Interventions and Detentions

Something shifts in schools every spring—and it’s not just academic. In this episode of Interventions and Detentions, we take a real look at what educators are experiencing right now: shorter attention spans, increased behavior challenges, lower motivation, and overall fatigue from both students and staff. This isn’t about the “summer slide.” It’s about the very real spring slide in behavior, energy, and stamina—and why it happens every year. From routine fatigue and testing pressure to the “almost there” mindset, we break down what’s really driving the shift you’re seeing in classrooms right now. More importantly, we focus on what actually works. That includes resetting expectations instead of constantly correcting, shortening instructional “wins” to keep students engaged, strengthening relationships when capacity is low, and making small changes that can have a big impact. We also talk about why this is the time to double down on strong Tier 1 practices rather than just adding more interventions. The key takeaway: this isn’t a failure point—it’s a predictable point. And when we recognize it for what it is, we can respond in ways that better support both students and staff through the final stretch of the school year.

In Episode 2:28 of Interventions and Detentions, we take a deep dive into one of the most overlooked—but most impactful—factors in student success: attendance. While it may seem like a simple daily routine, consistent attendance is directly tied to academic achievement, social development, and long-term outcomes for students. Missing just a few days each month can create gaps that are difficult to overcome. In this episode, we explore Indiana’s attendance laws and guidelines, how schools are working to support students and families, and the growing role attendance plays in school accountability. We also unpack current research on chronic absenteeism, discuss practical strategies schools are using to improve attendance, and highlight the importance of building a culture where students feel connected and motivated to show up every day. Whether you’re an educator, school leader, or parent, this episode offers insight into why attendance truly matters—and how we can all play a role in making sure every student has the opportunity to succeed. Because at the end of the day, every day counts.

Remember the excitement of field trip day? The permission slip. The yellow bus. The snacks packed in your backpack. But field trips today look a lot different than they did when most of us were in school. In the newest episode of Interventions and Detentions with Brad, we take a deep dive into the evolution of the school field trip. We talk about: • Where field trips originally came from • Why schools started tying them to academic standards • How schools actually pay for them • The rise of virtual field trips • And what the future of experiential learning might look like If you work in education, you’ll definitely relate to this one.

Episode 2:26 – Why Some Classrooms Run Smoothly… and Others Don’t Why can two classrooms in the same school, with the same students, feel completely different? One classroom runs smoothly. Expectations are clear, students stay engaged, and learning happens. Just down the hallway, another classroom can feel like a constant struggle to keep things on track. In this episode of Interventions and Detentions, Brad takes a deep dive into the realities of classroom management. What actually works? What systems help teachers create consistent learning environments? And what are some of the common mistakes that make classroom management harder than it needs to be? This conversation explores the role of routines, relationships, schoolwide systems, teacher autonomy, and why parent support can play a critical role in how classrooms function. Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, or someone interested in the realities of modern education, this episode offers practical insight into one of the most important parts of effective teaching.

From paddles labeled “The Board of Education” to restorative circles and progressive discipline systems, school consequences have changed dramatically over the last 100–150 years. But have we truly evolved… or simply swung the pendulum? In this episode of Interventions and Detentions, Brad takes a deep dive into the history of school discipline — from one-room schoolhouses and zero tolerance policies to PBIS frameworks and trauma-informed approaches. He breaks down what progressive discipline actually means, how consequences should develop from kindergarten through high school, and why leadership consistency matters more than ever. Drawing on research, developmental psychology, and real-world leadership experience, this episode explores: • Why exclusion alone doesn’t always change behavior • The difference between reaction and response • How brain development impacts student decision-making • The growing tension teachers feel around repeated behaviors • What it takes to build a discipline system rooted in accountability and growth This conversation isn’t about being soft. It isn’t about being harsh. It’s about being intentional. Because discipline isn’t about detentions. It’s about development.

rushed to put a screen in every child’s hands. It made sense in 2020. But in 2026… does it still? In this episode of Interventions and Detentions, Brad asks the uncomfortable question many educators are thinking but not saying out loud: Have we gone too far with devices in elementary classrooms? Students in some grades are spending close to two hours a day on school-issued screens. Research shows comprehension can drop when reading digitally. Attention spans are shifting. Social development looks different. And some districts across the country are quietly scaling technology back in K–5 while keeping it strong in secondary settings. So what does the research actually say? What trends are emerging? And what should a balanced K–12 approach really look like? This isn’t anti-technology. High school students absolutely need digital fluency. But are we asking kindergarteners to function like mini knowledge workers? If you’re a school leader, teacher, or parent wrestling with screen time, instructional quality, and long-term impact — this episode is an honest, data-informed conversation about where we may need to recalibrate.

Episode 2:23 – Recess Matters More Than You Think When was the last time we really stopped to think about recess? In this episode of Interventions & Detentions, Brad takes a deep dive into the history of recess in American schools, how it has evolved over time, and why it may be one of the most misunderstood parts of the school day. From the impact of high-stakes testing to the debate over recess before or after lunch, this conversation explores how scheduling decisions shape student behavior, regulation, and learning. Brad also unpacks the social power of recess — where leadership emerges, conflict is navigated, and resilience is built. Most importantly, this episode challenges us to reconsider play not as a break from learning, but as a foundational part of it. Unstructured play isn’t fluff. It’s developmental. It’s neurological. And it may be more protective than we realize. If you’re an educator, school leader, or parent who cares about the whole child, this episode will give you practical insights and perspective shifts you can apply immediately. Because sometimes the most important learning happens outside.

Making Learning Visible — A Conversation on Visible Grading with Dave Nagel What if grading didn’t signal the end of learning, but instead helped students see where they are, where they’re going, and how to get there? In this episode, Brad is joined by Dave Nagel, educational consultant, coach, and co-author of Grading Visible Learners: Learning With Fluidity, Not Finality, for a thoughtful conversation on Visible Grading and its connection to student learning. Dave unpacks how traditional grading practices can unintentionally shut learning down—and how visible grading shifts the focus from point accumulation to clarity, feedback, and growth. Drawing from research connected to Visible Learning, Dave shares practical ways educators can make grading more transparent, meaningful, and supportive for students and teachers alike. In this episode, you’ll hear: • What “visible grading” really means in classrooms • How grading can support learning rather than finalize it • Why clarity and feedback matter more than points • What convinces skeptical educators to rethink grading practices • Practical shifts teachers and leaders can make without overhauling everything Whether you’re a classroom teacher, instructional coach, or school leader, this conversation will challenge how you think about grades—and how they impact learning.

Season 2, Episode 21 The Code We Don’t Talk About: Ethics, Teaching, & the Lines We Cross We see posts about teacher ethics all the time. We like them. We share them. We agree with them. But we rarely slow down and talk about what ethics actually look like on our hardest days. In this episode, Brad takes a post he came across while scrolling Facebook on The Teachers Community and turns it into a real, honest conversation about ethics in education—beyond posters, policies, and sound bites. This is not an episode about calling teachers out. It’s about calling ourselves back in. We unpack what it means to: • Stay committed to students when they challenge us • Practice integrity when no one is watching • Protect the dignity of the profession during burnout • Navigate relationships with colleagues, parents, and community • Use authority and discipline in ways that build rather than break Ethics aren’t tested when teaching is easy. They’re tested when we’re tired, frustrated, and stretched thin. If you’ve ever questioned whether your actions still match your values—this conversation is for you.

Classroom management hasn’t changed — but the culture around it has. In this episode of Interventions and Detentions, we examine how enforcing expectations now happens in a climate where authority is questioned, limits are challenged, and support for educators is inconsistent. This isn’t about better strategies or stricter rules. It’s about what happens when the shared understanding that adults deserve dignity while doing their job breaks down. If you’ve ever felt blamed for holding the line everyone claims to want held, this episode puts words to that reality.

In Episode 2:19 of Interventions and Detentions, Brad sits down with Stuart Smith, a veteran educator who recently made the jump from the 5th grade classroom to the assistant principal’s office. With over 27 years in education, Stuart shares honest insights on leading former peers, navigating the realities of administration, and keeping a teacher’s heart while stepping into leadership. This episode is a must-listen for educators curious about leadership and administrators who remember what those first days in the office really felt like.

In this episode of Interventions and Detentions with Brad, we take a realistic look at when peer mediation works, when it doesn’t, and why power dynamics matter. We also clarify how peer-led programs like Sources of Strength support school culture without replacing mediation. Grounded in real middle school leadership experience, this conversation focuses on student safety, appropriate interventions, and practical decision-making in high-needs schools.

2025 was a year that asked a lot of educators. In this reflective solo episode of Interventions and Detentions, I pause to look back on the wins, the wounds, and the work that defined the year in schools. I unpack the major themes that surfaced across classrooms and leadership offices—instruction coming back to the center, behavior as a signal rather than a problem, leadership fatigue, and the growing parent-school divide. I also reflect on the conversations that shaped this podcast in 2025 and the quiet victories that too often go unnoticed. This episode isn’t about trends or quick fixes. It’s about naming what was real, honoring the people who carried the work, and clarifying what matters as we move forward. If you made it through 2025 in education, this one’s for you.

In this episode of Interventions & Detentions, Brad sits down with Andrew Barrand, first-year principal at Lakeland Intermediate School, to explore the powerful connection between high-quality instruction and student behavior. Together, they discuss how engaging teaching practices, proactive classroom strategies, and Conscious Discipline can reduce behavior issues before they begin. Andrew also reflects on lessons learned in his first year as a building leader, the shift from classroom teacher to principal, and advice for educators aspiring to lead—all while keeping teaching and learning at the center of school leadership.

In this episode, Brad digs into The Parent Divide—the growing gap between what some parents expect from schools and what educators can realistically provide. From communication challenges to shifting responsibilities, Brad breaks down the tensions, the misunderstandings, and the real stories happening inside today’s classrooms. Listen as he offers honest reflections, practical insights, and a grounded perspective from inside the principal’s office. New episodes drop every Friday at 8 a.m. Listen on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you get your podcasts.

In this Thanksgiving mini-episode, Brad shares two simple but meaningful ways he practiced gratitude and generosity in his school this week—from writing personalized notes to every staff member to teaming up with the counselor to give teachers an extra thirty minutes of breathing room. With real stories from kindergarten and first grade life, this quick episode is a reminder that small, intentional gestures can transform a school’s culture. Interventions and Detentions…Where the Real Learning Begins.

In this episode, I sit down with principal and author Brian Kulak to talk about why adult SEL isn’t optional and how emotionally intelligent leadership shapes everything that happens in a school. We dig into what leaders can do to support the people who care for kids, the impact on students when adult SEL is ignored, and why strong staff culture is the foundation of every great school.

this episode of Interventions & Detentions, Brad opens up about the emotional realities of school leadership — the weight you carry, the pressure you absorb, and the moments that make the job feel heavier than anyone realizes. Drawing on his journey from a 5th-grade classroom in 1997 to 22 years in the principal’s chair, Brad shares honest reflections on burnout, staying grounded, and what it truly takes to reset when everything feels overwhelming. Whether you’re a new leader, a veteran administrator, or someone who simply understands the emotional toll of serving others, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical strategies to help you keep leading with purpose — without losing yourself in the process.

This week, Brad dives into how adult actions, tone, and consistency shape everything kids do — and how real change starts with us. Because better behavior doesn’t begin with rules… it begins with relationships. Interventions and Detentions — Where the Real Learning Begins.

In this special episode of Interventions and Detentions, I share a heartfelt tribute to my late father, who passed away at the age of 91. The episode opens with his obituary and reflects on his life growing up on a farm in Wawaka, Indiana, his time in the Army, his years as an IHSAA official and youth coach, and his deep love for IU basketball, the Indy 500, and his family. It’s a touching look at a humble man who left a lasting legacy through his character, work ethic, and devotion to his sons and granddaughters.

What really drives student behavior? In this episode, Brad dives deep into the power of connection over control, exploring why relationships, regulation, and understanding matter more than punishment. From practical interventions that actually work to reflections on the quiet kids who often go unnoticed, this episode looks at the heart of what education is all about: people. Because every kid has a story and every educator has a reason.

Episode 2.8 – The Primary Grind What’s a day in the life really like for a primary school principal? In this episode, Brad welcomes special guest Kim Kabrich, principal of Lakeland Primary School, for a real and relatable look into the joys, challenges, and surprises of leading a building full of little learners. From morning drop-off chaos to heartwarming classroom moments and everything in between, Brad and Kim share stories that’ll make educators nod, laugh, and maybe even tear up a little. Stick around for a fun round of rapid-fire questions at the end — because even principals need a brain break!

What’s it really like growing up as the principal’s kid? In this week’s episode of Interventions and Detentions, I sit down with my daughters, Madi and Meredith, to find out! They share the real story of being “PKs” — from tagging along to school events when they were little, to walking the halls of the same school where their dad was in charge.

Episode 2:6 – So I Married a Principal Interventions and Detentions – Where the Real Learning Begins In this special episode, Brad welcomes his wife, Shari Targgart, to the mic. Together they share stories, laughs, and honest reflections about what it’s like to be married to a school principal. From the everyday challenges to the lighter moments, this behind-the-scenes conversation gives listeners a personal look at life beyond the office.

Why are so many good teachers leaving the profession? In this solo episode, I dig into the research, share some honest reflections, and ask the hard questions: •Is burnout worse in teaching than in other professions? •Why do the days of teachers staying 30 years in the same grade feel like a thing of the past? •And most importantly — what can we do to keep great teachers in our schools? It’s a mix of data, storytelling, and a little humor (yes, including some rapid-fire questions.)

Episode 2:4 – Just Say No In this episode, I open up about one of my biggest struggles—saying no. As a principal who also teaches driver’s ed, drives a bus, and takes on extra side opportunities, I’ve learned how always saying yes can spread me too thin. I talk about why it’s so hard to say no, the personal and professional costs of overcommitting, and how boundaries can actually make your yes more meaningful.

This week I sit down with Scott Helmkamp, CEO of the LaPorte County Family YMCA, to talk about the incredible ways the Y is shaping and inspiring tomorrow’s leaders. From real-life stories of impact to the values that carry kids into adulthood, this conversation is packed with encouragement and purpose.

Seth Carter has worn a lot of hats — insurance agent, entrepreneur, podcast host… and yes, teacher. He stepped away from the classroom for a time, but guess what? The classroom called him back. This week on Interventions and Detentions, we talk about how just one year of teaching changed Seth’s perspective on life and leadership, and why he decided to return. It’s real, it’s inspiring, and it’s one you’ll want to hear.

I’m kicking things off solo to reintroduce the podcast, share what’s new, and give you a sneak peek at the incredible guests lined up this season. From grading philosophies to SEL for adults, YMCA leadership stories, and even a few family episodes, you won’t want to miss what’s ahead.

School’s back in session… and so is Interventions & Detentions! I’m your host, Bradley T., and Season 2 is just around the corner—packed with new stories, fresh perspectives, and conversations that challenge, inspire, and maybe even make you laugh a little. We’re bringing you the voices and ideas that matter most in education—and beyond. So grab your coffee, sharpen your pencils, and get ready to learn, lead, and maybe get into just a little bit of trouble along the way. This is Interventions & Detentions—where the lessons aren’t always in the textbook. Season 2 is coming soon!

In the latest episode of the Interventions and Detentions podcast, Kylie and I dig into what summer looks like through every stage of the teaching journey — from childhood nostalgia, to those early-career summers, to what it feels like now as veteran educators.

In Episode 1:21 of Interventions and Detentions, we’re reminiscing about all the chaos, laughter, and nostalgia that comes with wrapping up a school year—from our childhood days to our teaching years to life as administrators. 🚌 Field trips gone wrong 📦 Classroom clean-outs 🎓 That last-day energy 😎 And yes… summer countdowns! Whether you’re a student, teacher, or just someone who loves a good story, this episode will have you laughing and nodding along. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your pods.

Are our youngest students growing up too fast online? 🤳 This episode of Interventions and Detentions explores: 🔹 What early screen use really looks like in K–3 🔹 The effects on behavior, sleep, and emotions 🔹 What educators and parents can actually do 👀 If you’ve ever heard a 6-year-old quote TikTok—you’ll want to hear this.

Ep 1:19 – “Is It Worth It? Debating Life’s Petty Dilemmas” Brad & Kylie are overthinking the little stuff—drive-thru waits, reheated leftovers, parking spot strategy—because hey, sometimes the petty stuff is the big stuff.

We welcome special guest, Jodie Jordan, to the podcast this week to discuss our very own KinderForest outdoor learning program!

In this episode of Interventions and Detentions, hosts Brad and Kylie dive into the fascinating world of slang, tracing its journey from the 1800s to the present day. Join them as they explore weird and wonderful phrases like "giggle mug" and "mutton shunter" from the 1800s, moving through the "bee's knees" of the early 20th century, and the vibrant expressions of the 80s and 90s. Don't miss their humorous take on modern-day slang, complete with made-up words and hilarious anecdotes that will leave you smiling. Whether you're curious about the origin of popular terms or just want a good laugh, this episode promises to be both entertaining and enlightening!

Welcome back to the 15th episode of the Interventions and Detentions podcast, where Brad and Kylie take a bold leap into an unplanned, unscripted adventure. Join them as they explore a myriad of random thoughts, from the quirks of sharks to vacation musings, spontaneous existential musings, and everything in between. Inspired by the essence of Seinfeld, this episode relishes in the beauty of conversations that wander without a predetermined path. Enjoy humorous exchanges as they tackle life’s small annoyances, like paying for gas, to the bigger wonders of spontaneous dialogue. You’ll discover peculiar facts about animals, and join in ranking life’s most intriguing smells. Expect laughter, surprise, and a delightful dose of nothing in particular. Come along and unravel the mix of curiosity and whim. Get ready to connect with the dynamic duo on a more personal level as the episode unfolds its magic in delightful unpredictability. Stay tuned for the next episode featuring a deep dive into the world of school nursing with special guest, Natalie Woods.

Episode Title: Ice Packs & Band-Aids – A Day in the Life of a School Nurse In this episode of Interventions & Detentions, we sit down with Central Noble Primary’s very own school nurse, Natalie Woods, to uncover what really happens behind the nurse’s office door. From handling everyday bumps and bruises to navigating major health concerns, Natalie gives us a firsthand look at the vital role school nurses play in keeping students safe and healthy. We’ll also dive into how COVID changed school health protocols, the most common (and strangest) visits to the nurse’s office, and the challenges of balancing medical care with a building full of energetic kids. Plus, don’t miss our Rapid Fire round, where we hit Natalie with some fun, unexpected questions. Tune in for laughs, insights, and maybe even a few stories about the legendary ice pack cure-all.

In this episode, Kylie and Brad embrace the art of conversation with absolutely no agenda. No lesson plans, no special guests—just two educators reminiscing, sharing random thoughts, and seeing where the conversation takes them. From school stories to off-the-wall tangents, this is the episode about nothing… and maybe everything.

Join us as we welcome Amy Young as our special guest to this weeks podcast to talk all things school Transportation. Amy is the central Noble community schools Director of Transportation.

Sharing and discussing all the things teachers do after the bell ring.

Join us as we talk school safety with SRO Tom Lock from Central Noble Primary School.

Brad and Kylie share 5 (each) of their favorite educational reads!

Join us as we welcome special guest Superintendent Robby Morgan to the podcast. Robby shares his journey to the big seat and talks about the day to day routine of a school superintendent.

Join us for this lighthearted episode as we take a trip back down memory lane with our special guest CNP secretary Beth Spencer. Kylie, Beth,and Brad discuss their favorite field trip memories, playground, memories, and even those times when maybe they found themselves in a little bit of trouble at school.

Special Ed 101- Supporting Every Student with our special guest Cindy Scheiber special education teacher at Central Noble Primary.