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A school changes course when leadership starts by listening and then protects what matters most: time, clarity, and opportunity. We sit down with Lindsey Allen, Georgia’s 2025 Principal of the Year and principal of Walnut Grove High School, to unpack the simple, rigorous moves that drive real results. From ten years in the classroom to district hearings and a Title I turnaround, Lindsey shows how credibility is earned, standards are set, and culture shifts when you hire for belief and hold the line with care.

We dig into his three-part rallying cry, every student should have a meaningful school experience, graduate on time, and leave enrolled, enlisted, or employed, and how it reshaped decisions. That led to expanding AP from five to eighteen courses so students could truly compete for UGA and Georgia Tech, while growing career pathways in construction, healthcare, and engineering to match Georgia’s job market. The goal isn’t a handshake at graduation; it’s a real plan for the next step.

Lindsey also shares why safeguarding teacher time is a leadership superpower: purposeful pre-planning, fewer and better meetings, and a calendar built to be canceled when staff need margin. We talk about mentoring new leaders, reading as a non-negotiable habit, hiring to complement your blind spots, and using tools like StrengthsFinder and DiSC to build a balanced team. Looking ahead, we explore AI as a practical classroom ally, returning hours to teachers, supporting differentiation, and elevating the human work of feedback and relationships.

If you care about educational leadership, teacher time, AP access, college readiness, workforce pathways, and using AI to improve instruction, this conversation is a blueprint you can use tomorrow. Subscribe, share with a colleague who needs a lift, and leave a review telling us the one change you’ll make this week.

Connect with Lindsey Allen:

Email: lindsey.allen@walton.k12.ga.us

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Ready for a fast, no-fluff leadership reset that actually translates? In this 2025 Year in Review, we highlight twelve standout leaders and the single move from each that shifted trust, culture, and learning in real schools.

You’ll hear how visibility strengthens belonging, why behavior is communication, and how a “no visible student” mindset transforms climate. We unpack the systems that steady culture—clear expectations, reinforced routines, and a peer-observation engine that generated thousands of teacher visits to boost collective efficacy.

We also explore the inner work: identity statements that keep you authentic, deep listening that accelerates trust, and purpose that protects your passion when the job gets hard. Plus, stories from classroom leaders who prove you don’t have to leave to lead and student models that turn responsibility into a shared habit.

Walk away with a simple plan: pick one idea, make it visible, make it consistent, then stack the next one. Leadership shifts through compounding wins—not big gestures. What’s the one action you’ll take first?

Episode 37: Josh Tovar

Episode 39: Dr. Dana Goodier

Episode 40: Erin Jones

Episode 41: Jerry Mack

Episode 42: Jayme Braida

Episode 43:Bill Curry

Episode 45: Beyond the Classroom: Dr. Donovan Smalls II

Episode 46: Shannon Seale

Episode 48: Dr. Salome Thomas-EL

Episode 49: Tony Cattani

Episode 51: Dr. James Lane

Episode 53: Dr. Chris Jochum

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This episode distills one powerful insight from each of our standout guests this year, practical moves you can use the moment you’re back in the building. From consistency and clarity to purpose, recognition, and sustainable habits, these strategies strengthen culture and improve outcomes fast. If it helps, share with a colleague and subscribe for Part 2 of our Year-End Review Series.

Click below to listen to all the Part 1 episodes mentioned:

Episode 14: Principal Mo

Episode 18: Angela Kelly

Episode 21: Dr. Joe Sanfelippo

Episode 22: Kurtis Hewson

Episode 23: Coach Tony Kimble

Episode 26: Dr. Josh Wilken

Episode 28: Dr. Cynthia Rapaido

Episode 29: Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket

Episode 31: Dr. Darrin Peppard

Episode 32: Leroy Slanzi

Episode 33: Dr. Frank Buck

Episode 34:Josh Rowan

Episode 35:Todd Bloomer

Episode 36: Casey Watt

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Click Here to Connect with Principal JL: