Fearless Schools Podcast

In this episode, the Fearless Schools podcast talks to CLS Associates Allyson Apsey and Dr. Emily Freeland, authors of the book "Less Talk, More Action." to explore the power of action research in educational leadership. We discuss how to turn talk into action, involve students in the process, and build resilience among educators to foster continuous improvement.

Key topics

• The importance of action research in educational improvement
• Strategies for involving students in the research process
• Building resilience and overcoming resistance among educators
• The role of collaboration and collective efficacy in change
• Measuring impact and scaling successful practices

In this Fearless Podcast episode, Dr. Nancy Frey shares insights on educational leadership, literacy, and the importance of relational trust, dynamism, competence, immediacy, and forward thinking in school leadership, all illustrated through engaging metaphors like pancakes.

Key topics

• Five key ingredients for successful school leadership
• The importance of relational trust in educational leadership
• How enthusiasm and dynamism influence school culture
• The role of communication competence and conflict management in leadership
• The science of reading and literacy strategies for all grades
• The significance of agency in literacy development

In this episode, the Fearless Schools podcast crew talks to the authors of 'Fearless Leadership,' Dr. Christina Melton and Dr. Nikki Woodson, exploring leadership strategies for school success. They discuss building school culture, the power of listening, and practical leadership habits for educators. This podcast aims to please and succeeds with every utterance from our esteemed guests! Key topics Building school culture versus climate The importance of listening tours and feedback loops Creating a safe environment for staff and students Empowering others and developing leadership capacity Managing change and navigating toxic school cultures Leadership habits: confidence, authenticity, and influence Using systems thinking to address root causes The significance of intentionality and reflection in leadership

In this Fearless Schools podcast episode, we talk to Dr. Doug Reeves about fearless leadership in education, emphasizing the importance of creating psychologically safe environments where teachers and leaders can challenge each other for better student outcomes. The conversation explores the origins of the Fearless Leadership book from CLS, which explores many critical school leadership topics, such as practical strategies for fostering trust, and the role of resilience in educational leadership.

Key topics

• Fearless leadership definition and importance
• Creating psychologically safe school environments
• Strategies for new leaders to build trust
• The role of resilience in educational leadership
• Addressing toxic school cultures
• Time management and focus in school leadership

Join the Fearless Podcast team as we chang up the roles and explore many sizzling topics, including middle school education with Dr. Dru Tomlin, a seasoned principal, educator, and your Fearless Schools podcast host. Listen in and discover insights on student development, leadership, and innovative practices in middle school settings!

Key topics

• Middle school student development
• Leadership and culture in schools
• AI and Restorative justice practices in education

Join the Fearless Podcast team as we explore innovative grading practices, assessment strategies, and the importance of feedback with expert and educational researcher extraordinaire, Ken O'Connor. In addition to uncovering Mr. O'Connor's penchant for field hockey, we guarantee that you'll be delighted to discover his sage insights about how to transform assessment for better student learning and engagement.

Key topics

• 15 fixes for broken grades
• The importance of recent evidence in assessment
• Standards-based grading and its challenges
• Reassessment as a privilege and learning opportunity
• The role of feedback and words in student achievement

Join the Fearless Schools podcast crew as we talk to the one and only Dr. Rachael George! She shares her inspiring journey from firefighting (and pageants!) to educational leadership, highlighting the importance of resilience, networking, self-care, and embracing challenges to become an effective leader. Discover practical insights and personal stories that will motivate current and aspiring school leaders.

Key Topics

• Teamwork and collaboration in education leadership
• Building professional networks and mentorship
• Self-care and mental health for educators
• Balancing school culture and student achievement
• Leadership agility and situational awareness

In this engaging interview, the Fearless Schools podcast team talks to Virginia Deputy State Superintendent, Innovation, Student Pathways & Opportunities DeWayne McClary, who shares his journey from a tech-savvy student to a state-level innovator. We discover his insights on fostering innovation, the importance of self-care, and the transformative power of technology and student voice in education.

Take Aways

• Prioritize self-care and reflection for educational leaders
• Involve students in designing innovative solutions
• Use data and student voice to inform policy and practice

In this engaging episode, the Fearless Schools Podcast welcomes back renowned educator, pedagogical pirate, author and publisher Dave Burgess. We explore innovative teaching strategies, the importance of creating memorable learning experiences, and the evolving role of AI in education, all aimed at empowering educators to inspire and engage students effectively.

Key Takeaways

• Teach Like a Pirate framework
• AI literacy integration in schools
• Creating engaging and memorable lessons
• Reflective practice and lesson improvement
• The role of presentation in teaching

In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast we are joined by Jimmy Casas where we explore leadership, school culture, and personal values, sharing insights from Mr. Casas' decades of experience in education. Mr. Cases highlights his own story and how that has impacted his work to ensure that students are heard, valued, and seen. Noting that is starts with the adults in the building helping us equate values to behaviors. He also shares the origination of the title of his book Culturize. Discover practical strategies for building healthy school environments and leading with authenticity. Key Takeaways

• The importance of internal and external school culture
• The role of personal and organizational values in leadership
• Strategies for creating healthy, collaborative school environments
• The importance of self-reflection in school leadership

In this episode of Fearless Schools, we chat with the legendary Dr. Doug Reeves about everything from the secrets of impactful teaching to the wild world of artificial intelligence in education. Plus, expect a masterclass on making research digestible, the real power of relationship-building, the science of reading and how to avoid AI turning us into the educational version of bologna sandwiches! Takeaways:

• The truth about AI: it's not the villain or the hero — it's your helpful sidekick with some quirks
• Creative use of AI in lesson planning, assessments, and breaking down language barriers
• The importance of relationships and storytelling in effective observation and feedback
• Common pitfalls in grading, playground fairness, and embracing the love of reading for lifelong learners
• The real deal on the science of reading — spoiler alert: it's older than the internet and still super important!

In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we welcome Phyllis Fagell, renowned licensed clinical counselor and author, to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in middle school education, her journey as a student, her passion for working with young adolescents, and the importance of empathy and listening in educational settings. The conversation also delves into the role of AI in teaching social skills and the need for honest communication between educators and families.

Takeaways

• Middle school is a critical time for development.
• Artful reframing can change a student's self-identity.
• AI can be a valuable tool for teaching social skills.
• Students appreciate honesty delivered kindly.
• Misdiagnosing anxiety can overlook skills deficits.
• The importance of timing and tone in communication.

In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we engage with Kim Campbell, a dynamic educator and middle school Dean of Students, and discuss the importance of consistency in education, building relationships with students, and the impact of technology on learning. Kim shares her journey as a student and educator, emphasizing the need for accountability and care in the classroom. The conversation also touches on the role of humor in education and the challenges faced by educators today. Takeaways

• Building strong relationships with students is essential.
• Accountability is necessary for student growth.
• Technology should be balanced with traditional teaching methods.
• Find your tribe of supportive colleagues.
• Simplicity in teaching strategies can lead to better outcomes.
• Engaging students through fun and creativity is vital.

In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we engage with Tom Burton, a nationally recognized leader in education. We discuss the importance of community engagement, the challenges faced by educational leaders, and the evolution of leadership perspectives. Tom shares his personal journey, emphasizing the significance of accountability, reflection, and finding joy in leadership. The conversation also highlights the role of student leadership in driving change and the need for leaders to model the behaviors they wish to see in their students. Tom's insights on superpowers and kryptonite in leadership provide a relatable perspective for current and aspiring educational leaders.

Takeaways

• The importance of community engagement for school leaders.
• Navigating challenges requires vulnerability and openness.
• Personal growth is essential for effective leadership.
• Leadership perspectives evolve with experience and challenges.
• Student leadership initiatives can drive meaningful change.

Check out Tom's new book here: https://www.amazon.com/Visionary-Voices-Leadership-Stories-Lasting/dp/B0G4CQD943

This is part two of our anniversary episode with Rick Wormeli. In this epside, Rick gives us strategies to give better feedback and help students be successful.

Continued Takeaways

• Experiential learning can transform students' perspectives.
• Differentiation makes learning successful for both adults and students.
• Teachers should focus on developing mutual ethos with students.
• Accountability in education should not be punitive.
• Teachers need time for collaboration to enhance their practice.
• Feedback is essential for student growth and motivation.
• Continuous learning is vital for both teachers and students.

To mark the first anniversary of the Fearless Schools podcast, we're excited to share the first conversation in a special two-part series featuring renowned educator and author Rick Wormeli. In Part One, Rick reflects on his journey into education and challenges long-held assumptions about accountability, grading, and compliance in schools. Together, we explore why experiential learning, strong relationships, and creativity are essential for meaningful student growth—and why punitive approaches often undermine equity and motivation. Rick also shares his perspective on the role of AI in education, reminding us that while technology can be a powerful tool, it should never replace teachers' professional judgment or creativity. This conversation sets the tone for the series and invites us to rethink what truly makes schools fearless: trust, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Takeaways

Experiential learning can transform students' perspectives. To break down barriers and engage students, focus on developing mutual ethos with students.Accountability in education should not be punitive. AI can augment teaching but should not replace creativity. Teachers need time for collaboration to enhance their practice. Feedback is essential for student growth and motivation. Continuous learning is vital for both teachers and students.

Check out the video on our Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/Pbi9IYii1DU

In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we engage with educators Kass and Cornelius Minor, who discuss their experiences and insights on sustainable change in education. They emphasize the importance of community, relationships, and the collective efficacy of educators in driving meaningful change. The conversation explores personal educational journeys, the role of school leaders, and the necessity of fun in the learning process. The Minor Collective's approach to inclusive education and the significance of understanding students as individuals are highlighted throughout the discussion.

Takeaways

• Start something today that you perpetuate tomorrow.
• We should be able to teach every class in the school building.
• School change doesn't require 100% buy-in.
• It's not a superpower as much as it's a super habit.
• The most effective people lead with their full humanity.

Learn more about the Minor Collective at: https://www.kassandcorn.com/

In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we engage with Principal Salome Thomas-El (aka Principal El), who shares his insights on authentic leadership, the importance of nurturing relationships in education, and the role of joy and resilience in school culture. Principal El emphasizes the significance of hands-on leadership, using the metaphor of watering plants to illustrate the need for leaders to be actively involved in their communities. He advocates for choosing impact over compliance and fostering joy in educational settings, ultimately aiming to inspire and uplift educators and students alike.

Takeaways

• Authentic leadership is crucial for building trust.
• Building relationships is key to fostering a supportive school culture.
• Joy and resilience are essential for effective school leadership.
• Chess teaches critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Leaders should prioritize impact over compliance.

In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we engage with bestselling author Brad Meltzer, exploring the profound impact of educators on students' lives. Meltzer shares his personal journey from a struggling student to a successful writer, highlighting the pivotal role of teachers who believed in him. The conversation delves into themes of gratitude, the importance of failure, and the magic of teaching writing and reading. Meltzer emphasizes that educators are everyday heroes who inspire students to see their potential and embrace their unique voices. The episode concludes with a heartfelt message of appreciation for teachers and the vital work they do. Takeaways

• Teachers are heroes who deserve gratitude.
• Failure is necessary for success in any endeavor.
• Both fiction and non-fiction reading and writing are important to student achievement (and empathy).
• Teaching writing is a magical artform.
• There are everyday heroes all around us who need to be celebrated.

In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we welcome Katie Powell, a passionate advocate for middle school education. We discuss Katie's journey from a curious student to a dedicated educator, her insights on engaging students through creative teaching strategies, and the importance of emotional safety in the classroom. Katie shares her experiences that influenced her book, Boredom Busters, and she also examines the need for differentiation among educators, and the role of school leaders in supporting teachers. The conversation emphasizes the significance of seeing students (particularly middle school students) as individuals and investing in their emotional and academic growth. Takeaways

• Differentiation is crucial not only for students but also for educators.
• School leaders must support teachers in their unique teaching styles.
• Emotional safety is essential for effective learning in middle school.
• Adolescents face unique challenges that require sensitivity from educators.
• Teaching is an art that requires creativity and flexibility.
• Investing in students today pays dividends for their future.