TheSchoolHouse302 One Thing Series Leadership Podcast

In this episode the Leading Better and Growing Faster podcast for school leaders, Joe and T.J. discuss how school leaders can effectively manage the riptides found in everyday school leadership. . Imagine a calm beach day, preferably Savage Ditch, Delaware, where you can drive onto the beach and enjoy an incredible experience of sun and sand. Imagine this, though, you're swimming close to shore in the refreshing water when suddenly, a powerful current pulls you out to sea. This is the unnerving reality of an ocean riptide, and you can't see them coming and you can't fight your way out of them. But did you know these hidden currents have a surprising parallel in the world of education? Educational leaders, much like beachgoers, can find themselves caught in unexpected challenges – swirling currents of change, budget constraints, or evolving student needs. Just like fighting a riptide is futile, these challenges demand a different strategy. In this podcast, you'll learn about the following 3 Strategies to Navigate the Current: Develop a culture of open communication Develop a culture of continuous improvement Develop a culture of self-development. Don't get swept away! Tune in and learn the secrets to leading through educational riptides. This podcast offers actionable strategies for: Building trust and a unified school community Moving beyond the common notion that "we've always done it this way" Creating systems that reinforce a culture of continuous learning and growth Leading by example through self-development Our goal is to be able to help school leaders discover how to effectively navigate the educational riptides and chart a course for success in your school. Joe & T.J. Are Now Booking Summer and Fall Events! Space is limited but dates are still available. If you're ready to take your leadership skills to the next level or you want to build the capacity of the folks on your team, we have the solutions that you need. Our engaging keynotes and interactive leadership workshops are designed to equip you and your leaders with the tools and strategies you need to thrive in today's complex and ever-changing educational environment. Contact us to learn more about our offerings and book a session for your organization today! A few ideas: Join one of our Mastermind groups Book us for a keynote to kick off the year with your teachers Allow us to train your school leaders on any number of our proven models Have us join your retreat to kick things up a notch with practical takeaways Bring us in virtually or in-person to talk about one of our books Call us for something unique We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

About Glenn Robbins Glenn Robbins is the proud Superintendent of the Brigantine Public School District in Brigantine, New Jersey. He has served as a public school superintendent in New Jersey since 2016. Prior to becoming a superintendent, he was a middle school principal, a high school assistant principal, a high school social studies teacher, and a varsity coach. He is a best selling author of Calm In The Chaos: Ancient Stoic Wisdom for Successful School Leadership and a sought after speaker. Glenn has been awarded numerous administrative national and state recognitions, including the National Exemplar of Education Award, Northeast Innovative Superintendent Award, NJ Visionary Superintendent Award, Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools Member, NASSP Digital Principal of the Year, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Winner, and SETDA Student Voice Award Winner. He has been invited to the White House and the US Department of Education several times. He is also the proud recipient of a National Superintendent Certification, and serves as an AASA National Governing Board Member, AASA Aspiring Superintendent Mentor, and Chair of NJASA Technology Committee. Glenn has been recognized across the globe for his innovative school and district improvement methods and has been featured in numerous conferences, books, podcasts, and other publications. Glenn is passionate about helping school leaders create schools where every student and educator can have the opportunity to succeed to their utmost potential in a VUCA world. What You'll Find in this Episode with Glenn Robbins Glenn starts with the connection between stoicism and school leadership. He takes us back to ancient philosophy, including Epectitus. The book is short and powerful. A practical read and guide for school leaders. Glenn talks about how the world is so chaotic and how the wisdom in his book is a friend to new and inspiring leaders. Listen to what Glenn says about being a Superintendent in a shore community and what he takes from the waves. Glenn poses a great reflection question: How do we react when things hurt us? Expressing gratitude once again is a primary habit and mindset people must embrace. Don't miss what Glenn says about the imposter syndrome. Glenn mentions following Robert Greene's work, Damon West, Chris Singleton, Danny Bauer, and other friends that have supported his leadership. Check out Billy Oppenheimer's Sunday Six. Glenn talks about the future. Don't miss what he's done with the school furniture. Lastly, Glenn reminds us that running schools is not a zero-sum game; reach out to a leader on social media and connect about school leadership, personal growth, and human connection. Joe & T.J. Are Now Booking Summer and Fall Events! Space is limited but dates are still available. If you're ready to take your leadership skills to the next level or you want to build the capacity of the folks on your team, we have the solutions that you need. Our engaging keynotes and interactive leadership workshops are designed to equip you and your leaders with the tools and strategies you need to thrive in today's complex and ever-changing educational environment. Contact us to learn more about our offerings and book a session for your organization today! A few ideas: Join one of our Mastermind groups Book us for a keynote to kick off the year with your teachers Allow us to train your school leaders on any number of our proven models Have us join your retreat to kick things up a notch with practical takeaways Bring us in virtually or in-person to talk about one of our books Call us for something unique We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

In this episode of Leading Better and Growing Faster for school leaders, Joe and T.J. discuss how school leaders must recognize how their decisions create undercurrents within the organization. Every decision you make at school, from offering certain foods in the cafeteria to the consequence a student receives for being late to school because they stopped for a chai latte, creates undercurrents that ripple throughout the school like a rogue dodgeball during PE class. These undercurrents can have a more dramatic impact than you might think, potentially causing serious disruption. This is why we tell leaders to remember that the next time you're faced with a school decision, tread mindfully and follow the suggestions in this episode. Your decisions can either steer the ship towards a calm and productive harbor of school pride and spirit or set sail for the unpredictable waters of confusion and disengagement. Demystifying Decision-Making with Joe and T.J. T.J. reminds that our decisions are either rippling toward success or triggering negative waves of dissent. Check the books that Joe and T.J. recently recommended to school leaders. This concept reminds leaders to maintain the Power of Perception and to be mindful and aware of the present versus constantly thinking about the past or the future. Joe outlines several initiatives that could breathe new life into schools, but they also carry the potential to fall short and leave our good intentions floundering. T.J. dives into the Initiative Implementation Chart and quickly goes through the 7 areas and their importance. Last but not least, T.J. and Joe underscore the critical role of key decision-makers, including individual staff members in addition to school leadership, in making impactful choices for the success of the school and its students. Let us know what you think by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership newsletter every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

Unlocking Excellence: Read to Lead Better, Learn to Grow Faster In this episode, Joe and T.J. introduce two books that they know will make the difference in your life as a leader. Kotler's book is about operating in a state of flow for improved focus and productivity. Who couldn't benefit from learning more about flow and how we can get into a flow state? Murphy's book is basically a “how-to” on management. Very practical with specific suggestions to improve your skills. There are also some ideas and thoughts that will challenge your current thinking about managing people. The author is clear that many management principles simply don't work. Why Joe and T.J. Recommend The Art of Impossible by Steven Kotler and What Makes Great Managers Great by Curtiss Murphy T.J. kicks off by explaining that when we don't believe something or can't imagine accomplishing it, we are limiting ourselves. We can't do what we don't think is possible. He reminds us of Roger Bannister breaking the 4-minute mile barrier, which seemed like an impossible feat. In fact, scientists deemed it physically impossible for humans to do. T.J. tells listeners how the book moves through the key concepts of peak performance: motivation, learning, creativity, and flow. One major feature that makes this book a critical read for leaders is that it has research and data, along with various stories, to back up the assertions that the author makes. T.J. calls The Art of Impossible his favorite book of 2023. Bold statement! Joe starts by letting the audience know that What Makes Great Managers Great has stories that accompany the management principles being described. This is a great feature because too often when reading books that are designed to improve our skill set, we don't necessarily understand the full context. This book's table of contents is organized so that you understand precisely what management principle is going to be covered. One principle that really resonated and challenged Joe was to assume confusion is everywhere. Listen to Murphy describe that himself on our podcast episode with him. Another great facet of this book is the focus on the power of praise. Similar to what we've described in the past, this book emphasizes the need for the praise to be specific and focused. T.J.'s Reading Tip: Set specific reading goals, which are essentially learning goals. Along with your goal, develop a list of books that you want to read. Don't leave your reading habit and growth to chance. Too many of us finish books and don't start another one right away. With your list in hand, that won't ever happen again. Let us know what you're reading by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership newsletter every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

About Curtiss Murphy Curtiss Murphy has spent 32 years as a software engineer (20 of those years in games and gaming and twelve years building educational games. He spent 3 summers hosting the NSF's Edugaming workshop and six years as a professor of game design at Laguna College of Art and Design (for their Game Design MFA program). He has a few dozen minor publications/chapters. He's an award winning speaker, author, and game designer. He's been on 21 episodes of the podcast Game Design Zen. And he's currently the VP of Engineering at a Mobile Game Studio. He is the recent author of What Makes Great Managers Great: How to Raise Engagement, Give Feedback, and Answer the Questions No One's Asking. What You'll Find in this Episode with Curtiss Murphy Curtiss starts by flipping the show back to Joe and T.J. with a question about why they would want to have an “outsider” from education on the show. Listen to hear about comfort zones, learning from new people, and seeking alternative perspectives. That's what Leading Better and Growing Faster with Joe and TJ is all about. Curtiss simply says it, many managers are doing it wrong. His story will resonate with you as he admits that he once was one as well. Don't miss what he says about how it all changed for him. You want to hear what he says about medical errors and deaths based on miscommunication. He talks about going from 5 people to 40 and what management practices have done to increase performance on his team. The number one premise to start with as a leader is that there's confusion everywhere. ~ Curtiss Murphy Tune in to hear why we must always be clarifying expectations. Joe asks about “safety and making people feel safe at work.” Reminder for school leaders: Whatever we do impacts our employees. Don't miss what Curtiss says about “not enough” in this category. Curtiss looks for inspiration from his wife (and he tells us that we can't have her). He talks about being a nerd by trade and using the rules of improv (we wrote about this is 7 Mindshifts for School Leaders). Three rules (1) accept everything, (2) use yes, and, and (3) make your co-workers and partners look good. Curtiss wants to learn to be calm, be in the moment, and slow down his sense of urgency. He focuses on praising people to support the behaviors that he wants from them to repeat. Curtiss used to think that his job was just to empower people; he learned to empower the skill, not the person. His final thought: leadership = influencing others through trusting relationships. Let us know if there's a guest who you want us to have on the show by leaving a comment below or by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership content updates every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

Unlocking Excellence: Read to Lead Better, Learn to Grow Faster These are two powerhouse books that capture the journey of leadership. These two books are distinctly different, but both reflect our focus on school leaders' need to Navigate the Seas of School Leadership. Joe recommends, Sea Stories: My Life in Special Operations, which is an autobiographical book by Admiral William H. McRaven, a retired Navy SEAL and former commander of the United States Special Operations Command. The book is a firsthand account of Admiral McRaven's remarkable military career, spanning from his childhood, the early days in training, to his experiences leading special operations missions. The narrative is filled with anecdotes and insights into the world of special operations, offering readers a glimpse into the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned in high-stakes environments. It's an amazing exploration of leadership, resilience, and the values that underpin success in the most demanding situations. The book not only shares the author's personal journey but also imparts valuable leadership lessons that can be applied in various contexts, making it a great recommendation for school leaders who are navigating their own challenges. T.J. recommends, Working Backwards: Insights, Stories, and Secrets from Inside Amazon, a book written by Colin Bryar and Bill Carr, former executives at Amazon. The book provides a unique insider's perspective on Amazon's culture, leadership principles, and business strategies. In "Working Backwards," the authors share anecdotes and insights based on their experiences working with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The book covers Amazon's customer-centric approach, decision-making processes, and the principles that have contributed to the company's success. It also offers valuable lessons for leaders and businesses seeking to adopt Amazon's innovative practices. What You'll Learn in this Episode with Joe & T.J. Joe reveals that his mentor and friend, Dr. Steven Godowsky, originally shared this book with him knowing his interest in leadership perspectives from the military. Listen to Joe describe how Admiral McRaven structures the book to capture the intention of the reader. Joe also emphasizes how Sea Stories covers McRaven's career. Too often leadership books don't chronicle the journey of a leader and the many different leadership positions that an individual may hold. This book does! Who doesn't want a look inside Amazon? Listen to T.J. describe why he likes this book and why he recommends it to school leaders. T.J. describes how these gentlemen detail their work within Amazon and the lessons that can be learned for leaders. You don't want to miss how the authors describe working for Jeff Bezos. Let us know what you're reading by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership newsletter every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

About Donya Ball Dr. Donya Ball is a leader, author, and national keynote speaker. She currently serves as a superintendent of schools in California and, for over two decades, has been a change-maker in public education. Dr. Ball is a professor of both educational administration and teacher education. She is passionate about studying, writing, and speaking on overcoming leadership hardships. Her first book of the leadership series, Adjusting the Sails: Weathering the Storms of Administrative Leadership, was published in 2022. Her second book, Against the Wind: Leadership at 36,000 Feet will be released this January. What You'll Find in this Episode with Donya Ball Donya starts with a story about her experiences working through various positions and the fact that we tend to talk a lot about “the stuff,” but there isn't enough “real talk” in books. She wanted her work to get to the real talk. We call that “real talk for real leaders.” Listen to Donya's thoughts on why we're so reactionary in educational leadership. She has unique ideas about writing and conveying her message, particularly how she combines her love for reality TV and what needs to be in books for school leaders. One “sail” we talked about adjusting is the negative reviews in books. Joe tells the story of how TheSchoolHouse302 was born because it relates to Donya's take about the need for “real talk.” One inspiration for her book is the need to discuss career rejection; it happens, but not enough of us are actually talking about it. Don't miss her story about her dad who was born in Iran and how he had to establish a new life. We all need to become fighters! Donya talks about the need for branding…our perception of ourselves is not always in alignment with the public perception of us. Listen to her describe how branding is an obstacle and how we need to do an assessment of our social media accounts. What message are we sending to our school community? Donya says that we need to embrace the crises when they occur, not shield ourselves and others from them. Don't miss her analogy for the three types of leadership strategies with social media. Dismissive Passive Engaged Donya tells us to follow Roni Habib at eqschools.com for inspiration and aspiration in the space of leadership and personal well-being. Great leaders ask this question daily: “Are my people taken care of?” This transcends resources, facilities, pay, etc. She wants to know if those she leads truly feel taken care of. Don't miss what she says about “raw, authentic, heartfelt conversations.” Donya wants to master the art of patience. Joe says that TJ is not a person to ask for help in this area. She talked about growing as a leader and why it's imperative to surround yourself with people who are different from you--political leaders, community leaders, thought leaders in various fields. She delivered a great call-to-action: We need to get outside of our comfort zones when it comes to bringing people into our circle. She recommends Blindspots: Hidden Biases of Good People for school leaders who want to uncover their own biases and move past them. Donya admits that she used to think about short-term results and getting quick wins on accountability metrics, but she's shifting her thinking to more long-term approaches to teaching, learning, and leading that have a lasting impact on the world. Let us know if there's a guest who you want us to have on the show by leaving a comment below or by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership content updates every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

In this episode the Leading Better and Growing Faster podcast for school leaders, Joe and T.J. tackle strategies for building an environment where teachers want to work and want to stay. As our good friend, Principal EL, always says, “trying to find, hire, and retain teachers is like the hunger games.” There is definitely a shortage of qualified teachers, so it is imperative that we hang onto the ones we have. To do so, every school leader must actively work to create an environment where teachers thrive. We recommend a multifaceted approach: First and foremost, celebrating and praising the dedication and hard work of educators is paramount. Recognize their achievements, both big and small, not only to boost morale but also to reaffirm their value in the school community. Secondly, finding more time for teachers to engage in professional development, collaboration, and self-care is crucial. We know it's difficult, but school leaders must uncover ways to reduce the unnecessary administrative burden placed on staff, prioritizing time for their growth and renewal. Lastly, creating leadership opportunities within the school empowers teachers to take ownership of their roles, fostering a sense of purpose and investment in their work. This three-pronged approach is grounded in celebration, time management, and leadership cultivation. In the episode, T.J. digs into one the communication feedback models that we work with school districts on, including Specific Praise. The challenge is that managers believe they do this, but most workers disagree. Joe doubles down on the need for the 3Rs: Recuperate, Rejuvenate, and Regroup. Leaders often mistake downtime as wasted time, a major mistake. We suggest finding time for staff to achieve the 3Rs at work and beyond. The key is to communicate the goal and intended usage of the time provided for them. Lastly, don't forget to lift your influential teachers. They can galvanize school culture, but they should be developed as well. Do not leave their growth to chance. Find ways to give them leadership experiences and avenues to grow as a leader. Achieve the aforementioned strategies and you will be well on your way to developing the school culture where teachers thrive. Let us know if there's a topic you want us to cover by leaving a comment below or by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership content updates every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

Joe and T.J. Recommend that School Leaders Read The Song of Significance and Retention for A Change It's no mystery that we are big fans of Seth Godin, especially T.J., but there is a good reason for that in terms of learning to lead better and grow faster. In many ways, Godin challenges conventional wisdom, but yet remains practical in his advice. His insights are unique, and school leaders can benefit from his work. Here's what you'll learn from this podcast: Find your unique voice as a school leader to help develop the school environment that empowers teachers and students. There is no greater superpower than authenticity. Schools are not only a part of the community; in many respects they are a community within themselves. Godin writes about tribes and groups that join together to unlock potential. Schools are a natural place for this work. It requires a skilled leader to create the right conditions, though. Lastly, Godin talks about generosity. Tune in to find more. We always feel a little odd showcasing our own work. However, Retention for A Change (RFAC) is packed with great strategies, from practitioners for practitioners. Learn how to Motivate, Inspire, and Energize your team. Uncover key ways to onboard and support your new hires. The real work starts when the hiring is done. Lastly, schools are in a constant state of transition. We would love for things to slow down and for the waters settle, but we don't see that happening any time soon. RFAC recognizes that reality in education and provides school leaders with real tools to navigate the daily grindl. Let us know what you're reading by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership newsletter every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

In this episode the Leading Better and Growing Faster podcast for school leaders, Joe and T.J. tackle strategies for building an environment where teachers want to work and want to stay. As our good friend, Principal EL, always says, “trying to find, hire, and retain teachers is like the hunger games.” There is definitely a shortage of qualified teachers, so it is imperative that we hang onto the ones we have. To do so, every school leader must actively work to create an environment where teachers thrive. We recommend a multifaceted approach: First and foremost, celebrating and praising the dedication and hard work of educators is paramount. Recognize their achievements, both big and small, not only to boost morale but also to reaffirm their value in the school community. Secondly, finding more time for teachers to engage in professional development, collaboration, and self-care is crucial. We know it's difficult, but school leaders must uncover ways to reduce the unnecessary administrative burden placed on staff, prioritizing time for their growth and renewal. Lastly, creating leadership opportunities within the school empowers teachers to take ownership of their roles, fostering a sense of purpose and investment in their work. This three-pronged approach is grounded in celebration, time management, and leadership cultivation. In the episode, T.J. digs into one the communication feedback models that we work with school districts on, including Specific Praise. The challenge is that managers believe they do this, but most workers disagree. Joe doubles down on the need for the 3Rs: Recuperate, Rejuvenate, and Regroup. Leaders often mistake downtime as wasted time, a major mistake. We suggest finding time for staff to achieve the 3Rs at work and beyond. The key is to communicate the goal and intended usage of the time provided for them. Lastly, don't forget to lift your influential teachers. They can galvanize school culture, but they should be developed as well. Do not leave their growth to chance. Find ways to give them leadership experiences and avenues to grow as a leader. Achieve the aforementioned strategies and you will be well on your way to developing the school culture where teachers thrive. Let us know if there's a topic you want us to cover by leaving a comment below or by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership content updates every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

In this podcast, we are completely focused on successfully implementing and managing the multiple initiatives that can be found in every school system. What you'll find in this episode: Despite the enormous amount of various initiatives in schools, maintain a mindset that sees how they all fit into the system versus it being “one more thing.” Zoom out to gain a greater perspective so you can successfully organize the initiatives and work into buckets. Very often the area of focus may gel nicely with work already being done. As a school leader, be sure to include teacher voice and their perspective. They will point out obstacles and roadblocks that will save an enormous amount of time. Let teacher leaders run with the work, but don't leave them out to dry. Providing ongoing leadership development and capacity building is key. Lastly, do an inventory of all the programs and initiatives. Sometimes the work overlaps with other efforts and either something can be eliminated or coupled. Let us know if there's a topic you want us to cover in our short Leading Better & Growing Faster episodes by leaving a comment below or by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership content updates every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

Leading Better and Growing Faster with Joe & TJ: Guest Debbie Silver Talks about Inspiring Educators to Enjoy the Job They Once Loved About Debbie Silver Dr. Debbie Silver is a former Louisiana Teacher of the Year, a best-selling author, and a highly sought-after speaker. She has presented to educators, administrators, parents, and students in 49 states, Europe, Asia, Africa, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and the Middle East. Her best-selling books include Drumming to the Beat of Different Marchers, Teaching Kids to Thrive, and the recently updated and revised Fall Down 7 Times Get Up 8, and Deliberate Optimism: Still Reclaiming the Joy in Education. Debbie's high-energy sessions address both the art and heart of teaching. Audiences delight in hearing this 30-year veteran teacher whose presentations are described as “where learning collides with laughter.” What You'll Find in this Episode with Debbie Silver Debbie starts off with the fact that her book Deliberate Optimism focuses on leadership, specifically teacher leaders. Dr. Silver talks about the need for teachers to have more time without students so they can break the stagnation and build a relationship culture. Don't miss what she says about optimism and “what matters.” Debbie talks about incremental steps rather than massive changes. We need to balance the art and the heart of teaching. She reminds us to look for glimmers, not triggers. She dives into the idea of failing better and building our collective efficacy. She talks about teaching educators to vent properly and not pull the profession down. Don't miss what she says about new teachers not having more than 4 hours of teaching a day so that they can spend more time observing master teachers. T.J. asks Debbie about modeling. Don't miss her response and her call for unity. Her insight about teacher training and isolation is thought provoking. What we expect from teachers, specifically new teachers, is impossible and unlike any other profession. Joe mentions the potential that PLC have to support teacher capacity and growth. Listen to what she says they cannot be. Her ingredients for leadership success are straightforward: common vision, shared value system, mutual respect, and optimism. Debbie brings up Brene Brown, Rick Wormli, Association of Middle Level Educators, and other resources that you'll want to check out. The one thing people should do more regularly is to give others the benefit of the doubt. She reminds us that adults want to be treated like adults. Dr. Silver ends with wanting to learn more about how to use Artificial Intelligence. Our riff on Chat GPT is great. Let us know if there's a guest who you want us to have on the show by leaving a comment below or by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership content updates every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

Walk into any school and you'll find countless different types of work being done. Yes, teaching and learning are at the heart of what we do, but a great school culture, one where teaching and learning can thrive, is about so much more. Creating this kind of culture places a huge demand on countless people who are doing exciting work. But, at times, with all of the spinning plates, it can also be overwhelming. It's easy to get caught up in the fast-paced, whirlwind of initiatives and responsibilities that can tax even the most formidable educator. The goal is to successfully lead initiatives, striving to achieve the goals of the school, yet without burnout looming. This requires the effective use of proven leadership strategies along with a collaborative approach, paving the way for successful implementation. That's why we picked these two books as our recommendations for school leaders who want to implement initiatives well. They provide the tips, tools, and tricks for the necessary learning and insight to do just that. Joe and T.J. Recommend that School Leaders Read These Two Books These two books are powerful reads that can transform how you operate and manage initiatives in your schools. T.J. tell us that one major take away that we had from Right From the Start was to find bright spots. Jim Marshall tells us that school leaders often look for gaps to fill, but the bright spots show us the places that need replication. The bright spots are those areas that are working well and performing optimally. We often want to fix things, but it is within the bright spots where we identify what is working and potentially what can be reproduced elsewhere. Don't miss what we say about the power of preplanning as well! In our recommendation that school leaders read Every Teacher a Leader we emphasize the need to build teacher leaders and to invest in the capacity to influence others. School administrators cannot do it all, and they certainly won't do it well without the help of teachers. Schools are constantly implementing initiatives and that reality should prompt every school leader to embrace this mindset--the need for teacher leaders--and drive change through their development. The classroom is the most important space in a school, and at the end of the day, teachers need to be inspired and empowered to teach, learn, and lead. Our reading tip for this month is simple: find reading material and books that support the ancillary aspects of what you are trying to achieve. For example, if you are implementing restorative practices in your school, don't only read books on that topic. Yes, it's critical to become highly skilled in that space, and there are great books to help you on that journey, however, digging into Chip and Dan Heath's book Switch, which covers the psychology of change, can prove to be invaluable. Pick something up that isn't in the typical school leader's library or playlist. Enjoy these books to lead better and grow faster as school leaders. We always appreciate a like, a follow, a comment, or a share. And, if you read our newest book, please rate it on Amazon. It helps. Let us know what you're reading by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership newsletter every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

About Miriam Plotinsky Miriam Plotinsky is an instructional specialist with Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, where she has taught and led for more than 20 years. She is the author of Teach More, Hover Less, Lead Like a Teacher, and Writing Their Future Selves (W.W. Norton & Company). She is also a National Board–Certified Teacher and a certified administrator. What You'll Find in this Educational Leadership Podcast Episode with Miriam Plotinsky Miriam says that her new book--Lead Like a Teacher--was pretty much an accident. She simply found that the schools with more teachers at the table had stronger cultures. She talked about teachers' misconception of school leaders as well as school leaders' misconception of teachers. She called this “the empathy gap.” Miriam points out that “if you don't know the story, you'll create one. And, it might be wrong.” Miriam acknowledges that we often learn from the models we have around us, which is only a good thing when the model is effective. Otherwise it works against us. Hear Miriam discuss why visibility is so critical for a school leader. Miriam gave us some insights into how the book unfolds, including what she calls “macro” and “micro” aspects of school leadership. She calls for more classroom visits. We couldn't agree more. Don't miss what she says about “Wait Time 1” and “Wait Time 2” as both teaching and leadership strategies. We can't disagree with talking less to learn more. Miriam mentions Twitter as a place to go to find like-minded people and new ideas. She identifies some well known and not so well known resources that are valuable for all educators. She points to Teachers Going Gradeless as a cool organization. She also calls out Edutopia and ASCD as well as Solution Tree as great resources. Miriam uses the ten-minute reset each day to make sure that she does something that she loves. Tune into what she says about movement and breaks. She talks about being a “dabbler” in a bunch of things, and she wants to learn how to write more nonfiction. And, we all agreed to learn how to be more funny. Joe reflects on the need to get more people involved early in our process for any given initiative. Don't miss what she used to think about those who wanted to go into administration and how her perspective has changed. Let us know if there's a guest who you want us to have on the show by leaving a comment below or by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership content updates every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

About Jim Marshall Jim Marshall's life-long work lies at the intersection of people and the organizations in which they work—and optimizing the synergy that fertile convergence holds. A Professor of Educational Leadership at San Diego State University, his scholarship, teaching, and consulting combine our understanding of human performance and organization development to assess strengths, devise strategy, and improve even the most vexing of challenges. With over 200 publications to his credit, Marshall's scholarship encompasses a diverse range of works that include empirical research, program evaluation efforts, and policy development. His evaluation endeavors are particularly significant and include more than 250 individual studies of funded projects and program investments totaling over $120 million dollars. He serves as a thought partner to leaders seeking to hasten the collective impact of their organization's investments. From assessing strengths and needs to conceptualizing strategy and program initiatives and then measuring return on investment, Marshall's unique approach relies on a proven mix of assessment and evaluation, appreciative inquiry, and empathic understanding that predictably yields quantifiable results. His book, Right from the Start: The Essential Guide to Implementing School Initiatives, summarizes lessons learned through evaluation of hundreds of programs in both the public and private sectors. What You'll Find in this Educational Leadership Podcast Episode with Jim Marshall Jim starts with his experience as the evaluator of initiatives and projects, which led him to write the book. He has been able to reflect on what school leaders could do differently at the start of initiatives, which would make all the difference in the long run. Jim calls for careful and thoughtful planning for initiatives so that when we get to the implementation phase we end up with a more predictable result. Joe asks about the balance between whether the initiative itself is the problem or the people who execute it. Don't miss what Jim says about how people interface with the initiative. You want to hear what Jim says about his motivation equation: motivation = value * convince. He gives credit to Vroom through his expectancy theory. Jim argues that a “program” is like the tip of an iceberg while an “initiative” should be able to get to the deeper parts of the iceberg. Jim recommends that we start by looking for bright spots in our work. He calls it “appreciative inquiry.” We typically look for things to fix, and that's not always the best way to evaluate what works and what doesn't. Jim wants to know why there's not more knowledge and shared best practices among schools and outside organizations. Don't miss what he says about dissemination of best practices. He talks about his continued strategy for growth. He runs through the use of performance engineering. Jim used to think of evaluation as “gap analysis,” now he looks for strengths first. Jim ends by saying that this work doesn't have to be complicated. We couldn't agree more! Let us know if there's a guest who you want us to have on the show by leaving a comment below or by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership content updates every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

Joe and T.J. Recommend that School Leaders Read In Search of Deeper Learning and Fearless Schools What you'll discover in this episode of Leading Better & Growing Faster w/ Joe & T.J. We recommend In Search of Deeper Learning for school leaders. We also recommend Fearless Schools for school leaders. Why in the world is Joe wearing a NASA Jacket? There is “deeper learning at the margins and why the periphery is more important than the core.” This is an excellent example of how this book pushes the boundaries. The key tenets of a learning culture. Evidence of learning. What does it look like in classrooms? Trust is imperative for psychological safety. Focus on learning at every level within the hierarchy of schooling. Each episode, Joe and T.J. leave a tip to lead better and grow faster. This month's reading tip is to read these books with your team! Don't miss what Joe says about it. Developing a learning culture requires time and effort, but the dividends are incredible. How does your culture stack up? Let us know what you're reading by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership newsletter every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

About Jennifer Abrams Formerly a high school English teacher and a new teacher coach in Palo Alto Unified School District (Palo Alto, CA, USA), Jennifer Abrams is currently a communications consultant and author who works with educators and others on leadership development at all levels, effective collaboration skills, having hard conversations and creating identity safe workplaces. Jennifer's publications include Having Hard Conversations, The Multigenerational Workplace: Communicate, Collaborate & Create Community, Hard Conversations Unpacked: the Whos, Whens and What Ifs, and Swimming in the Deep End: Four Foundational Skills for Leading Successful School Initiatives. Her newest book, and the focus of this episode, is Stretching Your Learning Edges: Growing (Up) at Work. Jennifer shares her work in other mediums as a featured columnist on growth and change for Learning Forward's The Learning Professional journal as well as contributing to The International Educator (TIE) focusing her writing on adult development and collaboration skills. Jennifer has been invited to keynote, facilitate and coach at schools and conferences worldwide and is honored to have been named one of the “18 Women All K-12 Educators Should Know,” by Education Week's ‘Finding Common Ground'' blog. More about Jennifer's work can be found at her website, www.jenniferabrams.com. and on Twitter @jenniferabrams. What You'll Find in this Podcast Episode with Jennifer Abrams Jennifer starts with the fact that “we speak to” being lifelong learners, but are we really living up to that? What if we developed ourselves in ways that allowed us to respond rather than react? Listen to what she says about the typical response to feedback. Joe asked why we have such trouble with a learning culture. Jennifer's response is profound--time, being “done” as a learner, school leaders assuming that the adult is already good enough. You have to hear what she says about the difference between how teachers are given prep periods but not reflection periods. T.J. asked about why educators often become defensive when given feedback or asked to make a change. Jennifer puts it simply: the system is not designed that way. We don't have the apprenticeship-style learning that would induct us into the profession as a learner. Jennifer talks about resiliency as working on our own emotional and psychological hygiene. Don't miss what she says about Pigpen and how people can bring in a lot of dust. Education is complex. Listen to what she says about shifting from “teacher of record” to “a space of learning” and how it can have a huge void. You want to know how to use the tool she describes to get people to check their energy when we start a meeting. Jennifer follows Shane Parrish at Farnam Street. She also studies Jennifer Garvey Berger, Cultivating Leadership for adult learners. Pay attention to her leadership check-in questions that gauge relationship health, but can work well with a team. Jennifer wants to learn how to cook better. She wants to feel free to fail. Powerful statement. Three things to do to learn and grow as a leader: Find a conference and attend as a learner. Find a conference and apply to co-present with someone. If you're interested in someone's work, find them. Reach out to them. Jennifer reveals that she has a cognitive crush on Peter Block, author of The Answer to How is Yes. Lastly, Jennifer reminds us that you can get things done. Just go forth and do it. Let us know if there's a guest who you want us to have on the show by leaving a comment below or by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership content updates every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

Joe and T.J. Recommend that School Leaders Read Harvard Business Review's On Mental Toughness and Success Through A Positive Mental Attitude In this episode, you'll hear key points made by both T.J. and Joe about two books every school leader should read to mind your mental map to the future. T.J. immediately underscores that On Mental Toughness has a bonus article with Martin Seligman. Dr. Martin E.P. Seligman is the Director of the University of Pennsylvania Positive Psychology Center. You also don't want to miss the critical points he makes on mental toughness and the value of perseverance. Joe shares one of his favorite books because of the power of the success principles featured in it, Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude. Spend a life pursuing them and you will grow as a person and a leader. Each episode, Joe and T.J. leave a tip to lead better and grow faster. This month's reading tip is to build in time to reflect on what you've read. This is easy to do but so often we just move on without reflecting on how we might apply the information in the books we read. Knowledge without application serves no one and won't make you any better than you were before you started reading. Let us know what you're reading by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership newsletter every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J. TheSchoolHouse302.com

In this episode, Joe and T.J. explore what it really means to mind your mental map. Our minds can be very scary places if we are not careful. School leaders must remain in a productive space in order to lead effectively, but the thread of events throughout the day and week can take their toll. This is why school leaders must do the following: Flip Your Thinking Don't Jump to Judge Adapt, Don't Adopt Key Points from Joe & T.J. T.J. starts the conversation on the crucial importance of being aware of the potential of living in Groundhog Day--experiencing the same set of events over-and-over. Joe double downs on some ChatGPT, unfinished learning, school climate, an increase in student discipline, the teacher shortage, ESSER funds running out, and how we frame all of these circumstances in our minds is critical. Yes they are problems, but where are the possibilities? We are firm believers that with the right approach, no problem is unsolvable. Take control of your thinking and flip it. Listen to T.J. talk about Tim Ferris and how he approaches an issue. Innovation and analysis--think with your team. Don't jump to judge--so easy to judge others by their actions and not intentions. Adapt, don't adopt--put an issue on its side. Perceptual illusion--what don't you see? Let us know a topic that you want us to cover by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership newsletter every week by subscribing on the site. Like, follow, share, comment--we appreciate it! We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

About Nancy and Elizabeth Jorgensen Elizabeth Jorgensen has been published in many popular journals, including the English Journal, Edutopia, Teachers & Writers Magazine, and many, many more. Her book on process-based assessment, Hacking Student Learning Habits, was published by Times 10 Publications in 2022, and her most recent book was released in October 2022, Gwen Jorgensen: USA's First Olympic Gold Medal Triathlete, which is our focus today, along with her co-author and mother, Nancy. She has presented nationally and is an award-winning writer and teacher and sought-after speaker. Nancy Jorgensen was a high school choir director for many years, she is the co-author of two music education books, Things They Never Taught You in Choral Methods and From the Trenches: Real Insights from Real Choral Educators. She is also the author of several essays and an Olympic blog, published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Very impressive teachers and family! What You'll Find in this Podcast Episode with Nancy and Elizabeth Jorgensen Listen to this incredible story of mother and daughter working in the same school and how Nancy (mom) was publishing articles and other work, and how she went to Elizabeth (an English teacher) to help with editing. Then, Elizabeth asked her to return the favor. They've been writing together ever since. Nancy explains why candor was critical with her children. There's no time to slow down to “be nice.” Don't miss what Elizabeth and Nancy say about ideation and staying on task, including the kind of feedback they want and expect from each other. We really liked the concept of the “beta-readers” to help with polishing work before publication. They get very granular about their writing and editing process. It's fascinating to hear how they can often lose track of who wrote the initial piece. The research behind why they wrote Gwen Jorgensen: USA's First Olympic Gold Medal Triathlete is fascinating. Their discovery: there aren't books available for young people about female athletes. One powerful theme in the book comes from how Gwen listened to a track coach even though she didn't consider herself a runner. Nancy and Elizabeth emphasized the power of listening and embracing what others see in us, even if we don't see it in ourselves. Elizabeth talked about the essence of feedback and how Gwen refined her skills to grow into an Olympic Gold medalist. Don't miss how school leaders can use these lessons in each and every classroom. The point about strength-identification is a powerful takeaway. Elizabeth's answer on the power of reflection and the activity of having students write letters is something every teacher can do. What Nancy says about student leadership in the choir classroom is profound. We were not surprised to learn that both of them follow Gwen as a positive force in their lives. In fact, they have to follow her on social media because she's so busy. The way that Elizabeth uses social media to praise and celebrate the people she follows is an awesome strategy. The goals that Gwen makes public about her olympic training is both vulnerable for her and inspirational for the rest of us. Elizabeth talks about the need for sleep. You need the Oura ring! Nancy talked about sticking to a schedule as a superpower. Nancy wants to learn how to run and do a 5K with Gwen. Liz suggested that hiring a coach is a game changer! Elizabeth talked about her desire to be more patient, compassionate, and kind. Especially in her response and delivery to others. Nancy used to think that she had an obligation to certain groups but now gives herself the freedom to say no. Let us know if there's a guest who you want us to have on the show by leaving a comment below or by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership content updates every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

Mitch Weathers Joins Joe & T.J. Mitch became a gifted teacher because he was a mediocre student. He rarely felt comfortable in the classroom. In fact, it took him 7 years for him to graduate from college. Choosing to become a teacher, Mitch was fortunate enough to experience school as if it was happening all around him. He was unsure how to jump into his learning with confidence. There is a loneliness to experiencing your education as a passive object as opposed to an active subject. From the moment he entered the classroom Mitch relied on his personal experiences as a learner. He recognized that what we teach, the content or curriculum, is secondary. We must first lay the foundation for learning before we can get to teaching. In fact, unless students develop a solid foundation for learning it does not matter how great your teachers deliver content, or how emergent the technology, or even how engaging a lesson might be. Mitch designed Organized Binder to empower teachers with a simple but research-backed strategy to teach students executive functioning skills while protecting the time needed for content instruction. The secret is found in establishing a predictable learning routine that serves to foster safer learning spaces. When students get practice with executive functions by virtue we set them up for success. What You'll Find in this Podcast Episode with Mitch Weathers Mitch starts this episode with a clear definition of executive functioning, including debunking the myth that it's only for special education students. He says that executive functioning skills is an umbrella term with a bunch of other skills working toward executive functioning. Mitch is surprised that more people aren't talking about executive functioning because it's so foundational for how students learn. We can't just focus on what students' learn, we need to teach them how to learn. This results not just a bump in their grades but a big boost to their confidence. Joe asked a very poignant question: why don't we teach executive functioning skills, making our life as teachers even harder than it needs to be? Here what Mitch says about time and Zone of Genius. How are executive functioning skills best learned? Modeling and deliberate practice in a safe space. T.J. brings up the point that executive functioning skills have to be part of our equity work. If EF helps to level the playing field for all students, they need to be embedded in our equity plans. One key to helping students develop executive functioning skills is to have very predictable routines in the classroom. Mitch talked about the fact that consistency is a huge factor in students' ability to learn. Joe asks Mitch to outline how he teaches teachers to help students with these skills. Mitch mentions that a school wide approach is important. Listen to what he says about shared learning routines. Don't miss Mitch's five part series on executive functioning skills, which is totally free. The tenets of executive functioning: clarity, routine, and modeling. It was a lot of fun to hear Mitch talk about “working memory” and how teachers can learn to use students' working memory through routines at the beginning and end of every classroom period. Don't miss the discussion on what good instruction looks like! Success criteria Clear goals Structured reflection Mitch brings up Marzano and the importance of exposing students to concepts multiple times. The Leading Better & Growing Faster with Joe & T.J. Show Let us know if there's a guest who you want us to have on the show by leaving a comment below or by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership content updates every week by subscribing on the site. You appreciate a like, comment, follow, or share. And, if you're reading our books, please rate them on Amazon. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

In our most recent book, 7 Mindshifts for School Leaders: Finding New Ways to Think About Old Problems, we introduce 7 Mindshifts that principals and other school leaders can use to solve problems that are constantly plaguing our schools. It's important that not every problem requires these shifts, but rather those that are important, persistent, and urgent. When a problem is IPU, we use our first mindshift, A Crisis Mindset. In this episode, Joe and T.J. explore what it really means to use a Beginner's Mindset when solving a problem. It's hard to accept, but our experience can prevent us from seeing solutions. Joe and T.J. were first introduced to this concept when they interviewed the late Richard Elmore on what it means to be a learning leader. Key Points Reinforced Throughout the Podcast The Beginner's Mindset sheds preconceived ideas and thoughts on what should be done. Our own expertise can get in the way of seeing ideas and opportunities. Look to great business examples like Sarah Blakely of Spanx who sought to solve a problem she was facing as a real estate agent. Who would have thought she would have revolutionized shapewear? The Spaghetti Tower activity says it all. Each mindshift in the book is equipped with a model to help school leaders navigate the process of analyzing a problem and finding new solutions. The Beginner's Mindset Model is designed to ignite the childlike mind needed to see new possibilities and dream new realities. We hope you enjoy this book to lead better and grow faster as school leaders. We always appreciate a like, a follow, a comment, or a share. And, if you're on Amazon, please rate it. Let us know what you're reading by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership newsletter every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

Joe and T.J. Recommend that School Leaders Read 7 Mindshifts for School Leaders: Finding New Ways to Think About Old Problems We want to share some of our favorite aspects of our newest book, 7 Mindshifts for School Leaders: Finding New Ways to Think About Old Problems. Written with our co-author, Connie Hamilton, this book calls into question some of the problems with our Educational Industrial Complex, problems that have persisted for too long, and the mindshifts that it will take to truly challenge the status quo. It's for any school leader who wants better outcomes for all students. If you're fine with the way things are, it's not for you. Consider a problem, which is frankly too common: poor attendance. Lots of students miss days here-and-there rather than stringing them together with an obvious and long absence. The problem is that a student who misses a couple of days in September is likely to miss a whole month of school by the end of the year. Think of the type of impact that this kind of poor attendance has on student performance, socialization, reading proficiency, and a host of other things. We might otherwise not even catch the problem, and when we do, we often don't have models for examining and fixing the problem. A nuance here is that attendance is not always on the radar screen. Picture a school who is uber focused on elevating reading proficiency. This could be a costly mistake, spending money and time on reading resources when the problem isn't the reading program but rather student attendance rates. Maybe if students were in school for a great percentage of the days that school is in session they would have better reading proficiency scores. That's why this book is so powerful. We introduce 7 models that can be used with your teams to help examine problems under a new light. In this episode of Leading Better & Growing Faster with Joe and T.J., we feature two of our favorite models from the book. Joe describes the Octopus Approach and how it can be used to help make sure that the many variables associated with an issue are brought to the table before a decision is made. This model is designed for implementing systems thinking in your school. T.J. covers a second model called, Disciplined Tunnel Vision. Having tunnel vision can be seen as a negative response, but there is a need at times for an all out, complete-and-utter, focus on an issue for it to be solved. T.J. discusses our six-part practical change model that schools can use from developing a vision for a change all the way to the creation of specific model for what that change looks like in practice. The first three steps are common, but that's only 50% of what will get you to the implementation of something new in your school. Enjoy this book to lead better and grow faster as school leaders. We always appreciate a like, a follow, a comment, or a share. And, if you like this new book, please rate it on Amazon. It helps. Let us know what you're reading by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership newsletter every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

Our job is to make the learner's thinking visible. ~ Paul Blooberg About Paul Bloomberg Dr. Paul Bloomberg is the Founder and CEO of The Core Collaborative Learning Network based in San Diego, CA and New York City. The mission of the Core Collaborative Learning Network is to expand learner ownership and agency through building a culture of belonging and efficacy through collaborative inquiry. The Core Collaborative defines “learner” as ALL the people in a system who partner with students. The Core Collaborative strives to cultivate learners who embody empathy, open-mindedness, patience and perseverance who use their energy and expertise to make a positive impact in the world we share with others. Dr. Bloomberg is the co-author of the best-selling book, Leading Impact Teams: Building a Culture of Efficacy, a lead author of Peer Power! Unite, Learn and Prosper: Activate an Assessment Revolution through Mimi and Todd Press and a lead author on The EmpowerED Learner eToolkit. Paul has led multiple, successful school turn-around efforts and believes that public education must play a major role in deconstructing systems of oppression. His new book, which we talk about in this episode, is called Amplify Learner Voice through Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Assessment. Paul served on the National Parents Union Board of Directors. The National Parents Union is a network of highly effective parent organizations and grassroots activists across the country that is united behind a set of common goals and principles to channel the power of parents. Paul lives with his husband, Tony, in California. Alex and Taylor, Tony and Paul's sons, are the inspiration for launching the Core Collaborative in 2014. Paul starts with the concept of systems. He talks about how some schools are thriving more than others and what we need to do to re-think formative assessment through a cultural lens. What You'll Find in this Podcast Episode with Paul Bloomberg Paul starts with a vital aspect of how all educators can effectively engage students, Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education (CRSE). This is about changing what we do to meet students' needs through culturally responsive formative assessments. We dive into the conversation about assessments and the cross-section between traditional grading and equity. None of us can answer the question about why more schools aren't moving to more culturally responsive grading? There is power in interviewing students. Listen to what can shock teachers into creating a different type of learner-focused environment. Don't miss what Paul says about the textbook industry: “I can't do it anymore” applied to covering all the concepts that we're giving in our content areas. Paul mentions Dr. Allen Daly as his mentor. The social justice focus of his doctoral program left a mark that he uses in all of his work today. Paul talks about “active listening” and reflecting back what people are saying and feeling as a super-tool for leadership, for teaching, and for learning. Paul talked about wanting to learn how to be a restorative practitioner. His answer is heartfelt Reframe negative thinking Wake up and be optimistic Treat people with dignity T.J. mentions the wisdom from Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg that links to #1 above. He talks about The Science of Happiness Podcast as a learning and growth strategy for himself. Paul answered the last question with something he learned from Omar Mercado: a trigger is your own responsibility, not that of others, even the people who trigger you. Let us know if there's a guest who you want us to have on the show by leaving a comment below or by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership content updates every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

About Tanya Sheckley Tanya Sheckley is Founder and President of UP Academy, an elementary lab school which values innovation, empathy and strength and incorporates a unique neuro-development program for children with physical disabilities. Tanya's vision and mission show it's possible to celebrate differences, challenge what's broken in the American education system, and that all children can receive a rigorous, well rounded education. She is an edupreneur, author of Rebel Educator: Create Classrooms of Imagination and Impact, and host of the Rebel Educator podcast. She speaks frequently on the future of education and entrepreneurship. She is a rebel educator who works with new and existing schools to question the status quo and develop innovative student experiences through inclusion and project based learning. What You'll Find in this Podcast Episode with Tanya Sheckley From selling beer to educating children. Don't miss Tanya's journey to creating UP Academy. She opens up about her daughter's education and her search for “other ways” of educating students with disabilities. We all have the one lesson that stands out in our own education, her diorama project sounds amazing! Her journey in the creation of a school is inspiring. Tanya knew they had to forego many of the policies and procedures and focus on the family and child. A strictly student-centered experience. Tanya talks about shifts that schools need to make to revolutionize how we deliver education, especially to students with disabilities. A “rebel educator” pushes the status quo and asks questions like, why are we doing this? Who is getting the advantage, and is there a better way? Don't miss her juxtaposition of homework and creative play. Leading change is never easy and she tells us to start small with “activators.” And then others will become interested. Tanya looks to a womens' founders group on Facebook who have great questions as entrepreneurs. T.J. recalls the foundational stories that we curated for 7 Mindshifts for School Leaders. She recommends walking and running in the morning as a way to make sure that our minds don't get sluggish. Move! Tanya wants to learn how to play the piano. So many of our guests care about the arts. Looking for a coach? She jokes that TheSchoolHouse302 is a great place to go! We appreciate that and you'll want to hear what she says about coaching and how to find one. Listen to her change of heart about children, especially working with them. Books We Recommend Based on this Podcast with Tanya Sheckley Rebel Educator: Create Classrooms Where Impact and Imagination Meet by Tanya Sheckley Let us know if there's a guest who you want us to have on the show by leaving a comment below or by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership content updates every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

What You Should Know About Dan Dan Shortridge, author of DIY Public Relations, is a communications and marketing consultant and author with more than 20 years of experience in the trenches of local public relations and daily journalism. He's led communications for a school district and state government agencies and has helped support small businesses and nonprofits. He holds a master's of education in instructional design and a bachelor's in business administration--marketing. Before moving into public service, he worked for 11 years as a reporter, editor, and designer at newspapers in Delaware, Maryland, and Ohio. A national award-winning reporter, he was part of a team that won a Sigma Delta Chi Award for Public Service Journalism from the Society of Professional Journalists, and was an Ochberg Fellow with the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma. He's also the co-author of three local-interest books about Delaware and Delmarva. He can be reached at danshortridge.com. What You'll Find in This Episode with Dan Dan makes it clear that marketing is both a business function and a leadership function. It's not a “nice-to-have thing” but rather a must-have. He talked about the many benefits of good marketing. He kicks us off with gems right from the start. Joe asked about how school leaders can get started, and Dan talks about your core story--what are the three top impressions that you want your audience to know about? Dan talks about the broad themes that leaders can think about as takeaways that they want for their audience and then the stories that go with those themes. Don't miss what he says about knowing your audience and the wide variety of audiences that we have, including parents, students, community members, voters, politicians, union members, etc. He also reminds us that how we target each is vital since we can't be everything to everybody. Don't get overwhelmed! Dan tells us that your communication plan only needs to start as a couple of pages. Want to know which platforms to use and which strategies help with public perception? Don't miss the answer to this one. Dan's Mantra is classic marketing: the most amount of people for the least amount of effort. What's the plot and compelling narrative? Think about obstacles and challenges, characters, and resolutions. Dan points us to Jesse Cole from the Savannah Bananas as someone to follow. Creative, unique, and different! Don't miss what he says about reading novels! Dan wants to learn more about photography. Listen to what he says about the value of a photo and the gift his wife possesses. Check out How I Built This, a podcast that Dan recommends. Dan used to think that a story needs a nice neat ending, but he realizes now that stories can be messy and unfinished. Let us know if there's a guest who you want us to have on the show by leaving a comment below or by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership content updates every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

In this episode of 302 Thoughts, Joe and T.J. riff on how school leaders take control of their school's story. Schools are unique and complex hubs of the community, doing incredible things each and every day that must be shared. The harsh reality is that many people believe that schools are failing our students. There is no doubt that schools and schools systems can improve, but great things are happening and need to be showcased. T.J. begins by explaining the very nature of our schools and how resources and support are paramount for success. We don't overlook this because marketing is secondary to the critical work in schools that must be done up front. However, once that work is moving forward, we have to showcase the school, the students, and the staff. People already have an impression of schools so the narrative school leaders portray must be true, accurate, and also unique. If someone graduated from high school then they've taken biology. However, many of today's biology classes are working with instrumentation and conducting labs that are fascinating in ways that past generations didn't experience--showcase it! Shock people with knowledge and with a window into the great learning that is going on every day. Be sure to feature who you are, not just what you are. This was one of the key takeaways from TheSchoolHouse302 OneThingSeries Podcast with Amanda Holdsworth. Schools are small cities with a tremendous number of cool things going on and great people who do awesome work. Share it! Involve the students, don't be afraid to use Tik Tok, and most importantly, have fun. Joe's one thing is to keep the branding efforts raw and organic. Schools aren't marketing firms and nor should they act like one. That said, the digital age we live in allows for authentic and everyday marketing efforts. Easy to do, use it often and use it well. T.J.'s one thing is to ship the work! Get it out there. Don't hesitate. Take inventory of the great things going on, including the unique about the school, and blast it out for the world to see. Let our team know if there's a topic that you want Joe and T.J. to cover by leaving a comment below or by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. Was this forwarded to you? Subscribe on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

About Amanda Holdsworth Dr. Amanda Holdsworth, APR, is the founder of Holdsworth Communications, a PR and enrollment marketing agency in the education sector; the School Comms Lab, a membership community for school communicators; and Comms Mom, a global community for moms working in communications. A former collegiate tennis and soccer player, Amanda earned a B.S.B.A. in Communications Management and Honors International Studies from Robert Morris University, and both a Master of Arts in Strategic Public Relations and a Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California. Amanda's work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, CNN Money, Fast Company, Forbes, Inc. and Parents Magazine, but her pride and joy is her family: husband, Doug, a successful entrepreneur and two daughters, Avery and Shelby. What You'll Find in this Podcast Episode with Amanda Holdsworth Amanda has done PR work in higher education, private schools, and public schools. Her insight about marketing and branding your school is invaluable. Learn how “to cut through the noise.” It's all about telling the story about the people who work in the organization. Create connections by telling their story to the community. Don't miss the Curt Schilling example. Too many PR agencies, schools, and districts still think that public relations are about sending out press releases…not true. She gives sage advice regarding how stories should tie the school to the community so that it matters to the interests of the local people. T.J. gravitated toward the concept of an “ideal customer avatar” and how the ICA drives the narrative. The people, the vision and mission, and the impact the school is making are all ICA drivers. To develop your ideal customer avatar, we need to enumerate our audiences. Schools and districts have multiple audiences, all with different interests. Who are we communicating to? What are their interests? Who can help us get the word out? Schools can't have a one sided relationship with local journalists. You'll want to hear what Amanda says about supporting relationships with the press so that they know how to help when the time comes. Amanda talks about the trend in the ability to get a hold of national press versus local organizations. Amanda tells us about a two-prong approach that she learned at USC--have a strategic PR plan as well as “brand ambassadors.” Amanda connected us to Jeremy Tiers to study how higher education is attracting students. Check out @coachtiers. She talks about practicing gratitude as something that all leaders can do daily. Use this sentence stem: “I'm so lucky to be in a position to…” She acknowledges that she has never seen this degree of negative reporting about schools, making gratitude even more important. Listen to why she wants to play the bass guitar. Amanda has learned to stay in her lane. Schools and districts can learn to focus on what they do best and how we can communicate that. Don't miss what she says about being afraid to be an entrepreneur and what she realized when she went out on her own. Amanda ends by saying that we should tell the stories of our teachers and staff. Who is the school nurse? What can we share about the bus driver? It's a people business. Let's tell their stories. Let us know if there's a guest who you want us to have on the show by leaving a comment below or by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership content updates every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

School leaders who want to build a strong school brand recognize the importance of learning specific skills to do so effectively. This month Joe and T.J. offer two books that reinforce their 5 ways that school leaders can think like a marketer and tell your school's story. Culture is King--Marketing is about who you are, not what you are Great Brands Make a Difference--Marketing is about innovation and leadership First Follows Matter--Marketing is about knowing “the others” Stand Out Amongst the Crowd--Marketing is about being unique Show Up Regularly--Marketing is about being consistent Joe's Pick: The Power of Small: Why Little Things Make All the Difference Featured Authors: Linda Kaplan Thaler & Robin Koval Joe is a huge fan of Thaler and Koval's work. The Power of Small is born from the genius that has birthed some of the greatest marketing advertising campaigns that we are familiar with. The simple mention of Aflac and our mind immediately goes to the duck. Enough said, they've done their jobs. What's special about this book, though, is that it IS NOT a how-to book, but rather a book filled with stories that showcase the right mindset in order to be successful. We can't ignore the details, the small things, and the discreet chances of success. T.J.'s Pick: This is Marketing: You Can't Be Seen Until You Learn to See Featured Authors: Seth Godin T.J. may be Seth Godin's biggest fan, and This is Marketing is definitely one of his favorite books. The power in Godin's work is how he frames marketing. He explains that it's not just about selling “soap.” Instead, marketing is really about solving a problem. Godin talks about how the leader is someone who is willing to do something that might not work and how that changes the culture forever. Most importantly, Godin breaks down marketing in five crystal clear steps that you won't want to miss. He skillfully acknowledges the traps that we all fall into without being offensive or condescending to his readers. He doesn't just highlight our mistakes but encourages us and provides a great path forward. “Ship the work!” “Ship it!” Technical Tip for Leaders Who Read Each month, Joe and T.J. leave listeners with a tip. Both of these books should be read patiently and studied all the while. Joe mentions the art of Sacred Reading and how monks studied the bible to truly understand what they were experiencing. Although these aren't holy texts, the idea is to fully embrace what you are reading so that you are a different person when you are done. Enjoy both of these books to lead better and grow faster as school leaders. We always appreciate a like, a follow, a comment, or a share. Let us know what you're reading by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership newsletter every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

About Jonathan Alsheimer Jonathan Alsheimer is the unorthodox, energetic, and entertaining middle school teacher who refuses to live a life of limitations. Jonathan is often referred to as "my favorite teacher" by his students, and he's the author of NEXT LEVEL TEACHING. As a passionate educator and National Keynote Speaker, Jonathan Alsheimer presents about limitless possibilities for teachers and the impact of an infectious classroom and school culture. NEXT LEVEL TEACHING is about every teacher bringing their unique flair to better their school every single day, always reaching for the NEXT LEVEL. Jonathan, taught at the world-renowned Fred Lynn Middle School, which was featured in two documentaries "Relentless" and "Relentless: Chasing Accreditation." He has been featured as the teacher who forged a partnership with UFC Fighter and light-weight contender Paul Felder to bring the message that students should never give up, fighting for their education, and empowering them to believe in themselves, all principles that Jonathan promotes in his classroom. As Jonathan always says, "Game-changing is not a cliche motto; it is a way of life...some talk about it while others live by it!” What You'll Find in this Podcast Episode with Jonathan Alsheimer Jonathan starts out of the gate on fire! His energy is almost a superpower. Listen to him dispel the misunderstanding about what it means to be a “next level teacher.” It's not about perfection. Jonathan opened up about the stress that teachers feel and what school leaders can do about it. These are things leaders can do right away. When asked about protecting teachers from minutiae, Alsheimer talked about meaningless meetings that “kill the heart of the staff.” Don't miss what Jonathan says about teachers' time and what it takes to plan an awesome lesson. Jonathan talks about working together so that we don't all have to work harder. Let's pool our resources and share more. Think about what this would mean for new teachers! Jonathan gives administrators advice: Develop “lesson plans” for staff meetings. Reflect on the agenda items--are they critical? Does the meeting focus on learning, teacher development, and relationships? Jonathan throws out a number of ideas to gamify the classroom and make it more fun for students. How can you use this in your classroom? Alsheimer mentions Dave Burgess (@burgessdave), Jimmy Casas (@casas_jimmy), Hamish Brewer (@brewerhm). Bottom line, go on Twitter. Teachers and leaders should see us smiling and having fun. If we want kids to be motivated to learn, we have to be motivated to teach and lead. You have to hear what Jonathan says about turning a worksheet into an activity. He literally cut it up and put it into paper bags to make it more fun and exciting for kids. Oh, Boy! Wait till you hear what he says about diving with sharks and our response as Delaware beach-goers. Jonathan talks about being tough on himself in a competitive way to get 1% better each day. He reflects on his “why” often, and that reflection makes a difference for his growth and perseverance. He thinks about what kids deserve, including his own, and that fuels his drive each day. He used to think that test grades matter; now he thinks that growth is the bigger deal. Let us know if there's a guest who you want us to have on the show by leaving a comment below or by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership content updates every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

If You're Going to Lead then You Must Read Learning and growing as a school leader through reflection, training, and experience is a professional choice. One powerful way to improve is through reading great books, which is why we feature two books on a particular topic each month. These are books that we have curated from 100s of titles to help school leaders to lead better and grow faster. This month we are completely focused on the 5 ways that school leaders can support new teachers. These are five research-based strategies to support and retain your most vulnerable teaching population. This is critical becasue we are definitely facing a crisis in education. School districts are moving to four-day weeks simply due to lack of staff. In a recent Ed Week article by Madeline Will, she wrote the following, “...the researchers estimate that there are more than 36,500 teacher vacancies in the nation. They also estimate that there are more than 163,500 positions filled by teachers who aren't fully certified or are not certified in the subject area they're teaching.” Will, M. Ed Week (2022) The data are staggering. If you want to dig into the government database and find out specifics in your state, click here. The Definitive 5 Ways to Support New Teachers #1. Maintain high standards while providing support for growth #2. Increase productivity by being present and using praise #3. Balance risk and autonomy to unlock innovation #4. Communicate the expectations of the position #5. Provide meaningful mentorship These are proven ways that demonstrate support, while maintaining a culture of excellence and high standards. To support these efforts, we feature two great books to help you as a leader. Joe's Pick: The Power of Unstoppable Momentum: Key Drivers to Revolutionize Your District Featured Authors: Michael Fullan & Mark A. Edwards The Power of Unstoppable Momentum is an incredible book with very specific examples about how to achieve dramatic results in your school. There are few features that really stand out for Joe in this book: Technology is not the answer. Time-and-time again research shows that technology is a tool that highly effective teachers master. The tool itself is not the answer. Fullan and Edwards provide very specific ways for schools to excel, specifically through coherence, which is the “...the degree to which people at the school and district levels have a common sense of the district's core priorities and how to achieve them” (Fullan & Edwards, 2017). T.J.'s Pick: Retention for A Change: Motivate Inspire, and Energize Your School Culture Featured Authors: Joseph Jones, Salome Thomas-El, & T.J. Vari We rarely promote our own work, but this book is written on the topic of teacher retention, and we dedicate two chapters to new teachers. This is the second book in a two-part series designed to attract and retain incredible teachers. Both books, Building a Winning Team and Retention for A Change are built on the effective reading strategy, BDA. T.J. dives right into explaining how school leaders must embrace their responsibility to build a culture that Motivates, Inspires, and Energizes the staff. He emphasizes that the book is filled with practical stories that any school leader can implement for great school success. Lastly, this book is filled with models to guide leaders. Whether it is the BDA, which can be applied in a number of strategic ways, or striving for Habitual Happiness Highpoints, the models guide school leaders. Enjoy both of these books to lead better and grow faster as school leaders. We always appreciate a like, a follow, a comment, or a share. Let us know what you're reading by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership newsletter every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you.

In this episode of 302 Thoughts, Joe and T.J. dig into how school leaders must be very tactical about supporting their new teachers. So much time is spent identifying personnel needs, preparing for interviews, drafting the right questions, using the write words in the position posting, and the interview itself, but all of that means nothing if you fail to support teachers once they are hired. That's all preparation for the game, not the game itself. If you want to play at a higher level, you realize the real work is after the hiring is done. In this episode, listen to Joe paint a dismal picture regarding vacancies across the U.S. This is why school leaders can't mess up onboarding and support. What do the data say, in short, we are in a crisis: 36,500 teacher vacancies 163,500 positions filled by teachers who aren't fully certified T.J. develops the conversation further by discussing our most vulnerable teacher populations: Our Best Teachers Our New Teachers He explains that our best teachers are in high demand, so if they aren't receiving the support and professional growth they need, they may walk right into the door of another school. The other population is our new teachers. The first few years are challenging, and there are a lot of lucrative industries willing to pay, support, and develop them if they choose to leave early. These teachers will walk out the door and right into another industry; one that is readily waiting to scoop them up and pay more than new teachers make in their first 5 years. There are only a few solutions to these problems so be sure to tune in and don't miss what T.J. says about the power of specific praise. Praise seems easy but the data don't lie: 70% of staff don't feel celebrated, while 70% of managers say they praise. There is a disconnect somewhere! Don't miss Joe's one key takeaway-- be outrageously involved. You can't let your new teachers' growth happen by chance. You need to be connected, often and intentionally. T.J.'s one key takeaway--leaders need to talk behind people's back. Not the way you think. You have to hear what he says about what it means for collective efficacy. T.J. and Joe always provide the how with the what, enabling school leaders to lead better and grow faster. Let our team know if there's a topic that you want Joe and T.J. to cover by leaving a comment below or by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. Was this forwarded to you? Subscribe on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

About Frederick White Dr. Frederick White is the COO of Digital PD 4 You, LLC and the author of the book, The Skin You Are In: Colorism in the Black Community, the First (2020) and Second (2021) Edition. Frederick has served as a leader in the educational field for twenty-four years. Dr. White has also spent the past fourteen years serving as an AVID staff development instructor. Dr. White obtained a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Trevecca University and currently serves as a principal of a middle school in Memphis-Shelby County Schools in Tennessee. His newest book is The Labyrinth of Leadership: Navigating Your Way Through the Maze, which we talk about on the show along with so much more leadership insight for school leaders who are looking to lead better and grow faster. Follow Frederick on Twitter @fdwhite02 to get his bi-weekly Labyrinth of Leadership tips for school leaders. What You'll Find in this Podcast Episode with Frederick White The Labyrinth of Leadership, as Fredrick explains it, is a solicitation of ideas from leaders around the country--folks with “skin in the game.” Don't miss what Dr. White says about his personal take-away from the Labyrinth project. Listen to the language he uses, so important and grossly undervalued. Frederick talks about self-reflection as a universal need for leaders. It's all about finding the time. Dr. White tells us about the importance of defining the “end product.” This part is profound. He says that the greatest leaders are the ones who are willing to continue to grow, regardless of how much they have achieved. Joe asks Frederick to explain one of his recent tweets about celebrating small wins. Every school leader needs to hear this. Dr. White talks about the difference between goal setting and dream chasing. This alone is worth the listen. Be a dream chaser! You want to hear the part about failure being the struggle that we often need to grow. Frederick's butterfly story is awesome. Frederick mentions both Principal Kafele and Todd Whitaker as inspiration. Check out The Principal Project. Advice from Dr. White: pause and go for a walk. Just taking the time to walk and observe is powerful for peace, self-reflection, and a solid reminder of what we want and need. Frederick is striving for the most perfect environment he can provide. His reflection about this is great. To continue to grow, Frederick starts by never settling. He looks to be present with his teachers to learn from them. He mentions writing and researching as things that force him to continue to grow. Books We Recommend Based on this Podcast with Frederick White What Great Principals Do Differently by Todd Whitaker Is My School Better Because oI Lead It by Baruti Kafele Let us know if there's a guest who you want us to have on the show by leaving a comment below or by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership content updates every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

302 Thoughts for School Leaders In this episode of 302 Thoughts, Joe and T.J. dig into how school leaders must shift their minds to lead better and grow faster. Shifting our mindset is not easy. It requires a dogged pursuit to focus our mind in the most productive ways to function better as a leader. There are two major shifts that are worth making--embracing courage instead of being ruled by fear and maintaining a long-term mentality. Both of these are challenging but incredibly rewarding. In this episode, listen to Joe describe the power of cognitive dissonance and the stockdale paradox that we learned from Jim Collins. Learning to push forward and donning a cape of courage, rather than fretting with fear, is the mental shift that will push an organization forward. T.J. reminds listeners that the key is to fear less, not be fearless. Dive further into this idea with Tim Ferris and Performance Psychologist Michael Gervais. Lastly, Joe talks about how you can do this through the power of teamwork and developing collective efficacy. Joe's one key takeaway for school leaders is that shifting from fear to courage is a choice. Be aware of the situation and then move forward. T.J. brings up a critical notion about data usage in schools. Having a data consciousness allows you to deal with reality when confronted with opinion. You'll want to hear more about how to do this as a school leader. The truth is that if you're leading, you are not alone. Learn to lean in and lean on others. This is where T.J. picks up the ball and pivots to the other critical mental shift--Long-Term thinking. Don't miss T.J. discuss the critical importance of pre-planning. T.J. talks about how leaders are susceptible to falling into the trap of constantly putting out the urgent fires at the expense of what's important. This is one of the key concepts from our latest book, 7 Mindshifts for School Leaders. T.J. also dives into time-blocking for an effective way to schedule each day. This is not a strategy that you want to overlook. Especially, if you are facing the difficult crossroads of important versus urgent work. Readers are reminded of the 5 bad boss behaviors to avoid. T.J.'s one key takeaway for school leaders: plan. Leading is a choice that can't be left to chance. T.J. and Joe always provide the how with the what, enabling school leaders to lead better and grow faster. Let us know if there's a topic you want us to cover by leaving a comment below or by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership content updates every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

Leaders are Readers Learning and growing as a school leader through reflection, training, and experience is a professional choice. One powerful way to improve is through reading great books, which is why we feature two books on a particular topic each month. These are books that we believe can help school leaders to lead better and grow faster. This month we are completely focused on two mental shifts that school leaders must make for greater success. The first is shifting from a place of fear to operating in a space of courage. The second is shifting from short-term thinking to long-term thinking. As easy as it is to grasp both of these concepts as necessary, shifting the mind from fear to courage and from short-term reaction to long-term planning is incredibly difficult. That's why we've chosen these two books that are designed to shepherd you through making the change necessary to lead better and grow faster. Joe's Pick: How to Stop Worrying and Start Living Featured Author: Dale Carnegie First, let's acknowledge that Dale Carnegie is a beast. His work, How to Win Friends and Influence People is legendary and a must read for anyone who is serious about leading effectively. However, How to Stop Worrying and Start Living is also a phenomenal book, filled with incredible advice that applies to school leadership. There are few things that really stand out for Joe in this book: Carnegie fills the book with relatable stories from practical people. The stories are real and you'll find yourself in the people he features. He offers advice that you can implement right away. Suggestions like “living in day-tight compartments” make a ton of sense. Carnegie also writes about the importance of mental attitudes and how to cultivate the right mindset--to make a mental decision to be happy and live a full life, as an example. He reminds readers of the eight most important words we can ever hear, “our life is what our thoughts make it.” ~ Marcus Aurelius This book is a must read so you too can live and lead from a seat of courage with tools to help you as the worry and fear creep into your life. T.J.'s Pick: The Power of One More: The Ultimate Guide to Happiness and Success Featured Author: Ed Mylett If you don't know Ed Mylett, stop reading this post right now and Google his name: Ed Mylett. Ed is an impressive leader who has taken social media by storm over the last few years. He built his fortune in the financial services industry, as what he describes a team-made millionaire. That's one reason we love his work. It's not about Ed. Granted, his endeavors have worked out very well for him, but his service and dedication to people are very evident in his shows and books. Here are a few reasons why T.J. chose The Power of One More as his pick this month: Mylett humbly describes what “the power of one more” is really about and how he learned to be resilient. His description of his alcoholic, turned sober, father is compelling. Ed attributes much of his success to his father but not always through the good times. The book is filled with sage advice, but one great takeaway is how Ed organizes his day and time. The advice is radical although it makes sense. Dividing up your day is very effective and can lead to astronomical productivity. Mylett decrees why this work is important to him. His WHY will inspire you to ensure that yours is clear too. Enjoy both of these books to lead better and grow faster as school leaders. We always appreciate a like, a follow, a comment, or a share. Let us know what you're reading by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership newsletter every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

Leaders have to regularly do hard things. ~ Ryan Hawk About Ryan Hawk Ryan Hawk is the host of The Learning Leader Show. He has recorded more than 475 episodes over the past 7 years. Forbes called The Learning Leader Show, “the most dynamic leadership podcast around.” Inc Magazine said, “it's one of the 5 podcasts to make you a smarter leader.” Apple named it an “all-time best seller” in 2020 and 2021. Ryan is the author of Welcome to Management: How To Grow From Top Performer To Excellent Leader. Book Authority named it to its 100 Best Management Audiobooks of all time (#25). Forbes called it, “the best leadership book of 2020.” Ryan's second book is called The Pursuit of Excellence: The Uncommon Behaviors of The World's Most Productive Achievers. It sold through its first printing in eight hours and shot to the top of the Amazon rankings. Previously, Ryan worked in corporate America for 12 years. He started as an entry-level telephonic sales rep and worked his way to manager, director, and ultimately VP of sales for a multi-billion-dollar company. When he's not recording podcasts or writing books, he tries to help leaders be more effective. Some of the ways that he does that is through Leadership Circles, 1:1 advising, and teaching in The Learning Leader Academy (the online school that he created). Ryan has delivered hundreds of keynote speeches on leadership and performance excellence all over the world. What You'll Find in this Podcast Episode with Ryan Hawk Ryan mentions tremendous leaders and their ability to change their mind. Don't miss what he says about being hard on values but soft on beliefs. Check out what Ryan says when Joe talks about humility versus confidence. Ryan has interviewed tremendous individuals on his Learning Leader Podcast, listen to his Jim Collins reference from Episode 216. Thoughtful Intentions: find out what kitchen cabinets have to do with leadership and who you surround yourself with. Ryan says to pick your mentors based on someone who did something that you admire and that they did it in a way that you admire. Don't miss what he says about specificity. Ryan talked about his parents and upbringing. Listen to how they were influential in terms of their work ethic. Listen to what Ryan says about showing up and doing the work without balance to achieve success early and in the long run. You want to hear how Ryan thinks about seasons, both in life and the year. You don't want to miss why Ryan wants to be home at 3:00PM each day and what he'll do to make that happen. How he picks his guests for his podcasts is very intriguing and speaks to how he thinks and learns as a leader. We loved what he says about living at the edge of your current zone of competency. Stretching yourself is critical as a leader. Ask this: Am I going to learn from this? Cambridge, Massachusetts, home to many mental giants. You'll want to tune into the simplicity in his answer about imposter syndrome. Ryan has evolved his thoughts about leadership styles and the meaning of being a leader. Books We Recommend Based on this Podcast with Ryan Hawk The Pursuit of Excellence by Ryan Hawk Welcome to Management by Ryan Hawk Good to Great by Jim Collins Let us know if there's a guest who you want us to have on the show by leaving a comment below or by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership content updates every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

In this episode of 302 Thoughts, Joe and T.J. dig into how school leaders can turn adversity into opportunity. Every leader will face issues and how they perceive those problems often determines how they will approach them, which can be the difference between success and failure. Listen to Joe describe the power of It's Possible. This isn't just wishful thinking but an earnest belief that regardless of the situation there is a silver lining. Inspired by Les Brown, Joe makes a compelling case for using this same belief and attitude in education. We know that every school and district is facing issues, whether it's attracting and retaining teachers, student mental health needs, limited resources, unfunded mandates, etc. Take your pick, the list is long. T.J. ties this winning mindset to these perennial problems, and if we want to solve the most difficult issues facing education, leaders are going to need the proper mindset. T.J. mentions the crisis mindset definition that we created, which can be found in our upcoming book, 7 Mindshifts for for School Leaders: Finding New Ways to Think About Old Problems. Crisis Mindset Definition: An unfiltered 360° view and approach to solving problems with urgency that abandons conventional wisdom and accepted restraints until a meaningful solution is found, implemented, and sustainable. Lastly, they talk about a critical leadership hack: make it tangible. Too often, issues seem abstract and elusive. One way to combat this is by writing the problem on a sheet of paper and setting it in the center of the table for everyone to see. This strategy seems odd, but it allows the group to focus and deal with what is right in front of them. Try it and let us know how it works out. T.J. and Joe always provide the how with the what, enabling school leaders to lead better and grow faster. Let us know if there's a topic you want us to cover by leaving a comment below or by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership content updates every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

Leaders are Readers Learning and growing as a school leader through reflection, training, and experience is a professional choice. One powerful way to improve is through reading great books, which is why we feature a couple of books on a particular topic each month. These are books we enjoy and believe are worth reading. Our aim is to link great books to our theme for the month. This month we are focused on school leaders recognizing the opportunity within a crisis. We know how incredibly challenging this can be because every issue brings with it the fact that it also dominates everyone's mental energy, which means that looking for opportunity in the very moment that you're trying to solve a problem can be daunting. However, the crisis itself may be our only chance to think differently to not only solve the problem at hand but also determine what advantages may arise during the situation that can be applied in the future. Because this type of thinking is necessary during a crisis, we chose these two powerful books this month. Common with John Maxwell books, they offer sage advice coupled with practical skills. Great leaders don't just read books to gather tips and steps for how to lead but also the style of thinking required to lead better and grow faster. Great leaders are heavy readers and deep thinkers. Joe's Pick: Good Leaders Ask Great Questions Featured Author: John Maxwell If you're going to lead effectively, you have to be able to ask great questions. This book presents questions in two different ways. First, it starts with questions that the leader should ask in various situations. Maxwell lists great questions that can get a conversation started even if you don't know where or how to begin. We can't stress enough how important it is to have canned questions to lean on. Asking great questions to get to the root of a problem is hard, and this book offers several gems. Second, the book details many of the questions that Maxwell has been asked as a leader. The insight into his thinking is powerful and will help any leader consider the various ways to navigate difficult situations. T.J.'s Pick: Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success Featured Author: John Maxwell This book confronts success head on and why some people achieve it and others don't. The difference between triumph and failure is a question that many people wonder about and Maxwell offers the answer--response to adversity. He starts the book with a compelling concept from J. Wallace Hamilton who argues that people generally train to be successful while they should be training for failure. And, in typical Maxwell fashion he illustrates his point through great stories, kicking it off with Mary Kay Ash. If you are going to lead you are going to have problems. It's inevitable. Effective leaders not only understand that conflict is necessary but they learn how to thrive amid the adversity as they seek to make a change. It means that great leaders are willing to fail forward as they make things better. It's what Seth Godin says about leadership: leaders are the ones who are willing to do something that might not work. This is a book that won't disappoint, and every school leader should read it. Enjoy both of these books to lead better and grow faster as school leaders. We always appreciate a like, a follow, a comment, or a share. Let us know what you're reading by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership newsletter every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

When we start a new initiative in schools, we have to take into account the rich tapestry of things that are already in place. ~ Nathan Maynard About Nathan Maynard Nathan Maynard is a youth advocate, educational leader, and change maker. He is the co-author of the Washington Post bestselling and award-winning book, Hacking School Discipline: 9 Ways to Create a Culture of Empathy and Responsibility Using Restorative Justice. Nathan also is the co-founder of BehaviorFlip, the first restorative behavior management software. Nathan studied Behavioral Neuroscience at Purdue University and has been facilitating restorative practices for over 15 years. He was awarded “Youth Worker of the Year” through dedicating his time with helping underserved and underprivileged youth involved with the juvenile justice system in Indiana. He was on the founding administration team that opened Purdue University's first high school in 2017, Purdue Polytechnic High School, serving youth in inner city Indianapolis, Indiana. Prior to his four years as a school administrator, he was a youth worker and program director in a youth residential treatment care center. He is passionate about addressing the school-to-prison pipeline crisis and closing the achievement gap through implementing trauma-informed behavioral practices. Nathan has expertise in Dialectical Behavioral Coaching, Motivational Interviewing, Positive Youth Development, Restorative Justice, and Trauma-Informed building practices to assist with creating positive school climates. He now runs a team of people who do restorative implementation work, called the Restorative Group. Check them out restorativegroup.org. What You'll Find in this Podcast Episode with Nathan Maynard Nathan starts the podcast with a strong stance on how systems and structures are necessary for innovation to last, particularly those on restorative practices. Nathan gives us a quick history lesson on how restorative practices are tied to indigenous roots. One pillar of innovation is listening. Nathan talked about using qualitative data in addition to quantitative data, particularly within micro-communities. Nathan mentions Dr. Luke Roberts from Cambridge and his powerful work within systems. Don't miss what Nathan says about internalizing change and attacking fixed disposition. He truly appreciates The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Nathan's insight about the ripple effect of innovation and restorative justice is transformative. Nathan talks about what makes a good leader great. He refers back to Dr. Luke Roberts a second time. The story that Nathan tells about how Dr. Roberts changed his mind regarding restorative practices is great. Very impressive. He recommends being more self-aware and being conscious of your self-talk. His personal strategies are great tools for every leader. You need a bowl with water and ice…listen why. Nathan talked about getting better at collecting “street data.” Check out Street Data by Shane Safir and Jamila Dugan He learns by listening, interviews, being involved in groups, and honoring others' ideas. This part is inspiring. “Success doesn't have to be tangible.” Nathan used to think that it was all about the external data. He switches that point-of-view to an internal notion of success. Listen to what he says about making success intangible. As always, let us know what you think of this with a like, a follow, or a comment. Find us on Twitter, YouTube, iTunes, Facebook, & SoundCould. And, again, if you want one simple model for leading better and growing faster per month, follow this blog by entering your email at the top right of the screen. We hope you'll tell a friend or book us to join your team for professional learning. TheSchoolHouse302 is about getting to simple by maximizing effective research-based strategies that empower individuals to lead better and grow faster. Joe & T.J.

In this episode of 302 Thoughts, Joe and T.J. dig into how leaders can implement, develop, and support innovation in schools by identifying three ideas that actually work for school leaders. Innovation in schools is often a byproduct of other areas of focus. For example, if schools purchase instructional technology, many leaders hope that the byproduct will be innovation. The fallacy in this approach is that the tool is the primary focus and not a culture of innovation beyond what the tool might provide. We know that computers and other devices alone don't improve instruction or student performance nor will they be used with efficacy and excitement if the culture doesn't already support innovation. However, in the right hands, those tools can completely transform a classroom. This is why innovation is so critical; it's not a thing, but a value. By maintaining and fostering innovation as a value, we can permeate other areas of schooling and not just the obvious application of new tools, like technology. Other school practices demand innovative thinking. From human resources and creating innovative hiring practices to school discipline and bell schedules. Innovation is critical to reach greater heights of performance. This is why school leaders have to be intentional and embrace their role as the chief innovation officer. This doesn't mean that school leaders have to be the model innovator, but rather create the culture that nurtures it. To ensure that this happens, we offer a unique 3-part model to help school leaders think about what it means to create a culture of innovation. Listen to Joe describe how great schools and its leaders don't put a lid on innovation. The school must maintain innovation as a norm during meetings, professional learning, PLCs, all facets of the organization. T.J. explains how the three core areas of focus--diversity, open dialogue, and risk-taking--are essential. Diversity: Diversify the staff and other teams for new and unique thinking. Open Dialogue: Create norms where new ideas are free-flowing in safe spaces. Risk-Taking: Encourage staff to take calculated risks and learn from their experiences. Lastly, they describe how schools cannot only focus on the WHY, and the reasons for something, but also embrace a “bias for action” and develop a culture of TRY. T.J. and Joe always provide the how with the what, enabling school leaders to lead better and grow faster. To become a CIO in your school, try the following: Look at your teams through a diversity lens. Ensure meetings allocate time to discuss innovative ideas and practices. Praise effort and encourage persistence. We conclude this month's 302 Thoughts with this quote from Peter Drucker, "If you want something new, you have to stop doing something old.” Let us know if there's a topic you want us to cover by leaving a comment below or by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership content updates every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

Great School Leaders are Avid Readers Learning and growing as a school leader through reflection, training, and experience is a professional choice. One powerful way to improve is through reading great books, which is why we feature a couple of books that we benefit from each month. Our aim is to link great books to our theme for the month. This month we are focused on school leaders who know that innovation is a key ingredient to successful schools. Innovation in school thrives in a culture that supports diverse and different thinking. Innovation isn't a thing, it's not a professional development session; we contend that it's a value that needs nurturing and support. For this reason, we chose two books that are must reads for school leaders who want to build environments, for teachers and other staff members, that are innovative. These may not be the first books that you think of when you reach for a book about innovation, but they'll support your team's endeavors to actually be innovative versus just talking about what that means for schools. Joe's Pick: Flamin' Hot: The Incredible True Story of One Man's Rise from Janitor to Top Executive Featured Author: Richard Montanez When we think of innovation in schools, we often think of technology. Whether blended lessons, cool assessment platforms, or flipping a classroom, we love the tech innovations that are reconstructing the instructional prowess of many teachers. However, innovation doesn't begin or end with tech. Rather, it's a mindset that should permeate every decision we make. This is why we appreciate Richard's story and the lessons taught throughout this book. Listen to our description about how teachers and leaders can embrace an “owner's mentality” to break from conventional thinking and unveil new ideas and new developments. T.J.'s Pick: Hacking School Discipline: 9 Ways to Create a Culture of Empathy and Responsibility Using Restorative Justice Featured Authors: Nathan Maynard & Brad Weinstein We love the old adage, “doing the same thing and expecting different results is the definition of insanity.” There are a lot of things that we do in schools where this applies, especially with school discipline. So often our efforts to correct student misbehavior simply fall short. Don't get us wrong, this doesn't mean that people aren't working hard to help students succeed. But, very often discipline practices are out-of-date and fail to address some of the deeper needs that students have. This is where restorative practices can be very effective, but they require an innovative mindset. Listen to our explanation about how this book provides an innovative approach to discipline that works toward correcting student conduct, which is likely obstructing their own and others' learning. We love that this book addresses equity, empathy, diversity, and inclusiveness--all elements of a truly innovative mindset in schools. Technical Tip for Leaders Who Read We close every Read This Series with a technical tip. This month's tip is how to read two books a month. Most people believe that you need to be a fast reader to consistently devour books. Not true. It's not speed, but consistency. Consider an average reading pace of 200 words per minute. This is a very reasonable pace. If you read 20 minutes a day, that's 4,000 words per sitting. The average book is about 64,000 words. This means that f you read 4,000 words a day, you will read a book every 16 days. That's about 2 a month. Enjoy both of these books to lead better and grow faster as school leaders. We always appreciate a like, a follow, a comment, or a share. Let us know what you're reading by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership newsletter every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

About David Brazer S. David Brazer is Principal Consultant at. Formerly Associate Professor and Director of Leadership Degree Programs in the Stanford University Graduate School of Education (where he earned his Ph.D.), Brazer continues to design courses and teach in the Stanford EdLEADers online professional development program for executive level education leaders. Brazer's theory development and empirical research on strategic decision making, leadership, teacher learning, and organizational design have appeared in numerous peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes. Brazer is the lead author of Leading Schools to Learn, Grow, and Thrive: Using Theory to Strengthen Practice (with Scott C. Bauer and Bob L. Johnson, Jr., 2019, Routledge). He has also published (with Robert G. Smith) Striving for Equity: District Leadership for Narrowing Opportunity and Achievement Gaps (2016, Harvard Education Press), and (with Scott C. Bauer) Using Research to Lead School Improvement: Turning Evidence into Action (2012, Sage Publications). What You'll Find in this Podcast Episode with David Brazer Open-minded, engaging, inquiring…don't miss what David says about asking questions and becoming a “learning leader” who is willing to listen to the answers. David's discussion of how educators respond to poor performance in Algebra I is insightful. It says so much about our common problems in education and will resonate. David says that we need to engage in WHY questions, not about purpose, but to uncover the root causes for the problems we have. What David says about stress and reverting to old routines is powerful. When we ask people to change, we have to know that it will cause stress. It means that we need to ensure that they feel safe so that they don't go back to old practices. Every leader wants to motivate their staff, David references Frederick Herzberg and Hygiene Factors when discussing what de-motivates people. You'll want to hear what he says about what leaders should attend to! Don't miss what David says about “dreaming” big to make plans about what school could be if we're focused and that we're poised to take risks. We love what David says about the elements of a learning experience. David discusses the need for people to try out new practices in simulated settings before having to do it in reality when they're under pressure. David didn't hesitate to mention Larry Cuban as a place where he gets knowledge and inspiration. Referencing Dewey, what David says about social construction for knowledge and the simple truth about “talking to people” is awesome. David wants to get better at asking questions before responding with passion. Don't miss what he says about learning about teachers' theory of action. David is a reader. Don't miss why David chooses to read more books than articles. David attributes Scott Bauer to turning his academic life around. David used to think that there are leadership rules-of-thumb that work in schools, but he learned long ago that rules-of-thumb for school leadership are mythical. Listen to his analogy about school discipline. Books Mentioned During the Podcast with David Brazer The Black Man in America by Larry Cuban The Managerial Imperative and the Practice of Leadership in Schools by Larry Cuban Student-Centered Leadership by Viviane Robinson More Free School Leadership Resources for Principals As always, let us know what you think of this with a like, a follow, or a comment. Find us on Twitter, YouTube, iTunes, Facebook, & SoundCould. And, again, if you want one simple model for leading better and growing faster per month, follow this blog by entering your email at the top right of the screen. We hope you'll tell a friend or book us to join your team for professional learning. TheSchoolHouse302 is about getting to simple by maximizing effective research-based strategies that empower individuals to lead better and grow faster. Joe & T.J.

In this episode of 302 Thoughts, Joe and T.J. dig into a major responsibility of school leaders that very often poses challenges. Although professional learning is common in schools, not everyone views it as a primary vehicle for getting better. Whether for personal development or improving instructional practices, leveling up one's skills aren't always viewed with a positive attitude. There are a host of reasons for this in schools, but one thing that must be in place to change the culture is that the leader needs to view themselves as a professional growth influencer. School leaders have to be intentional, not only with which trainings they bring to staff, but for casting the vision for how and why everyone in the school must grow. To improve this aspect of school culture, we believe that three things must occur, which are discussed in this episode. Listen to Joe describe how great schools build great teachers within healthy systems. The school itself needs to be viewed as a living, breathing organism and its health needs to be monitored routinely. T.J. explains how every school has a dynamic staff with a unique set of talents and skills and it is the school leader's responsibility to tailor learning accordingly. That's not all though. This is a two-pronged approach, the other prong is that the professional learning needs to be real and relevant--grounded in the nuances of the school or district. Lastly, they describe how growth is intentionally developed through leadership opportunities. Effective school leaders create opportunities for teachers to take on a variety of roles from professional learning responsibilities, non-evaluative and non-threatening peer observations, researcher roles, community outreach, assessment team leader, and a host of other possibilities. T.J. and Joe always provide the how with the what, enabling school leaders to lead better and grow faster. To become a professional growth influencer, school leaders must know and do the following: Conduct interviews and inventories about the unique strength of the teachers. Without this understanding, you'll likely plan one-size-fits all PD. Ensure alignment between the learning opportunities and the vision, goals, and initiatives of the school. Misalignment creates strife and frustration. Delegate responsibilities and support teacher leaders. Teacher leaders are the life-blood of great schools, but the making of a great teacher is not the same as the making of a great leader. We conclude this month's 302 Thoughts with this quote from Abraham Maslow: "One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again." In this type of environment, growth is a core value integrated into the culture. Listen to Joe and T.J. take a deep dive into how school and district leaders, at all levels, can rethink growth in schools. Let us know if there's a topic you want us to cover by leaving a comment below or by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership content updates every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J. This blog post was brought to you by GhostBed, a family-owned business of sleep experts with 20+ years of experience. With 30K+ 5-star reviews, you can't go wrong with GhostBed. Their mattresses are handcrafted, and they come with a 101-night-at-home-sleep trial. For a limited time, you can get 30% by using our code — SH302 — at checkout. And, even if you tell someone about GhostBed, you can earn a $100 referral reward. Go to Ghostbed.com today and use SH302 at checkout.

Great School Leaders are Avid Readers Learning and growing as a school leader through reflection, training, and experience is a professional choice. One powerful way to improve is through reading great books, which is why we feature a couple of great books each month. Our aim is to link great books to our theme for the month. This month we are focused on school leaders who want to build a culture of growth in their schools. Growth in any given area requires intentionality with time specifically dedicated to supporting personal development. For this reason, we chose two books that are must reads for school leaders who want to build environments, for teachers and other staff members, that nurture growth. Joe's Pick: The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else in Business Featured Author: Pat Lencioni In this podcast, Joe quickly identifies why The Advantage is a powerful read for growth-driven leaders. Unlike Lencioni's other books, this is not fable but rather a guide to develop an organization's health. Listen to why an organization's health is bigger than culture. Joe also identifies quick ways to determine how well an organization is functioning. As Lencioni points out in the book, there should be minimal politics and confusion, high morale and productivity, and low staff turnover, which is the purpose of Retention for a Change as well. T.J.'s Pick: Time, Talent, and Energy Featured Authors: Michael Mankins and Eric Garton T.J. lands on Time, Talent, Energy this month, knowing that if you desire to grow people, then you need to fully understand the impact of time, talent, and energy on what the author's call “organizational drag.” Not using the three wisely can lead to disastrous results. Listen to T.J. describe how these are the scarcest resources that need to be protected in schools. He also reveals how the right culture unearths the unique talents within a school and district. Additionally, companies often focus on the strategic goals, financial capital, but fully understanding how to manage your team's time, talent, and energy is just as, if not more important. Technical Tip for Leaders Who Read We close every Read This Series with a technical tip. This month's tip is to journal specifically on what you are reading about. Leaders gain results from reading when they take 5 to 10 minutes for free-writing on what the book content means to you and your leadership. As educators we tout the critical importance of having students synthesize information, and this is one way that we do it that will yield great results. Don't let the knowledge you gain go to waste. Ideas are fleeting; write them down and grow your own leadership ability exponentially. Enjoy both of these books to lead better and grow faster as school leaders. We always appreciate a like, a follow, a comment, or a share. Let us know what you're reading by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership newsletter every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J. Today's content was brought to you by GhostBed, a family-owned business of sleep experts with 20+ years of experience. With 30K+ 5-star reviews, you can't go wrong with GhostBed. Their mattresses are handcrafted, and they come with a 101-night-at-home-sleep trial. For a limited time, you can get 30% by using our code — SH302 — at checkout. And, even if you tell someone about GhostBed, you can earn a $100 referral reward. Go to Ghostbed.com today and use SH302 at checkout.

In this episode of 302 Thoughts, Joe and T.J. tackle a common topic in education--support. Although common, it's an elusive concept because it means so many different things for so many different people. It is also challenging to do in a systematic and organized way. We also should clarify that we are not talking about showing support when needed, but rather building a culture of support. In this type of environment, support isn't an afterthought, but, rather, it is a core value and integrated into the culture. Listen to Joe and T.J. take a deep dive into how school and district leaders, at all levels, can rethink support in schools. They begin this episode with an overview of their Voices Model. Joe and T.J.'s model for this month is called Voices. Joe goes on to explain that this is an important model because it is really about listening. We cannot fall into the trap of supporting individuals based on what school leaders deem important or necessary without hearing the voices from the field. The support should be aligned to the goals and values of the school but should also be tailored toward each individual. That is how many organizations fall short; management shows support in the ways it deems best and it is not necessarily speaking “the language” of the employee. Listening also means that people feel comfortable talking. To do so, TJ explains the 5 critical areas of support in schools. These areas are taken right from the research we did for Building a Winning Team and Retention for a Chance: Welcome ideas and suggestions from everyone. Feeling comfortable to share difficult issues. Providing time and space to listen. Feeling like we're on a team. Ensuring people have the resources to do their jobs well. Although each of the 5 are independent of one another, listen to TJ explain how they are interconnected and work to build the culture of support through meaningful dialogue and conversations. The last point is of critical importance because if people lack the resources needed to do their job well, it will be a constant source of pain and frustration, which will make people feel unsupported. Each of these are necessary to get to the core of what is on people's minds and how they can be further supported by school leaders. Remember, the model is built around teachers, personnel, and students. Each group is unique. Let us know if there's a topic you want us to cover by leaving a comment below or by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership content updates every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J. This blog post was brought to you by GhostBed, a family-owned business of sleep experts with 20+ years of experience. With 30K+ 5-star reviews, you can't go wrong with GhostBed. Their mattresses are handcrafted, and they come with a 101-night-at-home-sleep trial. For a limited time, you can get 30% by using our code — SH302 — at checkout. And, even if you tell someone about GhostBed, you can earn a $100 referral reward. Go to Ghostbed.com today and use SH302 at checkout.

About Dan Butler Dan Butler serves as the principal of Epworth Elementary School and has been named the next Superintendent in the Western Dubuque Community School District effective July 1. Previously, he was the principal of Epworth and Farley Elementary Schools simultaneously for four years, focusing on positive relationships with all members of the learning community, high impact instructional techniques, building leadership capacity in others, and establishing successful school cultures. Prior to serving as an administrator, Dan taught third and fifth grades in the Western Dubuque District, as well as serving as a baseball and football coach. In addition to his responsibilities as a building principal, Dan works as an adjunct professor in the Educational Leadership department at the University of Northern Iowa where he earned his doctoral degree. Dan has received numerous awards and most recently was recognized as a finalist for the School Administrators of Iowa Elementary Principal of the year in 2019 and 2020. He received the University of Northern Iowa Educational Leadership Legacy award in 2018 and was a 2017 bizTimes.biz Rising Star in the Dubuque area. For more than six years, Dan served as a co-moderator of Iowa Educational Chat (#IAedchat), a weekly Twitter forum dedicated to the latest trends in education. He recently published his first book, Permission to be Great, and has published various articles to Principal Magazine, focused on digital leadership, literacy, productivity, and educator engagement. Dan and his wife, Johna reside in Iowa with their sons, Mason and Nolan. Read more about Dr. Butler by visiting danpbutler.com or follow him on Twitter: @danpbutler. What You'll Find in this Podcast Episode with Dan Butler Dan talked about the concept of support for the employee in the work environment. Don't miss what he says about defining what matters most, including core values. You'll want to pay attention to what he says about reactive approaches to support versus proactive approaches to support. Dan lists some essential questions when creating the right environment: What are the things that need to stay? What are the things that we can remove? He reminds us that if everything is a priority, nothing is a priority. Dan reminds us of the very powerful Eisenhower Matrix when we are looking to make critical decisions. Pay attention to how Dan frames delegation and what you might be doing that takes away from the talents and skills of others. When asked about key people who Dan tunes into for inspiration, he doesn't hesitate to talk about the powerful work of Tim Kight. If you want to learn more about culture, check him out. Dan says that everyone needs a physical activity routine, preferably in the morning. He focuses on mental clarity and other important results from exercise. Listen to Dan eloquently describes the sweet spot of performance feedback. We are always intrigued to learn more about people who great leaders turn to for their own growth; Dan describes the work of Greg Deutmeyer and Jenny Hillebrand -- School Talk Podcast. Dan finishes the interview strong and reminds us that as leaders we don't have to know all the answers. That success hinges on empowerment and collaboration. As always, let us know what you think of this with a like, a follow, or a comment. Find us on Twitter, YouTube, iTunes, Facebook, & SoundCould. And, again, if you want one simple model for leading better and growing faster per month, follow this blog by entering your email at the top right of the screen. We hope you'll tell a friend or book us to join your team for professional learning. TheSchoolHouse302 is about getting to simple by maximizing effective research-based strategies that empower individuals to lead better and grow faster. Joe & T.J.

Great School Leaders are Avid Readers Learning and growing as a school leader through reflection, training, and experience is a professional choice. One powerful way to improve is through reading great books, which is why we feature a couple each month. Our aim is to link great books to our theme for the month. This month we are focused on rethinking what accountability looks like in schools. We've heard from our subscribers that this content is being used as a leadership development curriculum. Kudos to you for investing in yourself as a school leader to grow and improve. When we think about accountability, a school leader's mind typically races to state and federal accountability--state assessments, scorecards, and different measures and metrics. This month we wanted to take a different look at accountability, one that speaks to the heart of the work within schools and that drills down into the classroom. For that reason, we chose two books that get granular with very specific examples of what schools are doing and how to guide practice for improvement. Joe's Pick: Performance Conversations: How to Use Questions to Coach Employees, Improve Productivity, and Boost Confidence Featured Author: Christopher D. Lee, Ph.D. Joe loves Performance Conversations because it is about improving performance. This is a necessary turn in education where administrators develop not only evaluation skills but also coaching skills. Having the ability to coach teachers and staff members to accelerate performance will raise the achievement in any school. A Few Key Reasons to Read Performance Conversations This book dives into the power of inquiry, coaching, and positive mindset, making a case for the value of each one and how they develop an individual. The author clearly supports the use of questioning and how we must view it as a tool--a tool used to generate incredible conversations that inform the listener. There is also a really cool Continuum of Support figure, detailing the methods of support discussed in the book--Supervisory, Coaching, Mentoring, and Sponsoring. With a focus on supporting effective cultures, this book is a must read. T.J.'s Pick: The Carrot Principle Featured Authors: Adrian Gostick & Chester Elton T.J. landed on The Carrot Principle being his book of the month because, well, he loves this book. There are some books that truly resonate with the reader and this book is one of T.J.'s all time favorites. Here's why it's so good: it's based on empirical evidence and the contents are easy to apply. Everyone can celebrate, and everyone should get better at it. With 70% of managers still skeptical about the use of praise, maybe it's not praise but rather their confidence with doing so. A Few Key Reasons to Read The Carrot Principle Let's begin with a major, must understand, takeaway for any leader: “79% of people who leave their company cite lack of appreciation as a key reason for leaving.” What? This is something we can change tomorrow. The authors describe, and this is a main point from T.J., that many leaders are afraid to use praise. The key is not to hold back and to build a culture of systemic recognition. Another terrific point made throughout the book is that the praise should be done right. A few things not to do: Don't be vague Don't be skeptical Don't be ambiguous Most importantly, the authors provide their readers with a way to bring recognition and praise front-and-center in four ways: Goal Setting Communication Trust Accountability Countless leaders work incredibly hard, but what if all of your efforts fall short because you are getting one thing wrong that is in your grasp to change and control. Enjoy both of these books to lead better and grow faster as school leaders. Let us know what you're reading by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership newsletter every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

In this episode of 302 Thoughts, Joe and T.J. take a deep dive into how school and district leaders, at all levels, can rethink accountability in a post-pandemic world. The tough reality is that many of the mandated efforts force school leaders to take a direction that leaves other critical work in its wake. Ask any effective principal, assistant principal, or district leader and they can tell you what needs to happen in schools. It's time that educators empower one another to redefine accountability and pursue goals that consider the whole child. Joe and T.J. break down key elements of a school so school leaders can review how effective each one is and assess each one systemically for greater student achievement. This is not a task for the weak-willed. This challenge is for those who rise each day, and before they even put a sock on, are thinking about how they can make a difference in their school. We need clear goals and a follow-up process for each key function within every school. It starts with you today. During this episode, Joe discussed how the education narrative around accountability should change and become less reliant on annual performance measures. Although annual state assessments can still serve a purpose, the above key functions should have a key measure of performance associated with each of them. Each one covers an aspect of schooling, and if they are all functioning at peak performance, then high levels of learning are far more attainable in the classroom. T.J. took the opportunity to discuss the importance of setting clear and measurable goals using pre-identified and reliable data. Stiggins and Chappuis contend that students can hit any clear, non-moving target. The same is true for adults. When school leaders, along with teacher leaders, create goals that everyone can get excited about, then everyone and every initiative should be moving toward attaining that measure. The power is in the momentum that is gained and the ability to check to see if things are working. Joe takes a moment to discuss how this lends the perfect opportunity for feedback. Feedback doesn't have to be perceived as negative or bad. In fact, we continue to posit that cultures that are built on trust, thrive on feedback. In our One Thing Interview with Joy Kelly, she discusses how great leaders and teachers are able to provide feedback to one another. This last point goes perfectly with some exciting news that we have to share. TheSchoolHouse302 Candid and Compassionate Feedback Virtual MasterClass is up and running, ready for you to sign up today. This class is built on our first book that has resonated with so many school and district leaders. Be sure to sign up and become a master at providing feedback. Find us at theschoolhouse302.com.

About Joy Kelly Joy Kelly has been an educator for more than 25 years. She has served as a high school teacher, 7-12 parochial school principal, and a public high school associate principal, where she was named the Iowa 2015 Associate Principal of the Year. After serving as high school principal, Joy currently serves as the Head of School at Regina Catholic Education Center. Having been a principal in both public and parochial schools, Joy brings extensive knowledge and understanding of student achievement, community building, student and family engagement, and teacher leadership. Joy believes that the vitality and success of any school rests in the culture of the school community. It is her belief that positive student achievement occurs as a result of the caring and supportive relationships developed among the adults in the school and with the students and their families. Along with Jimmy Casas, Joy co-authored the book Handle with Care: Managing Difficult Situations in Schools with Dignity and Respect. Joy is the proud mother of five children and believes that her journey with them makes her a better school leader to the students and staff with whom she works every day. What You'll Find in this Podcast Episode with Joy Kelly T.J. starts off with a direct question about maintaining high expectations, while creating a culture that helps people thrive, and Joy immediately debunks the myth that accountability is about what you did wrong. While describing the power of accountability, Joy reminds us of three human realities: Everyone has a story that impacts how they think, how they feel, and how they respond. We have to remember that everyone has suffered trauma, pain, and hardship. Outward expressions don't always align with internal feelings. For example, outward anger is often internal sadness. The adults don't always get it right and should be willing to acknowledge so. At the core of relationships is trust. Joe asks Joy to dive deeper into how we can connect better with the people we serve. Listen to how Joy creates a culture where we get to really know your staff: Let them know who you really are as a person and not just as a leader. Staff need to feel valued and heard. Feedback should be a two-way street. You'll want to hear the conversation about feedback, discipline, punishment, and how to handle accountability with care. Leaders should adopt the sentiment that “we don't have a monopoly on making all the right decisions.” You have to hear Joy's story about the student who came to the office without his lanyard and ID. Powerful and humbling. Learn how Joy gleans a ton from her experiences as a parent, learning from her children. She also describes her powerful relationship with Jimmy Casas and the impact it has on her leadership. You will definitely want to check out the books she mentions: Lead with Faith by Sara Johnson The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon Be Excellent on Purpose Sanee Bell Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz More Free School Leadership Resources for Principals As always, let us know what you think of this with a like, a follow, or a comment. Find us on Twitter, YouTube, iTunes, Facebook, & SoundCould. And, again, if you want one simple model for leading better and growing faster per month, follow this blog by entering your email at the top right of the screen. We hope you'll tell a friend or book us to join your team for professional learning. TheSchoolHouse302 is about getting to simple by maximizing effective research-based strategies that empower individuals to lead better and grow faster. Joe & T.J.

Great School Leaders are Avid Readers Learning and growing as a school leader through reflection, training, and experience is a professional choice. One powerful way to improve is through reading great books, which is why we feature a couple each month. Our aim is to link great books to our theme for the month. This month we are focused on rethinking what accountability looks like in schools. We've heard from our subscribers that this content is being used as a leadership development curriculum. Kudos to you for investing in yourself as a school leader to grow and improve. When we think about accountability, a school leader's mind typically races to state and federal accountability--state assessments, scorecards, and different measures and metrics. This month we wanted to take a different look at accountability, one that speaks to the heart of the work within schools and that drills down into the classroom. For that reason, we chose two books that get granular with very specific examples of what schools are doing and how to guide practice for improvement. Joe's Pick: What School Could Be: Insights and Inspiration from Teachers across America Featured Author: Ted Dintersmith This is a unique book because Dintersmith visited schools across the U.S. and reported on some incredible schools doing great work. Very early on in the book, he introduces us to the key principles that emerged as he visited schools across America. He identifies them as P.E.A.K.: Purpose Essentials Agency Knowledge Each of the four represents key aspects of high level performance that can be implemented by school leaders. This is why this is a great book for accountability; it describes what is working and what may be very helpful in another school or district. Sustainability and replicability are as important as the identified practice itself. He also provides a provocative overview of how we got to where we are in regard to schooling. His brief overview and short history of state tests, rankings, and institutes of higher education are fascinating as he describes their impact on innovation in schools. Lastly, this book is filled with real stories from the field. You won't be disappointed. Get your copy of What School Could Be today. T.J.'s Pick: Practice Perfect: 42 Rules at Getting Better at Getting Better Featured Authors: Doug Lemov, Erica Woolway, & Katie Yezzi There are a few reasons why we love this book. One reason is that the journey to this book's creation started in a high poverty school, detailed in the book that many are familiar with, Teach Like A Champion. Two, this book is about getting better through practice. Programs are great, but they are only as effective as the individual using them. In our accountability approach, we have a very teacher-centric focus. A common issue in education is our lilly pad approach to change. Too often, schools jump from one initiative to the next in search of a better program that will yield greater student learning. This isn't due to leadership laziness in schools, but rather an attempt to find a solution in a short amount of time. However, true growth requires time and practice--Perfect Practice. As T.J. describes in his account, the authors detail key practices like Name It, Make It Fun, and Apply First then Reflect as key tools to improving. Practice also goes perfectly with feedback, which is an essential ingredient to improvement. Enjoy both of these books to lead better and grow faster as school leaders. Let us know what you're reading by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership newsletter every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J.

In this episode of 302 Thoughts, Joe and T.J. take a deep dive into how school and district leaders, at all levels, can develop, build, and sustain trust in schools. The tough reality with trust is that it is easily lost and hard to gain, which is why we remember this powerful quote by Sophocles, Trust dies but mistrust blossoms. Joe emphasizes how trust is needed now more than ever, but is definitely in short supply. Not just in schools or education but throughout our country. If there is any doubt to this, just tune into any news channel and listen to the criticism, uncertainty, and mistrust espoused by the commentators. One thing to always remember as a leader is that we are not always the cause of the mistrust, but we still might be the recipient of it. This is critical for leaders because we need to remain steadfast and focused on the success of our students, regardless of the perceived public perception. This means that we can't be swayed by our emotions and worries, even though it is incredibly challenging at times. One way to remain focused as a school leader is to work within the four most powerful domains that yield the greatest student gains: Leading for the capacity of the staff Ensuring quality teaching in every classroom Establishing goals & expectations through a clear vision Strategic resourcing for effective implementation T.J. takes the time to explain why trust is mostly counterintuitive in the workplace. Although trust is a universal need, we often work to build trust in the wrong ways in schools. As we look to develop trust and lead more effectively, we need tools that can remind us of how we can continually develop trust. Joe featured, Speed of Trust Action Cards, that are great reminders of the principles associated with the best selling book, Speed of Trust. Joe keeps these cards on his desk and periodically visits them to remind himself of the crucial ideas. T.J. took the opportunity to share our REPSS survey and the specific design regarding measuring trust. School culture thrives when trust is at the center, and the survey is built to get a pulse on how people are feeling. Think about the power of knowing how your staff is doing and feeling, particularly during these challenging times. Granted, this also requires courage. It's easier to keep “leading” and not checking in with those on the front lines. Don't be average, lead with greatness. Our 302 Thoughts are monthly recordings as part of our OneThingSeries to help school leaders lead better and grow faster. It's like school leadership training without having to leave the comfort of your office or home. Look for our other leadership interviews and books that we recommend, all part of the same podcast series at TheSchoolHouse302. Let us know if there's a topic you want us to cover by leaving a comment below or by contacting us at contact@theschoolhouse302.com. And don't miss our leadership newsletter every week by subscribing on the site. We can't wait to hear from you. Joe & T.J. This blog post was brought to you by GhostBed, a family-owned business of sleep experts with 20+ years of experience. With 30K+ 5-star reviews, you can't go wrong with GhostBed. Their mattresses are handcrafted, and they come with a 101-night-at-home-sleep trial. For a limited time, you can get 30% by using our code — SH302 — at checkout. And, even if you tell someone about GhostBed, you can earn a $100 referral reward. Go to Ghostbed.com today and use SH302 at checkout.