aug 17, 202616 min

  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 means and why it's so much more than teachers simply working together. It's the shared belief that, together, educators have the knowledge, skills, and influence to help every student learn and succeed. The conversation explores the critical role school leaders play in building this belief through trust, collaboration, celebrating growth, and creating a culture where educators see challenges as opportunities rather than barriers. If you want to strengthen your campus culture and increase student success, this episode will leave you with practical insights for fostering one of the most powerful influences on learning.

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