Podcasts about school leadership

If you've ever wondered what to actually do during small group time in math, this episode will give you a clear and practical way to support students without lowering expectations.We built a simple Math Coherence Compass to help district and school leaders make aligned decisions around math—without adding another initiative. Get your free copy and training here https://makemathmoments.com/coherence-compass/Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem-based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units Description:Many school systems measure success in math education by one thing: math test scores. But what if waiting for scores to improve is actually slowing down meaningful change?Math test scores are often treated as proof that math professional development, initiatives, or instructional changes are working. But the reality is, they're lagging indicators—they tell us what already happened, not what's happening right now. When math leaders focus only on math test scores and outcomes, they risk missing the daily classroom experiences that actually produce those outcomes. Sustainable improvement doesn't come from chasing math test scores. It comes from redesigning the systems, structures, and instructional experiences that shape student learning every day.In this episode, you'll explore:Why math test scores are lagging indicators in math improvementThe difference between activity and actual impactWhat math leaders should measure instead of waiting for outcomesHow classroom experiences shape long-term achievementWhy systems—not individuals—drive resultsWhat it means to “change the change” in math educationIf you're feeling pressure to prove improvement through math test scores alone, this episode will help you rethink what meaningful progress actually looks like—and how to build systems that create lasting change.Show Notes PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!Empower Your Students (and Teachers) Using A Professional Learning PlanThat Sparks Engagement, Fuels Deep Learning, and Ignites Action! Book a time to chat with our team to see how we can help you achieve your math goals! https://makemathmoments.com/plan/Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don't want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

Send us Fan MailWhat if one of the biggest missing pieces in teacher retention is how we support mentor teachers?In this episode, Becca talks with John Pascarella, professor of clinical education at USC and Chief Academic Officer of the USC Race and Equity Center, about why mentor teachers are often asked to support new teachers without the training, role clarity, compensation, or coaching they actually need.They unpack why being a great teacher does not automatically make someone a great mentor, how mentoring adults requires a different skill set, and why schools need to stop treating mentorship like informal volunteer work.This conversation is for instructional coaches, school leaders, district leaders, and teacher leaders who want to strengthen new teacher support, improve teacher retention, and build more effective mentoring systems in schools.John's Info:Faculty profile  |  CCTE Policy Brief (free download, includes my brief on mentor teachers)  |  Learning Policy Institute (Stanford University)Buy "The Resistance Solution" here!Let's Stay Connected!Website  |  Instagram |  Twitter |  Linkedin |  Facebook |  Contact Us

The I Love CVille Show headlines: Disastrous Hollymead Child Predator Meeting AlbCo School Leadership Unprepared/Defensive W/ Parents Parents Should Lawyer Up & Pursue Legal Action Now First Reports: 2024; Police Investigation: Jan, 2026 Top 10 Most Underdeveloped CVille City Parcels What Parcels Are We Missing From This Top 10 List? Top 10 Parcels That'll Face Most Backlash Upon Development Will Tent Town Under Freebridge Be Cleared In 2026 Read Viewer & Listener Comments Live On-Air The I Love CVille Show airs live Monday – Friday from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm on The I Love CVille Network. Watch and listen to The I Love CVille Show on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, iTunes, Apple Podcast, YouTube, Spotify, Fountain, Amazon Music, Audible, Rumble and iLoveCVille.com.

If you're an SLP who's wondering how you can effectively address complex skills relating to both language and executive functioning in the school systems… The primary challenge is that BOTH language and executive functioning are incredibly complicated. Even just focusing on one or the other can be overwhelming. Layer on the challenges with the way related service providers are expected to provide interventions in the schools, and it seems impossible. Unfortunately, that challenge has resulted in debates on whether executive functioning is more important than language and vice versa, which isn't useful. You don't have to decide which is more important. They both are. We need to find a way to address them both. I help clinicians do that with a concept I call “cycling”. What I do is teach clinicians a set of core treatment techniques that fit within a set of foundational areas that support language and executive functioning.That's why in this episode, I share how to target both language and executive functioning in direct intervention with enough depth that you get results. In this episode, I reveal:✅ When it's appropriate to think of language intervention in terms of working up a hierarchy of skills, and when it doesn't.✅ Why using treatment cycles is more effective than trying to pin down a “scope and sequence” for language and cognitive intervention.✅ How to use intervention cycles to build a language therapy system, and eventually move on to layering in more robust executive functioning support. ✅ Why layering other service delivery models outside of direct intervention is essential for generalization, and how to make sure support is happening outside your sessions. Additional resources mentioned in this episode:Free Training: Three Shifts to Turning Your Clinical Expertise Into a Scalable Language Therapy System Link here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languageWhy language therapy works better in cycles than in a linear sequence Link here: https://drkarenspeech.com/why-language-therapy-works-better-in-cycles-than-in-a-linear-sequence/You think you need a language therapy hierarchy. That's why your system never feels stable. Link here: https://drkarenspeech.com/you-think-you-need-a-language-therapy-hierarchy-thats-why-your-system-never-feels-stable/How to target both language and executive functioning in therapy with enough depth to get resultsLink here: https://drkarenspeech.com/how-to-target-both-language-and-executive-functioning-in-therapy-with-enough-depth-to-get-results/In this episode, I mentioned Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that gives speech pathologists a scalable framework for building language skills needed to thrive in school, social situations, and daily life. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapyI also mentioned School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers design scalable executive functioning interventions to ensure students get the scaffolding they need across the school day. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL and Renaissance:Learn more about Renaissance:As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.We're proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.If you're a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation. We're also thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Welcome to Eduro Learning's "Refresh Your Coaching Practice Series" This is a special podcast series designed to support you in refreshing your coaching practice. It's called (you guessed it), Refresh Your Coaching Practice. This series is an opportunity for you to reflect on your current practice as well as look ahead and consider opportunities for growth. You'll notice, as you listen, that we're following the Thrive Model for Sustainable Instructional Coaching: with episodes on clarity, consistency, and community, so you can refresh your practice on all three elements. Download our free companion guide & workbook that aligns with this series at edurolearning.com/refresh *If you're interested in learning more about Eduro Learning's Thrive Coaching Certificate program, click here.  And to join the waitlist for our 2026-27 cohort, click 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 Articles from Kim 3 Innovative Instructional Coaching Models (Edutopia) How Instructional Coaches Can Balance Confidentiality and Accountability (Edutopia) When We Invest in Coaches, We Invest in Teachers (The Learning Professional, Learning Forward) Books & Chapters 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) All of Kim's articles can be found here

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Coaching the Whole Educator, Becca Silver talks with Principal Kafele about what happens when high expectations meet resistance in schools and how leaders can respond without slipping into compliance-driven leadership.Together, they explore how school leaders can create a true culture of high expectations, not by demanding instant transformation, but by helping educators experience steady, measurable growth. Principal Kafele shares why leaders must connect expectations to a larger purpose, build authentic relationships with staff, and understand what is beneath the pushback before deciding how to respond.This conversation digs into the difference between teacher resistance, overwhelm, and low expectations, and why leaders cannot diagnose those differences without ongoing trust, coaching, and collaboration. Becca and Principal Kafele also discuss the role of leadership identity, including how the way leaders see themselves shapes how they respond to hesitation, pushback, and resistance.Listeners will walk away with practical insight into how to: Hold high expectations without leading through compliance  Recognize growth as progress, not perfection  Build a school culture where expectations become normal behavior  Respond to resistance with curiosity instead of judgment  Strengthen leadership identity during difficult conversations  Support educators through change while maintaining clear standards This episode is especially valuable for principals, assistant principals, instructional coaches, district leaders, and school leadership teams who are navigating resistance to change, supporting adult learning, and working to build cultures of growth, accountability, and meaningful progress.[BOOK] Grab There Resistance Solution: Why Educator Resist and What They Need Instead HERE! Let's Stay Connected!Website  |  Instagram |  Twitter |  Linkedin |  Facebook |  Contact Us

Send us Fan MailIn this first episode of the Principal in Action series, Dr. Mel Vandevort explores why effective leadership isn't about working harder, staying later, or carrying more responsibility. It's about building systems that make success repeatable.You'll learn how systems help school leaders:✅ Reduce decision fatigue✅ Create consistency and trust✅ Protect leadership priorities✅ Build capacity within teams✅ Prevent burnout and increase sustainabilityIf you've ever ended the day wondering where your time went, this episode will help you identify why reactive leadership happens and how simple systems can help you lead with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.Reflection QuestionsWhat decisions am I making repeatedly that could be systematized?Where am I relying on memory instead of a process?What leadership priority deserves a system?What in my school depends too heavily on me?"For God is not a God of disorder but of peace." — 1 Corinthians 14:33Strong leadership systems create order, clarity, and consistency so leaders can focus on serving people and advancing their mission.Power SurgeI don't have to do everything to lead effectively. I choose to build systems that create consistency, protect my priorities, and strengthen my impact. Today, I will lead with intention, not reaction.Support the showDownload Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.Calling All Educators! I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.Join here: Empowered Educator CommunityBook: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance SuccessGrab a complimentary Power Surgeemail: melinda@empowereducator.com

Darren Clark is a strategic advisor, investor, entrepreneur and the founder of Conscious Education, an organisation dedicated to helping schools achieve clarity, alignment and momentum through tailored strategy programs. Darren has led over 40 organisations himself and brings a deep understanding of strategy development, organisational leadership and sustainable growth.At Conscious Education, he leads a multi-disciplinary team, that partners with school leaders, to design and implement strategies that deliver measurable impact, strengthen culture and build leadership capability. Conscious Education supports the development of strategy, leadership and culture programs, coaching and consulting for individual leaders and the whole school, through to ongoing national peak body work. A human approach to developing education strategy and leadership alignment that's empowering, engaging, simple and sustainable. WHO THIS IS FOR:School Business Managers, Heads of Operations, ICT leaders, Principals and Board members at independent and Catholic schools across Australia and New Zealand.ABOUT COLE SCHOOL EXPERTSWe've helped independent and Catholic schools across Australia and New Zealand run smarter for over 20 years — through outsourced finance, payroll, HR, software and strategic services. Built for Business Managers who want fewer fires and more focus.

A decade into the Better Leaders Better Schools Ruckuscast, Danny Bauer has coached and interviewed hundreds of school leaders — and the patterns are clear. Dan Watt, elementary principal in British Columbia and Ruckus Maker, flips the microphone and puts Danny in the guest chair. What follows isn't nostalgia. It's the unfiltered architecture of a school leadership development ecosystem that actually works — and what it means for how you lead your campus. The Ruckuscast turns 10 this year. That's 10 years of watching which principals grow and which ones stall, which leadership beliefs hold up and which ones collapse under pressure. This episode is the debrief.

In this episode of JOY over Happiness, Dr. Jon Eckert has a conversation with Bryan Goodwin, Deputy Executive Director, McREL Institute at Region 13, about what joyful learning actually looks like in classrooms. Bryan explores why joy isn't the absence of struggle but often found in the process of learning, growing, and overcoming challenges.From the power of curiosity and collaborative inquiry to the value of storytelling, boredom, and meaningful questions, Bryan shares how educators can create conditions where students and teachers experience genuine engagement.This conversation is a reminder that joyful learning isn't about making everything easy. It's about creating opportunities for people to discover, persevere, and find meaning in the work of becoming better.Mentioned:The Happiness Crisis by Jon EckertThe Meaning of Your Life by Arthur BrooksThe Flourishing Factor by Chris Egan TeachingReaching Kids Who Don't Fit Inside the Box by Pete HallCharlie Hustle by Keith O'BrienNever Work Harder Than Your Students by Robyn JacksonConnect with us:Center for School Leadership at Baylor UniversityLinkedInBaylor MA in School Leadership

In this final #coachbetter episode for Season 7, Kim talks about the challenge of feeling like you're constantly in day-to-day mode, without being able to be intentional about planning for what's coming up next. As educators we are busy and now AI is pushing us in a variety of ways to try to do even more, often with less resources. It can feel impossible to keep up. And that often leads us to think that we have to do more, even faster. But that is not the case - it is pausing for reflection. Kim relates this to the power of coaching and how it forces us to slow and take time to process our thinking. 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 Articles from Kim 3 Innovative Instructional Coaching Models (Edutopia) How Instructional Coaches Can Balance Confidentiality and Accountability (Edutopia) When We Invest in Coaches, We Invest in Teachers (The Learning Professional, Learning Forward) Books & Chapters 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)

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future issue for schools. It is already shaping how educators plan, teach, lead, and prepare students for the workforce. In this episode of The Rural Voice, Dr. Christopher Silver and Dr. Bill Chapman are joined by Dr. Beth Rabbitt, Co-Chief Executive Officer of FullScale, for a timely conversation about AI, rural education, and the future of learning. Dr. Rabbitt explains why rural schools may be positioned not as late adopters, but as potential leaders in thoughtful AI implementation. Drawing from FullScale's national work with rural districts, she discusses how AI can expand access, build operational capacity, support teachers, and help students develop the adaptability needed for a rapidly changing economy. She also addresses the practical concerns educators are facing, including student data privacy, FERPA, AI misuse, teacher readiness, and the limits of generative AI. The conversation offers concrete guidance for school leaders, including the use of red-light, yellow-light, and green-light protocols for classroom AI use, the importance of district-level policy, and the value of allowing teachers to safely tinker with new tools before using them with students. Dr. Rabbitt also encourages educators to approach AI not as an expert replacement, but as a “helpful, coachable, smart, but young intern” that still requires human judgment, oversight, and ethical decision-making. This episode is especially relevant for rural educators, school administrators, district leaders, and anyone thinking about how schools can prepare students for an uncertain future while protecting the human relationships, creativity, and local wisdom that remain central to education.

In this conversation, I sat down with Kim Jenkins from Empowering Speech Services (https://www.empoweringspeechservices.com/meet-kim)  to talk about how she's used the frameworks from Language Therapy Advance Foundations (https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapy/)  along with the gestalt language processing stages, for reluctant readers, and AAC users. We also talk about how important it is for clinicians to think flexibly with how they apply frameworks in therapy so they can pull from multiple sources to come up with their own personal protocols that work for their caseload. We also chat about other topics such as what “alter ego” we want to emulate when we're going through a challenge, social media strategies and mindset, our dogs, and how to draw parallels between language therapy, clinical practice, fitness, tips for learning how to do pull-ups, and other areas of life. Kim Jenkins is a neurodiversity-affirming speech therapist who is passionate about helping neurodivergent children and their families flourish.  Empowering Speech Services was built on the idea that authentic and meaningful communication can be achieved by focusing on a child's strengths, meeting their sensory needs, following their lead, and empowering family members in the process. Serving the Milton and Alpharetta areas of Georgia, she takes the time to truly get to know her clients, their joys, interests, unique strengths, and individual challenges. In this conversation, we discuss:✅ How Kim uses semantic features and syntactic study with AAC users✅ Using the “Essential 5” framework from Language Therapy Advance Foundations with students who use a lot of scripting and gestalts✅ Engaging a reluctant reader literacy and vocabulary work✅ Parallels between life, language therapy, fitness, and social media marketingLearn more about Kim's private practice on her website here: https://www.empoweringspeechservices.com/Visit her on TikTok here: https://www.tiktok.com/@empoweringspeechservices@UCSeGnUyaf6NBHJFBuoUFUTA Visit her on Instagram @empoweringspeechservicesConnect with her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-jenkins-a0288796/Check out her TeachersPayTeachers store here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/empowering-speech-servicesI mentioned the following previous De Facto Leaders Podcast interviews:EP 205: Using the Essential 5 to Build Vocabulary and Syntax in Secondary School (with Amy Baugh) here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-205-using-the-essential-5-to-build-vocabulary-and-syntax-in-secondary-school-with-amy-baugh/EP 140: Creating an Intentional Career and Life with Alter Egos (with Meg Niman) here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-140-creating-an-intentional-career-and-life-with-alter-egos-with-meg-niman/EP 154: Therapy Session Structure, Narrative Language, and Commentary on Gestalt Language Processing here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-154-therapy-session-structure-narrative-language-and-commentary-on-gestalt-language-processing/Also mentioned in this episode:”Stories that Stick” by Kindra Hall here: https://www.storiesthatstick.com/Sarah Brashears from Social Mogules: @socialmogulsIn this episode, I mentioned Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that gives speech pathologists a scalable framework for building language skills needed to thrive in school, social situations, and daily life. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapy Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL and Renaissance:Learn more about Renaissance:As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.We're proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.If you're a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation. We're also thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

In #coachbetter episode Kim and Diana talk about ways that you can spot patterns and trends in your coaching data for the year. Kim was recently talking to our current members of the Coach and we talked about how important it is to just start collecting data and building in a practice of reflection - even if you are worried that you won't have "enough" data. The data you collect right now can become your baseline data to refer back to in future years. Even if you're not sure what data to collect, or what to do with the results, waiting until you feel ready just delays your progress. When you start now, you get the opportunity to: collect that baseline data, learn what kinds of questions you want to ask, and  better understand how to analyze and unpack the data you find 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 Articles from Kim 3 Innovative Instructional Coaching Models (Edutopia) How Instructional Coaches Can Balance Confidentiality and Accountability (Edutopia) When We Invest in Coaches, We Invest in Teachers (The Learning Professional, Learning Forward) Books & Chapters 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)

Conflict is unavoidable in school leadership, but how leaders respond to it can shape the culture and effectiveness of an entire district.In this episode of the OSBA Forum, host Mark Bobo talks with Sara Clark and Kristi Robbins about the challenges school boards and district leaders face regarding conflict, communication and governance. The conversation explores: Why conflict is increasing in some districts.  Leadership transitions and board dynamics.  Communication breakdowns and difficult conversations.  Emotional intelligence in governance.  Community expectations and political pressures.  Strategies for strengthening trust and professionalism. The OSBA Forum features conversations on the issues impacting Ohio's public schools and the leaders who serve them.00:00 Introduction 00:22 Conflict Isn't Always Negative 00:47 Meet Sara Clark and Kristi Robbins 01:19 Why Conflict Is Increasing in School Districts 01:43 New Board Members and Leadership Transitions 02:06 Roles, Communication and Difficult Conversations 02:40 Budget Challenges and Community Pressure 03:05 Political Polarization and Board Dynamics 03:38 Emotional Intelligence During Conflict 04:25 Early Warning Signs of Governance Problems 05:12 Building Trust Within Leadership Teams 06:04 Productive Communication Strategies 07:01 Managing Public Pressure and Expectations 08:10 Advice for Board Members Facing Conflict 09:02 Final Thoughts on Leadership and GovernanceFor more resources, training and advocacy updates from the Ohio School Boards Association, visit ohioschoolboards.org.

In this episode of JOY over Happiness, Dr. Jon Eckert talks with Rev. Dr. David Kim, CEO and co-founder of Goldenwood, about AI and vocation. David's passion is to help people and organizations see the unseen realities that give rise to the world we create.David shares why the future will belong not just to efficiency, but to people who can cultivate curiosity, connection, and creativity in a rapidly changing world.Mentioned:Every Good Endeavor by Tim Keller and Katherine Leary AlsdorfUnreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara“The Tune of Things” by Christian WimanConnect with us:Center for School Leadership at Baylor UniversityLinkedInBaylor MA in School Leadership

In #coachbetter episode Kim talks with Iain Henderson, Director of The Bridge at Wellington College. This is a peek into a conversation they had for Iain's podcast that we're excited to share with you here.  Iain and Kim have been having ongoing conversations about how coaching is implemented differently in different school settings and this conversation highlights a number of key topics that have come up many times, including: the importance of agency in the coaching process embracing a coach-like approach in any interaction  what we hope are the goals or outcomes from the coaching process how we design coaching relationships and avoid "coaching-by-stealth" the impact of different types of coaching models - like: what happens when we mandate coaching, and the repercussions of aligning coaching with evaluation coaching in the age of AI This conversation explores the deep power of coaching as adult development to support the flourishing of all educators in our schools. If you are interested in why coaching is so powerful - and some very important constraints to the coaching process that can make or break your program - 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 Articles from Kim 3 Innovative Instructional Coaching Models (Edutopia) How Instructional Coaches Can Balance Confidentiality and Accountability (Edutopia) When We Invest in Coaches, We Invest in Teachers (The Learning Professional, Learning Forward) Books & Chapters 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)

S5:E9 School Leadership with a Therapy Dog (Guest: Elly Patterson)In this episode, Sam chats with Deputy Principal Elly Patterson about introducing her therapy dog Elphie into a school environment and the thoughtful planning behind building a successful therapy dog program.Elly shares how Elphie supports both students and staff through emotional regulation, transitions, connection, and wellbeing, while also discussing the importance of clear boundaries, documentation, and protocols in educational settings.A practical and insightful conversation for anyone interested in therapy dog work in schools.Request A Topic Or Join Us On The Therapy Dogs Australia Podcast Here: https://form.jotform.com/253357419361056SUBSCRIBE! Interested in Animal-Assisted Therapy / Animal-Assisted Services and studying with Therapy Dogs Australia? Visit our website www.therapydog.com.au for more information or get in touch with us today by emailing info@therapydog.com.au and one of the Therapy Dogs Australia team will be there to help! Raise your future therapy dog with us! Join our Juniors Mentoring program (puppy & adolescent programs available) and set you and your dog up for success by training the right foundations early, more info here: https://therapydog.com.au/juniors-mentoring-program Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy_dogs_australia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapydogsaus/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyDogsAustralia/featured LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapy-dogs-australia/ #therapydog #therapydogsaustralia #animalassistedtherapy #animalassistedservices Music License: 1ANLAK4JIIFGVB7B

Improving math instruction and student achievement is something every school and system wants. But despite that desire, real, lasting change often feels out of reach. Not because educators don't care—but because the work required to get there is harder than expected.It's easy to want the outcome: stronger math programs, more confident teachers, improved student results. But those outcomes depend on a set of consistent, intentional inputs—time, focus, and sustained effort. And that's where many systems struggle. The reality is, meaningful improvement isn't about finding a quick fix. It's about committing to the long-term work, even when progress feels slow and the process is challenging. Like any complex skill, the results only come when the required effort is sustained over time.In this episode, you'll explore:Why improving math instruction requires more than good intentionsThe difference between wanting results and committing to the workWhat “inputs vs outputs” really means in educationWhy sustainable improvement takes time and consistencyHow systems can think more intentionally about long-term changeWhat it means to “choose your hard” in math improvementIf you're working to improve math instruction in your classroom, school, or system, this episode will challenge you to think differently about the commitment required—and help you decide what path forward you're ready to take.We built a simple Math Coherence Compass to help district and school leaders make aligned decisions around math—without adding another initiative. Get your free copy and training here https://makemathmoments.com/compass/Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem-based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units Show Notes PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don't want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

A Milestone Built on Consistency and Community Episode 500 of Principal Matters is more than a milestone; it's a reflection of years of consistency, curiosity, and commitment to elevating school leadership. What began as a blog in 2013 and evolved into a podcast in 2015 has grown into a global conversation among educators. With over 700 pieces of content produced, the show has become a trusted space where leaders learn from one another, share experiences, and grow together. For this special episode, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke invited a panel of respected leaders and longtime listeners to reflect on lessons learned, meaningful moments, and the future of education leadership. The panel includes: Dr. Don Parker, Josh Tovar, Donna Hayward, Frederick Buskey, Brent Kline, Dr. Nick Davies, and Dr. Tracie Swilley. Will Parker – Founder, Principal Matters LLC https://williamdparker.com Jen Schwanke – Author, Speaker, Co-Host https://jenschwanke.com Dr. Don Parker – Speaker, Author, PD Consultant https://drdonparker.com Josh Tovar – Principal, Memorial Pathway Academy (Garland, TX)Memorial Pathway Academy https://www.garlandisdschools.net/memorial Donna Hayward – Principal, Haddam-Killingworth High School (CT)Haddam-Killingworth High School https://hkhs.rsd17.org Frederick Buskey – Host, Assistant Principal Podcasthttps://www.frederickbuskey.com/appodcast.html Brent Kline – Principal, Palo Alto High SchoolPalo Alto High School https://www.paly.net Dr. Nick Davies – Principal, Woodland Middle Schoolhttps://www.drnickdavies.com/ Dr. Tracie Swilley – Assistant Superintendent, Fairfield County School District (SC)Fairfield County School District https://www.fairfield1.org https://educate-her.com The Power of Ongoing Conversation A consistent theme across the episode is the idea that Principal Matters is not just a podcast; it's an ongoing conversation among trusted colleagues. Our friends described the show as: A “circle of trusted friends” A space where leadership challenges feel shared, not isolated A bridge connecting leaders across different contexts and regions Rather than one standout episode, they emphasized the cumulative impact of hearing diverse voices over time. Whether discussing rural leadership, student voice, or restorative practices, the conversations feel timeless and relevant. Leadership Through Relationships Another major takeaway is the relational nature of leadership. Guests highlighted how the show models: Authentic dialogue Curiosity-driven questioning Respect for diverse perspectives Dr. Don Parker reflected on how meaningful it is when leaders feel seen and valued in conversation, while others noted the importance of creating environments where people feel safe to share openly. The podcast itself mirrors what effective leadership looks like in schools: listening deeply, building trust, and learning collaboratively. Timeless Lessons for School Leaders Across the discussion, several key leadership principles emerged: 1. Leadership is Human Work The most impactful leaders connect with people—not just systems or outcomes. 2. Growth Requires Community No leader succeeds in isolation. Networks, mentorship, and ongoing dialogue are essential. 3. Student Voice Matters Including students in decision-making leads to stronger, more meaningful school practices. 4. Reflection Drives Improvement Whether through podcasts, conversations, or coaching, reflection helps leaders refine their practice. Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Conversation Jen Schwanke offered insight into the preparation behind each episode: Researching guests and their work Developing thoughtful, curiosity-driven questions Allowing conversations to evolve naturally Meanwhile, the production process—editing, publishing, and distribution—relies on a dedicated team, including our editor, Emily Parker-Eaton, and our theme music by Samuel Parker, highlighting that the podcast is truly a collaborative effort. Parting Words: Wisdom from the Panel The episode concludes with powerful reflections from each guest, including: Remember your “why” Seek support—you don't have to do this alone Slow down and focus on people, not just tasks Embrace the impact you have on lives every day Stay committed to growth and connection Each message reinforces a shared belief: leadership is challenging, but deeply meaningful work. Thank you Listen to the entire episode for even more takeaways! Episode 500 wouldn't be possible without you, the listener, so thank you! This show is a celebration of perseverance, relationships, and shared purpose. More than anything, it reminds us that leadership is not about having all the answers; it's about asking better questions, building stronger connections, and continuing the conversation. And as the panel suggested, this isn't the end. It's just the beginning of the next 500 conversations. Until the next episode, thank you for listening, and thank you for doing what matters! The post PMP500: Celebrating 500 Conversations in School Leadership appeared first on Principal Matters.

Clinicians who are confidently delivering language and literacy interventions haven't found the perfect "therapy curriculum". They've learned how to build their own using three practices.In this episode, I share what those practices are, plus additional information on a free training I released that explains these concepts further. I cover:✅ The concept of "clinical containers", and how you can use them to design your language therapy system, informed by my doctoral research and experience working in the schools for 10+ years.✅ How to fill those linguistic containers over time using "asset stacking", so you're strategically adding layers of complexity one at a time.✅ How to structure your planning so it fits into a realistic schedule, so each block of "plan" time you get moves you towards building your complete language therapy system. In this episode, I mentioned Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that gives speech pathologists a scalable framework for building language skills needed to thrive in school, social situations, and daily life. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapyI also mentioned my free training called “Three Practices to Turn Your Clinical Expertise Into a Scalable Language Therapy System”. You can register for the training here: https://drkarenspeech.com/language Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL and Renaissance:Learn more about Renaissance:As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.We're proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.If you're a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation. We're also thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

In this episode, Dr. Todd Cutler, Superintendent of Lake Tahoe Unified School District, discusses what it truly means to build schools that transform communities. He shares his belief that education shapes the future of entire communities, not just individual students, and reflects on his journey through three superintendencies to find what matters most in school leadership. Dr. Cutler highlights the district's innovative career tech education programs, dual enrollment partnerships with Lake Tahoe Community College, and a recently passed bond focused on creating flexible, engaging learning environments. He also opens up about the importance of high expectations paired with genuine care, the power of student voice in shaping classroom design, and why celebrating wins is something education doesn't do nearly enough. About Dr. Todd Cutler: Dr. Todd Cutler became the Superintendent of Lake Tahoe Unified School District on July 1, 2020. He came to South Lake Tahoe from Winters Joint Unified School District where he served for five years as the Superintendent.  Dr. Cutler grew up on the southeast shore of Lake Tahoe and attended Zephyr Cove Elementary School, Kingsbury Middle School and is a graduate of George Whittell High School.  After high school graduation he attended New Mexico State University where he was an Academic All-American Football player. He received his B.S. degree in Secondary Education from NMSU. Todd went on to earn his Masters in Education Administration from the University of Phoenix, and lastly earned his Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Cutler began his career in education teaching and coaching at both the middle school and high school levels in Gardnerville, Nevada.  He began his school administration career in 1998 and has served in an array of positions.  He has been a Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, Principal, School Improvement Analyst, Administrative Coach, Deputy Superintendent, and Superintendent. Along with Winters, Dr. Cutler has served as Superintendent of the Lassen Union High School District and Johnstonville Elementary School District in Susanville, CA.  Along with Dr. Cutler's educational and professional experience, he has demonstrated a commitment to be involved with the communities he has lived and worked.  Examples include serving as the Mayor of Fernley, Nevada and volunteering as a site director for Inner City Games in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was a member of Rotary and a member of the Rocklin Education Excellence Foundation. Todd has a philosophy of collaborative leadership.  He understands the importance of engaging all stakeholders in the education process.  He is committed to doing what is best for students and has a proven track record of improved student achievement under his service. Learn More About Kay-Twelve: Website: https://kay-twelve.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kay-twelve-com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kay_twelve/   Episode 329 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.   For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website

What happens when the success you worked so hard to build starts to feel like survival? In this episode, Chanie Wilschanski joins radio host Nachum Segal on JM in the AM to talk about her new book, This Can't Be Normal. They cover the invisible weight of school leadership, why burnout is a rhythm problem not a workload problem, and what it actually looks like to lead a school sustainably, without running yourself into the ground. If you've ever wondered why leading well still feels so hard, this conversation is for you.This Can't Be Normal: What to Do When Success Starts to Feel Like Survival by Chanie Wilschanski — available on Amazon, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold: https://thiscantbenormal.comListen to JM in the AM with Nachum Segal: https://www.nachumsegal.com/

In this #coachbetter episode we're talking about the importance of understanding the macro view of the whole school as an instructional coach. This is a highlight from one of our favorite episodes from a previous season featuring two of our amazing The Coach Mentors: Diana Beabout  and Kristen Moreland. In this clip we unpack the subtle (but often unexpected and surprising) shift to looking at your work as a coach from the micro view (what you do on an individual level) to the way that, as soon as you step into a coaching role, you are required to look at the work of coaching within a much larger viewpoint (the division, the school, the district). This is often a big surprise for coaches - and even some experienced coaches can be reluctant to take on this informal leadership aspect of the role. But when you move into a coaching role, it becomes part of your responsibility to work towards the success of developing the program and the culture - not just the micro view of your coaching practice. Find the show notes for this episode here. Like this episode, then check out the original episode... 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 Articles from Kim 3 Innovative Instructional Coaching Models (Edutopia) How Instructional Coaches Can Balance Confidentiality and Accountability (Edutopia) When We Invest in Coaches, We Invest in Teachers (The Learning Professional, Learning Forward) Books & Chapters 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)

Improving student achievement in mathematics is a goal shared by schools, districts, and systems everywhere. Yet despite years of effort, many classrooms still aren't seeing the shifts in instruction or outcomes that we're aiming for. If the goal is clear, why does progress feel so inconsistent?The challenge isn't a lack of effort. Teachers are working hard, and schools are investing time into professional learning and new initiatives. But even with well-established teaching practices and research-backed strategies, something isn't sticking. In many cases, the issue lies not in the practices themselves, but in the systems designed to support them. Without clarity, alignment, and the right focus, it becomes difficult to create meaningful and lasting change in math instruction.In this episode, you'll explore:Why math achievement hasn't improved despite years of effortThe three key barriers preventing instructional changeHow a lack of clarity and coherence impacts teacher practiceWhy measuring the wrong things leads to stalled progressWhat it means to focus narrowly for greater impactWhy building teachers' math understanding—not just pedagogy—is essentialIf you're trying to improve math instruction in your classroom, school, or system, this episode will help you rethink your approach and focus on the changes that truly move the needle.We built a simple Math Coherence Compass to help district and school leaders make aligned decisions around math—without adding another initiative. Get your free copy and training here https://makemathmoments.com/compass/Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem-based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units Show Notes PageLove the show? Text us your big takeaway! Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don't want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

What does it really take to lead bold organizational change — and make it stick?On this episode of More Great Seats 4 Kids, Mike Lesczinski, Director of Strategy and Communications at the SUNY Charter Schools Institute, sits down with Tresha Ward, Chief Executive Officer of Brooklyn Prospect Charter Schools, for a conversation about leadership, equity, talent, and school transformation.Since stepping into the CEO role in 2021, Tresha has led a major effort to redesign systems and structures to create equity for both students and staff. She shares how Brooklyn Prospect rethought staffing models, strengthened leadership development, improved compensation practices, rebuilt culture, and dramatically increased employee retention while reducing disparities by race and role.This is a practical discussion about making difficult decisions, navigating resistance, staying grounded in values, and building an organization where excellence, diversity, and belonging can thrive together.Support the show

Recess is often thought of as an “extra” activity in the school day. Sometimes it's even taken away from students as a punishment. But some schools think about recess as an integral part of the school day, where students get the opportunity to connect, practice important social and problem-solving skills they'll need for life.Others are taking it a step further and using it as a tool to help students feel more connected to their school experience, and to decrease chronic absenteeism and establish a school culture where kids feel like they belong at school. That's why I was so excited to connect with Elizabeth Cushing from Playworks.Elizabeth Cushing is CEO of Playworks, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to using the power of play to bring out the best in every child. Elizabeth joined Playworks in 2004 and was named President and COO in 2011 and CEO in 2020. She leads Playworks' Executive Team and is responsible for the organization's strategy, operations and fiscal health. During her tenure Elizabeth has played a lead role in designing Playworks' national scaling strategy including engaging national investors. Alongside founder, Jill Vialet, Elizabeth led the organization through a sustained period of growth from a San Francisco Bay Area-focus to a national organization with 14 teams across the country. As a result of strategic expansion, Playworks shares its unique brand of play and physical activity with 1,000 elementary schools reaching more than 1M children annually. For more than 30 years Elizabeth has served in leadership roles in nonprofit organizations focused on youth development, children's advocacy and women's issues. Elizabeth is a product of Oregon public schools, Stanford University and the Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs.In this conversation, we discuss:✅ Simple ways educators can set expectations and rules to create structure and a sense of safety around recess✅ How to use play as a reset and a preventative measure, instead of something that's taken away from kids as a punishment✅ How training kids as peer coaches can help decrease disruptive behaviors and help kids discover their own leadership potentialYou can learn more about Playworks on their website at: https://www.playworks.org/Resources mentioned in this interview include:Comprehensive Game Guide that Outlines Games Across Grade Levels: https://www.playworks.org/indiana/game-guide/The sister website for Playworks with tools for assessing the health of your school's recess: https://www.recesslab.org/In this conversation, I mentioned School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers design scalable executive functioning interventions to ensure students get the scaffolding they need across the school day. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL and Renaissance:Learn more about Renaissance:As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.We're proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.If you're a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation. We're also thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

In this episode of JOY over Happiness, Dr. Jon Eckert talks with Darren Spyksma about what it really means to humanize education in a world that keeps pushing toward efficiency and shortcuts.Darren shares how the real work in schools isn't fixing kids, it's helping adults grow in how they show up for them. From turning conflict into an opportunity for deeper relationships to helping teachers and parents stay present instead of outsourcing responsibility to technology, this conversation is a grounded look at what “humazing” education actually looks like. It's a reminder that the best learning still happens through real relationships, honest conversations, and choosing to do the slower, harder work of being human together.Mentioned:10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People by David Yeager The Anxious Generation by Jonathan HaidtJOMO: Joy of Missing OutConnect with us:Center for School Leadership at Baylor UniversityLinkedInBaylor MA in School Leadership

Educational leadership shapes classrooms, schools, and communities. Jon Eckert, director of Baylor's Center for School Leadership, shares how Baylor is supporting educators at every level—locally, nationally, and around the world, living out its mission within that discipline. Eckert shares how the Center has grown into a global network connecting leaders, research, and practical tools, all with a focus on helping educators—and students—flourish. From navigating change and technology to fostering wellness, engagement, and joy, the conversation highlights Baylor's commitment to serving those on the front lines of education.

This #coachbetter episode is another in our series of coaching case studies, with one of Kim's clients, Jenn Overstreet, who is now Head of School in Italy, but when we recorded this call she was an instructional coach at the American International School of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. Jenn is a highly experienced coach, and she had just graduated The Coach Certificate and Mentorship Program when we spoke. 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 Kim and Jenn talk about... Jenn's experience building a coaching program at AISR Why and how they're hosting data retreats with teachers What she's including in her instructional coaching playbook as she's transitioning out of this role, into her new school What she was able to accomplish in The Coach as an experienced instructional coach 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 Articles from Kim 3 Innovative Instructional Coaching Models (Edutopia) How Instructional Coaches Can Balance Confidentiality and Accountability (Edutopia) When We Invest in Coaches, We Invest in Teachers (The Learning Professional, Learning Forward) Books & Chapters 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)

AI is moving fast, and Ohio schools now have a July 1 deadline to have a policy in place.So what should districts actually be doing right now?In this Legal Ledger Sidebar, OSBA policy consultant Gamy Narvaez breaks down the steps schools can take now, what matters most in an AI policy and the biggest legal risks to watch.If your district hasn't started yet, this is a good place to begin.00:00 The July 1 AI deadline00:45 Where districts should start01:50 What a good AI policy includes03:00 Start from scratch or use a model?03:45 FERPA and data privacy risks05:00 Chatbots and student safety concerns06:50 AI misuse and deepfakes08:20 Biggest legal risk right now09:00 What to do this weekFor more resources, training and advocacy updates from the Ohio School Boards Association, visit ohioschoolboards.org

What does it really mean to lead a school rather than simply manage one? In this powerful conversation, Joshua Stamper sits down with Principal Baruti Kafele to explore the deeper work of school leadership, instructional coaching, student engagement, and school culture. Kafele shares lessons from his journey as an educator, assistant principal, principal, author, and speaker, offering a compelling reminder that leadership is not about maintaining the status quo — it's about intentionally moving people forward. Throughout the episode, Kafele unpacks the difference between management and leadership, the importance of honest self-assessment, and why instructional leadership must remain at the center of a school leader's work. He also explains the idea of “closing the attitude gap” and how leaders can influence the mindset, motivation, and potential of both students and staff. This conversation is filled with practical wisdom for principals, assistant principals, instructional leaders, and anyone who wants to grow in their capacity to lead with purpose. Kafele also shares the books and frameworks that have shaped his work, making this episode especially valuable for leaders looking for direction, reflection, and a fresh lens on school improvement. About Baruti Kafele A highly-regarded urban educator in New Jersey for over twenty years, Principal Baruti Kafele distinguished himself as a master teacher and a transformational school leader. As an elementary school teacher in East Orange, NJ, he was selected as the East Orange School District and Essex County Public Schools Teacher of the Year and New Jersey State Teacher of the Year finalist. As a middle and high school principal, Principal Kafele led the turnaround of four different New Jersey urban schools, including The Mighty; Newark Tech, which went from a low-performing school in need of improvement to national recognition, which included U.S. News and World Report Magazine recognizing it three times as one of America #39;s best high schools. Principal Kafele is the author of fourteen books including his most recent release, What Is My Value Instructionally to the Teachers I Supervise? and he's a highly sought-after speaker with over 3000 keynotes and seminars delivered over his 40 years of public speaking. Follow Baruti Kafele Website: https://principalkafele.com/ Social Media Twitter:@PrincipalKafeleFacebook:Principal KafeleFacebook: AP & New Principals AcademyInstagram:Principal KafeleLinkedIn:Principal Kafele Books What Is My Value INSTRUCTIONALLY to the Teachers I Supervise? (New)The Assistant Principal IDENTITYThe Assistant Principal 50The Aspiring Principal 50The Principal 50Is My School a Better School BECAUSE I Lead It?The Equity & Social Justice Education 50The Teacher 50Closing the Attitude GapMotivating Black Males to Achieve in School and in LifeYouTube ChannelsAP & New Principals Academy (one of YouTube's top channels for principal & AP leadership)Principal Kafele SpeaksMessage to Your Son / YouthPrincipal Kafele Throwbacks https://www.amazon.com/What-Value-Instructionally-Teachers-Supervise/dp/1416633456?crid=8EDF3U23E9Q7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9wl3V2aIJKdsXNaOo4r-SDUVSGwY4HBUZ_1MPIZJj_We70m971YextnsZto5_qygHxdmtHUrUnmP0SFEYDll_g.6K2WCii6jIQ9tfCZFyHbXJ_04QUx0SkIVOashlRNr0k&dib_tag=se&keywords=What+Is+My+Value+INSTRUCTIONALLY+to+the+Teachers+I+Supervise%3F&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1777826022&s=books&sprefix=what+is+my+value+instructionally+to+the+teachers+i+supervise+%2Cstripbooks%2C187&sr=1-1&linkCode=ll2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=0aaefed846987a3df4445f1316548961&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl https://www.amazon.com/Assistant-Principal-Meaningful-Leadership-Professional-ebook/dp/B08V21DBWT?&linkCode=ll2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=a49f2bda1edbb0d50b3ab97eeaeea473&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl https://www.amazon.com/My-School-Better-BECAUSE-Lead-ebook/dp/B08V1Z7FRF?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=iV2gC&content-id=amzn1.sym.aec507cb-142c-4f68-9ae5-803b8e7b33f1&pf_rd_p=aec507cb-142c-4f68-9ae5-803b8e7b33f1&pf_rd_r=138-6790116-8125430&pd_rd_wg=feblV&pd_rd_r=921a4fe6-380e-426b-87d7-21ddf731d452&linkCode=ll2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=ab7d6cc665aa380e698fb047f3a1c5dd&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl https://www.amazon.com/Principal-Leadership-Questions-Schoolwide-Excellence-ebook/dp/B07WZH6P84?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=iV2gC&content-id=amzn1.sym.aec507cb-142c-4f68-9ae5-803b8e7b33f1&pf_rd_p=aec507cb-142c-4f68-9ae5-803b8e7b33f1&pf_rd_r=138-6790116-8125430&pd_rd_wg=feblV&pd_rd_r=921a4fe6-380e-426b-87d7-21ddf731d452&linkCode=ll2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=dce2a4b8404b6bc0dc6b037e99c95594&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl — #1 New Release, "The Language of Behavior" is NOW Available! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DVT32KQ1?&linkCode=ll1&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=d18e5a44a6582a22d15ee23193af7bb8&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl The Language of Behavior is an essential guide for school leaders committed to transforming their school culture and addressing student behavior through a more compassionate, effective approach. Drawing on their extensive experience in education, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper challenge outdated disciplinary practices and offer a clear, trauma-informed framework that empowers educators to interpret student behavior as a form of communication. Through three core tenets—Consider the Environment, Explore the Root Causes of Behavior, and Respond with Intentionality—this book equips leaders with actionable strategies to foster positive behavior, build stronger relationships, and cultivate a more supportive school climate. Packed with real-world case studies, evidence-based practices, and insights into the lasting effects of childhood trauma, The Language of Behavior provides school leaders with the tools to create lasting, meaningful change. It offers a roadmap to reduce behavior issues, re-engage students and staff, and establish a culture of accountability and empathy. This book is not just a reference—it's a call to lead with vision and transform how we approach discipline, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive. Bulk Orders: https://www.connectedd.org/bulk-orders — Need a Presenter for a conference or school PD? Contact Brad Waid to book Joshua Stamper for your next event on Improving Student Behavior, Impacting School Mental Health, or Creating healthy habits. -- Follow the Host, Joshua Stamper: Contact:https://joshstamper.com/contact/Twitter:www.twitter.com/Joshua__StamperInstagram:www.instagram.com/joshua__stamperLinkedin:www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-stamperFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/AspirePodcastSubscribe:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aspire-the-leadership-development-podcast/id1384210762?mt=2 Aspire to Lead Won the FireBird Award! I'm happy to announce that my book, “Aspire to Lead”, won the 2022 Leadership Book Award from Speak Up Talk Radio! It is a great honor to get this kind of recognition and I really appreciate all your support! The book is available for purchase on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1953852386/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1953852386&linkCode=as2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=0d9c336e3db6ab16cbb08421ef3e4175 Review the Podcast I want to give a huge shout out to those who have taken the time to provide a review on Apple, Spotify or any other podcast platform. It truly means the world to me that you would take the 30- 90 seconds to share how the podcast has positively impacted you or why other educators should check out the show. This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through these links, The Aspire Podcast gets a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. Teach Better Podcast Network This podcast is a part of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Explore the Teach Better Podcast Network—your hub for insightful conversations covering diverse education topics. Our podcasts empower educators, fostering progressive, student-focused...

In schools today, it can feel like there's always something new being introduced. A new initiative, a new priority, a new expectation. And for many teachers, especially in math classrooms, it raises a familiar question: why this, and why now? After years of seeing initiatives come and go, it's easy to feel skeptical about whether the next one will actually make a lasting impact.But what if the issue isn't the initiative itself—but the number of initiatives being introduced at once? When time, energy, and resources stay the same (or even decrease), every new priority competes for attention. And over time, that leads to what's known as initiative fatigue. Without clear communication, shared decision-making, and visible evidence of impact, it becomes harder for teachers to invest in new work. The challenge isn't just choosing the right initiative—it's knowing what to prioritize, what to let go of, and how to create the conditions for meaningful change.In this episode, you'll explore:What initiative fatigue is and why it happens in schoolsHow competing priorities impact teachers' time and energyWhy transparency and teacher involvement matter in decision-making in mathematicsHow to determine when it's the right time to move on from a math initiativeThe importance of identifying clear success indicators in mathematicsWhat teachers and math leaders can do to better manage competing demandsIf you're feeling overwhelmed by constant change—or trying to lead improvement without overloading your team—this episode will help you think more strategically about priorities, capacity, and sustainable progress.Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem-based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units Love 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.

Most schools say they “collaborate.” They hold team meetings. They talk about students. They review data.But without clear infrastructure, those meetings become updates instead of decision-making engines, and multi-tiered systems of support become an extra burden for educators. In this episode, I interview Kurtis Hewson from Jigsaw Learning to break down their Collaborative Response Team meeting format and explain why effective collaboration requires structure and not just good intentions. From who is in the room to how documents are used before, during, and after the meeting, they share the operational backbone that makes collaboration actually move student outcomes.Kurtis Hewson is an award-winning former administrator and teacher, as well as post-secondary teaching faculty. He is the co-founder of Jigsaw Learning and co-author of Collaborative Response: Three Foundational Components That Transform How We Respond to the Needs of Learners (Corwin, 2022). Kurtis works with districts and schools nationally and internationally to establish Collaborative Response frameworks and interacts with thousands of educators each year.If you care about MTSS, intervention systems, or building-level leadership, this episode will shift how you think about team meetings and collaboration. In this interview, we discuss: ✅ Why the Collaborative Team Meeting framework helps educators move from between “talking about students” to making strategic, forward progress that changes school-wide practice✅ How structured documents before, during, and after meetings create clarity and accountability and psychological safety✅ How to capture action items in real time and encourage innovative thinking✅ Why the Collaborative Team Meeting requires specific roles, and how these roles  determine whether a meeting moves forward or feels like busyworkIf you're leading multi-tiered supports in K–12 education or trying to strengthen how your teams collaborate, this episode offers practical insight into building the infrastructure that makes collaboration sustainable, focused, and impactful.You can learn more about the Collaborative Response Framework free resources here: https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/freeRead about the Overview of Collaborative Response here: https://bit.ly/CR-overview Read the Introductory Chapter of the text Collaborative Response – https://bit.ly/CR-introGet the Collaborative Team Meeting Starter Kit here: https://www.jigsawlearningonline.com/ctm-starter-kit-podcastLearn about the Layers of Collaborative Teams Here: https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications/blog-posts/scaffolding-our-collaborative-response-purposeful-layering-tLearn the Five Considerations to Transform Your Team Meetings here:  https://www.jigsawlearningonline.com/five-planning-considerations-to-transform-your-team-meetingsIn this episode, I mentioned Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that gives speech pathologists a scalable framework for building language skills needed to thrive in school, social situations, and daily life. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapyI also mentioned the School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers design an executive functioning implementation plan for their school teams. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL and Renaissance:Learn more about Renaissance:As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.We're proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.If you're a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation. We're also thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

In this #coachbetter episode Kim talks about two intentional ways to collect feedback on your coaching practice - inspired by a conversation she recently had with a client. Learning how to collect and use feedback on your coaching practice is an absolute game changer to continually improve your coaching practice over time. It's the number one strategy Kim uses every single day to work towards becoming a better coach. If you're curious about how you can keep growing into your practice - no matter how long you've been coaching, this short 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 Articles from Kim 3 Innovative Instructional Coaching Models (Edutopia) How Instructional Coaches Can Balance Confidentiality and Accountability (Edutopia) When We Invest in Coaches, We Invest in Teachers (The Learning Professional, Learning Forward) Books & Chapters 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)

Professor Alex Bowers from New York joins Dominique Beech to discuss his research into school leadership types and teacher professional development needs. The conversation covers the alignment of perceptions between teachers and principals regarding school leadership, his innovative idea for re-organising how we target professional development, and more. Host: Dominique Russell Guest: Professor Alex Bowers

In this episode of JOY over Happiness, Dr. Jon Eckert talks with Sean Riley, who's spent nearly two decades at The Stony Brook School and is now a leading AI expert, about what it looks like to navigate AI in education with wisdom and purpose.Sean shares his journey from a blue-collar upbringing into education and leadership, and how that formation shapes the way he approaches technology today. From helping schools move beyond fear and policy toward thoughtful, mission-aligned strategy, to reminding educators that AI should serve human relationships, not replace them. This conversation is a reminder that even in the middle of disruption, joy is found in meaningful work, wise decisions, and staying rooted in what matters most.Mentioned:That Hideous Strength by C.S. LewisEdified StrategiesAI Daily BriefConnect with us:Center for School Leadership at Baylor UniversityLinkedInBaylor MA in School Leadership

In this #coachbetter episode Kim talks with several members of the instructional coaching team at Shanghai American School in China. This is such a big team, that even with 6 guests on the show today: Alex McMillan, Alex Braden, Yuri Liu, Andrew Ranson, Bick McSwiney and Scott Williams, this is still less than half the team! We're excited to share this episode with you today because SAS has been doing phenomenal work in very intentionally developing their instructional coaching program both at the leadership and school wide level, and with the instructional coaches themselves. Associate Director of Ed Programs, Scott Williams has been leading this work, and Kim has partnered with SAS to support their coaches in their own private cohort of The Coach Certificate and Mentorship Program, as well as spending some time at SAS working with coaches and leaders together. SAS is also one of our Founding Member Schools of AAICIS.  This episode is a window into the intention and strategic planning it takes to develop a coaching program in a very large international school! If you're curious to learn more, Scott and Kim have also written an article for the AAIE InterEd Journal which goes deeper into many of the elements we discussed in this episode. In this episode... The history of coaching at SAS The vision and goals for the program as it's being developed now The key documentation the team has developed The team at SAS What coaching looks like right now The way's they're planning to socialize this work with all educators How they intend to measure the impact of coaching The specific contextual challenges for SAS What school leaders should know when embarking on program development like this 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 Articles from Kim 3 Innovative Instructional Coaching Models (Edutopia) How Instructional Coaches Can Balance Confidentiality and Accountability (Edutopia) When We Invest in Coaches, We Invest in Teachers (The Learning Professional, Learning Forward) Books & Chapters 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)

Henry chats with Dr Venesser Fernandes, Senior Lecturer, School of Education, Culture and Society, Monash University on the challenges in school leadership.Audio production by Rob Kelly.

When schools talk about improving engagement, student wellness, or school climate, it often turns into assemblies, themed weeks, or standalone initiatives. When schools talk about community engagement, student wellness, or school climate, they often turn into assemblies, themed weeks, or standalone initiatives. In this episode, I invited Lauren Porosoff from The Teacher Nerd to unpack why a focus on engagement and wellness must be woven into the daily fabric of the school experience to have lasting impact.Lauren is an educational consultant who helps schools design learning environments where community values like equity, empathy, and creativity emerge from the instruction itself. She was a teacher for 18 years, most recently at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School in New York. She's taught the 2nd, 5th, 6th, and 7th grades, mostly in English and history, and has also served as a diversity coordinator, a grade dean, and a leader of curricular initiatives. Lauren develops tools and protocols that transform the psychological experience of school for teachers and students. She's developed applications in instructional design, social-emotional learning, professional development, and anti-bias action.In this conversation, we discuss:✅ What “compensatory programs” mean in the context of wellness, belonging, and community engagement.✅ Why one-off events and initiatives aren't sufficient for supporting student mental health and well-being. ✅ How to embed protective factors like connection into instruction and routines.✅ The impact of technology on engagement and agency (plus a writing example)If you're a school leader, instructional coach, or support professional who wants to strengthen student engagement and well-being in a sustainable way, this episode will help you shift from programming for students to designing systems with them across the entire day.You can learn more about Lauren's products and services on her website at: https://www.theteachernerd.com/You can read her article on the trouble with compensatory programming here: https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/the-trouble-with-compensatory-programsGet her book, Teaching for Authentic Engagement here: https://www.ascd.org/books/teach-for-authentic-engagementConnect with her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-porosoff-2b728b75/In this episode, I mentioned Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that gives speech pathologists a scalable framework for building language skills needed to thrive in school, social situations, and daily life. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapyI also mentioned the School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers design an executive functioning implementation plan for their school teams. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL and Renaissance:Learn more about Renaissance:As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.We're proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.If you're a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation. We're also thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

We're going to be talking all about improving induction – for both early career teachers and school leaders. Our guest today is Tim Bullard, CEO of AITSL – the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership. We're talking all about their latest Spotlight evidence summaries. Part 1 – Improving Induction for Early Career Teachers explores evidence-based approaches to strengthening teacher induction. It outlines the Guidelines for the Induction of Early Career Teachers in Australia and examines how well-designed induction programs improve teacher wellbeing, retention, and professional growth. Part 2 – Improving Induction for School Leaders explores the benefits of good induction for school leaders, shares how leaders arrive in a leadership role via 3 different pathways, and provides evidence-informed practices to structure induction programs for new school leaders. , We dive into some of the findings from those Spotlights. There are plenty of practical tips – around mentoring, support and adapting the induction for your specific school context. Host: Rebecca Vukovic Guest: Tim Bullard

What is education actually for? Is it mainly about helping students get into college and launch a career, or is it about forming the kind of person who can flourish in faith, wisdom, and vocation? In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens is joined by Ali Ghaffari, Executive Director of the St. John Henry Newman Institute and founder of Divine Mercy Academy, for a rich conversation about leadership, renewal, and the true purpose of education. Ali shares his remarkable journey from a difficult childhood to flying F-18s in the Navy, teaching leadership at the Naval Academy, embracing the Catholic faith, and helping lead renewal in Catholic education. Along the way, he reflects on how mentors, failure, and God's providence shaped his life and calling. Together, Davies and Ali explore the growing renewal movement in Catholic schools, the leadership challenges many schools face, and why education must aim higher than test scores and college admissions. They discuss the need for schools to form students in wisdom, virtue, and vocation, while also encouraging parents to raise their expectations and stay actively engaged in their children's education.

In this episode of JOY over Happiness, Dr. Jon Eckert talks with Alison Sweeney, actress, director, and host known for her work on Days of Our Lives, The Biggest Loser, and Hallmark films, about how she has learned to pursue joy both in Hollywood and at home.Alison shares what it's looked like to grow up in the spotlight while building a family and staying grounded in what matters most. From finding joy in everyday moments as a parent to navigating the pressures of a public career, this conversation explores how joy is not found in achievement alone, but in relationships.Mentioned:Connect with us:Center for School Leadership at Baylor UniversityLinkedInBaylor MA in School Leadership

This #coachbetter episode is about how school leaders can make the decision to invest in hiring multiple instructional coaches. This is a highlight from one of our favorite episodes from a previous season featuring Samantha Olson Wyman and Stephanie Cifuentes. Sam and Stephanie share the ways they used data to determine the impact that coaches were making - and they found that everyone in the community was benefiting from instructional coaching. As coaches and leaders we really have to be clear about the outcome of the work - and we must be able to articulate that to those who are making financial determinations about staffing. It can be hard to spend time and energy on collecting data about your practice and your impact - the actual work of collecting and analyzing the data is keeping you AWAY from doing the work. But actually communicating those outcomes will not only support you better prioritizing your own work, but it may make the case for adding new members to your team. Find the show notes for this episode here. Like this episode, you'll enjoy these: Coaching for Impact, Not Activity with Donna Spangler [291] The Importance of Measuring Your Impact as an Instructional Coach (Kim Cofino) 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 Articles from Kim 3 Innovative Instructional Coaching Models (Edutopia) How Instructional Coaches Can Balance Confidentiality and Accountability (Edutopia) When We Invest in Coaches, We Invest in Teachers (The Learning Professional, Learning Forward) Books & Chapters 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)

Episode 203. Let's break down exactly what types of leadership experiences medical students should pursue each year of medical school to build a strong ERAS application for residency. Using my own journey as an example, I share a practical roadmap for getting involved early and progressing strategically. Ready to add leadership experiences to you CV? Learn more about the Medical Student CV Masterclass: ⁠https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/courseEditing Service for Pre-Med and Medical Students (CV, personal statement, applications): ⁠https://www.firstlinepodcast.com/services⁠Access the exclusive MCAT Cram Session Series: Subscribe to First Line on Spotify creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/firstline/subscribeFor a discount on your TrueLearn USMLE or COMLEX subscription go to ⁠https://truelearn.referralrock.com/l/firstline/⁠ and use the code firstline at checkoutContent on First Line is for educational and informational purposes only and not intended to be used as medical advice. Views expressed are my own and do not represent any organizations I am associated with.

At a time when debate and public trust can feel divided and heated, educators are turning to curriculum to help strengthen empathy, curiosity, and civic responsibility in young people. According to Facing History and Ourselves, students from Facing History classrooms report feeling a stronger motivation to become active civic participants, more motivated to learn, and more positive impacts in their school community. Their Civic Education Curriculum Collection, in particular, boosts media-literacy skills, builds historical analysis, engages in civil discourse, and develops a foundation for civic participation.rnrnWhat can schools and educators do to strengthen civil conversation in a diverse democracy? And is it possible to do so in a time where public schools, its educators, and curriculum have come under heightened scrutiny around race, gender, and history?rnrnDr. Desmond K. Blackburn began serving as President and CEO of Facing History & Ourselves in April 2023. Under his leadership, Desmond is committed to bringing Facing History's resources to more teachers, schools, and districts than ever. Before joining Facing History, Desmond was Deputy Chancellor of School Leadership for the New York City Department of Education, the largest school system in the nation. He also served as CEO of the New Teacher Center, a national nonprofit that works to disrupt the predictability of educational inequities for systemically underserved students by accelerating educator effectiveness.

In this episode of JOY over Happiness, Dr. Jon Eckert talks with Elaine Howard Ecklund, Professor of Sociology and Director of the Boniuk Institute for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance, about what it means to stay human in a world increasingly shaped by AI. Drawing on her research and conversations with students, Elaine shares why many young people are less worried about cheating and more concerned about relationships, identity, and what it means to be human.From slowing down in the classroom to resisting a culture obsessed with efficiency, this conversation explores how educators can create spaces for deep learning, connection, and belonging. It's a reminder that joy isn't found in speed or productivity, but in the relationships, practices, and shared struggle that help us grow.Connect with us:Center for School Leadership at Baylor UniversityLinkedInBaylor MA in School Leadership

Every year, school owners sit down with their accountants and ask the same dangerous question. In this episode, Chanie explains why "what should I cut?" is a shrinking strategy, and walks you through where your school is actually leaking profit right now.Resources + Links Mentioned:Reclaim $2,000+/month by fixing the money leaks without adding enrollment in the Increase Your Profit Workshop: https://discovered.thrivecart.com/financial-gear-workshop

In episode 255 of De Facto Leaders, I elaborate on the concept of using vocabulary as a large “container”, so you can design sessions efficiently without sacrificing quality.I talk about why more experienced clinicians often struggle to make their interventions scalable, and why this gets in the way of carryover.I also share the five “containers” I use in my Language Therapy Advance Foundations program that can support skills like reading, writing, spelling, and language processing in ways that can be reinforced outside sessions. If you have a ton of knowledge relating to language and executive functioning, but don't know how to organize it into a cohesive system…If you're getting results in sessions, but it takes a ton of effort on your part and consumes all your capacity…If you're able to scaffold and model “on-the-fly”, but struggle to explain your techniques to others so they can replicate them…Then you'll find this concept of “containers” really useful.In this episode, I mentioned Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that gives speech pathologists a framework for building language skills needed to thrive in school, social situations, and daily life. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapyYou can view this episode on the blog to see the screenshare here: https://drkarenspeech.com/five-clinical-containers-to-design-your-language-therapy-system/The handout referenced in this episode is the session handout for my “Three Shifts to Creating a Scalable Language Therapy System” session. You can sign up for this free online session here: https://drkarenspeech.com/language Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL and Renaissance:Learn more about Renaissance:As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.We're proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.If you're a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation. We're also thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments