In this bold episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Dr. Darrin Peppard—former superintendent, best-selling author, and CEO of Road to Awesome—about the single staff-meeting question that transformed his entire approach to school leadership. Dr. Peppard shares how shifting from a deficit lens to recognizing what students do right helped move his school from thousands of discipline referrals to a student-led culture of celebration and engagement.​

The conversation dives into building systems of positive referrals, the story and symbolism behind his “Jeep wave” mindset, and what it means for leaders to show up with clarity, intention, and heart. Dr. Peppard offers concrete strategies any educator can use to strengthen climate and culture by prioritizing relationships and engagement over mere compliance.​

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