Shows
FocusEDEpisode 77: Promoting Educator Professionalism with Nason LollarThis is Episode 77 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Nason Lollar; Joe and TJ interview Nason about educator professional conduct, human resources, managing and sustaining a positive culture, school leadership…and so much more.2025-06-1129 min
FocusEDEpisode 75: Schools for this Century and Beyond with Shawn DillyShawn tells us that “future-ready” is about students recognizing their purpose; he reminds us about the goal of education and the gaps that exist right now with what we provide and what students actually need.Dr. Dilly talked about the need for leaders to stay true to who they are, that relationships matter, and that we should celebrate our differences.Shawn elevates competencies that students need, including what he calls “human skills.”He talks about a “tsunami of change” that is coming our way along with the advent of AI and other disruptive technologies...2025-06-1131 min
FocusEDEpisode 73: Unsupervised Leadership with Katelyn KochThis is Episode 73 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Kate Koch; we discuss women in leadership positions, mentorship, balance at work…and so much more.Kate Koch Brings a Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersDr. Kate Koch is the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for Lemont-Bromberek SD113a.She has served as an elementary principal, an assistant principal, and a middle school history teacher.She is also the co-host of the Unsupervised Leadership Podcast and the author of Unsupervised Leadership: Celebrating and Elevating Fun, Fab, and Fierce Females....2025-06-1132 min
FocusEDEpisode 72: Educating for Our Students’ Futures with Ben FarrellBen starts off by telling us about a committee that he has going to help unpack “emerging technology,” and things are literally changing overnight.For us to lead in a tech-driven environment, Ben says that we have to be willing to say “I don’t know what that means, yet.”He tells us about the human-centered design process that they use at his schools--building something for empathy for the end-user of whatever we’re building.Joe asks Ben to talk about anything traditional that they’re abandoning in the curriculum to be able to spend the t...2025-06-1133 min
FocusEDEpisode 71: The Unconquerable Leader with Nathan TannerThis is Season 6, Episode of FocusED, and it features our guest, Nathan Tanner; we discuss what it means to be an unconquerable leader…and so much more.Nathan Tanner Brings a Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersNathan Tanner is an executive coach who helps CEOs, founders, and high impact leaders scale themselves and their companies. He has coached leaders at high growth startups and bellwether companies including DoorDash, Google, Autodesk, Electronic Arts, LinkedIn, Procter & Gamble, and Lyft.Prior to becoming a full-time coach, Nathan was the vice president of people at Neighbor. Pr...2025-06-1135 min
FocusEDEpisode 70: The Leader Inside with Lauren KaufmanLauren tells that she was inspired to write the book, The Leader Inside, because of her journey and the people who mentored her along the way, including her parents who were teachers and a special teacher who she names on the show.She told us a story about how George Couros challenged her to blog and then eventually write a book. She writes to reflect on her learning, and the pieces about coaching and mentoring resonated most, which led her to the content and the title of her book.She hopes that the book will...2025-06-1134 min
FocusEDEpisode 69: Let’s Stop Teaching with Jason KennedyJason Kennedy Brings a Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersJason Kennedy is a 24 year educator, author, school administrator, district curriculum and professional learning director, instructional coach, and presenter.He has tons of experience at all levels of education, elementary through college.He has been a part of Cognia review teams, statewide professional learning, and local curriculum design teams, making the intentional designing of instruction for learning his main goal.FocusED Show Notes with Jason KennedyJason tells us that the original book title was “let’s quit teaching,” which...2025-06-1126 min
FocusEDEpisode 68: Equity and School Culture with Emily AffolterDr. Emily Alicia Affolter is the director of and faculty for Prescott College's Sustainability Education Ph.D. Program.Prior to serving in this role, she worked as a Senior Research Scientist at the University of Washington’s Center for Evaluation & Research for STEM Equity (CERSE).Emily earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Multicultural Education from the University of Washington working alongside Dr. Geneva Gay, founder of culturally responsive teaching.Emily's current scholarship, dissemination, and facilitation revolve around culturally responsive pedagogy for teachers and leaders in K-12 settings an...2025-06-1134 min
FocusEDEpisode 67: Disrupting the Status Quo of School Leadership with Amy AndersonFocusED Show Notes with Guest Amy AndersonAmy starts the conversation with the fact that we need outside partners to do the best work we can on the inside. Don’t miss what she says about the time that students spend beyond the school walls and the need to engage the community to support all learners.Dr. Anderson’s work is primarily with students who are typically marginalized by the system.Joe asks Amy to go into more detail about building the ecosystem of partnerships versus the competitiveness that can ensue when resources are...2025-06-1132 min
FocusEDEpisode 66: Becoming an Inclusive Leader with Minette NormanThis is Episode 66 of FocusED, and it features our guest, MInette Norman; in this episode, we're focused on what it means to be an inclusive leader and how leaders can learn to create psychological safety for the people they seek to serve.Minette Norman Brings a Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners Minette Norman is an award-winning author, speaker, leadership consultant, and former Silicon Valley software executive who spent decades leading global teams.Minette knows that when groups embrace diversity in all its forms, breakthroughs emerge, and innovation accelerates. Her most recent position before starting...2025-06-1136 min
FocusEDEpisode 65: Unlock Your Greatest Potential with Peter RiosThis is Episode 65 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Peter Rios; in this episode, we're focused on what it takes to unlock your greatest potential as a leader…and so much more. _________________________________________ Peter Rios Brings a Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners Peter has consulted at institutions such as Harvard University, the Lilly Endowment, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.He has been a lecturer at Penn State, Colorado State, and the Pacific School of Religion at Berkeley. His passion for leadership and personal development, and organizational change stems from his own transformational experience af...2025-06-1132 min
FocusEDEpisode 64: MESSY Leadership with Alyssa GallagherMESSY Leadership with Alyssa GallagherThis is Episode 64 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Alyssa Gallagher; we discuss the meaning of MESSY leadership, myths about readiness for a role, the need for coaching for all leaders…and so much more. _________________________________________ Alyssa Gallagher Brings a Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersAlyssa Gallagher is the Head of BTS Spark. America, an education author, leader, and speaker. She has twenty years of experience in the public education sector serving as a teacher, principal and most recently an assistant superintendent.In ad...2025-06-1125 min
FocusEDEpisode 62: Be the Flame with Shane SaeedBe the Flame with Shane SaeedThis is Episode 62 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Shane Saeed. In our wide ranging conversation, we discuss community building, setting norms, the science of learning, coaching teachers…and much more. _________________________________________ Shane Saeed Brings a Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners Shane Saeed is a district instructional coach in Colorado working with educators K-12. Prior to coaching, Shane was an elementary teacher. Shane has earned a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in literacy, a second master’s degree in School Leadership and is...2025-06-1127 min
FocusEDEpisode 61: Teach Happy with Kim StrobelKim Strobel is a renowned motivational speaker and author of the forthcoming Teach Happy: Small Steps to Big Joy, sought after by schools, businesses, and organizations worldwide. With her powerful message about the impact of happiness on well-being and the pursuit of fulfillment, she traverses the globe, sharing her insights.Kim specializes in empowering educators and professionals, equipping them with the necessary tools and strategies to shift their mindsets, reclaim their happiness, reignite their passion, and lead with purpose.Drawing from her extensive background as a teacher and curriculum director, Kim’s ultimate aim is to...2025-06-1130 min
FocusEDEpisode 60: Social and Emotional Learning for Adults with Wendy TurnerThis is Episode 60 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Wendy Turner. Wendy talks to us about adult burn-out, SEL strategies to use on yourself, what leaders can do differently to support teachers…and much more. _________________________________________ Wendy Turner Brings a Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersWendy Turner is an educator, author, and teacher leader who is passionate about social emotional learning. Wendy currently teaches third grade in Wilmington, DE and works to build capacity in others around social emotional learning practices in schools.She was the 2017 Delaware Teacher of the Ye...2025-06-1131 min
FocusEDEpisode 58: Teach Happier this School Year with Suzanne DaileyThis is Episode 58 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Suzanne Dailey. Don’t miss what Suzanne has to say about teaching happier, gratitude, the brain, tons of book recommendations…and much more. _________________________________________ Suzanne Dailey Brings a Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners Suzanne Dailey has been a teacher for 22 years. She is currently an instructional coach in the Central Bucks School District, where she has the honor and joy of working with over 500 elementary teachers and 8,000 students.She teaches model lessons, facilitates professional development sessions, and mentors teachers to be the best for...2025-06-1130 min
FocusEDEpisode 59: Teaching Executive Functioning Skills to All Students with Mitch WeathersThis is Episode 59 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Mitch Weathers. Mitch defines executive functioning skills, why they are so important to teach students in school, and how to do it in every classroom…and much more._________________________________________ Mitch Weathers Brings a Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners Mitch Weathers became a gifted teacher because he was a mediocre student. Despite taking seven years to graduate college, he navigated the classroom with discomfort.This unique perspective fueled Mitch's teaching approach. Recognizing the importance of laying a foundation for learning, he created Organized Binder. Th...2025-06-1133 min
FocusEDEpisode 57: Creating a Culture of Equity in Schools with Dr. Erica Buchanan-RiveraDr. Erica Buchanan-Rivera has served as a teacher, principal of an international magnet school, director of curriculum, and director of equity and inclusion in her 17 years as an educator.She is currently a DEI project specialist and adjunct professor in the College of Education at Butler University and consults through her business, EBR Educational Consulting, LLC.Dr. Buchanan-Rivera’s research centers identity-affirming environments. She completed a doctoral degree from Indiana State University in 2017 where she developed an instrument to measure inclusivity in classroom environments. She has written award-winning publications, and her work has been featured in...2025-06-1129 min
FocusEDEpisode 56: Teaching for a Lasting Impact with Meghan LawsonThis is Episode 56 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Meghan Lawson. It was originally recorded in front of a live audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Education, Wilmington University, and The School House 302. Don’t miss what Meghan Lawson says about teaching for a lasting impact, creating a legacy of learning…and much more. _________________________________________ Meghan Lawson Brings a Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersMeghan Lawson is a thought leader who studies and implements the conditions and systems needed for transformational change. A lover of l...2025-06-1125 min
FocusEDEpisode 55: Systems Thinking for School Leadership and Educational Reform with Luke RobertsLuke Roberts Brings a Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersDr. Luke Roberts has worked in education in the UK for over 20 years to address issues of conflict, bullying, and educational opportunities. He worked on the national evaluation of restorative justice in schools before becoming a practitioner and trainer.He became increasingly concerned that the whole school approach was not working and did an MBA, M.Ed., before completing his Ph.D. exploring schools as complex adaptive systems. This reframing of schools is central to his book and seeks to address the challenge of why...2025-06-1132 min
FocusEDEpisode 53: Be The Driving Force in Your School with Don ParkerDon Parker Brings a Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersDr. Don Parker is a transformational keynote speaker and professional development provider. He specializes in SEL, supporting teachers to build trusting relationships with students, restorative practices, trauma-informed practices, and improving the culture and climate of schools to enhance students’ and teachers’ feeling of belonging.Dr. Parker is a former principal and served at Posen School in Posen, IL where he improved the school climate, staff collaboration, parent engagement, and student achievement. Before that he was the principal of Lincoln Avenue School, a K-8 school in Dolt...2025-06-1129 min
FocusEDEpisode 54: Failure is Not an Option with Lee RolandThis is Episode 54 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Lee Roland. It was originally recorded in front of a live audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Education, Wilmington University, and The School House 302. Don’t miss what Lee Roland says about his journey as a school leader and radical change in schools. _________________________________________ Lee Roland Brings a Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners Lee Roland has been a leader in education and the community for more than 35 years. He has served as a teacher, administrator, Bo...2025-06-1129 min
FocusEDEpisode 52: The Power of Teams with Sam CromeThis is Episode 52 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Sam Crome. It was originally recorded in front of a live audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Education, Wilmington University, and The School House 302. Don’t miss what Sam Crome says about the power of teams, creating and leading thriving school cultures, and so much more. _________________________________________ Sam Crome Brings a Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersSam Crome is a school leader, currently a Deputy Headteacher and Director of Education for a Multi Academy Trust in...2025-06-1130 min
FocusEDEpisode 51: Motivation, Action, Courage, and Teamwork for School Leaders with William ParkerThis is Episode 51 of FocusED, and it features our guest, William Parker. It was originally recorded in front of a live audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Education, Wilmington University, and The School House 302. Don’t miss what Will Parker says about effective school leadership, motivation in schools, taking action as a school leader, and so much more._________________________________________ William Parker Brings a Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners William D. Parker is the Founder of Principal Matters. He’s an educator, author, speaker, and executive coac...2025-06-1131 min
FocusEDEpisode 50: Using the Art of Insubordination as a School Leader with Todd KashdanDr. Todd B. Kashdan Ph.D. is a Professor of Psychology at George Mason University, a leading authority on well-being, psychological flexibility, curiosity, courage, and resilience.He has published over 250 peer-reviewed articles, and his work has been cited over 45,000 times. He received the Distinguished Faculty Member of the Year Award from George Mason University and Distinguished Scientific Award for Early Career Contributions from the American Psychological Association.He is the author of Curious? and The Upside of Your Dark Side, and his latest book is The Art of Insubordination: How to Dissent and Defy Effectively.2025-06-1134 min
FocusEDEpisode 49: Running a More Effective & Efficient Meetings in Schools with Dr. Elizabeth CityThis is Episode 49 of FocusED, and it features our guests, Dr. Elizabeth City. It was originally recorded live for a live audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Education, Wilmington University, and The School House 302. Don’t miss what Dr. City has to say about her book Meeting Wise, how it leads to a stronger culture in schools, and so much more. _________________________________________ Dr. Elizabeth City Brings a Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersDr. Elizabeth City is Senior Lecturer on Education at the Harvard Graduate School of...2025-06-1126 min
FocusEDEpisode 48: Restorative Justice in Schools with Nathan Maynard and Luke RobertsThis is Episode 48 of FocusED, and it features our guests, Nathan Maynard and Luke Roberts. It was originally recorded live for a live audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Education, the Delaware Academy for School Leadership, and The School House 302. Don’t miss what Nathan and Luke say about restorative justice, school discipline practices, social and emotional learning, school leadership…and so much more. _________________________________________ Nathan Maynard and Luke Roberts Bring Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersNathan Maynard is a renowned global leader in d...2025-06-111h 04
FocusEDEpisode 47: Learning to “Be Great” with Dwight CarterThis is Episode 47 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Dwight Carter. It was originally recorded live for a virtual audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Education, the Delaware Academy for School Leadership, and The School House 302. Don’t miss what Dwight Carter tells us about being great as a school leader, his five principles of leadership…and so much more. _________________________________________ Dwight Carter Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners Dwight Carter is a nationally recognized school leader from Central OH and has been an educator for 27 years. He is c...2025-06-1128 min
FocusEDEpisode 46: Leading Fearlessly with Dr. Douglas ReevesLeading Fearlessly with Dr. Douglas ReevesThis is Episode 46 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Dr. Douglas Reeves. It was originally recorded live for a virtual audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Education, the Delaware Academy for School Leadership, and The School House 302. Don’t miss what Dr. Reeves says about leading in fear and how to avoid it, changing old practices (like grading)…and so much more. _________________________________________ Douglas Reeves Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersDr. Reeves is the...2025-06-1132 min
FocusEDEpisode 45: Strengthening School & District Communities with Laurie BarronThis is Episode 45 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Laurie Barron. It was originally recorded live for a virtual audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Education, the Delaware Academy for School Leadership, and The School House 302. Don’t miss what Laurie says about strengthening school and district communities as a teacher and leader…and so much more. _________________________________________ Laurie Barron Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners Dr. Laurie Barron is in her twenty-seventh year in education, serving as a high school English teacher, a middle school assi...2025-06-1133 min
FocusEDEpisode 44: Teaching and Leading with the HEART in Mind with Lorea MartinezDr. Lorea Martínez Pérez is the award-winning founder of HEART in Mind Consulting, a company dedicated to helping schools and organizations integrate Social Emotional Learning in their practices, products, and learning communities. She has worked with schools, districts, and organizations to guide SEL implementation efforts, including training teachers and leadership teams, and provided guidance to educational technology and media companies to help them integrate SEL in their products.An educator who has worked with children and adults internationally, Dr. Martínez is a faculty member at Columbia University Teachers College, educating aspiring principals in Emotional Int...2025-06-1135 min
FocusEDEpisode 43: Evolving with Gratitude with Lainie RowellLainie Rowell Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersLainie Rowell is an educator and international consultant who specializes in working with other educators to find innovative and sustainable ways to transform teaching and learning. Her areas of focus include community building, learner-driven design, online/blended learning, and professional learning.During her 25 years in education, Lainie has taught elementary, secondary, and higher education. She also served in a district-level leadership position supporting 22,000 students and 1,200 teachers at 33 schools.As a consultant, Lainie's client list ranges from Fortune 100 companies like Apple and Google to school...2025-06-1130 min
FocusEDEpisode 41: Hacking Classroom Management with Mike RobertsMike Roberts Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersMike Roberts has been a middle school Educator for more than twenty years. In that time, he has taught English, has been an instructional coach, and is currently an Assistant Principal. Over the course of his career, he has received numerous awards for his outstanding teaching, including being named the 2014 Utah English Teacher of the Year and the 2018 Utah Middle Level Teacher of the Year. Mike also teaches college classes focused on classroom management and literacy in the content areas. He has served on many educational committees, and...2025-06-0935 min
FocusEDEpisode 40: How School Leaders can Disrupt the Status Quo with Christine Ravesi-WeinsteinChristine Ravesi-Weinstein Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners ____Christine Ravesi-Weinstein serves as a high school Assistant Principal in Massachusetts and previously worked as a high school science department chair for four years as well as classroom teacher for 15. Diagnosed with anxiety and depression at 23, Christine began her journey towards mental wellness. She began a non-profit organization in June of 2017 aimed at removing the stigma of mental illness and promoting physical activity as a means to cope with anxiety.As an avid writer and educator, Christine became passionate about bridging the two with her advocacy...2025-06-0933 min
FocusEDEpisode 39: Essential Truths for Principals and School Leaders with Author Danny SteeleThis is Episode 39 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Danny Steele. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Education, the Delaware Academy for School Leadership, and The School House 302. Don’t miss what Danny says about Essential Truths for Principals…and so much more. _______________________________________ Danny Steele Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersDanny Steele is in his 30th year of education, and this school year marks his second as the principal at Homewood Middle School. Prior to this posi...2025-06-0925 min
FocusEDEpisode 38: What It Means to Be Future Driven Educator with David GeurinDavid Geurin Joins FocusED to Discuss What It Means to Be Future Driven…and MoreThis is Season 4, Episode 4 of FocusED, and it features our guest, David Geurin. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Education, the Delaware Academy for School Leadership, and The School House 302. Don’t miss what David says about being a Future Driven educator…and so much more. _______________________________________ David Geurin Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners Dr. David Geurin is serving in his first year as sup...2025-06-0925 min
FocusEDEpisode 37: Getting Teachers From Burnt Out to Fired Up with Author Morgane MichaelThis is Episode 37 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Morgane Michael. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Education, the Delaware Academy for School Leadership, and The School House 302. Don’t miss what Morgane says about getting teachers From Burnt Out to Fired Up…and so much more. _______________________________________ Morgane Michael Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersMorgane Michael is the author of From Burnt Out to Fired Up. She has been an elementary school educ...2025-06-0931 min
FocusEDEpisode 36: Concept of Learning that Transfers and More with Author Julie SternJulie Stern Joins FocusED to Discuss the Concept of Learning that Transfers…and MoreThis is Episode 36 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Julie Stern. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Education, the Delaware Academy for School Leadership, and The School House 302. Don’t miss what Julie says in this episode about learning that transfers…and so much more. _______________________________________ Julie Stern Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersJulie Stern has nearly two decades of exp...2025-06-0932 min
FocusEDEpisode 34: Leaders Can Create Environments that Support Leadership from Everyone with Joe SanfelippoThis is Episode 34 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Joe Sanfelippo. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Dr. Sanfelippo says about what it means to lead from anywhere and how leaders build intention, connection, and direction in schools. _______________________________________ Joe Sanfelippo Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners Dr. Joe Sanfelippo is the Superintendent of the Fall Creek School District in Fall Creek, WI. The Fall Creek School District was named an Innovative District in 2016 an...2025-06-0932 min
FocusEDEpisode 33: How School Leaders and Classroom Teachers Can Focus on Clarity for Learning with John Almarode This is Episode 33 of FocusED, and it features our guest, John Almarode. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Dr. Almarode says about the importance of clarity for learning, evidence of learning, the science of teaching…and so much more. _______________________________________ John Almarode Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersJohn is an Associate Professor of Education in the College of Education at James Madison University and works with preservice teachers and graduate students across mult...2025-06-0939 min
FocusEDEpisode 32: Buildership is Different from Leadership with Robyn JacksonThis is Episode 32 of the FocusED podcast. Robyn Jackson Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners Robyn Jackson is passionate about building better schools. As the CEO of Mindsteps Inc.®, she has helped thousands of K–12 administrators and teachers develop the clarity and confidence to turn their classrooms and schools into success stories.Jackson combines her experience as an English teacher and middle school administrator and her work in thousands of schools and districts to help teachers and administrators develop rigorous instructional programs that provide students with the support and motivation they need to reach or exceed the...2025-06-0936 min
FocusEDEpisode 31: School Leaders Should Be the Chief Empathy Officer with Thomas HoerrThis is Episode 31 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Thomas Hoerr. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Tom says about leading for empathy…and so much more. _______________________________________ Thomas Hoerr Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners Dr. Tom Hoerr led schools for 37 years and is currently a Scholar In Residence at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, teaching in the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies program. His newest book, The Principal As Chief Empathy Officer: Creating A Culture Where Ever...2025-06-0936 min
FocusEDEpisode 29: Leadership Development with Aspire Podcast Host Joshua StamperThis is Episode 29 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Joshua Stamper. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Joshua has to say about aspiring leadership, leadership development, and so much more. _______________________________________ Joshua Stamper Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners Joshua Stamper initially used his artistic talent, creativity, and original ideas as a professional graphic designer. He then transitioned to inspiring students to use their imagination and creative expression in public education. Being unsuccessful as a...2025-06-0936 min
FocusEDEpisode 30: Discuss Leadership at Every Level in Schools with Janelle McLaughlinThis is Episode 30 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Janelle McLaughlin. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Janelle has to say about the need for leadership at every level in schools…and so much more. _______________________________________ Janelle McLaughlin Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners Janelle McLaughlin is an education consultant, presenter, coach, keynote speaker, and trainer. Over the years she has been a classroom teacher and district administrator. Today, Janelle is also an entrepreneur, author, social medi...2025-06-0936 min
FocusEDEpisode 28: Staying Focused Across Chaotic Times with Dr. Susan BuntingThis is Episode 28 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Eric Sheninger. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Dr. Bunting says about the ways that administrators can remain focused on the most important aspect of teaching and learning during a crisis and much more. _______________________________________ Dr. Susan Bunting Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners After teaching in Maryland for several years, Dr. Susan Bunting joined Indian River SD in 1977 as a middle school language arts te...2025-06-0938 min
FocusEDEpisode 27: How Teachers and School Leaders Can Build an Environment that Promotes Resiliency with Horacio SanchrzThis is Episode 27 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Horacio Sanchez. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Horacio says about overcoming the impact of poverty in schools, specifically what teachers and leaders can do to build an environment that promotes resiliency. _______________________________________Horacio Sanchez Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners Horacio Sanchez is a highly sought-after speaker and educational consultant, helping schools learn to apply neuroscience to improve educational outcomes. He presents on diverse to...2025-06-0933 min
FocusEDEpisode 26: Preparing Learners for Their Future with Author Eric SheningerThis is Episode 26 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Eric Sheninger. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Eric says about comfort being the enemy of growth and so much more. _______________________________________ Eric Sheninger Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersEric Sheninger is an Associate Partner with the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE). Prior to this, he was the award-winning Principal at New Milford High School. Under his leadership, his school be...2025-06-0941 min
FocusEDEpisode 25: What Success Looks Like for ALL Students with Author Marck AbrahamThis is Episode 25 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Marck Abraham. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Marck says about creating cultures of success for all students. _______________________________________ Marck Abraham Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersDr. Abraham is a transformational leader with a wealth of experience in urban education. He is committed to providing a world-class educational experience that ensures all students achieve their goals of post-secondary college and fulfilling careers. His mission ha...2025-06-0938 min
FocusEDEpisode 24: HEART Model for Teaching Discussion with Author Lorea MartinezLorea Martinez Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners in Episode 24.Dr. Lorea Martínez Pérez is the award-winning founder of HEART in Mind Consulting, a company dedicated to helping schools and organizations integrate Social Emotional Learning in their practices, products, and learning communities. She has worked with schools, districts, and organizations to guide SEL implementation efforts, including training teachers and leadership teams, and provided guidance to educational technology and media companies to help them integrate SEL in their products.An educator who has worked with children and adults internationally, Dr. Martínez is a f...2025-06-0934 min
FocusEDEpisode 23: Transformational Leadership, Schools of the Future, and More with Author Jethro JonesThis is Episode 23 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Jethro Jones. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Jethro has to say about students learning faster, better, and more. _______________________________________ Jethro Jones Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners Jethro Jones is the 2017 NASSP Digital Principal of the Year, former principal, and current host of the Transformative Principal podcast. He is also the founder of The Center for Cyberethics, an independent, non-partisan educational institute dedicated to th...2025-06-0933 min
FocusEDEpisode 22: How Educators Can Improve Every Lesson Plan with SEL with Jeff BensonThis is Episode 22 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Jeffrey Benson. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Jeffrey has to say about improving the student experience in every classroom._______________________________________Jeffrey Benson Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners Jeffrey Benson has worked in almost every school context with over 40 years of experience in the field of education: as a teacher in elementary, middle, and high schools; as an instructor in undergraduate and graduate programs; as...2025-06-0942 min
FocusEDEpisode 21: High Expectations for All Students, What Educators Should Stop Doing, and Much More with Basil MarinThis is Episode 21 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Basil Marin. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Basil has to say about treating all students with high expectations and some of what we get wrong when we schedule students into lower level courses. _______________________________________Dr. Basil Marin Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners Dr. Basil Marin hails from the Central Virginia area. He is a graduate of Eastern Mennonite University where he earned a Bachelor of Sc...2025-06-0946 min
FocusEDEpisode 20: Systems Thinking, Leadership Development, and More with Dan DomenechThis is Episode 20 of FocusED, and it features guest, Dan Domenech. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Dan says about developing others, stepping in when we need to, managing competing priorities, and so much more. _______________________________________Dan Domenech Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners Daniel A. Domenech has served as the executive director of the AASA, The School Superintendents Association, since 2008. Domenech has more than 45 years of experience in public education; for twenty-seven of those years, he se...2025-06-0633 min
FocusEDEpisode 19: Assessing with Respect with Starr SacksteinThis is Episode 19 of FocusED, and it features guest, Starr Sackstein. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Starr has to say about grading, assessments, changing practices in schools, and much more. _______________________________________ Starr Sackstein Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersStarr Sackstein was a Teacher Center teacher and ELA teacher at Long Island City High School in New York. She also spent nine years at World Journalism Preparatory School in Flushing, New York, as...2025-06-0638 min
FocusEDEpisode 17: Leading the Education Revolution with Derek McCoyThis is Episode 17 of FocusED, and it features guest, Derek McCoy. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Derek has to say about leading a revolution in education and engaging with the change we seek to make. _______________________________________Derek McCoy Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners Currently the principal of North Asheboro Middle School in Asheboro City Schools, Derek has over 20 years experience as a middle school principal, assistant principal and middle school math teacher. He’s been very...2025-06-0631 min
FocusEDEpisode 18: Unconventional Way to Thrive in Education with Rachelle Dene PothThis is Episode 18 of FocusED, and it features guest, Rachelle Dene Poth. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Rachelle has to say about thriving in education by creating unconventional learning experiences for students and so much more._______________________________________Rachelle Dene Poth Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners Rachelle Dene Poth is an edtech consultant, presenter, attorney, author, and teacher. Rachelle teaches Spanish and STEAM: What’s nExT in Emerging Technology at Riverview Junior Senior High Scho...2025-06-0641 min
FocusEDEpisode 16: Leading Collective Efficacy with Stefani Arzonetti HiteThis is Episode 16 of FocusED, and it features guest, Stefani Arzonetti Hite. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Stefani says about leading collective efficacy in schools and so much more._______________________________________Dr. Stefani Arzonetti Hite Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersDr. Stefani Arzonetti Hite wide-ranging career began as a pre-digital drawing-board marketing designer. She eventually became an award-winning art director, developing unique approaches to marketing by harnessing new possibilities offered by emerging te...2025-06-0634 min
FocusEDEpisode 15: Becoming the Educator They Need with Robert JacksonThis is Episode 15 of FocusED, and it features guest, Robert Jackson. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Robert has to say about supporting all students in schools, especially those who are traditionally marginalized. ______________________________________Robert Jackson Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersRobert Jackson began his teaching career almost 25 years ago in Indianapolis Public Schools with a No More Excuses teaching approach with all of his students after being cut from the NFL Minnesota Vikings. As...2025-06-0653 min
FocusEDEpisode 14: Becoming a Culturally Competent School Leader with Vernita MayfieldThis is Episode 14 of FocusED, and it features guest, Vernita Mayfield. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Vernita says about confronting racism in schools and so much more. _______________________________________Vernita Mayfield Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersDr. Vernita Mayfield hails originally from Los Angeles, California, where she began her career teaching elementary school. As a teacher, Mayfield found her first love serving and supporting students who have been historically marginalized. Since then, she has co...2025-06-0536 min
FocusEDEpisode 13: The Ten-Minute Principal with Evan RobbThis is Episode 13 of FocusED, and it features guest Evan Robb. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Evan says about his 6 Pillars of Leadership, self-reflection, figuring out what you believe in, taking control of how you use time in your day, and much much more._______________________________________Evan Robb Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersEvan Robb is the Principal of Johnson-Williams Middle School in Berryville, Virginia. He has over twenty years of experience se...2025-06-0537 min
FocusEDEpisode 12: A Kids Deserve It Culture in Schools with Todd NesloneyThis is Episode 12 of FocusED, and it features guest Todd Nesloney. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Todd says about his experience in schools, teaching kids to shake hands, what it means to have a “kids deserve it culture,” and much more._______________________________________Todd Nesloney Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersTodd Nesloney is the Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership for the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). He has also served...2025-06-0536 min
FocusEDEpisode 11: Reimagining Mentorship in Education with Matthew JosephThis is Episode 11 of FocusED, and it features guest, Matthew Joseph. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Matthew says about mentoring programs, leading in schools, and much more. _______________________________________Matthew Joseph Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersDr. Matthew X. Joseph is currently the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment in Leicester Public Schools. He has been a school and district leader in many capacities in public education over his 27 years in the fi...2025-06-0537 min
FocusEDEpisode 10: Next Level Teaching with Jonathan AlsheimerThis is Episode 10 of FocusED, and it features guest, Jonathan Alsheimer. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Jonathan has to say about taking teaching to the next level in every classroom in your school.________________________________________Jonathan Alsheimer Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersJonathan Alsheimer is the unorthodox, energetic, and entertaining middle school teacher who refuses to live a life of limitations. Jonathan is often referred to as "my favorite teacher" by his st...2025-06-0541 min
FocusEDEpisode 9: Innovation and 20% Time in Schools with Don WettrickThis is Episode 9 of FocusED, and it features guest, Don Wettrick. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Don has to say about the future of schools, innovation, and project-based learning.“This is as simple as doing relevant things and then taking it a little bit higher.” ~ Don Wettrick________________________________________ Don Wettrick Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersDon Wettrick is the founder of The STARTedUP Foundation, author of Pure Genius: Building a Cult...2025-06-0532 min
FocusEDEpisode 8: Speaking the Language of Our Teachers with Pete HallThis is Episode 8 of FocusED, and it features guest, Pete Hall. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Pete has to say about building capacity within the teaching ranks. This is a must listen for all educators.________________________________________ Pete Hall Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersAfter a teaching career that spanned preK-8 over three states, Pete served 12 years as a principal in three Title I schools, one of which was the only Title I...2025-06-0536 min
FocusEDEpisode 7: The Power of School Culture with Jimmy CasasEpisode 7 of FocusED, and it features guest, Jimmy Casas. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Jimmy says about culture in schools and so much more. This is a must listen for all educators.________________________________________ Jimmy Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersJimmy is the author of four books, including What Connected Educators do Differently, Start. Right. Now. – Teach and Lead for Excellence, the best-selling book, Culturize – Every Student. Every Day. Whatever It Takes, and hi...2025-06-0540 min
FocusEDEpisode 6: Excellence Through Equity with Dr. Pedro NogueraThis is Episode 6 of FocusED, and it features guest, Dr. Pedro Noguera. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Dr. Noguera says about equity in schools and so much more. This is a must listen for all educators. ________________________________________ Dr. Noguera Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersDr. Pedro A. Noguera is the Distinguished Professor of Education at the Graduate School of Education and Information Studies and Faculty Director for the Center for the Transformation of Sc...2025-06-0530 min
FocusEDEpisode 5: Being Excellent On Purpose with Dr. Sanee BellThis is Episode 5 of FocusED, and it features guest, Sanee Bell. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Sanee says about being excellent on purpose in a practical way and holding that standard as a leader. Her interaction with the audience at the end was fun and inspiring...and wait to hear the blooper after the final music fades out. Enjoy.________________________________________ Dr. Sanee Bell Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED ListenersDr. Sanée Bel...2025-06-0532 min
FocusEDEpisode 4: Hacking School Discipline with Brad WeinsteinThis is Episode 4 of FocusED, and it features guest, Brad Weinstein. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Brad says about doing discipline differently in schools and changing school culture from punitive to restorative. If you listen to the very end, you’ll catch our quick conversation about trying to get Brene Brown to be a guest on our One Thing Series podcast. Enjoy.________________________________________ Brad is the Director of Innovation at BehaviorFlip (www.behaviorflip.com), the worl...2025-06-0534 min
FocusEDEpisode 3: Going Gradeless as a Teacher and School Leader with Starr SacksteinEpisode 3 of FocusED, and it features guest, Starr Sackstein. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, and you can’t miss Starr's personal story about going gradeless along with everything else she says about leading in schools. If you hang long enough after the outro, you'll get even more from the Q/A she did with our audience. We can't wait to hear from you.---------------------------------------------------------Thanks for listening to FocusED, an educational leadership podcast brought to you by TheSchoolHouse302 @ theschoolhouse302.com.FocusED is your educational leadership podcast where ou...2025-06-0539 min
FocusEDEpisode 2: A "Kids Deserve It" Culture in Schools with Adam WelcomeThis is Episode 2 of FocusED, and it features guest, Adam Welcome, with a focus on his book, Kids Deserve It. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, and you can’t miss Adam’s candor about what needs to change in our schools. You’ll hear his challenge that “most things don’t get done, because most things don’t get started” and much, much more.---------------------------------------------------------Meet Our FocusED Guest Adam WelcomeAdam has been a teacher, Principal, Director of Innovation for a district with 35,000 students and enjoys pushing the en...2025-06-0532 min
FocusEDEpisode 1: Creating a Culture of Inquiry with Connie HamiltonThis is Episode 1 of FocusED, and it features guest, Connie Hamilton, with a focus on questioning techniques and a culture of inquiry in schools. You’ll hear her address how she frames the work of Hacking Questions and much, much more. We hope you enjoy.---------------------------------------------------------Thanks for listening to FocusED, an educational leadership podcast brought to you by TheSchoolHouse302 @ theschoolhouse302.com.FocusED is your educational leadership podcast where our mission is to dissect a particular focus for teachers and school leaders so that you can learn to lead better and grow faster in...2025-06-0533 min
TheSchoolHouse302 One Thing Series School Leadership PodcastDemystifying Decision-Making: Exploring the Undercurrents Created By Our ChoicesIn this episode of Leading Better and Growing Faster for school leaders, Joe and T.J. discuss how school leaders must recognize how their decisions create undercurrents within the organization.
Every decision you make at school, from offering certain foods in the cafeteria to the consequence a student receives for being late to school because they stopped for a chai latte, creates undercurrents that ripple throughout the school like a rogue dodgeball during PE class.
These undercurrents can have a more dramatic impact than you might think, potentially causing serious disruption. This is why we tell leaders to remember that...2024-03-0710 min
TheSchoolHouse302 One Thing Series School Leadership PodcastMindset and Management: Two Must Reads for School LeadersUnlocking Excellence: Read to Lead Better, Learn to Grow Faster
In this episode, Joe and T.J. introduce two books that they know will make the difference in your life as a leader. Kotler’s book is about operating in a state of flow for improved focus and productivity. Who couldn’t benefit from learning more about flow and how we can get into a flow state?
Murphy’s book is basically a “how-to” on management. Very practical with specific suggestions to improve your skills. There are also some ideas and thoughts that will challenge your current thinking about managing people. Th...2024-02-2113 min
TheSchoolHouse302 One Thing Series School Leadership PodcastGuest Curtiss Murphy Talks about What Makes Great Managers GreatAbout Curtiss Murphy
Curtiss Murphy has spent 32 years as a software engineer (20 of those years in games and gaming and twelve years building educational games. He spent 3 summers hosting the NSF's Edugaming workshop and six years as a professor of game design at Laguna College of Art and Design (for their Game Design MFA program).
He has a few dozen minor publications/chapters. He’s an award winning speaker, author, and game designer. He’s been on 21 episodes of the podcast Game Design Zen. And he’s currently the VP of Engineering at a Mobile Game Studio.
He is the recent...2024-02-0343 min
TheSchoolHouse302 One Thing Series School Leadership PodcastTwo Must Reads for School Leaders Who Want to Navigate the Leadership WatersUnlocking Excellence: Read to Lead Better, Learn to Grow Faster
These are two powerhouse books that capture the journey of leadership. These two books are distinctly different, but both reflect our focus on school leaders' need to Navigate the Seas of School Leadership.
Joe recommends, Sea Stories: My Life in Special Operations, which is an autobiographical book by Admiral William H. McRaven, a retired Navy SEAL and former commander of the United States Special Operations Command. The book is a firsthand account of Admiral McRaven's remarkable military career, spanning from his childhood, the early days in training, to his experiences...2023-12-0807 min
TheSchoolHouse302 One Thing Series School Leadership PodcastGuest Donya Ball Talks about How Administrators Can Adjust Their Sails to Weather Any StormAbout Donya Ball
Dr. Donya Ball is a leader, author, and national keynote speaker. She currently serves as a superintendent of schools in California and, for over two decades, has been a change-maker in public education.
Dr. Ball is a professor of both educational administration and teacher education. She is passionate about studying, writing, and speaking on overcoming leadership hardships.
Her first book of the leadership series, Adjusting the Sails: Weathering the Storms of Administrative Leadership, was published in 2022. Her second book, Against the Wind: Leadership at 36,000 Feet will be released this January.
What You’ll Find in this Episode wi...2023-11-2945 min
TheSchoolHouse302 One Thing Series School Leadership PodcastTwo Must Reads for School Leaders Who Want to Build a Learning Culture within Their SchoolsJoe and T.J. Recommend that School Leaders Read In Search of Deeper Learning and Fearless Schools
What you’ll discover in this episode of Leading Better & Growing Faster w/ Joe & T.J.
We recommend In Search of Deeper Learning for school leaders.
We also recommend Fearless Schools for school leaders.
Why in the world is Joe wearing a NASA Jacket?
There is “deeper learning at the margins and why the periphery is more important than the core.” This is an excellent example of how this book pushes the boundaries.
The key tenets of a learning culture.
Evidence of learning. What d...2023-05-2510 min
TheSchoolHouse302 One Thing Series School Leadership PodcastTwo Books For School Leaders Who Want To Become Their Best SelfJoe and T.J. Recommend that School Leaders Read Harvard Business Review’s On Mental Toughness and Success Through A Positive Mental Attitude
In this episode, you’ll hear key points made by both T.J. and Joe about two books every school leader should read to mind your mental map to the future.
T.J. immediately underscores that On Mental Toughness has a bonus article with Martin Seligman. Dr. Martin E.P. Seligman is the Director of the University of Pennsylvania Positive Psychology Center.
You also don’t want to miss the critical points he makes on mental toughness and th...2023-03-1108 min
TheSchoolHouse302 One Thing Series School Leadership PodcastHow School Leaders Can View Problems as Possibilities To Improve Their SchoolsIn this episode, Joe and T.J. explore what it really means to mind your mental map. Our minds can be very scary places if we are not careful. School leaders must remain in a productive space in order to lead effectively, but the thread of events throughout the day and week can take their toll. This is why school leaders must do the following:
Flip Your Thinking
Don’t Jump to Judge
Adapt, Don’t Adopt
Key Points from Joe & T.J.
T.J. starts the conversation on the crucial importance of being aware of the potential of living in G...2023-03-1113 min
TheSchoolHouse302 One Thing Series School Leadership PodcastTeaching Students Executive Functioning Skills with Mitch WeathersMitch Weathers Joins Joe & T.J.
Mitch became a gifted teacher because he was a mediocre student. He rarely felt comfortable in the classroom. In fact, it took him 7 years for him to graduate from college.
Choosing to become a teacher, Mitch was fortunate enough to experience school as if it was happening all around him. He was unsure how to jump into his learning with confidence. There is a loneliness to experiencing your education as a passive object as opposed to an active subject.
From the moment he entered the classroom Mitch relied on his personal experiences as a...2023-01-2141 min
TheSchoolHouse302 One Thing Series School Leadership PodcastThe One Book that School Leaders Should Read to Attack Persistent Problems in EducationJoe and T.J. Recommend that School Leaders Read 7 Mindshifts for School Leaders: Finding New Ways to Think About Old Problems
We want to share some of our favorite aspects of our newest book, 7 Mindshifts for School Leaders: Finding New Ways to Think About Old Problems. Written with our co-author, Connie Hamilton, this book calls into question some of the problems with our Educational Industrial Complex, problems that have persisted for too long, and the mindshifts that it will take to truly challenge the status quo. It’s for any school leader who wants better outcomes for all students. If yo...2023-01-2007 min
TheSchoolHouse302 One Thing Series School Leadership Podcast302 Thoughts -- 5 Stress Free Ways School that Leaders Can Tell their School’s StoryIn this episode of 302 Thoughts, Joe and T.J. riff on how school leaders take control of their school’s story. Schools are unique and complex hubs of the community, doing incredible things each and every day that must be shared.
The harsh reality is that many people believe that schools are failing our students. There is no doubt that schools and schools systems can improve, but great things are happening and need to be showcased.
T.J. begins by explaining the very nature of our schools and how resources and support are paramount for success. We don’t overlook this...2022-11-0114 min
TheSchoolHouse302 One Thing Series School Leadership PodcastRead This: School Leaders, Build Your School Brand with these Two Powerful BooksSchool leaders who want to build a strong school brand recognize the importance of learning specific skills to do so effectively. This month Joe and T.J. offer two books that reinforce their 5 ways that school leaders can think like a marketer and tell your school’s story.
Culture is King--Marketing is about who you are, not what you are
Great Brands Make a Difference--Marketing is about innovation and leadership
First Follows Matter--Marketing is about knowing “the others”
Stand Out Amongst the Crowd--Marketing is about being unique
Show Up Regularly--Marketing is about being consistent
Joe’s Pick: The Power of Small: W...2022-10-1909 min
TheSchoolHouse302 One Thing Series School Leadership Podcast302 Thoughts with Joe and T.J. -- 5 Proven Ways for School Leaders to Support New TeachersIn this episode of 302 Thoughts, Joe and T.J. dig into how school leaders must be very tactical about supporting their new teachers. So much time is spent identifying personnel needs, preparing for interviews, drafting the right questions, using the write words in the position posting, and the interview itself, but all of that means nothing if you fail to support teachers once they are hired. That’s all preparation for the game, not the game itself. If you want to play at a higher level, you realize the real work is after the hiring is done.
In this episode, li...2022-09-1214 min
TheSchoolHouse302 One Thing Series School Leadership Podcast302 Thoughts with Joe and T.J.: Two Mental Shifts Toward Better School Leadership302 Thoughts for School Leaders
In this episode of 302 Thoughts, Joe and T.J. dig into how school leaders must shift their minds to lead better and grow faster.
Shifting our mindset is not easy. It requires a dogged pursuit to focus our mind in the most productive ways to function better as a leader. There are two major shifts that are worth making--embracing courage instead of being ruled by fear and maintaining a long-term mentality. Both of these are challenging but incredibly rewarding.
In this episode, listen to Joe describe the power of cognitive dissonance and the stockdale paradox that...2022-08-2113 min
TheSchoolHouse302 One Thing Series School Leadership Podcast302 Thoughts: Great School Leaders Know How to Turn Crisis Into OpportunityIn this episode of 302 Thoughts, Joe and T.J. dig into how school leaders can turn adversity into opportunity. Every leader will face issues and how they perceive those problems often determines how they will approach them, which can be the difference between success and failure.
Listen to Joe describe the power of It’s Possible. This isn’t just wishful thinking but an earnest belief that regardless of the situation there is a silver lining. Inspired by Les Brown, Joe makes a compelling case for using this same belief and attitude in education. We know that every school and dist...2022-07-1914 min
TheSchoolHouse302 One Thing Series School Leadership Podcast302 Thoughts: 3 Ideas About an Innovative School Culture That Really WorkIn this episode of 302 Thoughts, Joe and T.J. dig into how leaders can implement, develop, and support innovation in schools by identifying three ideas that actually work for school leaders.
Innovation in schools is often a byproduct of other areas of focus. For example, if schools purchase instructional technology, many leaders hope that the byproduct will be innovation. The fallacy in this approach is that the tool is the primary focus and not a culture of innovation beyond what the tool might provide. We know that computers and other devices alone don’t improve instruction or student performance nor wi...2022-06-2411 min
TheSchoolHouse302 One Thing Series School Leadership Podcast302 Thoughts: School Leaders, Become a Personal Growth Influencer in Three Easy StepsIn this episode of 302 Thoughts, Joe and T.J. dig into a major responsibility of school leaders that very often poses challenges. Although professional learning is common in schools, not everyone views it as a primary vehicle for getting better. Whether for personal development or improving instructional practices, leveling up one’s skills aren’t always viewed with a positive attitude.
There are a host of reasons for this in schools, but one thing that must be in place to change the culture is that the leader needs to view themselves as a professional growth influencer. School leaders have to be i...2022-05-1709 minTheSchoolHouse302 One Thing Series School Leadership PodcastTwo Great Books that Every School Leader Must Read to Build a Culture of Growth in Their SchoolGreat School Leaders are Avid Readers
Learning and growing as a school leader through reflection, training, and experience is a professional choice. One powerful way to improve is through reading great books, which is why we feature a couple of great books each month.
Our aim is to link great books to our theme for the month. This month we are focused on school leaders who want to build a culture of growth in their schools. Growth in any given area requires intentionality with time specifically dedicated to supporting personal development.
For this reason, we chose two books that are...2022-05-0914 min
TheSchoolHouse302 One Thing Series School Leadership Podcast302 Thoughts: Learn Exactly How School Leaders Can Show More Support Tomorrow for Greater SuccessIn this episode of 302 Thoughts, Joe and T.J. tackle a common topic in education--support. Although common, it’s an elusive concept because it means so many different things for so many different people. It is also challenging to do in a systematic and organized way.
We also should clarify that we are not talking about showing support when needed, but rather building a culture of support. In this type of environment, support isn’t an afterthought, but, rather, it is a core value and integrated into the culture. Listen to Joe and T.J. take a deep dive into how...2022-04-1511 min
TheSchoolHouse302 One Thing Series School Leadership Podcast302 Thoughts: How School Leaders Can Simplify Accountability Through Clear Goals and Great FeedbackIn this episode of 302 Thoughts, Joe and T.J. take a deep dive into how school and district leaders, at all levels, can rethink accountability in a post-pandemic world. The tough reality is that many of the mandated efforts force school leaders to take a direction that leaves other critical work in its wake. Ask any effective principal, assistant principal, or district leader and they can tell you what needs to happen in schools. It’s time that educators empower one another to redefine accountability and pursue goals that consider the whole child.
Joe and T.J. break down key el...2022-03-2911 min
TheSchoolHouse302 One Thing Series School Leadership Podcast302 Fireside Chat: Why There’s Nothing More Important for a School Leader to Build than TrustIn this episode of 302 Thoughts, Joe and T.J. take a deep dive into how school and district leaders, at all levels, can develop, build, and sustain trust in schools. The tough reality with trust is that it is easily lost and hard to gain, which is why we remember this powerful quote by Sophocles, Trust dies but mistrust blossoms.
Joe emphasizes how trust is needed now more than ever, but is definitely in short supply. Not just in schools or education but throughout our country. If there is any doubt to this, just tune into any news channel and...2022-02-2419 min
TheSchoolHouse302 One Thing Series School Leadership Podcast302 Thoughts Fireside Chat: Reclaiming Your Purpose as a School LeaderSee the full version of the show notes below at theschoolhouse302.com.
In this episode, Joe describes the process and power behind introspection:
I know my purpose at work each day.
My purpose at work directly corresponds with my daily activities.
Considering the statements above, are you clear on purpose and is your daily work aligned? Or consider your family. If spending time with your kids is important to you, are you ensuring you are creating enough time in your week to meaningfully be a part of their day?
Looking within ourselves and willing asking and answering the tough questions...2022-01-1416 min
TheSchoolHouse302 One Thing Series School Leadership Podcast10 Stories About Leaders Who Constantly Learn To Be Better with Michael UseemAbout Michael Useem
Michael Useem is Professor of Management and Faculty Director of the Center for Leadership and Change Management and McNulty Leadership Program at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. His university teaching includes MBA and executive-MBA courses on management and leadership, and he offers programs on leadership and governance for managers in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
He works on leadership development with many companies and organizations in the private, public and non-profit sectors. He is the author of The Leader’s Checklist, The Leadership Moment, Executive Defense, Investor Capitalism, Leading Up, and The Go Po...2021-11-1550 min
TheSchoolHouse302 One Thing Series School Leadership Podcast2 Practical Strategies To Dramatically Improve Your Value-Driven Goals (and more) with Richard ShellRichard is an award-winning scholar, teacher, and author at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. In his work, he helps students and executives reach peak levels of personal and professional effectiveness through skilled negotiation, persuasion, influence, and the discovery of meaningful life goals. Three beliefs permeate everything that he teaches and writes. First, success begins with self-awareness. Second, success progresses through excellence in practice. Third, as he shows in his latest book, The Conscience Code, success demands a lifelong commitment to the highest standards of integrity.
Richard teaches a course in “ethics and responsibility” where students share stories abou...2021-10-1043 minTheSchoolHouse302 One Thing Series School Leadership PodcastOne Thing Series: Building and Sustaining Trust with Stephen M.R. Covey -- #onethingseriesStephen M. R. Covey is co-founder of CoveyLink and of the FranklinCovey Global Speed of Trust Practice. A sought-after and compelling keynote speaker and advisor on trust, leadership, ethics, and high performance, he speaks to audiences around the world. He is the New York Times and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Speed of Trust, and coauthor of the #1 Amazon bestseller Smart Trust. He advocates that nothing is as fast as the speed of trust and that the ability to establish, grow, extend, and restore trust with all stakeholders is the critical leadership competency of the new global economy...2020-11-0134 minTheSchoolHouse302 One Thing Series School Leadership PodcastOne Thing Series: Telling Your Story with Joe Sanfelippo -- #onethingseriesDr. Joe Sanfelippo is the Superintendent of the Fall Creek School District in Fall Creek, WI. The Fall Creek School District was named an Innovative District in 2016 and 2017 by the International Center for Leadership in Education. Joe holds a BA in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from St. Norbert College, a masters in Educational Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a masters in Educational Leadership, and a PhD in Leadership, Learning, and Service from Cardinal Stritch University.
Joe co-authored The Power of Branding-Telling Your School's Story, Principal Professional Development: Leading Learning in a Digital Age, and Hacking Leadership: 10 Ways Great...2020-07-2732 minTheSchoolHouse302 One Thing Series School Leadership PodcastOne Thing Series: Shifting Your Mindset from Getting to Giving w/ Bob Burg -- #onethingseriesBob Burg is a sought-after speaker at company leadership and sales conferences, sharing the platform with everyone from today’s business leaders and broadcast personalities to even a former U.S. President.
Bob is the author of a number of books on sales, marketing, and influence, with total book sales of well over a million copies. His book, The Go-Giver, coauthored with John David Mann, itself has sold over 925,000 copies, and it has been translated into 28 languages.
His and John’s newest parable in the Go-Giver Series is The Go-Giver Influencer.
Bob is an advocate, supporter, and defender of the Free...2020-03-0629 minTheSchoolHouse302 One Thing Series School Leadership PodcastOne Thing Series: Building Stronger Teams w/ Joe PurzyckiDon't miss this #onethingseries leadership interview by theschoolhouse302.com with Coach Joe Purzycki on building stronger teams and much, much more.
Joe Purzycki was the Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of Barclaycard, the 5th largest issuer of credit cards globally and the 9th largest issuer of credit cards domestically. Prior to joining Barclays, Mr. Purzycki was Executive Vice President of Chase Card Services and a member of the Card Services Senior Management Team. Mr. Purzycki managed the Business Development Segment, which was responsible for partnerships with companies like Disney, Amazon.com, Starbucks, and Sony.
Before his time in the...2018-02-0925 min