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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons hosts the most downloaded sports podcast of all time, with a rotating crew of celebrities, athletes, and media staples, as well as mainstays like Cousin Sal, Joe House, and a slew of other friends and family members who always happen to be suspiciously available.
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In this episode of Alpaca’s "Little Wins," host Karen Borchert sits down with Gus Carter, principal of Guilford High School in Rockford, Illinois, to hear his inspiring journey from a reluctant educator to one of the youngest principals in the state.
Gus shares how his approach, anchored in genuine relationships, an open-door policy, and simple, heartfelt gestures, has fueled a sense of trust and belonging in a large, urban high school. From hallway conversations and daily check-ins to a school-wide culture of recognition and his now-legendary “I love you all” Friday sign-off, Gus reveals the power of consistency and authenticity in leadership.
Whether you’re an educational leader, teacher, or community advocate, Gus’s story is a testament to how little wins can ignite big changes in school climate. Get ready to walk the halls with Gus, learn the inside secrets to fostering connection, and discover why sometimes, the most impactful moves don’t cost a thing.
💡 Little Wins in This Episode:
- “Love You All” Sign-off: Students now say it back to him in the hallways and even included it in their senior prank, spray-painting it outside his office.
- Open Door Policy: If Gus's office door is open, it’s a signal that anyone, staff or student, can walk in without an appointment.
- Culture Before Curriculum: New teachers are encouraged to spend the first two weeks of school not on curriculum but on building relationships and classroom culture.
- Hallway Presence: Builds relationships, promotes supervision, and addresses student issues in real-time.
- Friday Announcements with a Purpose: Gus makes motivational announcements every Friday, non-academic in nature, focusing on encouragement and values.
Key Moments
06:36 Overcoming Perceptions to Lead
08:29 Imposter Syndrome New Principal Transition
10:27 Leadership Through Servant Heart
13:37 Valuing Team Collaboration and Input
18:01 "Hallway Interactions During Passing Periods"
22:55 Teacher Mentorship Explained
26:12 "Encouragement Notes System"
26:43 Guilford PRIDE Initiative Launch
30:25 Expressing Love to Students
34:21 Empowering Words' Unexpected Impact
37:00 Prioritize Learning Environment Over Curriculum
42:30 "Building Positive School Culture"
43:31 "Eager Reunion Invitation"
Connect with Gus Carter
Website: https://guilford.rps205.com/
Follow Us
Karen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenborchert
Alpaca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/get-alpaca
Alpaca Website: https://www.getalpaca.com/
Alpaca Resources Library: https://www.getalpaca.com/resources-library
🧵 About the Podcast:
Little Wins is the podcast that digs into the small, deliberate actions school leaders are taking to build strong, human-centered cultures, one meaningful win at a time.
Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Alpaca for more conversations on building powerful school cultures—one little win at a time.
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