エピソード

  • Ep 22 | From Isolation to Connection: ASL, Access, and Belonging A Teacher of the Year’s Playbook

    Ep 22 | From Isolation to Connection: ASL, Access, and Belonging A Teacher of the Year’s Playbook
    2026/04/13

    In Episode 22 of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, I sit down with Arby Jean Wolkov, an American Sign Language teacher and one of California’s 2025 Teachers of the Year. Arby shares her journey from being an English language learner to becoming a statewide leader in Deaf education.

    We explore what high-quality ASL instruction looks like, why language access is critical for Deaf and hard of hearing students, and how schools can create environments where all students feel connected and included. Arby also breaks down common misconceptions about the Deaf community and shares how her classroom builds real-world communication through immersive learning experiences—including interpreting live performances.

    This episode is a powerful reminder that when we center communication, access, and belonging, we open doors for students and communities in transformative ways.


    Episode Takeaways

    • Language access is foundational; many Deaf students are born to hearing parents and may not have early access to language
    • ASL is a complete language with its own grammar and structure—not simply English translated into signs
    • High-quality ASL programs include culture, history, and real-world application—not just vocabulary
    • Immersive experiences like “Silent Weekend” allow students to truly live the language beyond the classroom
    • Students build empathy and deeper connections when they can directly communicate across differences
    • Schools must invest in interpreters, trained teachers, and inclusive practices to support Deaf and hard of hearing students
    • ASL should be treated as a world language and career pathway—not just an elective


    🚌 About the Podcast

    So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.

    As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.


    📬 Connect with Arby Jean Wolkov

    Go Fund Me (Silent Weekend): https://www.gofundme.com/f/silentweekend2026

    Donor's Choose (Silent Weekend): https://www.donorschoose.org/classroom/aslwithmstacub

    Email: arbyjean.wolkov@lausd.net

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arby-jean-tacubw/


    📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates

    Website: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.com

    Website: KrishnaSpates.com

    Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com

    Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates

    LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.


    📸 Production Studio

    Recorded at 661 Creators Space

    Website: 661CreatorsSpace.com

    Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace

    Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com


    🎼 Music

    Theme Song: “Call of Duty” — Mutanix

    Instagram: @mutanixs

    Email: mutanixmedia@gmail.com

    Used with permission.


    💛 Support the Work

    If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
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    44 分
  • Ep 21 | The Parenting Conversation We’ve Been Avoiding with Jacqueline A Diaz-Fontana

    Ep 21 | The Parenting Conversation We’ve Been Avoiding with Jacqueline A Diaz-Fontana
    2026/04/06

    In this powerful and deeply human conversation, I sit down with Jacqueline A. Diaz-Fontana, founder of the Erick A. Garcia You Are Enough Foundation, to explore how personal tragedy can transform into purpose that impacts entire communities and save lives.

    After losing her son Eric to suicide, Jacqueline made the courageous decision to share her story—not only to heal, but to help other families recognize the importance of mental health, connection, and conversation.

    Together, we discuss what young people are silently carrying, what parents and educators often miss, and how we can create environments where students feel safe enough to say, “I’m not okay.” This episode is both a wake-up call and a guide—filled with practical advice, hope, and a reminder that every child needs to know: they are enough.


    Episode Takeaways

    • Jacqueline shares how the loss of her son led her to create the You Are Enough Foundation to save lives
    • Parents must look beyond behavior and start deeper conversations with their children
    • Listening without judgment is one of the most powerful tools adults have
    • Mental health support should be viewed as prevention, not just crisis response
    • Students today are carrying anxiety, pressure, and uncertainty about their future
    • Educators must lead with empathy and avoid labeling students
    • Community partnerships with nonprofits can provide critical support for schools
    • Starting a nonprofit requires heart, consistency, and the courage to “do it afraid”
    • One conversation can change—and even save—a life

    If you are a school leader, educator, or community partner looking to bring this work to your students—this is an organization to connect with.


    🚨 Resources Mentioned

    • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Call or text 988)
    • Local Department of Mental Health services


    🚌 About the Podcast

    So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.

    As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.


    📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates

    Website: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.com

    Website: KrishnaSpates.com

    Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com

    Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates

    LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.


    📬 Connect with Jacqueline Diaz-Fontana & The Foundation

    Website: https://youareenoughfoundation.org

    Email: info@youareenoughfoundation.org

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youareenoughfoundation


    📸 Production Studio

    Recorded at 661 Creators Space

    Website: 661CreatorsSpace.com

    Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace

    Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com


    🎼 Music

    Theme Song: “Call of Duty” — Mutanix

    Instagram: @mutanixs

    Email: mutanixmedia@gmail.com

    Used with permission.


    💛 Support the Work

    If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
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    30 分
  • Ep 20 | Todd Davis Sr.: The Playbook for Raising a Super Bowl Champion and a Daughter with Purpose

    Ep 20 | Todd Davis Sr.: The Playbook for Raising a Super Bowl Champion and a Daughter with Purpose
    2026/03/30

    In this powerful episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. Spates sits down with Todd Davis Sr.—father of a Super Bowl champion and a dynamic motivational speaker—to explore what it truly means to raise resilient, purpose-driven children.

    Todd shares deeply personal insights about raising two children with different paths—his son, Todd Davis, and his daughter, whom he calls his “princessy”—while ensuring both felt equally valued, seen, and supported.

    The conversation dives into transparent parenting, avoiding comparison, and the importance of affirming children for who they are—not just what they achieve. Todd also challenges parents and educators to rethink how they support young people, especially those not “shining the brightest.”

    With powerful metaphors—from chandeliers to slinkies to setbacks—Todd delivers a message rooted in purpose: we are not raising children, we are raising future adults.

    This episode is a must-listen for educators, caregivers, and anyone committed to helping every child find their light.


    ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode

    • Every child must be raised as an individual, not in comparison to others
    • Affirm children for who they are, not just what they achieve
    • Avoid projecting your own dreams onto your child’s journey
    • Setbacks are opportunities to assess, adjust, and advance
    • Parents must balance protection with preparation for independence
    • Student-athletes should prioritize academics and life skills beyond sports
    • Educators must focus on all students—not just the ones who shine the brightest
    • True success is about becoming a whole, grounded human being


    🚌 About the Podcast

    So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.

    As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.


    📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates

    Website: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.com

    Website: KrishnaSpates.com

    Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com

    Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates

    LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.


    📬 Connect with Todd Davis Senior

    Email: thisiscoachtodd@gmail.com

    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thisiscoachtodd


    📸 Production Studio

    Recorded at 661 Creators Space

    Website: 661CreatorsSpace.com

    Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace

    Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com


    🎼 Music

    Theme Song: “Call of Duty” — Mutanix

    Instagram: @mutanixs

    Email: mutanixmedia@gmail.com

    Used with permission.


    💛 Support the Work

    If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
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    50 分
  • Ep 19 | Lead with Reckless Abandon. From Foster Care to College President: Inside Sacramento State’s Bold Equity Work with Dr. Luke Wood

    Ep 19 | Lead with Reckless Abandon. From Foster Care to College President: Inside Sacramento State’s Bold Equity Work with Dr. Luke Wood
    2026/03/23

    In this powerful episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, I sit down with Dr. Luke Wood, President of California State University Sacramento, for a deeply personal and purpose-driven conversation about leadership, equity, and systems transformation.

    Dr. Wood takes us on a journey through his lived experiences—from navigating foster care and systemic barriers to becoming a national voice in higher education leadership. He shares how those experiences shaped his unwavering commitment to ensuring students are not blamed for inequitable outcomes—and why leaders must instead redesign the systems that serve them.

    We explore the bold work happening at Sacramento State, including initiatives like the Black Honors College, culturally responsive supports for students, and a strong focus on meeting students’ basic needs. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Wood reminds us that leadership rooted in love and accountability is not soft—it is strategic, courageous, and necessary.

    This episode is a call to action for leaders to stay focused, lead with purpose, and build systems where every student has the opportunity to thrive.


    ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode

    • How Dr. Luke Wood’s personal journey informs his leadership and commitment to equity

    • Why systems—not students—must be the focus of change in education

    • The vision and purpose behind Sacramento State’s Black Honors College

    • How addressing students’ basic needs directly impacts academic success

    • What it means to lead with both love and accountability in high-stakes environments

    • Strategies for creating cultures of belonging at scale

    • How leaders can remain grounded, focused, and resilient in challenging times


    🎧 Episode Chapters

    00:00 – Introduction and welcome

    01:14 – Early life experiences and commitment to equity

    02:40 – Navigating foster care and systemic barriers

    05:32 – The vision behind the Black Honors College

    08:40 – Supporting Black students and Native communities

    10:27 – Addressing student needs through basic support systems

    12:14 – Leading through political and social challenges

    14:36 – Shifting from fixing students to fixing systems

    19:33 – Creating belonging and student-centered environments

    23:24 – Leadership lessons rooted in purpose and focus

    26:53 – Self-care, sustainability, and resilience


    📚 Resources Mentioned

    • Black Minds Matter Initiativehttps://blackmindsmatter.net/
    • California State University Sacramento – Black Honors College: https://www.csus.edu/student-affairs/black-honors-college/
    • California State University Sacramento – Basic Needs Center: https://www.csus.edu/student-life/health-counseling/basic-needs-resource-center/


    🚌 About the Podcast

    So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.

    As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.


    📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates

    Website: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.com

    Website: KrishnaSpates.com

    Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com

    Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates

    LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.


    📬 Connect with Dr. Luke Wood

    Website: https://www.csus.edu/president/

    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drlukewood

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukewood/

    X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/DrLukeWood

    Research: https://blackmindsmatter.net/


    📸 Production Studio

    Recorded at 661 Creators Space

    Website: 661CreatorsSpace.com

    Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace

    Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com


    🎼 Music

    Theme Song: “Call of Duty” — Mutanix

    Instagram: @mutanixs

    Email: mutanixmedia@gmail.com

    Used with permission.


    💛 Support the Work

    If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
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    31 分
  • Ep 18 | Reimagining Schools So Marginalized Students Experience Belonging, Brilliance, and Joy

    Ep 18 | Reimagining Schools So Marginalized Students Experience Belonging, Brilliance, and Joy
    2026/03/16
    In this powerful episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. Spates sits down with Allyson (Wright) Taylor, educator and program specialist with the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Allyson shares her deeply personal story and her mission to help educators reimagine schools as places where marginalized students do more than survive—they experience belonging, brilliance, and joy.Drawing from her own life journey, including experiencing homelessness as a teenager and being supported by a teacher who changed the trajectory of her life, Allyson speaks candidly about the transformative power of education. She challenges educators to rethink traditional systems and create learning environments that affirm student identity, center cultural responsiveness, and expand what young people believe is possible for themselves.Throughout the conversation, Allyson offers practical strategies for educators and school leaders to shift their mindset, redesign systems, and build authentic partnerships with students and families. This episode is a powerful reminder that when schools intentionally honor identity, culture, and voice, they become places where students can truly thrive.✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode• How Allyson’s personal journey shaped her commitment to equity and belonging in schools• Why schools must move beyond survival toward belonging, brilliance, and joy for Black students• Practical strategies for educators to shift their thinking around identity, culture, and power in the classroom• How culturally responsive behavior systems can transform school culture• The role of apology, repair, and student voice in building trust with students• Why educators must begin equity work with self-awareness and reflection• Strategies for partnering with families and caregivers through humility and trust-building• How intentional learning environments can affirm student identity and expand opportunity• The importance of hiring educators whose values align with equity-centered leadership• Why supporting educator well-being is critical for sustaining transformational work🎧 Episode Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Allyson (Wright) Taylor and her background01:26 – How education changed Allyson’s life after experiencing homelessness02:29 – Reimagining schools where Black students experience safety, belonging, and joy04:10 – Practical steps educators can take to better support Black girls in school05:59 – The power of apology, repair, and elevating student voice07:25 – Rethinking behavior systems through culturally responsive practices08:42 – Addressing racial slurs and inequitable discipline through systemic change10:04 – Persisting in advocacy work despite resistance and challenges13:01 – Designing learning environments that affirm diverse identities14:30 – Recruiting staff who align with equity-centered school values16:34 – Leadership insights: charter schools vs. traditional public schools21:48 – How educators influence how students understand their identity and story23:12 – New approaches to family engagement and community partnership27:40 – Building trust through vulnerability and authentic relationships29:17 – Current initiatives supporting Black learners, including the GENIUS Initiative32:50 – Professional learning that shifts educator mindsets35:36 – Culturally relevant practices that amplify student stories36:26 – Building community through relational practices and shared storytelling37:40 – The power of collaboration among educators working toward equity38:47 – A call to action for school leaders advocating for marginalized students39:33 – Sustaining the work through educator wellness and self-care41:49 – Final reflections and gratitude for the shared journey in education📚 Resources Mentioned• Supporting the African American Learner Guide – Dr. Katherine Edwards• The GENIUS Initiative• Brown University Teacher Education Program🚌 About the PodcastSo here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene SpatesWebsite: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.comWebsite: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.comInstagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📬 Connect with Allyson (Wright) TaylorEmail: Taylor_Allyson@lacoe.eduLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allysonwright/📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: ...
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    39 分
  • Ep 17 | From Chaos to Community: How the Tatted Principal Kat Shaw Transforms Schools

    Ep 17 | From Chaos to Community: How the Tatted Principal Kat Shaw Transforms Schools
    2026/03/09

    In this episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, I sit down with Kat Shaw, widely known as The Tatted Principal and Executive Director of Howard Gardner Community School. Kat brings more than two decades of experience in education and a leadership style grounded in authenticity, restorative practices, and deep belief in the potential of every student.

    Kat shares her remarkable journey from instructional aide to transformational school leader serving students who have often been pushed out of traditional systems. At Reach Academy, a school serving expelled students, she stepped into an environment marked by crisis and instability and helped transform it into a space centered on trust, belonging, and accountability.

    We talk about what happens when leaders refuse to code-switch and instead show up as their authentic selves. Kat explains how that authenticity helped her connect with students who had learned not to trust adults in schools.

    She also shares practical strategies educators can implement immediately: community circles, daily check-ins, mental health partnerships, and empowering students to step into leadership roles within their school community.

    This conversation is a powerful reminder that relationships are the foundation of real school transformation.

    If you care about belonging, restorative practices, and leadership that meets students where they are, this episode is for you.


    ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode

    • Why authentic leadership builds trust with students who feel disconnected from school

    • How restorative practices shift school culture from punishment to accountability

    • The power of daily community circles and student voice

    • Why mental health support must be integrated into school systems

    • How empowering students can transform school culture


    🎧 Keywords

    education leadership, restorative practices, school transformation, student engagement, authentic leadership, student belonging, school culture, behavior intervention, alternative education, Kat Shaw, Howard Gardner Community School, student empowerment, teacher collaboration


    🚌 About the Podcast

    So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.

    As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.


    📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates

    Website: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.com

    Website: KrishnaSpates.com

    Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com

    Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates

    LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.


    📬 Connect with Principal, Kat Shaw

    Email: kshaw@hgcschool.org

    Recommitted Counseling Founder: www.recommittedconsulting.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katshaw1227/


    📸 Production Studio

    Recorded at 661 Creators Space

    Website: 661CreatorsSpace.com

    Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace

    Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com


    🎼 Music

    Theme Song: “Call of Duty” — Mutanix

    Instagram: @mutanixs

    Email: mutanixmedia@gmail.com

    Used with permission.


    💛 Support the Work

    If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
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    1 時間 21 分
  • Ep 16 | Nicholas Westfall: California Teacher of the Year Reinvents PE — Why Students Stop Loving It (And How To Fix It!)

    Ep 16 | Nicholas Westfall: California Teacher of the Year Reinvents PE — Why Students Stop Loving It (And How To Fix It!)
    2026/03/02
    In this energizing episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, I sit down with California Teacher of the Year Nicholas Westfall, a passionate and innovative physical educator who is redefining what physical education can look and feel like for students.Nicholas shares how his journey into physical education began at just 13 years old, inspired by his father’s advice, and how that calling eventually led him to statewide recognition as California Teacher of the Year. What impacted me most was how intentionally he designs learning experiences for students who traditionally feel disconnected from PE. We talk about his yoga-based PE class created specifically for students who once dreaded PE and unpack how he integrates mindfulness, social emotional learning, growth mindset, and standards-based grading into a curriculum that honors both rigor and belonging.We also dive into his powerful “speed-friending” protocol, a strategy that builds authentic peer connections and teaches students how to ask meaningful questions. As Nicholas reminds us, “People are so interesting.” That line stayed with me. If you care about innovative teaching, student engagement, wellness, and building deeper relationships in schools, this episode will challenge and inspire you.✨ What I Took Away From This ConversationNicholas’s passion for physical education started early and never wavered.Being named California Teacher of the Year reflects the deep impact of innovative PE instruction.A yoga-based PE class can re-engage students who previously disliked physical education.Mindfulness and social emotional learning belong in PE spaces.Student enjoyment of PE declines from elementary to middle school and we must respond intentionally.Standards-based grading strengthens the integrity of physical education.Speed friending builds authentic friendships and communication skills.Teaching students how to ask good questions changes the quality of conversations.Professional development should mirror the engagement we want in classrooms.The quality of friendships has declined and schools must intentionally rebuild connection.Excellent PE instruction is rigorous, standards-based, and relevant.Growth mindset projects help students redefine what is “impossible.”Teacher collaboration amplifies student outcomes.Community events like 5Ks build wellness and engagement beyond campus.Educational policy must protect creativity and flexibility in teaching.🎧 Sound Bites That Stuck With Me“People are so interesting.”“Impossible is just an opinion.”“Education is not Starbucks.”🔑 Keywordsphysical education, California Teacher of the Year, innovative teaching, student engagement, yoga, mindfulness, speed friending, social emotional learning, conversation skills, education friendship quality, teacher collaboration, physical education, growth mindset, wellness, community engagement, educational policy, professional development, student relationships, teaching standards🚌 About the PodcastSo here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene SpatesWebsite: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.comWebsite: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.comInstagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📬 Connect with Nicholas WestfallPhysical Education Teacher & California Teacher Of The Year 2025Email: mr.growthmindsetwestfall@gmail.comSubstack Newsletter: https://nicholaswestfall.substack.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-westfall-a75b49131/📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: 661CreatorsSpace.comInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com🎼 MusicTheme Song: “Call of Duty” — MutanixInstagram: @mutanixsEmail: mutanixmedia@gmail.comUsed with permission.💛 Support the WorkIf this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
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    1 時間 13 分
  • Ep 15 | Principals: Step Back to Build Belonging by Allowing Teams to Lead Schools Forward a Reflective Conversation with Dr. Franklin and Dr. Spates

    Ep 15 | Principals: Step Back to Build Belonging by Allowing Teams to Lead Schools Forward a Reflective Conversation with Dr. Franklin and Dr. Spates
    2026/02/23

    In this reflective end of the year closing conversation, Dr. Spates and Dr. Franklin explore what it truly means to lead schools as collaborative communities rather than hierarchical organizations. From designing the master schedule as a whole-school effort to building authentic trust with teams, this episode highlights how inclusive leadership practices strengthen both systems and relationships.

    Dr. Spates emphasizes that effective leadership is not about working in isolation or making decisions behind closed doors. Instead, it is about creating structures where educators co-design programs, propose innovative courses, and share ownership of student success.

    This conversation is a powerful reminder that when teams feel seen, heard, and valued, the bar for excellence rises naturally—because everyone knows they belong to the work and to each other.


    ✨ Episode Takeaways

    • Dr. Spates emphasizes the importance of community and belonging in schools.
    • Building relationships with staff is crucial for effective leadership.
    • Data-driven decision-making is essential for school improvement.
    • Celebrating staff contributions fosters a positive school culture.
    • Listening to feedback from staff can lead to meaningful changes.
    • Creating opportunities for collaboration enhances team dynamics.
    • Recognizing student achievements is vital for motivation.
    • Emotional intelligence plays a key role in leadership success.
    • Engaging families in the school community strengthens support.
    • Personal experiences shape leadership philosophies and practices.


    💭 Sound Bites

    • "Everything matters in education."
    • "We all own the data now."
    • "We can't do the work on our own."

    🔑 Keywords

    leadership, education, community, belonging, student success, relationships, school improvement, emotional intelligence, teaching, principal


    🚌 About the Podcast

    So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.

    As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.


    📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates

    Website: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.com

    Website: KrishnaSpates.com

    Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com

    Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates

    LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.


    📬 Connect with Dr. Gregor Franklin

    USC Rossier Breakthrough Leadership Institute Summer Professional Learning:

    https://rossierprolearn.usc.edu/2026-bli-info/

    Website: USC Rossier School of Education Doctoral Program in Education Leadership

    Email: gfrankli@usc.edu


    📸 Production Studio

    Recorded at 661 Creators Space

    Website: 661CreatorsSpace.com

    Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace

    Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com


    🎼 Music

    Theme Song: “Call of Duty” — Mutanix

    Instagram: @mutanixs

    Email: mutanixmedia@gmail.com

    Used with permission.


    💛 Support the Work

    If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
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    22 分