Podcasts about school leadership

“We don't need to work on decoding because students have access to assistive technology and accommodations.”“We don't work on word-decoding in high school.”“Working on reading in high school is too little too late.”If you've ever heard any of these arguments, you're not alone. Unfortunately, beliefs like these do students a huge disservice. That's why in this conversation, I share a clip from my interview with Tom Parton, an SLP with a long-career of experience in secondary education, as well as literacy advocacy work. Tom Parton is a private Speech Language Pathologist in Normal, Illinois. He retired after 35 years of public-school practice. Tom is President of Everyone Reading Illinois and is a member of ERI's Legislative Committee. Tom has presented on autism and language/literacy topics at local, state, and national conferences. Tom participated in the ISBE Reading Instruction Advisory Group and Teachers of Reading Certification task forces. He is currently a member of the ISBE Dyslexia Handbook revision team. He is past-president of the Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is ISHA Honors Committee co-chair and a member of ISHA's Leadership Development Committee. Tom is the 2024 chair of the American Speech Language Hearing Association Committee of Ambassadors.In my commentary and the clip from the interview, you'll hear discussion on:✅ Why providing access to technology alone won't solve access issues if kids lack adequate reading and spelling skills. ✅ Why accommodations and modifications aren't a substitute for reading instruction, even in secondary school. ✅ The impact of word-decoding on activities of daily living. If you're serving students in secondary school, you won't want to miss this episode. You can listen to the original interview with Tom on De Facto Leaders here: EP 178: Are we allowed to say “dyslexia” in the schools? (with Tom Parton) Link here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-178-are-we-allowed-to-say-dyslexia-in-the-schools-with-tom-parton/In this episode, I mention Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that helps SLPs and other service providers create a system for language therapy. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapy/ We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

In this episode of Just Schools, Jon Eckert talks with Shaun Brooker, an educational leader from New Zealand, about the power of belonging, mentorship, and human connection in a rapidly changing world.Shaun shares how his school's innovative Tuakana program, which pairs middle school students with young adult mentors, has transformed engagement, confidence, and learning. Together, they explore the role of faith, culture, and community in education, as well as the promises and pitfalls of AI in classrooms.Shaun reminds us that while technology can enhance learning, nothing can replace the human presence that builds belonging and hope.The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership.Be encouraged.Mentioned:10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People by David YeagerSame as Ever by Morgan HouselConnect with us:Center for School Leadership at Baylor UniversityJon Eckert LinkedInBaylor MA in School Leadership

Send us a textConflict doesn't have to divide your leadership team — in fact, when handled well, it can be the very thing that strengthens your culture, deepens trust, and drives innovation. In this episode, Dr. Mel unpacks why healthy conflict is essential for leadership teams and how you can start embracing it instead of avoiding it.Whether it's pushing back respectfully, hearing out different perspectives, or separating the person from the problem, you'll walk away with practical strategies to shift conflict from something uncomfortable to something your team values.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why silence is more dangerous than conflict in leadership teams.How diverse perspectives sharpen strategy and prevent blind spots.Why pushback, when done with respect, builds trust instead of tearing it down.Simple ways to separate the person from the problem so debate stays productive.The long-term payoff of healthy conflict: stronger decisions, deeper trust, and greater innovation.Action Step: At your next leadership team meeting, assign one person to be the “challenger.” Their role is to respectfully question assumptions and highlight potential risks. Rotate this role at each meeting so every leader practices both advocacy and pushback.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Patrick Lencioni, The Five Dysfunctions of a TeamPatterson, Grenny, McMillan & Switzler, Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are HighDouglas Stone & Sheila Heen, Thanks for the FeedbackHarvard Business Review (2017), How to Preempt Team ConflictKen Blanchard, Leading at a Higher LevelDownload Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase! Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points. Calling All Educators! I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more. I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources. I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant. Join here: Empowered Educator Community Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance SuccessGrab a complimentary POWER SessionWith Rubi.ai, you'll experience cutting-edge technology, research-driven insights, and efficient content delivery.email: melinda@empowere...

In this episode, I reflect on my conversation with my colleague Cassandra Williams as we discuss book and resource deserts, as well as how to engage with school communities. In the interview clip I share, Cassandra shares a story of how one of her colleagues found a surprising way to increase attendance at parent-teacher conferences when he took the time to ask members of the community what their needs were. Additionally, I share my commentary on how technology can both help and hinder literacy skills. Cassandra Williams is a true innovator in the education field, having dedicated over 25 years of her life to revolutionizing existing systems and setting new standards of excellence. With a degree in Elementary Education from Southern Illinois University and a Master's from California State University, she is also the founder of two successful elementary schools in Indianapolis. Her research has focused on coaching teachers to accelerate student achievement, often utilizing video and other technologies as learning tools. Her most recent passion is the Educational Innovation 360° (Link here: https://www.educationalinnovation360.com/) e-Instructional Coaching System, which she designed and developed in 2018.Topics covered in this episode: ✅ When parents aren't engaging, are you addressing the issue from a place of curiosity or judgement?✅ Is technology a solution when schools lack access to books or curriculum materials?✅ Using technology for professional development and training: Balancing efficiency with connection. You can connect with Cassandra on LinkedIn here (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-williams-777b7927/), on Twitter here (https://twitter.com/Edinnovation360), and on Facebook here (https://www.facebook.com/Educationalinnovation360/), on Instagram @educationalinnovation360 (https://www.instagram.com/educationalinnovation360/)You can learn more about her coaching and professional development for schools and individuals at Educationalinnovation360.com (https://www.educationalinnovation360.com/).You can listen to the original interview with Cassandra on the De Facto Leaders podcast here: EP 113: Making literacy accessible and equitable (with Cassandra Williams) Link here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-113-making-literacy-accessible-and-equitable-with-cassandra-williams/You can listen to Cassandra's interview on SEEing to Lead with Dr. Chris Jones here where they discuss using video as a tool for teacher training and development: Educational Innovation 360 (Link here: https://stl.bepodcast.network/s3/24)In this episode, I mention the School of Clinical Leadership, my program for related service providers who want to take a leadership role in implementing executive functioning support. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/efleadershipI also mentioned Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that helps SLPs and other service providers create a system for language therapy. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapy/ We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Send us a textGreat leaders provide both stability and opportunity. In this Power Surge, we explore what it means to give your staff and students roots—a strong foundation of clarity, consistency, and belonging—while also giving them wings—the freedom to innovate, take risks, and grow.This back-to-school season, your people need both the grounding of strong culture and the lift of new possibilities. How you balance them will define the year ahead.

In this #coachbetter episode, Diana is going to share 8 Red Flags to Avoid When Building a Coaching Culture - and What TO DO Instead. As coaches and leaders we are doing our best to build a positive and inclusive coaching culture, but sometimes we can be making some big mistakes without even realizing it. When you look back on your own coaching experience - as a coach or as an educator or leader, you can probably remember a time when something didn't quite go as planned, or wasn't received the way we expected. Sometimes, even with the best of intentions we end up making a crucial mistake. So what are these red flags when building a coaching culture - and what do you do instead? Find the show notes for this episode here. Like this episode, you'll enjoy these: Case Study: Building a Coaching Culture BEFORE Starting a Coaching Program with Melissa Carr [272]  3 Steps to Growing a Thriving Coaching Culture Building a Coaching Culture with Kristine Mizzone and Jenny Derby [Ep 186] Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter) The Landscape of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)  

Introducing my new membership for principals: practical coaching + ready-to-use resources to help you lead with confidence and protect your time. Click here to learn more!As principals, most of us entered education because we care deeply about kids—we're naturally empathetic. But leadership also requires authority: the ability to set direction, uphold standards, and make tough calls. The challenge? Finding the balance between the two.In this episode, Barb Flowers unpacks the tension between empathy and authority and why both are essential for effective leadership. You'll learn:How empathy builds trust and connection, while authority creates safety and consistencyThe dangers of leaning too far in either direction (people-pleasing vs. rigidity)Three practical tips to balance empathy with authority in daily leadership conversationsFREE DOWNLOADS*The Principal's Email DetoxDecisive Leadership- Free WorkshopPrincipal Checklist to Disconnect From SchoolBehavior Blueprint for PrincipalsThe Principal's Power Hour Blueprint

When was the last time you thought about your emotional fitness? Just like physical muscles need regular exercise to stay strong, our social-emotional skills require consistent practice to serve us when we need them most. But here's the thing - many educators are trying to teach SEL without first developing their own emotional literacy.   This week, I'm joined by Lori Woodley-Langendorff, a 32-year veteran school counselor, co-founder of nonprofit All It Takes, and author of SEL Muscle Mastery, for an honest conversation about managing our emotional responses as school leaders and how this social and emotional foundation is the bedrock that makes learning possible.   Join us on this episode to discover how vulnerability and emotional connection unlock learning in ways that control never could. Lori and I examine why SEL often fails when treated as compliance rather than literacy, and she shares how teaching SEL skills transforms not just student behavior, but educator wellbeing.   Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/405   Get in touch with me:  https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/ https://www.instagram.com/angelakellycoaching/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-kelly-robeck-57774835

In this powerful episode of Aspire to Lead, Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket, co-author of Relational Intelligence, joins me to explore how trust, empathy, and authentic connection transform school leadership. Together, we discuss how leaders can shift from transactional to transformational practices, especially during times of crisis and change.Dr. Edoho-Eket introduces the HOPE framework—Hope, Opportunity, Praise, and Encouragement—as a practical tool for cultivating cultures where teachers feel valued and supported. We also unpack the common communication pitfalls leaders face and share strategies for fostering authentic dialogue that builds stronger relationships across a school community.Finally, we dive into one of the most pressing challenges today: burnout. Dr. Edoho-Eket shares how relational intelligence not only helps leaders model balance but also equips them to create healthier, more sustainable environments for themselves and their teams.If you're ready to lead with heart and transform the way you connect with your staff, this episode will give you the insights and strategies you need.About Dr. Rachel Edoho-EketDr. Rachel Edoho-Eket is a wife, mother, principal, TEDx speaker, author, and the President of the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals. With decades as a teacher and leader in public education, she has earned the reputation as a strong instructional leader, passionate educational advocate, and dedicated mentor. As the Principal of a National Blue Ribbon school in Maryland, she is a life-long learner who strives for excellence not only for herself, but also for everyone she serves. She also serves as an adjunct professor at McDaniel College helping to support the personal and professional growth of aspiring and current school leaders, and is an ASCD faculty member.Named as one of the Top 100 Influencers in Education by District Administration magazine, Dr. Edoho-Eket's belief in fostering meaningful relationships serves as the foundation for everything she does, and her highly effective teaching and leadership style continues to inspire up and coming aspiring teacher leaders. During her educational career, she has proudly served as a classroom teacher, instructional team leader, mentor teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Her first best-selling book, “The Principal's Journey: Navigating the Path to School Leadership” provides a helpful and practical blueprint for educators to follow as they transition into new leadership roles. Her second bestselling book, "Relational Intelligence: The Key to Exceptional School Leadership" centers on the importance of trusting and authentic relationships as the driver of school success. Dr. Edoho-Eket holds a B.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Temple University, a M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from McDaniel College, and a Doctorate in Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University.To invite Dr. Edoho-Eket to speak at your next event, please visit: www.racheledohoeket.comFollow Dr. Rachel Edoho-EketWebsite: Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket Instagram: @racheledohoeketLinkedin: Dr. Rachel Edoho-EketTwitter: @racheledohoeketYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@racheledoho-eketAmazon:

Get the book, Doing the Work of Equity Leadership for Justice and Systems Change Visit Decoteau's website, www.DecoteauIrby.com About The Author Decoteau J. Irby's life work focuses on creating and sustaining organizations that contribute to Black people's self-determined well-being, development, and positive life outcomes. He is Professor at University of Illinois at Chicago in the Department of Educational Policy Studies. He is the author of Stuck Improving: Racial Equity and School Leadership. Dr. Ann M. Ishimaru is an award-winning scholar, writer, educator and the Killinger Endowed Chair and Professor of Educational Foundations, Leadership and Policy at the University of Washington College of Education. Through her work, she cultivates the leadership and solidarities of educators, organizational leaders and racially minoritized youth, families and communities to realize more transformative futures. In addition to many peer-reviewed articles in top-tier educational research journals, she is also the author of Just Schools: Building Equitable Collaborations with Families and Communities. They are the editors of the new volume Doing the Work of Equity Leadership for Justice and Systems Change.

Ever feel overwhelmed being the only SLP in your district without a network of fellow clinicians for support? You're not alone; many in similar situations face these challenges.In this episode, I'm sharing a case study of an SLP who, despite being the sole clinician in her district, felt the pressure of not having a trusted system she could rely on for language therapy. Searching for a structured, effective approach, she turned to the Language Therapy Advance Foundations program. There, she developed a reliable system she could bring to her team, transforming her therapy sessions and instilling confidence in her practice.I also reflect on ways you can gain a sense of belonging, even if you're the only one in your discipline.In this episode, I'll share:✅ Managing the challenges and isolation of being the only SLP in a district while building a trustworthy framework for therapy.✅ Developing a system that empowers you to handle your caseload with confidence, even without peer support.✅ Creating a dependable, efficient approach to language therapy that benefits both the clinician's peace of mind and the students' progress.Join us as we explore how this solo SLP navigated her unique situation and emerged with a structured system she could trust and share with her team.In this episode, I mentioned this previous podcast interview: EP 109: Can my principal evaluate me if they've never done my job? (with Eric Makelky) here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-109-can-my-principal-evaluate-me-if-theyve-never-done-my-job-with-eric-makelky/This case study came from a member of Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that gives SLPs and other service providers create a system for language therapy. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapy/ We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

This #coachbetter episode is another in our series of coaching case studies, with one of Kim's amazing clients, Nikki Hume, an elementary art specialist, and her coaching partner Amber Shortridge, a kindergarten teacher, both at the International School of Manila in the Philippines. While Nikki was in The Coach Certificate & Mentorship Program she coached Amber as one of the steps in Phase 3: Grow Community. These case study episodes are designed to share the story of a coach, and the development of their coaching program and practice in their unique setting.  In this conversation they talk about  How Nikki started her journey to instructional coaching What made Amber interested in being coached as a classroom teacher What their work together looked like and why it was impactful for Amber The coaching skills that Nikki developed throughout this process The outcome of their work together What Nikki and Amber think teachers and leaders need to know about coaching How Nikki grew so much in her coaching practice during The Coach Certificate and Mentorship Program Coaching and structured professional growth are very different, and this episode deeply unpacks the power and outcome of a true coaching experience. If you want to better understand the impact of coaching and see and feel what that looks like in person, this episode is for you! Find the show notes for this episode here. Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter) The Landscape of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)

In this episode of Just Schools, Jon Eckert talks with Chelsea Lippe, principal at Park Hill Elementary in Midway ISD. Chelsea shares how her journey from kindergarten teacher to campus leader has been shaped by saying “yes” to God's call and by building a culture of presence, trust, and growth.She reflects on the importance of prioritizing people over paperwork, creating space for peer observation, and leading with authenticity. Chelsea's story highlights how putting “pulse over paper” helps schools thrive with joy, resilience, and hope.The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership.Be encouraged.Connect with us:Center for School Leadership at Baylor UniversityJon Eckert LinkedInBaylor MA in School Leadership

School leaders everywhere know the feeling – you've been pushing the boulder up the mountain since August, giving 200% to launch the school year successfully. The adrenaline that carried you through the first weeks starts to fade, and suddenly you're wondering how you'll sustain this pace or create any kind of work-life balance.   This conversation with Steven Langer, former principal and CEO of Well by Design, comes at the perfect time. Steven brings a refreshing perspective on sustainable leadership that challenges the traditional notion of work-life balance.   His journey from walking school hallways with a clipboard (sometimes just to look busy while his mind was on overwhelm) to transforming a struggling school's culture offers practical wisdom for every educational leader facing the intensity of a new school year.   Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/404

Presented by ClaroDr. Marquis Scott, Assistant Head of School at The Lawrenceville School, joins the podcast to share his remarkable career journey from CTO to senior administration. He discusses how the problem-solving and systems-thinking mindset from IT are transferable to roles in HR, communications, and strategic planning, offering actionable advice for aspiring tech leaders.The Lawrenceville SchoolThe First 90 Days, by Michael Watkins; book with strategies for conquering the challenges of transitionsNAIS Article - Systems Thinking (Marquis Scott)Book Marquis is reading this summer - - Shift by Ethan KrossMarquis' doctorate thesis - The Role of System Thinking Tools in Enhancing Diversity Directors' Insight into Employee of Color Retention Rates: A Phenomenological Study

In this Back-to-School edition of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Dr. Bill Bradford, Assistant Superintendent of Academics and School Leadership for Fayette County Public Schools (KY). Together they unpack how Fayette County is transforming education through its Portrait of a Graduate 2.0, aligning a five-year strategic plan with classroom practice, and preparing students for the demands of the 22nd century. Dr. Bradford shares how his district has embedded four promises—lifelong learning, civic engagement, future readiness, and resiliency—into every student's journey from preschool through graduation. He explains how Fayette County empowers teachers as leaders, pilots defenses of learning, and scales innovation across 80 schools. The conversation also explores Fayette's early work with AI integration, professional learning for both staff and students, and the power of “yes, and” thinking in balancing traditional achievement measures with future-focused competencies. Dr. Bradford closes with his three C's for the future: communication, collaboration, and confidence—pillars that he believes every system must cultivate to thrive in an unpredictable world.

Ever feel like you should have language therapy figured out by now, but you're still struggling? Even experienced clinicians can feel that way.In this episode, I'm sharing a case study of a seasoned SLP who, despite years of experience, felt like she was missing a key piece of the puzzle when it came to language therapy. Battling decision fatigue and a lack of a reliable system, she joined my Language Therapy Advance Foundations program and created a reliable system that made her feel confident showing up to sessions.In this episode, we'll discuss:✅ Overcoming the feeling of inadequacy as a veteran clinician and acknowledging the need for a more structured approach to language therapy.✅ How streamlining decision-making allowed for more focused therapy sessions. ✅ Strategies for working on language skills that support executive functioning. ✅ Creating a predictable, efficient system for building language skills that support reading and writing. This case study came from a member of Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that gives SLPs and other service providers create a system for language therapy. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapy/ We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Send us a textNot every leadership decision happens in the boardroom. In this episode of The Empowered Educator Show, Dr. Mel unpacks how the smallest, everyday interactions—like greeting a staff member in the hallway or redirecting a student—often carry more weight than major initiatives.These “hallway decisions” reveal your values, build credibility, and reinforce culture in ways that last far beyond the moment itself. Leadership is not just about the big moves—it's about the way you show up consistently in the margins of your day.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why small moments are often the most remembered momentsHow consistency in your responses builds trust and credibilityThe hidden power of daily interactions in shaping school cultureA practical step you can take this week to lead more intentionally in the marginsPower Quote: ✨ “I will lead intentionally in the small moments, because leadership is lived, not just announced.”Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase! Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points. Calling All Educators! I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more. I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources. I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant. Join here: Empowered Educator Community Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance SuccessGrab a complimentary POWER SessionWith Rubi.ai, you'll experience cutting-edge technology, research-driven insights, and efficient content delivery.email: melinda@empowere...

Here's something that might surprise you: Some of the most innovative educational leaders come from unexpected backgrounds.   This week, I'm speaking with Deepali Deshmukh, a school leader whose journey from biochemist to head of school challenges everything we think we know about educational credentials. Her story proves that your unique perspective isn't just valid. It's valuable.   Join us on this episode to discover why your "non-traditional" background might actually be your secret weapon in leadership, and how Deepali transformed her science background into leadership strengths. Her story reveals that the solution to imposter syndrome isn't trying to fit into someone else's shoes - it's bringing your authentic self and unique talents to create something that didn't exist before.   Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/403

In this episode we're looking at three tips to make coaching successful. This is a highlight from one of our favorite episodes from a previous season, featuring Diane Sweeney. What we appreciate about this clip is that Diane highlights all three elements of the Thrive Model within her three tips. She touches on Clarity, Consistency and Community in this short clip. As you're watching or listening, we invite you to identify which of Diane's tips fits in which phase of the Thrive Model: Clarity, Consistency or Community. If you want to learn more about the Thrive Model after this episode, head over to our website at edurolearning.com/thrive to get all the details.  Find the show notes for this episode here. Like this episode, you'll enjoy these: 3 Steps to Growing a Thriving Coaching Culture Understanding the Thrive Model with The Coach Mentors [Ep 211]  Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter) The Landscape of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)

Meet Todd Bloomer, the Director of School Leadership for the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Todd was a long time HS Principal in Texas, retired, and now has taken on a new role in San Antonio.He is also the author of The BluePrint: Survive & Thrive as a School Administrator. You can purchase the book here: http://amzn.to/46dhm3t"Yankee Todd" as he is known is also an avid runner, husband, father of 5, and is active on social media producing great, inspirational videos often on all his socials. You can follow Todd here: @todd_bloomer_author on Insta and Tik Tok@Yankee Todd on FB@bloomer_sa (X)Learn more at Todd's website: toddmbloomer.comJoin us for the podcast LIVE tonight, Thursday September 11th, 2025 at 7:30 EST/6:30 CT.This podcast is sponsored by IXL Personalized Learning. IXL is used by more than 1 million teachers each day. It is also the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K-12. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/ELBIXL

What if choosing between language and executive functioning for your students wasn't an "either/or" decision? And how can we effectively balance academic content with broader cognitive skills? It's a complex challenge, and the answer isn't always obvious.In this episode, I share commentary and a clip of my conversation with Jill Fahy, where we discuss the impact of executive functioning skills on the college experience. Jill is a licensed speech-language pathologist and professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Eastern Illinois University. She is also the co-director of the Autism Center and Director of the Students with Autism Transitional Education Program, where she develops and delivers transitional programming in social skills and executive functions for college students. In this episode, you'll discover:✅ Should we work on language or executive functioning first? The answer isn't straightforward.✅ Balancing academic content areas and broader cognitive skills: Why both parents and professionals need to learn about executive functioning as it relates to their context. ✅ Educating the public on cognition and evidence-based practices, and why it's so easy for vulnerable individuals to grasp on to pseudoscience. ✅ How to use “asset stacking” to address the need to work on multiple interconnected areas at once (e.g., content area skills, language, cognition).You can connect with Jill via email at jkfahy@eiu.edu. You can read her article, Assessment of Executive Functions in School-Aged Children: Challenges and Solutions for the SLP from ASHA Perspectives here: https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/sbi15.4.151You can learn more about the Students Transitional Education Program at Eastern Illinois University here: https://www.eiu.edu/step/ and the Autism Center here: https://www.eiu.edu/autismcenter/In this episode, I mention the School of Clinical Leadership, my program for related service providers who want to take a leadership role in implementing executive functioning support. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/efleadership We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

In this episode of Just Schools, Jon Eckert talks with Dr. Tiffany Spicer, Superintendent of Waco ISD. Dr. Spicer shares her journey to Waco, the challenges of stepping into leadership mid-year, and her commitment to building a culture of trust, joy, and authenticity. She reflects on the importance of boundaries, balance, and modeling self-care for her team while keeping students at the center of every decision. Through it all, she leads with a smile, reminding us that the future of education rests in believing in and championing each student.Mentioned:Worthy by Jamie Kern LimaConnect with us:Center for School Leadership at Baylor UniversityJon Eckert LinkedInBaylor MA in School Leadership

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

In this #coachbetter episode Kim talks with Elin Kelsey and Ivy Yan. Elin is an author, researcher and leader in the solutions-focused environmental and climate justice movement. Her mission is to spread wild contagious hope. Ivy is an experiential learning designer and facilitator advocating for the happiness and well-being of human beings and nature as a whole. Together they bring so much hope, joy and happiness to their work, that it is truly contagious! In this episode they talk about ... The ways emotions are contagious and how we, as educators and coaches can bring hope into our school contexts. How the world works in cycles and seasons, and how important it is for us to understand what season we are in, and how we can recognize that within our school communities. The importance of breaks, of being in nature, being vulnerable and recognizing the ways that we need to find space and time to heal Why emotions are important - even when we're talking about facts How we are connected - and how important embracing that connection is. How and why we need to be shifting the narrative to one of hope. Find the show notes for this episode here. Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter) The Landscape of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)  

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

In this episode Kim talks about how we can build teacher agency during coaching conversations - by providing structure to their thoughts.  This episode was inspired by a conversation with one of Kim's clients in The Coach Certificate and Mentorship Program when they were going through the “In Practice” module of the course. They were starting to have coaching conversations for the first time and realized that even though their conversations with Kim during the Office Hours in the program felt so natural, there was actually a structure and a process that she was following, even though it felt so seamless in the moment! If we want our coaching conversations to feel seamless and natural, we need to create space for unpacking a lot of ideas, while at the same time providing structure - this is part of the art of coaching. Being able to make a complex conversation feel “easy”. Find the show notes for this episode here. Like this episode, you'll enjoy these: How to Structure an Instructional Coaching Conversation  Top 5 Strategies for an Effective Coaching Conversation  Framework for an Effective Instructional Coaching Conversation  How to Have an Effective Coaching Conversation Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter) The Landscape of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)  

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

This is the first #coachbetter episode for season seven of the podcast and Kim highlights 5 key themes that have been percolating to the surface in her work over the past academic year. All of these topics have been a big feature of the in-person work Kim has been doing, our global cohorts of The Coach, and the long term consulting work she does with schools.  The themes are: Maintaining confidentiality (with transparency) in coaching relationships (and the importance of separating coaching from any aspect of evaluation, supervision and appraisal) The power of data as a pathway to understanding the impact of coaching The importance of case studies & sharing your impact within your school community; and Developing a coaching mindset and coachability on staff; Finding hope, joy and presence in our work in schools Kim is sharing these because so many of the coaches that she works with, particularly in our global cohort of The Coach, feel like they are alone in these conversations. They wonder if they are the only one who is thinking about and trying to start conversations about these topics in their school. If that sounds like you, you are not alone.  Find the show notes for this episode here. Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter) The Landscape of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)      

AI didn't break assessments—it revealed just how flawed they already were. Richard Culatta, CEO of ISTE+ASCD, shares how schools can prepare AI-ready graduates, address bias, and rethink what learning really looks like. Show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e912 3 Takeaways: • Assessments weren't broken by AI—they were broken already. • An AI-ready graduate needs strong human skills like storytelling and problem-solving. • Addressing bias requires both human awareness and AI tools for cross-checking. Growth Reflection: How should schools redefine assessments in the age of AI?

Every time I give a session on executive functioning, I have clinicians and teachers ask me the same thing:“How can I motivate students who don't seem to care or don't want to try new things?”Or something like “How can I convince students why this (insert task) is going to be important to them in the future?”The short answer is that you don't “convince” them of anything. At least not in the moment. Instead, you create the experiences and opportunities that are going to help the student acquire the skills, experience the consequences, and develop the confidence to deal with uncertainty/unfamiliar situations. When students appear resistant to try things, or seem to “not learn from past mistakes”, this can often be tied to weak episodic memory. Episodic memory—the ability to see a mental picture of a past event, allows students to think back on past experiences and use them to prepare for the future. When you struggle to do this, it's difficult to recall past mistakes or feedback in the moment. It's also difficult to think back on past experiences when you might have done something well, which may make you feel less prepared for tasks that are challenging or less familiar. This may cause nervousness or resistance toward difficult tasks if you can't “see” back into the past (episode memory) or think into the future to know what you should be doing now (future pacing). Unfortunately, on the surface, this may look like defiance, apathy, or lack of motivation. That's why in fourth episode in my “Five Skills to Create Your Executive Functioning Intervention Framework”, I discuss the fourth skill: Episodic Memory What I'll uncover in this episode:✅ The critical role episodic memory plays in executive functioning: applying prior knowledge, anticipating consequences, and adjusting behavior.✅ How difficulties with episodic memory impact a student's confidence and willingness to try new things, or their persistence with challenging tasks. ✅ Why episodic memory interacts with other executive functioning skills, including future pacing, time perception, and self-talk.In this episode, I mentioned my free training for school leaders who want to create a research-based executive functioning implementation plan for their school teams. You can sign up for the training here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/efleadership We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

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

For the tenth and final episode in the series, the topic is Looking Back to Move Forward as an Instructional Coach - a collaborative #coachbetter quick tips with Kim and Diana together . This episode focuses on the importance of reflection to help you prepare for the next academic year.  The whole series has been about reflecting on your practice and this one will set you up for an annual process every academic year. If you enjoy this episode, and you're curious about the others, please go back and listen to the rest of the series to learn about the Thrive Model for Sustainable Instructional Coaching so you can reflect on the Clarity, Consistency and Community you have in your coaching practice and program. This series is designed to be an annual refresh of your coaching practice - even if you've heard some of the episodes before, every time you listen, when you reflect back on your growth over the last academic year, you'll be able to take something new away to apply in your practice in the next academic year.  Download our free companion guide & workbook that aligns with this series at edurolearning.com/refresh Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)

Cyber attacks on schools are growing. Auburn University's Jay James shows how student-led cybersecurity operations prepare learners and protect campuses. 3 Takeaways: • Student SOCs give real-world, hands-on cybersecurity training. • AI tools like Microsoft Security Co-Pilot mentor students in real time. • K-12 schools can start small with focused projects and grow from there. Growth Prompt: How do you prepare students—or staff—for real cybersecurity threats? Show notes link: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e911 

Riel Miller returns for a conversation about where education systems need to go and he brings with him some friends who have conducted research on this very question, Stephen Murgatroyd and JC Couture - the authors of Evidence Education Futures for School Leadership Interviewed by: Peter Hayward

This episode is a debrief of the article Coaching for Coherence: How Instructional Coaches Lead Change in the Evaluation Era by Woulfin & Rigby (2017). We explore how math coaches can lead meaningful instructional improvement when their role is clearly defined and aligned with both evaluation systems and the goals of ambitious instruction.You'll hear our reflections on three core functions of math coaches—developing shared understandings, modeling instructional practices, and brokering two-way communication between classrooms and leadership. We also unpack common challenges, including the risk of coaches being perceived as evaluators, and offer recommendations to create a safe, impactful math coaching culture that builds trust and coherence across the system.In this episode, you'll discover:Why math coaching needs to be framed as developmental, not evaluativeThe three essential roles math coaches play in a coherent instructional systemHow content-specific coaching aligned to standards can drive improvementWhy district infrastructure and principal leadership matter for coaching successHow to protect trust and clarity in the math coach–teacher relationshipNot sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units Show Notes PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you'll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.Take the assessmentAre you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don't want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

Students with executive functioning challenges often intend to complete tasks or meet expectations—but struggle to execute consistently. The reason? They aren't mentally envisioning future scenarios, predicting the steps needed to reach a goal, and thinking about what they need to be doing NOW in order to meet that goal. This cognitive skill, called future pacing, allows students to visualize the process and outcome of their actions, building a critical link between planning and follow-through.In the third episode in my “Five Skills to Create Your Executive Functioning Intervention Framework”, I break it down in detail. What I'll uncover in this episode:✅ What future pacing is—and why it's essential for supporting goal-directed behavior and flexible thinking.✅ How future pacing interacts with skills like time perception, self-talk, and episodic memory.✅ Why students with executive functioning deficits often struggle to anticipate obstacles, sequence steps, or understand how present actions impact future outcomes.✅ Practical ways to teach students how to mentally rehearse tasks—bridging the gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it.✅ How building future pacing into interventions improves self-regulation, motivation, and task persistence.In this episode, I mentioned my upcoming free live virtual training hosted by Parallel Learning that's coming up on August 14, 2025 from 6:30-8:00 PM EST. It's called “Executive Functioning: Beyond Checklists and Planners”. You'll earn a free CEU, get to learn about a company that offers remote work opportunities, and get to learn some of the concepts I teach in my paid programs. You can sign up for the training here: https://parallellearning-20474008.hs-sites.com/ashakickoffwebinar25?utm_source=partnership&utm_medium=partner_karen_dudek&utm_campaign=webinar_ashadrkaren_8.14.2025&utm_content=blankI also mentioned my free training for school leaders who want to create a research-based executive functioning implementation plan for their school teams. You can sign up for the training here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/efleadership We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

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

Educator Gwen Agna discusses her memoir on community-centered leadership and creating equitable schools. Plus, a bonus interview with late Indigenous flutist Kevin Locke.

The topic for the ninth episode in this series is Embracing Your Informal Leadership as an Instructional Coach. This episode focuses on the essential mindset shift that educators need to make when moving into an instructional coaching role. If you enjoy this episode, you'll love the previous episodes. Go back and listen so you can refresh your coaching practice following the three phases of the Thrive Model: Clarity, Consistency and Community. This series is designed to be an annual refresh of your coaching practice - even if you've heard some of the episodes before, every time you listen, when you reflect back on your growth over the last academic year, you'll be able to take something new away to apply in your practice in the next academic year.  Download our free companion guide & workbook that aligns with this series at edurolearning.com/refresh Let's Connect: Our website: coachbetter.tv EduroLearning on LinkedIn EduroLearning on Instagram EduroLearning on YouTube Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Join our #coachbetter Facebook group Learn with Kim Explore our courses for coaches Watch a FREE workshop Read more from Kim: Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (book) Fostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (chapter)

In this episode, host Ollie Lovell speaks with Sue Knight, principal of multiple turnaround school stories based upon the Science of Learning. Sue shares her insightful 3 principles for effective school leadership. See all show notes at: www.ollielovell.com/sueknight

I'm often asked if I can create an “executive functioning lesson plan” that a clinician could do within a 20-minute therapy session with a student or group of students. I understand why people ask me for things like this. This traditional “pull-out” model of therapy is what many clinicians have been taught in our preservice training, and it's often what's focused on in professional development for clinicians. This model works well for many skills. It also plays a part in executive functioning intervention. But it's not enough. Doing “executive functioning” lesson plans without some type of support plan in place for other settings would be like a soccer player doing drills and conditioning without ever playing soccer. Does the right isolated work provide support and a foundation? Yes. Is it necessary? Also yes.But is it enough on its own, without direct application in the situation when those skills will be needed? Absolutely not. I know school teams are overwhelmed, and embedding support across a students' day requires systems and collaboration that aren't often in place in many schools (yet). It's a lot to ask, but it's what needs to happen. And with the right plan, it's possible-which is what I show school leaders how to do in the School of Clinical Leadership. That's why in this second episode in my series on “Five Skills to Create Your Executive Functioning Implementation Framework”, I cover the second skill: Self TalkWhat I cover in this episode:✅ The two distinct types of self-talk: Strategy self-talk and Self-belief self-talk✅ How self-talk integrates with other executive functions like time perception, future pacing, and episodic memory✅ The connection between self-talk and principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—and how to embed those principles into daily routines, not just therapy rooms✅ Why explicit instruction and modeling of self-talk helps students shift from reactive to proactive problem-solving✅ How deficits in self-talk can derail time management, task initiation, and flexible thinking—despite external supports✅ How to start working on self-talk with your students right away-even if you haven't built strong team collaboration systems yet.In this episode, I mentioned my upcoming free live virtual training hosted by Parallel Learning that's coming up on August 14, 2025 from 6:30-8:00 PM EST. It's called “Executive Functioning: Beyond Checklists and Planners”. You'll earn a free CEU, get to learn about a company that offers remote work opportunities, and get to learn some of the concepts I teach in my paid programs. You can sign up for the training here. I also mentioned my free training for school leaders who want to create a research-based executive functioning implementation plan for their school teams. You can sign up for the training here.  We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Dr. Donyall Dickey delivers a powerful message about America's literacy crisis while offering clear, practical solutions educators can implement immediately. Donyall D. Dickey, Ed.D. is a nationally recognized authority on curriculum, instruction, organizational development, and the administration of schools As founder and CEO of Educational Epiphany, Dr. Dickey brings credibility and real-world experience to this urgent conversation.The four practices Dr. Dickey outlines include creating learning targets that push students toward higher-order thinking, teaching vocabulary through word part analysis, using gradual release of responsibility to build independence, and explicitly teaching writing skills across content areas. What makes his approach particularly effective is the implementation strategy, introducing one practice at a time, ensuring mastery before moving on, and focusing on sustainable change rather than quick fixes.Educators across Montgomery County will have the opportunity to learn directly from Dr. Dickey at the MCIU's Shared Learning session on October 1st. Don't miss this chance to transform your instructional practice and make a real difference in student literacy outcomes.Visit learn.mciu.org/sharedlearning to learn more about this upcoming professional development opportunity with MCIU's Office of Organizational and Professional Learning.

In this episode of Just Schools, Jon Eckert talks with Mary Jane (MJ) Rios, a teacher at Augustine Prep in Milwaukee and a current MA student in the Baylor program. Eckert had the chance to see MJ in action while shadowing one of her students, who was excited when talking about her class. MJ shares how Augustine Prep supports whole-child development through faith, long-term relationships, and mentoring. She reflects on the importance of consistency, building student confidence, and helping new teachers grow. The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership.Be encouraged.Mentioned:Even If He Doesn't: What We Believe About God When He Doesn't Make Sense by Kristen LaValleyFierce Conversations by Susan ScottConnect with us:Center for School Leadership at Baylor UniversityJon Eckert LinkedInBaylor MA in School Leadership

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

Executive function is often defined as “having good time management skills”. While this isn't completely off-base, it's a vast oversimplification.The REASON people are good at time management is because they have the ability to estimate and sense the passage of time. Most “textbook” definitions of executive functioning don't fully call this out, and as a result many educators and clinicians have a difficult time figuring out how to design instruction and intervention that supports executive functioning. Instead of embedding support across the day, interventions get siloed in special education, or lumped into long lists of cookie cutter classroom accommodations that overwhelm general education teachers. Kids don't generalize skills from one setting to another, even though people think they're working on “time management”, and well-meaning adults find themselves giving constant “five minute warnings” as they try to help their students keep up with the pace of classroom activities or even basic functional tasks (e.g., getting things together, making transitions). Let's be honest: If “five minute warnings” were an effective method of teaching executive functioning and “time management”, we wouldn't have to be doing them constantly. What if there was a way to help kids develop these skills, so we could fade all the prompting? The good news is, there is. The first step is recognizing that the core skill we're teaching is TIME PERCEPTION. When you google a definition of executive functioning, you'll likely get a list of 8 or 9 skills. Things like attention, working memory, shifting, ideational fluency, and self-regulation. It's important for educators, clinicians, and school leaders to understand these terms and what they are, but then they need to organize these abstract cognitive skills into concrete skills that can be both taught explicitly and layered across a students' day. That's why the framework I teach organizes executive functioning into 5 areas: 1. Time perception2. Self-talk3. Future pacing4. Episodic memory5. Encoding. In this first episode of a 5-part podcast series, I discuss the first one: Time perception. In this episode, I'll reveal:✅ What “time perception” means in the context of executive functioning (beyond simply knowing how to tell time).✅ How time perception deficits interfere with task initiation, sustained attention, and task completion.✅ Why students may appear "defiant" or "unmotivated" when the real issue is inaccurate time estimation/perception.✅ How poor time perception creates barriers for following schedules, meeting deadlines, or pacing tasks appropriately.✅ Intervention principles to help build a student's internal sense of time as part of a larger EF support plan.In this episode, I mentioned my upcoming free live virtual training hosted by Parallel Learning that's coming up on August 14, 2025 from 6:30-8:00 PM EST. It's called “Executive Functioning: Beyond Checklists and Planners”. You'll earn a free CEU, get to learn about a company that offers remote work opportunities, and get to learn some of the concepts I teach in my paid programs. You can sign up for the training here. I also mentioned my free training for school leaders who want to create a research-based executive functioning implementation plan for their school teams. You can sign up for the training here.  We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Pastor Sean Azzaro of River City Community Church shares his journey and the mission behind the church and its affiliated Christian school, River City Believers Academy. Explore the concept of living an abundant, real life through faith, community, and education. Pastor Sean discusses the importance of biblical teachings, the impact of a supportive Christian community, and the role of RCBA in discipling students. www.rcbaonline.com 00:00 Introduction: Made for Something More?00:18 Invitation to River City Community Church01:03 Reaching for Real Life: Back in the Pulpit01:36 Landmark Church and San Marcos Visit02:24 Revival and Greg Lori's Crusades05:43 The Gospel's Fair Hearing in Modern Times07:54 Preparing the Next Generation for College09:28 River City Believers Academy: A Christian School's Journey13:32 Introduction to River City Believers Academy14:10 School Leadership and Faculty15:09 Unique Christian Community16:48 Student Involvement in Worship17:57 Pastor Sean's Role and Influence19:19 Sports and Life Lessons22:24 Enrollment and Scholarships24:06 Service Times and Final Thoughts

Pastor Sean Azzaro of River City Community Church shares his journey and the mission behind the church and its affiliated Christian school, River City Believers Academy. Explore the concept of living an abundant, real life through faith, community, and education. Pastor Sean discusses the importance of biblical teachings, the impact of a supportive Christian community, and the role of RCBA in discipling students. www.rcbaonline.com 00:00 Introduction: Made for Something More?00:18 Invitation to River City Community Church01:03 Reaching for Real Life: Back in the Pulpit01:36 Landmark Church and San Marcos Visit02:24 Revival and Greg Lori's Crusades05:43 The Gospel's Fair Hearing in Modern Times07:54 Preparing the Next Generation for College09:28 River City Believers Academy: A Christian School's Journey13:32 Introduction to River City Believers Academy14:10 School Leadership and Faculty15:09 Unique Christian Community16:48 Student Involvement in Worship17:57 Pastor Sean's Role and Influence19:19 Sports and Life Lessons22:24 Enrollment and Scholarships24:06 Service Times and Final Thoughts

In this solo episode, Chanie Wilschanski challenges one of the most common—and misleading—phrases in school leadership: “Let's get on the same page.”While it may sound like alignment and feel like unity, this phrase often leads to passive agreement, false harmony, and a school culture built on appeasement—not real accountability.Chanie shares why being “on the same page” is no longer her goal—and how installing shared standards, guardrails, and team rhythms can transform your school systems and restore trust across your staff.If you're tired of repeating the same expectations over and over, this episode offers a leadership framework for creating clarity, follow-through, and sustainable team ownership—without micromanaging.What You'll LearnWhy “being on the same page” creates confusion, not clarityHow to lead with shared standards that drive school-wide accountabilityWhy rhythms and systems—not reminders—protect your school cultureA practical framework for restoring team ownership without overfunctioningWhat false harmony is costing you in terms of trust, time, and retentionHow to navigate team members with inconsistent follow-throughKey Insights“On the Same Page” Is a Leadership MirageIt creates a false sense of alignment while team members continue to operate with unclear expectations. Real school culture is built through systems, clarity, and ownership—not agreement alone.Standards Build Clarity—Ownership Creates StabilityYour team doesn't need the same words. They need the same follow-through. When team roles are clearly defined and reinforced, it reduces micromanaging and school burnout.Guardrails Make Standards StickSystems like recommitment rhythms, role clarity, and consistent follow-up help move your team from second-guessing and scrambling to anchored, confident leadership.Overfunctioning Leaders Block OwnershipWhen school directors or owners jump in to “just fix it,” it reinforces a culture of dependency and disempowers the team. Guardrails allow you to stop doing it all—and let your staff rise.The Guardrails Framework: Try This InsteadTired of repeating the same school standard over and over? Use this 3-part framework to reinforce shared ownership and sustainable systems:1. Define Follow-Through → What does success look like for each role? → Be specific, especially when addressing low accountability or inconsistent team members.2. Install a Recommitment Rhythm → Use weekly check-ins, midpoint reviews, or 1:1s to revisit standards regularly. → Don't build new rules—recommit to existing ones with intention.3. Clarify Ownership → Who is responsible for what? → Sustainable school operations require role clarity and systems that reduce friction.Memorable Quotes “You don't need matching words. You need matching follow-through.” “Culture isn't built by agreement. It's built by what we hold—together.” “If the standard is that children go home clean, your schedule must support that.”Why This Matters for School LeadersReduces the pressure of overfunctioning and the mental load of repeating standardsShifts team dynamics from passive compliance to real accountabilityHelps overwhelmed school directors install systems that actually stickStrengthens school retention and team trust by building predictable rhythmsProtects your school culture from burnout, resentment, and low follow-throughResources & Next Steps...