The Assistant Principal Podcast

Show Title: Make Every Moment Count with POY Jason JohnsonPower Quote: Make Every Moment CountTeaser:The R word – relationships. Sometimes it feels like we talk about it too much but not enough. It doesn’t make sense, but I hope you know what I mean. In a digital world, it feels like relationships are an analog concept, but I think they are more important now than ever.Sponsor Spot 1:- If you love travel, but your student trips are starting to feel a little… copy-and-paste, it might be time to level up.That’s why I recommend Kaleidoscope Adventures.They’ve been planning educational travel for more than 30 years. And the best part? No cookie-cutter itineraries. Every trip is built around your program, your budget, and your goals.Whether you’re dreaming of a trip to Universal’s EPIC Universe, a history-filled journey to Washington, D.C., or even an international adventure, Kaleidoscope Adventures can help you plan a trip your students will never forget.Get inspired today at mykatrip.com. Kaleidoscope Adventures - Travel Beyond ExpectationsShow IntroIt’s not too early to think about summer. No. not the vacation, the learning that can happen. The team at Summer Pops are educators with a passion for preventing the backwards summer slide in math, and Summer Pops is a unique and engaging approach to summer enrichment. I encourage you to connect with Summer Pops for free workbook samples. Go to summerpopsworkbooks.com to get your free copy and of course, the link is in the show notes.Guest Bio:Jason M. Johnson is the 2025 North Carolina Principal of the Year and serves as Principal of Orange High School in Hillsborough, NC. With over 28 years in public education, he has led impactful change in both middle and high school settings. Under his leadership, Orange High exceeded academic growth in 2023–2024 and 2024-2025 and improved its state performance grade from a C to a B. A proud NC A&T alumnus, Johnson holds graduate degrees from UNC Greensboro. He has served as Executive Director of Schools, School Transformation Coach (NC Department of Instruction), and principal of multiple schools, and he sits on several advisory boards and state leadership associations. Johnson believes in equity, opportunity, and high expectations. He is married to Heather and is the proud father of Jason, Addison, Ava, and Aidan.Warmup questions:We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?Questions/Topics/Prompts“It’s all about relationships” is a popular phrase and you spoke eloquently about relationships in your session this past December at NCPAPA. Can we go deep on relationships?When we talk about “relationships” what do we actually mean? What are the indicators of healthy professional relationships?Why are relationships so important? Has their importance changed from when you were early in your career?Many administrators wind up leading the school they taught in, which leads to some complicated relationships. Thoughts?How do you sustain a school that is too big (literally has too many people for you to know them all)? How do you build powerful relationships in a time with increased turnover?Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/assistant to get started.Closing questions:What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?If listeners could take just one thing away from today’s podcast, what would it be?Before we go, is there anything else that you’d like to share with our listeners?Where can people learn more about you and your work…Summary/wrap upRemind your teachers they can be a hero to kids – Look for strengths - one sentence mattersRemind yourself you can be a hero to your teachers (not by fixing but by supporting)Make every moment count (cv=every moment matters)Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/CloseLeadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Remember the secret to good leadership:Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for othersBe fully present...

Support, Don’t SolveTeaser:Becoming a strategic leader is a journey – a long one. It’s a journey full of stops and starts, and slow incremental improvement. But there are also some inflection points – places where leaders make a great leap forward. Those inflection points usually have more to do with changes in perception than the acquisition of knowledge or skills. Today’s topic is an inflection point. To get to the place where you are growing your teachers, you have to first stop trying to fix things for them. Don’t fix, grow. You can’t do both. Today’s wonderful guest is going to help us learn how to stop being a serial fixer. Before we dive into the interview, I’s like you to think about summer…When students practice math over the summer, math scores go up. So, what’s your summer math plan this year? Whether you have no summer math program, or are curious about what a research-based program looks like. Check out Summer Pops for free. Get your FREE workbook samples today at Summer Pops Workbooks.com. The link is in the show notes.Show IntroSponsor Spot 1:I’d like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today’s show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn’t that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes.Guest Bio:Leah Marone is a psychotherapist, Yale Clinical Instructor, and corporate mental wellness consultant with over 20 years of experience. A former Division 1 athlete, she specializes in high-achievers struggling with imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and performance anxiety. Leah has conducted over 20,000 therapy sessions and contributed to Psychology Today, Newsweek, and The Atlantic. She works with organizations on burnout prevention, boundary setting, and emotional intelligence. A sought-after speaker, Leah has presented her Support, Don’t Solve framework to leaders nationwide. Her new book, Serial Fixer, exploring the hidden patterns of over-functioning and how to break free.Warmup questions:We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?Questions/Topics/PromptsAssistant principals are the ultimate serial fixers out of a desire to serve. Let’s begin by untangling this emotional piece of being a fixer.One reason APs do too much fixing is they aren’t sure how to validate the person’s needs without fixing them. Can you talk about the hierarchy of steps that can lead us to being supporters instead of fixers?What are some baby steps serial fixers can take to become supporters?Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/assistant to get started.Closing questions:What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?If listeners could take just one thing away from today’s podcast, what would it be?Before we go, is there anything else that you’d like to share with our listeners?Where can people learn more about you and your work…Summary/wrap upControl disguised as compassion (making them feel better makes us feel better)Support don’t solve and creating dependenciesUse validation as the break and inquiry as the acceleratorBegin by being self-awareSpecial thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/CloseLeadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Remember the secret to good leadership:Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for othersBe fully presentAsk reflective questionsAnd then just listenDon’t overcomplicate it, the value is in the listening.Have a great rest of the week!Cheers!...

When there are “I’s” in TEAM with Dr. Chad DumasTeaser:I’m really excited about today’s episode. I had so much fun recording it and I think that lightness and positivity come out in the interview. It’s a great combination of high-level stuff and some really fundamental truths about teams and leaderships. This might be one of those episodes that you want to listen to twice and take notes. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I did recording it.Sponsor Spot 1:Friends/School leaders, When students practice math over the summer, math scores go up. So, what’s your summer math plan this year? Whether you have no summer math program, or are curious about what a research-based program looks like. Check out Summer Pops for free. Get your FREE workbook samples today at Summer Pops Workbooks.com. The link is in the show notes.Show IntroGuest Bio:Dr. Chad Dumas is a Solution Tree PLC at Work, Assessment, and Priority Schools associate and international consultant, presenter, and award-winning researcher. His primary focus is collaborating to develop capacity for continuous improvement. With a quarter century of successful leadership experience, Chad has led significant improvements for both students and staff. He shares his research and knowledge in his three books on PLCs, and his most recent book, the Teacher Team Leader Handbook. Chad’s consulting and training includes research, stories, hands-on tools, useful knowledge, and practical skills. He most recently was the executive director of elementary education in the Ames Community School District, a preschool thru grade 12 district of 5,000 students in central Iowa. Before this he was the director of learning for Hastings Public Schools in south-central Nebraska for nine years. Chad is one of the few three-time guests as he appeared back in episodes 202 and 246.Warmup questions:We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?Questions/Topics/PromptsThe driving question will be: I have a 7th grade team who doesn’t get along. Each wants to do their own thing. Our 6th grade team collaborates and integrates ELA into multiple subjects and student achievement data is much higher there. Our 7th grade has a daily PLC time, but they do not use it well. Help!Let’s begin with common teams dysfunctions:People?Processes?Purpose?Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/assistant to get started.Closing questions:What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?If listeners could take just one thing away from today’s podcast, what would it be?Before we go, is there anything else that you’d like to share with our listeners?Where can people learn more about you and your work…- If you love travel, but your student trips are starting to feel a little… copy-and-paste, it might be time to level up.That’s why I recommend Kaleidoscope Adventures.They’ve been planning educational travel for more than 30 years. And the best part? No cookie-cutter itineraries. Every trip is built around your program, your budget, and your goals.Whether you’re dreaming of a trip to Universal’s EPIC Universe, a history-filled journey to Washington, D.C., or even an international adventure, Kaleidoscope Adventures can help you plan a trip your students will never forget.Get inspired today at mykatrip.com. Kaleidoscope Adventures - Travel Beyond ExpectationsSummary/wrap up“Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom.”Four root problems: Why? (purpose)What and how (processes)Lack of trustIllogical resistorsAll => M=v/eCleaning snow off the wrong car - Collaboration has to be meaningfulStep 1: learn;  Step 2: create more alignmentSpecial thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/Summer Pops: Summer Pops Workbooks.com CloseLeadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.

What a Ford Mav-Wreck Can Teach Us About LeadershipSponsor Spot 1:Travel can positively impact students in a big way - but if your first thought is, “who is going to plan all of this?”, don’t worry because that’s where Kaleidoscope Adventures comes in.The KA team has been planning student group travel for more than 30 years! They handle the logistics from start to finish, so you can focus on your job in the classroom.Whenever you’re ready to plan a trip, Kaleidoscope Adventures can’t wait to help your group travel beyond expectations. Visit mykatrip.com todayShow IntroIt’s not too early to think about summer. No. not the vacation, the learning that can happen. The team at Summer Pops are educators with a passion for preventing the backwards summer slide in math, and Summer Pops is a unique and engaging approach to summer enrichment. I encourage you to connect with Summer Pops for free workbook samples. Go to summerpopsworkbooks.com to get your free copy and of course, the link is in the show notes.Celebrations:Key Points Part 1Weigh the risk v reward and make the best decision you can with the information you have at the timeStay in the present, especially stop worrying about problems you can’t solve in the current momentTake good care of the things that keep you safe and watch for signs of wear (self-care)Slow downOwn the resultsSponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit http://ixl.com/assistant to get started.Key Points Part 2Be thankfulLeverage the thing we can do that AI cannot takeaway: be fully present!Summarizing (The big takeaway)Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/CloseLeadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Remember the secret to good leadership:Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for othersBe fully presentAsk reflective questionsAnd then just listenDon’t overcomplicate it, the value is in the listening.Have a great rest of the week!Cheers!Frederick’s Links:Email: frederick@frederickbuskey.comWebsite: https://www.frederickbuskey.com/ LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/strategicleadershipconsulting Daily Email subscribe: https://adept-experimenter-3588.ck.page/fdf37cbf3a The Strategic Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWRS2F6N?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520

Reimagining School Leadership with Dr. Lindsay Whorton Power Quote: “Leadership has to be a team sport.”  Teaser:I hope you enjoy listening to today’s episode as much as I did recording it. It’s a wonderful combination of big picture thinking and exploring some new ideas but then also getting down and making some really specific suggestions about next steps so this wonderful blend of 40,000 foot thinking and then being right down on the ground doing the work. Sponsor Spot 1:Are you a little tired of the same old student trip… the same itinerary… the same stops?If you’re ready to do something different, check out Kaleidoscope Adventures! They’ve been creating unforgettable educational experiences for over 30 years, and they know the destinations that work best for student groups — including a few hidden gems you might not have even thought about.Whether you’re dreaming of theme parks, international travel, or anything in between, Kaleidoscope Adventures custom-builds each itinerary to fit your students and your goals.Want fresh ideas for your next trip? Visit mykatrip.com today. Show Intro  Guest Bio:Dr. Lindsay Whorton has served as president of The Holdsworth Center since 2019, leading its growth from seven Texas school districts to 89 districts serving over 1,900 educational leaders.  A native of Independence, Missouri, Lindsay graduated from Drake University with degrees in secondary education and English. She captained the women's basketball team to a 2007 Missouri Valley Conference Tournament championship, earning tournament MVP and First-Team Academic All-American honors. A Rhodes Scholar, Lindsay earned her master's and doctorate in social policy from Oxford University, where she also served as a Fulbright Scholar studying Finland's teacher education system. Her most recent book is A New School Leadership Architecture.   Warmup questions:·      We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?·      Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?  Questions/Topics/PromptsWhat should be the job of school leadership? (ref my 3 responsibilities and Eisenhower Matrix)What would the new architecture look like?Is there a way to nibble at the margins?What are some conversations leaders could have to plant the seeds of change?  Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast… ●      If you want to take the load off your teachers so they can do their best work, IXL can help. ●      With IXL, you get a personalized online learning and teaching solution that helps you improve achievement, empower teachers, track progress, and more. This one platform for K to 12 helps teachers accomplish what normally would require dozens of other tools. ·      IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress. Studies show that schools that use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Studies on more than 70,000 schools in nearly all 50 states show that those who use IXL outperform others on state tests, and IXL has decades of expertise and is proven to be effective.  Discover what IXL can do for your school. Visit ixl.com/assistant today.    Closing questions:·      What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?·      If listeners could take just one thing away from today’s podcast, what would it be?·      Before we go, is there anything else that you’d like to share with our listeners?·      Where can people learn more about you and your work…  Summary/wrap up·      Do the org chart!·      Think about what it would look like if you could increase teacher development capacity (by leveraging different roles)·      And what would it look like of the principal took the lead in developing others’ capacity to coach?·      The AP role: leading through others (goes back to the five gives) Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!·      Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.com·      Ranford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoul·      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/·      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/  Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistantKaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/  Close·      Leadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.·      You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/·      I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.·      If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html·      Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.·      Remember the secret to good leadership:o   Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for otherso   Be fully presento   Ask reflective questionso   And then just listeno   Don’t overcompli...

Dr. Lindsay Whorton has served as president of The Holdsworth Center since 2019, leading its growth from seven Texas school districts to 89 districts serving over 1,900 educational leaders.  A native of Independence, Missouri, Lindsay graduated from Drake University with degrees in secondary education and English. She captained the women's basketball team to a 2007 Missouri Valley Conference Tournament championship, earning tournament MVP and First-Team Academic All-American honors. A Rhodes Scholar, Lindsay earned her master's and doctorate in social policy from Oxford University, where she also served as a Fulbright Scholar studying Finland's teacher education system. Her most recent book is A New School Leadership Architecture. The full interview will air 2/10/26.

The Five Gives Teaser:It’s that time of the year for assistant principals when it just feels like you’re completely underwater all the time the thought you had at the beginning of the year of engaging in teacher development of doing observations and coaching those are kind of long lost dreams at this point, but there is a way out we don’t have to sit in the space today I am going to do a quick overview of five strategies that will free up a little bit of your time so that you can get back to doing that meaningful purposeful work of helping to support and grow your teachers now using the strategies isn’t going to save you hours a day. Remember all we’re trying to do is really nibble at the margins and if we can find you five 1015 minutes a day. Well, that's 1235 minute coaching sessions. Before we begin… Sponsor Spot 1:I’d like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today’s show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn’t that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes. Show Intro Celebrations:  Key Points Part 1Six stages of reclaiming purpose  Stage three is about doing less and using five strategies to save a few minutes of time to invest in your priorities. Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast… Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions.  And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit http://ixl.com/assistant to get started. Key Points Part 2 The five gives:1.     Give it up2.     Give it back3.     Give it away4.     Give it a C5.     Give it a bounce   Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!·      Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.com·      Ranford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoul·      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/·      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/  Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistantKaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/  Close·      Leadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.·      You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/·      I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.·      If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html·      Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.·      Remember the secret to good leadership:o   Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for otherso   Be fully presento   Ask reflective questionso   And then just listeno   Don’t overcomplicate it, the value is in the listening.·      Have a great rest of the week!·      Cheers!  Frederick’s Links:Email: frederick@frederickbuskey.comWebsite: https://www.frederickbuskey.com/LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/strategicleadershipconsultingDaily Email subscribe: https://adept-experimenter-3588.ck.page/fdf37cbf3aThe Strategic Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWRS2F6N?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520

289 When Fall Didn’t End Very Well Teaser: “I would love it if you would consider doing a podcast episode on what happens when a principal gets off track and needs to get the trains back on track... Just as our students get off track around October (the honeymoon phase is over), I found myself last fall losing sight of our mission and goals for the year. My AP and I got excited and started getting buried in trying new initiatives, and I think it caused some frustrations with the staff. We started to focus on the noise instead of patterns. I didn't know if you had any tips or strategies that you could share to help stay focused on the path I designed back in the summer.”   Sponsor Spot 1:I’d like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today’s show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn’t that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes. Show Intro Celebrations:Family, home, routines and processes Key Points Part 1Common mistakes:·      Initiatives·      Popping green balloons·      Unilateral decision-making·      Coaching before building trust Strategic v tactical level·      Strategic – it’s about culture (6 dimensions) Episode 179·      Cycle of relationships (tactical)  Other factors:·      Transparency and communication (4 types of decisions)·      Vulnerability·      Listen, listen, listen Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast… Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions.  And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit http://ixl.com/assistant to get started. Key Points Part 2 Getting things back on track:·      Transparency and vulnerability: “Last fall was tough. I made a lot of mistakes and I’m sorry I’m determined to be a better leader and a better servant that begins with listening. I’ll be asking each of you questions about the fall. What went well were there any surprises? Is there anything we should be doing differently. I will not give feedback it’s not a conversation. I just want to listen and learn so I can become a better leader.”·      Use the 5-mc process as a culture check in·      Learning about teachers: provide a list of reflective questions. Ask them to choose three they would like to talk about. Meet with them (preferably in their rooms) and create space for them to talk. You can paraphrase and answer direct questions but avoid adding your stories, justifying previous actions, or suggesting changes.·      Possible questions See episode 177:1.     What is your teaching superpower?2.     What is the biggest difference between who you are now as a teacher and when you began?3.     If your you could make your students better at one thing, what would it be?4.     What is your proudest teaching moment and why?5.     How do you see yourself being different five years from now?And these from ClaudeAI:1.     What part of your teaching day energizes you most? 2.     When do you feel most connected to your students? 3.     What's something you've learned from your students this year? 4.     If you could spend more time on one aspect of your teaching, what would it be? 5.     What does a really good day in your classroom look like? 6.     What do you wish people understood about your classroom or your students? 7.     What's a challenge you're working through right now that you feel good about tackling? 8.     When you think about a student who really grew this year, what do you think made the difference? 9.     What conditions help you do your best work?  Summarizing (The big takeaway)·      Be transparent and vulnerable·      Ask good questions and listen to build trust and identify pain points·      Support teachers by addressing pain points·      Reflect on programs versus people. My opinion: better people is more important than better programs, so focus on building people. Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!·      Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.com·      Ranford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoul·      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/·      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/  Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistantKaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidosc...

Oh, They are Mad! with Darrin Peppard Power Quote: “Listen more, talk less.”  Teaser:Here’s the email I received that inspired this episode: I’m wondering if you have an episode of your podcast focusing on dealing with unreasonable parents. This year has been exceptionally difficult regarding the attacks I’m receiving from parents.  Either they are offended when I discipline their child because their child is innocent, or they are offended that I disciplined their child without contacting them prior to the discipline so they can solve the problem for me.  I understand that discipline should not be the focus of my day and it typically is not.  I also try really hard to make sure 20% of the kids do not consume 80% of my time.  But how do I not allow the parents to consume me?  In each case, the student has owned it, accepted the consequence and moved on… while at school.  Then they get home and tell a different story about a big bad AP who is targeting them.I have some knowledge in this area but wanted some additional expertise so I’m partnering with my friend and colleague Darrin Peppard of the Leaning Into Leadership podcast and we are recording our conversation to be simulcast on both shows. Before we get started… Sponsor Spot 1:I’d like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today’s show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn’t that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes. Show Intro  Guest Bio:As a 'recovering' high school principal and former school district superintendent, Darrin Peppard draws from over 25 years of experience in education, including 13 years in leadership roles. Darrin is renowned for his expertise in school culture and climate, coaching emerging leaders, and his culture-first approach that emphasizes keen insight and a dynamic personality. His accolades include being named the 2016 Wyoming Secondary School Principal of the Year by WASSP/NASSP, the 2015 Jostens Renaissance Educator of the Year, and induction into the Jostens Renaissance Hall of Fame in 2019. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Wyoming (2017). Through his book "Road to Awesome: The Journey of a Leader," Darrin shares strategies for maintaining a positive attitude, elevating others, and finding joy in leadership. Co-authored with Katie Kinder, his latest work, "Culture First Classrooms: Leadership, Relationships, and Practices that Transform Schools," provides proven methods for building transformative educational environments. Darrin also hosts the "Leaning into Leadership" podcast, where he discusses decision-making, cognitive biases, and more with industry experts.  Warmup questions:·      We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?  Questions/Topics/PromptsWe could look at four phases:·       Building capital in advance (deposits before withdraws)o    Identify students and families who may need extra careo    Parents want to be heardo    Make early and positive contacts. Have the teacher do the same (teach them how)·       The meeting with the studento    Begin with care – Are you okay?o    Separate the behavior from the studento    Have them write their versiono    Listen·       The post-conversation/information for parento    Can have the student (with you) call the parento    Make sure parent knows exactly what to expecto    End with optimism and affirm the value and dignity of the student·       Problem discussionso    Clarify what the problem iso    Do not take it personally (may not be about you) – DPs basketball exampleo   Remember parents may have prior negative experiences Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast… Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions.  And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/assistant to get started.  Closing questions:·      What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?·      If listeners could take just one thing away from today’s podcast, what would it be?·      Before we go, is there anything else that you’d like to share with our listeners?·      Where can people learn more about you and your work…  Summary/wrap up·      Think three phases: before, during, after·      Parents want to be heard·      Know the story you are telling yourself about the parent  Resources:·      The Assistant Principal Podcast: #199 “Are You Okay?” with Jamie Brown and #237 Helping Teachers Call Home·      Leaning Into Leadership: Episode 68: When Calling Parents isn't Your Calling with Crystal Frommert Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!

Three Resolutions and One Word Teaser:The New Year is a great time to refocus and gain some clarity, but New Years’ resolutions feels to me like something that sounds good in theory but doesn’t work in practice. At least it hasn’t for me. Instead of resolutions this year, I’m using one word to help me keep my priorities straight, and three intentions that, if I work them daily, will lead me to my major goal of 2026. I’ll apologize on the front end if this episode comes off as narcissistic. I feel a bit awkward talking about myself and diving deep into how my brain works, but I’m doing it this way because I think if you can see what I’m doing and why I’m doing it, you will be able to take these practices and adapt them to your own lie and leadership. Notice the word “adapt.” Please don’t copy. Rather, think about how your context and needs are different from mine and how you might tweak the core ideas to better align with how your brain works and what your schedule allows. Sponsor Spot 1:I’d like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today’s show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn’t that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes. Show Intro Celebrations:·      Caveat·      I can walk without a limp! And Christmas and New Years (families both born into and chosen) Key Points Part 1·      Two “secrets” to being a great leader:o   Be presento   Priority management·      One word – overview·      One word helps us be more intentional·      Sharing previous one words·      How this year’s one word shapes my priorities and daily actions Sponsor Spot 2:●      With IXL, you get a personalized online learning and teaching solution that helps you improve achievement, empower teachers, track progress, and more. This one platform for K to 12 helps teachers accomplish what normally would require dozens of other tools.●      As students practice skills, IXL automatically adapts to ensure each learner is always supported and challenged at the right level. IXL also provides every student with a personalized learning plan to help them close knowledge gaps effectively.  ●      As a school leader, you’re always looking for ways to make it easier for teachers to do great work. Why not take the load off your teachers so they can do their best work? IXL can help.It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit http://ixl.com/assistant to get started. Key Points Part 2 My three 2026 intentions are the daily actions that should help me achieve my goals. My goal is to remake my body to maximize the time I have left to hike. A key measurement for the goal is: Complete the 71-mile High Sierra Trail in August of 2026. The High Sierra is a stunning trail through the southeast Sierra Nevada range in California. It ends at the summit of Mt. Whitney (elevation 14,505), the highest peak in the continental United States. I am used to hiking mountains, but at 5,000 feet, not 10,000 feet. Half of the trail is at altitudes high enough to cause altitude sickness. Notice my goal is not to hike the High Sierra Trail. It is the measurement. Do not mistake your measurement for your goal! Three intentions I need to hold to achieve my goal:Build my days around movement. Movement is the most important thing.Move in different ways (resistance training, yoga, biking, hiking, water-aerobics) every dayConsume media that encourages me to move.  Notice:●      These intentions drive actions I can take every day●      If I act on these intentions each day, there is a very high likelihood of meeting my goals●      They keep me focused on movement and combat my own distractibility In goal setting and strategic planning, the biggest mistake I see people consistently making is they do not operationalize the goal. They develop plans and benchmarks, but fail to identify the daily practices and actions that will inevitably lead to success.   Summarizing (The big takeaway) Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!·      Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.com·      Ranford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoul·      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/·      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/  Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistantKaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/  Close·      Leadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.·      You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/·      I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.·      If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on ...

Teaser:At the end of each year, I re-air what I consider to be the best episode of the year, but my favorite episode for this year was released on Nov 11 (episode 279). Instead of re-airing something you’ve already heard, I decided to have my guest from that best episode, Darryall White, come back onto the show. I gave him some homework to complete the SWOT analysis and the Stop-Start-Continue-Consider process before we got together. In today’s show, Darryall is going to share what he found and I’ll serve as a reflective partner. As we work through the process, I’d like you to imagine being on both sides of the conversation. Imagine completing the reflections and sharing what you found. And then imagine being the reflective partner who can listen and ask clarifying questions. Before we get started…Sponsor Spot 1:Do you love to travel but are tired of the same old student trip?  Check out Kaleidoscope Adventures, our preferred planning partner! Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning educational travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years. They know the best destinations for student groups – they might even surprise you with a few hidden gems you’ve never considered!Discover the Harry Potter connection in Portugal, plan an “epic” trip to Universal, or celebrate America’s 250th on an American Adventure!Each experience is customized to fit your specific needs… never a “one-size-fits-all” cookie cutter trip! When you need a little inspiration, contact the experts at mykatrip.com for the freshest ideas for your next student trip!Show IntroGuest Bio:Today’s guest is a respected leader in education, Coach Darryall White, assistant principal and athletic director at Indian Land Middle School in Lancaster County, South Carolina.A proud Clemson graduate, Coach White has spent more than 30 years serving students as a teacher, counselor, and now assistant principal. He’s coached nearly every sport and recently made history as the first-ever Lancaster County School District Assistant Principal of the Year.Known for his energy, authenticity, and passion for developing champions from the inside out, Coach White helps students, teachers, and athletes strengthen the heart, the head, and the hustle.”Warmup questions:We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?Questions/Topics/PromptsSponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/assistant to get started.Summary/wrap upMy desire coming out of this episode is for you to practice using both these tools and being on both sides of the conversationWith a colleague, friend, partner Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/CloseLeadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Remember the secret to good leadership:Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for othersBe fully presentAsk reflective questionsAnd then just listenDon’t overcomplicate it, the value is in the listening.Have a great rest of the week!Cheers!Guest Links:Frederick’s Links:Email: frederick@frederickbuskey.comWebsite: https://www.frederickbuskey.com/ LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/strategicleadershipconsulting Daily Email subscribe: https://adept-experimenter-3588.ck.page/fdf37cbf3a The Strategic Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWRS2F6N?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520

Sponsor Spot 1:I’d like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today’s show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn’t that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes.Show IntroCelebrations:Two weeks ago, I was at the North Carolina Principals & Assistant Principals’ Association Fall Instructional Symposium and had the great pleasure of meeting and listening to Jimmy Casas, who owns the company (ConnectEDD) which published A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose.Key Points Part 1My core valuesTrade the to-do list for a to-be list (build this out: if I wanted to live my core values, what would that look like? Them either change behavior or change values to prevent inauthenticity)The solution to every problem is for me to work on me (growth begins with us and “I’m the leader, it’s on me.”)“This job will mess with you…”You can change culture in 30-second momentsSLOW DownSponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit http://ixl.com/assistant to get started.Key Points Part 2When identifying “look-fors” for observation, have teachers develop themDecision chart (1-I decide, 2-I decide you advise, 3-We decide, 4-You decide)Relationships are the first thing. Are they the most important thing?Our validation is an external reward/motivation (Lavonna Roth)Solving other people’s problems creates dependency. Why do we do this? To feel needed?Summarizing (The big takeaway)Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/CloseLeadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Remember the secret to good leadership:Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for othersBe fully presentAsk reflective questionsAnd then just listenDon’t overcomplicate it, the value is in the listening.Have a great rest of the week!Cheers!Frederick’s Links:Email: frederick@frederickbuskey.comWebsite: https://www.frederickbuskey.com/ LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/strategicleadershipconsulting Daily Email subscribe: https://adept-experimenter-3588.ck.page/fdf37cbf3a The Strategic Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWRS2F6N?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520

Assistant Principal Podcast Content Episode Outline #284: 5-Minute Coaching Teaser:Today we are doing a deep dive into 5-minute coaching. This show is an adaptation of the 45-minute breakout training I frequently do at conferences, like NCPAPA earlier this month. I do have a handout that contains all of the information. If you’d like a PDF of the handout, just email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com and I’ll get it out to you. In this era of marketing, it’s fair to be suspicious and wonder, “Why not just put it on the website as a download and save everyone some time?” For this reason – knowing I am making a difference with people, and that I have connections with those people, fuels my work. Getting a message from you, and being able to respond and connect – for me, that’s what it’s all about.  We’ll begin the show with a couple soapbox moments, then listen to a demo of 5-minute coaching. From there, we Sponsor Spot 1:I’d like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today’s show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn’t that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes. Show Intro Celebrations: Great conference! Organization:·      Background knowledge·      Sample session·      Detailed breakdown·      Conclusion Key Points Part 1 Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast… Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions.  And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit http://ixl.com/assistant to get started. Key Points Part 2    Summarizing (The big takeaway) Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!·      Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.com·      Ranford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoul·      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/·      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/  Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistantKaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/  Close·      Leadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.·      You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/·      I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.·      If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html·      Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.·      Remember the secret to good leadership:o   Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for otherso   Be fully presento   Ask reflective questionso   And then just listeno   Don’t overcomplicate it, the value is in the listening.·      Have a great rest of the week!·      Cheers!  Frederick’s Links:Email: frederick@frederickbuskey.comWebsite: https://www.frederickbuskey.com/LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/strategicleadershipconsultingDaily Email subscribe: https://adept-experimenter-3588.ck.page/fdf37cbf3aThe Strategic Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWRS2F6N?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520

Power Quote: “How does this make learning better?”Teaser:A couple weeks ago I had Simone Lieschke on. Simone is co-principal at the American International School of Lusaka in Zambia. I appreciated her different perspectives and it was a conversation that made me, and I hope you, step back and reflect more deeply on our own contexts. Today’s show is also with an international school leader, and, again, will offer some different (and not so different) perspectives to help us think.Sponsor Spot 1:I’d like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today’s show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn’t that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes.Show IntroGuest Bio:Originally from London England, Chris Horton has worked since 2001 in International Schools. Starting in Washington DC and moving to Doha, Panama City and now Buenos Aires, he has worked in British and American international schools as a teacher and school administrator. Currently he is the assistant principal at Asociacion Escuelas Lincoln in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He has completed his NPQH (National Professional Qualification of Headship) UK, and presented at several conferences in the AMISA region (American International School Association).Warmup questions:We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?Questions/Topics/PromptsThe creative and problem-solving aspects of your work. We rarely talk about this on the pod and I think it would be great to do so.What strategies are you using in the face of student transience?What role does asset-based mindset play in meeting their needs? How do you do it?(If time) What are you doing around teacher retention?Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/assistant to get started.Closing questions:What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?If listeners could take just one thing away from today’s podcast, what would it be?Before we go, is there anything else that you’d like to share with our listeners?Where can people learn more about you and your work…Summary/wrap upEverybody’s assistant (including your own)Doing without doing (meta initiative) – Wu-weiListen more speak lessHelp people solve their problems (teacher growth and change initiatives)Remember the empty chairSpecial thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/CloseLeadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Remember the secret to good leadership:Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for othersBe fully presentAsk reflective questionsAnd then just listenDon’t overcomplicate it, the value is in the listening.Have a great rest of the week!Cheers!Guest Links:LinkedIn profile: Link   Frederick’s Links:Email: frederick@frederickbuskey.comWebsite: https://www.frederickbuskey.com/ LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/strategicleadershipconsulting Daily Email subscribe: https://adept-experimenter-3588...

Power Quote: “What’s the point if I’m not willing to grow?”Teaser:As you will hear, I began my teaching career overseas through a serious of serendipitous events. For reasons I myself don’t fully understand, I’ve been feeling the echoes of international education on my thoughts, so I decided to listen and invite on some international school leaders. We can certainly learn a lot from people who work in the same context as we do, and we can learn a lot from people work in very different contexts, who bring different perspectives. No matter what your leadership context is, there are some great takeaways from today’s show. This is a lively and enjoyable conversation – I guarantee you will smile. So I invite you to sit back, listen, and laugh with me…Sponsor Spot 1:If you or your teachers have been thinking about planning a student trip, but don’t really know where to start, Kaleidoscope Adventures has you covered!Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning exceptional educational travel for more than 30 years. They understand the unique needs of student groups and will handle all the details from start to finish – so you can enjoy the experience! If you still need some help getting the ball rolling, check out their great e-resources including The Ultimate Guide to Planning Student Travel, The Ultimate How-To Guide for International High School Travel, AND The Ultimate Financial Guide for Your Student Trip. These are all FREE and packed with helpful tips and advice like how to get your parents on board, funding your trip, picking chaperones, and more.Connect with Kaleidoscope Adventures at mykatrip.com for your free copy or to talk with a pro planner.Kaleidoscope Adventures is travel beyond expectations!Show IntroGuest Bio:Simone Lieschke is the Primary School Co-Principal at the American International School of Lusaka, Zambia. She is deeply committed to empathy-driven, student-centered leadership and to fostering a connected, caring school culture. Simone is also passionate about developing sustainable and reciprocal community partnerships that create meaningful service learning opportunities for students. Now in her twentieth year in international education, Simone’s career has taken her and her family around the world, with previous leadership roles in Singapore, China, South Korea, and Australia.Warmup questions:We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?Questions/Topics/PromptsThere is a tremendous variety of international schools, but I’d like listeners to have more context about your specific school:What should listeners know about your school and students?What do you love most your schoolWhat are your biggest leadership challenges?I’m really excited at having you on partly because of your unique leadership situation. Can you talk about what you were doing last year, what you are doing this year, and how the transition came about?As a result of the change, how have your leadership behaviors changed? What areas have you had to grow?The structure of your leadership team is unique. How do you function together (thinking about strategies here)?If there were listeners playing with the idea of teaching and leading at an international school, how would they know if that kind of life was right for them?Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/assistant to get started.Closing questions:What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?If listeners could take just one thing away from today’s podcast, what would it be?Before we go, is there anything else that you’d like to share with our listeners?Where can people learn more about you and your work…Summary/wrap upReframing to yourself (before reframing to others)Cultural expectations of leadersConnection before correction“What’s the point if I’m not willing to grow?”Building leadership capacity also leads to more diverse perspectivesBeing presentSpecial thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/CloseLeadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Remember the secret to good leadership:...

Thankfully Thinking with Frederick Teaser:I’m planning on this episode being a little light. Honestly, I’m not sure how many people will tune in given we are dropping in a week where many of us are thinking more about dinner than data. We are not going to do any music this show, just acknowledging sponsors and diving into two themes. In part 1, we’ll look at the motivation equation. I first covered this in episode 247 earlier this year, on April Fool’s day of all things. I received a call the same day from an assistant superintendent who said “I want you to do this as a keynote at my principal’s retreat.” I was already working with a speaking coach, so I pivoted from reclaiming purpose to The Motivation Equation. Since April, I’ve given the talk in several different formats, multiple times. All that to say, my thinking on motivation has matured since that episode way back in April. Today, I want to give you a concrete example of thee factors that significantly impact motivation: appeal, ability, and capacity.  In part 2, we will pivot to a different motivation topic and I’ll share the results of my experiment with applying Tony Robbins’ 7 morning affirmations.  Sponsor Spot 1:I’d like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today’s show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn’t that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes. Show Intro Celebrations: Shoutout to Brad Waid, Darrin Peppard, and Jeff Gargas for helping me get better and believing in me. Also, my family, my Mom and her passion for life, especially for writing, my oldest daughter Gwen with whom I am becoming closer and closer, and who is doing a great job editing these podcasts and helping me think critically about how to improve the show, my sons Lance and Collin, who, in the midst of life transitions have been at home a lot more and bring me joy every day, and of course Mara who has evolved from being a cut-paste-post part timer to being an integral thought partner and, frankly, my business coach. Of course, I’m thankful for my wife Pam, the light of my life. This summer was rough as she fought kidney stones but she’s back to going strong. Pam retired from WCU at the end of June, and I’m enjoying watching her find herself again and looking forward to how she navigates and grows into this next phase of life.  Finally, I’m thankful for you. I know it sounds cliché but I mean it sincerely. You are doing the hard work, the vital work, every day. Those of you who reach out and let me know I’m supporting that work – you keep me going, you inspire me every day to grow and be better.  Key Points Part 11.     M=V/E2.     Why important: Feedback=>Curiosity=>Collaboration3.     Lots of things influence Motivation4.     FH trail5.     Think of the reason6.     Appeal, ability, capacity7.     With others, for task, skill, or behavior, assess appeal, ability, and cpacity  Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast… Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions.  And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit http://ixl.com/assistant to get started. Key Points Part 2Listening to inspirational speeches.“Words have power” The promise is we can make our days positive; training your brain1.     I am in control of my thoughts. 2.     I can handle anything today brings 3.     I am worthy of love and success 4.     My effort creates my future. 5.     I grow stronger every day 6.     I live with purpose and passion 7.     Today I choose to win.·      Writing in the morning·      Tony Robbins (OG motivational guy)·      Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBPymTZbmxE·      I see the upside. Is there a downside.·      Playing with other motivational speeches I’ve got links to Tony’s speech as well as speeches by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Grant Taeff linked on my blog page at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/daily-emails  Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!·      Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.com·      Ranford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoul·      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/·      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/  Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistantKaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/  Close·      Leadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.·      You can find links to all sorts...

Power Quote: I am a teacherTeaser:I’ve made an intentional effort this year to feature the voices of practitioners. I find the conversations to always be interesting and informative. Some guests are more high energy than others and I want to comment on that before we get into today’s interview. I am hesitant to say “all leaders should bring the juice” as people need to be able to be authentic and different leadership styles work in different space and with different people. That said, we also need to recognize:People consistently look to their leaders for hopeThey look to leaders for cues on how to react to diversityThey look to leaders to inform if they should be focused on the good things or the bad thingsIn today’s interview, I want you to listen not only to what our guest says, but also how she says it. She is a 30-year veteran teacher and leader and she brings the passion and optimism of a first-year educator. She has an affirming presence that made me feel special even over Zoom.Does every leader ne dot be positive, high energy, and inspiring. No? Maybe? I do know this – when I am in the presence of what I will call “lighthouse” leaders, I am more inspired, more confident, and more optimistic. And that, definitely, is what I want form my leaders. Before we begin, Sponsor Spot 1:I’d like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today’s show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn’t that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes.Show IntroGuest Bio:Heidi Fagerness lives in Southwest Washington and has served in education for 34 years—25 in special education and eight as an assistant principal. This year, she’s in her first year as principal at Chehalis Middle School. Heidi was honored as Washington State’s 2024 Assistant Principal of the Year. Her why is people, and the heart of her work is building connections that help every student belong and thrive.Warmup questions:We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?Questions/Topics/PromptsWe have many listeners who are new APs or new Principals, so I thought it would be good to have someone on who could speak to the benefits of being a member of NASSP. From the 40,000 foot view, why belong to a principal association?NASSP provides many PD opportunities for school leaders. What things have you participated in as a principal and what as an AP?Part of leadership self-care is having a support network, and a key component of that support group is a group of peers. How has your involvement with NASSP helped connect you with other school leaders?2020 was a year like no other and it feels like 2025 has been similar. No bets on what 2026 will look like. It is a hard time at so many levels. I don’t think it has ever been more difficult to lead teachers, teach students, or get an education as it is now. Two questions:How do you take care of yourself?How are you helping others take care of themselves?Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/assistant to get started.Closing questions:What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?If listeners could take just one thing away from today’s podcast, what would it be?Before we go, is there anything else that you’d like to share with our listeners?Where can people learn more about you and your work…Summary/wrap upConnection, human connection, making it locally, but also in a broader networkExternal connection provides perspective, support, and safetyLean on people, ask for help, remember you are giving others purposeHope centered leadership and the internal algorithm Look for what you want to see – as an antidote for a world shoving in your face what you don’t want to seeSpecial thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/CloseLeadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on A...

Power Quote: “My job is to remove the barriers that prevent teachers and students from being successful.”Teaser:We’ve had some very good episodes this year (and, yes, probably some not-so-good ones) and I think today’s may be one of the best. My goals for each show are that you finish listening feeling inspired and purposeful, and that you have some tool, technique, idea, or perspective that you can use to make your life and leadership better. Today’s interview checks all those boxes. Honestly, I think you may want to listen to it twice – there is so much goodness here. Before we get started…Sponsor Spot 1:Do you love to travel but are tired of the same old student trip?  Check out Kaleidoscope Adventures, our preferred planning partner! Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning educational travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years. They know the best destinations for student groups – they might even surprise you with a few hidden gems you’ve never considered!Discover the Harry Potter connection in Portugal, plan an “epic” trip to Universal, or celebrate America’s 250th on an American Adventure!Each experience is customized to fit your specific needs… never a “one-size-fits-all” cookie cutter trip! When you need a little inspiration, contact the experts at mykatrip.com for the freshest ideas for your next student trip!Show IntroGuest Bio:Today’s guest is a respected leader in education, Coach Darryall White, assistant principal and athletic director at Indian Land Middle School in Lancaster County, South Carolina.A proud Clemson graduate, Coach White has spent more than 30 years serving students as a teacher, counselor, and now assistant principal. He’s coached nearly every sport and recently made history as the first-ever Lancaster County School District Assistant Principal of the Year.Known for his energy, authenticity, and passion for developing champions from the inside out, Coach White helps students, teachers, and athletes strengthen the heart, the head, and the hustle.”Warmup questions:We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?Questions/Topics/PromptsOne of the things you speak a lot about is passion, so let’s dive deep into it:How is your passion different today than when you first began teaching? The job of AP is demanding. How do you keep your passion fueled?If you are having a tough day (or week), what are ways you get yourself back on track?I think there can be a tension between serving students and serving teachers. There is only so much of you to go around. How do you find the right balance?I’d like us to shift into processes. We haven’t spoken enough before for me to know for sure, but I suspect you are someone who is process driven. I like to say systems and structures support sustainability. So, what systems and structures are key to your success?Finally, it’s hard out there…Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/assistant to get started.Closing questions:What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?If listeners could take just one thing away from today’s podcast, what would it be?Before we go, is there anything else that you’d like to share with our listeners?Where can people learn more about you and your work…Summary/wrap upI hope you enjoyed this as much as I didMotivation = gratitude and opportunityControl/not control (E+R=O)3 R’s to recover (reconnect with people, reflect, refocus on wins)3 core “ways of being” (clarity, consistency, communication – in word and deed)Be intentional about finding opportunities to uplift othersThe job is about people, not tasksSpecial thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/CloseLeadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Remember the secret to good leadership:Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for othersBe fully presentAsk reflective questionsAnd then just listenDon’t overcomplicate it, the value is in the listening.Have a great rest of the week!Cheers!

Teaser:I love talking with experts and we can learn a lot from someone like Elena Aguilar or Mark Shellinger, and from other consultants and thought leaders like my good friends William D Parker and Darrin Peppard. And – we also need to be hearing from the people who are doing the work. In today’s episode I do a coaching call with an aspiring administrator. She’s a member of my email list we decided to connect over some observations and questions she shared with me. I think, whether you are an aspiring leader, early in your AP adventure, or even working as the principal or at the district level, you’ll find some helpful things in here, especially around supporting up and coming leaders, which is something we all need to get better at. Before we get into the discussionSponsor Spot 1:I’d like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today’s show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn’t that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes.Show IntroGuest Bio:Penny is a district-wide school social worker based just outside Buffalo, NY, with experience in both K–12 and higher education. She is passionate about supporting students and families while fostering collaboration and mental health supports within schools. Penny is currently pursuing an administrative program, and is dedicated to expanding her leadership and impact in education.  Warmup questions:We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?Questions/Topics/Prompts5-minute coaching questionsAspiring LeadersWhen am I ready to take that leap? What am I learning along the way? How do I build my own network of support?Advice on preparing for changes ahead, what I need to know outside of my current coursework, and any insights on moving from staff to admin within a district.Interdisciplinary Supports in SchoolsHow we utilize social workers, psychologists, support staff, marketing directors, and others to better support our students.Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/assistant to get started.Closing questions:What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?If listeners could take just one thing away from today’s podcast, what would it be?Before we go, is there anything else that you’d like to share with our listeners?Where can people learn more about you and your work…Summary/wrap upDelegation:There are other heroes in your building in addition to youLean on others’ strengthsIntentionally provide stretch opportunities (with support)Penny’s big takeaway: Embracing our own journeys and building a support network aligned with both where we are and where we want to go.Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/CloseLeadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Remember the secret to good leadership:Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for othersBe fully presentAsk reflective questionsAnd then just listenDon’t overcomplicate it, the value is in the listening.Have a great rest of the week!Cheers!Guest Links:Frederick’s Links:Email: frederick@frederickbuskey.comWebsite: https://www.frederickbuskey.com/ LinkedIn:

Today’s episode is packed full of amazing information, ideas, and inspiration. We are going to conclude today’s show with a simple technique for putting everything in the show into practice. It is simple, and you can become competent in the technique with almost no practice, and it will take you less than five minutes a day. The result will be profound. Please, walk with me through this episode and you can step out the other side refreshed, renewed, and ready.Sponsor Spot 1:If you or your teachers have been thinking about planning a student trip, but don’t really know where to start, Kaleidoscope Adventures has you covered!Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning exceptional educational travel for more than 30 years. They understand the unique needs of student groups and will handle all the details from start to finish – so you can enjoy the experience! If you still need some help getting the ball rolling, check out their great e-resources including The Ultimate Guide to Planning Student Travel, The Ultimate How-To Guide for International High School Travel, AND The Ultimate Financial Guide for Your Student Trip. These are all FREE and packed with helpful tips and advice like how to get your parents on board, funding your trip, picking chaperones, and more.Connect with Kaleidoscope Adventures at mykatrip.com for your free copy or to talk with a pro planner.Kaleidoscope Adventures is travel beyond expectations!Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit http://ixl.com/assistant to get started.Notable Quotes Angela Maiers:“Every person has a sign on them saying, “do I matter to you?” This is not a hollow question… this is encoded in our DNA.”“The drive to matter affects everything from the moment we were born.”“We don’t have to guess anymore, these practices make the biggest difference with people.”“Mattering is the sense that you have significant to others… We need others around us to know we matter.”“We asked 500,000 thousand kids one question: what would make you run to school on your worst day? The results came back – they wanted to know someone was excited about their existence.”“Three behaviors: Noticing, naming, and meaning”“Your presence is what it takes to make a mattering moment, 2-20 seconds.”“When you go through the world feeling invisible, it changes your state.”“Connection before content.”“How you greet people and how you leave people are the two most important parts”2-5-2 (2-20 seconds, how you greet and how you leave):·      2: Pause, smile, look at them, (quadruple bonus points for slipping in their name)·      5: Five people a day to acknowledge·      2: Wow moments: 2 seconds to share something that made you smile“Every single day I pick 3-5 people and I share something I noticed about them.” Frederick:“The purpose gets distorted… people matter and we need to start there,”“Asking the second question, ‘no, really, how are you’ signals to you that I care.”Angela Maiers Links:Email: angelamaiers@gmail.comWebsite: https://angelamaiers.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamaiers/Free Resources: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u205KzVYNdkYnLrtqD-GrvUV7-mTyQQr/view Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/CloseLeadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Remember the secret to good leadership:Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for othersBe fully presentAsk reflective questionsAnd then just listenDon’t overcomplicate it, the value is in the listening.Have a great rest of the week!Cheers!Frederick’s Links:Email: frederick@frederickbuskey.comWebsite: https://www.frederickbuskey.com/ LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/strategicleadershipconsulting Daily Email subscribe: https://adept-experimenter-3588.ck.page/fdf37cbf3a The Strategic Leader’s ...