エピソード

  • Lead Like You Belong Here - Kass & Cornelius

    Lead Like You Belong Here - Kass & Cornelius
    2025/12/16
    In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we engage with educators Kass and Cornelius Minor, who discuss their experiences and insights on sustainable change in education. They emphasize the importance of community, relationships, and the collective efficacy of educators in driving meaningful change. The conversation explores personal educational journeys, the role of school leaders, and the necessity of fun in the learning process. The Minor Collective's approach to inclusive education and the significance of understanding students as individuals are highlighted throughout the discussion.

    Takeaways

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

    Learn more about the Minor Collective at: https://www.kassandcorn.com/
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    48 分
  • Authentic Leadership - The Importance of Nurturing Relationships w. Principal EL

    Authentic Leadership - The Importance of Nurturing Relationships w. Principal EL
    2025/12/01
    In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we engage with Principal Salome Thomas-El (aka Principal El), who shares his insights on authentic leadership, the importance of nurturing relationships in education, and the role of joy and resilience in school culture. Principal El emphasizes the significance of hands-on leadership, using the metaphor of watering plants to illustrate the need for leaders to be actively involved in their communities. He advocates for choosing impact over compliance and fostering joy in educational settings, ultimately aiming to inspire and uplift educators and students alike.

    Takeaways

    • Authentic leadership is crucial for building trust.
    • Building relationships is key to fostering a supportive school culture.
    • Joy and resilience are essential for effective school leadership.
    • Chess teaches critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
    • Leaders should prioritize impact over compliance.
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    46 分
  • The Power of Educators: Writing, Reading and Teachers Who Create Possibility with Brad Meltzer

    The Power of Educators: Writing, Reading and Teachers Who Create Possibility with Brad Meltzer
    2025/11/15
    In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we engage with bestselling author Brad Meltzer, exploring the profound impact of educators on students' lives. Meltzer shares his personal journey from a struggling student to a successful writer, highlighting the pivotal role of teachers who believed in him. The conversation delves into themes of gratitude, the importance of failure, and the magic of teaching writing and reading. Meltzer emphasizes that educators are everyday heroes who inspire students to see their potential and embrace their unique voices. The episode concludes with a heartfelt message of appreciation for teachers and the vital work they do. Takeaways
    • Teachers are heroes who deserve gratitude.
    • Failure is necessary for success in any endeavor.
    • Both fiction and non-fiction reading and writing are important to student achievement (and empathy).
    • Teaching writing is a magical artform.
    • There are everyday heroes all around us who need to be celebrated.
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    40 分
  • Creativity, Care, and Differentiation: Supporting Teachers, Seeing Students.

    Creativity, Care, and Differentiation: Supporting Teachers, Seeing Students.
    2025/11/01
    In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we welcome Katie Powell, a passionate advocate for middle school education. We discuss Katie's journey from a curious student to a dedicated educator, her insights on engaging students through creative teaching strategies, and the importance of emotional safety in the classroom. Katie shares her experiences that influenced her book, Boredom Busters, and she also examines the need for differentiation among educators, and the role of school leaders in supporting teachers. The conversation emphasizes the significance of seeing students (particularly middle school students) as individuals and investing in their emotional and academic growth.
    Takeaways
    • Differentiation is crucial not only for students but also for educators.
    • School leaders must support teachers in their unique teaching styles.
    • Emotional safety is essential for effective learning in middle school.
    • Adolescents face unique challenges that require sensitivity from educators.
    • Teaching is an art that requires creativity and flexibility.
    • Investing in students today pays dividends for their future.
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    41 分
  • The Heart-Brain Connection of Great School Leadership

    The Heart-Brain Connection of Great School Leadership
    2025/10/16
    In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we interview Mr. Ernest Clinkscale, an experienced and passionate elementary school principal. We discuss the importance of educational leadership, the heart-brain connection in teaching and leading, and the need for empathy and understanding in schools. Mr. Clinkscale shares his personal journey into education, his daily commitment to closing achievement gaps, and strategies for engaging families and communities. The conversation emphasizes the significance of building relationships with staff and students, empowering educators, and the challenges of balancing time and responsibilities in the demanding field of education.

    Take aways
    • Empathy (not sympathy) is essential in understanding student and staff needs.
    • Community engagement requires taking the message to the people.
    • Advocacy for students can look different depending on the situation.
    • Daily interactions with staff can foster a positive school culture.
    • The heart-brain connection is vital for effective teaching.
    • Leaders must empower their staff to create a supportive environment.
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    44 分
  • From Reluctant Student to Fearless Educator

    From Reluctant Student to Fearless Educator
    2025/10/01
    In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we welcome back educational leader and author, Allyson Apsey. We discuss Allyson's journey from a reluctant student to a passionate educator, the importance of building relationships in the classroom, and the concept of serendipity in education. The conversation also touches on collective efficacy, the challenges educators face, and practical strategies for fostering engagement and inclusion in schools. Allyson shares insights from her experiences and emphasizes the need for educators to connect with their students and each other to create a positive learning environment. Takeaways
    • Serendipity in education refers to happy accidents that lead to positive outcomes.
    • Reading fiction can improve emotional intelligence and empathy.
    • Hope is a key component of self-efficacy and collective efficacy.
    • Educators should focus on understanding their students' needs and strengths.
    • Creating a positive learning environment requires intentional relationship-building.
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    37 分
  • Hope, Innovation, and the Future of Education with former Secretary of Education Cardona

    Hope, Innovation, and the Future of Education with former Secretary of Education Cardona
    2025/09/15
    In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we interview Dr. Miguel Cardona, the 12th U.S. Secretary of Education. We discuss Dr. Cardona's journey in education, the importance of mentorship, the power of bilingualism and biculturalism, and the challenges facing public education today. Dr. Cardona shares insights on educational innovations during the pandemic, the significance of teacher apprenticeships, and offers advice for educators to stay hopeful and focused on their purpose. After checking out this Fearless Schools podcast, listeners will be informed and inspired for the bright road ahead!

    Key Takeaways
    • A teacher's encouragement led Dr. Cardona to pursue a career in education.
      Bilingualism and biculturalism are seen as superpowers in education.
      Collaboration and understanding different perspectives are crucial in leadership.
    • Reopening schools during the pandemic was a significant achievement.
    • Every educator has the potential to make a significant impact on their students' lives.
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    21 分
  • Closing Attitude Gaps - Principal Kafele

    Closing Attitude Gaps - Principal Kafele
    2025/09/01
    In this engaging Fearless Schools podcast episode, we converse with Principal Kafele, an educational leader with a remarkable journey from student, to celebrated teacher, to renowned principal and educational thought leader. We explore themes of leadership, the importance of support systems, the need to close the attitude gap in education, and the significance of self-reflection for continuous improvement. Principal Kafele shares his insights on motivating students, building strong administrative teams, and the challenges of educational leadership, all while emphasizing the superhero-like qualities of educators.

    Key Takeaways
    • Support systems are vital for effective leadership.
    • Building a strong administrative team requires regular, substantive meetings.
    • Closing the attitude gap is essential for student success.
    • Engaging with the community is crucial for student development.
    • Self-reflection and assessment are key to personal growth.
    • Effective communication is a superpower in educational leadership.
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    42 分