In this episode of the Principles of Change podcast, host Lee speaks with Kristin Kaufman, an assistant principal at Milford High School, about her journey from journalism to education leadership. They discuss the challenges of balancing work and personal life, the importance of mental health support for students, and innovative strategies for fostering a positive school environment. Kristin shares insights on building relationships with teachers and students, addressing the impact of social media on mental health, and the exciting trend of focusing on career readiness in education.

We’re joined by Derek Stampone, an Assistant Principal at the High School of Fashion Industries, right in the heart of New York City’s Garment District. Derek helps lead a dynamic school of over 1,600 students in a unique setting—a 10-story building where students major in everything from Fashion Design to Software Development. Today, we’ll chat about how he’s navigating leadership in such a creative environment, how he involves students in decision-making processes, and more.

We’re joined by Bryant Bednarek, principal of Berlin High School in Wisconsin and a proud 2003 graduate of the same school. Bryant’s deep connection to Berlin and his passion for maintaining both its strong traditions and its forward-looking vision make him the perfect leader to guide the school into the future.

Berlin High School prides itself on excellence—whether it’s their pristine facilities, successful athletic programs, or innovative educational opportunities. Today, we’ll hear about how Bryant is preserving that legacy while still shaking things up.

Introducing Principals of Change, a podcast where we dive into the stories of K-12 school principals and assistant principals from across the country! We'll be exploring their journey, their challenges, and the game-changing moves they’re making to transform education.

Whether you’re an educator, an administrator, or just passionate about the future of learning, this is the place for you. Each episode, you’ll hear real talk about leadership, from innovative strategies to support students and staff, to navigating the challenges of modern education.

We keep it fun and conversational, digging into what matters most to our guests, like their top leadership principles and real-world problem-solving. You’ll leave each episode inspired with fresh ideas and practical tips you can use in your own school community.

Principals of Change is brought to you by SmartPass, the digital hall pass solution that replaces traditional pass systems to increase student accountability, minimize disruptions, and maximize class time.