• SWOT!
    May 21 2025
    SWOT ***Free SWOT and STCC tools available for download here: https://adept-experimenter-3588.kit.com/0cd1576fe5 Teaser:We are half-way through May and hopefully you have begun thinking about next year. A couple weeks ago I took several district leadership teams through a simple process to facilitate conversations around next year. We did two activities – the SWOT analysis and the Stop-Start-Continue-Consider process. These are meant to be high level starters for discussion of priorities. I think the two activities work well together as the SWOT identifies the what and the SSCC focuses on the how. In today’s show, I’ll walk you through the process we went through and I’ll try to be explicit enough that you’ll be able to facilitate the activity with your team if you so desire. This also might be a show you want to pause or save for a time when you can think and write, but of course that is up to you and your individual context. Sponsor Spot 1:Before we get to the meat of the show, I’d like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today’s show. In your leadership role, you’re responsible for the thousands of details it takes to make your school function like a well-oiled machine! So when it’s time for the school trip, let someone else do the heavy lifting! Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning exceptional travel experiences for more than 30 years. They handle ALL the details from start to finish so that you don’t have to worry about a thing. Online registration and payments, convenient crowdfunding options, impeccable customer care, and an expert team make planning your school’s student trip so easy! Get in touch with the pros at Kaleidoscope Adventures at the link down in the show notes and cross one more thing off your never-ending to-do list! Show Intro Celebrations: Pam retired! Key Points Part 1 Way to supercharge this: engage stakeholders! SWOT● Overview of quadrants● What it’s good for:o Remembering what’s going wello Confronting gapso Thinking about external resourceso Being mindful of what could go wrong● How to:o Do individually and then discusso Discuss through as a team● Three reflection questions● Can also be used as an individual planning tool Sponsor Spot 3:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast… Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit http://ixl.com/assistant to get started. Key Points Part 2 SSCC● Overview● Considerations:o Do less (more stops than starts)o Consider ways to improve current things rather than beginning new oneso Strategic abandonmento Pay special attention to processeso Addition by subtractiono Leverage strengthso Mind the threats● Probably do this as a team● Can also be used by individuals ● Can be done for each other (e.g. Will and I) Following up● Stakeholder participation● Facilitated discussion● Strategic action cycles – root cause, incremental change SponsorAdministrators, you walk through classrooms, take notes, and you plan to follow up… but how much of that feedback actually reaches teachers in a meaningful way?With digiCOACH, you don’t just observe—you coach in the moment. Provide clear, specific feedback instantly and track progress over time. No more forgotten notes or lost opportunities—just real conversations that drive real change.With digiCOACH, you’re not just giving feedback—you’re building a system for growth. Track trends, measure progress, and give teachers the real-time feedback they love. Ready to make coaching more impactful? Start today at digiCOACH.com. Summarizing (The big takeaway)● Less is more● Stakeholders (they should drive change)● Process over product● Where do we need more data?● Strategic daily action Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistantKaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/DigiCOACH: digiCOACH.com Close● Leadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with ...
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    28 mins
  • Just Say “No!” with Charles Williams
    May 13 2025
    Power Quote: “Somebody has to be able to say “pause!”Description:Have you ever listened to one of those podcasts where the host asks a question, the guest gives an answer and it goes back and forth in a way that feels more like a school lecture than a discussion? This Is not that episode! It’s almost the opposite. It took me 10 minutes to get to the first question. This interview went in directions I hadn’t expected, but each time I began to wonder if we were going down a rabbit hole, I would find us back at base camp. Listen carefully – there is a lot of wisdom in today’s show and it all leads back to the same place, a place I’ll try and explore a bit more in the wrap up.Sponsor Spot 1:As we get started, I’d like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today’s show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn’t that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes.Show IntroGuest Bio:Charles Williams is an educator, speaker, and consultant with nearly 20 years of experience. As a Chicago school leader and founder of CW Consulting, he specializes in culturally responsive practices, equity, and mental health. Through keynotes and workshops, Charles empowers educators and leaders to "Learn, Grow, Lead," driving innovation, inclusion, and resilience in schools and communities.Warmup questions:We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?Questions/Topics/PromptsIn helping leaders move from being urgent to being strategic, I share three Epiphany’s. The first epiphany is that we can’t get everything done. The second Epiphany is if we can’t do everything then we choose what does and doesn’t get done. You talk about this a lot in your book, Learn, Grow, Lead. Why is the idea the we can choose so difficult to embrace?Every yes is a no to something else. It seems like if we could just remember this, it would go a long way in helping us to make better decisions about where to invest our time. Thoughts?Are there techniques or considerations for saying no?The third Epiphany is that our choices reflect our values, so if I’m not making decisions based on my values how can I get back on track?Sponsor Spot 3:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/assistant to get started.Closing questions:What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?If listeners could take just one thing away from today’s podcast, what would it be?Before we go, is there anything else that you’d like to share with our listeners?Where can people learn more about you and your work…Sponsor Spot 4:Before we wrap, As a loyal listener to this show, you know I am a big advocate for short, targeted observations, so I’m excited about DigiCoach sponsoring this podcast. DigiCoach makes it easier to follow up on observations with meaningful feedback. I love that you can focus on specific elements and that there is a ready-made bank of items to use for telling teachers what they are doing well! You can learn more about DigiCoach at digicoach.com or click the link in the show notes.Summary/wrap upWe don’t have to have all the answers!Adults work to solve problems they face – PD implicationsTask versus person focusSaying no to bad processesIgnore bad role models (set the vision, all the answers, do everything)If I wasn’t already doing it, would I start today?“Somebody has to be able to say “pause!”IntentionThank you to our sponsors!IXL: https://www.ixl.com/assistant SummerPops: https://summerpopsworkbooks.com/sample-request-page/ Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/digiCOACH: https://digicoach.com/ ...
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • National High School AP of the Year Saani Perry
    May 6 2025
    Power Quote: “If I make them better, that makes me better”Description:Today’s guest is the 2025 NASSP National High School Assistant Principal of the year – how cool is that! This was such a fun interview. You are going to hear Saani talk about a number of things he’s done as an AP and I want you to pay attention to how each thing is interconnected with each other thing. I’ll say more about that in the show summary, but listen for the connections. Sponsor Spot 1:Administrators, you walk through classrooms, take notes, and you plan to follow up… but how much of that feedback actually reaches teachers in a meaningful way?With digiCOACH, you don’t just observe—you coach in the moment. Provide clear, specific feedback instantly and track progress over time. No more forgotten notes or lost opportunities—just real conversations that drive real change.With digiCOACH, you’re not just giving feedback—you’re building a system for growth. Track trends, measure progress, and give teachers the real-time feedback they love. Ready to make coaching more impactful? Start today at digiCOACH.com.Guest Bio:Saani Perry, from South Carolina, serves as Assistant Principal at West Florence High School. A visionary and servant leader, he champions academic growth, student wellness, and mentorship. Known for impactful initiatives and community engagement, Perry is dedicated to creating inclusive, success-driven school cultures. He proudly represents Phi Beta Sigma.Warmup questions:We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?Questions/Topics/PromptsThink about who you were in your first year as an AP and who you are today. What are biggest differences? What has not changed?We are in the people business, but the assistant principalship is a task-driven job. How do you keep people first?You’ve been innovative and led several key initiatives at West Florence. Can you talk about the implementation process, especially how you worked with teachers and the community? (May need to tweak this question – I’m basing it off what I read)The last few years have seen a lot of political turmoil, which has only accelerated in 2025. Every community, and therefore every school, is impacted differently, but between the “otherizing” of specific groups of people (young and old), rhetoric around DEI, and unpredictable federal funding how is your school impacted? At the close of the school year, what will you do to 1) recharge yourself and 2) plan for your own growth?Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/assistant to get started.Closing questions:What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?If listeners could take just one thing away from today’s podcast, what would it be?Before we go, is there anything else that you’d like to share with our listeners?Where can people learn more about you and your work…Sponsor Spot 3:In your leadership role, you’re responsible for the thousands of details it takes for your school to function like a well-oiled machine! So, when it’s time for the school trip, let someone else do the heavy lifting! Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning exceptional travel experiences for more than 30 years. They handle ALL the details from start to finish so that you don’t have to worry about a thing. Online registration and payments, convenient crowdfunding options, impeccable customer care, and an expert team make planning your school’s student trip so easy! Get in touch with the pros at Kaleidoscope Adventures at the link down in the show notes and cross one more thing off your never-ending to-do list! Summary/wrap upTrust – presence (visible and listening)One piece at a time, but each piece is relatedIntention“If I make them better, they make me better.”We are on the same teamThank you to our sponsors!IXL: https://www.ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/digiCOACH: https://digicoach.com/ Sanni’s links:Email: saaninperry@...
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    57 mins
  • On Trust and Kindness with Dr. Chris Culver
    Apr 29 2025
    Power Quote: We are wired to belongDescription:You’ll hear me compliment today’s guest on his affirmative presence. He’s the kind of person you want to be around. It was only at the end of the show that I was able to pinpoint why and it is this: he makes me feel seen, valued, and heard. Stay tuned and you’ll find out why this was an “aha” for me.Sponsor Spot 1: I’d like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today’s show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn’t that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes.Show IntroGuest Bio:Dr. Christopher Culver is a highly sought-after, dynamic, and engaging speaker. He is a proud product of Oklahoma public education. Raised in a divorced family, he split his time between Tulsa during the week, a 300-acre farm in Wyandotte, OK, and several times throughout the year in Fayetteville, NC. For more than a decade, Dr. Culver has served educational communities as a classroom teacher, secondary principal, and, most recently, as a cabinet-level administrator. He is the former President of the Oklahoma Association for Bilingual Education and the current Vice President of the Oklahoma Citizens for Education non-profit. Today, he serves as a speaker and consultant with expertise in kindness, culture, and understanding Gen Z/Gen A, and as an part-time professor at Oklahoma City University, where he teaches future teachers and leaders. Earning an EdD through research on culture and the collective impact on motivation, Dr. Culver is dedicated to spreading kindness, improving mindsets, cultivating culture, and educating about Gen Z/A. He believes that if you cannot find the light, be the light!Warmup questions:We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?Questions/Topics/PromptsLet’s start at 20,000 feet. Are there sweeping generalities that can shed some light on the differing strength needs and expectations of educators and leaders from the different generations?For 30+ year old leaders working with new 22-year-old teachers, what should they be most mindful of?For Young (26- to 35-year-old) APs or principals, what should they be mindful of when working with 25+ year veteran teachers?In developing trust between any combinations of generations, are there any universal elements?Is there anything so drastically different in developing trust that we need to remember?Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/assistant to get started.Closing questions:What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?If listeners could take just one thing away from today’s podcast, what would it be?Before we go, is there anything else that you’d like to share with our listeners?Where can people learn more about you and your work…Sponsor Spot 3:As a loyal listener to this show, you know I am a big advocate for short, targeted observations, so I’m excited about DigiCoach sponsoring this podcast. DigiCoach makes it easier to follow up on observations with meaningful feedback. I love that you can focus on specific elements and that there is a ready-made bank of items to use for telling teachers what they are doing well! You can learn more about DigiCoach at digicoach.com or click the link in the show notes.Summary/wrap upThe moral of the story – listenSeen valued heardSimple does not mean easyBuilding trust may take longer (based on me and you)My ACE is 9/10 – we only know people’s stories if we see, value and listenThank you to our sponsors!IXL: https://www.ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/digiCOACH: https://...
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    43 mins
  • They Want to be Heard with Principal Todd Shadley
    Apr 22 2025
    Power Quote: “I’m still learning, but we will figure it out together.”Description:You are going to LOVE today’s show! As with last week, you may want to take notes. Today’s guest, a practicing principal, shared with me that he has been a listener of the show for several years, and you will hear how many of this show’s core themes he echoes and has internalized. This is going to be fun and real! Sponsor Spot 1:Before we get into the main show, I’d like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today’s show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn’t that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes.Guest Bio:Todd Shadley is in his 17th year in education, serving mostly at the middle school level. Todd was a classroom teacher for 13 years, primarily in the 6th grade with short stints in 7th and 8th grades. About 3 years ago, he stepped into his first administrative role as a MS/HS assistant principal and then MS principal in a different district before coming back to the district he taught in as the MS principal this year. Todd has coached basketball and soccer. He's been married for 10 years and has 3 children who are 17, 8, &7. Todd’s wife Megan was also an educator for 9 years before staying home to raise and educate their two younger children.Warmup questions:We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?Questions/Topics/PromptsFive-minute coaching session for first-year principal How you are working with your leadership team.Part two: I describe culture as the intersection between people-purpose-structures-resources. Can we reflect on your school’s culture using this framework?If we have time, in part three we’ll dig into the specific issue of kids being mean to each other. Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/assistant to get started.Closing questions:What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?If listeners could take just one thing away from today’s podcast, what would it be?Before we go, is there anything else that you’d like to share with our listeners?Where can people learn more about you and your work…Sponsor Spot 3:Before I summarize some of the key points from today’s interview with Todd, I want to thank our sponsor digiCOACH. Administrators, you walk through classrooms, take notes, and you plan to follow up… but how much of that feedback actually reaches teachers in a meaningful way?With digiCOACH, you don’t just observe—you coach in the moment. Provide clear, specific feedback instantly and track progress over time. No more forgotten notes or lost opportunities—just real conversations that drive real change.With digiCOACH, you’re not just giving feedback—you’re building a system for growth. Track trends, measure progress, and give teachers the real-time feedback they love. Ready to make coaching more impactful? Start today at digiCOACH.com.Summary/wrap upThey just want to be heard!Listen (not do) to build trustThey will tell you what they need, but you must be patientBeing present (can’t grow a school from your desk)Modeling vulnerabilityModeling and establishing boundaries (we, not me)The power of one person’s belief in another!!!Sponsor Spot 4:Thank you to Summer Pops Math Workbooks for sponsoring this episode.When students practice math over the summer, students learn and math scores go up. Join the growing list of schools offering at-home summer math enrichment. If you are curious about what a research-based summer-math program looks like. Check out Summer Pops for free. Get your FREE workbook samples today at https://summerpopsworkbooks.com/sample-request-page/ Todd’s links:...
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    54 mins
  • A Culture of Connection with Erika and Tiffany
    Apr 15 2025
    Power Quote: You are who you eat lunch withDescription:Today’s show is so packed with gold nuggets, you might want to take notes or listen twice. You will hear many of my core themes filtered through a slightly different lens. Our guests are accessible and real, so perk up and hold on! (and ignore the leaf blowers outside my window)Show IntroSponsor Spot 1:Before we get into the main show, I’d like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today’s show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn’t that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes.Guest Bio:Erika Bare has been an educator for over 20 years, currently serving as the Superintendent in the South Umpqua School District in Oregon. A special education teacher by training, she is passionate about supporting all students through individual supports to reach their limitless potential. Tiffany Burns loves working with kids. In her two decades in education, she taught elementary, middle, and high school students. Tiffany has been an administrator since 2012 and an elementary school principal for the past nine years. This year, she is on a professional sabbatical, teaching university pre-service teachers, while also connecting with educators across the nation, helping to grow the Connected Communicator Movement. Together they wrote Connecting Through Conversation: A Playbook for Talking with Students.Warmup questions:We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?Questions/Topics/PromptsHow to build strong connections with the educators you supportHow to de-escalate frustrated adultsHow to understand and navigate the contagion of emotions How to apply specific communication techniques (acknowledge, validate, coach and compassionate communication) How to plan for a difficult conversationSponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/assistant to get started.Closing questions:What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?If listeners could take just one thing away from today’s podcast, what would it be?Before we go, is there anything else that you’d like to share with our listeners?Where can people learn more about you and your work…Sponsor Spot 4:Before I summarize some of the key points from today’s interview with Erika and Tiffany, I want to thank our sponsor digiCOACH. Administrators, you walk through classrooms, take notes, and you plan to follow up… but how much of that feedback actually reaches teachers in a meaningful way?With digiCOACH, you don’t just observe—you coach in the moment. Provide clear, specific feedback instantly and track progress over time. No more forgotten notes or lost opportunities—just real conversations that drive real change.With digiCOACH, you’re not just giving feedback—you’re building a system for growth. Track trends, measure progress, and give teachers the real-time feedback they love. Ready to make coaching more impactful? Start today at digiCOACH.com.Summary/wrap up“I’m telling myself this story…”Relationships is an investment, not an expenditure (proactive v. reactive)Be curious – problems aren’t our purpose, people are our purposeBeing realistically positive (not toxic) = helping others address their problemsYou are who you eat lunch withWait time (11 seconds)Four questions (What’s going well, what is one thing we could do differently, what do I need to know to be successful, what are you really good at)More of that in episode 177 (link) where AP Alex Auriemma actually asked these questions of her staff and shares her experiences.Like I said at the top of the show – so much gold!Thank you to our sponsors!IXL: https://...
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Is Your Best Good Enough? With Leigh Ann Alford-Keith
    Apr 8 2025
    Description:How are you? I confess to having mixed emotions about how to respond to this question. On the one hand, I’m having fun in my business and everyone around me is healthy. On the other hand, I have a lot of friends worried about losing their jobs to anti-DEI policies, my favorite national forests are less safe because of ranger firings, and there are people in my community worried about being deported. I felt this similar mix of emotions during COVID. Today, my guest and I will dig into how to lead yourself and others in this fragmented and disconcerting time.Sponsor Spot 1:Before we get started, I would like to thank Summer Pops Math Workbooks for sponsoring today’s show. The team at Summer Pops are educators with a passion for preventing the backwards summer slide in math, and Summer Pops is a unique and engaging approach to summer enrichment. I encourage you to connect with Summer Pops for free workbook samples. Go to https://summerpopsworkbooks.com/sample-request-page/ to get your free copy and of course, the link is in the show notes.Guest Bio:Dr. Alford-Keith is a central services leader at one of the nation's largest school districts. Her areas of expertise are in strategic planning, innovation, equity, and family engagement. She's joining me today to talk about what it's like right now to be navigating our latest round of "uncertain" times as public schools leaders.Warmup questions:We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?How are you?Questions/Topics/PromptsPre-question: What’s the range of impact on leaders’ emotional states based on the uncertainties out there?It’s a wild time to be an educational leader. We preach about self-care, now more than ever, but it is easy for those suggestions to ring hollow. I’d like to talk about the ways we nurture our own resilience. I want to break this down into a couple areas:What we do for ourselves outside of the work.How we build intellectual and technical resilienceHow we nurture our own resilience in collaboration with others.Sponsor Spot 4:Before we wrap, I’d like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today’s show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn’t that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes.Closing thoughts:Connection and community sustain resilienceFocus on what you control and ignore the noiseYou can’t do everything – take time to invest in your well-beingThe mode of your response dictates the mode of accessSponsorship:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit http://ixl.com/assistant to get started.Thank you to our sponsors!IXL: https://www.ixl.com/assistant SummerPops: https://summerpopsworkbooks.com/sample-request-page/ Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/digiCOACH: https://digicoach.com/ Leigh Ann’s LinkedIn Frederick’s Links:Email: frederick@frederickbuskey.comWebsite: https://www.frederickbuskey.com/ LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/strategicleadershipconsulting Daily Email subscribe: https://adept-experimenter-3588.ck.page/fdf37cbf3a The Strategic Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWRS2F6N?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520
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    58 mins
  • The Motivation Equation
    Apr 1 2025
    Show title and release date: The Motivation EquationNote on Sponsorships:Help cover the cost of producing the podcastMotivate me to produce a better productGive you access to some beneficial servicesI will work to keep sponsorship ads under 3 minutes totalIf you are interested, using the affiliate links in the show notes helps the showTeaser:Are students really lazy and unmotivated?When teachers resist implementation of a new initiative, what are they telling you?Any time people aren’t doing what we want them to do, we tend to see them as lazy, unmotivated, cantankerous, or “not a team player.”But there is another explanation, and it is, at its essence, an issue of economics. Today, we dive into the motivation equation.Sponsor Spot 1:Before we get started, I would like to thank Summer Pops Math Workbooks for sponsoring today’s show. The team at Summer Pops are educators with a passion for preventing the backwards summer slide in math, and Summer Pops is a unique and engaging approach to summer enrichment. I encourage you to connect with Summer Pops for free workbook samples. Go to https://summerpopsworkbooks.com/sample-request-page/ to get your free copy and of course, the link is in the show notes.Show IntroCelebrations: 4 days, 60 miles, 12,000 feet of elevation gainSponsor Spot 2:As a loyal listener to this show, you know I am a big advocate for short, targeted observations, so I’m excited about digiCOACH sponsoring this podcast. digiCOACH makes it easier to follow up on observations with meaningful feedback. I love that you can focus on specific elements and that there is a ready-made bank of items to use for telling teachers what they are doing well! You can learn more about digiCOACH at https://digicoach.com/ or click the link in the show notes.Key Points Part 1Thank you Cathy Lacey, Professional Learning Leader at Richland 1 in SC and founder of Blazers, LLC.Defining the formulaThe verbiageExample: $$$Real versus perceivedEach individual’s unique contextShifting the perspective from blame to challengeWays to increase valueImmediacy of benefitRelevance: solving their problemPriority of need (think Maslow)Ways to decrease effortSmaller chunks (A-B)Skill developmentSafety (to take risks)Community and collaborationStreamliningScaffolding (SOP)Differentiating (leveraging others’ expertise)Sponsor Spot 3:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit http://ixl.com/assistant to get started.Key Points Part 2Example 1: Student and tardiness to math classExample 2: Teacher not implementing classroom proceduresExample 3: Change initiative - resisting new computer-based assessment programSponsor Spot 4:Before we wrap, I’d like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today’s show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn’t that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes.The Big IdeaEmpowers leadershipGet’s us out of the judgement gameLet’s us view resistance through a positive lensHelp’s remind us to ask “why?”Thank you to our sponsors!IXL: https://www.ixl.com/assistant SummerPops: https://summerpopsworkbooks.com/sample-request-page/ Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/digiCOACH: https://digicoach.com/ Frederick’s Links:Email: frederick@frederickbuskey.comWebsite: https://www.frederickbuskey.com/ LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/strategicleadershipconsulting Daily Email subscribe: https://adept-experimenter-3588.ck.page/fdf37cbf3a The Strategic Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWRS2F6N?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520
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    36 mins