Podcasts about K12

Hellooooo! Greetings from our East Coast family trip! We're recapping everything, including all our Love Island thoughts, the chaos of family trips, our best and worst meals, latest Chat GPTs, and lots more of our random musings. Please do join us, we have stuff to say. This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episodeThis episode is brought to you by Astral Tequila, the Clue App, K12 Education, Venmo, CAKES Body, and Function Health.House marg summer is here!! Time to stock up! Go to www.astraltequila.com to find Astral near you - and don't forget the limes! Please enjoy responsibly.Clue is an invaluable health companion that meets you where you are. Visit helloclue.com and use code WITHWHIT at checkout for 90% off an annual Clue subscription.Join the more than 3 million families who have been served by K12, and empower your student to reach their full potential now. Go to K12.com/WITHWHIT today to find a tuition-freeK12 powered school near you and enroll now.Venmo Everything with the Venmo Debit card. Visit Venmo.me/debit to learn more and sign up today.I've been wearing CAKES Body nonstop this summer - they're truly a game changer. To try them for yourself, go to cakesbody.com and use code WITHWHIT for 20% off your first order this summer. I chose Function Health because it's the first health platform that gave me access to real data about my body, and the insights to actually do something with it. Visit www.functionhealth.com/WITHWHIT or use gift code WITHWHIT at sign-up to own your health. Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aleena shares her carpool protocol and disagrees with Sarah on the ideal bedroom dress code. Get better sleep, hair and skin with Blissy and use STILLFRIENDSPOD to get an additional 30% off at https://blissy.com/STILLFRIENDSPOD. Go to https://K12.com/STILLFRIENDS today to find and enroll at a tuition-free K12-powered school near you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Teaser:“Hello colleagues and welcome to the Assistant Principal Podcast. I'm your host Frederick Buskey. The goal of this podcast is to Improve the quality of life and leadership for assistant principals. Together we can achieve that by focusing on three things:Escaping the tyranny of the urgentEngaging in strategic behaviors each dayAnd, most importantly, becoming outstanding developers of teacher talent”That's how I began Episode 1 of APP back on August 26, 2021. It is a bit early to celebrate our fourth birthday but the content of this episode seems like a better fit for July, and as the podcast has grown by over 50% in the first half of this year, I think it is a good time to look at several of the foundational concepts I reference frequently.Sponsor Spot 1:Before we get started, I'd like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today's show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn't that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes.Show IntroCelebrations:Happy birthday to the pod! And still excited about 100K and continuing growthKey Points Part 1Why redo episode 1?Quality (lol)My thinking has changedSo many new listeners – need to share core beliefsStrategic Leadership Consulting: the original value propositionEscape the gravitational pull of urgencyUnderstand organizations and changeBecome a purpose-driven strategic leaderThe three primary responsibilities of leadersThe Eisenhower Matrix (3 v 2, protect and sustain)What does Support and Grow actually mean?The six dimensions (dive into this in episode 179)People are the purposePurpose as a battlegroundTest scoresIndividual leaders' purposeUnit level purposeContested purpose: New signs in national parks echoing or previewing the narrative and values that will dominate our schools (“any signs or other information that are negative about either past or living Americans or that fail to emphasize the beauty, grandeur, and abundance of landscapes and other natural features.”)Why do we have schools?Systems level – complex and messyHuman level – clear StructuresResourcesDistinguishing between Static and dynamicTime and attention as the most valuable resourcesExternal forcesInternal forces – an actionable definition of culture!SupportGrowChange leadership = alignment leadershipSponsor 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 http://ixl.com/assistant to get started.Key Points Part 2Strategic leadershipUrgent leadersStrategic leadersFour questions strategic leaders ask:Is this simply urgent, or is it important?What's the problem?How can I make this better right now?Who can I grow today?What's changedNow I have a bookPeople before purpose (because people are the purpose)Support and grow as explicit conceptsSummarizing (The big takeaway)People are the purposeWe support people by aligning the organization to make their work easierWe grow people by developing their KSDHLeaders use change processes to align the organizationSupport and Grow – it is the way we move our schools forward*See also, Episode 179 from November, 2023Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/Episode Links:153: Holding Up the MirrorCloseLeadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader's Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Remember the secret to good leadership:Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for othersBe fully presentAsk reflective questionsAnd then just listenDon't overcomplicate it, the value is in the listening.Have a great rest of the week!Cheers!Frederick'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:

This conversation is full of gentle reminders and practical ideas for building rhythms of care into your everyday life... so you're not just making it through motherhood, you're actually enjoying it.   You'll hear from three incredible moms: Celeste, Tiffany, and Abby, who each found their own way to prioritize soul care. Not the spa-day kind, but the kind that fits into the cracks of real life. The kind that helps you feel more like yourself again. In this episode, you'll hear:

Oklahoma's Superintendent Ryan Walters faces a lawsuit over new, controversially enacted education standards that inject Christian nationalist dogma and conspiracy theories into public school curricula. These changes, lacking transparency, bundle divisive religious content with popular but unfunded mandates, exemplifying a "shit-filled M&M" approach to policy. This blatant religious overreach is part of a broader Christian nationalist strategy to indoctrinate children, undermine secular education, and solidify power by marginalizing other faiths and non-believers. It highlights hypocrisy and poses significant challenges for teachers and the separation of church and state.**News Source:Oklahoma Sued Over School Standards, By Hemant Mehta for The Friendly Atheist, July 2, 2025

Welcome to The AI Conversation for Educators, A Heinemann Podcast Series hosted by Meenoo Rami. This series for teachers explores how generative AI is transforming teaching and learning. In this episode, Meenoo Rami speaks with Jen Roberts, a national board certified high school English teacher with over 25 years of classroom experience, and a Google for Education certified innovator. Her blog, Lit and Tech, is a go-to resource for educators who want to teach thoughtfully with technology.Together they discuss:How AI can help enhance student engagement.How to introduce AI in ways that helps students write, reflect, and think more critically.Anecdotes from ninth graders using AI-generated outlines to improve their essays and learning how to spot when tools get things wrong.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Andrea Gribble spills the details on where to find her (and the purple crew!) at NSPRA—plus one must-see booth activity you'll regret missing!Want to avoid session FOMO? Hear Andrea's top tip for planning your schedule—and the one tool she swears by.From packing hacks to power snacks, get the inside scoop on how to survive (and thrive) at this year's seminar.Not heading to DC? No problem. Discover the trending topics and presentation sneak peeks that every school communicator should know.Email: andrea@socialschool4edu.com Follow Andrea on X: @andreagribble Website: www.socialschool4edu.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/socialschool4edu USEFUL INFORMATIONGrab your sparkly jacket here!https://www.nspra.org/National-Seminar/ Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/MORE RESOURCESFree Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click herewww.SocialSchool4EDU.com

In this episode, Jethro Jones hosts Erin Bailey, Vice President of Literacy Programs and Research at Reading is Fundamental, to discuss the importance of reading in children's development. They delve into how reading fosters connections, the impact of screen time on reading habits, and effective strategies for schools and families to encourage reading. The episode also touches on the role of AI in literacy and mental health education through books.How To Help Families Find Joy In Reading with Dr. Erin Bailey Transformative Principal 586Focused on language components - material and affective component. Sitting side-by-side and face-to-face with a child.When kids want to read the books a hundred times in a row! Gen Z Parents Not Reading to their KidsQuick attention. Training your brain to only be able to pay attentionMissing out on opportunities to bond with children when reading. Reading can take you places, and you can escape.Family education Meet families where they are at. Schools cutting back on read-aloud time. Accessible guides.Teaching in Hong KongCognitive Debt ResearchHow to Train Your Amygdala Join the Transformative Mastermind Today and work on your school, not just in it. Apply today. We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

In this episode, Dr. Woods reflects on a common leadership dilemma: knowing the difference between a good idea and a true priority.With so many initiatives, programs, and “must-dos” in education, it's easy to get overwhelmed or lose focus. Dr. Woods breaks down how leaders and educators can filter the noise, align their work with meaningful goals, and stay grounded in what really matters for student success.

The 2025–26 school year is already off to a rocky start, with state budget delays leaving districts in limbo. In this episode of MISoundBoard, we talk with MASB Deputy Director Kent Cartwright, Ed.D., CPA, about the challenges school leaders face when funding is uncertain. Drawing on his deep experience in school finance, Kent shares practical insights on navigating budgeting obstacles and what to keep in mind as the year unfolds.

In this episode, we are sharing the heartbreaking and mysterious disappearance of Jennifer Kesse, a case that has haunted Orlando for nearly two decades, with little progress or answers for her family.  Anyone with information about Jennifer Kesse's disappearance is urged to contact the FDLE Orlando office at 407-245-0888 or email oroccoldcasetips@fdle.state.fl.us. Thank you to this week's sponsors! Go to K12.com/MOMS today to find a tuition-free K12-powered school near you and enroll now And right now, IQBAR is offering our special podcast listeners 20% off all IQBAR products, plus get FREE shipping. To get your 20% off text MOMS to 64000. Try Remi risk-free at shopremi.com/MOMS and use CODE MOMS to get up to 50% off your nightguard at checkout. Listen and subscribe to Melissa's other podcast, Criminality!! It's the podcast for those who love reality TV, true crime, and want to hear all the juicy stories where the two genres intersect. Subscribe and listen here: www.pod.link/criminality    Check-out Moms and Mysteries to find links to our tiktok, youtube, twitter, instagram and more.   Sources: https://jenniferkesse.com/ https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/jennifer-kesse-disappearance-timeline/ https://radio.foxnews.com/podcast/broken-dreams/ https://www.cbsnews.com/news/missing-jennifer-kesses-father-says-we-will-never-stop-looking/ https://www.gofundme.com/f/kasmv-help-us-find-jennifer-kesse?fbclid=IwY2xjawLIMGRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF6MXV2ZHBEN3FaVU5nUjdJAR71619q2FPxWzHzvUB6cE_jF3sBFPx51kTT6xrFtFg-r5ZhcwtrLlgHysag0Q_aem_rPc7TJTl8ZyDuqFfu5G12A https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jennifer-kesse-missing-police-search-for-orlando-woman-called-off/ https://people.com/jennifer-kesse-disappearance-missing-case-8774071 https://www.wftv.com/news/local/fdle-pursuing-new-leads-persons-interest-2006-disappearance-case/OSSJVUOAX5F7LOMMFLR5ZKWDAE/    

Mogab asked what was going on with Fyre Fest 2, Kristin answered, and the update did not disappoint!! **Originally this was going to be a mini creep for our Patreon bonus content, but since we're on our break, we decided to release it on the regular feed! ** Sponsors: K12 Go to K12.com/CREEPER today to find a tuition-free K12-powered school near you and enroll now! Mint Mobile This year, skip breaking a sweat AND breaking the bank. Get this new customer offer and your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month at MINT MOBILE.COM/CREEPERS. Acorns Sign up now and join the over 14 million all-time customers who have already saved and invested over $25 billion dollars with Acorns. Head to acorns.com/creepers or download the Acorns app to get started. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Throwback Thursday! Student Content Creator featuring Rachelle Dene PothOriginally Released On: 3-12-2021This week, we're revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:✅ Rachelle shares her thoughts on students having input on the content they create in classrooms.✅ Rachelle discusses the paradigm shift from teachers being the “gatekeepers” of knowledge to more a facilitator of learning.Whether you're hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today.

If you've ever asked yourself “Why am I so triggered by my child's emotions?” “Why does this feel harder for me than it does for everyone else?” Or “How do I raise emotionally healthy kids… when no one taught me how?” This episode is for you. Kristin and Deena go beneath the surface of parenting and into the work most of us were never taught to do: regulating, repairing, and reparenting yourself while raising your child.You'll learn:The real reason parenting feels so hard (it's not you - it's your nervous system)The science behind regulation and how to actually build it in real timeWhat generational healing looks and feels like - in messy, everyday momentsWhy grief is a part of parenting when you're doing it differently than you were parentedThe 4 tools to start breaking cycles, even when you're overwhelmedThis is the episode that helps you understand yourself. And when you understand yourself, you stop blaming yourself. You don't have to be perfect. You just have to be the parent you needed.This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Go to HIYAHEALTH.COM/BLF for 50% off of your first order of Hiya Health children's multivitamin!Head to drinkag1.com/BLF to subscribe for less than $3 a day! Get a free welcome kit with a shaker bottle and 5 AG1 travel packs with your firs order. Go to K12.com/BLF today to find a tuition-free K12-powered school near you and enroll today!Function is offering 160 plus lab tests for $365 to anyone who signs up between July 7th and July 11th. To learn more and get started, visit www.functionhealth.com/feelings.Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, host Jethro Jones interviews Barb Solish, the National Director of Innovation for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. They discuss the importance of mental health awareness, early intervention, and the impact of literacy in shaping children's futures. Barb shares insights into the Macy's and NAMI partnership, the importance of building strong connections through reading and other activities, and the crucial role of community support in mental health care.For the interview between Barb and Erin, go here: https://transformativeprincipal.orgHalf of all mental health issues start before 14. Only half of those who need it are getting the help they need. Distinct warning signs. https://nami.org/signsLooking for changes. Call a pediatrician Conversation startersFind a support groupWhen you are not alone, you have hope.Cathleen Beachboard on Resilient Schools talking about hope.Trauma Awareness TrainingKids are a lot stronger than we give them credit for. Outcomes for students - what are the outcomes we want. Mental health education is health education.Focus on connection not perfection. Barb Solish: National Alliance on Mental illnessBarb Solish is NAMI's National Director of Innovation. She is passionate about mental health awareness, education, and advocacy, especially after the loss of a friend to suicide. Barb's lived experience developing a mental health condition as a young person also motivates her work improving outcomes for young people with mental health concerns.In her time at NAMI, Barb has led NAMI's Youth and Young Adult Initiatives team, developing new resources for kids, teens, young adults, educators, and caregivers. She also led the creation of new initiatives, including the virtual version of the NAMI Ending the Silence presentation program for middle and high school students and NAMI Next Gen, NAMI's young adult advisory group. In addition to youth and young adult work, Barb oversees NAMI's Workplace Mental Health Initiatives, including NAMI StigmaFree Workplace. Barb believes strongly that not only is creating a mentally healthy workplace the right thing to do, it's an economic imperative. Join the Transformative Mastermind Today and work on your school, not just in it. Apply today. We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Salena Zito is a prolific author, award-winning reporter, and our great friend. No one knows the heartland like Salena, and she's here to discuss the future of AI and the energy needed to pursue it, the sudden resurgence of interest in the skilled trades and how Pennsylvania is helping lead the way, and her brand-new book, Butler: The Untold Story of the Near Assassination of Donald Trump and the Fight for America's Heartland. Salena gives a firsthand account since she was just four feet away from Trump when it happened. Tip o' the hat to our excellent sponsors K12.com/ROWE Find a tuition-free K12-powered school near you. American-Giant.com/MIKE Use code MIKE to get 20% off your order. LifeVac.net Use code MIKE to get 20% off your full purchase. KnobelSpirits.com Use code Carl and spend $100 to get FREE Orange Bitter Sugar Cubes.

We can all do so much more with less. In this episode, I sit down with parenting expert and sensory play queen Myriam Sandler to talk all things Playful By Design. Myriam has all the insight about how small shifts in your home setup can lead to big changes in your family dynamic. We get into the magic of sensory play, how to set up a toy rotation to keep things fresh, and how giving your child more freedom builds their self-esteem and confidence. If you've felt overwhelmed by clutter, screen time, or just the daily chaos of parenting - this conversation is your guide to simplify, connect, and make things a whole lot more playful. With practical hacks (like how to get Sharpie off your walls) and deep wisdom about trusting your instincts, Myriam offers a refreshing, doable path to a calmer, happier home for both kids and parents. This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episodeThis episode is brought to you by Astral Tequila, The RealReal, K12 Education, Venmo, and Maui NuiHouse marg summer is here!! Time to stock up! Go to www.astraltequila.com to find Astral near you - and don't forget the limes! Please enjoy responsibly.The RealReal is the world's largest and most trusted resource for authenticated luxury resale. Get TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS OFF your first purchase when you go to therealreal.com/whitJoin the more than 3 million families who have been served by K12, and empower your student to reach their full potential now. Go to K12.com/WITHWHIT today to find a tuition-freeK12 powered school near you and enroll now.Venmo Everything with the Venmo Debit card. Visit Venmo.me/debit to learn more and sign up today.Maui Nui is offering listeners a limited collection of my favorite cuts and products. But, because everything is wild-harvested, supplies are genuinely limited - so don't wait! Head to MauiNuiVenison.com/WHIT to check it out.Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is your response to your teen's emotions helping—or hurting—the situation? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Sheri Gazitt, teen life coach and founder of Teen Wise, to explore how parents unintentionally contribute to the emotional “drama” of adolescence—and what to do instead.Together, they unpack the real reasons teens act out, how parents can shift from reacting to responding, and why connection—not control—is the foundation of a healthy parent-teen relationship.In this episode, we cover:Are you reacting or responding? How to tell the differenceWhy emotional regulation starts with you, not your teenThe impact of post-COVID loneliness on teen behaviorFriendship drama and social conflict—why it's normal and how to guide without rescuingHow to talk about social media without making your teen defensiveRebuilding trust after big blow-ups or boundary-crossingSmall daily practices to ease tension and build emotional safetyAbout Sheri GazittSheri Gazitt is a certified teen life coach, parenting educator, and founder of Teen Wise, an organization dedicated to empowering teens and supporting parents through the challenges of adolescence. With a background in psychology and counseling, Sheri specializes in emotional resilience, social confidence, and helping families navigate the often turbulent teen years with compassion and clarity. She also hosts workshops and speaks nationally on teen mental health, friendship dynamics, and parent-teen communication.Resources & Links:Learn more about Sheri Gazitt and Teen Wise → https://www.teenwiseseattle.comCoaching and parenting tools with Dr. Meg Meeker → https://meekerparenting.comJoin Dr. Meg's community → https://linktr.ee/meekerparentingSponsored by:Hungryroot – 40% off + a free item in every box at hungryroot.com/drmeg (code DRMEG)Rula – Licensed therapy for as little as $15/session with insurance. Visit rula.com/drmeg to get startedK12-powered schools – Tuition-free, accredited online public education for K–12 at K12.com/DRMEGFam Gabs – Spark real conversations with your kids using this therapist-designed card deck. Search famgabs on Amazon and use code DRMEGPOD for 10% offThrive Causemetics – Clean, vegan beauty that gives back. Get 10% off your first order at ThriveCausemetics.com/DRMEGSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Power Quote: “Climate is the emotional state felt within the physical space”Description:I had so much fun recording today's show. My guest stands tall (literally and figuratively) in the realm of helping school leaders develop positive culture and climate. If you are a regular listener, you know I have my own specific framework on school culture, so stay tuned to the end of the show where I will reflect on commonalities and differences between the approaches. I hope you have as much fun listening as I did recording, but before we get into it…Sponsor Spot 1:As a loyal listener to this show, you know I am a big advocate for short, targeted observations, so I'm excited about digiCOACH sponsoring this podcast. digiCOACH makes it easier to follow up on observations with meaningful feedback. I love that you can focus on specific elements and that there is a ready-made bank of items to use for telling teachers what they are doing well! You can learn more about digiCOACH at digiCOACH.com or click the link in the show notes.Show IntroGuest Bio:Stand Tall Steve (aka Steve Bollar) is an educational thought leader, former Superintendent of Schools, principal, author, and a school culture and motivation expert. He is a renowned speaker who has inspired countless individuals and organizations to achieve their goals and unleash their full potential. Drawing on his extensive experience in education and leadership, Steven delivers powerful and inspiring messages that challenge audiences to think differently about their lives and their work.In 2023 Steve earned a place on Global Gurus World's Top 30 Education Professionals. He is the author of the book Stand Tall Leadership, the school culture and climate book series Ideas, Ideas, Ideas and a contributing author in Because of a Teacher.Husband of one. Father of three. Owner of two dogs & 10 fish, Stand Tall Steve openly shares his knowledge, experiences, and creativity with others. He currently speaks to schools, organizations, businesses, and communities across the globe about how to think differently about schools, education, and life.Ladies and gentlemen… Stand Tall Steve!Warmup questions:We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?Questions/Topics/PromptsClimate and cultureLet's define cultureWhat do people get wrong when it comes to cultureSimplest ways to build a better culture?Leadership teamHow do we balance supporting and growing teachers with managing all the stuff?Thinking big – how do we inspire hope AND acknowledge the real chaos and negativity out there?It's a rough time – what are you hearing from people in the field and what's your message to them?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…Sponsor Spot 4:Before we wrap, I'd like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today's show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn't that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes.Summary/wrap upThere are a lot of great things in today's show but I want to focus this summary on the core concepts Steve talked about of values, culture, and climate.6 dimensions: overlap of people's values and org. purpose = core values?Inner forces (aka culture): similar and different from Steve's “climate”My climate experience… Building walkthroughReceptionFacility (esp. art)Student – studentStudent – teacherTeacher – teacherAdmin visibilityFour quadrant door peakingThank 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/ Guest links:Website: www.standtallsteve.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@standtallsteve1330www.withinourranks.com https://www.youtube.com/@withinourranksFrederick'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/B0C...

Welcome to The AI Conversation for Educators, A Heinemann Podcast Series hosted by Meenoo Rami. This series for teachers explores how generative AI is transforming teaching and learning. In this episode, Meenoo Rami speaks with Dr. Alec Couros, a leading expert in educational technology and media. Dr. Couros is a professor at the University of Regina and director of the Center for Teaching and Learning. Together, they discuss:Why AI literacy for educators is essentialHow generative AI tools are reshaping student learning and teacher workflowsWhat it means to foster creativity and critical thinking in an AI-driven worldSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jenny and Lauren share how combining communications with community education helps build trust, engagement, and referendum support in River Falls, WI.Hear why the new social media retreat stood out—from hands-on learning to meaningful networking with peers who “get it.”Discover the team's big “aha” around AI tools—and why staying authentic is more important than ever.Learn how River Falls uses character education, school forests, and staff appreciation to strengthen connections across their community.SPECIAL GUESTSJennifer AmesCommunity Education & Communications DirectorSchool District of River Falls, WisconsinEmail: jennifer.ames@rfsd.k12.wi.us Lauren KaminskiProgram AssistantSchool District of River Falls, WisconsinEmail: lauren.kaminski@rfsd.k12.wi.us Website: https://www.rfsd.k12.wi.us/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiverFallsSchoolDistrict/# Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverfallssd/ USEFUL INFORMATIONInterested in the 2026 Social Media for Schools Retreat? Make sure you are subscribed to our newsletter!Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/MORE RESOURCESFree Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click herewww.SocialSchool4EDU.com

Hosts Kelvin and Tom examine recent trend data on the academic readiness and unique challenges of current K12 students who will be college students soon. Digital learning professionals can bring our strengths to the table to partner with other colleagues in better supporting these learners.

In this episode, Jethro Jones introduces a special conversation between Dr. Erin Bailey, Vice President of Literacy Programs and Research at Reading is Fundamental, and Barb Solish, the NAMI National Director of Innovation. They discuss the partnership between Reading is Fundamental (RIF) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), supported by Macy's, to provide books and mental health resources to children nationwide. The conversation dives into the youth mental health crisis, the literacy crisis, and how these two organizations are working together to support children's mental and emotional well-being through literacy and other resources.NAMI and RIF joining together with the support of Macy'sBeing next to someone is powerfulName it to tame it. Identifying emotions for kids is powerfulLiteracy for skills in both areas. The power of a mother reading aloud to her children. NICU mothers reading aloud to kids every day lowered rates of post-partum depression and stress. Routine and trust are built together. Early intervention The Presence and the connection is what really matters. Barb Solish: Link to headshot - National Alliance on Mental illnessBarb Solish is NAMI's National Director of Innovation. She is passionate about mental health awareness, education, and advocacy, especially after the loss of a friend to suicide. Barb's lived experience developing a mental health condition as a young person also motivates her work improving outcomes for young people with mental health concerns.In her time at NAMI, Barb has led NAMI's Youth and Young Adult Initiatives team, developing new resources for kids, teens, young adults, educators, and caregivers. She also led the creation of new initiatives, including the virtual version of the NAMI Ending the Silence presentation program for middle and high school students and NAMI Next Gen, NAMI's young adult advisory group. In addition to youth and young adult work, Barb oversees NAMI's Workplace Mental Health Initiatives, including NAMI StigmaFree Workplace. Barb believes strongly that not only is creating a mentally healthy workplace the right thing to do, it's an economic imperative.Erin Bailey, Vice President, Literacy Programs & Research, Reading Is FundamentalErin Bailey, Ed.D., joined Reading Is Fundamental in 2021 and currently serves as the Vice President of Literacy Programs and Research. Dr. Bailey brings deep curriculum and instructional expertise to her position, which includes serving as the subject matter expert and developing, curating, and managing content and professional learning for educators and families on literacy.She has played a pivotal role in shaping high-quality, research-based content that supports Pre-K through Middle School students nationwide. With a strong command of literacy best practices, she leads cross-functional efforts to ensure RIF's resources spark reading joy while aligning with effective instructional strategies. Passionate about empowering educators, Dr. Bailey has spearheaded RIF's professional development initiatives—designing and delivering hands-on, relevant learning experiences that build lasting capacity and support classroom success.Dr. Bailey has been an educator in U.S. and international classrooms. Her teaching experience spans from PreK-8 including roles as a classroom teacher, literacy specialist, English language learning specialist, and university instructor. Her interests include professional learning for teachers on family and community engagement, instructional strategies for multilingual learners, and literacy instruction. She is interested in the ways that partnering with families and communities, particularly for children from historically marginalized communities, can transform literacy instruction. Additionally, she designs curriculum and professional development for utilizing play-based learning to teach language and literacy to young children.Dr. Bailey has a robust and interdisciplinary research repertoire including learning through informal spaces such as public gardens, art museums, and social movements. She takes up art processes such as film, photography, and sound mixing to expand approaches to qualitative inquiry. She has presented her work at several major conferences including the American Education Research Association (AERA) and the World Organization for Early Childhood Education (OMEP) and has published in academic journals including Qualitative Inquiry, Journal of Early Childhood Literacy, and Journal of Literacy Research. Join the Transformative Mastermind Today and work on your school, not just in it. Apply today. We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Throwback Thursday! Mindfulness Awareness for Educators featuring Danielle NuhferOriginally Released On: 5-31-2024This week, we're revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:✅ Danielle shares her three tips for bringing mindfulness awareness into the classroom for educators.✅ Danielle discusses her book, “ The Path of the Mindful Teacher.”Whether you're hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today.

In this episode, Kevin sits down with Vida Williams, Chief Data Officer at Stride, to explore the promise—and risks—of artificial intelligence in education. From personalized tutoring to curatorial learning, they dive into how AI is reshaping what it means to teach, learn, and build trust in a digital world. They discuss how AI can reduce teacher overload, personalize instruction, and expand access—but also unpack why how we build it matters as much as what we build. And in a world where machines are getting better at guiding student learning, they ask a fundamental question: What's the role of the human in the future of education? If education is a shared journey, should machines walk with us? This might be what you want to know.     What You'll Learn 01:30 – Why Vida left energy & healthcare to focus on education 03:00 – What a Chief Data Officer actually does in a K–12 company 05:00 – Why protecting student data is now non-negotiable 07:30 – AI's real use in classrooms: less grading, more learning 09:00 – “The resurgence of library science” and curatorial learning 11:30 – How personalized AI tutors support (not replace) teachers 13:00 – Socratic learning vs. automation: can AI do both? 16:00 – What young learners really want from AI 18:30 – Guardrails, dialects & equitable access in AI design 21:00 – Why teachers must shape the future of AI tools 25:00 – Are we all becoming cyborgs? And is that a bad thing?     Go Deeper with Vida Williams Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vida-williams/ Learn about Stride Learning: https://www.stridelearning.com Explore Stride Tutoring: https://tutoring.k12.com Read more on ethical AI in education: https://www.edweek.org/technology   Explore K12-Powered Education & Career Pathways K12's innovative programs give students a head start on their future. Enrollment is now open! Join over 3 million students who have chosen K12-powered tuition-free online public schooling for a flexible, personalized learning experience—all from the safety of home. ✅ State-certified teachers trained in virtual instruction ✅ Accredited curriculum supporting all learners, including advanced students & those with special needs ✅ Career-focused programs, including healthcare pathways & more ✅ More family time, stronger class connections, and academic success Apply today to secure your spot and see why families trust K12 for their child's education.

Power Quote: “How do you want me to listen?”Description:Today's guest is someone I consider to be a master at the art of coaching, which is appropriate as she wrote the best-selling book titled The Art of Coaching. I Had Elena Aguilar on the show a little over a year ago and we split the interview into two parts, episodes 204 and 205 (link in the show notes) because it was so rich and packed with powerful thoughts and techniques. This interview with Elena is even more dense – so much so that we are splitting it into three parts. In today's section Elena and I dive into listening and there is so much packed into the span of fifteen minutes that I decided to release it as a full episode. If you listen closely, you'll recognize that the discussion is embedded within the intro section of celebrations and stories. We didn't even get to the main interview before Elena shared some wisdom that I wanted to put on its own, for your benefit.After this conversation, I've added Elena's thoughts on “the one thing leaders should take away.” It is consistent with today's main topic, but I will also include it in each of the next two part of our discussion because it is so powerful I think we all, myself included, need to listen to it once a week.Sponsor Spot 1: I'd like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today's show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn't that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes.Show IntroGuest 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 2024Warmup questions:We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?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 upThe first step to listening is to understanding self: our beliefs, our ways of beingIs the simple answer to everything listening? And asking good questions (which we dive into more in part 3)?How do you want me to listen? Decreases power and increases trust.Listening as a muscle (and how I exercised mine this morning).We will release part 2 and 3 in back-to-back weeks at the end of July and first week of August, so consider today's episode to be a teaser of more incredible part of our discussion. Links to my previous 2024 episodes with Elena (204 and 205) are in the show notes.Our interview ended with “slow down” This July 4th week is a great time to practice that.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/strategiclea...

The authors of The Civically Engaged Classroom believe in the power of curated current text sets. Collections initially created by teachers that students can expand as their knowledge grows. In this preview of the audiobook, we'll explore how to build these text sets, starting with online sources to engage students in contemporary issues.We'll also hear practical tips on tech set mapping, ensuring you cover a range of perspectives and complexities. Learn how to balance digital archives with print resources, introduce challenging texts, and support diverse reading levels.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this jam-packed episode, Andrea sits down with Laurie Ehrlich and Miriam Stein, co-founders of ThriveHive, to talk about the real-world challenges—and solutions—schools face with enrollment, marketing, and social media strategy. From building healthy teams to crafting intentional messaging, this episode is full of practical insights for any school ready to level up.4 Key Takeaways for Listeners:What simple shift could instantly bring more clarity and purpose to your school's social media posts?How often should your marketing and enrollment teams actually meet—and why does it matter?What behind-the-scenes systems can help you turn more inquiries into enrollments (without adding more stress)?Why fixing your team dynamics might be the unexpected key to filling your classrooms.SPECIAL GUESTSLaurie EhrlichCo-Founder + Marketing StrategistThrive Hive, MarylandMiriam SteinCo-Founder + Enrollment StrategistThrive Hive, MarylandEmail: hello@thrivehive.group Website: https://www.thrivehive.group/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivehivegroup/ USEFUL INFORMATION

In this episode, Jethro Jones speaks with Bobby Canosa-Carr, a leadership coach, author, and former principal. They discuss various educational topics, including the power dynamics in schools, the importance of permission-seeking culture, and strategies for creating dialogue and addressing systemic issues.Why do we even ask to go to the bathroom? American schools have built a culture of permission seekingCharter schools are not the magic bullet! Is that what we're here for? What are we here in school for? If you really audit what schools do, it doesn't align to what we say it does.The system trains us to point fingers at each other. Create more opportunities for dialog. Can you prove it will improve test scores? How to be a transformative principal? Start a conversation with the person who is the most at odds with you. About Bobby Canosa-CarrBobby Canosa-Carr is a leadership coach, an author, a mindfulness teacher, a former teacher and principal, and a senior public education executive. He is the founder/CEO of Enlighten Leadership Coaching and the Senior Managing Director of Schools at Equitas Academy Charter Schools.As a school principal, Bobby led the turnaround of a large public high school in Los Angeles and subsequently founded a charter school in his hometown of San Pedro, California. He is a pioneer in personalized & project-based learning, restorative practices, and mentoring in schools. Bobby recently published his first book, Can I Go to the Bathroom? and Other Asinine Questions We Ask in School. It's an exploration of the dysfunctional power dynamics that leave almost everyone feeling disempowered in American schools.Bobby is most fulfilled when doing anything that brings him to the present moment and reminds him to breathe on purpose. You might find him climbing boulders in Joshua Tree, swimming in the waves of the Pacific Ocean, or riding his Harley Davidson up a winding coastal road. Join the Transformative Mastermind Today and work on your school, not just in it. Apply today. We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Episode #121 is up!  Check it out!!!Beyond Self-Care SundayIn this episode, Dr. Woods is joined by school psychologist, author, and founder of Thriving School Collective—Dr. Rebecca Branstetter—for a deep and refreshing conversation around educator wellness. Together, they move beyond surface-level “self-care” slogans and dive into what it really means to create sustainable habits that support mental health and professional resilience.Dr. Branstetter shares practical strategies, mindset shifts, and systems that help educators thrive—not just survive—throughout the school year. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to reclaim balance and joy in the work.

At MASB, one of our core missions is helping school boards work more effectively—regardless of who's at the table. A key tool in achieving that goal is the DISC assessment, a proven method for understanding behavioral styles and improving communication. In this episode, we're joined by MASB's own Education Programming Manager, MacKenzie Feldpausch, M.A., our in-house DISC expert. MacKenzie shares insights into how DISC can transform the way boards collaborate, connect, and lead together.

Throwback Thursday! Title: Support(ing) Students Affected by Trauma featuring Anthony SwannOriginally Released On: 7-2-2021This week, we're revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:✅ Anthony shares how he supports students in his classroom related to his personal experiences with trauma.✅ Anthony gives strategies that could benefit other educators working with a variety of students.Whether you're hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today.

Jillian Michaels is a renowned fitness expert, television personality, podcaster, and bestselling author known most for her role on The Biggest Loser. She has built a global brand around health, wellness, and personal empowerment through fitness. Big thanks to our terrific sponsors ZipRecruiter.com/Rowe Post a job for FREE. K12.com/ROWE Find a tuition-free K12-powered school near you. PureTalk.com/Rowe Save 50% off your first month! BuildSubmarines.com Explore available careers!

Today we are remembering our dear friend and colleague, Dr Kylene Beers. Heinemann is deeply saddened by the passing of Kylene Beers. Kylene's 46-year career has had a significant impact across the field of education, helping to shape classroom practice across the country.As we reflect on our time with Kylene at Heinemann, we wanted to revisit two recordings from 2022.The first is a special conversation with Kylene and her daughter Meredith, where they reflect on Kylene's career as an educator. Her mission; to help students become better readers and critical thinkers. After we will revisit Kylene's “Letter to George” updated in 2022 as a reflection on her first year of teaching. Both of these were recorded in the summer of 2022 for the audio book version of When Kids Can't Read—What Teachers Can Do, Second Edition. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Link to post on LinkedIn for book giveawayDescription:Today's interview will be a bit different as my guest is coming from four decades of leadership experience in the corporate arena. Despite the different setting, the leadership lessons will sound familiar to you. I think this discussion with someone coming from a different place invites us to reexamine fundamental leadership themes from a slightly different perspective.Sponsor Spot 1:Administrators, you walk through classrooms, take notes, and you plan to follow up… but how much of that feedback actually reaches teachers in a meaningful way?With digiCOACH, you don't just observe—you coach in the moment. Provide clear, specific feedback instantly and track progress over time. No more forgotten notes or lost opportunities—just real conversations that drive real change.With digiCOACH, you're not just giving feedback—you're building a system for growth. Track trends, measure progress, and give teachers the real-time feedback they love. Ready to make coaching more impactful? Start today at digiCOACH.com.Show IntroGuest Bio:With over 30 years of leadership experience, Jim Carlough is an accomplished business strategist, speaker, and author. Having successfully driven explosive growth for healthcare organizations—from start-ups to industry leaders — Jim is a trusted expert in building high-performing teams, revitalizing underperforming businesses, and guiding organizations through transformational change. Jim's core philosophy—leaders aren't born; they're developed—challenges the myth of innate leadership. In his book, The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership: A Roadmap to Success, Jim delivers a practical and inspiring guide for leaders at every stage of their journey. His approach focuses on six essential traits that empower individuals to embrace leadership as a skill that can be learned, honed, and mastered through experience, mentorship, and intentional growth.Warmup questions:We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?Questions/Topics/PromptsYou've written a book based on your experiences and the leadership lessons you've learned from others. In The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership, you identify empathy and compassion as two of the six. I am really intrigued by this as my immediate reaction was, “aren't these the same thing?” Help me understand…You shared with me in our email exchange you had a story involving a middle school principal that related to empathy and compassion. Can you share it?Your background is in the private sector and I noticed you were a VP of Client Development for Health Management Systems. I've done some work with corporate leaders and have been amazed at how similar being a VP is to being a school administrator. Corporate has their demands and the people you serve have a different set of demands, and you are right there in the middle trying to muddle your way through. Can you talk about this tension and then share some wisdom about how school leaders can navigate this?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…Sponsor Spot 4:Before we wrap, I'd like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today's show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn't that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes.Summary/wrap upWhether you are in a school or the private sector, you can't lead from your office (MBWA)Tasks versus people; tension between prioritiesTransparency, honesty, information => trust (integrity)Even during an end, your work matters (should be much easier in education, but we need to stay compassionate by supporting and growing our people)Link in the show notes – free books to the first three who comment on our LinkedIn post!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/ Jim's links:FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/jimcarloughmsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimcarloughmotivation/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/jimcarloughmsYouTube: www.youtube.com/@jimcarloughmsFrederick's Links:Email: frederick@frederickbuskey.comWebsite: https://www.frederic...

About MatiMati is currently Co-Founder & COO at School In One, an EdTech App (Endeavor ScaleUp 2025 Miami-based) operating in the USA as a SaaS or "SIS" (Student Information System) for K12 schools (kindergarten to 12th grade). The platform also operates back in LatAm, with +700,000 users, 40 full-time employees, $2.5M ARR, and +800 schools in 120 different cities. The team raised $500K from one Investor in LatAm for the US market expansion.Over the last few years, he helped +300 startups internationalize in Miami, with an accelerator that Mati co-managed until October 2023, owned by businessman Moishe Mana. During that moment, He structured strategic alliances with Dell for Startups, Wilson Sonsini, Zendesk, Delta & LatAm Airlines, Marriott, Deel, and acceleration, internationalization, and local economy promotion programs with Microsoft, IDB, ProChile, ProColombia, Uruguay XXI, Ingenio Incubadora, Ganesha Lab, etc., bringing $1M ARR and growing the team from 2 to 8 people.Learn more about Mati on LinkedIn. School In One websiteInstagram: School In OneLinkedIn: School In OneAbout RachelleEducator, Keynote Speaker, Consultant, Attorney, and AuthorSubscribe to my ⁠newsletter⁠.Check out my ⁠blog⁠ and submit a guest blog.Contact me for speaking & training related to AI, AI and the law, Cybersecurity, SEL, STEM, and more!⁠bit.ly/thriveineduPD⁠Interested in a sponsored podcast or collaboration? Contact me! Rdene915@gmail.com

Today we are playing an excerpt from a series called "Writing as Healing". This series was a collaboration with author Liz Prather.In this episode she's in conversation with Willie Carver, who is a poet and the 2021 Kentucky Teacher of the Year. We'll hear about Willie's approach of using student writing as the classroom textbook which not only bypasses censorship, but also validates student voices. And Willie's personal journey of healing through poetry, models how educators can use vulnerability and storytelling to foster resilience and empathy in their classrooms.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Max Smith, Digital Marketing Manager at Region 10 ESC, shares how he's using social media to amplify school stories and connect with the community.Ready to level up your social media game? Hear how Max launched the Get Social Summit and why it's a must-attend for school communicators.Max's go-to advice: Stop ignoring comments! Learn how engaging with your audience can transform your social media presence.Do you have a social media idea that's working wonders? Max shares how other agencies can create impactful training events that bring school pros together.SPECIAL GUESTMax SmithDigital Marketing ManagerRegion 10 ESC, TexasEmail: max.smith@region10.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sterling-max-smith/ X: @SterlingMaxS  Website: https://www.region10.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Region10ESC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/region10esc/ X: https://x.com/Region10ESC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/region-10-esc/ USEFUL INFORMATIONYou're invited to the Get Social Summit! Find all information on registration, presentation proposals and more here: https://www.region10.org/o/r10esc/page/get-social-summit Order your copy of my book Social Media for Schools: Proven Storytelling Strategies & Ideas to Celebrate Your Students & Staff - While Keeping Your Sanity now!Interested in our membership program? Learn more here: https://socialschool4edu.com/MORE RESOURCESFree Video Training: Learn the simple secrets behind social media for K12 schools!Sign up for our free e-newsletter - click herewww.SocialSchool4EDU.com

In this episode,  Jethro Jones interviews Samantha Hamilton, an award-winning principal, national education consultant, speaker, and author. Samantha shares insights from her career, discusses her book 'Brave On Purpose,' and emphasizes the importance of courageous, empathetic leadership in education. The episode also touches upon the challenges of leadership, the role of faith in leadership, and tips for preventing burnout among educators.Brave on Purpose means choosing courageIntentional leadership when it's easier to not have that. LISA Academy - be seenLeaders can't rely on titles to have trust.Help people feel seen, safe, and valued.Don't have access to what happens day-to-day in schoolsLeadership on paper is different than leadership in real life.Can't assume we know what happened right before.People first paper second. More info from Erika Garcia-NilesPower of delegation & perfectionism - sign up for Jethro's email list.Interweaving faith into leadership.How to help principals who feel burnt out or stuck.What defines success today? How to be a transformative principal? Give yourself permission to be human, pick one thing that you want to get better at tomorrow. Progress over perfection. About Samantha HamiltonSamantha Hamilton (BarefootPrincipal.com) is an award-winning school principal, national education consultant, speaker, and author of non-fiction leadership books that inspire courage, connection, and culture change. With over two decades of experience in early childhood education and K-12 school leadership, she's known for transforming vision into action and heart into strategy.Born in Joplin, Missouri to two lifelong educators, Samantha began “teaching” both real and imaginary students by the age of five. That early calling grew into a career defined by faith, humor, and an unshakable belief that relationships—not rigid rules—are the foundation of lasting success. Whether she's leading a school community, coaching new leaders, or navigating chaos with compassion, Samantha brings grit, grace, and just the right amount of sparkle to shift the atmosphere.She has served in both public and charter schools, taught multiple grade levels, and led schools through tornado recovery, staffing crises, major cultural transformations, and systemwide change initiatives. Her leadership philosophy is simple: people first, always. Her impact? Anything but simple.Beyond the school walls, Samantha mentors aspiring leaders, develops curriculum, and trains educators nationwide on topics such as leadership resilience, school culture transformation, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable servant leadership. She is a doctoral candidate in Organizational Leadership and a proud wife, mom of three, and Christmas enthusiast who blends fun and focus into everything she leads.Her debut book, Brave on Purpose: How Courage, Culture, and Connection Create Lasting Impact, is a love letter to educators and leaders navigating the real trenches of change. It invites readers to lead with clarity, courage, heart, and a little sparkle. Join the Transformative Mastermind Today and work on your school, not just in it. Apply today. We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

At the time of recording, New York Magazine had released an article titled “Everyone is Cheating Their Way Through College: How ChatGPT has Unraveled the Entire Academic Project” which launched a thousand takes. The piece outlines an arms race, characterized as “a siege on education” between college professors, sneaking white-text Trojan horse prompts like “mention Dua Lipa” to confound the chatbots, and students, one of which is quoted as saying, “the ceiling has been blown off” cheating. One ethics professor elaborates to add that, “Massive numbers of students are going to emerge from university with degrees, and into the workforce, who are essentially illiterate. Both in the literal sense and in the sense of being historically illiterate and having no knowledge of their own culture, much less anyone else's.” Which captures, in my opinion, the overall tone of the piece: college is an expensive and fixed game that students endure on their way to credentials and that institutions are powerless in a losing battle to stop. Education and learning have…little to do with it. But it's also a chicken-egg issue where institutions of higher education are themselves contributing to the same attitudes they're complaining about: if students copy-paste a prompt from Blackboard into the chatbot, copy-paste the output, and submit it all to be read and graded…by an AI…whose problem is that?My favorite take on the topic of AI in education is a satire meant to be read in the bulldog diction of philosopher-provocateur Slavoj Zizek: “That AI will be the death of learning and so on; to this, I say NO! My student brings me their essay, which has been written by AI, & I plug it into my grading AI, and we are free! While the ‘learning' happens, our superego satisfied, we are free now to learn whatever we want.This is all to say that the conversation with my guest today, Texas educator Chanea Bond, was prompted by all of this, as she shared the New York Magazine piece with the challenge, “Somebody invite me on your podcast to talk about this article!” and three weeks later…here we are. I'm hoping today to get Chanea's insight on the impact of AI in education and so much more facing teachers, students, and schools in 2025.EduTopia - Why I'm Banning Student AI Use This Year by Chanea Bond

Join Josh, Chris, and Mark for Episode 219! We dive into the latest news, including the State of Maine's Yubikey deployment, the reintroduction of KOSA, and Google's Gemini and NotebookLM now available for K12. Plus, we'll cover the ongoing E-rate decision. Our main topic for this episode: How are you deploying AI in your district now that major LLMs are available for K12? We'll discuss what districts should consider before turning on Gemini or CoPilot, whether to deploy to all grades, and the necessity of having an AI policy in place. Don't miss this essential discussion for K12 tech leaders! For questions, email us at info@k12techtalkpodcast.com. 00:00:00-Intro 00:06:00-Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) 00:09:21-Gemini is now K-12 00:11:26-MFA for Maine! 00:19:12-Enabling AI for all ages -------------------- Eaton - What does an IT pro do? A children's book. K12 IT pros like you have been sharing Eaton's What does an IT pro do? children's book with their school's teachers and libraries. Inspire tiny IT pros interest in STEM with Eaton's first children's tale where Honey, the badger, teaches her classmates how an IT pro can be like a doctor, a detective, a teacher and so much more! Grab your free copy at https://forms.office.com/r/JPaKdQptjU. Eaton - Lower Kuskokwim School District Success Story Fortinet VIZOR VIZOR - Strafford R-VI (Missouri) Case Study Extreme Managed Methods -------------------- Email us at k12techtalk@gmail.com OR info@k12techtalkpodcast.com Call us at 314-329-0363 Join the K12TechPro Community Buy some swag X @k12techtalkpod Facebook Visit our LinkedIn Music by Colt Ball Disclaimer: The views and work done by Josh, Chris, and Mark are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of sponsors or any respective employers or organizations associated with the guys. K12 Tech Talk itself does not endorse or validate the ideas, views, or statements expressed by Josh, Chris, and Mark's individual views and opinions are not representative of K12 Tech Talk. Furthermore, any references or mention of products, services, organizations, or individuals on K12 Tech Talk should not be considered as endorsements related to any employer or organization associated with the guys.

Throwback Thursday! Diversity as Value-Added featuring Dr. Leighangela BradyOriginally Released On: 9-8-2023This week, we're revisiting one of our timeless episodes from Leading Out The Woods! In this episode:✅ Dr. Brady shares the work her team is doing in National School District to develop exceptionally prepared learners.✅ Dr. Brady gives tips on engaging all stakeholders in meaningful planning and strategic partnerships.Whether you're hearing it for the first time or revisiting a classic, this conversation is packed with insights that still resonate today.

Public dollars. Private schools. Political firestorms. In this episode, Kevin talks with long-time school choice advocate John Schilling about what happens when education funding follows the student instead of the system. They dig into the proposed federal scholarship tax credit: what it is, who it helps, and why supporters say it's about opportunity—not ideology. Opponents fear it's the beginning of the end for public schools. Advocates say it's already helping students, especially those in underserved communities. From Florida's model programs to Washington's sharp divisions, this conversation reveals how political will, policy design, and real family needs are shaping the future of school choice. If education is supposed to be about students, then maybe the money should be too. This might be what you want to know. What You'll Learn 01:30 – Why John Got Into School Choice 04:30 – State Politics vs. Federal Legislation 07:30 – What Is a Federal Tax Credit for Education? 09:00 – Florida as a School Choice Success Story 10:30 – How Federal Credits Could Expand Access Nationwide 12:00 – Will This Hurt or Help Public Schools? 15:00 – Research on Outcomes for Scholarship Students 16:30 – Can We Take the Politics Out of Education? 19:30 – What's Next for the Legislation? Go Deeper with John Schilling

What if your first day of school wasn't just nerve-wracking, but something you'd spent your entire life preparing for? That's the reality for Auggie Pullman, the main character in Wonder (2017), a film that tells the story of a young boy with facial differences entering a mainstream school for the first time. In this episode, host Kevin Stoller, co-host Carla Cummins, and guest speaker Brian Proctor took a deep dive into the film - not just as a touching family drama, but as a case study in education. From peer relationships to teacher support to the role of school culture, Wonder gives us a lens through which we can evaluate how schools succeed - or fail - in creating inclusive, student-centered environments. The panel explores the film's central themes of belonging, identity, and the dynamics of family and friendship. They dive into character development, examining how each person - Auggie, his sister Via, classmates like Jack Will, and school leaders - represents a different experience with acceptance and adversity. The conversation also touches on kindness, leadership, bullying, and the growing influence of social media in school dynamics. Guest Brian Proctor, who transitioned from education leadership to a role in school architecture, shares his perspective on how physical space contributes to emotional safety and inclusion.   Takeaways: Family dynamics play a crucial role in shaping children's emotional and social growth. The principal's leadership style showcases how kindness and character education can take priority over rigid rule enforcement. Quotes from the film, like “When given the choice between being right and being kind, choose kind,” leave a lasting emotional impact. Social media is a double-edged sword—it can amplify support, but also bullying, shaping students' daily realities.     About Brian Proctor: With 25 years of experience in public education, Brian Proctor joined Ratio as an Associate Principal and Education Planner, bringing new perspectives and thought processes to projects as he serves as a bridge between K12 clients and design teams. Brian offers unique and relevant insights based on his first-hand experience within education organizations, including years of leadership as an elementary school principal and as a key contributor to the design and development teams of multiple school renovation and construction projects. Drawn to Ratio's values-driven culture and community-focused team, Brian shares a passion for personal growth and positive impact. He connects people through fun and energetic communication that comforts and engages and encourages active participation. His work focuses not only on the social and emotional wellbeing of students and staff, but also on purposeful design that supports all learners. By simplifying situations and spaces – reducing barriers and minimizing anxiety – schools become fun and nurturing spaces where kids feel a sense of autonomy and support, and love to learn. Brian is a caring and energetic connector who gains his own personal fulfillment by sharing with others and spreading joy – often supported by a closet full of entertaining costumes. Devoting as much time as he can to gathering with family and friends, Brian is dedicated to cultivating partnerships, nurturing relationships, and building better communities – and to taking life one day at a time, making sure to stop along the way to have fun.   “If we're asking teachers and kids to be innovative in their learning and problem solving, then we need to be innovative too.”     Learn More About Brian Proctor: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianproctor2022/       Connect with host, Kevin Stoller: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/   Connect with co-host, Carla Cummins: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-cummins-01449659/   Learn More About Kay-Twelve: Website: https://kay-twelve.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kay-twelve-com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kay_twelve/       Episode 237 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.     For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website

Arguably America's greatest living playwright, David Mamet, drops by to discuss movies, theater, philosophy, and his new book, The Disenlightenment: Politics, Horror, and Entertainment, in which he offers sharp insights into American culture, politics, and the art of storytelling. WARNING: THIS EPISODE IS MARKED EXPLICIT as the language gets quite spicy, and we did not quack the f-bombs. Otherwise, the episode would resemble a waddling of ducks. Shout out to our great sponsors CompanyCam.com Jobsite photo tools to manage work from anywhere. American-Giant.com/MIKE Use code MIKE to get 20% off your order. NetSuite.com/Mike Download the FREE e-book, Navigating Global Trade: Insights for Leaders. K12.com/ROWE Find a tuition-free K12-powered school near you. LifeVac.net Use code MIKE to get 20% off your full purchase

In this episode, I'm joined by Jennifer Lempp, author of Math Workshop, and Sue O'Connell, co-author of Math by the Book. Together, they share how these two powerful resources can work hand in hand to bring structure, creativity, and real world context to elementary math instruction.They explore how to use children's literature to launch math investigations, how to differentiate through small groups, and ultimately build a classroom culture where students see themselves as capable problem solvers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Superintendent Dr. Jason Hewitt and communications pro Erin Goad open up about how Shepherd ISD rebuilt community trust using social media.Think you can't afford a communications director? Hear how Erin's unique path from librarian to storyteller is helping transform culture in their small Texas district of 1900 students.Wondering how to celebrate teachers and grow your own staff? Don't miss Shepherd's jaw-dropping surprise patrol and Inspire program—it's changing lives.Shepherd ISD made a bold move: turning off Facebook comments. Find out why—and how it actually boosted engagement and community respect.SPECIAL GUESTSDr. Jason HewittSuperintendentShepherd ISD, TexasEmail: jhewitt@shepherdisd.net Erin GoadDirector of Communications and Library ServicesShepherd ISD, TexasEmail: egoad@shepherdisd.net Website: https://www.shepherdisd.net Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShepherdISD/ USEFUL INFORMATIONLearn more about the TIA - Teacher Incentive Allotment Awards - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIw3NvPKw0gPlanning to attend NSPRA? Don't miss our 4-hour workshop with #SocialSchool4EDU on Sunday, July 20! Get hands-on strategies to level up your school's social media game. Sign up here

In this episode, Dr. Sarah Ranney shares her journey from instructional coach to executive director of Lafayette Preparatory Academy. She and Jethro dive into the powerful—and sometimes delicate—dynamics of instructional coaches evaluating teachers. Dr. Ranney discusses how LPA has built a culture of continuous improvement, the role of academic rigor, and how leadership vision shapes school success.Lafayette Preparatory Academy, started k-2 and added a grade each year, K-8The reason schools exist is to educate kids. Strong academic program Inner core of St. Louis CityDiverse by design - socio-economic status and race and religious diversityWhat three words would you use to define our school? It really does take a village to raise a childParent experienceIntake conference - teachers asking parents to build relationshipsFamilies are our students' first teachers. Teachers are spending many hours with our kids. Students grew academically over the pandemic because of the relationships with parents. Designing school. Data personalizes and depersonalizes all at the same timeTeaching is a very personal project. If you think you don't have anywhere to grow, you probably should get out of the field you're in. Why their coaches do evaluations instead of the principal.How to be a transformative principal? Ask for feedback and be willing to be vulnerable to respond to that feedback.About Dr. Sarah Ranney  Dr. Sarah Ranney has been with Lafayette Preparatory Academy (LPA) since 2014 and is a proud parent to an LPA 8th grader. She believes that every child has an inalienable right to attain an excellent education no matter their economic status, residential location, or background. Sarah joined LPA after four years working as an instructional coach with Teach For America where she focused on developing Early Childhood and Elementary teachers across the metropolitan area. She supported more than 300 teachers in more than 40 schools during her tenure there. Prior to Teach For America, Sarah spent several years in the classroom in the St. Louis Public Schools and an Independent, Private School. Sarah has an Ed.D in School Administration as well as an Education Specialist and Masters in School Administration from the University of Missouri- St. Louis, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Webster University, a Bachelor of Arts in Media Relations and a Bachelor of Arts in Women's and Gender Studies from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She is a certified Teacher, Principal, and Superintendent. Sarah is also a Doula and Certified Lactation Counselor. She is also an Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 362 and loves helping youth develop leadership skills in the great outdoors. When not at school, you might find her playing strategic games like War Chest or Settlers of Catan or hanging out in Tower Grove park with her family. Join the Transformative Mastermind Today and work on your school, not just in it. Apply today. We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

New York Times bestselling author Codie Sanchez has a background working in finance but gave up Wall Street for Main Street. She is a blue-collar entrepreneur and investor known for buying and growing “boring” cash-flow businesses like laundromats and car washes. She founded Contrarian Thinking to help others achieve financial freedom through unconventional investing. Big thanks to our awesome sponsors K12.com/ROWE to find a tuition-free K12-powered school near you. AuraFrames.com/Mike Use code: Mike to get $30 off their best-selling Carver Mat frame. ZipRecruiter.com/Rowe to try ZipRecruiter for FREE. PureTalk.com/Rowe to support veterans switch to America's wireless company.  

It's the end of the school year - a great time for Colby to share how he celebrates reading with his 5th grade students.This episode is sponsored by NOSY CROW, and their innovative STORIES ALOUD program, which gives readers instant access to professionally produced and narrated versions of their books. Look for the STORIES ALOUD QR code on the back of Nosy Crow books to give it a try.Click here for an audio sample, from the book WHO ATE STEVE?