337. Creating a Culture First Classroom: Featuring Katie Kinder and Darrin Peppard

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Darrin Peppard, Katie Kinder, Culture First Classrooms: Leadership, Relationships, and Practices that Transform Schools

What happens when educators put classroom culture at the center of everything they do? In this engaging episode, I sit down with authors Katie Kinder and Darrin Peppard to explore their bold new book, Culture First Classroom. We unpack the mindset shifts teachers and leaders must make to prioritize culture over compliance, why laughter and relationships are essential to learning, and how the fusion of creativity and strategy can transform any classroom.

Katie and Darrin share real-world examples, powerful takeaways, and small, actionable steps to help educators start building a thriving learning environment—one rooted in joy, connection, and purpose. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, building leader, or passionate about improving school climate, this episode will equip you with the tools to lead with culture and create classrooms that inspire.

About Darrin Peppard

Darrin Peppard is a keynote speaker, author, publisher and consultant focused on what matters most in leadership. Darrin is an expert in school culture and climate as well as coaching and growing emerging leaders. He is known for his keen insight, culture-first leadership style, and dynamic personality.

In 2016, Darrin was named Wyoming Secondary School Principal of the Year by WASSP/NASSP and was the 2015 Jostens Renaissance Educator of the Year. In 2017, Darrin earned his Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Wyoming. In the summer of 2019, Darrin was inducted into the Jostens Renaissance Hall of Fame. 

Darrin shares his experiences from over 25 years in education, specifically those learned as an education leader during the past 13 years. As a ‘recovering’ high school principal, Darrin talks about lessons learned and effective strategies to help leaders of all experience levels become more effective at their craft.

Follow Darrin Peppard

  • Website: www.darrinmpeppard.com & www.roadtoawesome.net
  • Twitter: @DarrinMPeppard 
  • Instagram: darrinmpeppard
  • Facebook: Darrin M Peppard & Road to Awesome, LLC (page) 
  • Linkedin: Darrin M Peppard
  • YouTube: Darrin M Peppard

About Katie Kinder

Katie Kinder, author of Untold Teaching Truths,Hallway Leadership, and Culture First Classrooms, is a highly sought after professional learning facilitator and speaker; she has been an educator since 2006. She brings her message of hope, fun, and real strategies to educators all over the nation.  She believes that life is fun, and learning should most definitely be fun. Known for her signature teal glasses, Katie is an Education Award Winner, Speaker, Author, Professional Development Leader, a Mom, a Wife, and a Fierce Advocate for Education. She has learned a trick or two in the classroom, so come on in, and have some fun, and hook your students from day one!

Follow Katie Kinder

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If you are a long time listener, an ASPIRE Leader, You know I only work with brands that I believe in myself and I integrate in my everyday life, so I’m super happy to talk to you guys about Magic Mind!

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#1 New Release, “The Language of Behavior” is NOW Available! 

The Language of Behavior is an essential guide for school leaders committed to transforming their school culture and addressing student behavior through a more compassionate, effective approach. Drawing on their extensive experience in education, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper challenge outdated disciplinary practices and offer a clear, trauma-informed framework that empowers educators to interpret student behavior as a form of communication. Through three core tenets—Consider the Environment, Explore the Root Causes of Behavior, and Respond with Intentionality—this book equips leaders with actionable strategies to foster positive behavior, build stronger relationships, and cultivate a more supportive school climate.

Packed with real-world case studies, evidence-based practices, and insights into the lasting effects of childhood trauma, The Language of Behavior provides school leaders with the tools to create lasting, meaningful change. It offers a roadmap to reduce behavior issues, re-engage students and staff, and establish a culture of accountability and empathy. This book is not just a reference—it’s a call to lead with vision and transform how we approach discipline, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Bulk Orders: https://www.connectedd.org/bulk-orders 

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Need a Presenter for a conference or school PD?

Contact Brad Waid to book Joshua Stamper for your next event on Improving Student Behavior, Impacting School Mental Health, or Creating healthy habits.

 

Follow the Host, Joshua Stamper:

 

Aspire to Lead Won the FireBird Award!

I’m happy to announce that my book, “Aspire to Lead”, won the 2022 Leadership Book Award from Speak Up Talk Radio! 

It is a great honor to get this kind of recognition and I really appreciate all your support!

The book is available for purchase on Amazon.

Review the Podcast

I want to give a huge shout out to those who have taken the time to provide a review on Apple, Spotify or any other podcast platform. It truly means the world to me that you would take the 30- 90 seconds to share how the podcast has positively impacted you or why other educators should check out the show.

 

This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through these links, The Aspire Podcast gets a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.

About the author, Joshua

Joshua Stamper is the Training and Development Specialist for the Teach Better Team and manages the Teach Better Podcast Network. Prior to Joshua's current position, he was a middle school Administrator, classroom art educator, and athletic coach.

In addition to being on the Teach Better Team, Joshua is the author of Aspire to Lead, podcaster, leadership coach, and education presenter.

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