Podcasts about Educational leadership

Send us a textFeedback can feel uncomfortable, even discouraging—but the truth is, it's one of the greatest tools for leadership growth. In this episode, Dr. Mel shares from her perspective as a superintendent, coaching principals to reframe feedback as a gift, not a judgment.Main Message: How you receive feedback shapes how your staff will receive feedback from you. Leaders who embrace feedback with humility build trust, credibility, and a culture of continuous growth in their schools.Key Points:Feedback doesn't define you—it refines you.Ask clarifying questions instead of reacting defensively.Focus on the message, not the delivery—there's always a growth point to apply.Show gratitude, even when the feedback stings.Model openness by sharing how you apply feedback in your own leadership.Action Step: Invite one trusted colleague or mentor to give you feedback in one area of your leadership this week. Listen, thank them, and take one concrete step forward—then share that with your team.Power Quote: ✨ I will embrace feedback as a tool for growth, modeling the humility and openness I want to see in my team.Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase! Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points. Calling All Educators! I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more. I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources. I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant. Join here: Empowered Educator Community Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance SuccessGrab a complimentary POWER SessionWith Rubi.ai, you'll experience cutting-edge technology, research-driven insights, and efficient content delivery.email: melinda@empowere...

How does one navigate the journey from English teacher to Superintendent? In this episode, I sit down with the recently retired Marie Wiles in a unique in-person interview. We dive deep into her 36-year-long career, from early teaching days and curriculum development to her tenure in various leadership roles, including her time as a BOCES district superintendent. Marie shares her insights on the importance of instructional experience, the challenges of transitioning roles, the value of networks, and her unexpected journey into authoring a book, “Lessons from the Bard: What Shakespeare Can Teach Us about School District Leadership”. This engaging episode unfolds Marie's remarkable experiences and her perspectives on the future of education amid financial uncertainties.   If you have questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes, including great non-education books with lessons for school leaders you can email me at Dr.mike.doughty@gmail.com. I would really appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It helps a lot. And if you found this episode helpful, please share it with your colleagues. If you are interested in sponsoring the podcast, feel free to contact me directly at Dr.mike.doughty@gmail.com. Stay connected with me here: Official Website: theschoolleadershipshow.org YouTube: youtube.com/@theschoolleadershipshow Facebook: facebook.com/theschoolleadershipshow Instagram: instagram.com/theschoolleadershipshow   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement 00:49 Marie Wiles' Early Career in Education 01:46 Transition to Higher Education and Doctoral Studies 05:21 BOCES Experience and Leadership Roles 08:53 Personal Life and Career Moves 17:19 Balancing Lesson Plans and Student Interaction 19:51 The Dunning-Kruger Effect in Leadership 20:31 Challenges and Realities of Leadership Roles 23:23 Gender Disparity in Educational Leadership 25:49 Concerns for the Future of Education 28:48 Hope and Faith in Youth 31:46 Writing a Book: Lessons from Shakespeare 32:03 The Process of Writing and Publishing 37:26 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Our co-host, Ramona Dallum, is joined by Dr Alisia McClain founder of TECH-nique a nonprofit built to elevate underrepresented voices in technology by creating community-centric pathways into generative AI, data analytics, UX, and leadership roles—grounded in deep equity, mentorship, and social justice principles.The duo discusses the role of technology in our world, the future of AI, the power of innovation, and what we must do to avoid being left behind.Dr McClain holds a PhD in Educational Leadership, Evaluation, and Organizational Development from the University of Louisville. She is an educator, musician, AI strategist, data-for-social-impact innovator, and equity-minded leader.

Send us a textThe first weeks of school bring excitement—but also stress, surprises, and a million moving parts. As a leader, your response in those moments sets the tone for everyone around you. In this episode, we'll explore how to lead with calm, clarity, and grace, even when everything feels chaotic.Main Message: Your team looks to you for stability. If you lead with panic, they'll panic. But if you lead with steadiness, they'll anchor to your presence. Grace under pressure isn't about ignoring stress—it's about managing it so it doesn't manage you.Key Points:Pause before reacting—clarity often comes in a breath.Communicate calmly, even in crisis.Protect your staff by not transferring your stress to them.Seek private spaces to process frustrations; stay composed in public.Build in small recovery moments to keep your own balance.Power Quote: ✨ I will choose calm over chaos, leading with grace so my team can focus on what matters most.Call to Action: This week, practice a “leadership pause.” Before you respond to a stressful situation, take one deep breath and remind yourself—you set the tone.Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase! Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points. Calling All Educators! I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more. I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources. I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant. Join here: Empowered Educator Community Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance SuccessGrab a complimentary POWER SessionWith Rubi.ai, you'll experience cutting-edge technology, research-driven insights, and efficient content delivery.email: melinda@empowere...

In this episode of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson sits down with Educational Leadership alumni Katie Jamozy-Hamby (B.S.'11, M.S.'21) and Kim Van Acker (M.S.'21). What began as a classroom introduction grew into a lasting friendship that continues to shape their careers as school leaders.Katie and Kim reflect on navigating graduate school during the pandemic, transitioning from teaching to administration, and the support systems that keep them grounded. They share practical advice for new administrators, insights from their favorite leadership books, and candid reflections on balancing work, life, and leadership.The conversation also highlights Katie's exciting next step—her new role as Program Director of Educational Leadership at Longwood University—while both alumni offer empowering advice for women pursuing leadership roles.

I just returned from hosting my first-ever EP Alive event, and let me tell you, it was nothing like your typical education conference.   I'm joined by three remarkable principals, Erin, Kay, and Sherry, who attended EP Alive 2025. Together, we created something that redefined professional development: no boring conference rooms, no eight-hour PowerPoint marathons, just real conversations by the fire pit, morning yoga sessions, sailing adventures, and breakthrough moments that shifted how we see ourselves as leaders and humans.   Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/402

As a leader, what does instructional leadership look like in action? In this inspiring episode of Aspire to Lead, Valerie Arechiga shares her journey as an aspiring leader and her powerful insights on what instructional leadership must look like in today's classrooms. We explore her work with Thinking Nation and how its services are reshaping the way educators approach literature and social studies.  Valerie also reflects on the experiences that best prepared her for leadership, offering practical takeaways for teachers and leaders striving to create classrooms where students think critically, engage deeply, and thrive. This conversation blends vision with actionable strategies, making it a must-listen for educators passionate about cultivating both knowledge and leadership in their learning communities. About Valerie Arechiga: Valerie Arechiga is an educator, consultant, speaker, and soon-to-be Ed.D. graduate committed to equipping teachers, inspiring leaders, and building thriving school communities. With over a decade of experience as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal, she now serves as Director of Partnerships at Thinking Nation, a nonprofit aligning social studies and literacy. She also consults with schools on SEL, PLCs, and using AI and data to streamline systems, strengthen Tier 1 instruction, and drive intentional conversations. As a presenter, Valerie has led sessions at Mid-Winter Conference, Region 13, Tech2Teach, the Thrive Virtual Conference, and the 2025 Summer TEPSA Conference. She blends expertise in leadership, SEL, instructional practices, and authentic school culture to inspire and equip educators at every level. Passionate about collaboration and lifelong learning, Valerie is completing her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at Texas A&M–Corpus Christi, researching how leaders can leverage culture and their own leadership style to build meaningful school connections. Her ultimate goal is to open a student-centered charter school that empowers teachers to reconnect with their “why” and create lasting impact. Follow Valerie Arechiga Website: thinkingnation.org  Twitter (X): https://x.com/ValerieArechiga  Instagram: vaarechiga24 Facebook: Valerie Arechiga Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-nesmith-arechiga-abd-993552153/  Other: Latina Voices -- SCHOOL BEHAVIOR SOLUTIONS Virtual Summit

Send us a textIn this episode of The Empowered Educator Show, Dr. Mel breaks down how school leaders can use beginning-of-year benchmark assessments as more than just numbers on a spreadsheet. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by data, you'll learn how to turn it into a clear roadmap for instructional decisions.From spotting trends and setting growth targets to leading meaningful data conversations with staff, Dr. Mel shares practical steps to move from analysis to action. You'll also hear common pitfalls to avoid—like focusing only on deficits or overloading teachers—and strategies to build confidence and clarity around data use.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why benchmark data matters for setting the tone of the school yearHow to disaggregate and interpret data to reveal strengths and needsWays to connect data to RTI/MTSS, instructional planning, and PDHow to lead data conversations that inspire action instead of anxietySimple next steps to help your team implement quick winsWhether you're a new principal, an aspiring leader, or a seasoned educator, this episode will help you use data to drive growth and empower your staff with focus and direction.Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase! Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points. Calling All Educators! I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more. I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources. I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant. Join here: Empowered Educator Community Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance SuccessGrab a complimentary POWER SessionWith Rubi.ai, you'll experience cutting-edge technology, research-driven insights, and efficient content delivery.email: melinda@empowere...

Brandy Samuell - Student Needs for Mental Well-Being, Dangers Associated with AI for Mental Care, and the Role that Technology Can Play in Supporting Student Mental Health When It Supports Human Connection. This is episode 783 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Brandy Samuell, M. Ed., is a seasoned educator with an impressive 32-year career dedicated to public education. Her extensive experience encompasses roles ranging from classroom teacher to assistant superintendent, covering various educational settings, including charter, rural, suburban, urban, and virtual schools.  Brandy's expertise spans general education, special education, mental health support, and school turnaround. Currently serving as the Director of Mental Health and Related Services at eLuma, Brandy holds a bachelor's degree in business administration in Marketing from Texas Tech University (1989) and a Master of Education in School Counseling from Texas Christian University (2002). Complementing her educational background, Brandy has completed post-Master's work in Educational Diagnostics and Educational Leadership from the University of the Southwest.   Certified in Critical Incident Stress Management, she has successfully managed multiple school-related crises and provided crisis management and response training for school staff and community-based first responders. While Brandy possesses a broad scope of knowledge and interests, most of her career has been dedicated to supporting students' emotional and behavioral needs and managing, coaching, and developing staff.   Beyond her professional commitments, Brandy finds solace in outdoor activities, spending time with her animals, and tending to her yard during her leisure time. Our focus today is talking about Student Needs for Mental Well Being, Dangers Associated with AI for Mental Health Care, and the Role that Technology can Play in Supporting Student Mental Health When It Supports Human Connection. Awesome discussion! So much to learn and think about! Thanks for listening! Thanks for sharing! Before you go... You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee. This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it.  Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you! You are AWESOME! Connect & Learn More: https://eluma.com/ https://www.facebook.com/elumatherapy/ https://x.com/eLumatherapy https://www.linkedin.com/company/elumatherapy/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHurmK6cjNlpwp_hr48VDwQ BSamuell@elumatherapy.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandy-samuell-m-ed-98b52a73/ Length - 54:23

Send us a textDownload Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase! Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points. Calling All Educators! I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more. I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources. I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant. Join here: Empowered Educator Community Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance SuccessGrab a complimentary POWER SessionWith Rubi.ai, you'll experience cutting-edge technology, research-driven insights, and efficient content delivery.email: melinda@empowere...

Amy is joined by Emily Warneke of the Utah Prison Education Project to discuss how and why women end up behind bars, what life is like for incarcerated women, and what we can all be doing to help put an end to an exploitative and dehumanizing prison system.Donate to Breaking Down PatriarchyEmily Warneke is a third-year PhD student in Educational Leadership and Policy at the University of Utah, where her research centers on access and equity in post-secondary education in prison. For her dissertation, she intends to explore the experiences of formerly incarcerated mothers who pursued higher education while incarcerated, and how this experience informs the ways that they navigate motherhood and education post-release. Emily currently works as a graduate research assistant with the research collaborative on higher education in prison. She's currently involved in developing a student center inside a women's designated prison that is led by currently incarcerated students through the Utah Prison Education Project. Drawing from feminist and intersectional frameworks, her work seeks to challenge dominant narratives about incarceration, motherhood, and educational justice.

As a school leader, do you often feel responsible for everyone's happiness, success, and challenges?   If you're nodding your head, you're not alone. Many principals carry the weight of their entire school community on their shoulders. But here's the thing: there's a crucial difference between being responsible and taking ownership that could be game-changing for your leadership approach.   Tune in this week to discover the crucial distinction between ownership and responsibility, and why this is one of the most critical concepts for school leaders to understand.    Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/401

In the opening pages of my guest's book, she recounts a colleague's bumpy plane ride that provided the insight for the title of the book, Taming the Turbulence in Educational Leadership: “We are facing turmoil in education, and the job of good leaders is to 'tame the turbulence'...educators have been caught in this turbulence; it permeates our profession and we haven't been able to get above it. As a result, it is the role of leaders to help teachers see how even small, simple shifts can change a child's experience of school.”Rooted in real-world stories, Taming the Turbulence offers solidarity and actionable strategies to education leaders committed to centering the needs of all learners in increasingly polarized societies.And the author, Jennifer D. Klein, is an experienced educator and advocate for student-centered, experiential learning as a catalyst for positive social change. With two-decades of classroom teaching across a number of diverse international settings, as a teacher in Costa Rica and a school leader in Colombia, she now focuses on inspiring and training educators worldwide, working with groups like What School Could Be, The Institution for International Education, and The Buck Institute. Her previous books include The Global Education Guidebook: Humanizing K–12 Classrooms Worldwide Through Equitable Partnerships and The Landscape Model of Learning: Designing Student-Centered Experiences for Cognitive and Cultural Inclusion, coauthored with Kapono Ciotti, who we spoke with about that work back in episode 159.You can connect with Jennifer at principledlearning.orgTaming the Turbulence in Educational Leadership from Corwin

Phil Moreno—Associate Director of College Counseling at the Nueva School and Board Chair for the National Association for College Admission Counseling—joins this episode of The ALP to talk about what it means to lead leaders in challenging times, why gratitude and handwritten notes matter, and how he's learned to “stay on the bike” while also carving out intentional moments of stillness and renewal. He shares the practices—from solo retreats to time outdoors under dark skies—that help him restore his energy and model balance for others in a profession that asks us to give constantly.Come for the insights, stay for the velvety voice of a professionally trained broadcaster (the guest; not the host).Highlights00:00 – Introduction: Phil introduces himself, his role at Nueva, and his work as NACAC Board Chair.03:36 – The Nueva School: Founded on Nobel laureates' vision, Nueva emphasizes curiosity, design thinking, and social-emotional learning.06:45 – Switching sides: Why Phil left college admissions after nearly 20 years to counsel students at the secondary level.09:06 – Relationships first: The mentors, associations, and small invitations that shaped his career—and why he now works to extend those same invitations to others.13:36 – Leading in challenging times: Guiding NACAC through political attacks on DEI, and reflecting on past moments of crisis leadership.16:47 – A unifying role: How Phil sees himself as a bridge-builder and “leader of leaders,” making space for every voice at the table while keeping the group focused on action.21:31 – NACAC as family: Why he views conference season as a chance to check in on colleagues and carry their lived challenges into board decision-making.24:15 – Self-care (perhaps Ken's favorite part of the episode): Phil's philosophy of “staying in motion” and the importance of intentional pauses. He describes finding renewal through stillness, solo getaways, and immersion in art and nature.28:17 – Reset moments: From visiting Michael Heizer's vast desert installation City to hiking remote trails and camping under dark skies, Phil explains how solitude outdoors restores his perspective.36:55 – College Horizons: Why he commits time each year to this extraordinary program (run by ALP alumna, Carmen Lopez) serving Native students, and how it reinvigorates his sense of purpose.39:16 – Leadership qualities: Gratitude, lifting others up, modeling behavior through action, and the power of living authentically.43:43 – Rapid Descent.The ALP is supported by RHB, a division of SIG. Music arranged by Ryan Anselment

What does it truly mean to live with purpose? This week on the Glow Up, Gyrl Podcast, Kyra welcomes Dr. Brian E. Arnold, educator, entrepreneur, speaker, and author, whose journey is one of resilience, service, and impact. From a special education student to a doctorate holder in Educational Leadership, Brian's story is proof that your beginnings don't define your destiny. A former world-class athlete, husband, father of eight, and grandfather to thirteen (and counting!), Brian is passionate about empowering others to move from “stuck” to freedom, personally, professionally, and financially. His work spans education, leadership coaching, and entrepreneurship, all rooted in his motto: “Inspire, empower, and serve others to create lasting impact.” In this episode: ✨ Why success is often misunderstood, and what it really takes ✨ How to move from feeling stuck to walking in freedom ✨ Daily habits that fuel sustained success and peak performance ✨ Brian's personal journey of overcoming challenges with faith and determination This conversation will leave you inspired to rise above obstacles and step fully into who you're called to be. Connect with Brian:

How TPT Teachers Are Building Profitable Online Businesses What does it really take for TPT teachers to build a thriving business? In this Hall of Fame episode of The CEO Teacher® Podcast, we're diving into one of our most powerful themes—how real educators are growing successful online businesses by becoming TPT teachers. You'll hear from three incredible CEO Teacher® School students—Kiana, Jocelyn, and Sydney—who turned their teacher skills into top-selling resources. These real stories prove that it's never too late to start. Whether you're in the classroom or exploring new opportunities, you'll get real strategies, encouragement, and practical ideas to help you take action. You'll walk away with renewed belief in what's possible for TPT teachers. About Today's Guests Jocelynn Hubbard is the founder and managing director of Custom Teaching Solutions, LLC. She is an experienced educator, speaker, professional development creator, and facilitator. Driven by a passion to see the diverse people of our world feel welcomed, affirmed, and celebrated, she provides training on becoming and remaining culturally competent. As a wife and mother of five, her goals include squeezing in time for exercise, finding moments of joy each day, and parenting each of her children as unique individuals. Jocelynn received a B.S. in Education from Miami University (OH) and an MA in Education from The University of North Carolina – Pembroke. She also has a graduate certificate in Gifted & Talented instruction from The University of North Carolina – Charlotte. Sydney Lafrenz holds a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership. She taught 4th grade for 7 years but left the classroom a year ago to focus on supporting student teachers in landing their dream job and transitioning from student to teacher. While working from home as a TpT seller and her Teacher For Hire online coaching course, Sydney is also a mom to 2 girls and one little boy on the way! Keanna Funderburk currently teaches fourth-grade math, science, and social studies in Metro Atlanta. She specializes in making learning engaging for students and making upper elementary math instruction hands-on. She was named her school's 2020 Teacher of the Year. In her seven years as an educator, she has also had experience teaching 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grade. She uses social media to share teaching ideas, connect with other educators and The Art of FUNology is her TpT store. In this episode, you'll learn: How TPT teachers can launch their store from scratch What works for TPT teachers without a big social following How other educators have gone from idea to income Why mindset makes all the difference for TPT success The role of SEO for TPT teachers How to grow through coaching and community The daily habits of high-performing TPT teachers Links Mentioned in this Episode about TPT Teachers:  iTeachCustom on Instagram Custom Teaching Solutions on TpT Custom Teaching Solutions Learning with Lafrenz on Instagram Learning with Lafrenz on TpT Learning with Lafrenz The Art of Funology on Instagram The Art of Funology on TpT The Art of Funology  The CEO Teacher Business Quiz CEO Teacher® Resources Worth Their Weight in Gold You're already a wealth of knowledge! You're a teacher after all. You've got the skills, the passion, and the creativity to build a thriving online business. You may just not yet know what you want to create or how to get started.    If that's you- First things first:  Grab the “Start or Expand Your Teacher Business” workbook. It's your roadmap to success! This isn't just another worksheet to fill your Google Drive downloads folder– it's your personalized blueprint for getting started building a profitable online business.   Now if you are a seasoned CEO Teacher® who has all the systems in place, has started showing up, and is still feeling overwhelmed with all the tasks and to-dos of building your teaching legacy? No problem! Let's break it down together.    Your first step is to understand your CEO Teacher® Type, and all the goodness and inspiration that comes along with your already remarkable skill set! Take the 2 Minute quiz here so we can navigate the hard parts together!   And if leveling up your knowledge with books is your love language, I have a whole library shelf of goodness just for you! CEO Teacher® Book List Ready to connect with a community of inspiring educators? Join the conversation! Instagram: Tag me @theceoteacher and let's chat about your edupreneur journey. No topic is off limits, and it's always a party in the DM's- just sayin'   Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes and never miss an episode. This is your weekly go-to for all things teacher business, marketing, and mindset…   Leave a Review: Help other teachers discover the CEO Teacher® Podcast and lean into their teacher magic!   Join The Community: The CEO Teacher's Lounge is a community for ANY educator building an online business who doesn't want to do it alone. kaysemorris.com/patreon   Let's make your teacher dreams a reality!   P.S. Check out our latest CEO Teacher® Podcast episodes and blog posts for more inspiration and actionable advice. How to Sell On Teachers Pay Teachers With Strategy & Systems Learn How To Make Teachers Pay Teachers Products In 5 Actionable Steps Your Guide to Starting a TpT Store from Scratch 7 Ways to become a Teachers Pay Teachers Top Seller   P.P.S. Don't forget to grab your free bag of virtual teacher goodies and start making your mark online!   I believe in you! YOUR best is yet to come! Kayse

School leadership often brings us to our knees in ways we never anticipated.    When everything feels like it's falling apart, when the blame feels justified and the pain feels unbearable, that's precisely when our true leadership capacity gets tested. In this deeply personal 400th episode, I share my journey through divorce and devastation to demonstrate what relentless responsibility looks like in practice.   This milestone episode reveals the raw truth about choosing empowerment when every fiber of your being wants to abdicate responsibility.    Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/400

Send us a textAs a new leader, the temptation is to prove yourself quickly by fixing problems. But lasting leadership isn't about rushing to solutions—it's about listening first.  Listening builds trust, respect, and credibility. By pausing to understand your school's story, you earn the relational capital to lead change effectively later.Key Points:Host early listening sessions with staff, students, parents, and partners.Ask meaningful questions: What's working? What's our biggest opportunity? What do you hope never changes?Reflect back what you hear so people know their voice matters.Resist the urge to fix right away—sometimes problems are symptoms of deeper issues.Power Quote: “I will listen before I lead, because understanding comes before action.”Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase! Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points. Calling All Educators! I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more. I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources. I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant. Join here: Empowered Educator Community Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance SuccessGrab a complimentary POWER SessionWith Rubi.ai, you'll experience cutting-edge technology, research-driven insights, and efficient content delivery.email: melinda@empowere...

The beginning of a new school year brings a familiar flood of tasks, responsibilities, and mental chatter that can make you feel like you're drowning in urgency.    In this episode, I'm exploring the reality that you are only ever doing one thing at a time, despite what your brain tells you about multitasking and efficiency.    As you prepare for the upcoming school year, join me today to discover how to use this time as a window into your leadership pattern. You'll learn how, by focusing on the one thing in front of you, you can build your capacity for the emotions that come with the work. This fresh start is your opportunity to practice relentless responsibility for your time, energy, and outcomes.   Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/399

Solutions to Violence features James Orlick. James Orlick is a higher education leader with more than 18 years' experience advancing inclusive excellence, social justice, and institutional change. He currently serves as Director of Grant Writing & Innovation for Inclusive Excellence at the University of Louisville, where he has helped secure millions in external funding to expand college and career pathways for historically underserved students. A first-generation college graduate from McDowell County, West Virginia, James is a Pell Grant recipient and a proud member of the LGBTQ community. His lived experience fuels his lifelong commitment to educational equity, social mobility, and systemic change. James has been a visible voice in Kentucky's higher education policy debates, with his public advocacy against anti-DEI legislation featured in major news outlets. He successfully challenged the Kentucky Legislature's violation of the state's Open Meetings Act, resulting in a formal opinion from the Attorney General confirming the law had been broken. His leadership spans cross-sector initiatives in diversity, equity, inclusion, workforce development, and place-based education. He has built partnerships with national legal, policy, education, and social justice organizations and helped organize a statewide higher education union uniting faculty, staff, and students. James is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development at the University of Louisville

Send us a textThe moment you step into your school as a new leader, the clock starts ticking. Those first 90 feet—from the front door to your office—can quietly shape how you're perceived for months to come. This episode is all about making those first impressions intentional, strategic, and grounded in curiosity rather than assumption.In these crucial first days, your role isn't to fix everything—it's to show up, connect, and learn. By being visible in high-traffic spaces, asking thoughtful questions, and resisting the urge to jump to conclusions, you lay the groundwork for trust, credibility, and clarity.This is your opportunity to see your school with fresh eyes—before the weight of routines and assumptions sets in.Power Quote

  Learn more about The Eduleadership Show at www.Eduleadership.org About Justin Baeder PhD Justin Baeder, PhD. is author of Now We're Talking! 21 Days to High-Performance Instructional Leadership (Solution Tree), co-author of Mapping Professional Practice (Solution Tree), and creator of the Instructional Leadership Challenge, which has helped more than 10,000 leaders in 50 countries make a daily habit of classroom visits. He holds a PhD in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies from the University of Washington, and helps senior leaders in K-12 organizations build capacity for instructional leadership. 

Have you ever found yourself caught in an endless back-and-forth with a challenging staff member? You know the type - where no matter what you say or do, it feels like you're being pulled into a defensive game of "prove you're right"?   Tune in this week as I share a powerful metaphor that's changing how principals handle difficult conversations: instead of playing tug of war, drop the rope.   You'll discover how to recognize when people are using blame as a delay tactic, why defensiveness keeps you locked in unproductive battles, and most importantly, how to maintain your alignment without needing anyone else to validate your perspective.   Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/398

This week I speak with Julia Taves who is an experienced educator with an M.A. in Educational Leadership. She served for 26 years as a teacher in the states and Principal of two International Schools, in Uganda, Africa, and the Dominican Republic. Julia has seen God work through her own children, and kids worldwide. Realizing these kids could be an encouragement to others, she collected their writings with a variety of experiences, voices, and perspectives who knew God's truth and want to share the things that matter most. Her free time may involve dance parties with her grandkids or kayaking with her husband. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won't want to miss this inspiring Episode!https://www.godlyencounters.com/https://abundance-books.com/https://www.amazon.com/dp/1963377338?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_D145SXQ05R6GDPEGF0KF&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_D145SXQ05R6GDPEGF0KF&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_D145SXQ05R6GDPEGF0KF&bestFormat=true*Theme Music “blessed Time” by Ketsa

In this episode of Digital Learning Today, Jeff Bradbury sits down with Dr. Bryan Drost, Executive Director for Instructional Innovation in Northeast Ohio. Together, they explore AI's impact on education, how to effectively blend pedagogy with technology, and the challenges of crafting school AI policies. Dr. Drost shares valuable insights from the ISTE and ASCD conferences, highlighting the importance of developing a comprehensive curriculum that integrates digital learning. The conversation also covers practical strategies for supporting teacher technology adoption and standardizing assessment practices across classrooms. Their discussion concludes by examining future educational planning and the crucial role curriculum directors play in shaping effective instructional practices. Become a High-Impact Leader: This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book, "Impact Standards." Strategic Vision for Digital Learning: Learn how to create a district-wide vision that aligns digital learning with your educational goals, transforming how standards-based instruction is designed and supported. Curriculum Design and Implementation: Discover practical strategies for integrating digital learning into existing curricula, creating vertical alignment of skills, and mapping digital learning across grade levels. Effective Instructional Coaching: Master the art of coaching people rather than technology, building relationships that drive success, and measuring impact through student engagement rather than just technology usage. Purchase your copy of “Impact Standards” on Amazon today! Key Takeaways: AI is crucial in modern education and should be integrated thoughtfully. Teachers need to be trained in both pedagogy and technology. Clear frameworks for AI use in classrooms are essential. Policies should evolve based on instructional goals, not just restrictions. AI can enhance assessments but requires careful crafting of questions. Collaboration among teachers is key to successful curriculum development. Professional development should be ongoing and responsive to teacher needs. Resistance to technology often stems from fear of de-skilling. Curriculum directors play a vital role in aligning educational practices. Flexibility in planning allows for innovation and adaptation in teaching. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Instructional Innovation 02:38 Reflections on the ISTE and ASCD Conference 05:44 The Role of Pedagogy in AI Integration 08:26 Defining AI in Education 11:17 Creating Effective Policies for AI Use 14:14 Staff Development and Technology Integration 17:20 Assessing AI's Impact on Teaching 20:12 Standardizing Assessments Across Classrooms 23:03 Planning for the Future of Education 25:59 Conclusion and Future Directions About our Guest: Dr. Bryan R. Drost Dr. Bryan R. Drost is the executive director for Instructional Innovation for a region of northeast Ohio. He is a faculty member at several Ohio colleges and has presented throughout the state and country on various topics related to instruction, assessment, pedagogy, data analysis and technology integration. He is a published Kappan and Educational Leadership author and is currently the Co-Chair of the NCME Classroom Assessment Committee. His current research focus is the...

How do you lead with courage and love for every child when the culture around you is demanding you do the opposite?Jennifer D. Klein is an educator, author, and global learning advocate with over 30 years in student-centered, project-based education. A product of the very pedagogies she champions, Jennifer has taught and led in diverse contexts—from all-girls education in the U.S. to heading an innovative school in Colombia. She has worked with educators in over 20 countries, helping them design equitable, inquiry-driven learning that amplifies student voice, embraces cultural inclusion, and transforms school culture.The author of The Global Education Guidebook, The Landscape Model of Learning, and the forthcoming Taming the Turbulence in Educational Leadership, Jennifer blends classroom experience, leadership insight, and a passion for equity to inspire meaningful change. She partners with schools to tackle equity, engage in brave conversations, and empower young people as agents of change in their communities and beyond. Based in Denver, she continues to connect educators worldwide through workshops, coaching, and keynote talks.We discuss:

In this episode, I'm joined by Amy Dujon, Vice President of Education at Community EDU and the force behind the Leadhership Network, to talk about how women in education can grow and thrive. You'll also hear Amy share practical advice for stepping into leadership, the importance of building a strong professional network, and how she navigated her own career path. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on building confidence, creating a support system, and empowering women in education. Show notes: https://classtechtips.com/2025/08/08/women-in-education-bonus/ Sponsored by Community EDU/Leadhership Network for Women: http://www.leadhershipnetwork.com Follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classtechtips/  Take your pick of free EdTech resources: https://classtechtips.com/free-stuff-favorites/   

If you've ever walked out of a math coaching session wondering whether you made an impact, you're not alone. Many instructional coaches step into the role because they were strong in the classroom—but math coaching teachers requires a different skillset. You're no longer the expert in front of the room; you're the thinking partner beside it. And that shift can be tough. This episode explores how to stop feeling pressure to have all the answers—and start guiding teachers to uncover their own.In this practical, mindset-shifting episode, you'll learn:The 7 go-to coaching questions every math coach (or any coach!) should keep in their back pocket to guide reflective, teacher-led conversations.How to reduce resistance by helping teachers take something off their plates—not add more to them.Why holding back advice (yes, really) can lead to deeper impact, stronger relationships, and better instructional decisions.Hit play now and start using questions that build trust, unlock clarity, and make every coaching moment count.Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units Show Notes PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you'll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.Take the assessmentAre you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don't want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

The business of education is the business of creating impact.   School leaders step into their roles with dreams of transformation, yet impact doesn't automatically materialize with credentials or titles. It emerges through conscious creation - a co-creation between you and a higher power when you're tuned in and aligned with yourself.    Join me this week to learn how the path to creating lasting impact involves processing emotions in real time rather than avoiding them. You'll discover how to separate your identity from others' behaviors and criticisms, fuel your desire for impact even when facing injustice, and decide whether this is your season for transformation or restoration.    Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/397

Artificial intelligence is quickly transforming the educational landscape.  AI offers immersive learning experiences, opportunities for enhanced engagement, and increased accessibility for students in the classroom.  Listen as Dr. Ann Lê discusses how AI is changing education and how school systems can learn to embrace this technology.   This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Sheppard Spouses' Club. To learn more, visit https://sheppardspousesclub.org/.   Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.   Show Notes: Resources:   AI Tools:   Khanmigo https://www.khanmigo.ai/   Magic School https://www.magicschool.ai/   Eduaide https://www.eduaide.ai/   Gradescope https://www.gradescope.com/   Curipod https://curipod.com/   Speechify https://speechify.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooh4FHBTOh4GidnMpckbi5XKM8sfkHS4qwRUI_cZoU4_mEPx11X   Bio: Dr. Ann H. Lê is a visionary Special Education Consultant and advocate with over two decades of service and leadership in education. Through her consulting practice, Lê Consulting, she partners with families, educators, and institutions to improve outcomes for students with disabilities by offering expert guidance in areas such as behavior intervention, inclusive practices, and compliance.   Her career spans a wide range of roles, including special education teacher, educational diagnostician, ARD facilitator, behavior specialist, and Assistant Director of Special Education, each grounded in a deep commitment to equity, access, and student-centered practices.    Dr. Lê holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership and a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education from Sam Houston State University, as well as a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Neuroscience, Pre-Law, and Pre-Medicine from Baylor University. In addition to her academic credentials, Dr. Lê is a certified Principal as Instructional Leader and Educational Diagnostician, and holds multiple Texas educator certifications, including in English as a Second Language (ESL), General Education, and Special Education.   A published author and sought-after speaker, Dr. Lê has presented on topics ranging from restorative practices and mental health to school discipline and leadership. She serves on several doctoral dissertation committees and advisory boards, including those at Sam Houston State University and Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges education, public policy, and health, making her a trusted voice across sectors.   In recognition of her impact, Dr. Lê was named the 2023 Distinguished Educator of the Year by Sam Houston State University, where she also served as the honored commencement speaker. While she currently serves as Manager of the Highly Mobile and At-Risk Student Programs Unit at the Texas Education Agency—overseeing initiatives such as the Military-Connected Students Program and Purple Star Campus Designation—her insights on this podcast reflect her personal and professional experiences as an educator.   Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed during this session are solely those of Dr. Ann H. Lê and do not represent the stance of the Texas Education Agency.

Power Quote: I noticed… and I wonder…Description:Welcome to the third and final part of my interview with Elena Aguilar. Today we dive into how we can reconnect people with their sense of power – building teacher self-efficacy through reflective questions. Decades of research identifies teacher self-efficacy – the belief that what teachers do has an impact on student learning – as the bedrock for good teaching. Recent research suggest a large part of the leader's impact on student growth (which is second only to the teacher's impact) is a result of the leader's ability to build teacher self-efficacy. So, today's episode offers some essential information and techniques to unlocking teachers' potential and fulfilling your leadership purpose.Show IntroSponsor Spot 1:Being an assistant principal means that safety is a quadrant 1 activity – in your building and beyond its walls. So, when it's time for the school trip, choosing the right planning partner is absolutely critical! Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning travel beyond expectations since 1993. The Kaleidoscope team of experts has a robust understanding of what it takes to travel with students – including safety, liability, and parent concerns. When you travel with Kaleidoscope Adventures, you can trust that your students are in good hands. If you want to learn more about Kaleidoscope Adventures, check the link in the show notes Kaleidoscope Adventures…. travel beyond expectations! Guest Bio:Elena Aguilar is a writer, leader, teacher, coach and podcaster. She is the author of eight highly acclaimed books including: The Art of Coaching, The Art of Coaching Teams, The PD Book: 7 Habits that Transform Professional Development, and the newly released Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching. She has also been a frequent contributor to Edutopia, ASCD's Educational Leadership, and EdWeek Teacher.Elena is the founder and CEO of Bright Morning Consulting, an organization committed tohelping individuals and organizations create the conditions for transformation. She has taught tens of thousands of folks how to have conversations that build a more just and equitable world. Elena can be heard demonstrating these conversations on The Bright Morning Podcast.Elena was a guest on episodes 204 and 205, June 2024, and in Parts 1 and 2 of this series, episodes 260 and 261.Questions/Topics/PromptsElena discusses it in Arise, but as part of the ACE section, and I would love to explore the idea further. What if all I did as an AP was recognize strengths?Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn't stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It's no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/assistant to get started.Closing questions:What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?If listeners could take just one thing away from today's podcast, what would it be?Before we go, is there anything else that you'd like to share with our listeners?Where can people learn more about you and your work…Summary/wrap upToday's environment: stress as disempowerment: listening and asking questions that empower the teacher to come up with the answers.Strength based coaching (my version) centers the administrator. Get back to asking questions, even as simple as 5-minute coaching.Provocative questions: “I noticed (fact)… I wonder what belief/action…?”Beliefs and ways of being: deep, vague, and real => relationships (with self and others)Delegating so I can focus on what I'm best at (and what only I can do)Slow things down!Thank you to our sponsors!IXL: https://www.ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/Elena's links:Elena's new book: Arise: The Art of Transformational CoachingSpecials for listeners:  Pre-Order Bonuses Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elena_aguilar_writer/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-aguilar/Book Shop: https://bookshop.org/lists/books-by-elena-aguilar/Bright Morning: https://www.brightmorningteam.com/The Bright Morning Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bright-morning-podcast-with-elena-aguilar/id1517537206Newsletter: https://www.brightmorningteam.com/resources/newsletterFrederick's Links:Email: frederick@frederickbuskey.comWebsite: https://www.frederickbuskey.com/ LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/strategicleadershipconsulting Daily Email subscribe: https://adept-experimenter-3588.ck.page/fdf37cbf3a The Strategic Leader's Guide to Reclaiming Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWRS2F6N?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520

In this special joint episode of Leaning Into Leadership and Aspire to Lead, Darrin Peppard and Joshua Stamper team up once again for their annual back-to-school leadership conversation. As educators and leaders gear up for a new year, Darrin and Joshua dive deep into: What clarity looks like at the start of the school year How new leaders can define success before the chaos begins Building relationships and trust before pushing new initiatives The power of clearly modeling expectations Making feedback, coaching, and support part of your leadership culture Practical ways to sustain clarity, energy, and intentionality all year long Whether you're just stepping into leadership or returning for your 20th year, this episode offers real-world strategies to help you start strong and stay focused on what matters most.

Send us a textBack-to-school season isn't just about what you say—it's about how you show up. In this Power Surge, Dr. Mel unpacks how school leaders can deliver powerful pre-service messages and opening PD sessions by leading with presence, not just position. You'll learn how to use body language, tone, and mindset to inspire trust, shift culture, and set the tone for the school year.

In this episode, Jon Orr and Yvette Lehman unpack the difference between long-term objectives and short-term key results. Through a real coaching conversation, they explore how to define milestones that reflect real progress—even when the win is simply establishing a structure or doing what you said you'd do. Not all results have impact right away—and that's okay.In this episode, you'll discover:The difference between long-term objectives and short-term key resultsWhy short-term wins are sometimes structural—not just outcome-basedHow to define key results that align with your bigger goalsWhy documenting action (not just outcomes) matters in early stagesHow to avoid the trap of confusing big metrics with key milestonesNot sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units Show Notes PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don't want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

Send us a textWelcome to the Empowered Educator podcast! In today's Power Surge, we're tackling the back-to-school stress head-on. As a leader, your mind is already spinning with tasks, responsibilities, and expectations—and it's easy to fall into reactive mode. But here's the truth: starting strong doesn't mean starting busy. It means starting clear.This mini-episode is your invitation to slow down just enough to recalibrate. We'll talk about managing stress and anxiety, protecting your mental space, and leading with intention before the first bell even rings.

School leaders everywhere face a critical decision as they plan for the upcoming year: tackle every problem that needs fixing or focus on what truly matters.    The pressure to improve student attendance, boost test scores, enhance behavior management systems, and implement multiple district initiatives simultaneously creates an impossible burden that leads to burnout and resentment across entire school communities. The reality is that while you can improve anything you want this year, you cannot improve everything you want.   This episode explores the fundamental difference between "everything planning" and "anything planning" - a distinction that could transform how you approach the 2025-26 school year.    Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/396

Power Quote: Behind every action is a beliefDescription:Today we dive into part 2 of my interview with Elena Aguilar. Part 1 was a must listen and we released in back on July 1 (260). A link to that episode and my two previous episodes from 2024 are in the show notes.In part 1 we talked about listening and I hope you've been able to exercise your listening muscle over the past couple weeks, and that you followed Elena's advice to dig into your own story and beliefs around leadership and teaching.Today we'll talk about purpose – both the school's and the teachers', and how to support and grow teachers even in such a stressful and chaotic time. I love this episode because it contains a call to dig deeply into ourselves as leaders and give some very practical advice on how to help teachers. And, as with part 1, I include Elena's closing words of wisdom – a call for us to slow down. It is so critical I wanted you to hear it again.Show IntroSponsor Spot 1:Being an assistant principal means that safety is a quadrant 1 activity – in your building and beyond its walls. So, when it's time for the school trip, choosing the right planning partner is absolutely critical! Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning travel beyond expectations since 1993. The Kaleidoscope team of experts has a robust understanding of what it takes to travel with students – including safety, liability, and parent concerns. When you travel with Kaleidoscope Adventures, you can trust that your students are in good hands. If you want to learn more about Kaleidoscope Adventures, check the link in the show notes Kaleidoscope Adventures…. travel beyond expectations! Guest Bio:Elena Aguilar is a writer, leader, teacher, coach and podcaster. She is the author of eight highly acclaimed books including: The Art of Coaching, The Art of Coaching Teams, The PD Book: 7 Habits that Transform Professional Development, and the newly released Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching. She has also been a frequent contributor to Edutopia, ASCD's Educational Leadership, and EdWeek Teacher.Elena is the founder and CEO of Bright Morning Consulting, an organization committed tohelping individuals and organizations create the conditions for transformation. She has taught tens of thousands of folks how to have conversations that build a more just and equitable world. Elena can be heard demonstrating these conversations on The Bright Morning Podcast.Elena was a guest on episodes 204 and 205, June 2024, and in Part 1 of this series, episode 260.Questions/Topics/PromptsContext: Stepping into a new school year, new leaders, new schools, new teachersIn 204, you talked about how an admin could be the person that helps teachers stay anchored to their north star… how we help people grow when they are in the midst of trauma - and is that even possible. This is particularly germane given the chaos and otherization which is so prevalent right now.Sponsor Spot 3:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn't stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It's no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/assistant to get started.Closing questions:What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?If listeners could take just one thing away from today's podcast, what would it be?Before we go, is there anything else that you'd like to share with our listeners?Where can people learn more about you and your work…Summary/wrap upPurpose requires knowing.Intersection between teacher and school purpose (might be harder than it should be)Can we better understand other people's stories by knowing our own?ZPD, meeting them where they are, AND helping them understand why they are where they are (limiting beliefs)What do you wish your students could do better?Incremental change and pain points (M=V/E)Sponsor Spot 5:Thank you to our sponsors!IXL: https://www.ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/digiCOACH: https://digicoach.com/ Elena's links:Elena's new book: Arise: The Art of Transformational CoachingSpecials for listeners:  Pre-Order Bonuses Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elena_aguilar_writer/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-aguilar/Book Shop: https://bookshop.org/lists/books-by-elena-aguilar/Bright Morning: https://www.brightmorningteam.com/The Bright Morning Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bright-morning-podcast-with-elena-aguilar/id1517537206Newsletter: https://www.brightmorningteam.com/resources/newsletterFrederick's Links:Email: frederick@frederickbuskey.comWebsite: https://www.frederickbuskey.com/ LinkedIn:

Send us a textIn this quick Power Surge episode, Dr. Mel shares a personal reflection on how spiritual gifts can unexpectedly lead us into new roles and responsibilities—just like her new journey as a superintendent. Even when you're not looking, God is always positioning you when you're walking in alignment with your purpose. Get ready to explore how your gifts are making room for your next assignment.

In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of Life Equals Choices, Choices Equal Life, Kim Olver welcomes back Australian educator, consultant, and speaker Jane Newman for the powerful second part of their conversation about transformation in education and life. With over 25 years of experience in teaching and leadership, Jane has seen firsthand the toll modern education can take on the professionals within it—and she's made it her mission to help people realign with their purpose, values, and emotional well-being.Jane shares how she uses the principles of Choice Theory® to help educators reconnect with what truly matters—not just in the classroom, but in their lives. She talks about the importance of living in congruence with your inner beliefs, how self-awareness influences teaching effectiveness, and what happens when educators are no longer energized by the work they once loved. With compassion and clarity, Jane explains why leaving a profession doesn't mean failure—it can be the first step toward reclaiming joy and designing a more fulfilling life.You'll hear:Why educator burnout is often a sign of misalignment, not inadequacyThe difference between teaching from obligation vs. inspirationHow Mental Freedom® empowers individuals to choose the life they wantJane's own courageous story of stepping away from her role as principalThe ripple effect of aligned, joyful professionals on the next generationHow core values serve as a compass for personal and professional decisionsThe power of intentional living and giving yourself permission to evolveWhether you're an educator questioning your path, a leader wanting to reignite your purpose, or simply someone curious about the psychology of meaningful life change, this episode will challenge and inspire you. Learn more about Jane and her work, go to http://www.newcoreconsulting.com. You'll also find her link tree at https://linktr.ee/newcore?utm_source=qr_code. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs it today.

Send us a textThis episode is the first in a two-part series, a workshop-style discussion on organizing schools for success. My guests, Erica Glenn and Kim Bradley draw from the research of Larry Lezotte, focusing on his work on the seven correlates of effective schools. Seven Correlates of Effective Schools Strong Instructional Leadership: Emphasize the importance of effective leadership styles that empower and support staff. Clear & Focused Mission: Ensure the school's vision and values are well-defined, understood, and aligned with community expectations. Safe & Orderly Environment: Create a positive, welcoming, and secure school climate. Climate of High Expectations: Encourage a culture that fosters ambition, inclusivity, and achievable goals for all students. Frequent Monitoring of Student Progress: Highlight the significance of regular assessments and feedback to support student growth. Opportunity to Learn & Time on Task: Maximize learning time, minimize disruptions, and provide varied learning experiences. Home-School Relations: Stress the vital role of family and community engagement in school success. Youtube VideoWorkbookSummer ChecklistWebsitewww.linkedin.com/in/erica-glenn-76116b126 Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase! Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points. Calling All Educators! I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more. I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources. I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant. Join here: Empowered Educator Community Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance SuccessGrab a complimentary POWER SessionWith Rubi.ai, you'll experience cutting-edge technology, research-driven insights, and efficient content delivery.email: melinda@empowere...

In this episode of Just Schools, Jon Eckert sits down with Dr. Jeffery Cooks, a Baylor EdD graduate and host of the upcoming 745 Podcast, to talk about bridging the gap between schools and communities.Dr. Cooks shares his personal journey from corporate work to the classroom, the motivation behind earning his doctorate, and his desire to elevate every voice in the school ecosystem.Mentioned:745 PodcastSet Apart: Calling a Worldly Church to a Godly Life by R. Kent HughesJon Eckert:Dr. Cooks, it's great to have you here today. Tell us a little bit about what you're excited about as you launch your profession to a whole new level from where you started in education.Dr. Jeff Cooks:Well, first, Dr. Echo, I want to thank you for even having me on. Well, I know we've talked about this in the past, so I'm excited to actually be doing this with you. One thing I'm excited about really is finishing this doctorate. I'm-Jon Eckert:That's real.Dr. Jeff Cooks:... super excited about that because I do think it's very important to think ahead when you're doing this doctorate and how it's going to impact your career and others after you're finished. One way I've decided to do that is by the podcast that I'm getting started with, so excited about that.Jon Eckert:Well, and this doctorate, just for those of you listening, it's the Baylor K-12 Executive EdD in K-12 Educational Leadership. Jeff's been an amazing member of... What's your cohort number? Are you five?Dr. Jeff Cooks:Cohort five.Jon Eckert:Cohort five. Yeah, cohort five.Dr. Jeff Cooks:[inaudible 00:01:05].Jon Eckert:We're starting to recruit cohort 10.Dr. Jeff Cooks:That's crazy.Jon Eckert:Jeff's a great representative of Baylor. Love pouring into leaders like Dr. Cooks, and I think your experience... I think sometimes people think, "I'm not ready to do a doctorate. I'm maybe not even ready to do a master's degree," which you do have to do the master's degree then get into the doctoral work. What drew you into this? I mean, are you just a glutton for punishment? You love studying all the time and doing that on top of working? What led you educationally to think this is the right next step for you?Dr. Jeff Cooks:Well, when I graduated college, I had a friend of mine asked me if I was interested in teaching. It's probably the day after I graduated. I said, "No, it's not my thing. My wife's a teacher," but he told me that he wish he had known about Texas teachers. I looked into it, and I applied to it, and I got started with the internship out in Lufkin, Texas. Finished that, had an opportunity to actually work for Lufkin Middle School, but didn't pass that test the first time. I didn't know what I was doing, so I moved on and just started in corporate America, doing management in certain stores and stuff like that.It got to a point where when my first child came, I needed another source of income, something more consistent. He was actually born with a heart defect, and so I needed a schedule that would allow me to not only work but take care of him and my family. That led into me being a substitute, then an interventionist, and then a teacher. I kind of had a natural, I guess you could say talent, I guess, for speaking with students and teaching content. I did bible study as well when I was in college and youth ministry, and so it kind of went hand in hand. Long story short, my assistant principal at the time, Asia Presswood, she motivated me to take this thing a step further. She made me a chair the second year, which was way out of my league at the time, and she pushed me to get my master's.To that question of do I like pain, I guess I do, because once I finished that master's, I said, "You know what?" told my wife, "Maybe I'll get my doctorate." She was like, "I don't know about that one." From there, I decided to get my doctorate. I did some research and Baylor was a school that I always wanted to attend. Where I'm from, I'm from Dallas, so where I'm from, that's not a school necessarily that we go, and having that opportunity was awesome. That's kind of how I got here, a love for growth, found a love for students and teaching content.Jon Eckert:Yeah. Seeing you go through your dissertation process, it's a lot of work, and there are times where you wonder if you're going to make it. I think you even talked about the struggle with getting through with Dr. Gibson and how she helped pull you through, wouldn't let you quit.Dr. Jeff Cooks:Absolutely.Jon Eckert:That degree is as much a degree for your family as it is a symbol of the perseverance that it takes to get through, so if you feel called to do it, I think that doctoral degree opens up a whole world of possibilities, because you get years to pour into your profession, reading about, thinking about, and then working in cohorts with some amazing leaders from all over. I think your cohort is indicative of that, and there's a richness to it because there's joy in the struggle. I think knowing you, this isn't something I think based on... This is the same thing for me when I did my doctoral work. I would've never been like, "Oh, I'm going to do that," but it's like you feel called, it's the next step, and then when you're done, you're like, "Wow, I'm a different person because of the experiences that I've had." If you were to give two or three ways you feel like these last few years as you do this work, how has it changed you as a leader maybe? How are you different as a leader now than you were before?Dr. Jeff Cooks:Well, one is you see leadership from a different perspective. Baylor, this program did an excellent job in introducing us to superintendents and other leaders around the world. When you get to hear that feedback from them and how they have created this career for themselves and they're passionate, you understand more so what they go through, so you see things from a different lens, which helps you move through that academic space. That's one big thing that has impacted my leadership style. Another is seeing myself as a leader. I think when you move through this profession, sometimes you can kind of do it blindly and not really know the impact that you're having on people, and so I think it brings to light what are doing and how important it is and you develop this mission and vision for yourself and how it can impact others.Jon Eckert:No, that's a beautiful way to put it. As you move forward into this podcast, I'm assuming that's part of what you're trying to do, is trying to help elevate the profession, do the hard work in a way that's life-giving, so talk a little bit about what you hope to do with the podcast.Dr. Jeff Cooks:Right. The name of the podcast is 745 Podcast. It's a podcast that is attempting to bridge the gap between school culture and the community. We really want parents involved with this, and not only parents, we want custodian workers. We want the cafeteria workers. We want to make sure that we close that gap. There are a lot of moving pieces that are ignored in the school space, in the academic space, and we, for the most part, think about teachers, and administrators, and students, but we don't think about all the people that put this thing together. Whether you are a parent that's very active in your child's life or you're a parent that's lost, we want to cut out the excuses and say, "Hey, this is a place where you can not only learn but provide input," and hopefully, it impacts administrators and district leaders alike.Jon Eckert:I love that. Can you tell us a little bit about where you came up with the name 745 Podcast?Dr. Jeff Cooks:That's crazy. Actually, it started off at 730. I was thinking more so of the time that we arrive to work. I'm in the elementary space, and so by 7:45, teachers should be teaching at this time. The announcements should pretty much be over. I also, if you noticed, didn't put AM or PM, because a lot of teachers stay late. They're in traffic after work, they're leaving around 6:00, 6:30, making it home, trying to get dinner ready in the next day, and grading papers. That 745 is kind of play on the times in which we arrive and maybe make it home.Jon Eckert:Yes, yes. That's a long 12 hours. But again, life-giving, and I constantly go back to that. Our job is not super well-paid and it's not always appreciated, but that work is life-giving, especially when you have the encouragement of leaders like you, coming along, and highlighting it, and elevating it, and bringing people into it. I love the idea that you're trying to bring in everyone that's part of the school community. That's a beautiful way to look at this. What do you see as the biggest challenge facing educators, parents, kids today? What do you see? Because obviously, you have this desire to bring in the school community, what's the big challenge or one of the big challenges that you see that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible?Dr. Jeff Cooks:The fear of unknown. Some parents and staff members that I mentioned, some of them don't feel like they're smart enough to keep up with the teacher or that that's a teacher's job or the administrator's job. They're scared to put their input feeling like they might be rejected or that they're not held as equals. I did an interview yesterday just randomly in the store, and that'll be posted later. Now, mind you, this gentleman actually works in the school system in the maintenance department, so he sees things from a different perspective, but one thing he stated was that he sees that sometimes administrators and teachers are not very patient with children. Now, at what point does he get to say that?You see what I'm saying? At what point does he get to say that without feeling like his job is on the line or that his kid would be treated differently in class? It's that fear of speaking up and saying things. You'll see the board meetings packed with those same parents. The same parents come and they voice their opinion, and the board says, "Okay, great. Thank you for your time. Your time's up," and then it kind of vanishes. But if parents feel like, "I can say this," or, "I can reach out and ask questions about how to handle this situation," you might build better relationships in the school.Jon Eckert:I love that you're thinking about it this way, because so often, when I talk to administrators, particularly they talk about being effective communicators, what they mean is they want to disseminate information effectively, and being an effective communicator is at least as much about listening. How do you invite that feedback? Because communication has to go both ways. When you're super busy and you have the tyranny of the urgent feeding into your 7:45 to 7:45 day, it's sometimes hard to make the space to listen. There are so many people that have insights into the lives of kids, particularly parents who want the best for their kids, and then you have teachers who want the best for their kids, and coaches, and custodians, and the office workers, the nurses, the counselors, the administrators. There's a lot of people that have a vested interest in the lives of kids.How do we bring those voices together collectively in a way that those voices can be heard and then benefit the student? Because that's the goal of everything that we do. How do we benefit each student so they can become more of who they're created to be? I always feel that when I talk to you about kids, is there's a rich group of people supporting each kid. How do we do that well? How do you think you're going to get at your podcast? What's the way that you... Because that's a very broad audience. How are you going to bring those people into your audience?Dr. Jeff Cooks:I think it's very important to not only speak about things that administrators talk about, but things that parents can relate to. That means that they're going to have to hear from other parents. I'm not saying that this is going to be an easy task by any means, because it's not, and I think if it was easy, I wouldn't be doing it. If it was something that was general and something that you could find every day, I wouldn't be doing it. It's really about hearing the different voices but not being partial and actually having topics that parents say, "Okay, I can see that."I want the guy that just got off work going to the corner store to get whatever he needs for the end of the day to say, "Oh, I heard on his podcast that you could do this for your child, or you can download a report card like this, or you can get the test scores from their start test like this," or, "My baby has some symptoms that I've never seen before, I do need to get him tested." You just make it relatable and just be patient with the process, and hopefully, they'll hear it.Jon Eckert:Yeah. No, that's so good. We usually do a lightning round toward the end. I've got I think about five questions I want to ask you right now. Let's start with the worst advice you've ever given or received.Dr. Jeff Cooks:The worst advice I've ever received was not necessarily words. It was an idea. The idea that you have to catch the flow of the river and just let it take you wherever it takes you, that you have to have this many years of experience to do this or that you need to be in this position to try to reach a new goal. With this doctoral program, I was just getting into my specialist role. That, for some people, was like, "What are you doing, man? What are you doing?" Am I supposed to be doing this? I'm not going to lie to you and say that once I got into class, I didn't feel like I was less than at the time, because we had some hard heavy-hitters in the class. But at the time, it was something that I felt like I was breaking that chain of this is what I have to do in this order. It was more so of a feeling than the actual advice.Jon Eckert:Yes. That sentiment of staying in your lane, that's very prevalent in education where people feel like they're the imposter if they don't stay in this [inaudible 00:14:07].Dr. Jeff Cooks:I can hear you. I'm sorry.Jon Eckert:Oh, yeah. In education, people will be told, or it'll be kind of inferred, that they're to stay in their lane. That's one of the most damaging things we can do in education, because there's so much good work happening in the classroom, and we need to elevate that and learn from with people that are doing those hard things. I'm grateful that you did not stay in your lane. Even if it wasn't ever explicitly told to you, that is a message that feels like it comes down in education, that, "Hey, you're just a teacher." That completely robs us of the power that is in the profession that makes all others possible, so I love that you've leaned in and then modeled it. Now with the podcast and the ways you lead others, you want to elevate others in that, so great example. All right. Best advice you've either given or received?Dr. Jeff Cooks:Best advice I've ever been given. That's a good one, not going to lie to you. Be patient with others, especially as a leader. I mean, it sounds so simple, but you know, you have the experience, a lot of experience in this, and you know that there are times when your human nature wants to take over in how you respond to others. As a leader, you have to make sure that that is not the case. You have to make sure that you're genuine at the same time as being serious about whatever the topic is. That's very hard to do, especially day in and day out when there are so many different personalities that's coming your way. You have the teacher, you have the parent, you have the student, you have the boss, you have the district leaders, and then you just do not know which person you're going to get that day or in what order.What's crazy is I think that my practice and being patient with people started in the corporate America space or the service space, when I did custodial work, when I worked the registers at the stores, or just customer service in general, because that's quite the same. The difference is with this is that you actually get to learn a person, and then that relationship built this comfort zone for others to say things they normally wouldn't say to you. If you flip that, each human being, each person has their own things they're dealing with at home, so now how do you manage a safe space in your head, in your heart, in your spirit, and not try to push somebody to feel a certain way and actually understand where they're coming from?Being patient, I would say, is the greatest advice I received. That was actually from that same assistant principal that motivated me, because when I was... She told me this when I became team lead. I'm 24, and everybody on the team is 55, 53, 48. They're like, "Who's this little dude telling us what we need to do?" I mean, it blew my mind. I just thought we was going to work together, so you got to be patient.Jon Eckert:Well, I think Peter Drucker says, we need organized abandonment. So often in education, we will let go of someone or let go of an initiative out of impatience or just being overwhelmed, and so I think being really intentional as a leader of pouring into people, believing in them, listening to them, understanding their story, and then if it becomes evident that this person's not... You mentioned the custodian talking about educators in the building who were impatient with kids, if that doesn't change, then it may be time to help them find a different profession. At some point, you organize your abandonment. You're like, "Hey, this is now not going to work, so we need to move on because this person's not helpful to kids."We can never give up on the kids, but there is a place sometimes where you do have to move on and your patience has to run out because that patience is harming kids by allowing that person to stay there. But I think so often in education, we get it wrong with the impatience on initiatives. Things could work if we stuck with them for two or three years. Instead, we stick with them for two or three months, and then we're either overwhelmed or we're impatient and we move on. I think that's a great word. Good advice there. All right. Best book you've either read or are reading, something that you're interested in that you think might be helpful to others?Dr. Jeff Cooks:This book is by Charles Colson. It's called Set Apart: Calling a Worldly Church to a Godly Life. It's just basically what it means, to be distinct. I think that without that mindset in this field, you're not going to go far. This is a book that I'm just getting started on, so I'm excited to read this, but I've taken the principles of it and saying that how can not only I could be set apart in my spiritual life, but how can I be set apart in this space? Because every great thing happened from somebody doing something different.Jon Eckert:Yeah. No, that's great. Good word there. One word that you would use to describe education right now in the United States. What would be one word?Dr. Jeff Cooks:Political.Jon Eckert:Okay. Yeah. No, that's real. It's capital Politics and lowercase politics. Politics by definition is competition for scarce resources, and in Texas right now, that definitely feels real, and then you've got the national politics and then international politics. I mean, you've got layer upon layer of that. Yeah. In that context, what makes you most hopeful as you look ahead to what educators and communities are doing to support kids?Dr. Jeff Cooks:I think that since COVID, we've seen a huge deal with the certified teachers, the quality of teachers, and I think that those problems have highlighted where we need to go. We've tried to sit in that space of uncertified teachers and associate teachers, what we call them, and then we see that that doesn't work very well, not with all but a lot, quite a few, and now we're getting back to getting highly-qualified teachers. I think that a lot of administrators slid into the space of leadership through COVID. They shouldn't be administrators. It's not that they can't be one, but maybe they got into it too fast. I'm hopeful at this point that we are getting back to more so for backup, lack of a better word, old school, "Can you teach this? If you can't, we need to go with someone else, because if we do not do that, we're not prepping our students for success."Jon Eckert:That's a good word to end on, and so be listening for and looking for the release of the 745 Podcast. Dr. Jeff Cooks, thanks for your time. Thanks for all you do for kids.Dr. Jeff Cooks:Thank you. Yeah, all right.

Are you caught in the endless cycle of deadlines, to-do lists, and meetings?   If you're like most school leaders, you probably measure your success by how many tasks you complete and deadlines you meet. But here's the truth: that approach is keeping you stuck in a loop of doing without ever feeling truly accomplished.   As we enter a new school year, I'm inviting leaders to shift from purely deadline-driven planning to outcome-based vision that considers not just what needs to be done, but who we need to be while doing it.    Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/395

Traditional L&D teams often struggle to prove their value—but at Comcast, Martha Soehren built a Talent Development function that drove measurable business impact at scale. In this episode, Martha shares how her team aligned with strategic priorities, built trusted stakeholder relationships, and embedded governance to keep L&D at the heart of business conversations. She also explains how data, storytelling, and a focus on succession planning helped elevate the function's credibility across the organisation. Packed with hard-won insights from leading L&D in one of the world's largest companies, this episode is essential listening for L&D leaders ready to lead with influence and impact. Take your L&D to the next level Take advantage of thousands of hours of analysis. Hundreds of conversations with industry innovators and 25+ years of hands-on global L&D leadership. It's all distilled into one framework to help you level up L&D. Access the L&D Maturity Model here - https://360learning.com/maturity-model KEY TAKEAWAYS Build strategic alignment through an executive learning council. Design learning solutions with clear business metric analysis incorporated. For impact, use data in your storytelling. Once you get senior executives on side they will stand up for you when you are not at the table. At all levels, people should mentor others and develop talent. BEST MOMENTS "You can never over communicate to those senior executives." “By having that data and telling the story of the way things were being done, I got a lot of buy in." "Care about your people and the people around you, get the job done and do it right, and always act with integrity." Martha Soehren Bio Martha Soehren is the former Chief Talent Development Officer and SVP at Comcast Cable, where she led enterprise-wide learning and talent initiatives for nearly 15 years. With a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and a background that spans 25 years in the U.S. Army, Martha brings deep expertise in instructional design, workforce planning, and organisational effectiveness to her corporate roles. She has served on numerous boards, including ATD, the Wharton/UPenn Doctorate of Learning Advisory Board, and SCTE, and is a recognized industry leader—named one of CableFax's Most Powerful Women in Cable and a recipient of the WICT Liberty Award. Martha continues to contribute to the field through thought leadership, mentoring, and active participation in the Elliott Masie Learning Consortium. https://www.linkedin.com/in/martha-soehren-phd-a012074/ VALUABLE RESOURCES The Learning And Development Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-learning-development-podcast/id1466927523 L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home ABOUT THE HOST David James David has been a People Development professional for more than 20 years, most notably as Director of Talent, Learning & OD for The Walt Disney Company across Europe, the Middle East & Africa. As well as being the Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning, David is a prominent writer and speaker on topics around modern and digital L&D. CONTACT METHOD https://twitter.com/davidinlearning https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin https://360learning.com/the-l-and-d-collective https://360learning.com/blog L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Dr. Joe Joe McManus, a prominent scholar and advocate for diversity and inclusion in higher education, graces our podcast to share his profound insights on combating racism and fostering freedom. As a first-generation college student, Dr. McManus has traversed an extraordinary academic journey, culminating in a PhD in Educational Leadership and the authorship of his compelling new book, "A Brother's Insight: Guidance on Defeating Racism and Advancing Freedom." Throughout our discussion, we explore the pivotal role of mentorship and community in shaping one's path, as well as the intricate dynamics of race in contemporary America. Dr. McManus elucidates the transformative potential of inclusive practices in educational settings and underscores the necessity of dialogue in bridging societal divides. Join us as we explore these critical themes that resonate deeply with our collective responsibility towards equity and understanding.The discourse presented in this episode encapsulates the profound insights of Dr. Joe Joe McManus, whose extensive background in educational leadership and multicultural education serves as a foundation for a critical examination of race and equity in contemporary society. McManus, a first-generation college graduate, offers a narrative steeped in personal experience and professional expertise, illustrating the intersectionality of education and activism. His recent work, 'A Brother's Insight: Guidance on Defeating Racism and Advancing Freedom,' serves as a focal point for the conversation, addressing urgent issues surrounding racial justice and the imperative for systemic change within educational frameworks. The dialogue not only delves into the historical context of racism but also emphasizes the necessity of fostering mentorship and community support systems, particularly for those navigating the complexities of higher education without familial guidance. As he shares poignant anecdotes and reflections, McManus inspires listeners to consider their role in advocating for inclusivity and equity, prompting a collective commitment to dismantling barriers that perpetuate discrimination and inequity in society. His call to action resonates deeply, urging individuals to embrace their agency in the pursuit of a more just and equitable world.Takeaways: Dr. Joe Joe McManus, a first-generation college student, has an extensive academic background including degrees in Psychology, Multicultural Education, and Educational Leadership. McManus emphasizes the importance of mentorship, citing his first mentor who significantly impacted his academic journey and inspired his passion for education and advocacy. The discussion highlights how systemic barriers affect first-generation college students and the necessity for comprehensive support systems within educational institutions. McManus emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives being grounded in genuine understanding and commitment, rather than political expediency. The podcast underscores the connection between personal experiences with race and the broader societal implications of racism, particularly in educational contexts. Finally, McManus advocates for continuous innovation in the field of diversity and inclusion, urging professionals to collaborate and adapt in response to ever-changing societal dynamics.

Send us a textToo often, fear of failure keeps leaders stuck in comfort zones. But what if your greatest success is on the other side of one bold move? In this Power Surge, we're reframing fear and helping you step into possibility with courage.This episode will empower you to:Recognize the hidden cost of playing it safeChallenge worst-case thinking with best-case visionTake one brave step toward your next level of leadershipThis is your invitation to try—even if it's uncomfortable. Because what if you succeed?Power Surge Affirmation:  I'm not afraid to try. I believe in what's possible. What if I succeed? Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase! Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points. Calling All Educators! I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more. I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources. I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant. Join here: Empowered Educator Community Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance SuccessGrab a complimentary POWER SessionWith Rubi.ai, you'll experience cutting-edge technology, research-driven insights, and efficient content delivery.email: melinda@empowere...

Is your math coaching program truly transforming classroom practice—or just treading water?Many districts wrestle with whether coaching is worth the investment or how to maximize its impact. If you've ever wondered why some schools see real progress while others stall while striving for sustainable math improvement—despite similar coaching setups—this episode unpacks the hidden reasons behind that divide. Whether you're a district leader, math coach, or teacher leader, this conversation reveals the often-overlooked factors that can make or break your coaching strategy.In this episode, you'll discover:Why spreading math coaching support thin across many teachers often leads to minimal gains.The four critical phases of teacher change—and why math coaching is essential in the final, most powerful stage.How restructuring your math coaching model can build momentum and create a ripple effect across your district.Press play now to rethink your approach to math coaching and unlock deeper, more sustainable impact in your math classrooms.Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units Show Notes PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway! Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don't want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with educator, author, and girl-advocate Lindsay Sealey to unpack the real-life impact of “Super Girl Syndrome” — the pressure many girls feel to be perfect, polished, and pleasing at all times. Drawing on her experience working with thousands of girls, Lindsay shares insights from her new book and offers practical strategies to support girls facing societal, academic, digital, and emotional pressures. From navigating the expectations to “do it all” to reclaiming confidence, self-worth, and authenticity, this episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone who wants to raise empowered, resilient girls.Lindsay Sealey is an educator, academic strategist, and best-selling author dedicated to empowering girls through her work as the founder and CEO of Bold New Girls™, an organization that supports social-emotional learning and academic development. With a B.A. in English and Psychology from Simon Fraser University and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University, she brings over 15 years of experience in education, curriculum design, and youth coaching. Her books—including Growing Strong Girls, Rooted, Resilient and Ready, Made for More, and Super Girl Syndrome—have won numerous accolades such as the Eric Hoffer Montaigne Medal and Nautilus Book Award. Lindsay is a sought-after speaker and contributor to outlets like HuffPost and The Globe and Mail, known for addressing topics such as confidence, perfectionism, and mental health in girls.You can purchase her books here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textWhen leaders rush to speak, they often miss what matters most. In this episode of the Empowered Educator, we explore the power of pausing, listening, and learning—especially when you're uncertain.Inside this Power Surge, you'll discover:Why listening is one of your most powerful leadership toolsHow silence creates space for insight and trustThe leadership magic in asking, “Tell me more”If you're ready to shift from leading with answers to leading with awareness, this episode is for you.Power Surge Affirmation:  I don't have to know everything to lead well. I choose to listen, learn, and grow with purpose. Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase! Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points. Calling All Educators! I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more. I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources. I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant. Join here: Empowered Educator Community Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance SuccessGrab a complimentary POWER SessionWith Rubi.ai, you'll experience cutting-edge technology, research-driven insights, and efficient content delivery.email: melinda@empowere...

In this episode, we reflect on a challenge many math leaders face: the risk of presenting ourselves with false authority. Whether we're facilitating professional learning, supporting instructional coaches, or engaging in school- or district-wide math conversations, strong convictions can easily be mistaken for certainty.But leading meaningful change in mathematics education requires something different—humility, curiosity, and a deep commitment to learning. We unpack what it means to hold space for growth (both for ourselves and those we support), how to notice when we may be signaling certainty instead of inquiry, and why leading in math from a place of openness—not ego—is essential.This is a reflective episode for anyone striving to lead math learning more authentically and build a culture where mathematical thinking, risk-taking, and professional growth are safe, shared, and ongoing.In this episode, you'll discover:Why presenting with false authority can unintentionally shut down curiosity and collaborationHow to lead from a place of learning, not knowingPractical ways to model humility and openness in your leadershipThe difference between strong conviction and rigid certaintyWhy reflecting on your privilege and positional power deepens your impact as a math leaderNot sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units Show Notes PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don't want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

  On today's Coffee with Rich, we will be joined by T.C. Fuller. We will discuss what may be instore for 2025. JOIN US! T.C. Fuller is an experienced federal investigator and firearms trainer. He has spent his life carrying a firearm for the U.S. government. T.C. first served as an Army Infantry officer, Explosive Ordnance Disposal officer, before leaving the Army to accept an appointment as a Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He spent the next 20 years working in all areas of investigative interest within the FBI, and served for several years as an instructor in the FBI's Firearms Training Unit in Quantico, VA. T.C. holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology, as well as a Masters of Education in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. As a published writer, T.C. has written an innovative book on the topic of improving law enforcement deadly force training, as well as having written for several print magazines on the areas of law enforcement procedures, explosives, firearms and edged weapons. Among T.C.'s personal achievements, he has been awarded the U.S. Army's highest peace-time award for heroism, the Soldier's Medal. Besides finding, capturing and convicting a fugitive on the FBI's Top 10 Most Wanted list, T.C. has also been a successful competitive shooter for more than 20 years, earning a Master class certification from the International Defensive Pistol Association, winning numerous local, state and regional competitions along the way. He is now operating his own company, The Horus Group, LLC, which serves as a consultancy on firearms and training, as well as providing high-end, private firearms training for both armed professionals and citizens. T.C.'s Website: https://www.thehorusgroup.net/ T.C.'s recent article: https://americanwarriorsociety.com/may-you-live-in.../