Building a positive school culture is a journey, and every decision either moves you forward or slows you down. In this episode, Dr. Jim Van Allan uses a simple orthodontist analogy to shine light on the school culture "roadtrip." Just like braces, culture requires steady alignment, consistent attention, and proactive leadership. You'll learn how to avoid costly detours, recognize early warning signs, and make intentional pit stops that keep your staff energized and your vision clear. With research insights from the Learning Policy Institute and practical leadership strategies, this episode inspires you to drive your culture with focus, courage, and purpose.

Key Takeaways

• Culture is a journey you must actively drive, not something that fixes itself

• Momentum matters, and delaying hard conversations makes the road longer

• Leaders must monitor alignment and prevent erosion by staying proactive

• Strategic check-ins help recalibrate vision, norms, relationships, and energy

• Research supports that positive school climates improve student achievement and teacher satisfaction

• Whole child culture work is foundational, not optional, and requires safe relationships, emotional support, and consistent structures

Learn more about The Energy Bus for Schools program at www.EnergyBusForSchools.com and connect with Dr. Jim VanAllan at Jim@JonGordon.com

It's a new semester, but that doesn't mean you need a brand-new playbook. In this energizing episode, Dr. Jim Van Allan uses stories from the world of football and leadership to challenge school leaders to refocus, not reinvent. Learn how to restart your culture with small, intentional tweaks that make a big difference. From reinforcing your vision to modeling the energy you want to see, this episode offers practical strategies for kicking off the second half of the school year with clarity, confidence, and connection.

Key Takeaways

• Clear steps to re-establish school vision and routines without starting from scratch

• Why leaders should model positivity and build momentum through small culture wins

• How personal face time and visibility build trust and set the tone for staff

• Research-backed reasons why culture is foundational, not optional

• Walk-away strategies to reengage both staff and students in the new year

Learn more about The Energy Bus for Schools program at www.EnergyBusForSchools.com and connect with Dr. Jim Van Allan at Jim@JonGordon.com.

School assemblies aren't just events—they're opportunities to turn buildings into communities. In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Jim Van Allan explores how bringing your entire school together—students, staff, and sometimes families—can build unity, reinforce tradition, and elevate school culture. Backed by research and real-world examples, this episode shows how consistent gatherings create emotional connection, celebrate values, and support mental well-being—much like family traditions around a dinner table.

Key Takeaways:

• Why assemblies enhance belonging, motivation, and emotional wellness

• How rituals and routines strengthen school identity and culture

• Practical tips for making assemblies meaningful, inclusive, and consistent

• Two strategies to turn your gatherings into powerful moments of unity

Learn more about The Energy Bus for Schools program at www.EnergyBusForSchools.com and connect with Dr. Jim Van Allan at Jim@JonGordon.com.