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On the School Bus with Dr. Spates

On the School Bus with Dr. Spates

By: Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates
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About this listen

Welcome to the school leadership podcast dedicated to advancing creativity and innovation in education. No matter the seat you lead from, this podcast is your vehicle for creative ideas, bold school leadership, and field-tested strategies that work where it counts—in schools.

WARNING ⚠️ This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day with a relentless focus on improving student outcomes and transforming students’ TK-12 school experiences and the once-passionate leaders who may have lost a bit of their spark and just need a dose of inspiration to find their way back.

Each week, we invite innovators in education from across the country, doing the real work in schools to hop on the school bus with me -- Dr. Spates, the Proud Principal of a vibrant Los Angeles County Middle School Community. Together, we uncover what’s really working in schools—tapping into each guest’s “zone of genius” to give you one practical, school-tested strategy you can bring back to your learning community.

Because our children, families, and communities are counting on us to lead with urgency, care, and purpose.

Let’s reimagine what’s possible in education, together —one ride at a time.

All rights reserved. Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • Ep 7 | Leadership That Fuels Innovation: Dr. Greg Franklin on Creating a Culture of “Yes!”

    Ep 7 | Leadership That Fuels Innovation: Dr. Greg Franklin on Creating a Culture of “Yes!”
    Dec 15 2025
    In this episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. Greg Franklin shares insights from his extensive career in education and leadership, offering practical strategies for fostering creativity and innovation among teachers while building school cultures rooted in equity and collaboration.Dr. Franklin emphasizes the importance of clear vision, consistent communication, and investing in people over programs. He challenges school leaders to move beyond compliance-driven systems and instead create cultures that say “yes,” empower educators, and scale innovation in sustainable, inclusive ways.This episode is a must-listen for principals, district leaders, instructional coaches, and teacher leaders who are navigating change, strengthening school culture, and working to ensure equitable opportunities for all students.✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways)• Why a clear vision unlocks teacher creativity• How repetition strengthens communication and alignment• Why investing in people outperforms investing in programs• How a culture of “yes” fuels innovation• What equity looks like in access to rigorous learning• How listening and learning tours deepen community trust• Why relationships are the foundation of strong leadership• The importance of establishing non-negotiables early• What it takes to scale innovation with staff buy-in• How joy and collaboration sustain educators⏱️ Chapters00:00 — Introduction to Mentorship and Leadership05:00 — Unlocking Teacher Creativity and Innovation07:39 — Mind Shifts: From Compliance to Creativity10:47 — Non-Negotiables for Innovation During Crisis13:48 — Equity and Innovation in Education16:50 — Scaling Innovation in Education18:54 — Building Inclusive Career Pathways21:52 — Challenges in Scaling Innovation24:50 — Conclusion and Final Thoughts25:58 — Scaling Educational Success28:00 — Collaborative Professional Development29:38 — Fostering Innovation in Schools31:11 — Leadership and Boldness32:17 — Listening and Learning Tours36:38 — Building Relationships in Education40:56 — Sustaining Wellness for Educators🎧 Sound Bites"Find a way to say yes.""Start with the willing.""The teaching is the key."🔑 Keywords education leadership, innovative school leadership, teacher creativity, equity in education, school culture, professional development, teacher support, community engagement, instructional leadership, scaling innovation, educational equity, leadership mindset, building school culture, education podcast, K–12 leadership, principal leadership, teacher empowerment, collaborative leadership🚌 About the PodcastSo here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene SpatesWebsite: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.comInstagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📬 Connect with Dr. Greg FranklinEmail: gfrankli@usc.edu📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: 661CreatorsSpace.comInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com🎼 MusicTheme Song: “Call of Duty” — MutanixInstagram: @mutanixsEmail: mutanixmedia@gmail.comUsed with permission.💛 Support the WorkIf this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • Ep 06 | MTSS for Real Classrooms: Strategies That Actually Support Diverse Learners

    Ep 06 | MTSS for Real Classrooms: Strategies That Actually Support Diverse Learners
    Dec 8 2025

    In this episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, the mic flips — three aspiring teachers interview Dr. Spates about what it actually takes to build an MTSS system that works in real classrooms.

    From relationships to data, from teacher collaboration to differentiation, this conversation breaks MTSS and RTI down in a way that’s real, practical, and grounded in care. Dr. Spates shares strategies educators can use tomorrow to support diverse learners academically, socially, and emotionally.

    Whether you're a teacher, principal, student teacher, or instructional leader, this episode is packed with insight into what it truly means to support every student.


    ✨ Episode Takeaways

    • Strong relationships are the foundation of student success.
    • MTSS supports the whole child — academics, behavior, and social-emotional needs.
    • Teachers shouldn’t aim for perfection; take risks and grow.
    • Progress monitoring and data collection matter.
    • Collaboration strengthens support for diverse learners.
    • Investing time to truly know students pays off.
    • Positive reinforcement drives motivation.
    • Student feedback helps teachers refine their practice.
    • Classroom environment communicates care.
    • Family engagement expands the support network.


    🎧 Sound Bites

    • "It's not personal, right?"
    • "They love affirmation."
    • "You can't outdo care."


    ⏱️ Chapters

    00:00 — Introduction & Purpose

    05:28 — Why These Future Teachers Chose Education

    11:27 — What MTSS & RTI Really Mean in Schools

    17:41 — The Teacher’s Role in MTSS

    19:46 — Using Data & Progress Monitoring Effectively

    21:14 — Asking Students for Feedback

    23:23 — Teacher Collaboration That Actually Works

    26:37 — Differentiation for Diverse Learners

    29:27 — Strengthening Relationships with Students & Families

    32:37 — Empowering Students as Peer Teachers

    34:52 — Creating a Positive, Welcoming Classroom Environment


    📌 Keywords

    MTSS, RTI, education, teaching strategies, student support, teacher collaboration, classroom management, diverse learners, educational leadership, teacher relationships


    🚌 On the School Bus with Dr. Spates

    So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together.

    This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people:

    1. The passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 school experiences, and
    2. The once-passionate leaders who may have lost a bit of their spark and just need a dose of inspiration to find their way back.

    As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.


    📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates

    Website: KrishnaSpates.com

    Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com

    Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates

    LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.


    📸 Production Studio

    Recorded at 661 Creators Space — a creative studio dedicated to amplifying local voices through high-quality audio and visual production.

    Website: 661CreatorsSpace.com

    Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace

    Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com


    🎼 Music

    Theme Song: “Call of Duty” Artist Mutanix

    Instagram: @mutanixs

    Email: mutanixmedia@gmail.com

    Used with permission. All rights reserved.


    💛 Support the Work

    If this episode inspired you, please follow, rate, and share with another school leader. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • Ep 05 | Meet the Host: Why We Ride – It May Bomb But the Kids and Adults Who Support Them are Worth It

    Ep 05 | Meet the Host: Why We Ride – It May Bomb But the Kids and Adults Who Support Them are Worth It
    Dec 1 2025

    In Episode 5 of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, we take a reflective ride into the heart of why this podcast exists. Dr. Spates opens up about her mission to spotlight innovation, bold leadership, and creative strategies that truly move the needle for students. She shares her personal journey in education, what keeps her committed to serving communities, and the pressing challenges educators are navigating today.

    This episode reinforces the podcast’s purpose: elevating what’s working in schools, amplifying educator voices, and giving leaders practical, field-tested strategies they can bring back to their learning communities. If you’re committed to improving student outcomes and building thriving school cultures, this one is for you.


    Takeaways

    – Why educator collaboration is essential for student success

    – How strong relationships drive engagement and learning

    – The importance of transparency about what’s actually working in schools

    – How personal experiences shape leadership decisions

    – Why creativity and bold thinking are essential in today’s educational landscape

    – The critical role of community and family engagement

    – Why declining student performance requires urgent, innovative responses

    – How this podcast serves as a platform for educator support and inspiration


    Featured Topics

    • Student success

    • Innovative school practices

    • Leadership in education

    • Community engagement

    • Teaching strategies

    • Collaboration & educator support

    • School culture and climate


    Sound Bites

    "I hope to tap into each guest's zone of genius."

    "I believe there are levels to, no."

    "We cannot do this work alone. We need one another."


    Chapters

    00:00 — Introduction to Today’s Conversation

    02:53 — The Mission of Educators

    06:13 — Personal Background & Educational Philosophy

    08:56 — Challenges in Education & Community Engagement

    10:48 — A Call to Action for Educators


    Keywords

    education, school leadership, TK–12, teaching strategies, instructional leadership, student success, community engagement, educator support, collaboration, innovation in schools, school culture, principal podcast


    🚌 On the School Bus with Dr. Spates

    So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together.

    This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people:

    1. The passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 school experiences, and
    2. The once-passionate leaders who may have lost a bit of their spark and just need a dose of inspiration to find their way back.

    As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.


    📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates

    Website: KrishnaSpates.com

    Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com

    Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates

    LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.


    📸 Production Studio

    Recorded at 661 Creators Space — a creative studio dedicated to amplifying local voices through high-quality audio and visual production.

    Website: 661CreatorsSpace.com

    Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace

    Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com


    🎼 Music

    Theme Song: “Call of Duty”

    Artist: Mutanix

    Instagram: @mutanixs

    Email: mutanixmedia@gmail.com

    Used with permission. All rights reserved.


    💛 Support the Work

    If this episode inspired you, please follow, rate, and share with another school leader. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
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