Many families never speak up for their children at school because no one has explained their rights or how the process works. Teachers who speak up for those kids are often thanked and then asked to tone it down. Third-grade teacher Kate Harrison joins Jody, Esther, and Allison to talk about 19 years of advocating for students, the mother who taught her not to stay quiet, and why she keeps choosing the classroom when everyone asks what she'll do next.

Kate Harrison is an elementary school teacher who lives and works in the Denver metro area. A proud Colorado native, Kate brings both personal and professional experience to her work as a former Title I student and longtime Title I educator. With 20 years in education and a master's degree in CLDE and Educational Leadership from Regis University, she is passionate about advocating for marginalized communities and ensuring every student feels seen, valued, and supported. Outside of the classroom, Kate is an avid reader who loves spending time with her husband and son.

For books, resources, and events, visit: theteacherleader.org Thank you to our sponsor(s): Math and Movement

Do you ever wonder whether teachers leave the profession because of the job itself or because of where they're asked to do it? Denver principal Sheldon Reynolds says there is no teacher shortage, only a shortage of schools where teachers want to work, and he explains how he builds schools around agency, purpose, and treating teachers as artists instead of rule-followers. He shares why he stopped relying on numeric goals, what he listens for in everyday conversations with staff instead, and how he separates leading from managing. You'll also hear his take on the difference between talent and passion, which may change how you think about your own path in education. Sheldon Reynolds is the Executive Principal of Denver Montessori Junior/Senior High School and a proud product of Denver Public Schools. He has devoted his career to public education and to creating schools where students are known, valued, challenged, and given the opportunity to discover and develop their unique talents. In 2022, Sheldon was named Colorado Outstanding Elementary Principal of the Year, an honor recognizing his innovative leadership and commitment to equity, inclusion, and student success.

For books, resources, and events, visit: https://www.theteacherleader.org/ Thank you to our sponsor(s): Math and Movement: https://mathandmovement.com/

Ever had a coworker suddenly become your boss, and watched the whole dynamic shift overnight? Robin Whitacre has, and she's got the gorilla story to prove it (yes, an actual gorilla, raised by chimpanzees, is involved). In this warm, funny, and reflective conversation, Robin joins Jody, Esther, and Allison to talk about the moment she realized her ideas as a new principal suddenly carried more weight than they used to, and what it took to hand that power back to her teachers. She shares the six-month listening tour (and surprise Native name) that helped turn around the lowest-performing school in the state, plus the staff meetings teachers actually looked forward to. It's equal parts belly laugh and lump in the throat. Robin’s work in K-12 education spans 35 years, as a classroom teacher, building principal, leadership coach, and professional learning designer and facilitator. In addition to being employed by school districts in Missouri and Colorado, she has built long-term relationships in diverse communities through her extensive coaching work with schools in Denver, Boise, Boston, and the Bureau of Indian Education in the Southwest, as well as her recent work with the Loyola Marymount University Center for Urban Resilience Restorative Justice Project. Robin’s passion is to support educators in bringing creativity, joy, and innovation to their schools and classrooms as they prepare learners for a future that is uncertain, complex, and evolving every day.

For books, resources, and events, visit: theteacherleader.org Thank you to our sponsor(s): Math and Movement