Interventions and Detentions

Episode 3:6 | Customer Service in Education Part 1 of a 2-Part Series When did doing what’s best for kids become less important than keeping the adults happy? Somewhere along the way, education has started to look a little too much like customer service. Parents have expectations. Teachers have expectations. Administrators face pressure from every direction. And sometimes, in our effort to keep everyone satisfied, we lose sight of the reason we’re here in the first place. In Part 1 of this two-part series, I’m taking an honest look at the growing customer-service mentality in education and what it means for schools, educators, administrators, parents, and students. We’ll talk about accountability, consistency, support, discipline, school culture, leadership, and the expectations we’ve created for one another. We’ll also look at the difference between listening to people and simply telling them what they want to hear. Supporting families and building relationships absolutely matter. But that doesn’t mean every decision will make everyone happy. Sometimes doing the right thing means having uncomfortable conversations, holding people accountable, and standing behind decisions that put students first. Because schools aren’t businesses competing for customer satisfaction scores. We’re here to educate kids. And maybe it’s time we reminded ourselves of that. Interventions and Detentions… Where the Real Learning Begins. New episodes drop every Friday at 6:00 AM.

Episode 3:5 – The Many Hats of an Educator What happens when you build a career in education without going to college to prepare for all the different roles you’ll eventually take on? Just ask Chris Blaize! In this episode of Interventions and Detentions, I’m joined by my longtime friend Chris Blaize for a conversation about his unique journey through education and the many hats he’s worn along the way. From instructional assistant to transportation director, athletic department secretary, coach, and grounds maintenance, Chris has stepped into a variety of roles that help keep schools running and students supported. Chris didn’t go to college planning to fill all these positions. His journey is a reminder that careers don’t always follow a straight line. Sometimes, you learn on the job, take a chance on something new, step up when you’re needed, and discover that your impact reaches far beyond the job description. We’ll talk about the experiences behind those roles, the lessons learned along the way, and the people and moments that make working in education worthwhile. And since Chris and I have been friends since 1990, you can expect some laughs, a few stories, and a look at the person behind all those different hats. Because schools need more than teachers and administrators. They need people who are willing to pitch in, solve problems, support their colleagues, and put kids first. Join us for Episode 3:5, “The Many Hats of an Educator,” and celebrate the people behind the scenes who make a difference every day. 🎧 Listen now on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and other major podcast platforms. Interventions and Detentions… Where the Real Learning Begins! New episodes drop every Friday at 6:00 AM!

Episode 3:4 | Three Minutes: What School Safety Really Means, Part Two What happens after the immediate threat is over? The clock keeps moving, and so does the work of keeping our schools safe. In Part Two of this two-part series, I continue the conversation about school safety, returning to the 2018 Noblesville West Middle School shooting and exploring the responsibilities that extend far beyond those first three minutes. We’ll take a closer look at emergency preparedness, student reunification, recovery, school climate, threat assessment, staff training, documentation, and the importance of communication between schools, SROs, law enforcement, and community partners. I’ll also share why I believe school safety requires more than equipment and written plans. It takes relationships, teamwork, thoughtful leadership, and a commitment to keep learning. As I continue my work in Cohort 28 of the Indiana School Safety Specialist Academy, I’m reminded that some of the most important school safety work happens behind the scenes, long before a crisis begins. This episode also includes a special thank-you to the school safety officials, SROs, law enforcement partners, and school personnel who prepare every day for situations we hope never happen. We don’t get to choose when 9:06 becomes 9:07. But we do get to choose what we do before it does. 🎙️ Interventions and Detentions… Where the Real Learning Begins. New episodes drop every Friday at 6:00 AM!

What does school safety really mean? Is it locked doors, security cameras, emergency drills, and knowing what to do when something goes wrong? Or is there a much bigger picture we need to consider? In this episode of Interventions and Detentions, I take a deeper look at school safety, using the 2018 shooting at Noblesville West Middle School as a starting point. We examine the three minutes that changed everything and explore the work that happens both before and after a crisis. From threat assessment and prevention to school climate, student mental health, relationships, emergency planning, and the role of school resource officers, this conversation looks beyond the equipment and procedures to the people and systems that help keep our schools safe. As I continue my learning through Cohort 28 of the Indiana School Safety Specialist Academy, I’m reminded that school safety isn’t simply about preparing for the worst. It’s about recognizing concerns early, building trust, training our people, and creating an environment where students and staff can learn and work safely. This is Part One of a two-part series. We’ll wrap up Part One with a closer look at why attendance matters, then continue the conversation in Part Two with recovery, reunification, coordination, and the responsibilities that continue after the immediate threat is over.

Episode 3:2: They’re Not Their IEP What happens when we start seeing the IEP before we see the child? In this episode of Interventions and Detentions, Brad takes a deeper look at special education, inclusion, accommodations, behavior, expectations, and the responsibility we have as educators to see the whole child. An IEP is an important tool. It tells us about goals, supports, accommodations, services, and areas where a student needs help. But an IEP doesn’t tell us everything about a child. It doesn’t tell us their personality. It doesn’t tell us their dreams. It doesn’t tell us what they’re capable of becoming. And sometimes, without realizing it, the labels, diagnoses, data, and support systems surrounding a student can become the lens through which we see them. This episode is about challenging that. We talk about the difference between supporting a student and doing things for them, the role of paraprofessionals, realistic versus limiting expectations, behavior and accountability, inclusion, accommodations, parent partnerships, student voice, independence, and what happens when we focus so much on what a student needs that we forget to ask what they might become. Because the goal isn’t simply to help a student get through school. The goal is to help them become as independent, confident, capable, and successful as they can possibly be. They are not their IEP. They are a whole person with strengths, challenges, interests, dreams, potential, and a future that hasn’t been written yet. Interventions and Detentions with Brad Targgart Where the Real Learning Begins. Episode 3:2 | They’re Not Their IEP

Thirty days into a new school year. Thirty years into a career in education. And somehow, I’m back where it all started. In 1997, I walked into South Side Elementary as a fifth grade teacher. Nearly 30 years later, I’ve walked back through those same doors, this time as the principal. In this episode of Interventions and Detentions, I’m taking a look at what it feels like to start over when you’re not new to education, but you are new to the building. I’ll talk about leaving Central Noble after four years, returning to East Noble, becoming the new guy again, and the difference between bringing experience with you and actually earning trust. Thirty days in has taught me a few things about listening before changing, resisting the urge to prove yourself, supporting teachers, building relationships, dealing with challenges, and remembering that you don’t have to have all the answers. Most importantly, I’m reminded that experience travels with you, but trust doesn’t. A new school. A new challenge. Same principal. And after 30 years… Here we go again.

We’re closing out Season 2 of Interventions and Detentions with a conversation that every educator, school leader, and parent should hear. In this episode, I sit down with Ben Kaplan, President of Books Are Fun, to discuss the Book Blast program and how it’s helping schools across the country build excitement around reading while putting more books into the hands of students. We explore: * What makes the Book Blast program different * How schools can implement it with minimal staff time * Why access to books at home is so important for developing lifelong readers * The role family engagement plays in student literacy * How Books Are Fun is helping schools create a culture where reading thrives Whether you’re a principal looking for meaningful literacy initiatives, a teacher passionate about getting books into students’ hands, or a parent who wants to encourage a love of reading, this conversation is packed with practical insights and inspiration. Thank you for being part of an incredible Season 2. Your support, downloads, shares, and conversations have helped grow this podcast into a community of educators committed to making a difference. The interventions may be ending for the season… but the impact continues. Guest: Ben Kaplan, President, Books Are Fun Topic: The Book Blast Program Host: Brad Targgart Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you in Season 3!

After more than a year apart behind the microphone, Kylie returns to Interventions and Detentions for a special reunion episode. In Episode 2:37, Brad and Kylie catch up on everything that’s happened since their last episode together. From career changes and personal growth to lessons learned along the way, this conversation is filled with laughter, reflection, and the kind of authentic dialogue that made listeners enjoy them as co-hosts in the first place. Where has life taken Kylie over the past year? What has surprised her most? What challenges has she faced, and what accomplishments is she most proud of? Brad and Kylie revisit old memories, share new experiences, and discuss what the future holds. Whether you’ve been listening since the early days of the podcast or are joining the conversation for the first time, this episode offers a genuine look at friendship, growth, and the value of reconnecting with people who have been part of your journey. Episode 2:37 — Catching Up with Kylie.

What if one of the most effective staff retention strategies in your school doesn’t require a new initiative, a larger budget, or another professional development session? What if it’s appreciation? In this episode of Interventions and Detentions with Brad, we explore why staff celebration is much more than a feel-good activity. It’s a leadership practice that directly impacts morale, engagement, culture, and retention. Brad dives into the realities of educator burnout, why employees stay or leave, and the critical role administrators play in helping people feel seen, valued, and connected to the mission of their school. You’ll learn practical strategies for celebrating teachers, paraprofessionals, secretaries, custodians, bus drivers, food service staff, counselors, and every member of the team who helps students succeed. In this episode, you’ll discover: * Why appreciation is a leadership responsibility, not an extra task * The difference between recognition and appreciation * How positive school culture impacts staff retention * Common mistakes leaders make when celebrating employees * Practical, low-cost ways to recognize staff throughout the year * How to build a culture where people genuinely want to stay Whether you’re a principal, assistant principal, superintendent, instructional coach, or teacher leader, this episode offers actionable ideas you can implement immediately to strengthen relationships and improve culture in your school. Because great schools aren’t built by programs. They’re built by people. And people thrive where appreciation lives. Lead. Inspire. Impact.

As another school year comes to a close, educators everywhere are packing classrooms, submitting final grades, and looking ahead to a well-deserved summer break. But before we rush into the next season, what can we learn from the one we’re leaving behind? In this episode of Interventions and Detentions with Brad, we explore the power of reflective practice for both teachers and school leaders. Reflection is not about dwelling on mistakes. It is about transforming experiences into growth. Whether you are a classroom teacher, principal, instructional coach, counselor, or aspiring leader, intentional reflection can help you identify what worked, what did not, and what deserves your attention moving forward. Join Brad as he discusses why reflection is one of the most valuable professional growth tools available, the questions every educator should ask at the end of the year, and how reflective leaders build stronger school cultures. You will also hear practical strategies for turning reflection into action, celebrating successes, learning from challenges, and creating a clear path forward for the year ahead. The end of the school year is not just an ending. It is an opportunity to become an even better educator for the students who are waiting for us next fall. Interventions and Detentions with Brad. Where the real learning begins.