This week, This American Principal Host welcomes her mentor and friend, Tracy Vandeventer — the principal who first nudged her toward leadership. With a career spanning 35 years, Tracy’s story is both practical and profound: A reminder of the resilience, authenticity, and servant leadership that define great principals.

In this episode, Tracy reflects on her process of meeting with every staff member when starting at a new school, building credibility through quick wins, and the emotional toll leaders carry when communities experience trauma. Together, Joan and Tracy unpack the hard truths and hopeful lessons of school leadership in America today.