Welcome to the kickoff episode of the 2026–2027 academic year! Host Dr. Jerry R. Burkett delivers an packed three-segment episode tackling the full spectrum of educational leadership—from systemic K-12 policy crises to cutting-edge classroom technology and doctoral student success.Segment 1: The Leadership Lens – Fort Worth ISD & State InterventionsDr. Burkett opens the season with an administrative analysis of the state intervention in Fort Worth ISD. He unpacks the real-world operational impacts of state oversight, budget deficits, and campus accountability, offering critical takeaways for K-12 leaders navigating policy shifts, fiscal cliff management, and local control.Segment 2: AI-Powered Literacy & Supporting Neurodivergent LearnersDr. Burkett sits down with David Chalk, co-founder of ReadingRoad.ai, who shares his personal journey of learning to read at age 62. They explore:-How AI is transforming reading intervention for struggling and neurodivergent learners.-Overcoming the shame and masking associated with illiteracy in K-12 classrooms.-Providing private, non-judgmental technology tools that build student confidence and reading fluency.Segment 3: Higher Ed Horizons – Demystifying the Doctorate with Dr. Cody ArvidsonIn the final segment, Dr. Burkett speaks with Dr. Cody Arvidson from Degree Solutions Group (degreesolutionsgroup.com) about her new book, "Demystifying the Doctorate: Your Guide to Survive and Thrive".Their conversation covers:-Practical strategies for doctoral students navigating the academic journey.-Managing AI ethics, literature reviews, and research integrity in higher education.-Emerging trends in post-secondary education and academic career development.#SchoolRulesPodcast #educationalleadership #k12education #highereducation #edtech #schoolleadership #literacymatters #readingintervention #aiineducation #neurodiversity #dyslexiasupport #specialeducation #Readingroad #DemystifyingTheDoctorate #doctoralstudent #phdlife #academictwitter #academicresearch #aiinresearch

Welcome to a new episode of the School Rules Podcast, created for graduate students enrolled in ELDR 5323: Organization & Administration of Educational Leadership.

In this session, Dr. Burkett introduces the course, outlines the major leadership themes we’ll explore this semester, and connects theory to practice through travel, reflection, and applied administrative concepts.

In this episode:

• Course Introduction A clear overview of ELDR 5323, including the purpose of the course, expectations for emerging school leaders, and how organizational theory shapes effective campus administration.

• London & Oxford Study Abroad — Summer 2027 Scouting Trip Dr. Burkett discusses his upcoming Summer 2027 scouting trip to London and Oxford, explaining how site visits, historical context, and international perspectives will shape the final design of the Study Abroad program. This segment highlights how global educational environments can deepen our understanding of leadership preparation and broaden the lens through which we view school systems.

• Leadership vs. Management A practical breakdown of the differences between leadership and management—why both matter, how they complement each other, and how administrators can develop the judgment to know which approach a situation requires.

• Time Management for School Leaders Strategies for prioritizing tasks, managing interruptions, protecting instructional time, and building systems that help leaders stay focused on what matters most.

• The School Community A discussion of culture, relationships, communication, and the leader’s role in shaping a healthy, connected, mission‑driven school environment.

This episode is designed to support your learning in ELDR 5323 and deepen your understanding of what effective leadership looks like in real schools.

Take notes, reflect on the examples, and connect the concepts to your own professional context.

#EducationalLeadership#SchoolLeadership#EdLeadership#K12Education#SchoolCulture#LeadershipDevelopment

In this episode of the School Rules Podcast, I blend discussions from ELDR 6433 and ELDR 5123 to explore what it means to lead with curiosity and purpose. We talk about developing a meaningful leadership philosophy, staying open to new information, and how curiosity shapes the way leaders respond to challenges.

I also dive into trauma‑informed leadership, the mental health realities facing educators, and the deeper reasons teachers leave unhealthy schools and districts. This episode is a practical, honest look at the emotional and intellectual work of leading in today’s schools.

Perfect for principals, aspiring leaders, and educators who want to grow with intention.