“Sometimes I just call [students] down to talk... They need to know the office can be a place where someone simply wants to know how they’re doing.”
Jeff Dock
Assistant Principal · Thornapple Kellogg High School, MI
Little Wins Podcast
A podcast shining a light on the small moments making a big impact in schools. Each episode, Karen Borchert sits down with the leaders building culture from the inside out.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Watch on YouTubeHear inspiring school leaders share small, powerful ways they build joyful, thriving school culture.
“Every person, every student, every staff member wants to be noticed, wants to be known, wants to have their voice heard. That is the most important thing.”
Sheila Taylor
Principal · Orchard Hills Elementary, IA
“Thriving means we show up with joy, love, shared purpose, and psychological safety—a place where you feel safe to try, to fail, and still feel like you belong.”
Dr. Amber Henderson
Assistant Principal · Myra Yates Elementary, IL
“Every Friday, I end the announcements with ‘I love you all.’ It costs nothing, but it means everything.”
Gus Carter
Principal · Guilford High School, IL
“We end every leadership team meeting by sending a note to a teacher just to say we see you.”
Samantha Sebestik
Principal · Pleasant Acres Elementary, IL
“Every Friday, we do ‘Eagle Shout-Outs.’ It’s not about big recognition, just making sure people feel seen for the little things that keep us all going.”
Alison Canter
Principal · Live Oak Elementary, LA
Be our guest on the Little Wins Podcast
Got a story that shows how small moments make a big difference in your school culture? We’d love to hear it—and feature you on a future episode.
About Little Wins Podcast
A podcast dedicated to the school leaders doing the quiet, powerful work of building culture one small moment at a time.
Host: Karen Borchert