Innovative Schools Podcast

S3:E9 - Mindset Shifts That Change Classroom Behavior w/ Joseph Cope

AccuTrain Corporation — Tue, 05 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast, we welcome back Joseph Cope to explore a powerful shift in how educators approach student behavior. Instead of reacting to what students do, Joseph challenges us to look deeper—asking what skills students may be missing and how we can intentionally help them grow. From real classroom stories to practical frameworks, this conversation provides a roadmap for turning challenging moments into opportunities for long-term impact.

🔑 Key Takeaways

✔️ Behavior is communication—every action tells a deeper story

✔️ The problem isn’t the behavior; it’s the missing skill underneath

✔️ Taking behavior personally prevents effective responses

✔️ Students need coaching in life skills, not just correction of actions

✔️ Relationships and “currency” are essential for influence

✔️ Big emotional moments are often rooted in safety and control

💬 Memorable Quotes

🗣️ “The problem is not the problem.”

🗣️ “Every behavior tells a story.”

🗣️ “When we make it about us, we lose the opportunity to teach the skill.”

🗣️ “You can’t withdraw from a relationship you haven’t invested in.”

🗣️ “How you speak your mind will determine your next state of mind.”

🧠 Strategies You’ll Learn

How to reframe behavior as a missing skill instead of defiance
How to remove yourself emotionally from challenging moments
How to identify and teach foundational life skills in real time
How to build “currency” with students to increase influence
How to navigate high-emotion situations without escalating them
How to use structured conversations to guide behavior

➕ Additional Practices

List behaviors that frustrate you—and reframe them as missing skills
Create 4–5 foundational classroom skills (e.g., respect, perseverance, self-control)
Define those skills clearly so students understand expectations
Intentionally connect with students outside of academic conversations
Reflect after difficult moments: Was I focused on the student or my feelings?
Practice small mindset shifts—growth happens incrementally

📚 Resources and Links

🔗 RCD Expert Joseph Cope: https://accutrain.com/joseph-cope-m-ed/

🔗 Joseph Cope Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.empathy.guy/

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S3:E8 - What Multilingual Learners Really Need From You w/ Dr. Dorina Ebuwa

AccuTrain Corporation — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Dorina Ebuwa to unpack what it truly means to teach multilingual learners effectively. This powerful conversation goes beyond strategies and into mindset—challenging educators to reflect on their own “lens of life,” eliminate limiting beliefs, and create classrooms where every student is both supported and held to high expectations. From redefining terminology to practical classroom moves, this episode will leave you inspired—and ready to act.

🔑 Key Takeaways

✔️“Multilingual learner” shifts the focus from deficit to strength

✔️Your lens of life directly impacts how you see and teach students

✔️Lowering expectations (pobrecita syndrome) harms student growth

✔️Students need both support and high expectations (TLC Squared)

✔️Language is not the only barrier—culture, trauma, and experience matter

✔️You are responsible for every student on your roster—no exceptions

💬 Memorable Quotes

🗣️“Roster equals responsibility.”

🗣️“It’s not just linguistic—it’s human.”

🗣️“You are already halfway there when you take your lens off.”

🗣️“We don’t coddle—we prepare.”

🗣️“Language is power—but it shouldn’t take power away from identity.”

🧠 Strategies You’ll Learn

How to identify and remove your personal bias (lens of life)
Ways to avoid “Epcot Syndrome” and see students as individuals
Methods for balancing empathy with high expectations (TLC Squared)
How to assess students and meet them at their actual level
Steps to build intrinsic motivation instead of relying on external pressure
Tips for creating a safe, challenging, and inclusive classroom environment

➕ Additional Practices

Write a welcome letter to multilingual learners to establish trust and expectations
Learn and correctly pronounce student names—identity matters
Use small, incremental shifts in mindset (incremental is monumental)
Replace “I don’t know what to do” with intentional learning and reflection
Focus on student potential, not limitations or labels

📚 Resources and Links

🔗 Dr. Dorina Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.e.l.i.e.v.e._dr.dorito/

🔗 Dr. Dorina Website: https://www.dorinasackman.com/

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💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/

💡Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943

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S3:E7 - More Than "Just A Teacher" w/ Jere Chang

AccuTrain Corporation — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast, Kevin sits down with gifted education teacher Jere Chang to explore how life experiences shape the way we show up for students. From an unexpected path into teaching to becoming a voice for educators through social media, Jere shares powerful insights on identity, student relationships, and what it truly means to make an impact. This conversation dives into gifted education myths, the importance of teacher self-worth, and how creating spaces where students feel seen can transform lives.

🔑 Key Takeaways

✔️Teaching is more than a job—it’s a lasting influence on students’ lives.

✔️The phrase “just a teacher” reflects a larger issue of respect and trust in education.

✔️Gifted students are often misunderstood and don’t always fit the “perfect student” mold.

✔️Relationships—not curriculum or data—are what students remember most.

✔️Educators must advocate for themselves while also building strong partnerships with parents and administrators.

💬 Memorable Quotes

🗣️“I’m not just a teacher—I’m impacting lives.”

🗣️“No student has ever come back and thanked me for a data chart.”

🗣️“Gifted doesn’t mean perfect—it means different.”

🗣️“You treated me like a person.”

🗣️“It’s good—it’s going to be good.”

🧠 Strategies You’ll Learn

Tips to build authentic relationships that make students feel seen and valued
How to support gifted students beyond stereotypes and labels
Methods to communicate effectively with parents as partners, not opponents
Ways to create classroom environments where all students can be themselves
How to handle difficult conversations with confidence and empathy

➕ Additional Practices

Intentionally connect with students who may feel overlooked or unseen
Celebrate student strengths without forcing labels or expectations
Use role-play to help students develop social awareness and communication skills
Prioritize real conversations with parents over transactional communication
Reflect on your own self-worth as an educator and avoid comparison with others

📚 Resources and Links

🔗 Jere Chang Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mschanggifted/

🔗 Jere Chang TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mschanggifted

🔗 Jere Chang website: https://mschanggifted.com/

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💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/

💡Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943

💡Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lbw553jnDXuG08IZ43Kb5

💡Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@innovativeschoolspodcast

S3:E6 - AI in Schools: Where to Start and What to Avoid w/ Dan Fitzpatrick

AccuTrain Corporation — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Jordan and Kevin talk with AI educator Dan Fitzpatrick about what artificial intelligence means for today’s classrooms. Dan explains AI in practical terms, explores both its benefits and risks, and emphasizes that AI should enhance teaching and learning—not replace human thinking. The discussion focuses on intentional leadership, ethical use, and simple ways educators can begin using AI right now.

🔑Key Takeaways

✔️AI is a tool to support educators, not replace them

✔️Schools must act intentionally rather than wait for perfect clarity

✔️AI can improve accessibility and personalize learning

✔️Students still need to develop strong thinking skills

✔️Teachers need time and support to explore AI safely

✔️Younger learners require especially careful use

💬Memorable Quotes

🗣️“Lead with intent.”

🗣️“Not doing anything is a choice in itself.”

🗣️“This is not an IT issue — it’s a leadership issue.”

🗣️“Outsource your doing, not your thinking.”

🗣️“You’ve got to try it.”

🧠Strategies You’ll Learn

How to use AI to save time on planning and resources
Ways to personalize explanations and examples for students
How to use AI as a thinking partner rather than an answer machine
Approaches for introducing AI responsibly in the classroom
Simple methods for experimenting with AI without overwhelm
Leadership strategies for guiding schoolwide AI adoption

➕Additional Practices

Start by using AI for your own productivity
Use AI to offer multiple pathways into content
Pilot AI with one lesson or unit before scaling up
Set clear expectations for student use
Build policies around purpose, not fear
Teach ethics and responsible use alongside the tools

📚 Resources and Links
🔗 Dan’s website and books: https://www.theaieducator.io/

🔗 LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/theaieducator

❤️ Love This Episode?

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💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/

💡Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943
💡Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lbw553jnDXuG08IZ43Kb5
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S3:E5 - Four Skills for Classroom Management w/ Shaun Woodly

AccuTrain Corporation — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast, Dr. Shaun Woodly explains that classroom management is more than rules and routines—it’s a professional skill educators can develop. By strengthening awareness, decision-making, action, and presence, teachers can create learning environments that balance structure, engagement, and psychological safety for students.

🔑Key Takeaways

✔️Classroom management is a skill that combines structure with understanding human behavior.

✔️Strong classroom environments rely on proactive systems rather than constant reaction.

✔️Situational awareness helps teachers recognize patterns and anticipate disruptions.

✔️Effective responses depend on thoughtful decision-making, not automatic reactions.

✔️A teacher’s presence helps create a classroom that feels safe, consistent, and focused.

💬Memorable Quotes

🗣️“Classroom management is a form of professional intelligence.”

🗣️“There is a difference between knowing what to do and doing it under pressure.”

🗣️“It’s not what you say, but how you say it.”

🗣️“If you leave things up to chance, you’re flipping a coin in your classroom.”

🗣️“Presence creates psychological safety in the learning environment.”

🧠Strategies You’ll Learn -

How to:

Establish clear routines and expectations for classroom transitions.
Use proactive systems to guide behavior instead of reacting to disruptions.
Scan the entire classroom to stay aware of student engagement.
Pause and assess the reason behind the behavior before responding.
Use novelty and pattern recognition to capture student attention.

➕Additional Practices

Practice calm, consistent responses for challenging moments.
Build predictable structures that students can rely on each day.
Reflect on classroom patterns to identify potential problem areas.
Adjust classroom strategies based on the unique needs of each group of students.
Balance authority with empathy to maintain strong student relationships.

📚 Resources and Links

🔗 Dr. Shaun’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachhustleinspire/?hl=en

🔗 Dr. Shaun’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunwoodly

🔗 Teach Hustle Inspire website: https://www.teachhustleinspire.com/home

❤️ Love This Episode?

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⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show

💬 Join the Conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting!

💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/

💡Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943

💡Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lbw553jnDXuG08IZ43Kb5

💡Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@innovativeschoolspodcast

S3:E4 - Building Cultural Awareness Through Questions & Intentionality w/ Robert Jackson

AccuTrain Corporation — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Jordan and Will sit down with Robert Jackson to explore what cultural awareness really means in schools—and why it starts with respect, acceptance, and genuine curiosity. Robert shares stories that highlight how easy it is for adults (and students) to make assumptions, and why asking better questions is one of the most powerful ways to build connection. The conversation also introduces a simple values-based lens educators can use to reflect on their own approach to relationships, trust, and classroom culture.

🔑 Key Takeaways

✔️Cultural awareness is bigger than identity labels—it’s about honoring individual experience.

✔️Assumptions create distance; curiosity builds connection.

✔️Trust is essential for learning—and it takes consistency over time.

✔️Students take cues from adults on what respect looks like in real life.

✔️Growth happens when educators stay teachable, own mistakes, and keep learning.

💬 Memorable Quotes

🗣️“Culture is not color.”

🗣️“Be curious, not judgmental.”

🗣️“Kids remember how you made them feel.”

🗣️“You can’t withdraw from a relationship you haven’t invested in.”

🧠 Strategies You’ll Learn

Ways to use questions to understand students beyond stereotypes
Strategies to strengthen trust through everyday consistency
Approaches to recover when you “fumble” a cultural moment with students
How to create a classroom culture where students feel safe being themselves
Practices to keep learning about students without losing your own authenticity

➕ Additional Practices

Use reflection prompts to check for assumptions before reacting
Practice “teach-first” responses when misunderstandings happen
Build a habit of learning something new about students each week
Reinforce respect through the way adults model language and behavior
Treat culture-building as ongoing—not a one-time activity

📚 Resources and Links

🔗 Robert Jackson’s website: https://www.robertjacksonmotivates.com/

🔗 Robert Jackson’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robjmotivates/?hl=en

🔗 Robert Jackson on X: https://x.com/RJMotivates

🔗 See Robert Jackson at the Innovative Schools Summit: https://innovativeschoolssummit.com/orlando/

❤️ Love This Episode?

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⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show

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💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/

💡Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943

💡Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lbw553jnDXuG08IZ43Kb5

💡Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@innovativeschoolspodcast

S3:E3 - 50 Outside-the-Box Strategies on How to Reduce Absenteeism

AccuTrain Corporation — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Recorded at the Innovative Schools Summit (San Antonio, Dec 2025), Kevin facilitates a rapid 50 in 50 panel where five experts share 50 practical ideas to boost attendance. The big message: Attendance is a culture signal—improve belonging, remove barriers, and make school worth showing up for.

👥 Featured Speakers

Charles Williams - Previously a CPS administrator & founder of C.W. Consulting, with 20 years of Classroom Experience

Dr. Darren Pepperd - 26 years in education, Lead Innovator for Road to Awesome

Sharon Bradley - 25 years in education, Principal and educator consultant, founder of Restorative Flow Educational Solutions

Moses Oheda - 32 years in education, leads a 13 CT program school

Dr. Tracey Severns - Nationally Recognized Education Strategist & Founder of Teach4Results, with over 36 years in education

🧠 Key Takeaways

✔️ Reframe the language: move from “truant/chronically absent” to “students who need belonging and support.”

✔️ Relationships drive attendance: connect every student to trusted adults, peers, and activities.

✔️ Remove obstacles that make attendance difficult—by addressing basic needs and eliminating school practices that unintentionally discourage students from returning.

✔️ Make it visible + motivating: set realistic goals (not “perfect”), track progress, celebrate consistently.

✔️ Reduce reentry shame: welcome-back routines and catch-up systems help students return without feeling overwhelmed.

💬 Memorable Quotes

🗣️“Perfect is demoralizing.”

🗣️“Do not be the reason why a child chooses not to come to school.”

🗣️“Attendance is a symptom of your culture.”

🗣️“The goal is not to get kids to court. The goal is to get kids to class.”

🗣️“If our instruction is not relevant… why do they need to be there?”

🎯 51 Strategies for School Leaders and Staff to Address Absenteeism

Reframe labels around absenteeism (belonging vs. truancy)
Second-mile service welcome language
Build intentional school connectedness
Family–student attendance conferences
Shadow a student for a full day
Walking school bus programs
Set realistic attendance goals (not perfect attendance)
Eliminate exclusionary practices as attendance barriers
Industry partners reinforcing attendance expectations
Question-storming instead of brainstorming
Family breakfast club
Front-of-the-line lunch incentives
Positive phone calls before attendance concerns
Attendance-based trip cost incentives
Re-entry bridge supports
Peer “we missed you” messages
Make instruction require physical presence
Teach life routines that support attendance
Student input committees on attendance
Barrier-buster rapid response teams
Community school supports (laundry, food, haircuts)
Academic and attendance pep rallies
Teach test-day coping skills
Flexible scheduling
Attendance ambassadors (older students)
Welcome-back stations
Monthly recognition events
Attendance messaging at school events
Surprise recognition for consistent attendance
Multiple adult mentors for high-risk students
On-site health clinics
Visible attendance scoreboards
Grade-level attendance competitions
Incentives tied to classroom attendance
Incentivize Parents
Partner with Your Community
Pop-up Privileges
Random Surprises
Daily adult check-ins
Morning movie club
Leadership Program
Jazz-up Morning Announcements
Level-up
Ask the students
Reimagine parent attendance forums
Allow parents to share strategies with each other
Do a MOLOSA
5 Essentials
Attendance Culture
Attendance collaborative teams
Predictive attendance pattern analysis

📚 Resources and Links

🔗 Join us at the next Innovative Schools Summit at www.innovativeschoolssummit.com

❤️ Love This Episode?

✅ Share it with a fellow educator!
⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show

💬 Join the Conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting!

💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/

💡Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943

💡Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lbw553jnDXuG08IZ43Kb5

💡Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@innovativeschoolspodcast

S3:E2 - Listening to the Signals of Teacher Burnout w/ Kim Johancen

AccuTrain Corporation — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Will and Jordan sit down with therapist and former school-based counselor Kim Johancen to define teacher burnout and explain why it isn’t a personal flaw—it’s a human nervous-system response to chronic stress. Kim walks through the early warning signs educators often miss, then shifts into realistic ways to respond, recover, and prevent burnout by building small, sustainable regulation habits and stronger boundaries, along with encouragement and clear signs that healing is happening.

🔑 Key Takeaways

✔️ Burnout is a signal, not a failure—your body is telling you things are out of balance.

✔️ Chronic stress can push the brain into survival mode, which changes how we think and feel.

✔️ Everyone’s burnout looks different, but early awareness makes recovery easier.

✔️ Small, consistent practices can be more effective than waiting for one big “fix.”

✔️ Boundaries and support systems are essential for long-term sustainability in education.

💬 Memorable Quotes

🗣️ “Burnout is a nudge to get back into balance.”

🗣️ “It’s a stress response, not a personal flaw.”

🗣️ “Your experience is valid—and there’s nothing wrong with you.”

🗣️ “Burnout is about disconnection.”

🗣️ “Stress is a normal human response… and you’re not alone.”

🧠 Strategies You’ll Learn

How to recognize early burnout signs (physical, emotional, and behavioral)
Why micro-moments of regulation throughout the day matter
How mindfulness and “orienting” can help your brain return to safety
Ways to build resilience without pretending stress doesn’t exist
How to set healthier boundaries—personally and system-wide

➕ Additional Practices

Create a small “reset routine” you can repeat during the day
Pay attention to what improves your mood and energy—and do more of it
Talk with colleagues about burnout openly to share tools and reduce isolation
Advocate for simple boundary norms that protect staff time
Track progress by watching for increased gratitude, clearer limits, and a return of joy

📚 Resources and Links

🔗 Kim Johancen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-johancen-03413842?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name

🔗 Kim Johancen Website: https://www.clearviewcounselingdenver.com/contact

❤️ Love This Episode?

✅ Share it with a fellow educator!
⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show

💬 Join the Conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting!

💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/

💡Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943

💡Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lbw553jnDXuG08IZ43Kb5

💡Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@innovativeschoolspodcast

S3:E1 - Build Academic Growth with Emotional Intelligence w/ Dr. Brian Dinkins

AccuTrain Corporation — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0500

In this season three premiere episode, Will and Jordan sit down with Dr. Brian Dinkins to explore why emotional intelligence is foundational to learning, leadership, and school culture. Drawing from his experience as an educator, principal, and leadership coach, Brian explains how emotions shape behavior, relationships, and academic success—and why regulation must start with adults before it can reach students. This conversation blends research, real stories, and practical strategies educators can use immediately.

🔑 Key Takeaways

✔️ Emotional intelligence is a skill set, not a personality trait.

✔️ Dysregulated adults cannot regulate dysregulated students.

✔️ Learning cannot happen without emotional safety.

✔️ Self-awareness is the starting point for all effective instruction.

✔️ School culture improves when emotional regulation becomes a shared commitment.

💬 Memorable Quotes

🗣️ “You can’t teach a dysregulated brain.”

🗣️ “Emotions aren’t good or bad—they’re information.”

🗣️ “I’ve never seen a dysregulated adult regulate a dysregulated child.”

🗣️ “Kids remember how you made them feel long after the lesson is gone.”

🧠 Strategies You’ll Learn

Daily emotional self-checks for educators
Building emotional vocabulary beyond “fine” or “good.”
Helping students identify and regulate emotions
Using body language and cues to read student readiness
Creating emotional deposits before making behavioral withdrawals

👁️‍🗨️ Additional Practices

Greet students with nonverbal emotional check-ins
Use color or visuals to help students name emotions
Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and self-care for staff
Establish shared emotional commitments schoolwide
Coach adults in real time—not after breakdowns

📚 Resources and Links

🔗 Dr. Brian Dinkins Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbdinkins/?hl=en

🔗 Want Dr. Brian Dinkins to come to your school?

Visit: https://accutrain.com/emotional-intelligent-practices/

❤️ Love This Episode?

✅ Share it with a fellow educator!
⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show

💬 Join the Conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting!

💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/

💡 Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943
💡 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lbw553jnDXuG08IZ43Kb5
💡 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@innovativeschoolspodcast

S2:E10 - Strengthening School Climate & Culture w/ Steve Bollar

AccuTrain Corporation — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Jordan sits down with school culture expert Steve Bollar (“Stand Tall Steve”) to share simple, but powerful strategies that help every student, staff member, and family feel seen, valued, and connected. These ideas require minimal effort but generate major impact—especially when repeated intentionally throughout the year.

Whether you're a principal, teacher, or district leader, this conversation delivers actionable tools you can use tomorrow to build the positive climate and culture your school deserves.

🔑 Key Takeaways

✔️ Culture is built through repetition—not slogans.

Climate is what people feel the moment they enter a school. Culture is what people repeat until it becomes tradition.

✔️ Being seen is the root of all positive culture.

Every idea Steve shares ultimately comes down to visibility—students, staff, families, and community members feeling acknowledged and valued.

✔️ Growth must be recognized—not just high achievement.

Recognition tied to improvement (not perfection) increases motivation for students who are often overlooked.

✔️ Strong schools intentionally engage their community.

Local businesses, younger grades, older grades, and families can all become partners in celebration and connection.

✔️ Support staff are culture drivers—and must be honored.

Paraprofessionals and custodians play major roles in how a school feels. When they are recognized, morale improves across the building.

💬 Memorable Quotes

🗣️ “Repetition creates tradition. Tradition is culture.” —Steve Bollar

🗣️ “Find a way to let people be seen—from students, to staff, to families.”

🗣️ “Some kids work incredibly hard even if they never get straight A’s—recognize their growth.”

🗣️ “Take the time to build community connections. Students and families should feel supported inside and outside of school.”

🗣️ “It doesn’t take a lot of effort—just a little bit done consistently.” —Steve Bollar

🧠 Strategies You’ll Learn

Change Your Name / Show Up With Your Name

A simple visibility strategy: allow students or staff to rename how they want to be known—encouraging identity, confidence, and belonging.

“Be Seen” Moments

Everything from recognition to support to one-on-one check-ins—Steve emphasizes the importance of intentionally affirming people at every level.

Comeback Kid Recognition System

Celebrate any student who improves a grade letter or grows academically in any measurable way. Examples include: F → D, D → C, C → B, B → A. This system reinforces progress, effort, and resilience—not just perfection.

Community Connection Certificates

Partner with local businesses (Steve used pizza shops) to reward student growth and achievement, like Honor Roll, Comeback Kid, GPA improvement, or even Behavior improvements
Businesses display a certificate saying they support your students, while students/families receive coupons or rewards. It can boost motivation, community pride, and even family engagement. Steve also recommends building traditions like Trunk-or-Treat, high schoolers mentoring younger grades, and student service activities.

Support Staff Spotlights

Custodian Recognition Frames: Place framed hallway plaques reading: “This hallway professionally maintained by…”
This brings dignity, visibility, and appreciation to custodial staff.
Paraprofessional Supply Locker: Fill a private supply locker with pencils, post-its, pens, rulers, erasers, etc.

👁️‍🗨️Additional Practices

First Five, Last Five – Focus on the first and last moments of class/day to shape emotional climate and connection.
Staff Visibility Plan – Increase adult presence in key areas to boost safety, relationships, and positive tone.
Student Spotlight Board – Highlight students weekly for kindness, growth, leadership, or effort—not just academics.
No-Homework / Family Connection Night – Replace homework with meaningful family activities once a month.
Staff Shoutout System – Create a simple way for staff to leave anonymous praise for one another.
30-Second Celebrations – Quickly acknowledge student wins with short, sincere moments of recognition.

📚 Resources and Links

🔗 Steve Bollar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/standtallsteve/

🔗 Steve Bollar book: “Ideas Ideas Ideas”: https://youthlight.com/product.php?id=3521

🔗 Steve Bollar Website: https://www.standtallsteve.com/

❤️ Love This Episode?

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⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show

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💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/

💡Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943

💡Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lbw553jnDXuG08IZ43Kb5

💡Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@innovativeschoolspodcast

S2:E9 - Clear Is Kind w/ Dr. LaQuanta Nelson

AccuTrain Corporation — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast, Liz and Will sit down with Dr. LaQuanta Nelson to explore the power of clarity, communication, and presence in schools. Through stories, metaphors, and leadership insights, Dr. Nelson explains how clear communication sets direction, removes confusion, protects culture, and strengthens relationships. She unpacks her philosophy that “clear is kind,” shows how unclear messaging creates conflict and chaos, and reframes conflict itself as an opportunity for clarity, commitment, and better solutions.
She also shares concrete leadership habits—being “where your feet are planted,” using language that lifts, celebrating students in real time, and becoming “makers of moments” who create unforgettable experiences in classrooms and schools. The episode closes with actionable steps teachers and administrators can start using tomorrow to transform their communication.

🔑 Key Takeaways

✔️ Clear communication prevents chaos and protects culture
When leaders or teachers leave gaps, people naturally fill them—with assumptions, negativity, and confusion.

✔️ “Clear is kind”
Borrowing from Brené Brown, Dr. Nelson reminds us that clarity is an act of kindness that prevents hurt, misinterpretation, and unnecessary conflict.

✔️ Conflict isn’t bad — it’s an opportunity
Handled well, conflict clarifies expectations, strengthens commitment, and brings more voices to the table for better solutions.

✔️ Presence is essential to leadership
You have to train your brain to slow down. Being fully present “where your feet are planted” is what allows you to create magic with students and staff.

✔️ Be makers of moments
Small intentional actions—like calling students to the atrium to celebrate reading or letting a student teach—can shape memories and identities for decades.

✔️ Communication is more than words
Your tone, energy, posture, body language, and emotional presence are communicating long before you say anything.

✔️ Your words echo long after the moment
Dr. Nelson’s “parrot on your shoulder” metaphor pushes educators to consider what people replay in their minds after conversations.

✔️ Great communication is uplifting and honest
Feedback can be clear, specific, and truthful while still affirming, respectful, and hopeful.

💬 Memorable Quotes

🗣️ “Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.”
🗣️ “When we leave these voids in communication, confusion will fill it.”
🗣️ “Conflict is an opportunity — not a problem.”
🗣️ “Be where your feet are planted.”
🗣️ “You’ve got to be in the moment to make the magic happen.”
🗣️ “Your people hear your voice in their heads long after you stop talking.”
🗣️ “Two truths can exist at the same time.”
🗣️ “What gets measured gets done.”
🗣️ “Be impeccable with your words.”
🗣️ “You can apologize for what you say, but the imprint remains.”

🧠 Strategies You’ll Learn

1. Setting Clear Expectations Like a GPS

Activate prior knowledge at the start of every lesson or meeting.
Clearly communicate where you’re going today—and why it matters.
Revisit the vision regularly so everyone knows the destination.

2. Building Multi-Lane Communication

Create safe “lanes” for students, staff, and families to share their perspectives.
Treat communication as two-, three-, or four-way, not top-down.
Use exemplars to show what “excellent teaching and learning” actually looks and sounds like.

3. Reframing Conflict in Your School

View conflict as a signal that clarity is needed, not a personal attack.
Use conflict moments to clarify goals, expectations, and commitments.
Invite multiple perspectives so solutions reflect the real experience of students, staff, and families.

4. Practicing Presence in Leadership and Teaching

Train your mind to slow down and be where your feet are planted.
Notice when your brain is 3–5 steps ahead of the moment and gently bring it back.
Listen fully before planning your response or the “next thing.”

5. Becoming a “Maker of Moments”

Use small, intentional celebrations (like a 10-minute reading recognition) to reinforce what you value.
Let students lead when they’re ready—“tag, you’re it”—and switch roles in the classroom.
Connect fun, memorable experiences directly to learning targets and long-term goals.

6. Using Uplifting Yet Honest Language

Pair honesty with hope: be transparent and encouraging.
Offer specific, actionable feedback instead of vague criticism.
Remember: your words become the internal soundtrack students and staff replay.

7. Checking Your Presence and Energy

Reflect regularly: How am I showing up—body language, facial expressions, tone?
Notice when your posture or energy communicates more than your words.
Ask yourself: “If someone wore a parrot on their shoulder and repeated my words, would I be proud of what it says?”

👁️‍🗨️ Additional Practices

1. Start Lessons with the “GPS Check”

What do students already know?
Where are we going today?
Why does it matter?

2. Build a Routine of Daily Micro-Celebrations

Quick announcements over the intercom.
Mini shout-outs in class or staff meetings.
30-second acknowledgments that say “I see you.”

3. Use the “Parrot Test”

Before speaking, imagine a parrot repeating your words to someone else later.
Would you still say it the same way?
Would you want your students or staff to replay this all day?

4. Schedule Presence Pauses

Set small reminders to slow down, breathe, and return to where your feet are planted.
Use transitions (bell rings, passing periods, before meetings) as presence resets.

5. Practice Clarity Checks
Ask regularly:

“What did you hear me say?”
“What does this look like in practice?”
“What questions do you still have?”

6. Normalize Multiple Perspectives

Intentionally invite student, teacher, and parent voices into decisions.
Acknowledge that two truths can exist at the same time.

7. Turn Confusion into Exemplars

When expectations aren’t met, create models, samples, and examples of what “great” looks like.
Use walkthroughs, video examples, or student work samples as clarity tools.

8. Use Conflict to Strengthen Commitment
In moments of disagreement, ask:

“What are you seeing that I may be missing?”
“What outcome are we both trying to reach?”

📚 Resources and Links

Connect with Dr. LaQuanta Nelson (The BOSSEducator):

🔗 Facebook: @TheBOSSEducator

🔗 X: @DrLNelson

🔗 LinkedIn: @TheBOSSEducator

🔗 TikTok: @thebosseducator_

S2:E8 - The Science of Reading w/ Korey Collins

AccuTrain Corporation — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0500

On this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast, Jordan and Liz sit down with Korey Collins, literacy teacher at the Ron Clark Academy, to dive deep into literacy, vocabulary, and the science of reading. Korey shares his personal journey into reading, explains why literacy rates are tied so closely to student success, and unpacks research-based practices that educators can apply in every classroom. From gestures that make words stick to the importance of reading aloud at home to breaking down words morphologically, Korey provides both urgency and practical strategies for boosting literacy across subjects.

🔑Key Takeaways

✔️ Literacy is foundational: It cuts across every subject and impacts life outcomes far beyond school.
✔️ Early experiences matter: Positive associations with books (being read to, seeing family members read) shape children’s attitudes toward literacy.
✔️ Screen culture is a barrier: Overexposure to tech conditions kids for stimulation, making sustained reading more difficult.
✔️ Science of Reading is research, not a curriculum: Educators must align practices with proven cognitive and linguistic research.
✔️ Vocabulary drives comprehension: Explicit word instruction, visuals, and kinesthetic gestures help words stick.
✔️ Morphology unlocks meaning: Teaching roots, prefixes, and suffixes makes English more predictable and empowers students as readers, writers, and spellers.
✔️ Literacy is a collective responsibility: Reading instruction doesn’t live only in ELA—science, history, art, and even gym can reinforce word learning.

💬Memorable Quotes

🗣️ “Literacy transcends every piece of life—doctor, mechanic, even fixing the ice cream machine at McDonald’s, you’ll need to read something.”

🗣️ “We can’t just put books in front of kids and expect them to magically learn to read.”

🗣️ “Spelling’s job is to convey meaning, not just sound.”
🗣️ “Every single word has an explanation—English is more predictable than we think.”

🗣️ “If kids aren’t reading every single day, we’re not going to move the needle like we should.”

🧠 Strategies You’ll Learn

Vocabulary Routines
- Students repeat words aloud for pronunciation.
- Use student-friendly definitions (not dictionary jargon).
- Pair with visuals that connect to current culture or student interests.
- Attach a gesture/kinesthetic movement to every word.
- Reinforce with connected texts containing target words.
Morphological Instruction
- Teach prefixes, suffixes, and roots (e.g., cred = believe, phon = sound).
- Show how spelling conveys meaning across word families (e.g., sign, signal, signature).
- Replace rote memorization lists with morphology-based word study.
Cross-Curricular Vocabulary Ownership
- Collaborate with science, art, and history teachers to use consistent strategies (gestures, explicit teaching) for content-specific words.
- Ensure students encounter the same word in multiple contexts.
Reading Aloud & Modeling
- Teachers and family members (including fathers and grandparents) should read aloud often to normalize and celebrate reading.
- Use read-alouds not only in early grades but also with older students.

👁️‍🗨️ Additional Practices

Daily Independent Reading: Treat reading like a muscle—students need daily practice with authentic texts.
Fact-Checking & Bias Lessons: Use articles with opposing viewpoints to help students evaluate sources.
Kinesthetic Recall in Testing: Encourage students to use gestures quietly when recalling vocabulary during assessments.
Literacy Beyond ELA: Remind staff that science and social studies texts contribute heavily to standardized test comprehension.
Family Engagement: Share simple at-home routines (bedtime stories, library visits, reading aloud during meals).
Early Intervention Idea: Hospitals and pediatricians could provide book packs and coaching for new parents to instill reading habits from birth.

📚 Resources and Links

🔗 Korey Collins Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heykoreycollins/?hl=en

🔗 Korey Collins X: https://x.com/heykoreycollins?lang=en

❤️ Love This Episode?

✅ Share it with a fellow educator!
⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show

💬 Join the Conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting!

💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/

💡 Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943
💡 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lbw553jnDXuG08IZ43Kb5
💡 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@innovativeschoolspodcast

S2:E7 - 50 Strategies to Engage At-Risk Students

AccuTrain Corporation — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

This special “50-in-50” panel was recorded live at the Innovative Schools Summit in Las Vegas (2025) and moderated by Kevin Stewart from the Innovative Schools Summit team.

👥 Featured Speakers

Ernesto Mejia – CoolSpeak family member and motivational educator
Charles Williams – CPS administrator & founder of C.W. Consulting
Jobi Lawrence – Director of Product Development & Strategic Partnerships, UCLA Crest
Connie Hamilton – Author, consultant, and former teacher, principal, and curriculum director
Tracie Berry-McGhee – Founder of the I Define Me Movement, focusing on girl empowerment

🧠 Key Takeaways

✔️ “At-risk” is a label, not a destiny—reframe it as “promise scholars” or “students of potential.”

✔️ Connection precedes instruction. Build authentic relationships before focusing on academics.

✔️ Engagement thrives when students have voice, choice, and purpose in their learning.

✔️ Real-world relevance, creativity, and emotional safety are essential for classroom belonging.

✔️ Family and community partnerships are critical for sustained student success.

💬 Memorable Quotes from the Episode

🗣️“No one rises to low expectations.”
🗣️“Stop calling them at-risk unless they introduce themselves that way.”
🗣️“Use your story as a mirror, not a spotlight.”
🗣️“Our students can’t be what they can’t see—create experiences, not just field trips.”
🗣️“Normalize under-committing. Students don’t have to be 100% sure to participate.”
🗣️“If you want to engage your classroom, read the room’s energy first.”
🗣️“Don’t teach at students—let them teach you what they love.”

🎯 50 Strategies to Engage At-Risk Students

00:00 - Intro

02:11 - Stop calling them “at-risk”

02:45 - Shadow their futureselves

03:23 - The Two-by-Ten Strategy

04:16 - Hire your students as consultants

04:43 - Lyric Therapy

05:05 - Create a Fix-It File

05:40 - Silent Graffiti Wall

06:24 - Hyper-Local Real World Problem Labs

07:09 - Use your story as a mirror, not a spotlight

07:57 - Ask-Me-Anything Box

08:44 - Home Visits & Phone-a-Family Fridays

09:35 - Backstage Passes

10:30 - Create a No-Judgment Zone

10:55 - Create a Game Lab

11:28 - Real-Talk Exit Tickets

11:57 - Relevance Challenge

12:33 - Stop asking “What do you want to be?”

13:14 - Change Field Trips into Experiences

14:02 - Podcast Their Passion

14:44 - Pre-Teaching instead of Re-Teaching

15:38 - Week of Mindfulness

16:44 - Normalize Under-Committing

17:45 - Create-a-Class Challenge

18:47 - Choose-Your-Own Detention (or Consequence)

19:45 - Teacher Trading Cards & Life-Skills Challenges

20:33 - Replace Homework with Home Impact

21:20 - Give-Back Projects

22:28 - Tattoo Summary

23:10 - Paint What You Can’t Say Day

23:39 - Gamify a Worksheet

24:25 - Vision Boards / Future-Me Fridays
25:29 - Build a Personal Brand Portfolio

26:12 - Read the Classroom’s Energy

27:35 - Let Students Teach You

28:30 - Time-Capsule Letters

29:29 - Encouragement & Celebration Envelopes

30:29 - Prescriptions for the Soul

31:03 - Low-Stakes Quizzes

31:59 - Whisper Help Desk

32:58 - Enroll the Family

34:00 - Discover Intrinsic Motivation (The “Three Whys”)

35:10 - AI Mentorship

36:06 - Shadow a Student

37:18 - Kick the “I Don’t Know” Bucket

38:34 - Dear Little Sister / Dear Little Brother Letters

39:28 - Celebrate Questions, Don’t Shame Them

40:27 - Level Up Academic Language

41:34 - Redefine “At-Risk”

42:21 - Don’t Assume Family Dynamics

43:34 Outro / Innovative Schools Summit

📚 Resources and Links

🔗 Learn more about the Innovative Schools Summit at www.innovativeschoolssummit.com

❤️ Love This Episode?

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⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show

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💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/

💡Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943

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S2:E6 - Leadership, Attitude & Self-Reflection w/ Baruti Kafele

AccuTrain Corporation — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast, Jordan and Will sit down with Principal Baruti Kafele—educator, author of 14 books, and national education leader—to discuss the journey from classroom teacher to principal to renowned speaker. With over 35 years in education and more than 3,000 presentations, Principal Kafele shares his philosophy of self-reflection, attitude, and leadership. From starting as a fifth-grade teacher in Brooklyn to transforming schools as a principal to launching the AP & New Principals Academy, he emphasizes being "comfortable with being uncomfortable" as the foundation of growth.

🔑 Key Takeaways

✔️ Attitude before achievement: Changing student and staff mindsets creates conditions where achievement follows naturally.
✔️ Leadership is visible everywhere: The culture, cleanliness, energy, and interactions in a school all reflect its leadership.
✔️ Self-reflection is non-negotiable: Educators must analyze their own "game film" daily to improve incrementally.
✔️ Instructional leadership matters most: Principals can’t hide behind paperwork—coaching teachers is the core of school leadership.
✔️ Never stop growing: Comfort halts progress; discomfort sparks innovation and impact.
✔️ Legacy of influence: Great leaders create schools where students and teachers believe in themselves and each other.

💬 Memorable Quotes

🗣️ "If I can change the attitude, the achievement will take care of itself."

🗣️ "Leadership is everything that happens in a school—even the graffiti in the bathroom."

🗣️ "Be comfortable with being uncomfortable, and uncomfortable with being comfortable."

🗣️ "Your leadership is the number one determinant of the success or failure of your school."

🗣️ "When I visit a school, I want to see the leadership without seeing the leader."

🗣️ "Bring your best self every time—you never know when your opportunity will knock."

🧠 Strategies You’ll Learn

The Mirror Method
- Daily self-reflection: What went well? What didn’t?
- Brutal honesty in self-assessment.
- Write goals and adjustments for tomorrow.
- Preserve longevity through intentional self-care.
Closing the Attitude Gap
- Define it for students: will to achieve vs. lack of will.
- Define it for staff: educators striving to be excellent vs. those who don’t.
- Shift attitudes first—achievement will follow.
Instructional Leadership in Action
- Be in classrooms consistently, not just during evaluations.
- Coach teachers like athletes are coached—daily, consistently, relentlessly.
- Remember: observation ≠ coaching.
Building Visible Leadership
- Greet every student at the door.
- Launch each day with a morning message.
- Ensure custodial, front office, and culture details align with high expectations.
Creating Discomfort for Growth
- Push beyond familiar routines.
- Model vulnerability and willingness to stretch.
- Encourage staff to embrace challenges and risk-taking.

👁️‍🗨️Additional Practices

Daily Journaling: Write reflections and goals tied to your mirror practice.
Principal Walkthroughs: Roam the building intentionally, noticing culture cues.
Staff Buy-In: Anchor staff meetings around attitude, self-reflection, and growth.
Mentorship for Leaders: Participate in or create accountability partnerships for principals and APs.
Community Connection: Anchor school culture in authentic relationships with students and families.
Leadership Mindset: Remember—leadership is not a title, it’s a mindset shown in every detail of a school.

📚 Resources and Links

🔗 Principal Baruti Kafele’s website: https://principalkafele.com/

🔗 AP & New Principals Academy: https://www.youtube.com/c/VirtualAPLeadershipAcademy

🔗 Principal Baruti Kafele Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principalkafele/?hl=en

❤️ Love This Episode?

✅ Share it with a fellow educator!
⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show

💬 Join the Conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting!

💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/

💡Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943

💡Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lbw553jnDXuG08IZ43Kb5

💡Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@innovativeschoolspodcast

S2:E5 - Digital Heroin w/ Katie Kinder

AccuTrain Corporation — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Instructional coach, author, and PD presenter Katie Kinder joins Will and Liz to unpack the phrase “digital heroin”—how excessive screen time can dysregulate kids, erode attention, and crowd out real-world learning. Katie argues for balance: leverage powerful tools like AI with clear boundaries, then deliberately pivot to paper-and-pen, dialogue, and play. She shares classroom moves and home routines that rebuild focus, language, and social skills.

🔑 Key Takeaways

✔️ Balance over ban: Tech and AI are valuable when used with intent, not as default entertainment or digital worksheets.

✔️ Explain the “why”: Students comply more when they understand how devices affect learning and why boundaries exist.

✔️ Paper boosts retention: Handwriting notes/assignments tends to support long-term memory better than typing on devices.

✔️ Teach talk, not just tasks: Structured dialogue (e.g., Socratic seminar) grows executive function, empathy, and academic language.

✔️ Start early at home: Simple routines—like three tech-free family meals per week—can meaningfully support developing brains.

✔️ Model digital citizenship: Have students compare sources, spot bias, and understand online permanence/consequences.

✔️ Support “baby teachers”: New educators need concrete procedures and engaging plans to avoid relying on screens.

💬 Memorable Quotes

🗣️ “Our kids are growing up in a digital playground—and no one’s on recess duty.”

🗣️ “Putting a worksheet on an iPad isn’t innovative—it’s still a worksheet.”

🗣️ “If you’re getting dumber in my presence, how could I sleep at night?”

🗣️ “Teach kids to say, ‘I respectfully disagree—and here’s why.’”

🗣️ “We’re not anti-tech—we’re pro-intentionality.”

🧠 Strategies You’ll Learn

Boundaries with a Why
- Begin the year by annotating short, age-appropriate articles on attention, screens, and learning.
- Post a one-pager: “Phones away because…” (attention, memory, community).
Socratic Seminar, Scaffolded
- Prework: students draft level-3/4 questions.
- In-room norms: “I respectfully disagree…,” “I insist that you go first.”
- Participation target: each student contributes 3 times; the teacher tracks with a simple checklist.
Speed Discussions (3-minute rounds)
- Pairs rotate; handshakes, eye contact, and academic stems are required.
- Gradually lengthen time and complexity.
Paper-First for Core Thinking
- Notes, outlines, and draft writing by hand; devices for research, drafting, and collaboration afterward.
Purposeful AI Use
- Teacher prep: Use tools (e.g., Slides add-ons, quiz generators) to save time.
- Student use: brainstorm, outline, and compare AI outputs—then verify sources and revise.
Hands-On Alternatives
- Math on sidewalk chalk, physical puzzles in primary grades, gallery walks, manipulatives, and making.
Phone-Free Routines
- Clear signals (e.g., “bell-to-bell phone park”), visible storage, and consistent follow-through.

👁️‍🗨️ Additional Practices

Conversation Starters Jar (home or advisory): quick prompts to build language and reflection during tech-free meals or circles.
Bias Detective mini-lesson: bring two short articles with opposite claims; have students investigate author, funding, and intent.
Online Footprint Case Studies: analyze real examples of posts that resurfaced and discuss “future-proof” posting habits.
Detox Moments: plan micro-breaks—2–3 minutes of movement, breathing, or peer talk between device tasks.
Parent Communication: share a one-page guide: “3 Family Habits to Balance Tech This Month” (meals, bedtime charging station, weekend outdoor challenge).
Staff PD Sprint: 30-minute share-out of one AI tool that saved planning time + one low-tech engagement move that same week.

📚 Resources and Links

🔗 Katie Kinder Website: https://katie-kinder.com/

🔗 Katie Kinder Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untoldteachingtruths/?hl=en

❤️ Love This Episode?

✅ Share it with a fellow educator!
⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show

💬 Join the Conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting!

💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/

💡 Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943

💡 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lbw553jnDXuG08IZ43Kb5

💡 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@innovativeschoolspodcast

S2:E4 - The Power of Family Engagement w/ Ernesto Mejia

AccuTrain Corporation — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Hosts Will and Jordan talk with Ernesto Mejia (CoolSpeak) about moving from family involvement to true engagement. Ernesto shares why relationships—not just meetings—unlock student success, how to remove barriers for busy or multilingual families, and practical, low-cost ways schools can make engagement fun, inclusive and sustainable across all grade levels.

🔑 Key Takeaways

✔️ Involvement ≠ Engagement: Attendance is not the goal—relationship-building is.
✔️ Lead with positives: Routine positive phone calls build trust for tougher conversations later.

✔️ Meet families where they are: Consider work schedules, language, tech comfort, and transportation.

✔️ If it could be an email, it’s not engagement: Use meetings for interaction, not one-way info dumps.

✔️ The “Golden Triangle”: Students + caregivers + school staff working together multiplies impact.
✔️ Hybrid wins: Pair short videos/virtual touchpoints with purposeful in-person experiences.
✔️ Talk like humans: Replace acronyms with needs-based titles (e.g., “How to Pay for College” vs. “FAFSA Night”).

✔️ Iterate boldly: Try, learn, and improve—stop doing the same meeting and expecting new results.

💬 Memorable Quotes

🗣️“If it could have been an email, it’s not family engagement.”

🗣️“Don’t ask of families without giving first.”
🗣️“Once we become professionals at failing, we’ll become excellent at succeeding.”

🗣️“The Golden Triangle—students, families, and schools—raises the odds of success.”

🧠 Strategies You’ll Learn

Design for engagement: Turn info into activities (e.g., app sign-up stations, bingo cards that require conversations, quick wins families complete on-site).
Make it positive & predictable: Schedule “good news” calls/texts every 4–8 weeks per student.
Reframe events: Rename with outcomes families actually want (“Paying for College,” “Launch Your Trade Career,” “Math Night: Parent–Student Challenges”).
Use hybrid formats: 2–3 minute explainer videos or student-made TikToks/podcasts for info; in-person for relationship building.
Activate internal talent: Students as media teams; staff who excel at MC’ing, Canva, or social lead segments.
Culturally responsive touches: Bilingual messaging, name pronunciation, student/family voice at the mic.

👁️‍🗨️ Additional Practices

Family History Quiz: Send home 5–7 prompts (e.g., “What were you like at my age?”) to deepen connection and surface college/career insights.
Golden Triangle Nights: Plan events that include students, caregivers, and multiple school roles (e.g., bonfire/info night, club fair + mini-workshops).
Earned Incentives (no extra budget): Priority access to giveaways (backpacks, supplies) for families who volunteer or attend 2–3 events.
Two-Solutions Rule: When a barrier arises (“Families aren’t coming”), require two tested solutions before the next meeting.
Show Up First: Short personalized video/text to caregivers (or quick sideline/church/park hello) before asking them to come to you.
Rename & Clarify: Ban unexplained acronyms on flyers; add “What you’ll get” bullets to every invite.
Short, Shareable Media: Weekly 60–120 sec student-hosted update or 10-minute podcast for caregivers’ commutes.
Positive Mail Drop: Occasional postcard home celebrating a specific behavior or contribution.
On-Ramp Stations: At events, set up guided stations (log into the app, send a test message, complete one career/FAFSA step).
Feedback that Works: Replace broad surveys with 3-question, QR-based pulse checks at the door and exit.

📚 Resources and Links

🔗 CoolSpeak: https://coolspeak.com/youth-motivational-speakers/ernesto-mejia/

🔗 Ernesto Mejia’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ernmejia/?hl=en

🔗 Check out Ernesto at the next Innovative Schools Summit: https://innovativeschoolssummit.com/san-antonio

❤️ Love This Episode?

✅ Share it with a fellow educator!
⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show

💬 Join the Conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting!

💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/

💡 Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943
💡 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lbw553jnDXuG08IZ43Kb5
💡 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@innovativeschoolspodcast

S2:E3 - JOY in the Classroom w/ Dr. Tracey Severns

AccuTrain Corporation — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast, Jordan and Liz sit down with Dr. Tracey Severns to explore the power of joy, humor, and high expectations in education. Broadcasting from Las Vegas at the Innovative Schools Summit, the conversation blends heartfelt storytelling with practical strategies—unpacking how laughter, connection, and the Warm Demander approach can transform classrooms and leadership spaces alike.

🔑 Key Takeaways

✔️ Joy is Essential, Not Optional: Joy and humor help create memorable learning moments and build stronger relationships.

✔️ Warm Demander Pedagogy: High expectations combined with genuine care help students rise to their full potential.

✔️ The Power of Perspective: Shifting from a witch hunt to a treasure hunt mentality fosters positivity and resilience.

✔️ Productive Struggle Matters: Students need room to fail, persevere, and celebrate real accomplishments.

✔️ Use Humor Wisely: Humor should build up, never tear down—keep it inclusive and appropriate for the audience.

💬 Memorable Quotes

🗣️ “Every day you leave a mark. Is it a scar or a smile?”

🗣️ “Joy is essential, not optional.”

🗣️ “We can do serious work without taking ourselves so seriously.”

🗣️ “High expectations are the greatest compliment you can give anyone.”

🗣️ “Every day, you decide whether to go on a witch hunt or a treasure hunt.”

🧠 Strategies You’ll Learn

Warm Demander in Action: How to combine caring relationships with academic rigor.
Bringing Humor Into Lessons: From student greeters to fun assessments, discover simple ways to add joy.
Handling Struggling Students: Using inquiry and encouragement to keep expectations high while offering support.
Shaping School Narratives: Encouraging staff to share success stories to cultivate a positive culture.
Balancing Humor & Sensitivity: Understanding humor boundaries to keep classrooms safe and welcoming.

👁️‍🗨️ Additional Practices

Start with a Smile: Research shows smiling boosts mood for both teachers and students.
Assign a “Greeter” Role: Let students start class with positivity and warmth.
Celebrate Breakthroughs: Recognize progress, not just outcomes, to build confidence and perseverance.
Lead with Laughter in Meetings: Encourage faculty to share positive or funny moments before diving into business.
Model Resilience: Show students that productive struggle leads to growth and pride.

📚 Resources and Links

🔗 Check out Dr. Tracey Severns’ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Mistakes-Missteps-Missed-Opportunities-Severns/dp/1598502808

🔗 Audio Version: https://www.audible.com/pd/Mistakes-Missteps-Missed-Opportunities-Audiobook/B0FHBK7WVD?qid=1756478962&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=M0PH8XC9NTE53575YJA8&plink=ZGZ0TrM2AwlmHlAy&pageLoadId=gYe3sGWNAVGuxQoP&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1

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⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show

💬 Join the Conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting!

💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/

💡Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943

💡Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lbw553jnDXuG08IZ43Kb5

💡Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@innovativeschoolspodcast

S2:E2 - The Big Picture: A Conversation with Gerry Brooks

AccuTrain Corporation — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this powerful and candid conversation recorded live at the Innovative Schools Summit in Nashville, Kevin sits down with principal-turned-speaker Gerry Brooks. Known for his viral humor and heartfelt wisdom, Gerry shares the turning points that shaped his 27-year journey from classroom teacher to national education influencer. He unpacks the core principles that drive great leadership, school culture, and staff retention—while offering practical advice for both teachers and administrators. Whether you’re leading a district or navigating the classroom, this episode will both challenge and inspire.

🔑 Key Takeaways

✔️ Leadership Begins with Influence: Gerry’s journey shows how one voice—starting with a class of 25—can scale to impact thousands.
✔️ Positive Culture is Intentional: Low staff turnover stems from a supportive, respectful environment—built with purpose.
✔️ Say “Yes” When You Can: A culture of support starts with a willingness to say yes when it matters most.
✔️ You’re Not the Expert at Everything: Great leaders hire to their weaknesses and embrace learning.
✔️ Teachers & Leaders Must Step Outside the Bubble: School-wide decisions can’t just serve one classroom—they must serve the big picture.

💬 Memorable Quotes

🗣️ “We don’t live in a box or a bubble—we live in a big picture.”
🗣️ “You hire to your weaknesses. That’s how great leadership works.”
🗣️ “When the day is done, turn the light switch off and go home.”
🗣️ “What’s best for students is always what’s best for teachers.”
🗣️ “Change your school, your grade level, or your mindset—just don’t stay stuck.”

🧠 Strategies You’ll Learn

How to scale your leadership without losing your core values
Simple ways to retain staff through positive climate and culture
Leading without ego: leveraging others’ strengths and owning your weaknesses
How to communicate with your team—even when you disagree
Creating school-wide policies that actually work for teachers

👁️‍🗨️ Additional Practices

Mentorship Matching: Pair staff based on complementary strengths and weaknesses.
5–7 Year Refresh Rule: Encourage educators to switch grade levels or schools periodically to avoid burnout.
Build “Yes” Culture: Empower school leaders to say yes when possible—especially when supporting staff wellness.
Principal Visibility: Understand and support every department—reading, SPED, science—through active listening and training.
Big Picture Decision-Making: Train staff to think beyond their classroom or department and see the school as a whole system.

🎟️ Want More Gerry?
Catch him live at the Innovative Schools Summit – San Antonio (December 3–6, 2025), alongside other powerhouse educators like Ron Clark, Michael Bonner, and John Almarode.

📍 https://innovativeschoolssummit.com/registration/

📚 Resources and Links

🔗 Gerry Brooks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gerrybrooksprin/?hl=en

❤️ Love This Episode?

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⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show

💬 Join the Conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting!

💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/

💡 Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943
💡 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lbw553jnDXuG08IZ43Kb5
💡 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@innovativeschoolspodcast

S2:E1 - Starting STRONG w/ Michael Bonner

AccuTrain Corporation — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Season 2 of the Innovative Schools Podcast kicks off with a dynamic and encouraging conversation featuring educator and speaker Michael Bonner. With over a decade of classroom experience and a passion for building student relationships, Michael shares how educators can prepare both mentally and practically for the first day of school. From the energy of the first morning to the importance of expectations, systems, and rest, this episode offers inspiration and actionable tools to help teachers of all experience levels start strong and stay grounded.

🔑 Key Takeaways

✔️First Day is Foundational: Set the tone early—students will rise to the energy and expectations you bring.
✔️Balance Fun & Firmness: Joyful classrooms and clear boundaries can—and should—coexist.
✔️Rest is Productive: Stepping away before the school year helps you show up refreshed and fully present.
✔️Systems Create Consistency: Plan responses for both good and challenging behaviors before day one.
✔️Veteran Teachers Lead Culture: Experienced educators should model joy, support, and mentorship.

💬 Memorable Quotes

🗣️ “Progression over perfection. There are going to be lessons that go wrong—but it’s how you respond that matters.”
🗣️ “Students are brilliant. If they can make 14 TikToks a day, they can rise to the expectations you set.”
🗣️ “The first day should feel like magic—it’s not about the syllabus, it’s about setting the tone.”
🗣️ “Rest is productive. Your nervous system needs to learn how to slow down before you ramp up again.”
🗣️ “Life is short. If you’re alive, live—and make the most of this school year.”

🧠 Strategies You'll Learn

How to build an unforgettable first day with music, themes, and interactive rituals
Ways to foster classroom community using creative team-building activities
How to establish behavioral systems that support clarity and consistency
What it looks like to lead with vulnerability and build emotional safety
Why personal care and mental clarity matter just as much as lesson prep

👁️‍🗨️ Additional Practices

Let students co-create a classroom playlist—clean and connection-centered
Begin the year by modeling mental check-ins and healthy emotional expression
Use activities like the “cup tower challenge” to reinforce teamwork and norms
Draft a clear behavior plan: one for rewards, one for consequences
If you’re a veteran, mentor a first-year teacher—they need you more than you know

📚 Resources and Links

🔗 Michael Bonner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelbonner_/

🔗 Connect with Michael Bonner: https://www.michael-bonner.com/
🔗 Michael Bonner's first Day Song:
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/blow-your-mind-single/1137267220
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/20oycBYdnNpNr38eSR7Neu?si=4f2b865c0395417d

🔗 See Michael Bonner at the Innovative Schools Summit: https://innovativeschoolssummit.com/

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⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show

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💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/

S1:E10 - Creating Unforgettable Classroom Moments w/ Steve Spangler

AccuTrain Corporation — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this high-energy, heartfelt season finale, science educator, TV personality, and keynote speaker Steve Spangler joins us live at the Innovative Schools Summit in Orlando to talk about the power of creating experiences in education. From his upbringing in a family of magicians to leading explosive science demonstrations across the country, Steve shares the moments, mentors, and mindset that shaped his approach to teaching. He unpacks how to truly connect with students, inspire curiosity, and bring learning to life—while reminding educators of the vital impact they make every day.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

✔️ Connection is Foundational: Learning doesn’t happen without trust and connection.
✔️ Every Experience Counts: Students remember how you made them feel, not just what you taught.
✔️ Failure is Part of the Journey: Embrace and model failure—it’s essential for innovation.
✔️ Supportive Leadership Matters: Environments that encourage creativity fuel better teaching.
✔️ Rediscovering Joy: Even veteran teachers need to “re-spark” their passion from time to time.

💬 Memorable Quotes

🗣️ “Teaching is about connection first and foremost. If you don’t have that, nothing else matters.”

🗣️ “You don’t connect to students—you connect with them.”

🗣️ “If what you did in the classroom made it to the dinner table, you win.”

🗣️ “Sometimes you’re performing at people. What they need is for you to connect with them.”

🗣️ “Every kid needs three things: a spark, a champion, and someone who supports their cause.”

🧠 Strategies You'll Learn

How to build “experiences” instead of just delivering content
Using curiosity, surprise, and storytelling to enhance lessons
The power of “feigned ignorance” to increase student engagement
Tips for navigating unsupportive administrative environments
How to humanize virtual learning spaces (“humanizing the square”)

👁️‍🗨️ Additional Practices

Make space for student voice—listen for their passions and spark points
Use classroom failures as shared problem-solving opportunities
Involve students in design—“What would you change if we did it again?”
Prioritize relational connection over performance
Reflect often: Are you teaching with students, or at them?

📚 Resources and Links

🔗 Steve Spangler Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevespangler/?hl=en

🔗 Steve Spangler Science Website: Steve Spangler Science

🔗 The Self-Regulation Skill Set for Educators by Brad Chapin – YouthLight.com

❤️ Love This Episode?

✅ Share it with a fellow educator!
⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show

💬 Join the Conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting!

💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/

💡Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943

💡Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lbw553jnDXuG08IZ43Kb5

💡Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@innovativeschoolspodcast

S1:E9 - From Overwhelmed to Empowered w/ Dr. Marquita Blades

AccuTrain Corporation — Tue, 27 May 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this insightful episode, hosts Jordan and Will talk with veteran educator and consultant Dr. Marquita Blades about the promise and pitfalls of Artificial Intelligence in schools. Together, they explore how AI can lighten teacher workloads, boost student engagement, and foster deeper critical thinking when used intentionally. Dr. Blades shares real-world strategies, favorite tools, and how educators can shift from fear to empowerment in a rapidly changing digital world.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

✔️ AI should supplement, not substitute. Teachers must evaluate whether AI enhances or replaces meaningful instruction.
✔️ Demystify AI to prevent misuse. Treat it like Google in the early days—teach how to use it instead of banning it.
✔️ Cheating is not new. Focus should shift to digital citizenship and responsible use, not fear-based avoidance.
✔️ Students need structured guidance. Without clear modeling and purpose, students will misuse or underuse AI tools.
✔️ Start small with automation. Use AI for grading, lesson refreshes, or tailoring content to specific student needs.

💬 Memorable Quotes:

🗣️ “Cheating should be the least of our concerns. Kids have found a way to cheat since the one-room schoolhouse.” – Dr. Marquita Blades

🗣️ “AI is a tool—like a hammer. It can build or destroy. It’s how we use it that matters.”

🗣️ “Demystify AI. When you make it part of the lesson, the obsession fades. And learning begins.” – Dr. Marquita Blades

🗣️ “We must teach AI just like we teach reading or math. It’s a skill students need to learn step by step.” – Dr. Marquita Blades

🧠 Strategies You'll Love:

Prompt with purpose: Ask ChatGPT to adapt lessons for your specific student mix (reading levels, engagement needs).
Student-AI comparisons: Have students input the same prompt into multiple platforms (Gemini, ChatGPT, Perplexity) and analyze results.
Reimagine old lessons: Use AI to refresh outdated curriculum examples or analog materials into modern, engaging content.
Build AI “student rooms” in MagicSchool.ai to guide learners through AI tools without distractions.
Replace one-size-fits-all assignments with AI-supported PBL simulations or scenario-based activities.

👁️‍🗨️ Additional Practices:

Try MagicSchool.ai for automated lesson plans, quizzes, and personalized student tools.
Use Eduaide.ai for generating hands-on, low-tech activities that reintroduce kinesthetic and collaborative learning.
Train students to verify AI outputs—practice sourcing and cross-checking to build research fluency.
Shift AI from novelty to norm. Consistent, transparent integration reduces misuse and increases skill-building.

📚 Resources & Links:

🔗 Website: https://drmarquitablades.com/
🔗 Dr. Marquita’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powarrfulteaching/?hl=en
🔗 Instagram Threads: https://www.threads.com/@powarrfulteaching?xmt=AQF0ok4A67oMHKbzymXEC-ojX8WAsABYZVBrNzXXpfpmUes

🧰 AI Tools Highlighted in the Episode

🔗 ChatGPT

Used for ideation, reimagining lessons, synthesizing feedback, and providing next-step resources for students.
Helps reduce repetitive tasks and create more personalized teaching strategies.

🔗 MagicSchool.ai

Designed specifically for educators with “magic tools” like lesson planners, quiz generators, and YouTube video analyzers.
Allows customization based on student needs and data (e.g., pre-assessment inputs).
Features “ Student Rooms ” and a Tutor Me with AI tool to support student learning in a guided environment.

🔗 Eduaide.ai

Created by a teacher, for teachers.
Supports both high-tech and analog/kinesthetic strategies (e.g., jigsaws, four corners, debates, bingo).
Great for designing student engagement activities that balance screen time with hands-on learning.

🔗 Google Gemini

Used as a point of comparison for AI output analysis.
Encourages students to analyze and evaluate the quality and tone of results across platforms.

🔗 Perplexity.ai

Highlighted for research-focused tasks due to its strong citation features.
Suggested for cross-platform analysis and information verification exercises.

❤️ Love This Episode?

✅ Share it online or with a fellow educator!
⭐ Rate & review to help more teachers find this show!
💬 Join the conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting.

Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/

Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lbw553jnDXuG08IZ43Kb5

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@innovativeschoolspodcast

S1:E8 - Teaching Through Integrated Pathways w/ Megan Diede and Kara Rigsby

AccuTrain Corporation — Tue, 13 May 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jordan speaks with Megan and Kara from IntegratED about how frustration in their own classrooms sparked a powerful shift in teaching practice. They share their journey of reimagining instruction through “Integrated Pathways”—seven dynamic methods that empower both educators and students. From hands-on learning to storytelling and visual arts, they outline a framework that helps teachers engage every learner, without adding more to their plates. Whether you’re a new teacher or a veteran, you’ll leave this episode with strategies to spark student growth and your own professional joy.

🔑 Key Takeaways:
✔️ Integrated teaching is about more than combining content—it’s about connecting with students in meaningful, lasting ways.

✔️ Student engagement must be prioritized over mere compliance or memorization.

✔️ All learners deserve multiple, accessible pathways to understanding, no matter their age or ability.

✔️ Instructional experiences don’t need to be elaborate to be impactful—simple strategies can spark transformation.

✔️ Real-time classroom feedback and purposeful planning fuel lasting growth for both students and educators.

💬 Memorable Quotes

🗣️ “Activities are transactional. Experiences are transformational.” – Steve Spangler
🗣️ “The definition of experience includes the word knowledge—so why wouldn’t we use them in education?” – Kara Rigsby
🗣️ “We weren’t ready to walk away… so we asked, What if we just taught differently?” – Megan Diede

🧠 Strategies You’ll Learn

Integrated Frameworks: How to combine existing standards across subjects into a unified, purposeful experience.
Pathways to Learning: Techniques to deliver content using multiple modes:
- Movement
- Music
- Storytelling
- Visual Arts
- Hands-On Learning
- Technology
- Auditory Learning
Assessment Reinvented: How to use creative student outputs as authentic assessments.
Small Shifts, Big Results: Implementing “mini-experiences” like student-led storytelling or simple measurement activities to increase engagement.

👁️‍🗨️ Additional Practices:

Reflect after each lesson: How did students access the information today?
Start small: Use visual aids, manipulatives, or peer teaching as entry points into integrated learning.
Engage with your students’ strengths: Let them show what they know through art, movement, or story.
Use pathways as differentiation tools—not all students need the same access route to learning.

📚 Resources & Links:

Website: https://www.integratedk12.com/
Follow on Social Media:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/integratedk12/
Book coming soon! ElevatED Educator:
- https://www.integratedk12.com/elevated-educator
- https://www.youthlight.com/browse.php?p=ElevatED+Educator

❤️ Love This Episode?

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⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show

💬 Join the Conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting!

Innovative Schools Podcast Insta: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/innovativeschoolspodcast

S1:E7 - Tears to Triumph: Debbie Silver's Journey Into Education

AccuTrain Corporation — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this deeply personal and often hilarious episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast, Kevin interviews Dr. Debbie Silver, a nationally celebrated educator, author, and speaker. From an accidental start in a rural Louisiana classroom with no curriculum or training, to shaping future teachers and leading national conversations on education, Debbie’s story is one of resilience, humor, and heart. Whether you're struggling to find your place or looking for renewed inspiration, this candid conversation is a reminder that every educator has a story—and every student deserves to be seen.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

✔️ Teaching isn't always planned—but it can be a calling - Debbie’s journey into education started with no intention or training, proving that connection often trumps credentials.
✔️ “You do you, Big!” - Authenticity matters. Every teacher has a unique style that can resonate with different students.
✔️ Grace and flexibility are critical - Education is serious work, but rigid systems and pacing guides often miss the mark. Reframing and resilience are essential tools.
✔️ Culture begins with the teacher - The classroom culture you create echoes in school-wide relationships, expectations, and student engagement.
✔️ Growth over grades - Debbie encourages formative data over summative punishment—meet students where they are and measure growth, not just scores.

💬 Memorable Quotes:

🗣️ “You saw me.” — Tara, Debbie’s former student and now a full colonel

🗣️ “I wasn’t a real teacher. I was a scared girl in a hot classroom full of crying first graders.”

🗣️ “Don’t worry about being me—worry about being the best version of you.”

🗣️ “The job is serious. But don’t take yourself too seriously.”

🗣️ “If you’re passionate about it, the kids will be too.”

👁️‍🗨️ Additional Practices:

Pre-year letters to students: Personal notes that build empathy and connection
Student surveys & learning inventories: Start the year by understanding how your students learn best
Flexible rubrics: Let students choose how to demonstrate mastery
Classroom check-ins: Make eye contact, greet students intentionally, and build trust daily
Community building through storytelling: Use your own journey as a bridge to student engagement

📚 Resources & Links:

🔗 Dr. Debbie Silver website: https://debbiesilver.com/
🔗 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943
🔗 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lbw553jnDXuG08IZ43Kb5?si=61c80af2fd07497d
🔗 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/
🔗 Check out our website: https://accutrain.com/

❤️ Love This Episode?
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⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show
💬 Join the Conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting

S1:E6 - Effecting Change On and Offline w/ Tracie Berry-McGhee

AccuTrain Corporation — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode, hosts Liz and Jordan talk with therapist and educator Tracie Berry-McGhee about the impact of social media on adolescents, particularly how it influences relationships, cyberbullying, and mental health. Tracie shares her work with the Sista Keeper Empowerment Center, explains her innovative Wellness Mobile, and introduces her self-esteem-building LOVE Principles. She emphasizes the need for educators, families, and communities to create safe, empowering environments for young people navigating digital life.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

✔️ Social media is a double-edged sword: it connects but also fuels anxiety, comparison, and relational aggression.
✔️ Cyberbullying doesn't stop at the school doors—it follows students 24/7 and deeply impacts school culture.
✔️ Students are seeking connection, but many feel isolated even while surrounded by followers.
✔️ Middle schoolers are particularly vulnerable to social media's harms due to identity formation and impulsivity.
✔️ Educators can make a huge impact by creating safe spaces, paying attention to non-verbal cues, and encouraging emotional literacy.

💬 Memorable Quotes:

🗣️ “Followers, but no friends—that’s how many of our students feel.”
🗣️ “Your algorithm will find you if you’re being true to yourself.”
🗣️ “We compare ourselves to a highlight reel that isn’t even real.”
🗣️ “You must be a keeper to yourself first before you can be a Sista Keeper.”
🗣️ “Social media isn’t going anywhere. We have to teach kids how to use it as a tool—not be used by it.”

🧠 Strategies You’ll Learn:

The LOVE Principles: A practical framework for students, educators, and parents:

L – Listen: Encourage mindfulness, quiet time, and tuning into inner thoughts and feelings.
O – Observe: Look beyond words—watch non-verbal behavior and shifting moods.
V – Validate: Use affirmations and let students know they are seen, heard, and valued.
E – Empower: Promote self-worth by encouraging originality, not comparison.

👁️‍🗨️ Additional Practices:

Use restorative justice circles and safe group spaces for expression.
Practice meditation, journaling, and affirmations in school settings.
Monitor emotional shifts via body language and classroom behavior.
Encourage positive use of social media (affirmation posts, reflection prompts, etc.).
Promote digital literacy: understanding the emotional effects of algorithms and social comparison.

📚 Resources & Links:

🔗 Tracie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theempowernista/
🔗 I Define Me website: https://www.idefinememovement.com/who-we-are
🔗 Meet JOY: https://www.idefinememovement.com/copy-of-idm-media
🔗 Book The IDM Wellness Mobile: https://www.idefinememovement.com/book-the-wellness-mobile

❤️ Love This Episode?

✅ Share it with a fellow educator!
⭐ Rate & review to help more teachers find this show
💬 Join the conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting

S1:E5 - Heart vs. Hammer w/ Larry Thompson

AccuTrain Corporation — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast, we sit down with Larry Thompson, creator of Responsibility-Centered Discipline (RCD), to explore how educators can help students take ownership of their actions, develop self-control, and build the internal strength needed to succeed both in and out of the classroom. Learn why traditional discipline methods fall short and how shifting the focus from compliance to coaching creates lasting change.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

✔️ What Responsibility-Centered Discipline (RCD) is and why it works
✔️ Why self-control is like a muscle—and how educators can “spot” students as they grow
✔️ The difference between controlling students and coaching them
✔️ How to create “mastery moments” that build student confidence
✔️ Why external rewards can hurt long-term growth
✔️ Practical strategies for turning tough moments into teachable ones

💬 Memorable Quotes:

🗣️ “Self-control is kind of like a muscle—and you can strengthen that in a person.”
🗣️ “We want kids to feel strong when they meet a goal, not when they oppose authority.”
🗣️ “Relationships are built through proper spotting more than through fun games.”
🗣️ “Motivation is just a measurement of your self-control.”
🗣️ “You can only lift other people’s weight so long before you get sick of it.”

🧠 Strategies You’ll Learn:

Framing expectations as skills instead of rules
How to “spot” students like a coach during difficult moments
The thumbs-up/thumbs-down check-in method to build student self-awareness
Shifting classroom culture from compliance to collaboration
Encouraging student self-reflection and honesty
Coaching from a place of mastery instead of control

📚 Resources & Links:

🔗 Give 'Em Five – Official RCD Website
🔗 Subscribe to the Innovative Schools Podcast for more powerful conversations!

❤️ Love This Episode?

✅ Share it with a fellow educator!
⭐ Rate & review to help more teachers find this show
💬 Join the conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting

S1:E4 - Creating a Positive Learning Environment

AccuTrain Corporation — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this special edition of the Innovative Schools Podcast, we're bringing you a dynamic session from the Innovative Schools Summit in New York! This episode features the 50 in 50 Panel, where top educational leaders share 50 powerful strategies to foster a positive learning environment in your classroom. From engagement techniques to culture-building ideas, you'll walk away with practical insights you can use immediately.

Key Takeaways:
✔️ Strategies to Build a Positive Classroom Culture
✔️ Engagement Techniques that Go Beyond Entertainment
✔️ Ways to Empower Students and Teachers for Growth
✔️ Practical Tips for Encouraging Student Collaboration & Ownership

Featured Speakers:
🎤 Joseph Diaz – Founder of Mr. Math Education, focusing on improving math outcomes
🎤 Blake Clark – Superintendent & Executive Director, St. George, Utah
🎤 Katie Trowbridge – Retired Teacher, CEO & President of Curiosity to Create
🎤 Dr. Marquita Blades – Chief Empowerment Strategist at Powerful Teaching Strategies
🎤 Edward DeShazier – Executive Director of a K-8 School in Milwaukee

Memorable Quotes:
🗣️ “Culture changes when we invite everyone’s voice to be heard.” – Blake Clark
🗣️ “Model high expectations for yourself before you set them for students.” – Joseph Diaz
🗣️ “Teach to the top, not the bottom. We can scaffold, but don’t hold back your highest achievers.” – Dr. Marquita Blades
🗣️ “If your teachers are happy, your students will be happy. Positive culture starts at the top.” – Edward DeShazier
🗣️ “Reward and praise heavily—kids work for you just like you work for your paycheck.” – Joseph Diaz

Strategies You’ll Learn:
✅ The "I Wonder" Wall – A place for students to anonymously ask questions
✅ Help Wanted Board – Encouraging peer-to-peer learning and collaboration
✅ Rainy Day Notes – A system for staff to uplift and encourage each other
✅ Vertical Learning with Non-Permanent Surfaces – Fostering a growth mindset in math
✅ Defend or Destroy – Teaching students to analyze both sides of an argument
✅ Student Masterclass – Let students take the lead in teaching concepts
✅ Secret Leader of the Week – Encouraging students to quietly uplift peers
✅ 3 Before Me Strategy – Teaching students to struggle productively before seeking help

…and 40+ more ideas to make your classroom a thriving learning environment! 🎉

Resources & Links:
🔗 Learn more about the Innovative Schools Summit: www.innovativeschoolssummit.com
🔗 Connect with our featured guests on social media (details in the show)
🔗 Subscribe to the podcast for more educator insights!

Love This Episode?
📌 Share it with a fellow educator!
🌟 Rate & review the podcast—it helps us reach more teachers like you!
💡 Got feedback or an idea for a future episode? Let us know in the comments!

📢 Join us next time for more expert insights on transforming your classroom and empowering students! 🎙️

S1:E3 - The Complexities of Engagement w/ Dr. John Almarode

AccuTrain Corporation — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast, host Jordan sits down with Dr. John Almarode, a professor at James Madison University and an expert in student engagement. We will dive into the critical distinctions between engagement and entertainment in the classroom, explore the levels of engagement, and discuss actionable strategies to ensure students are actively processing and retaining information. Dr. Almarode also shares insights from his research on Visible Learning and the importance of making student thinking visible.

Key Topics Covered:

The definition and importance of student engagement in the classroom
How engagement differs from entertainment
The common pitfalls educators fall into when trying to engage students
The continuum of engagement: active disengagement, passive disengagement, passive engagement, and active engagement
Strategies for making student learning visible
How to assess and measure student engagement effectively
The impact of different teaching methods on student retention and comprehension
Practical ways educators can shift the cognitive load to students for deeper learning

Key Takeaways:

Engagement is not a simple yes/no concept; it exists on a continuum.
Entertainment can grab students' attention, but what happens after is what truly matters.
Students learn best when they are actively processing, organizing, and integrating new information.
Making student learning visible through writing, discussion, and reflection enhances retention and comprehension.
Traditional lecture-based teaching has a low impact on learning, while active strategies like discussion and self-assessment have much higher effectiveness.

Resources Mentioned:

Teacher Clarity (New Edition) by John Almarode (Available Now)
How Learning Works Playbook by John Almarode
How Feedback Works Playbook by John Almarode
John Hattie's Visible Learning

Connect with Dr. John Almarode:

Website: johnalmarode.com
Facebook: John Almarode
X (Twitter): @JTAlmarode

Call to Action:

Reflect on engagement in your own classroom: What does it look like? How do you measure it?
Try implementing one of the strategies discussed to make student thinking more visible.
Share this episode with fellow educators who might benefit from a deeper understanding of engagement.
Subscribe to the Innovative Schools Podcast and leave a review to help us reach more educators!

Stay Connected:

Follow Innovative Schools on https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/

S1:E2 - Proprio-What? w/ Jessica Sinarski

AccuTrain Corporation — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast, hosts Jordan and Liz sit down with Jessica Sinarski, an expert in education and counseling, to discuss how movement in the classroom can minimize disruptive behavior and enhance learning. Jessica introduces the concept of proprioception—a hidden sense that affects body awareness and regulation—and explains how teachers can incorporate movement strategies to support students, particularly those with sensory processing challenges or trauma histories.

Jessica shares practical ways educators can use movement to create a more focused and engaged classroom environment. From jumping challenges to the "Bubblegum Club," she provides simple yet effective strategies that can help students self-regulate and optimize their learning experience.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How movement impacts classroom behavior and student learning.
The importance of proprioception and why it's a game changer in education.
Common signs that students may need more proprioceptive input.
Practical movement strategies teachers can easily integrate into their classrooms.
The role of proprioception in self-regulation and emotional well-being.

Key Quotes:

“Great teachers can create a space for students to regulate themselves and engage in learning.”
“It’s not us against our students. We are on the same team, working to light up the learning brain.”
“When kids’ needs are met, they are more able to learn. And when teachers’ needs are met, they are more able to teach.”

Resources & Links:

Download Jessica’s Free Guide to Proprioception: www.BraveBrains.com/PROPE
Learn more about Brave Brains, Jessica’s organization: www.jessicasinarski.com/bravebrains
Check out Jessica’s book Light Up the Learning Brain: www.jessicasinarski.com/light
Register for the Innovative Schools Summit in Orlando (March 20-23, 2025): www.innovativeschoolssummit.com/Orlando

Stay Connected:

Follow Innovative Schools on www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/

S1:E1 - Creating a Space for Learning w/ Joseph Cope

AccuTrain Corporation — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the first episode of the Innovative Schools podcast! In this episode, host Jordan sits down with Joseph Cope, a Responsibility Centered Discipline (RCD) master trainer, to discuss the challenges and rewards of working in Title 1 schools. They explore classroom management, self-control, and how educators can create a space for every student to succeed—even those who present challenges.

Joseph shares his journey from elementary to middle school education, his experiences in Title 1 schools, and the lessons he learned along the way. He provides insight into how teachers can foster intrinsic motivation, set boundaries while maintaining student dignity, and manage their own emotional well-being to prevent burnout.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The reality of working in Title 1 schools and the unique challenges students face.
Why traditional classroom management strategies may not always work—and what to do instead.
How to create a space for students to choose self-regulation and self-control.
The importance of maintaining student dignity while addressing behavioral issues.
Strategies to prevent teacher burnout and sustain a fulfilling teaching career.

Key Quotes:

“Great teachers can create a space for students to choose to change behavior for themselves.”
“Self-control is like a muscle—you have to use it for it to grow.”
“Sometimes, we have to save ourselves from ourselves by protecting our heart with a level of skill.”

Resources & Links:

Learn more about Responsibility Centered Discipline: https://www.givemfive.com/
Interested in bringing Joseph to your school for professional development? https://www.givemfive.com/contact/

Thank you for joining us for this episode! We look forward to continuing this conversation and learning together in future episodes of the Innovative Schools podcast.

Bonus - What Every Educator Needs to Know About the Brain

Innovative Schools Podcast — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 10:33:20 -0500

What Every Educator Needs to Know about the Brain

This week we are joined by Jessica Sinarksi, LPCMH, an author and thought leader in neuro-science who specializes in training educators about the brain and how to teach students of all ages how the brain works, and why it matters!

In this episode, Jessica explains how the brain functions and how to teach students to recognize when they are operating out of “downstairs brain.” Jessica also shares strategies educators can use to teach students to calm themselves in stressful situations and how to navigate difficult moments with others so that they can ultimately succeed in the classroom and in life.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

https://bravebrains.com/resources/ (Free!)

https://www.rileythebrave.org

Bonus - Addressing Relational Aggression, SEL & Self-Image with Tracie Berry-McGhee

isppod — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 10:38:27 -0400

This week we speak with author and counselor Tracie Berry-McGhee about the work she does with the SistaKeeper Empowerment Program in St. Louis and discuss strategies educators can use to help girls in their schools improve their self-image and reduce relational aggression.

Bonus - Becoming the Educator They Need with Robert Jackson

isppod — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 15:52:12 -0400

In this episode, we speak with author Robert Jackson and discuss his Gold Excel award-winning book, Becoming the Educator They Need: Strategies, Mindsets, and Beliefs for Supporting Male Black and Latino Students and preview his upcoming Pre-Conference Session for the August Innovative Schools Virtual Summit titled Salvaging Our Sons: Helping Educators Reach, Teach and Empower Young Men.

Robert will present both a Pre-Conference Session and Keynote during the August Innovative Schools Virtual Summit August 5-8. Learn more at www.InnovativeSchoolsSummit.com/Virtual

Bonus - Top 3 Strategies for Engaging Students in an Online Classroom

Innovative Schools Podcast — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 09:39:33 -0400

With a majority of the nation’s schools being closed, teachers are facing a litany of challenges -- ranging from keeping students engaged in an online classroom, to monitoring student progress in a virtual setting, to handling the fact that not all students have the same access to technology.

To learn more about how to overcome these challenges, I am joined by Dr. Marquita Blades. Dr. Blades is an award-winning educator, an international speaker, and an author. She is also the host of the Dr. Marquita Blades Show – an internet-based broadcast dedicated to discussing current trends and issues in education.

Bonus - Strategies to Help Students Struggling with Anxiety

Innovative Schools Podcast — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 17:48:47 -0400

On this episode, I speak with Mike Paget, M.Ed. about how classroom teachers can help students struggling with anxiety.

We discuss Mike’s Top 3 Strategies for helping students with anxiety conditions, how to recognize signs of anxiety and strategies teachers can use to educate all students on how to manage their anxiety.

We worked with Mike to create a free 90-minute online training titled Anxiety in the Classroom: How Educators Can Support Students with Anxiety Disorders and we are making this training available for free to all podcast listeners.

To access this training visit InnovativeSchoolsPodcast.com/Resources

Mike will be presenting at several upcoming Innovative Schools Summits and you can find information on training he does around the country at WiredSeminar.com.

Bonus - Helping Students Who Self-Injure with Kim Johancen

Innovative Schools Podcast — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 09:46:06 -0400

This week we speak with Kim Johancen, LPC about key warning signs that a student may be self-injuring, what a teacher should do if they discover that a student is self-injuring, key risk factors that increase a student’s likelihood of self-injuring and what school leaders can do to educate all students on mental health.

Kim is a counselor who has worked for a number of years with students who self-injure or who have experienced trauma. She is co-author of the newly released book, Traumatized Students: School-Based Interventions for Reaching Below the Surface, and will be presenting at Innovative Schools Summit Las Vegas July 6-10.

One recent study found that nearly 1 in every 6 American teenagers engage in self-injury. This equates to about 7 million students nationwide – which is more than the population of several states. And the numbers are on the rise. Another recent study found that the self-injury rate among 10 to 14-year-old girls has nearly tripled since 2008.

With these numbers in mind, we thought it was important to have Kim on the show to learn what educators can do to help students struggling with this behavior.

Here are links to resources relevant to the topics discussed in the episode:

Traumatized Students: School-Based Interventions for Reaching Below the Surface.

WebRemix: ACEs-Informed Schools: Take-Aways from Classroom Case Studies

WebRemix: Engaging the Traumatized Student