Podcasts about school leaders

Send a textSchool leaders carry a lot. Meetings, emails, student issues, instructional leadership, planning, and the constant stream of unexpected interruptions can make every day feel overwhelming.But leadership isn't about doing everything. It's about focusing your time and energy on the work that actually moves your school forward.In this episode of The Empowered Educator Show, you'll explore practical systems for prioritizing tasks and managing your time more effectively as a leader—especially if your brain tends to move fast and juggle a lot of ideas at once.Mel shares the real systems she uses to stay focused, reduce overwhelm, and make sure the most important leadership work doesn't get buried under daily urgency.This episode is professional development on the go for school leaders who want practical tools they can start using immediately.In This Episode, You'll Learn• How the Eisenhower Matrix helps leaders sort tasks by urgency and importance • A simple decision filter: Delay, Delete, or Delegate • Why visual organization (like a color-coded calendar) can improve focus • How the Big, Middle, and Small Rocks system keeps daily priorities clear • A strategy for identifying Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 priorities across the school yearSupport the showDownload 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 NIL enforcement czar says an influx of third-party deals is not what many school leaders expected. Correspondent Gethin Coolbaugh reports.

Show Title: Make Every Moment Count with POY Jason JohnsonPower Quote: Make Every Moment CountTeaser:The R word – relationships. Sometimes it feels like we talk about it too much but not enough. It doesn't make sense, but I hope you know what I mean. In a digital world, it feels like relationships are an analog concept, but I think they are more important now than ever.Sponsor Spot 1:- If you love travel, but your student trips are starting to feel a little… copy-and-paste, it might be time to level up.That's why I recommend Kaleidoscope Adventures.They've been planning educational travel for more than 30 years. And the best part? No cookie-cutter itineraries. Every trip is built around your program, your budget, and your goals.Whether you're dreaming of a trip to Universal's EPIC Universe, a history-filled journey to Washington, D.C., or even an international adventure, Kaleidoscope Adventures can help you plan a trip your students will never forget.Get inspired today at mykatrip.com. Kaleidoscope Adventures - Travel Beyond ExpectationsShow IntroIt's not too early to think about summer. No. not the vacation, the learning that can happen. The team at Summer Pops are educators with a passion for preventing the backwards summer slide in math, and Summer Pops is a unique and engaging approach to summer enrichment. I encourage you to connect with Summer Pops for free workbook samples. Go to summerpopsworkbooks.com to get your free copy and of course, the link is in the show notes.Guest Bio:Jason M. Johnson is the 2025 North Carolina Principal of the Year and serves as Principal of Orange High School in Hillsborough, NC. With over 28 years in public education, he has led impactful change in both middle and high school settings. Under his leadership, Orange High exceeded academic growth in 2023–2024 and 2024-2025 and improved its state performance grade from a C to a B. A proud NC A&T alumnus, Johnson holds graduate degrees from UNC Greensboro. He has served as Executive Director of Schools, School Transformation Coach (NC Department of Instruction), and principal of multiple schools, and he sits on several advisory boards and state leadership associations. Johnson believes in equity, opportunity, and high expectations. He is married to Heather and is the proud father of Jason, Addison, Ava, and Aidan.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/Prompts“It's all about relationships” is a popular phrase and you spoke eloquently about relationships in your session this past December at NCPAPA. Can we go deep on relationships?When we talk about “relationships” what do we actually mean? What are the indicators of healthy professional relationships?Why are relationships so important? Has their importance changed from when you were early in your career?Many administrators wind up leading the school they taught in, which leads to some complicated relationships. Thoughts?How do you sustain a school that is too big (literally has too many people for you to know them all)? How do you build powerful relationships in a time with increased turnover?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 upRemind your teachers they can be a hero to kids – Look for strengths - one sentence mattersRemind yourself you can be a hero to your teachers (not by fixing but by supporting)Make every moment count (cv=every moment matters)Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!Ranford's homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford's music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/CloseLeadership 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 present...

"

In this episode, host Mike Caldwell sits down with Dr. Marie Bordeleau, a veteran Catholic and public school leader with over 25 years of experience, to discuss the realities of school leadership. Marie shares insights from her upcoming book, The Dust and the Glory, exploring how principals can navigate criticism, avoid burnout, and find joy in the chaos. From the importance of staying "in the arena" to setting boundaries and embracing slow, steady progress, this conversation offers practical wisdom for any school leader feeling the weight of the job. Marie also reflects on leading through crises like 9/11, the 2008 recession, and COVID—and why mission-driven, servant leadership is the key to holding schools together when everything feels fragile.Links:Website: InTheArena.comEmail: marie@inthearenacoaching.comBook: The Dust and the Glory: Finding God in the Chaos of Catholic School Leadership (March 2026) - LinkedLeaders Profile: https://linkedleaders.com/mentors/7f7772dd-f9a3-4160-91f2-c08fbe3380d6 Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks and IXL:We're proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.If you're a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation. We're also 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

ITP-141  Caryn Pelletier joins the International Teacher Podcast to share her 25-year international teaching journey across Egypt, Ghana, Italy, Tanzania, Qatar, Vietnam, Nigeria, and Bahrain. She talks about moving overseas as a teaching couple, navigating international school recruiting through Search Associates and GRC, and the realities of hardship postings, expat life, school contracts, and cultural adjustment. The episode also features memorable stories about safaris, police shakedowns, international school life, and how teaching abroad can lead to a life full of travel, resilience, and unexpected opportunity.Chapters:(00:00) Introduction and New Developments(03:01) The Journey of Teaching Abroad(04:53) Caryn's Transition into Education(07:47) Experiences in Egypt(10:59) Life in Ghana(13:47) Teaching in Italy(16:57) Adventures in Tanzania(19:48) Safari Stories and Reflections(25:06) The Lion Encounters(29:36) Adventures in Africa(32:07) Cultural Experiences in Qatar(37:12) Teaching Challenges in Egypt(39:07) Life in Vietnam(40:49) Navigating Nigeria(43:14) Transitioning to Bahrain(44:09) Exploring GRC Recruitment(50:34) Interviewing in Unique Spaces(51:22) The Evolution of Recruitment Tools(52:36) Navigating Job Offers and Interviews(54:21) Reflections on International Teaching Experiences(55:15) Essentials for Feeling at Home Abroad(57:16) Police Encounters in Foreign Lands(01:01:11) Advice for Aspiring International Teachers(01:04:51) The Journey of Writing and Publishing Books-more information-The International Teacher Podcast is a bi-weekly discussion with experts in international education. New Teachers, burned out local teachers, local School Leaders, International school Leadership, current Overseas Teachers, and everyone interested in international schools can benefit from hearing stories and advice about living and teaching overseas.Additional Gems Related to Our Show:Greg's Favorite Video From Living Overseas - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQWKBwzF-hw⁠Signup to be our guest  ⁠https://calendly.com/itpexpat/itp-interview?month=2025-01⁠Our Website⁠ -  ⁠https://www.itpexpat.com/⁠Our FaceBook Group - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/itpexpat⁠⁠JPMint Consulting Website  - ⁠https://www.jpmintconsulting.com/⁠Greg's Personal YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs1B3Wc0wm6DR_99OS5SyzvuzENc-bBdO⁠Books By Gregory Lemoine:⁠International Teacher Guide: Finding the "Right Fit" 2nd Edition (2025)⁠ | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.⁠⁠"International Teaching: The Best-kept Secret in Education"⁠⁠ | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.Apps by Greg:https://apps.apple.com/app/6755244840  1. Who's That? Name & Face Trainer  Nov 21, 2025https://apps.apple.com/app/6756509803   2. Facetag | Memory Trainer   Dec 16, 2025

In this episode, I'm speaking to Costas Constantinou. Costas is the co-founder and Director of Education at Veema Education, an organisation that provides professional development and school improvement programs internationally. A former London-based school leader, he specialises in training, coaching, and supporting educators globally. He is also the author of "A School Leader's Guide to Leading Professional Development".Professional development is a fascinating phenomenon, given those in charge are tasked with building a shared language of excellence for staff, who might have ten different definitions of what a "good lesson" even looks like. On top of this, it's culturally and contextually complex, and is arguably one of the most interesting design challenges in education right now. So, getting Costas into discuss best practice was a real privilege.We discuss:How and why schools should move from one-off events to multi-year CPD that establishes whole-school priorities while still being relevant at the department levelHow can leaders can make CPD meaningful for both early career teachers and experienced subject specialistsHow we foster 'disciplined inquiry,' where teachers identify their own professional needsMoving from measuring teacher satisfaction to measuring its actual impact on student learningAnd finally, how to simplify engagement with evidence so it feels practical rather than a choreThanks again to Costas, someone who's spent years truly deconstructing the ‘how' and ‘why' of school improvement, for his insights into the rigorous, evidence-backed architecture PD can offer.If you'd like to be kept up to date on when chat like this happens, feel free to subscribe to the podcast and follow me on LinkedIn @chrisjordanhk or X @chrisjordanhkAdditionally, if you would like a head start on learning how to prioritise your middle years English curriculum, head to the bottom of this podcast's show notes or top of my stream on X to find a beta copy of my forthcoming book: Make Middle Years English Matter. You can read as much as you want and even highlight elements that you like, dislike or find confusing to help make it better.Links:Costas' book: A School Leader's Guide to Leading Professional DevelopmentBeta version of Make Middle Years English Matter

Send a textIn this Power Surge episode, Dr. Mel Vandevort reminds  school leaders that rest isn't a luxury—it's a leadership strategy. She shares a personal story about taking time off during the school year to reconnect with family and the powerful lesson it revealed about balance, growth, and sustainability.Listen in to discover why stepping away is one of the most impactful forms of professional learning you can practice right now.Support the showDownload 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 leadership episode, Ryan sits down with Mitch Weisburgh to explore Mind Shifting — a brain-based framework designed to help educators and leaders develop resourcefulness, resilience, and constructive collaboration. If you lead a school or district, this episode digs into: Emotional regulation under pressure Conflict resolution styles Brain science behind stress and decision-making How to create long-term engagement and agency in staff and students The conversation connects directly to PBL environments, where collaboration, innovation, and engagement are essential. What Is Mind Shifting? Mitch defines Mind Shifting as the ability to intentionally move from reactive survival thinking to resourceful, solution-focused thinking. It consists of three core elements: 1. Resourcefulness Recognizing when you're “stuck” or emotionally triggered Quieting the reactive brain (limbic system) Accessing executive function for critical thinking, innovation, and connection Helping students co-regulate and self-direct When leaders stay resourceful, they model it for staff and students. 2. Resilience Resilience isn't “pushing through failure.” It's removing the concept of failure altogether. Instead: Try something. Gather information. Adjust. Mitch shares the story of a Finnish superintendent who didn't view initiatives as failures — only experiments that produced data. Key shift:From “Did this work?”To “What did we learn?” 3. Conflict & Collaboration Conflict is inevitable. The question is how we use it. Mitch explains five conflict resolution styles: Compete – “Do it because I said so.” Accommodate – Giving the other person what they want. Avoid – Delay or disengage. Compromise – Both sides give up something. Collaborate – Expand the solution to meet both parties' needs. No style is inherently wrong.Effective leaders are flexible and intentional. True long-term change requires collaboration — especially in PBL environments. The Brain Science Behind It When stressed: The limbic system activates. Cortisol and adrenaline flood the brain. Logical thinking decreases. Defensiveness increases. You cannot reason someone out of a survival state. This applies to: Students Teachers Administrators Skeptical staff Regulation first. Logic second. The Sage Mindset for Leaders In chaotic weeks (which every principal knows well), Mitch recommends adopting a Sage Perspective: Step 1: Is This Really Important? Apply the Pareto Principle: 20% of issues = 80% of impact Don't overinvest in low-impact frustrations Step 2: Identify the Gift Every challenge offers one of three gifts: Gift of Learning – What did I learn? Gift of Practice – What skill did I practice? Gift of Intention – What action will this trigger? That action could be: A personal reset/reward A collaborative discussion A strategic adjustment This reframes stress into growth. Strength-Based Feedback: The CASES Framework Mitch shares a structure used in Finland called CASES: C – Context (What happened, factually) A – Action (What the person did) S – Strength (What positive trait showed up) E – Effect (Impact of the action) S – Step Forward (Collaboratively decide next move) It shifts discipline from confrontation to development. The key: Practice it until fluent.You won't access structure in the heat of the moment without rehearsal. Application in PBL Environments Ryan reflects on how: High-trust classrooms allow occasional “compete” moments. Emotional regulation prevents power struggles. Psychological safety enables challenge and growth. Agency lowers cortisol. In Magnify Learning PBL workshops: Clear outcomes reduce anxiety. Chunked steps prevent overwhelm. Participant-driven “Need to Know” sessions build ownership. Brain science explains why this works. How to Handle Skeptics You don't debate them. When people are in survival mode: Stress hormones block logic. Evidence won't land. Instead: Frame mind shifting as a way to improve critical thinking and perseverance. Let personal realization happen naturally. Focus on student outcomes first. People buy in when they see themselves in the process. Practical Takeaways for School Leaders Emotional regulation is leadership currency. You model the nervous system of your building. Collaboration builds long-term commitment. Conflict can produce better solutions — if handled intentionally. Practice structured communication before you need it. Agency lowers fear. Resilience = experimentation, not perfection. Resources and links: MindShifting with Mitch newsletter: https://mindshiftingwithmitch.blog/ MindShifting with Mitch website: https://www.mindshiftingwithmitch.com/ Book: MindShifting, Stop Your Brain from Sabotaging Your Happiness and Success: https://a.co/d/242NDWd Book: MindShifting, Conflict and Collaboration https://a.co/d/7sve5d0 MindShifting Courses: https://events.humanitix.com/host/mitchell-weisburgh Mitch's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mweisburgh/ Mitch's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weisburghm/ Mitch's X: https://x.com/weisburghm

Support, Don't SolveTeaser:Becoming a strategic leader is a journey – a long one. It's a journey full of stops and starts, and slow incremental improvement. But there are also some inflection points – places where leaders make a great leap forward. Those inflection points usually have more to do with changes in perception than the acquisition of knowledge or skills. Today's topic is an inflection point. To get to the place where you are growing your teachers, you have to first stop trying to fix things for them. Don't fix, grow. You can't do both. Today's wonderful guest is going to help us learn how to stop being a serial fixer. Before we dive into the interview, I's like you to think about summer…When students practice math over the summer, math scores go up. So, what's your summer math plan this year? Whether you have no summer math program, or are curious about what a research-based program looks like. Check out Summer Pops for free. Get your FREE workbook samples today at Summer Pops Workbooks.com. The link is in the show notes.Show IntroSponsor 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.Guest Bio:Leah Marone is a psychotherapist, Yale Clinical Instructor, and corporate mental wellness consultant with over 20 years of experience. A former Division 1 athlete, she specializes in high-achievers struggling with imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and performance anxiety. Leah has conducted over 20,000 therapy sessions and contributed to Psychology Today, Newsweek, and The Atlantic. She works with organizations on burnout prevention, boundary setting, and emotional intelligence. A sought-after speaker, Leah has presented her Support, Don't Solve framework to leaders nationwide. Her new book, Serial Fixer, exploring the hidden patterns of over-functioning and how to break free.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/PromptsAssistant principals are the ultimate serial fixers out of a desire to serve. Let's begin by untangling this emotional piece of being a fixer.One reason APs do too much fixing is they aren't sure how to validate the person's needs without fixing them. Can you talk about the hierarchy of steps that can lead us to being supporters instead of fixers?What are some baby steps serial fixers can take to become supporters?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 upControl disguised as compassion (making them feel better makes us feel better)Support don't solve and creating dependenciesUse validation as the break and inquiry as the acceleratorBegin by being self-awareSpecial thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!Ranford's homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford's music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/CloseLeadership 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!...

Send a text​In the first half of this powerful two-part series, we sit down with Principal Baruti Kafele, a renowned school leadership expert and best-selling author. This conversation moves past the daily logistics of school management to challenge administrators with a foundational question: What is your instructional value to the teachers you supervise?​Kafele dives deep into the "locker room" of school culture, the high stakes of teacher coaching and the self-awareness required to see your own leadership blind spots. ​Key Discussion Points​The Identity Shift: Moving from a building manager who "puts out fires" to an intentional instructional coach who drives pedagogical growth.​The Locker Room Analogy: Why a principal staying in the office during the school day is like a coach staying in the locker room during "Game Day."​The Danger of "Satisfactory": How a lack of consistent classroom data leads to default ratings that fail to tap into a teacher's—or student's—true potential.​The "Walk" and Self-Awareness: A personal story from Principal Kafele about an intimidating habit he didn't know he had until he saw it on film.​The Three-Pronged Process: An introduction to the methodical cycle of pre-observation conversations, laser-focused classroom visits, and collaborative debriefs.​Featured Guest​Baruti Kafele is a former award-winning high school principal and a leading authority on school leadership and culture. He is the author of several books, including What Is My Value to the Teachers I Supervise? and is a highly sought-after featured presenter at the SREB Making Schools Work Conference. ​Resources Mentioned​PrincipalKafele.com: Baruti Kafele's official website for books, resources, and speaking information.​The Assistant Principal & New Principals Academy: Principal Kafele's weekly YouTube live stream for school leaders.​What Is My Value to the Teachers I Supervise?: Principal Kafele's latest book focused on instructional leadership. The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce. Follow Us on Social: Facebook Instagram X

In this episode, Crawlspace Media's Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna are joined by new friend of the show, renowned doctor and foremost expert on gaslighting, Dr. Robin Stern. The conversation proves to be amongst the most important ones aired. Dr. Stern breaks down the nuances of gaslighting and how people use that tactic to manipulate relationships of all kinds to further their own agendas. This episode was previously published on Crawlspace on February 18th, 2026. Check out everything Dr. Stern has going on: ⁠Home - Robin Stern Robin Stern https://robinstern.com⁠ Listen to Dr. Stern's podcast: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1XdjMoLzr9s0T8QIvXThn0?si=25729f29c93949bb⁠ ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gaslight-effect-podcast/id1645322193⁠ And pick up your copies of Dr. Stern's books: The Gaslight Effect ⁠https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-gaslight-effect-how-to-spot-and-survive-the-hidden-manipulation-others-use-to-control-your-life-dr-robin-stern/aa1d51d5eb5b0518?ean=9780767924467&next=t⁠ The Gaslight Effect Recovery Guide ⁠https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/702846/the-gaslight-effect-recovery-guide-by-dr-robin-stern/⁠ Emotional Intelligence for School Leaders ⁠https://hep.gse.harvard.edu/9781682538647/emotional-intelligence-for-school-leaders/⁠ Dr. Stern is also the co-founder and associate Director for the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence: ⁠https://medicine.yale.edu/childstudy/services/community-and-schools-programs/center-for-emotional-intelligence/⁠ Check out Quince: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://quince.com/MISSING⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Main podcast theme by Kevin Macleod. Check out his work at ⁠⁠https://incompetech.com/⁠⁠. Additional music by David Williams. See his work at ⁠⁠http://williamsflutes.com⁠⁠. Follow Crawlspace: IG:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/Crawlspacepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. TT:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@crawlspacepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. FB:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/Crawlspacepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://twitter.com/crawlspacepod.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/7iSnqnCf27NODdz0pJ1GvJ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Youtube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/crawlspace⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Apple:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crawlspace-true-crime-mysteries/id1187326340⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Missing: IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/MissingCSM/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. TT:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@missingcsm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. FB:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/MissingCSM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://twitter.com/MissingCSM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Spotify:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/0yRXkJrZC85otfT7oXMcri⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Youtube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/missingcsm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Apple:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/missing/id1006974447⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Check out our entire network at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://crawlspace-media.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Outline and Show NotesGuest:Links and promo stuff?Preferred name/title?Relax and laughWill be video recording and may use small or big piecesSmall things won't be editedIf there is a gaff – long pauseIntro-interview-outroQuestions for me?FB hit recordShow Title: When there are “I's” in TEAM with Dr. Chad DumasPower Quote:Teaser:I'm really excited about today's episode. I had so much fun recording it and I think that lightness and positivity come out in the interview. It's a great combination of high-level stuff and some really fundamental truths about teams and leaderships. This might be one of those episodes that you want to listen to twice and take notes. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I did recording it.Sponsor Spot 1:Friends/School leaders, When students practice math over the summer, math scores go up. So, what's your summer math plan this year? Whether you have no summer math program, or are curious about what a research-based program looks like. Check out Summer Pops for free. Get your FREE workbook samples today at Summer Pops Workbooks.com. The link is in the show notes.Show IntroGuest Bio:Dr. Chad Dumas is a Solution Tree PLC at Work, Assessment, and Priority Schools associate and international consultant, presenter, and award-winning researcher. His primary focus is collaborating to develop capacity for continuous improvement. With a quarter century of successful leadership experience, Chad has led significant improvements for both students and staff. He shares his research and knowledge in his three books on PLCs, and his most recent book, the Teacher Team Leader Handbook. Chad's consulting and training includes research, stories, hands-on tools, useful knowledge, and practical skills. He most recently was the executive director of elementary education in the Ames Community School District, a preschool thru grade 12 district of 5,000 students in central Iowa. Before this he was the director of learning for Hastings Public Schools in south-central Nebraska for nine years. Chad is one of the few three-time guests as he appeared back in episodes 202 and 246.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/PromptsThe driving question will be: I have a 7th grade team who doesn't get along. Each wants to do their own thing. Our 6th grade team collaborates and integrates ELA into multiple subjects and student achievement data is much higher there. Our 7th grade has a daily PLC time, but they do not use it well. Help!Let's begin with common teams dysfunctions:People?Processes?Purpose?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…- If you love travel, but your student trips are starting to feel a little… copy-and-paste, it might be time to level up.That's why I recommend Kaleidoscope Adventures.They've been planning educational travel for more than 30 years. And the best part? No cookie-cutter itineraries. Every trip is built around your program, your budget, and your goals.Whether you're dreaming of a trip to Universal's EPIC Universe, a history-filled journey to Washington, D.C., or even an international adventure, Kaleidoscope Adventures can help you plan a trip your students will never forget.Get inspired today at mykatrip.com. Kaleidoscope Adventures - Travel Beyond ExpectationsSummary/wrap up“Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom.”Four root problems: Why? (purpose)What and how (processes)Lack of trustIllogical resistorsAll => M=v/eCleaning snow off the wrong car - Collaboration has to be meaningfulStep 1: learn;  Step 2: create more alignmentSpecial thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!Ranford's homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford's music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/Summer Pops: Summer Pops Workbooks.com CloseLeadership 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 yo...

Four years after ChatGPT changed everything, schools are still treading water.In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kip Glazer, principal of Mountain View High School, home of Google, and author of Ready to Lead With AI: A Practical Guide for School Leaders. Dr. Kip has been in this conversation since 2015 and she is bringing ALL of that experience to the table.We talk about why the AI cheating conversation is failing our students, what questions every school leader should be asking vendors before letting ANY tool into their school, and why the real work has always been about human connection, not detection.If you are a school leader, educator, or aspiring administrator trying to navigate AI without losing sight of what matters most, this one is for you.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Context Setting02:55 The Impact of AI on Education05:48 Navigating AI as a School Leader08:49 Practical Applications of AI in Schools11:37 Mindset and Attitude in Leadership14:48 Actionable Tips for School Leaders17:43 The Role of Pedagogy in Technology Integration20:36 Community and Collaboration in Learning26:31 AI and Equity in Education30:06 Innovative Pedagogy and Student Engagement34:41 Empowering Student Voices in Decision-Making39:09 Navigating Tech Chauvinism in Education43:51 Enhancing Human Connection through AISponsor ShoutoutThank you to our sponsors: Book Creator, Eduaide.AI, and Peel Back Education for supporting My EdTech Life.Get 3 Months of Book Creator Premium Access Free!Use Code: MyEdTechLifeStay Techie ✌️Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

I accidentally made a podcast using NotebookLM, and I never planned a second of it. In this episode, I share the story of how I was building Practical AI for School Leaders, uploaded mycourse script to NotebookLM to create a self-assessment, and then discovered what the 'Audio Overview' button could do. What you'll hear in this video:How I planned and scripted the entire Practical AI forSchool Leaders course before filmingHow NotebookLM built a complete self-assessment from the course scriptWhat happened when I clicked 'Audio Overview' (and why it surprised me)Excerpts from the AI-generated podcast episode Last week's episode (watch this first): https://frankbuck.org/practical-ai/ Register for Practical AI forSchool Leaders:Alabama school leaders: PowerSchool Professional Learning (search the course title)Everyone: FrankBuck.org/plu$97 Starts March 1

Early childhood education promotes leaders faster than almost any other industry — and school leaders are paying the price.In this episode, Chanie Wilschanski names a quiet but growing leadership crisis inside schools: teachers are promoted into leadership roles based on warmth, availability, and emotional labor — not relational stamina, discernment, or leadership infrastructure.You'll hear why early childhood lacks true leadership pipelines, how urgency and exhaustion drive premature promotions, and why titles alone don't build capacity. Chanie breaks down what other industries do differently — and what school leaders must begin building now if they want leadership that's steady, sustainable, and not built on survival.This conversation is for school owners and leaders who promoted someone hoping for relief — and instead found themselves carrying even more weight.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy early childhood promotes leaders earlier than almost any other industryThe difference between emotional labor and leadership staminaWhy warmth and likability don't equal leadership readinessHow premature promotion creates top-heavy leadership and invisible pressureWhat discernment actually looks like in school leadershipWhy mentorship and rhythms matter more than titlesHow to stop passing emotional labor from one leader to the nextKey InsightsEmotional regulation is not leadership. Adults don't grow through comfort — they grow through stamina.Titles without capacity create collapse. Promoting without scaffolding only shifts the weight.Discernment is a leadership muscle. It must be built through rhythm, mentorship, and exposure.Infrastructure protects leaders. Systems, standards, and rhythms distribute pressure instead of concentrating it.Memorable Quotes“You cannot hug an adult into accountability.”“We reward warmth without cultivating relational stamina.”“Adults don't grow through discomfort — they grow through stamina.”“Titles change, but emotional labor doesn't.”Why This Matters for School LeadersPrevents burnout caused by premature promotionsCreates leadership clarity instead of survival-based decisionsProtects owners from becoming the emotional shock absorberBuilds leadership capacity that holds under pressure

"

ITP - 140 A Liverpool-born educator who once resisted teaching ends up saying yes to South Korea—and never looks back. Ken Bence traces an 18+ year arc from public-school TEFL to PGCE, then into a fast-growing bilingual school in Shanghai where rapid expansion pulled him into hiring, standards alignment, and early leadership. Seeking the IB bridge, he lands in Kuwait and grows into K–12 instructional coaching with the help of strong mentors, then tackles leadership fairs, multiple offers, and a vice head role that drops him back into China just as COVID reshapes borders and daily life. The journey continues through Shenzhen and Chengdu, a doctorate alongside principal work, and a brief interim senior leadership post in Budapest—plus practical rituals that make each new country feel like home: spices, quality bedding, and a folder of notes that keeps the purpose front and center.(00:00) Introduction to Ken Bence and His Journey(02:35) Cultural Shock and First Impressions in South Korea(06:53) Transitioning to Leadership Roles in Education(12:40) Exploring New Opportunities in Kuwait(17:37) Navigating Job Fairs and Networking in International Teaching(22:48) Navigating Career Pathways in Education(24:31) Midway-Contact Break(27:06) Cultural Shifts: Returning to China During COVID(29:59) Transitioning to Chengdu: New Challenges and Opportunities(32:55) Career Baby Steps: Progressing Through Education Roles(34:19) New Beginnings: Moving to Budapest(36:20) Preparing for Change: Leaving Budapest(40:29) The Emotional Journey of Teaching AbroadThe International Teacher Podcast is a bi-weekly discussion with experts in international education. New Teachers, burned out local teachers, local School Leaders, International school Leadership, current Overseas Teachers, and everyone interested in international schools can benefit from hearing stories and advice about living and teaching overseas.Additional Gems Related to Our Show:Greg's Favorite Video From Living Overseas - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQWKBwzF-hw⁠Signup to be our guest  ⁠https://calendly.com/itpexpat/itp-interview?month=2025-01⁠Our Website⁠ -  ⁠https://www.itpexpat.com/⁠Our FaceBook Group - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/itpexpat⁠⁠JPMint Consulting Website  - ⁠https://www.jpmintconsulting.com/⁠Greg's Personal YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs1B3Wc0wm6DR_99OS5SyzvuzENc-bBdO⁠Books By Greg "the Single Guy":⁠International Teacher Guide: Finding the "Right Fit" 2nd Edition (2025)⁠ | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.⁠⁠"International Teaching: The Best-kept Secret in Education"⁠⁠ | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.Featured APP:https://apps.apple.com/app/6755244840 Who's That? Name & Face Trainer  (Nov 21, 2025 ): For specialists and teachers that can't remember all 180 or more of their student's faces and names. Free. Local Data Only. Greg uses it daily to train his brain on 650 students this year.

What a Ford Mav-Wreck Can Teach Us About LeadershipSponsor Spot 1:Travel can positively impact students in a big way - but if your first thought is, “who is going to plan all of this?”, don't worry because that's where Kaleidoscope Adventures comes in.The KA team has been planning student group travel for more than 30 years! They handle the logistics from start to finish, so you can focus on your job in the classroom.Whenever you're ready to plan a trip, Kaleidoscope Adventures can't wait to help your group travel beyond expectations. Visit mykatrip.com todayShow IntroIt's not too early to think about summer. No. not the vacation, the learning that can happen. The team at Summer Pops are educators with a passion for preventing the backwards summer slide in math, and Summer Pops is a unique and engaging approach to summer enrichment. I encourage you to connect with Summer Pops for free workbook samples. Go to summerpopsworkbooks.com to get your free copy and of course, the link is in the show notes.Celebrations:Key Points Part 1Weigh the risk v reward and make the best decision you can with the information you have at the timeStay in the present, especially stop worrying about problems you can't solve in the current momentTake good care of the things that keep you safe and watch for signs of wear (self-care)Slow downOwn the resultsSponsor 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 2Be thankfulLeverage the thing we can do that AI cannot takeaway: be fully present!Summarizing (The big takeaway)Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!Ranford's homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford's music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/CloseLeadership 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: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWRS2F6N?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520

”

In this episode, Adam and Amy are joined by one of the most experienced and respected school leaders out there. Matt has a lot to say about leadership and the struggles facing leadership teams in schools today.

Reimagining School Leadership with Dr. Lindsay Whorton Power Quote: “Leadership has to be a team sport.”  Teaser:I hope you enjoy listening to today's episode as much as I did recording it. It's a wonderful combination of big picture thinking and exploring some new ideas but then also getting down and making some really specific suggestions about next steps so this wonderful blend of 40,000 foot thinking and then being right down on the ground doing the work. Sponsor Spot 1:Are you a little tired of the same old student trip… the same itinerary… the same stops?If you're ready to do something different, check out Kaleidoscope Adventures! They've been creating unforgettable educational experiences for over 30 years, and they know the destinations that work best for student groups — including a few hidden gems you might not have even thought about.Whether you're dreaming of theme parks, international travel, or anything in between, Kaleidoscope Adventures custom-builds each itinerary to fit your students and your goals.Want fresh ideas for your next trip? Visit mykatrip.com today. Show Intro  Guest Bio:Dr. Lindsay Whorton has served as president of The Holdsworth Center since 2019, leading its growth from seven Texas school districts to 89 districts serving over 1,900 educational leaders.  A native of Independence, Missouri, Lindsay graduated from Drake University with degrees in secondary education and English. She captained the women's basketball team to a 2007 Missouri Valley Conference Tournament championship, earning tournament MVP and First-Team Academic All-American honors. A Rhodes Scholar, Lindsay earned her master's and doctorate in social policy from Oxford University, where she also served as a Fulbright Scholar studying Finland's teacher education system. Her most recent book is A New School Leadership Architecture.   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/PromptsWhat should be the job of school leadership? (ref my 3 responsibilities and Eisenhower Matrix)What would the new architecture look like?Is there a way to nibble at the margins?What are some conversations leaders could have to plant the seeds of change?  Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast… ●      If you want to take the load off your teachers so they can do their best work, IXL can help. ●      With IXL, you get a personalized online learning and teaching solution that helps you improve achievement, empower teachers, track progress, and more. This one platform for K to 12 helps teachers accomplish what normally would require dozens of other tools. ·      IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress. Studies show that schools that use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Studies on more than 70,000 schools in nearly all 50 states show that those who use IXL outperform others on state tests, and IXL has decades of expertise and is proven to be effective.  Discover what IXL can do for your school. Visit ixl.com/assistant today.    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 up·      Do the org chart!·      Think about what it would look like if you could increase teacher development capacity (by leveraging different roles)·      And what would it look like of the principal took the lead in developing others' capacity to coach?·      The AP role: leading through others (goes back to the five gives) Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!·      Ranford's homepage: https://ranfordalmond.com·      Ranford's music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoul·      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/·      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/  Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistantKaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/  Close·      Leadership 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:o   Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for otherso   Be fully presento   Ask reflective questionso   And then just listeno   Don't overcompli...

Jon Decker - Epstein latest. Jeff Monosso - Minnesota school leaders fear declining attendance during ICE surge will lower state funding.

Ep 139 - Hosts JP Mint and Greg Lemoine reconnect with longtime international educator and MYP middle school principal Chris Irvin, whose 20+ year journey spans Canada, Venezuela and China. Chris shares how he built a sustainable international teaching career—starting in a small Venezuelan school, transitioning into leadership, and eventually moving into MYP and IB continuum leadership at a large international school in Shenzhen. The conversation dives into international school hiring, what administrators really look for beyond credentials, how schools evaluate “right fit” and the elusive “plus one” candidates bring to a community, and why IB and MYP experience is not always required to get hired. Listeners also hear candid stories about local vs expat contracts, raising Third Culture Kids, language learning abroad, safety and independence for teens overseas, and memorable life moments—from power blackouts and police encounters in Venezuela to building a new life in China. Packed with practical advice, leadership insight, and real-world experience, this episode is essential listening for teachers, aspiring leaders, and anyone navigating international education, MYP schools, and long-term life abroad.Chapters[00:00] Intro[02:16] Teaching Journey Begins[05:08] Transitioning to International Teaching[08:18] Challenges of Teaching Abroad[11:14] Navigating Local Contracts[14:11] Leadership Roles and Responsibilities[17:21] Future Aspirations and Changes[19:50] Navigating International Education Choices[27:20] Life as Empty Nesters[35:15]  MidShow [36:46] Social Life and Community Engagement[43:01] Reflections on Family and Future Plans[43:49] Navigating Family Dynamics and Career Choices[46:07] Reflections on Friendship and Shared Experiences[46:34] The Anchor Story: A Memorable Adventure[50:53] Cherishing Relationships and Cultural Connections[52:14] Returning to Roots: Visits to Venezuela[54:59] The Importance of Well-Rounded Education[57:51] Finding the Right Fit in International Education[01:01:34] The Evolving Needs of Schools and Candidates[01:07:22] Navigating International Baccalaureate Schools[01:09:08] Hiring Practices in IB Schools[01:11:55] Hope for Non-IB Experienced Teachers-more information-The International Teacher Podcast is a bi-weekly discussion with experts in international education. New Teachers, burned out local teachers, local School Leaders, International school Leadership, current Overseas Teachers, and everyone interested in international schools can benefit from hearing stories and advice about living and teaching overseas.Additional Gems Related to Our Show:Greg's Favorite Video From Living Overseas - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQWKBwzF-hw⁠Signup to be our guest  ⁠https://calendly.com/itpexpat/itp-interview?month=2025-01⁠Our Website⁠ -  ⁠https://www.itpexpat.com/⁠Our FaceBook Group - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/itpexpat⁠⁠JPMint Consulting Website  - ⁠https://www.jpmintconsulting.com/⁠Greg's Personal YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs1B3Wc0wm6DR_99OS5SyzvuzENc-bBdO⁠Books By Gregory Lemoine:⁠International Teacher Guide: Finding the "Right Fit" 2nd Edition (2025)⁠ | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.⁠⁠"International Teaching: The Best-kept Secret in Education"⁠⁠ | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.

Dr. Lindsay Whorton has served as president of The Holdsworth Center since 2019, leading its growth from seven Texas school districts to 89 districts serving over 1,900 educational leaders.  A native of Independence, Missouri, Lindsay graduated from Drake University with degrees in secondary education and English. She captained the women's basketball team to a 2007 Missouri Valley Conference Tournament championship, earning tournament MVP and First-Team Academic All-American honors. A Rhodes Scholar, Lindsay earned her master's and doctorate in social policy from Oxford University, where she also served as a Fulbright Scholar studying Finland's teacher education system. Her most recent book is A New School Leadership Architecture. The full interview will air 2/10/26.

Zoe, SWENext Influencer and FIRST Robotics leader, and Charlee, a member of the 2025 STEM Next Flight Crew youth ambassador program, join us live from the WE25 Diverse Podcast Studio in New Orleans to share their experiences as young STEM leaders. In conversation with Larry Guthrie, director of content strategy at SWE, they reflect on how Invent It. Build It. sparked powerful connections, what leadership looks like as a precollege student, and how they navigate bias, responsibility, and pressure as “the first” in their communities. Hear their experiences starting STEM clubs and expanding access in rural areas, plus why a strong community is critical to shaping a more inclusive future in engineering. — The Society of Women Engineers is a powerful, global force uniting 50,000 members of all genders spanning 85 countries. We are the world's largest advocate and catalyst for change for women in engineering and technology. To join and access all the exclusive benefits to elevate your professional journey, visit membership.swe.org.

The Five Gives Teaser:It's that time of the year for assistant principals when it just feels like you're completely underwater all the time the thought you had at the beginning of the year of engaging in teacher development of doing observations and coaching those are kind of long lost dreams at this point, but there is a way out we don't have to sit in the space today I am going to do a quick overview of five strategies that will free up a little bit of your time so that you can get back to doing that meaningful purposeful work of helping to support and grow your teachers now using the strategies isn't going to save you hours a day. Remember all we're trying to do is really nibble at the margins and if we can find you five 1015 minutes a day. Well, that's 1235 minute coaching sessions. Before we begin… 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 Intro Celebrations:  Key Points Part 1Six stages of reclaiming purpose  Stage three is about doing less and using five strategies to save a few minutes of time to invest in your priorities. 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 http://ixl.com/assistant to get started. Key Points Part 2 The five gives:1.     Give it up2.     Give it back3.     Give it away4.     Give it a C5.     Give it a bounce   Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!·      Ranford's homepage: https://ranfordalmond.com·      Ranford's music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoul·      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/·      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/  Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistantKaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/  Close·      Leadership 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:o   Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for otherso   Be fully presento   Ask reflective questionso   And then just listeno   Don'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/strategicleadershipconsultingDaily Email subscribe: https://adept-experimenter-3588.ck.page/fdf37cbf3aThe Strategic Leader's Guide to Reclaiming Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWRS2F6N?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520

Leadership doesn't unravel because you did something wrong.It unravels because disruption is inevitable — and most school leaders were never taught what to return to when it arrives.In this episode of the Schools of Excellence Podcast, This Can't Be Normal author Chanie Wilschanski names the hidden forces that quietly destabilize even the strongest schools — after the systems are built, the team is capable, and the fires are mostly quiet.Many school leaders reach a stage where things look good on paper… yet still feel fragile underneath. This episode explains why that tension exists — and why stability doesn't come from tighter control, more systems, or more oversight.You'll learn the three disruptive forces that every school leader faces (and cannot prevent), why disruption isn't a personal failure, and what mature leadership looks like when growth brings uncertainty instead of calm.In this episode, you'll learn:Why strong systems alone don't guarantee stabilityThe three disruptive forces that impact every school (earthquake, wind, fog)Why disruption feels personal — even when it isn'tWhat school leaders must return to when change destabilizes the teamHow rhythms, not control, restore steadiness during growthThis conversation is for school leaders who have done “everything right” — and still feel the weight when change arrives.If this episode named something you've felt but couldn't articulate, you're not alone.You can download Chapter 1 of This Can't Be Normal — free — and read it privately, slowly, and without urgency.

289 When Fall Didn't End Very Well Teaser: “I would love it if you would consider doing a podcast episode on what happens when a principal gets off track and needs to get the trains back on track... Just as our students get off track around October (the honeymoon phase is over), I found myself last fall losing sight of our mission and goals for the year. My AP and I got excited and started getting buried in trying new initiatives, and I think it caused some frustrations with the staff. We started to focus on the noise instead of patterns. I didn't know if you had any tips or strategies that you could share to help stay focused on the path I designed back in the summer.”   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 Intro Celebrations:Family, home, routines and processes Key Points Part 1Common mistakes:·      Initiatives·      Popping green balloons·      Unilateral decision-making·      Coaching before building trust Strategic v tactical level·      Strategic – it's about culture (6 dimensions) Episode 179·      Cycle of relationships (tactical)  Other factors:·      Transparency and communication (4 types of decisions)·      Vulnerability·      Listen, listen, listen 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 http://ixl.com/assistant to get started. Key Points Part 2 Getting things back on track:·      Transparency and vulnerability: “Last fall was tough. I made a lot of mistakes and I'm sorry I'm determined to be a better leader and a better servant that begins with listening. I'll be asking each of you questions about the fall. What went well were there any surprises? Is there anything we should be doing differently. I will not give feedback it's not a conversation. I just want to listen and learn so I can become a better leader.”·      Use the 5-mc process as a culture check in·      Learning about teachers: provide a list of reflective questions. Ask them to choose three they would like to talk about. Meet with them (preferably in their rooms) and create space for them to talk. You can paraphrase and answer direct questions but avoid adding your stories, justifying previous actions, or suggesting changes.·      Possible questions See episode 177:1.     What is your teaching superpower?2.     What is the biggest difference between who you are now as a teacher and when you began?3.     If your you could make your students better at one thing, what would it be?4.     What is your proudest teaching moment and why?5.     How do you see yourself being different five years from now?And these from ClaudeAI:1.     What part of your teaching day energizes you most? 2.     When do you feel most connected to your students? 3.     What's something you've learned from your students this year? 4.     If you could spend more time on one aspect of your teaching, what would it be? 5.     What does a really good day in your classroom look like? 6.     What do you wish people understood about your classroom or your students? 7.     What's a challenge you're working through right now that you feel good about tackling? 8.     When you think about a student who really grew this year, what do you think made the difference? 9.     What conditions help you do your best work?  Summarizing (The big takeaway)·      Be transparent and vulnerable·      Ask good questions and listen to build trust and identify pain points·      Support teachers by addressing pain points·      Reflect on programs versus people. My opinion: better people is more important than better programs, so focus on building people. Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!·      Ranford's homepage: https://ranfordalmond.com·      Ranford's music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoul·      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/·      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/  Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistantKaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidosc...

Many school leaders ask for consistency.What they're really asking is:What holds when I'm tired?In this episode of the Schools of Excellence podcast, Chanie explores why leadership often breaks down on ordinary days — not in moments of crisis — and why motivation, systems, and training alone can't carry culture, standards, or accountability.This conversation introduces one of the most important leadership distinctions:Systems create structure.Standards create clarity.Only rhythms create safety.You'll hear:Why leadership that depends on energy and motivation is unsustainableWhat rhythms are — and what they are notHow predictable patterns shape behavior more than policies or explanationsWhy teams follow what happens consistently, not what's writtenHow rhythms reduce over-functioning and restore shared ownershipWhy leaders often resist rhythms — and where real relief actually livesIf things only work when you're watching, reminding, or rescuing, this episode will help you understand why and what's missing.

"When you are capable of doing so in your fundraising journey, go ahead and spend the money for a benefit auction specialist." -

The best way to improve student learning is in the classroom. But the second best way is through school leadership, according to a report on decades-worth of research on principals.The University of Delaware's Principal Preparation Program keeps that in mind when training educators for school leadership.The 18-month program combines coursework and on-the-ground learning to best serve adult learners and their future students and colleagues.It includes at least two internships, a research project and mentors that remain accessible after the program's completion.Delaware Public Media's Abigail Lee sat down with program leader Alison Travers to talk about the powerful effects principals can have on their schools, like improving student outcomes, absenteeism and teacher retention.

January 21st, 2026

Have you ever felt guilty for wanting things to be easier at your school... and then immediately felt selfish for wanting these things? What does it truly mean to experience luxury as a school leader?   In part two of the Leadership Luxury Series, I explore the idea that luxury isn't about having all the things at your fingertips. It's about the energetic experience you have as a human walking on your campus, feeling proud of who you are, what you stand for, and the commitment of your teachers and students.   Tune in this week to hear why we feel shame around our desire for luxury and how to reclaim the luxury that's already in your life. You'll learn how to hold the duality of luxury, which means embracing both the good and the balance that comes with it. This episode will help you expand your capacity to receive the luxuries you already have while creating space for new ones.   Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/421   Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Benjamin Payne, Director of School Leader Support at Hillsdale College’s K-12 Education Office, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss the Hillsdale College K-12 School Leader Fellowship, the diverse range of skills that make a good school leader, and the benefits of joining the Hillsdale College K-12 network. For more info, and to apply to the School Leader Fellowship, follow this link: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/Schools/School-Leader-Fellowships/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

School leaders are often told that clarity creates relief.That once the systems are documented…once the SOPs are written…once the team is trained one more time…then the weight will finally lift.In this episode, Chanie Wilschanski names the quiet truth many school leaders are living inside of: training transfers knowledge—but it does not transfer ownership.You haven't failed leadership.You didn't miss a step.You believed a promise that confused training with behavior change.This conversation unpacks:Why systems and SOPs don't automatically change behaviorHow “performing confusion” shows up on otherwise capable teamsWhy leaders stay stuck answering questions, absorbing pressure, and carrying invisible weightThe difference between clarity and accountabilityHow patterns—not explanations—drive ownershipWhy rest doesn't come after training, but only when behavior actually shiftsIf you've ever thought:Why am I still holding this when I've explained it clearly?Why does confusion keep showing up even after training?Why does leadership still feel so heavy when the systems are in place?This episode will help you name what's really happening—and why nothing is “wrong” with you.A Question to Sit WithInstead of asking: What else do I need to explain?Try asking: What behavior am I protecting right now?That question alone often reveals where ownership is being unintentionally redirected back to the leader.Download Chapter One of This Can't Be NormalThis episode is part of an ongoing conversation inspired by Chanie's upcoming book:This Can't Be NormalChapter One is available now and offers language for leaders who:Have trained their teamsBuilt the systemsAnd are still carrying the weight aloneYou can download Chapter One for free at:https://thiscantbenormal.comThe full book releases at the end of January.There's no urgency.No fixing required.Just language for what you may already be experiencing.

  Get the book, Dealing with Difficult Parents (Teacher Edition): How to Get Parents Off Your Back and On Your Side Get the book, Dealing with Difficult Parents (School Leader Edition): How to Model, Coach, and Support Your Teachers About The Authors Dr. Todd Whitaker is a research professor at the University of Missouri and professor emeritus at Indiana State University. Prior to moving into higher education, he was a math teacher and basketball coach in Missouri. Todd then served as a principal at the middle school, junior high, and high school levels. Dr. Whitaker is a leading presenter in the field of education and has written more than 65 books, including the bestseller What Great Teachers Do Differently. He's the author of Dealing with Difficult Parents (Teacher Edition): How to Get Parents Off Your Back and On Your Side, and Dealing with Difficult Parents (School Leader Edition): How to Model, Coach, and Support Your Teachers.  

Representatives from school management bodies have called for a full review of the Hot School Meals Programme as they claim that a failure to properly resource the scheme is undermining its potential and overburdening schools.Dr Emer Nowlan, chief executive of Educate Together, and Regina Halpin, principal of Divine Mercy Senior National School in Balgaddy, Co Dublin, join The Last Word to discuss the challenges schools are experiencing with the programme which seeks to provide every child in primary school with a hot meal everyday.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Today's episode explores what new leaders need to know about managing change. Assistant principal Donna McGuire talks with Dr. Dallas Lee about leading with clarity, slowing down under pressure, and building trust when everyone is watching. Dr. Dallas Lee serves as instructional superintendent at the District of Columbia Public School system. Donna McGuire is assistant principal PS/IS 18 – The Park Terrace School in New York City, and serves as moderator of the NAESP Assistant Principal Community of Practice.

There is a role many school leaders step into long before they ever receive a title.It's the role of the strong one.The steady one.The one who handles it.In this episode, Chanie explores the hidden cost of being the strong leader—the invisible emotional weight carried by school owners and leaders who learned early that being useful meant being safe, valued, and connected.This conversation isn't about burnout or failure. It's about survival adaptations that once protected you, but may now be quietly costing you rest, connection, and being met as a human.You'll hear:Why over-functioning is not a personality trait—but a learned survival strategyHow leadership responsibility slowly becomes identityThe invisible emotional labor school leaders carry that never shows up on an org chartThe difference between being essential and being chosenWhy strong leaders are often admired—but rarely supportedGentle questions to help you notice where you're still earning safety through givingThis episode is not a lesson and not a call to action.It's a place to sit.A place to be honest.A place to let something unnamed finally have language.If parts of this conversation feel tender or emotional, that's not a problem to solve. That's information. And you don't need to do anything with it right now.If you want language for what you're already carrying, Chapter One of Chanie's upcoming book, This Can't Be Normal, is available to read.Download Chapter One: thiscantbenormal.com

In this special shared episode, Darrin Peppard and Dr. Frederick Buskey—host of The Assistant Principal Podcast—tackle a challenge leaders are facing more and more often: angry, escalated parent interactions.This conversation was sparked by a real question from the field—a leader Frederick supports reached out looking for guidance on how to handle parents when emotions are high. Together, Darrin and Frederick unpack a practical, grounded framework for what to do before, during, and after conflict shows up at your door.In this episode, you'll hear:Why the best time to prevent angry parent blowups is before anything goes wrongHow leaders build “relationship capital” through proactive, positive contactWhy it matters to separate the student from the behavior (and how that changes everything)The value of student-written statements for clarity, due process, and aligned factsHow to make the parent call in a way that reduces defensiveness and keeps everyone groundedWhat to do when a parent escalates—and why listening is your strongest toolA powerful reminder: parents don't always react to what happened—they react to feeling disrespectedThe bottom-line takeaway: It's not about you—and remembering that makes it easier to listenKey takeawayWhen conflict rises, your job isn't to “win” the conversation—it's to protect dignity, stay calm, listen deeply, and build partnership forward.Episode Sponsors:This episode is brought to you by HeyTutor - HeyTutor delivers customized, evidence-based, high-dosage Math and ELA tutoring to K–12 school districts nationwide. Their focus is on in-person tutoring, while also offering flexible online options — all tailored to meet diverse student needs and aligned with state standards.Head over to HeyTutor.com to learn more - tell them you heard about them on the Leaning into Leadership podcast.This episode is also sponsored by digiCOACH — an easy-to-use mobile platform that empowers school leaders to provide teachers with positive, actionable feedback tied to research-based instructional practices, with real-time data to support fidelity and instructional decision-making.Learn more at digicoach.com (mention the show for special partner pricing)

Oh, They are Mad! with Darrin Peppard Power Quote: “Listen more, talk less.”  Teaser:Here's the email I received that inspired this episode: I'm wondering if you have an episode of your podcast focusing on dealing with unreasonable parents. This year has been exceptionally difficult regarding the attacks I'm receiving from parents.  Either they are offended when I discipline their child because their child is innocent, or they are offended that I disciplined their child without contacting them prior to the discipline so they can solve the problem for me.  I understand that discipline should not be the focus of my day and it typically is not.  I also try really hard to make sure 20% of the kids do not consume 80% of my time.  But how do I not allow the parents to consume me?  In each case, the student has owned it, accepted the consequence and moved on… while at school.  Then they get home and tell a different story about a big bad AP who is targeting them.I have some knowledge in this area but wanted some additional expertise so I'm partnering with my friend and colleague Darrin Peppard of the Leaning Into Leadership podcast and we are recording our conversation to be simulcast on both shows. Before we get started… 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 Intro  Guest Bio:As a 'recovering' high school principal and former school district superintendent, Darrin Peppard draws from over 25 years of experience in education, including 13 years in leadership roles. Darrin is renowned for his expertise in school culture and climate, coaching emerging leaders, and his culture-first approach that emphasizes keen insight and a dynamic personality. His accolades include being named the 2016 Wyoming Secondary School Principal of the Year by WASSP/NASSP, the 2015 Jostens Renaissance Educator of the Year, and induction into the Jostens Renaissance Hall of Fame in 2019. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Wyoming (2017). Through his book "Road to Awesome: The Journey of a Leader," Darrin shares strategies for maintaining a positive attitude, elevating others, and finding joy in leadership. Co-authored with Katie Kinder, his latest work, "Culture First Classrooms: Leadership, Relationships, and Practices that Transform Schools," provides proven methods for building transformative educational environments. Darrin also hosts the "Leaning into Leadership" podcast, where he discusses decision-making, cognitive biases, and more with industry experts.  Warmup questions:·      We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?  Questions/Topics/PromptsWe could look at four phases:·       Building capital in advance (deposits before withdraws)o    Identify students and families who may need extra careo    Parents want to be heardo    Make early and positive contacts. Have the teacher do the same (teach them how)·       The meeting with the studento    Begin with care – Are you okay?o    Separate the behavior from the studento    Have them write their versiono    Listen·       The post-conversation/information for parento    Can have the student (with you) call the parento    Make sure parent knows exactly what to expecto    End with optimism and affirm the value and dignity of the student·       Problem discussionso    Clarify what the problem iso    Do not take it personally (may not be about you) – DPs basketball exampleo   Remember parents may have prior negative experiences 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 up·      Think three phases: before, during, after·      Parents want to be heard·      Know the story you are telling yourself about the parent  Resources:·      The Assistant Principal Podcast: #199 “Are You Okay?” with Jamie Brown and #237 Helping Teachers Call Home·      Leaning Into Leadership: Episode 68: When Calling Parents isn't Your Calling with Crystal Frommert Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!

ITP - 137 Kent and JP welcome Jessica and Cesar to discuss the challenges and experiences of relocating a family to Montenegro for international teaching. They explore the dynamics of public education, the job search process, cultural adaptation, and the joys of living in a new country. The conversation highlights the importance of community, the beauty of Montenegro, and the lessons learned from their journey.-more information-The International Teacher Podcast is a bi-weekly discussion with experts in international education. New Teachers, burned out local teachers, local School Leaders, International school Leadership, current Overseas Teachers, and everyone interested in international schools can benefit from hearing stories and advice about living and teaching overseas.Additional Gems Related to Our Show:Greg's Favorite Video From Living Overseas - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQWKBwzF-hw⁠Signup to be our guest  ⁠https://calendly.com/itpexpat/itp-interview?month=2025-01⁠Our Website⁠ -  ⁠https://www.itpexpat.com/⁠Our FaceBook Group - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/itpexpat⁠⁠JPMint Consulting Website  - ⁠https://www.jpmintconsulting.com/⁠Greg's Personal YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs1B3Wc0wm6DR_99OS5SyzvuzENc-bBdO⁠Books By Gregory Lemoine:⁠International Teacher Guide: Finding the "Right Fit" 2nd Edition (2025)⁠ | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.⁠⁠"International Teaching: The Best-kept Secret in Education"⁠⁠ | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.Partner Podcasts:Just to Know You:  https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/just-to-know-you/id1655096513Educators Going Global: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/educators-going-global/id1657501409⁠

Three Resolutions and One Word Teaser:The New Year is a great time to refocus and gain some clarity, but New Years' resolutions feels to me like something that sounds good in theory but doesn't work in practice. At least it hasn't for me. Instead of resolutions this year, I'm using one word to help me keep my priorities straight, and three intentions that, if I work them daily, will lead me to my major goal of 2026. I'll apologize on the front end if this episode comes off as narcissistic. I feel a bit awkward talking about myself and diving deep into how my brain works, but I'm doing it this way because I think if you can see what I'm doing and why I'm doing it, you will be able to take these practices and adapt them to your own lie and leadership. Notice the word “adapt.” Please don't copy. Rather, think about how your context and needs are different from mine and how you might tweak the core ideas to better align with how your brain works and what your schedule allows. 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 Intro Celebrations:·      Caveat·      I can walk without a limp! And Christmas and New Years (families both born into and chosen) Key Points Part 1·      Two “secrets” to being a great leader:o   Be presento   Priority management·      One word – overview·      One word helps us be more intentional·      Sharing previous one words·      How this year's one word shapes my priorities and daily actions Sponsor Spot 2:●      With IXL, you get a personalized online learning and teaching solution that helps you improve achievement, empower teachers, track progress, and more. This one platform for K to 12 helps teachers accomplish what normally would require dozens of other tools.●      As students practice skills, IXL automatically adapts to ensure each learner is always supported and challenged at the right level. IXL also provides every student with a personalized learning plan to help them close knowledge gaps effectively.  ●      As a school leader, you're always looking for ways to make it easier for teachers to do great work. Why not take the load off your teachers so they can do their best work? IXL can help.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 2 My three 2026 intentions are the daily actions that should help me achieve my goals. My goal is to remake my body to maximize the time I have left to hike. A key measurement for the goal is: Complete the 71-mile High Sierra Trail in August of 2026. The High Sierra is a stunning trail through the southeast Sierra Nevada range in California. It ends at the summit of Mt. Whitney (elevation 14,505), the highest peak in the continental United States. I am used to hiking mountains, but at 5,000 feet, not 10,000 feet. Half of the trail is at altitudes high enough to cause altitude sickness. Notice my goal is not to hike the High Sierra Trail. It is the measurement. Do not mistake your measurement for your goal! Three intentions I need to hold to achieve my goal:Build my days around movement. Movement is the most important thing.Move in different ways (resistance training, yoga, biking, hiking, water-aerobics) every dayConsume media that encourages me to move.  Notice:●      These intentions drive actions I can take every day●      If I act on these intentions each day, there is a very high likelihood of meeting my goals●      They keep me focused on movement and combat my own distractibility In goal setting and strategic planning, the biggest mistake I see people consistently making is they do not operationalize the goal. They develop plans and benchmarks, but fail to identify the daily practices and actions that will inevitably lead to success.   Summarizing (The big takeaway) Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!·      Ranford's homepage: https://ranfordalmond.com·      Ranford's music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoul·      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/·      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/  Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistantKaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/  Close·      Leadership 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 ...

There's a moment in school leadership that rarely gets named.It's not burnout.It's not failure.It's not collapse.It's the quiet moment when everything looks “successful” on the outside — but something inside you feels tight, constricted, or unsustainable.In this episode of the Schools of Excellence Podcast, Chanie opens a new conversation inspired by her upcoming book, This Can't Be Normal. She invites school leaders to slow down and listen — not to fix, optimize, or pivot — but to notice what the signal is trying to say.This episode is not a lesson.It's not a framework.It's a place to stand inside yourself for a few minutes without managing the truth.If you're a school owner, director, or leader who has learned to normalize pressure, sacrifice, and endurance — this conversation offers permission to stop arguing with the signal and let clarity emerge at its own pace.In This Episode, You'll Hear:Why “success” can quietly start to feel like survival for school leadersThe difference between naming something and deciding what to do about itHow leaders learn to mute their own internal warning signalsWhy clarity doesn't come from moving faster — it comes from pausingHow creating space for truth restores leadership steadiness and discernmentA Reflection to Sit WithWhat if leadership feels heavy not because something is broken —but because something true has gone unnamed for too long?Resource MentionedIf you want language for what you're already experiencing, Chanie wrote Chapter One of her upcoming book specifically for leaders standing in this place.You can download it here, if and when it feels right: https://thiscantbenormal.comThere's no urgency.No expectation.Just an invitation to read slowly — or simply sit with the moment.

  Get the book, Cultivating Exceptional Principals: A Guide for Principal Supervisors to Hire, Develop, and Retain School Leaders About The Authors Jasmine K. Kullar, EdD, is an assistant superintendent of a large metropolitan school district. She is also a faculty member in the College of Professional Studies Educational Leadership Department at Albany State University in Georgia.   Bruce R. Fraser, EdD, is an assistant superintendent with a metro Georgia school district. He has been in education for over 25 years, serving as teacher, principal at the elementary- and middle-school level, and director of human resources   Lisa M. Reddel recently retired as executive principal of school improvement in a large metropolitan school district in Northern Virginia. She has over 32 years of experience in schools and districts as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, district director, executive principal, and educational consultant.

As 2025 comes to a close, many school leaders find themselves pausing and asking a quiet but important question:How did we end up here?In this episode of the Schools of Excellence Podcast, Chanie Wilschanski unpacks one of the most overlooked leadership challenges in schools, drift. Not burnout. Not laziness. But the subtle loss of alignment that happens when leaders lose connection to the rhythms and anchors that once kept them steady.This conversation is especially for school owners, directors, and leadership teams who are preparing to step into 2026 and want to do so with clarity, steadiness, and intention — not pressure or performative “new year” resets.Chanie introduces two distinct types of leadership drift that show up in schools:Calm Drift — when things are going well, systems feel stable, enrollment is strong, and leaders quietly loosen the rhythms that protect culture, leadership, and sustainability.Chaos Drift — when life, grief, stress, or operational overwhelm slowly erode boundaries, clarity, and leadership presence over time.Rather than offering another system, checklist, or reset plan, this episode reframes excellence in leadership as the ability to return — again and again — to the rhythms that anchor school leaders through every season.This is a grounding conversation about leadership, humanity, culture, and the systems that support sustainable growth in schools.In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why drift is a normal part of leadership — even for strong, experienced school leadersThe difference between burnout, laziness, and leadership driftHow calm seasons can quietly lead to complacency if rhythms aren't reinforcedWhy chaotic seasons cause leaders to over-function and lose themselves over timeThe role of rhythms (not perfection) in restoring clarity, confidence, and leadership presenceWhy consistency in leadership is about return, not flawless executionHow anchored leadership protects culture, operations, and retention in schoolsWhat school leaders should focus on before turning the calendar page to 2026A Note for School LeadersYou don't need a new plan.You don't need new software.You don't need to overhaul your systems.What most school leaders need as they move from 2025 into 2026 is a return — to the rhythms that already work, the leadership standards they already know, and the anchors that keep their school steady through both calm and chaos.Next Step for LeadersIf this conversation resonated and you want clarity around where your leadership — and your school, may be drifting, we invite you to start with awareness.Take the 5 Gear DiagnosticThis free diagnostic helps school leaders identify which of the five core leadership gears — Enrollment, Financial Health, Staff...

As the world slows down in the quiet space between years, Chanie invites school leaders into a powerful reflection:What did this year build in you?Not what you accomplished…Not what you finished…Not what you checked off the list…But what was formed within you as a leader navigating exhaustion, momentum, setbacks, breakthroughs, culture challenges, enrollment pressures, financial strain, team transition, and the very real humanity of leadership.In this deeply personal episode, Chanie shares her own journey through 2025 — a year that stretched her capacity, reshaped her identity as a leader, and forced her to develop new rhythms of discernment, emotional regulation, faith, marriage, health, and operational leadership.And while the details are her own, the themes are universal for school leaders:The invisible weight you carryThe pressure to remember everythingThe instinct to manage every outcomeThe exhaustion of holding everyone's emotionsThe desire for relief without guiltThe dance of relationshipsThe need for rhythms, not more systemsThis episode is a mirror, reflecting back the capacity you've built this year, often without even noticing.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeThe Leadership Lessons Inside a Full Year of StretchWhy capacity is built in friction, stretch, and tension — not in easeHow slowing down becomes a leadership strategy, not a setbackThe hidden emotional labor behind writing This Can't Be NormalWhat the Five Gears framework revealed about school operations and leadershipWhy memory can't be your leadership system — and how rhythms carry what your brain shouldn'tHow marriage, teams, and leadership all share the same “choreography” of conflictWhat it means to return — and why trust is built in the returnHow faith, steadiness, and presence become leadership anchorsThe power of “living the question” instead of rushing toward clarityWhy you're not behind — you're in a season that's building youKey Insights for School Leaders1. Capacity is being built right now — even if it feels messy.Your stretch is the training ground for deeper leadership.2. Rhythms protect your energy more than systems ever will.This is the heart of SOE: predictable rhythms outperform reactive solutions.3. Slowing down keeps you steady — it never means you're behind.Hustle creates fragility. Rhythm builds...

In this episode, Jethro Jones sits down with Rich Czyz, principal of Yardville Elementary and author of "Autopilot: Practical Productivity for School Leaders." They dive into actionable strategies for school leaders to reclaim their time—starting with time audits, the art of elimination, and the power of delegation. Rich shares how empowering students with real leadership roles, like running morning announcements, not only automates tasks but also builds community. The conversation explores the evolving role of AI in education, the importance of maintaining energy and boundaries as a principal, and why sometimes closing your door is the key to effective leadership. Whether you're looking to do more with less or simply do less, this episode is packed with practical advice for every school leader.Find a way to run the school before the school runs youFinding a way to do more with lessSchool leaders struggle with eliminationWe've always been doing thisDo a time inventoryIdeal weekAutomation can happen by delegation (automating through other people)5th grade morning announcementsStudents writing resumes, volunteering for roles, and moreWhat AI can actually do for usTaking care of the minutiaeHuman in the loop has gone from human fixing AI mistakes to human leading AI workEnergy and burnout Open Door Policy often leads to people dumping problems on youGet his Book: Autopilot: Practical Productivity for School LeadersHow to be a transformative principal? See what you can eliminate this week! About Rich CzyzRich Czyz is the Principal at Yardville Elementary School and author of four books, his latest is Autopilot: Practical Productivity for School Leaders. He also runs the web site Four O'Clock Faculty. LinkedLeaders: You need support. Get just-in-time mentoring at LinkedLeaders.comWe'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