Podcasts about school leaders

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

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

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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

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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.

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  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

Tom Rogers is joined by two school leaders who have recently experienced OFSTED inspections under the new grading system. What was it like? What information would help other school leaders? What were the positives and problems with the inspections in their current form? Has anything really changed? Guests are Steve Ellis, current MAT CEO, and Simon Botten, Executive Headteacher.

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 the year comes to a close, great leaders don't just move on—they pause, reflect, and intentionally prepare for what's next. In this episode, Ryan Steuer shares a powerful four-bucket reflection protocol used at Magnify Learning to help leadership teams identify what's working, what's broken, what's confusing, and what truly mattered most. This simple but effective structure can be used at the end of a school year, quarter, or major initiative—and it creates clarity, trust, and momentum for the future. The 4-Bucket Reflection Protocol 1. What Worked Leaders begin by naming the practices, systems, and initiatives that genuinely moved the work forward. Examples include: Improved meeting structures or rhythms Classroom walkthroughs that led to visible instructional shifts Communication strategies that strengthened alignment Initiatives with a clear beginning, middle, and end This step reinforces progress, boosts morale, and helps teams identify what should continue. 2. What's Broken Next, teams openly name systems or processes that didn't work as intended. These might include: Meetings that lack purpose or impact Communication processes that vary across schools Initiatives that sounded good but fell flat in practice This bucket invites honest feedback without judgment and signals that leadership is listening—and willing to improve systems, not blame people. 3. What's Confusing Confusion often hides beneath the surface, especially in complex systems. This bucket creates language for naming unclear expectations or mixed messages. Common examples include: Conflicting directions about autonomy vs. compliance Overlapping initiatives with unclear priorities Communication that unintentionally sends mixed signals Addressing confusion strengthens trust and prevents frustration from turning into disengagement. 4. Favorites The final bucket captures what filled people's cups—the moments that mattered most. Favorites often include: Powerful PBL units and student exhibitions Community partnerships that exceeded expectations Student stories that reminded teams why the work matters This bucket reveals what motivates the team and where leaders should invest more energy moving forward. Why This Protocol Works Encourages honest, structured reflection Creates shared language for feedback Improves systems without defensiveness Strengthens culture and psychological safety Helps teams get 1% better through clarity Ryan emphasizes that many issues—especially confusion—can be resolved immediately once surfaced. Over time, this protocol becomes part of the team's culture, not just an annual exercise. How to Use It End of the calendar year or school year Quarterly leadership reflection After a major initiative or rollout With district teams, principals, or coaches Leaders can run it individually first, then with teams to maximize insight and impact. Resource Mentioned PBL Readiness Scorecard: Assess your school or district's readiness for Project Based Learning and receive personalized next steps at pblscore.com

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...

Teaser:At the end of each year, I re-air what I consider to be the best episode of the year, but my favorite episode for this year was released on Nov 11 (episode 279). Instead of re-airing something you've already heard, I decided to have my guest from that best episode, Darryall White, come back onto the show. I gave him some homework to complete the SWOT analysis and the Stop-Start-Continue-Consider process before we got together. In today's show, Darryall is going to share what he found and I'll serve as a reflective partner. As we work through the process, I'd like you to imagine being on both sides of the conversation. Imagine completing the reflections and sharing what you found. And then imagine being the reflective partner who can listen and ask clarifying questions. Before we get started…Sponsor Spot 1:Do you love to travel but are tired of the same old student trip?  Check out Kaleidoscope Adventures, our preferred planning partner! Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning educational travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years. They know the best destinations for student groups – they might even surprise you with a few hidden gems you've never considered!Discover the Harry Potter connection in Portugal, plan an “epic” trip to Universal, or celebrate America's 250th on an American Adventure!Each experience is customized to fit your specific needs… never a “one-size-fits-all” cookie cutter trip! When you need a little inspiration, contact the experts at mykatrip.com for the freshest ideas for your next student trip!Show IntroGuest Bio:Today's guest is a respected leader in education, Coach Darryall White, assistant principal and athletic director at Indian Land Middle School in Lancaster County, South Carolina.A proud Clemson graduate, Coach White has spent more than 30 years serving students as a teacher, counselor, and now assistant principal. He's coached nearly every sport and recently made history as the first-ever Lancaster County School District Assistant Principal of the Year.Known for his energy, authenticity, and passion for developing champions from the inside out, Coach White helps students, teachers, and athletes strengthen the heart, the head, and the hustle.”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/PromptsSponsor 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.Summary/wrap upMy desire coming out of this episode is for you to practice using both these tools and being on both sides of the conversationWith a colleague, friend, partner 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!Guest Links: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

ITP -  136 brings back repeat guests Hannah and Jake Loney to share their winding international teaching journey from Brazil to Kuwait, back to the US, and now to Karachi, Pakistan. They talk candidly about teaching overseas with kids, differences in workload and respect compared to the US, small class sizes, strong school support, onboarding realities, and life on a secure campus. Along the way, they cover curriculum, travel, food challenges, cultural adjustments, and deliver a couple of classic police stories that only international teaching can produce. The big takeaway is simple and earned the hard way. Stay open minded, fall in love with the school not the country, and some of the best experiences come from places you never planned to land.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

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 IntroCelebrations:Two weeks ago, I was at the North Carolina Principals & Assistant Principals' Association Fall Instructional Symposium and had the great pleasure of meeting and listening to Jimmy Casas, who owns the company (ConnectEDD) which published A School Leader's Guide to Reclaiming Purpose.Key Points Part 1My core valuesTrade the to-do list for a to-be list (build this out: if I wanted to live my core values, what would that look like? Them either change behavior or change values to prevent inauthenticity)The solution to every problem is for me to work on me (growth begins with us and “I'm the leader, it's on me.”)“This job will mess with you…”You can change culture in 30-second momentsSLOW DownSponsor 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 2When identifying “look-fors” for observation, have teachers develop themDecision chart (1-I decide, 2-I decide you advise, 3-We decide, 4-You decide)Relationships are the first thing. Are they the most important thing?Our validation is an external reward/motivation (Lavonna Roth)Solving other people's problems creates dependency. Why do we do this? To feel needed?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

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

Assistant Principal Podcast Content Episode Outline #284: 5-Minute Coaching Teaser:Today we are doing a deep dive into 5-minute coaching. This show is an adaptation of the 45-minute breakout training I frequently do at conferences, like NCPAPA earlier this month. I do have a handout that contains all of the information. If you'd like a PDF of the handout, just email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com and I'll get it out to you. In this era of marketing, it's fair to be suspicious and wonder, “Why not just put it on the website as a download and save everyone some time?” For this reason – knowing I am making a difference with people, and that I have connections with those people, fuels my work. Getting a message from you, and being able to respond and connect – for me, that's what it's all about.  We'll begin the show with a couple soapbox moments, then listen to a demo of 5-minute coaching. From there, we 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: Great conference! Organization:·      Background knowledge·      Sample session·      Detailed breakdown·      Conclusion Key Points Part 1 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    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 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

→ What hope is there for the school leader who feels constantly overwhelmed?→ What's the most common productivity pitfall that school leaders fall into?→ How can we manage fires and interruptions without burning out?Welcome back to another episode of the Teachers on Fire Podcast, airing live on YouTube most Saturday mornings at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern. My name is Tim Cavey, and my mission here is to warm your heart, spark your thinking, and ignite your professional practice.About this guest, Rich CzyzRich is a school principal, cofounder of fouroclockfaculty.com, the author of four books on education and leadership. Rich is dedicated to creating productive environments and engaging all stake-holders in meaningful and relevant learning opportunities.Connect with Richon LinkedIn, on X @RACzyz,at his website, https://fouroclockfaculty.com.In This Conversation0:00:00 -  Rich Czyz is the principal of an elementary school in New Jersey1:21 - The vision for school leaders in Autopilot: Practical Productivity for School Leaders2:45 - A misconception about productivity4:13 - One immediate shift that education leaders can make5:29 - A common productivity pitfall for school leaders8:08 - Being visible on campus as a building leader9:54 - How to manage interruptions in the weekly calendar12:00 - How to think about delegation when it feels like only you can do it13:57 - 5th Grade students do the intercom announcements15:34 - Doing the work that powers the mission before email18:08 - How to conduct a personal time inventory20:33 - Rich's daily routine, from wake-up to end of day24:47 - Managing substitute shortages27:04 - How and where to connect with Rich CzyzVisit the home of Teachers on Fire at https://teachersonfire.net/.Song Track Credit: Tropic Fuse by French Fuse - retrieved from the YouTube Audio Library at https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/.

ITP - 135 This featured Holiday 2025 episode features three of the four cohosts. Kent's been back in the USA. He catches us up on his experiences as a substitute teacher. Greg's new app developed with AI assistance and JP Mint's services are redesigned. She's a busy retiree. Darren is off being a dad, doing dad stuff. We reflect on cultural adjustments, Thanksgiving celebrations, and our plans for future travel (or not), while also sharing insights on the challenges of teaching and the importance of building relationships in the classroom. The conversation highlights our unique experiences as international educators and Kent's ongoing journey of repatriation. Enjoy.Greg's first FREE (not $2.99 any more) app for teachers is: What Student? Name & Face Quiz On the store via iPhonehttps://apps.apple.com/us/app/what-student-name-face-quiz/id6755244840via iPad https://apps.apple.com/us/app/what-student-name-face-quiz/id6755244840On the Web to see from Desktop Devicehttps://apps.apple.com/us/app/what-student-name-face-quiz/id6755244840Chapters(00:00) Welcome Back and Catching Up(02:42) Life Updates and Celebrations(05:47) The Journey of App Creation(08:43) Substitute Teaching Adventures(11:49) Cultural Adjustments and Reflections(19:14) Cultural Disconnects in Travel(21:02) Finding Your Tribe Abroad(23:39) Adjusting to Local Life After Travel(27:29) Thanksgiving Traditions and Experiences(29:18) The Joys of Pet Ownership(31:15) Holiday Plans and Travel Aspirations(34:10) Exploring Indonesia: Diving Adventures(41:30) Underwater Weather and Diving Experiences(42:37) Exploring Indonesian Cuisine(43:53) Podcasting Journey and Listener Engagement(45:45) JP Mint Consulting Services Overview(48:43) Do-It-Yourself vs Full Support Options(52:32) Value of Professional Resume Services(56:38) Reflections and Future PlansThe 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/id1657501409⁠Relative Hashes:#internationalteachersday #internationaleducation #overseaseducation #internationalschools #education #teacherburnout #teachersalarynews #teachersalary #teacherrecruitments #overseaseducatorfairs

Every school leader drifts, even the strongest ones.Drift is not burnout, not laziness, and not a leadership flaw. It is one of the quietest, most human forces in leadership. And it shows up long before leaders ever realize they're off course.In this powerful episode, Chanie unpacks the two forms of leadership drift, Calm Drift and Chaos Drift, and reveals why both are inevitable, expected, and deeply human. More importantly, she explains the one skill every school leader needs:The ability to return.Because leadership strength isn't measured by how perfectly you stay on track.Leadership strength is your capacity to return to your anchors, your rhythms, your clarity, and your truth.Inside this episode, you'll discover:What Drift Really Is (and What It Isn't)Drift is not burnout — burnout is depletion.Drift is not laziness — laziness is apathy.Drift is the slow, subtle loss of connection to the rhythms that steady you.The Two Types of Drift1. Calm Drift:The most dangerous form — when enrollment is strong, your team is stable, and systems are flowing. This comfort lulls leaders into relaxing their anchors, easing up on rhythms, and slipping into complacency without even noticing.2. Chaos Drift:When overwhelm, grief, or nonstop crisis slowly erode your routines, boundaries, health, and identity. It's not dramatic at first — it's the slow, quiet unraveling of “just one more thing.”Why Drift Happens to Every LeaderBecause leadership is human work.And humans will always drift out of alignment through pressure, success, grief, or comfort.The Path Back: ReturnYou don't need a fresh start, a January reset, another software, or a new checklist.You need to return.Return to the rhythms that keep you anchored.Return to the small practices that restore clarity.Return to the version of you that leads with presence, steadiness, and grounded confidence.Key School Leadership Themes You'll HearWhy systems require perfection — but rhythms allow humanityHow calm seasons can create complacency and driftWhy chaos drift drains your identity slowly and quietlyHow rhythms become your “way home” in every seasonWhy consistency is not perfection — it is the willingness to returnHow your anchors carry you through both storms and successWhy leaders don't need more systems — they need sustainable rhythmsIf you've been feeling off, foggy, tired, or disconnected — this episode will feel like a deep breath and a gentle nudge back to yourself.If today's episode made you realize you've drifted, whether in calm or chaos, start by identifying which part of your school's foundation needs attention. Take the 5 Gear Diagnostic at schoolsofexcellence.com/diagnosticIt's the fastest way to see which gear is sticking and what rhythm to return to next.

  Get the book Autopilot: Practical Productivity for School Leaders Visit the 4 O'Clock Faculty Website Follow Rich on Twitter @RACzyz About The Author Rich is a principal and former teacher and instructional coach, and he's the author of four books, including Autopilot: Practical Productivity for School Leaders

Chris Nesi and A.J. Bianco sit down with educator, author, and school leader Rich Czyz to discuss his latest book, Autopilot: Practical Productivity for School Leaders. Rich shares insights drawn from his experience during the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of delegating, automating tasks, and setting boundaries in a busy educational environment. Listeners will gain valuable strategies to combat burnout, improve communication, and foster a more productive culture within their schools.Topics Discussed:Techniques for Enhancing Productivity in Education:Rich emphasizes the need for school leaders to adopt effective strategies that emerged particularly during the pandemic. He discusses how educators are often overwhelmed by numerous responsibilities, which can lead to burnout. The conversation emphasizes the importance of prioritizing essential tasks and refining processes to foster a more productive environment.Addressing Common Pain Points for School Leaders:Throughout the episode, Rich identifies specific pain points that many school leaders face, such as managing an overwhelming influx of emails and addressing the myriad requests from staff and students. He suggests that school leaders recognize these challenges and prioritize their time by setting boundaries, such as designated times for checking email.The Importance of Delegation and Creating a Supportive School Culture:Rich advocates for the power of delegation as a means of reducing workload and empowering others within the school environment. He discusses how school leaders can and should share responsibilities with staff and even students. This not only alleviates pressure on leaders but also fosters a sense of ownership and collaboration among the team.Strategies for Managing Email and Communication Effectively:Rich shares his "B.O.A.T." strategy—Blocked Off Answering Times—where he designates specific times in the day to focus on emails, allowing him to better manage interruptions and maintain productivity throughout the day. By doing this, he sets expectations for his communication style and encourages others, including staff and parents, to respect these boundaries.Insights from Rich's Book and Its Origins:Rich delves into the many strategies that were developed during his efforts to lead effectively in a challenging educational landscape marked by the pandemic.Creating a Vision for Work-Life Balance:Rich highlights the importance of fostering a culture that respects individual boundaries and promotes personal well-being. By advising school leaders to occasionally close their doors and protect their time, he highlights a crucial aspect of effective leadership—maintaining a healthy work-life balance for both themselves and their staff.What Are We Listening ToAJ: Cold Blooded: Mystery in Alaska & The Hand in the WindowChris: House of EdTech SmackDownRich: Cal Newport's A Deep Life Podcast & How I Write Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You can't call in tired when you're the leader.Even on the days when your body aches, your brain is foggy, and every text feels like one more demand — leadership still needs you. Parents still email. Licensing still calls. Staff still need direction.And in that fatigue, it's easy to believe the lie: I just need a break. I just need a new system. I just need to get through this week.But energy isn't something you find. It's something you create.In this deeply personal episode, Chanie unpacks what it means to create energy on demand — not from caffeine or quiet, but from rhythm, breath, and emotional containment. She shares how leaders can shift from guarding what's left to generating what's needed, and how to stop being the emotional battery for everyone around you.If you've ever said “I'm just so tired,” this episode will help you see that your exhaustion isn't from doing too much — it's from holding too much.You'll LearnWhy you're not one vacation or system away from feeling aliveThe truth about emotional fatigue and over-holdingHow to reframe your story and create energy in the middle of chaosThe science of energy creation and how your body chemistry responds to posture and languageHow to install transition rhythms between work and homeWhy “protecting your energy” keeps you in survival mode — and how to shift to creation modeSimple morning, end-of-day, and transition rhythms that restore peace and focusKey Insights“You're not exhausted because you're doing too much. You're exhausted because you're holding too much.”“Energy isn't found in quiet. It's created through rhythm.”“You don't need rest to be restored — you need rhythm to be renewed.”“You are not a battery pack to be drained. You are a lighthouse — a generator of light and calm.”Memorable Quotes“Waiting for energy is like waiting for clarity — it never comes until you take action.”“You don't protect energy. You create it.”“You close your laptop not because the work is done — but because the day is.”“Leadership still needs you when you're tired, but you're not powerless. You can create energy, on demand.”Reflection PromptsWhere are you still acting as the emotional battery for others?What transition rhythm would help you leave work restored instead of depleted?How can you practice creating energy through breath, posture, or language this week?Episode ResourcesPre-order Chanie's new book This Can't Be Normal — coming soonTake the 5 Gear Diagnostic to identify which area of your leadership is most drained — Enrollment, Staff Culture, Parent Engagement, Financial Health, or Strategic Growth. schoolsofexcellence.com/diagnostic