Advertise on podcast: The Assistant Principal Podcast

Outline and Show Notes Tapping the Power of Gen Z with Robyn Fehrman Power Quote: Leadership is the secret sauce 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 Intro Guest Bio:  Robyn Fehrman is Executive Director of Teach For America North Carolina and has dedicated her career to scaling impact enterprises and catalyzing systems change toward a vision of an excellent education for all. For the last 15 years, Robyn has worked at the intersection of education and innovation locally, nationally, and globally. Prior roles include Founding Partner of LearnerStudio, President & CEO of Enactus, and Managing Director of Duke University's Center for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship.  She also served as Executive Director of Teach for America Eastern North Carolina. Robyn is a lifelong North Carolinian who resides in Durham with her husband and two children. She earned her Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 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/Prompts I was born in 1963, which technically makes me a boomer. My wife was born in 1965, which makes her Gen X, and I tease her endlessly about this difference. The point is, the generations are not cut and dry. Before we wade into generational differences, what do we need to keep in mind?Is the acceleration of technology creating more compressed generations?[I think what will make this episode stand out is looking at the generational and hierarchical differences from multiple perspectives] Schools are filled with multiple generations. The most recent generations comprise the student population, but when we think about teachers, building administrators, and district leadership, generational “hierarchies” can quickly break down, so it’s not just boomers supervising millennials, the reverse can also be happening. I’m not sure what the best way is to approach this, but let’s dig in…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…Summary/wrap up Lead with learning about them and creating a sense of belongingRisk averse and need for security – frame as assetsSpecial thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music! Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links: IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant  Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/  digiCOACH: digiCOACH.com  Close Leadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Remember the secret to good leadership:Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for othersBe fully presentAsk reflective questionsAnd then just listenDon’t overcomplicate it, the value is in the listening.Have a great rest of the week!Cheers! Guest Links: NC TfA: https://www.teachforamerica.org/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/25076507/admin/dashboard/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tfa_nc/?hl=en

Show Title: Hugging Porcupines with Mike Anderson Teaser: I’ve been looking forward to doing today’s interview for three months and was so excited to bring this to you and it did not disappoint. This is a great episode so Dial up your best listening skills and let’s go! 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 Intro Guest Bio: A public school teacher for 15 years, Mike has also had many other roles in education: preschool aid, high school and age-group swim coach, camp counselor, graduate class instructor, and Responsive Classroom presenter and developer. He now works as a consultant providing professional learning for teachers throughout the US and beyond.As a classroom teacher, Mike was awarded a national Milken Educator Award and was a finalist for NH Teacher of the Year. In 2020, he was awarded the Outstanding Educational Leader Award by NHASCD for his work as a consultant. A best-selling author, Mike has written many books about great teaching and learning. His latest book is Hugging Porcupines: Month-by-Month Strategies to Support Our Most Challenging Students.When not working, Mike can be found hanging with his family, tending his perennial gardens, sorting baseball cards and searching for new running routes around his home in Durham, NH. 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/Prompts As a reminder, we talked about my new book, Hugging Porcupines--especially about the process for how teachers should usually facilitate problem-solving conferences, not administrators.How do you define a porcupine?What are the common approaches you see that fail to help kids?What are your core ideas/practices?What advice would you give an AP on running a book study around the book?If APs were to help teachers implement just one practice, what would it be? The team at digiCOACH wants to know: How are your classroom walkthroughs going this school year? Are they leading to meaningful feedback and coaching, or are they becoming one more thing on an already full plate? digiCOACH helps school leaders make walkthroughs faster, more focused, and more meaningful. Capture what you see to identify trends, provide timely feedback, and align your walkthroughs and coaching to the instructional priorities that matter most at your campus. Ready to make more out of the time you spend in classrooms? Visit digiCOACH.com. And tell them you heard about digiCOACH on The Assistant Principal Podcast to take advantage of an exclusive offer. 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…Summary/wrap up Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music! Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links: IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant  Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/  digiCOACH: digiCOACH.com  Close Leadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Remember the secret to good leadership:Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for othersBe fully presentAsk reflective questionsAnd then just listenDon’t overcomplicate it, the value is in the listening.Have a great rest of the week!Cheers!

Outline and Show Notes Episode 322: Digging Deeper Into Motivation with Dr. Chad Dumas Power Quote: “Relationships are the universal lubricant.” 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 Intro Guest Bio: Dr. Chad Dumas is a Solution Tree PLC at Work, Assessment, and Priority Schools associate and international consultant, presenter, and award-winning researcher. His primary focus is collaborating to develop capacity for self-, team-, and school- improvement. With a quarter century of successful leadership experience, Chad has led significant improvements for both students and staff. He shares his research and knowledge in his three books on PLCs, and his most recent book, the Teacher Team Leader Handbook. Chad’s consulting and training includes research, stories, hands-on tools, useful knowledge, and practical skills. He most recently was the executive director of elementary education in the Ames Community School District, a preschool thru grade 12 district of 5,000 students in central Iowa. Before this he was the director of learning for Hastings Public Schools in south-central Nebraska for nine years. 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/Prompts You incorporated the motivation equation into one of your trainings. What inspired you to use the formula?How was it received?You mentioned to me that there were some questions from participants and I’d like to dig into those. I think the first one was about relationships, so let’s start there. Before I launch in, I’m curious about how you think relationships might impact the motivation equation…We can go from here wherever the discussion takes us The team at digiCOACH wants to know: How are your classroom walkthroughs going this school year? Are they leading to meaningful feedback and coaching, or are they becoming one more thing on an already full plate? digiCOACH helps school leaders make walkthroughs faster, more focused, and more meaningful. Capture what you see to identify trends, provide timely feedback, and align your walkthroughs and coaching to the instructional priorities that matter most at your campus. Ready to make more out of the time you spend in classrooms? Visit digiCOACH.com. And tell them you heard about digiCOACH on The Assistant Principal Podcast to take advantage of an exclusive offer. 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… Summary/wrap up Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music! Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/ Sponsor Links: IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant  Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/  digiCOACH: digiCOACH.com  Close Leadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Remember the secret to good leadership:Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for othersBe fully presentAsk reflective questionsAnd then just listenDon’t overcomplicate it, the value is in the listening.Have a great rest of the week!Cheers! Guest Links: www.NextLearningSolutions.com

Outline and Show Notes 321: Just say “YES” with Ronke Adetolu Power Quote: "If my future stayed parked in 'someday,' then I did not have to risk failure today” Teaser: I love having guests on the show who are coming from outside the field of education I think they can bring fresh perspectives and help us interrogate our own situations through a different lens. In today’s episode, my guest helps us dig into the idea of saying yes, even when your mind wants to say no or maybe later specifically will talk about moving into a job that you don’t quite feel prepared for so if you’re a teacher, listening to this show, looking to move into the assistant principalship, or maybe her assistant principal looking to move into the principal ship I think this will be a great episode for you. 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 Intro Guest Bio: Words shape minds and every voice holds the potential to inspire. I’m here to turn stories into sparks and messages into movements. Ronke Adetolu is a TEDx speaker known for her talk, “The Myth of Someday,” where she exposes how postponing purpose quietly keeps people stuck. Her message is direct, relatable, and action-oriented, helping individuals and organizations move from intention to action with clarity and confidence.   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/Prompts  Your TEDx Talk was about saying yes and pushing before you are ready, without certainty. In it, you said, “If my future stayed parked in someday, then I did not have to risk failure today” I think this opens up multiple avenues of reflection for listeners:Do I yes to the job (AP or P) even if I’m not ready?Do I say yes to being an instructional leader, even if I’m not ready?How do step into the gap with confidence?Addressing imposter syndromeCourage Activation “YES method”I talk a lot on this show about using 5-minute coaching to help your teachers reflect when you can’t get into classrooms, but what about those times you do get into classrooms? Do you have a system and tools to make the most of each visit?Imagine the perfect classroom walkthrough process. You are focused on instructional priorities and provide meaningful feedback that leads to coaching conversations. digiCOACH has been making that walkthrough process a reality for more than a decade. Every year, digiCOACH supports thousands of classroom walkthroughs with tools that save school leaders time, strengthen feedback, and connect classroom visits to next steps. Learn more at digiCOACH.com and mention The Assistant Principal Podcast to receive an exclusive offer. 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…Summary/wrap up YES: especially envisioning our future selfImposter syndrome is part of the processAct before you are ready:You’ll never be readyOpportunities don’t waitCaveat: Consider the leaderStack easy wins by leaning into strengths and leveraging presence and listening skills (e.g. 5mc) Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music! Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links: IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant  Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/  digiCOACH: digiCOACH.com  Close Leadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at

Assistant Principal Podcast Content Episode Outline 311: Power! Teaser: The leadership guru John Maxwell said, “Leadership is influence, nothing less, nothing more.” Now I don’t agree with the statement 100%. As my friend and mentor, Dr. Jacque Jacobs would point out, just because you’re driving 35 mph in the fast lane and have 15 cars behind you does not make you a leader. Leadership also requires an intentional effort towards a specific outcome. The important to take away from Maxwell’s statement is that if we want to lead, we need to be able to influence people. So, how do we influence people? The answer is simple: through the use of power. Now, power is not a dirty word, but it’ it’s not a simple one either. When I just said “power”, you probably thought about a boss, or someone that had clear hierarchical authority, but hierarchical power is only one of six different forms of power! Today we’re going to dig into all six but before we do that, I’d like to thank my friends at Kaleidoscope adventures for sponsoring today’s episode. Sponsor Spot 1:When it comes to student travel, I get why it can feel like a big lift. That’s why I always point people toward Kaleidoscope Adventures. They’ve been doing this for more than 30 years, and they understand what schools actually need - clear communication, strong organization, and a plan that works. They handle the details, so you’re not left piecing it all together yourself. If you’ve been on the fence about planning a trip, now is the time to reach out to my friends at Kaleidoscope Adventures. Visit mykatrip.com today and get your free quote today. Kaleidoscope Adventures – Travel Beyond Expectations Show Intro Celebrations: Key Points Part 1  The forms: Legitimate – Social ContractInformational – has answersExpert – knows how to do thingsReward – provide thingsCoercive – take things awayReferent – respected and cared for Teaching points: In a workshop, what forms of power do I hold?What forms of power do you hold?Only one form of power is dependent on a position!Everyone, including students, can wield the other forms of powerBest, worst, you (email me for the worksheet) Questions: Is it good/bad to dress for power?How do you repair if you use power in the wrong way?How little experience or knowledge is too little?Should coercive power be used with higher-ups? Will some people just never like or respect you?Do some likeable" people get leadership roles .... despite lack of expert power.What of a leader is unresponsive? 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 http://ixl.com/assistant to get started. Key Points Part 2 I talk a lot on this show about using 5-minute coaching to help your teachers reflect when you can’t get into classrooms, but what about those times you do get into classrooms? Do you have a system and tools to make the most of each visit?Imagine the perfect classroom walkthrough process. You are focused on instructional priorities and provide meaningful feedback that leads to coaching conversations. digiCOACH has been making that walkthrough process a reality for more than a decade. Every year, digiCOACH supports thousands of classroom walkthroughs with tools that save school leaders time, strengthen feedback, and connect classroom visits to next steps. Learn more at digiCOACH.com and mention The Assistant Principal Podcast to receive an exclusive offer. Summarizing (The big takeaway) Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music! Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links: IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant  Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/  digiCOACH: digiCOACH.com  Close Leadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Remember the secret to good leadership:Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for othersBe fully presentAsk reflective questionsAnd then just listenDon’t overcomplicate it, the value is in the listening.Have a great rest of the week!Cheers!Frederick’s Links: Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.frederickbuskey.com/  LinkedIn: http://www.linkedi...

Assistant Principal Podcast Content Episode Outline Show Title: Our Morning Routines Links: Insight Timer App  Down Dog App Mara’s checklistEpisode 310: My 11 Morning Affirmations Episode 276: SWOT and Stop Start Continue Consider 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 Intro Celebrations: Key Points Part 1 What we are trying to achieve — Why do a morning routine?Our ideal morningThe ideal mornings that listeners shared with usReality of what our morning routines often look like Barriers and what to do about them the 15-minute morning routine:five minutes of movement 3 minutes of stillness six minutes of reading or affirming one minute to set your attentionSponsor 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 http://ixl.com/assistant to get started. I talk a lot on this show about using 5-minute coaching to help your teachers reflect when you can’t get into classrooms, but what about those times you do get into classrooms? Do you have a system and tools to make the most of each visit?Imagine the perfect classroom walkthrough process. Your walkthroughs focus on the instructional priorities that matter most. Teachers are receiving timely, meaningful feedback. And what you learn from every visit helps guide your next coaching conversation. digiCOACH has been making that walkthrough process a reality for more than a decade. Every year, digiCOACH supports thousands of classroom walkthroughs with tools that save school leaders time, strengthen feedback, and connect classroom visits to next steps. Learn more at digiCOACH.com and mention The Assistant Principal Podcast to receive an exclusive offer. Summarizing (The big takeaway) Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music! Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links: IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant  Kaleidoscope 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 me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Remember the secret to good leadership:Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for othersBe fully presentAsk reflective questionsAnd then just listenDon’t overcomplicate it, the value is in the listening.Have a great rest of the week!Cheers!Mara's Links:Email: [email protected] or [email protected]: https://marabuskey.com/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mara-almond-98321218b Frederick’s Links: Email: [email protected] Website: 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_77...

Outline and Show Notes Show Title: AI Beyond the Talk with Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth Power Quote: “We don’t need to be the expert” Teaser: I recorded today’s interview on July 8 and it’s just a week since I was at the ISTE-ASCD national conference in Orlando and ISTE is a very tech focused, educational organization and as you can imagine so much of the talk at the conference was about AI to be honest I’m feel like I’m a bit over AI I’m getting deluge with AI generated emails in my business and seeing stuff on LinkedIn that is clearly AI generated and it just feels like it’s making part of my world of more fake was less authentic and less human centered and yet AI is a useful tool and it’s not going away so I wanted to have someone on the show who could help us navigate AI and look at it specifically for the role of the assistant principal. 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 Intro Guest Bio: Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth is an edtech consultant, presenter, attorney, author, and teacher. Rachelle has a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law and a Doctorate in Instructional Technology. Rachelle specializes in Artificial Intelligence, AI and the Law, AI and Healthcare, Cybersecurity, and STEM. She has more than 8 years of experience teaching and presenting on AI in her classroom, as well as working with educators worldwide. Rachelle is currently serving as the Grant Coach for an initiative through ISTE and Pinterest. Rachelle works with a Task Force from 12 districts in the United States and assists with policy revision, professional development, and the design of digital wellness resources for students, educators, and families. She also provides professional development related to AI policy and implementation to school districts, universities, and organizations and is a keynote speaker. Rachelle is an ISTE-certified educator and recipient of the ISTE Making IT Happen Award and several Presidential Awards for volunteer service to education. Rachelle received the EdTech Trendsetter Award from EdTech Digest in 2024 and 2026. She is the author of ten books, including "What the Tech? An Educator's Guide to AI, AR/VR, the Metaverse and More!” She has written curricula and courses on AI for all levels and is the host of the ThriveinEDU podcast, ISTE's Learning Unleashed podcast, and The Lift by Amazon on BAM Radio Network. Learn more about Rachelle's work via ThriveinEDU LLC at www.Rdene915.com or on LinkedIn. 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/Prompts Can we begin with clarifying the difference between AI in education and AI Education?In a May 28th blog post, you wrote, “What I have learned from working with school Task Forces across the country is that they have had many conversations around AI, screen time, and tech use. They have explored the possibilities and understand the urgency with these topics, but they also have a similar question. What do we do now? And this is where I believe that leadership matters most.”I’d like to begin there. Actually, not with the what but with the why – why do we need to act and why do we need to act now? What’s the danger of not getting this right?You advocate for a systems approach. Please take us through that.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…Summary/wrap up Don’t be an expert, just move forwardLeverage interest into teacher-led PDSupport early career teachers Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music! Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links: IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant  Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/ Close Leadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at [email protected] or connect ...

Outline and Show Notes Stop, Drop, and Get Organized with Jeffrey Bradbury Teaser: Today’s show is a bit different. My guest has a depth of knowledge on technology that is inspiring and honestly a bit intimidating at the same time. If you are tech savvy, you will probably get a lot out of today’s show. If that’s not the case, there are still some really important takeaways to help you organize your thinking, and consider a more productive approach to leveraging technology in your work. Sponsor Spot 1:- I talk to a lot of Assistant Principals, and one thing that comes up all the time is the question - how do we create experiences students will remember forever? That’s where travel can really make a difference, and my friends at Kaleidoscope Adventures help schools create trips that go beyond just checking a box. They create adventures that build confidence, create connection, and give students something to carry with them long after they leave the classroom. If you’re looking to create those kinds of moments for your students, Kaleidoscope Adventures is a great place to start. Visit their website, mykatrip.com, and start planning your next school trip today. Show Intro Guest Bio: Jeffrey D. Bradbury is an ISTE+ASCD award-winning digital learning strategist, public speaker, educational broadcaster, and the creator of the TeacherCast Educational Network. He has served K–12 students as an orchestra director, instructional coach, and Director of Digital Learning, and currently teaches Digital Media in New Milford, Connecticut. Jeff is a Google Certified Innovator, Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, TEDx Speaker, ISTE Community Leader, and a proud triplet dad. For more information, visit JeffreyBradbury.com. 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?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…Summary/wrap up Leadership is a conversation between what is and what could beA clear inbox is a happy inboxStop drop get organized Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music! Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links: IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant  Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/ Close Leadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Remember the secret to good leadership:Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for othersBe fully presentAsk reflective questionsAnd then just listenDon’t overcomplicate it, the value is in the listening.Have a great rest of the week!Cheers! Guest Links: https://www.jeffreybradbury.com  https://www.teachercast.net Frederick’s Links: Email: [email protected] Website: 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

316: Small Practices to Live and Lead Better Note: Most of these notes are ai generated from a transcript of the show. Sponsor Spot 1:So, when it comes to student travel, I get why it can feel like a big lift. That’s why I always point people toward Kaleidoscope Adventures. They’ve been doing this for more than 30 years, and they understand what schools actually need - clear communication, strong organization, and a plan that works. They handle the details, so you’re not left piecing it all together yourself. If you’ve been on the fence about planning a trip, now is the time to reach out to my friends at Kaleidoscope Adventures. Visit mykatrip.com today and get your free quote today. Kaleidoscope Adventures – Travel Beyond Expectations. Opening and ContextFrederick opens by noting that asking for help is itself a leadership lesson, and introduces Mara as a long-time collaborator returning to the show . Both acknowledge having a difficult morning, and frame their conversation as an example of drawing energy from human connection . CelebrationsFrederick celebrates a speed dating activity he ran with Darren Pepperd at the Innovative Schools Summit in Nashville, where over 200 school leaders participated in four rounds of 60 to 90 second paired conversations. He highlights the visible energy and human connection generated by the exercise .Mara celebrates completing her last shift at the YMCA, where she had worked since moving to the Greensboro area to build community. She reflects on having met her personal goal of forming local connections . Habit 1 - Gratitude List (Mara)Mara recommends starting each day by writing three to five things you are grateful for, describing it as a simple, research-backed practice that sets a positive tone. She credits a keynote by Kim Strobel at the NCMLE conference as the inspiration and notes she has maintained the habit since . Frederick adds that the practice helps him appreciate small, everyday moments rather than waiting for large events. Habit 2 - Intentional Daily Check-In (Frederick)Frederick recommends that leaders begin each day by consciously deciding how they will show up, taking into account their energy level and schedule . He suggests tools such as daily affirmations, core values reflection, or prayer. He also emphasizes the value of transparency with colleagues when not at one's best, framing it as an opportunity for vulnerability and deeper connection rather than an excuse . Mara reinforces that vulnerability builds human connection and reminds listeners that leaders are human beings first . Habit 3 - Commitment to Personal Growth (Mara)Mara recommends dedicating a specific, recurring block of time to personal learning, whether 15 minutes a day, one book a month, or one podcast episode a week. She notes this growth does not have to be profession-related . She references Frederick's book as an example of a resource structured for busy leaders . Habit 4 - Priority Task Planning Using the Eisenhower Matrix (Frederick)Frederick recommends starting each workday by identifying priority tasks using the Eisenhower Matrix, organized into four quadrants by urgency and importance . He emphasizes that Quadrant Two tasks, specifically teacher growth and development, should be at the top of the daily list. He advises leaders to identify one to three teachers to check in with each day and to delegate or release Quadrant Three tasks that belong to others . Habit 5 - Leadership Goal Focus (Mara)Mara recommends that leaders identify one specific leadership behavior to improve at a time, such as giving specific praise and validation to team members . She suggests using a sticky note on the office door as a daily reminder and proposes asking one fun, relationship-building question to teachers and students each week to strengthen culture . Frederick extends this to a team-level practice, where the leadership team collectively commits to one shared behavior and checks in on it regularly to build accountability . Habit 6 - Five Minute Coaching Daily (Frederick)Frederick strongly advocates for conducting at least one five minute coaching session per day with a teacher. The practice involves three reflective questions: What went well? Were there any surprises? Is there anything you would do differently? No feedback is given; the leader listens and moves on . Mara notes the practice can also be done independently as a self-reflection tool . Habit 7 - Scheduled Personal Time (Mara)Mara recommends blocking personal time on the calendar and treating it as a non-negotiable commitment, regardless of how brief . She acknowledges the difficulty for parents and busy leaders and stresses the importance of communicating this need to support systems. Frederick connects this to the Artist's Way practice of the artist's date and notes that hiking serves as his primary form of personal recharge time . Habit 8 - End of Day Wrap-Up (Frederick)Frederick recommends closing each workday with a brief reflective practice, ideally a five minute coaching session with oneself or a colleague, using the same three questions. The goal is to put a clear end to the workday before leaving . Habit 9 - Weekly Wrap-Up on Thursdays (Mara)Mara recommends conducting a weekly wrap-up before leaving the office on Thursdays rather than Fridays, as Fridays tend to be unpredictable in school settings . The wrap-up uses the five minute coaching format and is more powerful when done with a colleague. She also introduces a personal goal tracking chart she has developed, with daily checkboxes and a weekly score for each goal, along with a reflection section to identify patterns without self-judgment . She notes that tracking revealed a bedtime issue as the root cause of missing multiple goals, leading to a targeted micro-adjustment . Habit 10 - Turn Off Email Notifications (Frederick)Frederick recommends turning off email notifications entirely, arguing that email is not designed for synchronous communication and that constant alerts pull leaders out of the present moment . He advises training key contacts to use text for urgent matters, leveraging an administrative assistant as a communication filter, and setting up an auto-responder to manage expectations . He credits Darren Pepperd with the auto-responder suggestion . 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 http://ixl....

Outline and Show Notes Nurturing Collective Efficacy with Kurtis Hewson Teaser: Today’s show is a bit different. My guest has a depth of knowledge on technology that is inspiring and honestly a bit intimidating at the same time. If you are tech savvy, you will probably get a lot out of today’s show. If that’s not the case, there are still some really important takeaways to help you organize your thinking, and consider a more productive approach to leveraging technology in your work. Sponsor Spot 1:- I talk to a lot of Assistant Principals, and one thing that comes up all the time is the question - how do we create experiences students will remember forever? That’s where travel can really make a difference, and my friends at Kaleidoscope Adventures help schools create trips that go beyond just checking a box. They create adventures that build confidence, create connection, and give students something to carry with them long after they leave the classroom. If you’re looking to create those kinds of moments for your students, Kaleidoscope Adventures is a great place to start. Visit their website, mykatrip.com, and start planning your next school trip today. Show Intro Guest Bio: Kurtis Hewson is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, author and professional learning facilitator. In addition to being an award-winning teacher, vice-principal, and principal, he has also served as faculty at the post-secondary level. With over a decade of experience as an administrator, Kurtis has championed the call for collaborative structures in schools to ensure success for all students. He is the co-founder of Jigsaw Learning, a co-author of the best-selling text Collaborative Response: Three Foundational Components That Transform How We Respond to the Needs of Learners (Corwin, 2022), and currently works with districts and schools nationally and internationally establishing Collaborative Response frameworks and interacting with thousands of educators annually. 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/Prompts Structures and processesDeep dive into collaborative team meetingHow do we get to this place? I’ve seen leaders force groups into teaming and it rarely seems to work out well.Learning support team meeting as a way to support teachers. 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… Summary/wrap up Collaborative response as a form of thinking, not meetingTweaking celebration protocolsWays to build efficacy Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music! Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/ Sponsor Links: IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant  Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/ Close Leadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Remember the secret to good leadership:Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for othersBe fully presentAsk reflective questionsAnd then just listenDon’t overcomplicate it, the value is in the listening.Have a great rest of the week!Cheers! Kurtis' Links: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hewsonk27/  YouTube (Jigsaw Learning) - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow  Facebook Group - The Collaborative Leader - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecollaborativeleader  Frederick’s Links: Email: [email protected] Website: https:/...

Outline and Show Notes Show Title: Reimagining Leadership in the Age of AI with Jerry Almendarez Teaser (written by Claude ai): Today's episode tackles a question that should make every one of us a little uncomfortable: why do our school systems keep working harder without getting meaningfully better results? My guest has spent more than 30 years wrestling with that question — first as a classroom teacher, then as Superintendent of Santa Ana Unified, leading over 41,000 students and 5,000 staff. Jerry Almendarez learned that real change doesn't come from piling on more programs — it comes from rethinking how leaders make decisions, build relationships, and see what's coming before it arrives. Now, through Creative Futures Collaborative, Jerry works with superintendents and executive teams to redesign how leadership systems actually process information — using artificial intelligence not to add another tool to the pile, but to help leaders think clearer, connect deeper, and act earlier. If you've ever felt buried by the pace of decisions you're asked to make, this conversation is for you. Stick around — we're about to get into how intelligence should move before it ever reaches governance. Sponsor Spot 1:As a teacher or administrator, you’re already juggling a hundred moving parts — and planning a student trip can feel like adding one more full-time job.That’s why I want to tell you about Kaleidoscope Adventures. They’ve specialized in educational travel for more than three decades, and they understand what it takes to run a trip that’s organized, safe, and genuinely valuable for students.They take care of everything — planning, coordination, and the behind-the-scenes details — so you can focus on the experience.If student travel is on your radar, Kaleidoscope Adventures is ready to help you travel beyond expectations. Show Intro Guest Bio (edited by Claude.ai) Jerry Almendarez is a former superintendent and founder of Creative Futures Collaborative, where he works with superintendents and executive leadership teams to redesign leadership systems for the age of artificial intelligence. With more than 30 years in public education, including serving as Superintendent of Santa Ana Unified School District, Jerry led a system of over 41,000 students and 5,000 staff. His experience revealed that meaningful change is not driven by more programs, but by fundamentally rethinking how leaders make decisions, build relationships, and anticipate the future. During his tenure, Jerry led large-scale system transformation efforts, including the expansion of digital learning and the integration of artificial intelligence into district operations — designed to strengthen decision-making and support more responsive leadership. Today, through Creative Futures Collaborative, Jerry helps leaders reclaim clarity in complex environments by rethinking how intelligence moves before it reaches governance — using technology to think better, connect deeper, and act earlier. Original Guest Bio: Jerry Almendarez is a former superintendent and founder of Creative Futures Collaborative, where he works with superintendents and executive leadership teams to redesign leadership systems for the age of artificial intelligence. With more than 30 years in public education, including serving as Superintendent of Santa Ana Unified School District, Jerry led a system of over 41,000 students and 5,000 staff. His leadership was shaped by a central question that now defines his work: why do education systems continue to work harder without achieving significantly better outcomes? His experience — from classroom teacher to district leader — revealed that meaningful change is not driven by more programs, but by fundamentally rethinking how leaders make decisions, build relationships, and anticipate the future. During his tenure, Jerry led large-scale system transformation efforts, including the expansion of digital learning, the development of community-centered engagement models, and the integration of artificial intelligence into district operations. These efforts were designed not just to improve efficiency, but to strengthen decision-making, personalize learning, and support more responsive leadership systems. Today, through Creative Futures Collaborative, Jerry works with superintendents and executive cabinets to redesign how leadership systems process information, build foresight, and make better first-time decisions. His work helps leaders reclaim clarity in complex environments — not by adding more tools, but by rethinking how intelligence moves before it reaches governance. He believes the future of education will not be defined by technology alone, but by leaders who know how to use it to think better, connect deeper, and act earlier on behalf of the communities they serve. 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/Prompts You focus on helping school leaders use AI in three ways:Make better decisionsFree up timeStrengthen foresightEssentially, you are helping school leaders leverage AI to develop better systems so they can focus on people and priorities instead of tasks and urgency. Let’s start at the thousand-foot view and then get down to the nitty gritty. Why AI as a systems tool?What are the essential skills APs need for leveraging AI?What are some examples of low-hanging fruit – systems that APs could build relatively easily?What pitfalls should people be aware of?If someone listening decides they want to dive into using ai to improve their systems, what is the first step?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…Summary/wrap up Do for versus make easierThought partnerReducing cognitive load and attention drain (email)In a discussio...

Show Title: Motivation Deep Dive with Katie Powell Outline and Show NotesYou’ve likely heard me talk about The Motivation Equation being value divide by effort. My guest today helps us dig beyond the formula to consider the two sides of the equation in more detail. 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 Intro Guest Bio: Katie Powell is the Director for Middle Level Programs for AMLE and a former middle school special education, Title 1, and ELA teacher. Passionate about reclaiming the wonder and curiosity of learning, Katie is author of the books Boredom Busters: Transform Worksheets, Lectures, and Grading into Engaging, Meaningful Learning Experiences and Frustration Busters: Unpacking and Responding to Classroom Management Challenges. As part of her role with AMLE, Katie works closely with schools, districts, and affiliate organizations through the Successful Middle School book study, assessment, and Schools of Distinction programs as well as providing professional development and coaching on a variety of middle grades topics. 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/Prompts Motivation is one of those concepts that is both prevalent and ill-defined. Different disciplines have different definitions and people use the term to mean many different things, so let’s begin by defining what we mean when we talk about motivation.One of the reasons I’m excited to have you on is because you pull back the curtain on motivation by citing some of the science behind it. Let’s dig into it…Not sure where we will go from here – maybe motivation and students then motivation and teachers?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…Summary/wrap up Capacity is critical and most people don’t have much excess“Ability is under-considered”Creating systems where everything points to usSpecial thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music! Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links: IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant  Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/ Close Leadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Remember the secret to good leadership:Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for othersBe fully presentAsk reflective questionsAnd then just listenDon’t overcomplicate it, the value is in the listening.Have a great rest of the week!Cheers! Guest Links: Twitter @beyond_the_desk Instagram @teach_beyond_the_desk Tik Tok @Teach_Beyond_the_Desk [email protected] TeachBeyondTheDesk.com Frederick’s Links: Email: [email protected] Website:

Outline and Show Notes Show Title: What SPED Needs from You with Liz Capone Guest: Liz Capone Teaser: It’s pretty typical for new assistant principals to be given fairly substantial responsibilities, related to special education, especially in terms of attending IEP meetings. This is fine if the assistant principal has a background in special education, but when they don’t, it can present complex and meaningful challenges in today’s episode will explore, at least at a surface level what it means to be a good and capable steward for special education, students, families, and their teachers. Sponsor Spot 1:If you love travel, but your student trips are starting to feel a little… copy-and-paste, it might be time to level up.That’s why I recommend Kaleidoscope Adventures.They’ve been planning educational travel for more than 30 years. And the best part? No cookie-cutter itineraries. Every trip is built around your program, your budget, and your goals.Whether you’re dreaming of a trip to Universal’s EPIC Universe, a history-filled journey to Washington, D.C., or even an international adventure, Kaleidoscope Adventures can help you plan a trip your students will never forget.Get inspired today at mykatrip.com. Kaleidoscope Adventures - Travel Beyond Expectations Show Intro: It’s not too early to think about summer. No. not the vacation, the learning that can happen. 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 summerpopsworkbooks.com to get your free copy and of course, the link is in the show notes. Guest Bio: Liz Capone, M.S. is the co-founder of PD Ninja, which provides custom K-12 PD for buildings and districts. She is a former Special Education teacher who taught every grade level from pre-K to 12 in settings ranging from inclusion, self-contained, ESY, and a locked residential treatment center. Liz has also worked nationally as an expert witness in education and family law cases involving children with special needs. 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? 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…Summary/wrap up Find an expert and don’t assume it is the teacher, leverage that expertise to support the teacherRelationships, check ins, self-care (for the T)Facilitate discussions on role clarity Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music! Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links: IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant  Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/ Close Leadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Remember the secret to good leadership:Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for othersBe fully presentAsk reflective questionsAnd then just listenDon’t overcomplicate it, the value is in the listening.Have a great rest of the week!Cheers! Guest Links: PDninja.com  Frederick’s Links: Email: [email protected] Website: 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_...

Outline and Show Notes Schools to Watch with Dr. Joe Coleman Teaser: Schools to Watch is a national program designed to promote middle school excellence. In today’s show I interview a state Schools to Watch coordinator, but the episode is more about good things happening in good schools than it is about the specific Schools to Watch framework. It’s really helpful to be able to visit many diverse schools, and though you may not be able to do that for yourself, you can learn from someone who has been able to. 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 Intro Guest Bio: Dr. Joe Coleman has been a school educator over 35 years.  He has served as a social studies teacher, assistant principal, principal, and Executive Director for Secondary Schools.  He currently serves as Associate Executive Director for Texas Association of Secondary Principals.  His primary responsibilities include personnel, technology, strategic plan and polices.  He also provides support for middle-level school leaders and is the State Director for the Texas School to Watch Program.  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/Prompts You’ve been able to visit many middle schools in your role leading Texas’ Schools to Watch program. The award is a school award, but we both know the role that leadership plays.What are some of the things you look for to indicate a school is a likely School to Watch?Is there a specific leadership style or approach you see consistently in the best schools?Are there common things you see in terms of leadership teams/team members?What are some examples of great practices you have seen from leaders in Schools to Watch?What about the role of teacher leadership?If there was one thing an AP could do to improve their school, what would you encourage them to focus on?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…Summary/wrap up Visible expressions of cultureDistributed leadership v delegationListening to teachers Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music! Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links: IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant  Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/ Close Leadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Remember the secret to good leadership:Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for othersBe fully presentAsk reflective questionsAnd then just listenDon’t overcomplicate it, the value is in the listening.Have a great rest of the week!Cheers! Guest Links: Frederick’s Links: Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.frederickbuskey.com/  LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/strategicleadershipconsulting  Daily Email subscribe: https://adept-experim...

Assistant Principal Podcast Content Episode Outline My 11 Morning Affirmations Teaser: I’ve been looking forward to doing this podcast for a while. Now we’re going to dig into my 11 morning affirmations and honestly and without exaggeration these affirmations have been huge in helping me to stay true to who I am to stay focused, and to be buoyant during a really challenging. In my life so let’s dig 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 Intro Celebrations: I’m just excited for this episode! Key Points Part 1 My morning pages (since 2022) Beginnings: Inspiration from Tony Robbins https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUUdZc7GoXo and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwppoL2vLKM.OG Affirmations (Oct. 31, 2025): I am in control of my thoughts. I can handle anything today brings.I am worthy of love and successMy effort creates my futureI grow stronger every dayI live with purpose and passionToday, I choose to win. (elaborate) New year, new goals, affirmation changes I am in control of my thoughts. I can handle anything today brings.I am made to be outdoorsI thrive in my processesI am worthy of love and success I cultivate stillnessMy effort creates my future I am intentional with my recreationI grow stronger every day I prioritize health and familyI live with purpose and passion I inspire and upliftToday, I choose to win.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 http://ixl.com/assistant to get started. Key Points Part 2 Hard, hard times yield three additions: I deserve to find joy in my workI have hope and faithI am AWESOME! *asterisk The full lineup on June 17, 2026: I am in control of my thoughts. I can handle anything today brings.I am made to be outdoors.I thrive in my systems.I choose my recreation intentionally.I inspire and uplift.I prioritize health and family.I find joy in my work.I have hope and faith I am doing AWESOME! *asteriskToday, I choose to win. Summarizing (The big takeaway) Just try this. Begin with three or four, like: My attitude defines my altitudeI make intentional decisions about how I invest my timeI help teachers grow every dayToday, I choose to win! Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music! Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links: IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant  Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/ Close Leadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Remember the secret to good leadership:Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for othersBe fully presentAsk reflective questionsAnd then just listenDon’t overcomplicate it, the value is in the listening.Have a great rest of the week!Cheers!Frederick’s Links: Email: [email protected] Website: 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: