Sep 2, 2026
Indiana school leaders need connection, practical support, and the courage to make the most of their opportunity to serve. Dr. Bret Bailey, principal of Hamilton Heights Middle School and 2026-2027 IASP President, joins Dr. Tiffany Barrett to open the new season of the IASP Leadership Podcast.
Bret reflects on the mentor who first recognized his leadership potential, shares his vision for helping administrators succeed in Indiana's changing accountability environment, and explains why leaders need one another. He also discusses the School Leader Paradigm, healthy ways to remain grounded, and the importance of calling leadership out in others. His final message is a timely challenge: our window to make a difference is open for only a season, so use each conversation and each day to help others thrive.
In This Episode
· Bret's unexpected path from English teacher to middle school principal and IASP president
· His vision for helping Indiana leaders succeed in a changing accountability environment
· Why connection, practical resources, and the School Leader Paradigm matter this year
· How trusted people, reflection, and healthy practices help leaders stay grounded
· A challenge to recognize potential and invite someone else into leadership
Timestamps
· 00:00 Welcome and season introduction
· 00:43 Meet Dr. Bret Bailey
· 01:50 Bret's leadership journey
· 03:27 A vision for IASP and Indiana leaders
· 04:45 What school leaders need this year
· 07:29 Staying grounded in demanding work
· 09:54 Calling leadership out in others
· 11:17 The open window of opportunity
· 12:11 Closing reflections and IASP updates
Guest Information
Dr. Bret Bailey is the principal of Hamilton Heights Middle School and the 2026-2027 President of the Indiana Association of School Principals. He began his education career at Tri-Central and joined Hamilton Heights as an English teacher in 2009. He later served as dean of students and assistant principal before becoming middle school principal. Bret credits mentor Jared Mason with recognizing and encouraging his leadership potential and introducing him to IASP.
Links and Resources
Indiana Association of School Principals
· IASP district meetings and fall conferences: visit iasp.org for current dates and registration.
Author: Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP)
Language: English
Copyright: Indiana Association of School Principals