Episode #131 - Inside the Dream Team: How Staff Culture Comes to Life - Guest Blake Hiemstra

About this episode

Phil Boyte interviews Blake Hiemstra about fostering a thriving staff culture in schools.

On this episode, Phil is joined by Blake Hiemstra , middle school principal at Valley Christian School in Visalia, California —leader of what his staff proudly calls The Dream Team. Blake shares powerful (and practical) ways his team keeps their culture thriving: from one-minute video shoutouts and the "Final Bell Salute" to the Awesome Cup and the Can of Awesome. It's an inspiring look at what happens when leaders intentionally create tiny moments that make people feel seen and celebrated. As Blake reminds us, the key to great leadership (and great schools) is to pay ferocious attention —to kids, to staff, and to the little moments that matter most. Listen in for ideas you can bring to your own campus this week—and a reminder that culture isn't built in big events, but in everyday actions that make people feel valued.

People in this episode

Host: Phil Boyte

Guest: Blake Hiemstra

Topics covered

• staff culture
• leadership
• education
• team building
• celebration
• school environment

Keywords

• staff culture
• leadership
• education
• team building
• celebration
• school culture
• Valley Christian School

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Valley Christian School

Places: Visalia, California

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