Shows
Transformational Educators | School Leadership StoriesLeadership Identity and Resilience | Transformational Educators Ep. 12What if the hard parts of your story were actually preparing you to lead? In this powerful episode of Transformational Educators, Dr. Matthew Flippen talks with Jayme Braida, Principal of Columbus Elementary and Iowa’s 2025 Elementary Principal of the Year. Jayme shares how her leadership identity was forged through childhood adversity, how her faith and purpose continue to guide her, and how she cultivates a resilient, relational school culture. If you’ve ever wondered how to lead through challenge without losing yourself, this episode will equip and inspire you. Learn how transformational leadership grows from reflection, grace, and t...
2026-01-1524 min
Educational Leadership with Principal JLEpisode 55: Year-In-Review 2025 (Part 2): Leadership Lessons From 12 School LeadersSend a textReady 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 auth...
2025-12-2927 min
The Rural Scoop𝟏𝟐𝟖 | 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐦𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐚𝐲𝐦𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:In this inspiring episode, Dr. Melissa Sadorf welcomes Jayme Braida, principal of Columbus Elementary in Southern Iowa and the 2024 Iowa Elementary Principal of the Year. Jayme shares her deeply personal story — from growing up in a small rural community marked by both strong connections and generational trauma, to leading a school that embodies belonging, purpose, and hope.Through authenticity and resilience, Jayme illustrates how intentional leadership, community engagement, and a trauma-informed mindset can transform rural education. From her memoir Seen, Heard, Valued: One Child’s Journey from Overlooked to Outstanding to her advocacy for equity, inclusion, and teacher wellbeing, Jayme reminds us that excel...
2025-11-1747 min
Leaning into LeadershipEpisode 245: Belonging Begins with Us - Leadership Lessons from Jayme BraidaPartner Spotlight:Let’s face it — leadership is complex. That’s why Darrin is proud to partner with digiCOACH, a walkthrough and coaching platform that simplifies observation and feedback so leaders can focus on what really matters — students and instruction.Visit digiCOACH.com and mention that Darrin sent you for special partner pricing.In Episode 245 of the Leaning Into Leadership podcast, Dr. Darrin Peppard sits down with Jayme Braida, Principal of Columbus Elementary in Chariton, Iowa, and the 2025 Iowa Elementary Principal of the Year.Jayme opens up about her personal journey—from overcoming c...
2025-11-1639 min
Bound for GreatnessSeen, Heard, Valued with Jayme BraidaWhat happens when a school leader dares to lead with heart, courage, and an unwavering belief in every child's potential?In this powerful episode, host Scott Garvis welcomes Jayme Braida, Principal at Columbus Elementary and newly named Iowa’s Elementary Principal of the Year. Jayme shares her deeply personal leadership journey from overcoming childhood adversity to shaping school culture around belonging, connection, and care. Drawing from her upcoming book Seen. Heard. Valued., Jayme unpacks the transformative power of relational leadership and the responsibility educators have to see every child and adult in their building.From st...
2025-11-1435 min
The Dr. Will Show PodcastJayme Braida - Embrace Your NarrativeJayme Braida is the PK–2 Principal of a Southern Iowa elementary school, where she leads a building of 300 students. Recently, Jayme was recognized as the Iowa Elementary Principal of the Year and as a National Distinguished Principal. With 18 years of experience in education, 8 of those in administration, Jayme is passionate about trauma-informed leadership, equity, and fostering authentic connections in schools.Her own journey—from navigating childhood ADHD and family trauma to leading transformational change in classrooms—fuels her commitment to empowering educators and students alike. Jayme shares her story and insights through coaching, speaking engagements, and her writin...
2025-10-0622 min
Educational Leadership with Principal JLEpisode 42: Seen, Heard, Valued: The Leadership Journey of Jayme Braida, Iowa’s 2025 Elementary Principal of the YearSend a textWhat if the most powerful leadership quality isn't perfection, but authentic vulnerability? Jayme Braida, Iowa's Elementary Principal of the Year and National Distinguished Principal, demonstrates how embracing imperfection revolutionized her approach to educational leadership.Jayme's journey didn't follow a straight path. She "stumbled upon education" after changing majors multiple times in college, yet found herself naturally drawn to leadership roles. Her transformation from struggling classroom manager to award-winning principal hinged on one crucial realization: relationships matter more than rules. After traditional behavior management techniques failed with a challenging class, Jayme discovered that...
2025-09-0141 min