Catching Up with Casey

I’m in the car and on a soapbox—because if we keep throwing around words like fidelity without defining them, we’re setting teachers up for confusion and frustration. In this quick-hit episode, I break down why jargon like this kills clarity, how it shows up in PLCs, and what leaders need to do instead: get specific, map it out, and make sure everyone’s speaking the same language.Your teams are itching for CLARITY!  That can be a complex thing to provide.  But I have a framework that guides you to do just that– gain and create clarity!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/claritycycleframework Need help getting your leaders trained in a purposeful way? ⁠https://www.catchingupwithcasey.com/identity⁠Ready to build the habits of a clarity-driven leader? Get ⁠The Craft of Clarity⁠ book!Subscribe to my newsletter to get the resources mentioned in podcast episodes!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/newsletter 

In this episode, we welcome Mia Pumo, Director at MGT Impact Solutions, to explore the meaning of an "unshakable leader" and how the science of human flourishing applies to educators. Mia, who has 30 years of experience in education, shares how to blend neuroscience and positive psychology with practical coaching tools to build supportive school cultures. We discuss how leaders can create coaching systems that elevate teaching, leadership, and well-being while achieving results. As a bonus, Mia offers a Guide to becoming an unshakable leader in education, featuring 10 micro-habits that bring big results.https://instagram.com/mpeacepumo Your teams are itching for CLARITY!  That can be a complex thing to provide.  But I have a framework that guides you to do just that– gain and create clarity!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/claritycycleframework Need help getting your leaders trained in a purposeful way? ⁠https://www.catchingupwithcasey.com/identity⁠Ready to build the habits of a clarity-driven leader? Get ⁠The Craft of Clarity⁠ book!Subscribe to my newsletter to get the resources mentioned in podcast episodes!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/newsletter 

Dr. Chris Jochum, Founder/CEO of CJ Leadership Solutions, joins the show to discuss the vital importance and often-misunderstood value of teacher leadership. He shares insights from his new book, You Don't Have to Leave to Lead: A Practical Guide to Teacher Leadership, explaining why training and supporting teacher leaders is essential for school success. The conversation explores why this crucial aspect of school leadership is frequently overlooked and how it can transform school culture. Listeners walk away with practical, "take-home" strategies, including concepts like the "Leader's Daily Five" or the "Teacher-Leader's Credo," to implement immediately.https://cjleadership.com/    https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisjochum/  Your teams are itching for CLARITY!  That can be a complex thing to provide.  But I have a framework that guides you to do just that– gain and create clarity!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/claritycycleframework Need help getting your leaders trained in a purposeful way? ⁠https://www.catchingupwithcasey.com/identity⁠Ready to build the habits of a clarity-driven leader? Get ⁠The Craft of Clarity⁠ book!Subscribe to my newsletter to get the resources mentioned in podcast episodes!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/newsletter

An instructional shift is challenging enough without a clear roadmap. How does a leader create genuine coherence—not just noise—when implementing new curriculum like Bluebonnet Math or i-Ready? This week we’re visiting with Dr. NaTasha Crain, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, who is leading her district through major changes. Discover how to avoid common communication pitfalls, build shared mental models with principals, and focus teachers on the few things that matter most for student learning.Dr. NaTasha S. Crain is a transformational K–12 educational leader serving as the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction in Marshall ISD. She leads with vision, authenticity, and a deep commitment to advancing equitable and empowering learning experiences for all students. A former Principal of the Year, Dr. Crain has been honored with multiple recognitions for her leadership and service, including the MLK Humanitarian Award and Educational Leadership awards through Jarvis Christian University and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., reflecting her unwavering dedication to community, excellence, and educational impact.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-natasha-crain-337575b5/ Gain Clarity with Casey:Your teams are itching for CLARITY!  That can be a complex thing to provide.  But I have a framework that guides you to do just that– gain and create clarity!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/claritycycleframework Need help getting your leaders trained in a purposeful way? ⁠https://www.catchingupwithcasey.com/identity⁠Ready to build the habits of a clarity-driven leader? Get ⁠The Craft of Clarity⁠ book!Subscribe to my newsletter to get the resources mentioned in podcast episodes!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/newsletter 

You've got questions, I've got answers! During this final episode of the PLC replay series, I'll be answering YOUR questions about PLCs and Teams. I'll address questions like, "What does an ideal agenda look like for a PLC?" and, "How do you get PLCs started?" and, "What if a certain group of teachers are resistant?" These questions, plus the ones dropped in the comments will get answered!Check out the Better Data Meetings Tomorrow LIVE MastermindYour teams are itching for CLARITY!  That can be a complex thing to provide.  But I have a framework that guides you to do just that– gain and create clarity!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/claritycycleframework Need help getting your leaders trained in a purposeful way? ⁠https://www.catchingupwithcasey.com/identity⁠Ready to build the habits of a clarity-driven leader? Get ⁠The Craft of Clarity⁠ book!Subscribe to my newsletter to get the resources mentioned in podcast episodes!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/newsletter

It's the second episode of this three-part replay series on PLCs and Teams!Do you ever find yourself or others asking, "What is our focus for PLCs this week?" When questions like this are asked, it's a sure sign that PLCs have lost their purpose! Join this episode to learn about strategies and tools that you can turnaround and implement with PLCs immediately so they can begin the year with a solid focus and feel revitalized to do purposeful work that matters for the remainder of the year! Never again should you have to wonder what PLCs will focus on!Your teams are itching for CLARITY!  That can be a complex thing to provide.  But I have a framework that guides you to do just that– gain and create clarity!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/claritycycleframework Check out the ⁠Better Data Meetings Tomorrow LIVE Mastermind⁠Ready to build the habits of a clarity-driven leader? Get ⁠The Craft of Clarity⁠ book!Subscribe to my newsletter to get the resources mentioned in podcast episodes!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/newsletter Here are some books and additional resources to anchor to:⁠All Things PLC⁠, powered by Solution Tree⁠Learning By Doing: A Handbook for Professional Learning Communities at Work⁠ by Richard Dufour et. al.⁠PLC+: Better Decisions and Greater Impact by Design⁠ by Fisher, Frey, et. al.

Yep, I said it... PLCs: Just Say "NO"! The truth is that this buzzword term is becoming just that... a buzzword. For too many people, this term is coming up empty. This is the first of a series of three replays that all have to do with TEAMS! Let's jump into some conversations and CHANGE the bad taste that people are getting in their mouths about PLCs by thinking about WHAT we can say "NO" to when it comes to PLCs!Check out the Better Data Meetings Tomorrow Mastermind Your teams are itching for CLARITY!  That can be a complex thing to provide.  But I have a framework that guides you to do just that– gain and create clarity!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/claritycycleframework Need help getting your leaders trained in a purposeful way? ⁠https://www.catchingupwithcasey.com/identity⁠Ready to build the habits of a clarity-driven leader? Get ⁠The Craft of Clarity⁠ book!Subscribe to my newsletter to get the resources mentioned in podcast episodes!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/newsletter 

We see reels created on Sundays with no one in the building, stating what an influencer does or does not do on their campus. We're bombarded with teacher memes showcasing what "everyone" thinks about faculty meetings or PLCs. But it doesn't stop there. It's not just social media that's driving the narrative... it's our many social interactions. I'll be talking about all of this and more on this podcast episode and challenging all of us to get out of the POPPIES, so beautiful yet so wicked, and find the yellow brick road!Your teams are itching for CLARITY!  That can be a complex thing to provide.  But I have a framework that guides you to do just that– gain and create clarity!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/claritycycleframework Need help getting your leaders trained in a purposeful way? ⁠https://www.catchingupwithcasey.com/identity⁠Ready to build the habits of a clarity-driven leader? Get ⁠The Craft of Clarity⁠ book!Subscribe to my newsletter to get the resources mentioned in podcast episodes!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/newsletter

Ever wonder why some conversations feel like navigating a minefield? This episode with Crystal Atkinson tackles the often-frustrating reality of difficult interactions, exploring why people can be challenging and, more importantly, how clarity in communication isn't just possible, but a powerful tool to bridge divides. Join us as we unpack practical strategies to cut through the noise, foster understanding, and transform communication challenges into opportunities for stronger leadership and more effective teams.Connect with Crystal:CrystalCoachingConsulting@outlook.com; IG: @vibrant_leadership LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-atkinson-coach-consultant/Blog: https://csatkinson.wordpress.com/Podcast: Vibrant Leadership for Educational LeadersConnect with Casey:Your teams are itching for CLARITY!  That can be a complex thing to provide.  But I have a framework that guides you to do just that– gain and create clarity!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/claritycycleframework Need help getting your leaders trained in a purposeful way? ⁠https://www.catchingupwithcasey.com/identity⁠Ready to build the habits of a clarity-driven leader? Get ⁠The Craft of Clarity⁠ book!Subscribe to my newsletter to get the resources mentioned in podcast episodes!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/newsletter 

What if the very systems you rely on are unconsciously creating gaps in student learning? The uncomfortable truth is that assumptions—from the district level down to the classroom—foster a lack of clarity that no one intends. Casey uncovers how to spot these unintentional gaps and walks through the essential first step: using simple awareness tools and the Clarity Cycle Framework to bring absolute clarity to expectations, instruction, and student needs.Check out the Better Data Meetings Tomorrow CourseYour teams are itching for CLARITY!  That can be a complex thing to provide.  But I have a framework that guides you to do just that– gain and create clarity!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/claritycycleframework Need help getting your leaders trained in a purposeful way? ⁠https://www.catchingupwithcasey.com/identity⁠Ready to build the habits of a clarity-driven leader? Get ⁠The Craft of Clarity⁠ book!Subscribe to my newsletter to get the resources mentioned in podcast episodes!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/newsletter 

What if the small thing missing from your leadership isn't a new tool, but a clear, written management theory?John A. Dues challenges us to create a cohesive blueprint that brings absolute clarity to every decision. As Chief Learning Officer and COO at United Schools, John breaks down why a coherent management theory is the non-negotiable foundation for creating predictable, sustainable success with your team.This conversation provides the clarity you need to move from managing by reaction to leading by design.🔥 Actionable Takeaway: John's free 20-minute course, Understanding Variation 101, is a powerful first step for your team!LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnadues/Stan Store: https://stan.store/johnaduesYour teams are itching for CLARITY!  That can be a complex thing to provide.  But I have a framework that guides you to do just that– gain and create clarity!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/claritycycleframework Need help getting your leaders trained in a purposeful way? ⁠https://www.catchingupwithcasey.com/identity⁠Ready to build the habits of a clarity-driven leader? Get ⁠The Craft of Clarity⁠ book!Subscribe to my newsletter to get the resources mentioned in podcast episodes!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/newsletter 

It's the end of the week and you're ready to leave it all behind and jump into the weekend! BUT first, use these three strategies to end your week with clarity so you can BEGIN your week with clarity and confidence!Check out the Better Data Meetings Tomorrow CourseYour teams are itching for CLARITY!  That can be a complex thing to provide.  But I have a framework that guides you to do just that– gain and create clarity!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/claritycycleframework Need help getting your leaders trained in a purposeful way? ⁠https://www.catchingupwithcasey.com/identity⁠Ready to build the habits of a clarity-driven leader? Get ⁠The Craft of Clarity⁠ book!Subscribe to my newsletter to get the resources mentioned in podcast episodes!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/newsletter 

Is your school's improvement plan a binder on a shelf, or a living system that drives results?As leaders, we often focus on the what (better test scores, higher engagement), but not the how—the foundational systems that make it all possible. This week, I'm catching up with former Superintendent and Principal Principles owner, Stephanie McConnell, to dive into the powerful, often-overlooked small things that transform how we lead schools.Drawing from her experience leading at every level—from elementary principal to superintendent—Stephanie shares her proven approach for designing and implementing sustainable systems that don't just put out fires, but guarantee better student outcomes and create stronger school cultures. If you're ready to stop spinning your wheels and start building a resilient foundation for lasting success, this episode is your blueprint.Connect with Stephanie:https://www.facebook.com/principalprincipleshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-mcconnell-08425557/https://principalprinciples.net/https://www.instagram.com/stories/principalprinciples/Book mentioned in the episode: On FireYour teams are itching for CLARITY!  That can be a complex thing to provide.  But I have a framework that guides you to do just that– gain and create clarity!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/claritycycleframework Need help getting your leaders trained in a purposeful way? ⁠https://www.catchingupwithcasey.com/identity⁠Ready to build the habits of a clarity-driven leader? Get ⁠The Craft of Clarity⁠ book!

So many of us build our identity around what we do—the job title, the role, the label. But what happens when that role changes or ends? In this conversation with career coach and former touring drummer Justin Pohlmann, we talk about the messy middle of career transitions, how to separate purpose from profession, and why chasing passion isn’t the best place to start when you’re feeling stuck. Justin shares what it really means to find clarity and momentum again when the noise gets loud and your confidence feels shaken.Justin Pohlmann is the founder of Resound Coaching, where he helps people who feel stuck in their careers discover clarity, purpose, and momentum. Drawing on years of experience in Recruiting, HR and his heart for encouraging others, he equips clients to tune out the noise so they can hear their calling loud and clear. www.linkedin.com/in/justin-pohlmannhttp://www.resoundcoaching.com Work with CaseyYour teams are itching for CLARITY!  That can be a complex thing to provide.  But I have a framework that guides you to do just that– gain and create clarity!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/claritycycleframework Need help getting your leaders trained in a purposeful way? ⁠https://www.catchingupwithcasey.com/identity⁠Ready to build the habits of a clarity-driven leader? Get ⁠The Craft of Clarity⁠ book!Subscribe to my newsletter to get the resources mentioned in podcast episodes!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/newsletter 

The modern school administrator's plate isn't just full—it's overflowing. If you feel like you're constantly fighting fires instead of leading with vision, this episode is for you.Join me as I sit down with author of The BluePrint, coach, and speaker Todd Bloomer to tackle the critical question: How can we support the current school administrator with tools that allow them to not only survive, but thrive? We dive into the concept of "Uber"-like coaching for principals and discuss practical strategies to cut through the chaos. Todd shares his wisdom on managing the mass, miles, and food and fun of leadership, giving you the focus you need to build a sustainable, successful principalship.Find Todd on Instagram!Your teams are itching for CLARITY!  That can be a complex thing to provide.  But I have a framework that guides you to do just that– gain and create clarity!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/claritycycleframework Need help getting your leaders trained in a purposeful way? ⁠https://www.catchingupwithcasey.com/identity⁠Ready to build the habits of a clarity-driven leader? Get ⁠The Craft of Clarity⁠ book!Subscribe to my newsletter to get the resources mentioned in podcast episodes!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/newsletter 

Last week's episode helped you think about what to do when your thoughts hijack clarity– like when you don't know what to expect from an upcoming conversation or meeting and you craft an elaborate movie in your mind (that almost never goes how you think it will go). Today's episode is all about what to do when you're ACTUALLY IN the meeting! I have three things to share in this episode that are helpful to practice- just remember, they DO take practice!Let me know what's been most useful in this episode! casey@clarity-driven.com Check out the Better Data Meetings Tomorrow CourseYour teams are itching for CLARITY!  That can be a complex thing to provide.  But I have a framework that guides you to do just that– gain and create clarity!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/claritycycleframework Need help getting your leaders trained in a purposeful way? ⁠https://www.catchingupwithcasey.com/identity⁠Ready to build the habits of a clarity-driven leader? Get ⁠The Craft of Clarity⁠ book!Subscribe to my newsletter to get the resources mentioned in podcast episodes!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/newsletter 

We’ve all walked into a meeting already writing the story in our heads—they’re going to question me, this is going to go sideways, I’ll freeze up. But what if that narrative is what’s clouding your clarity before you even speak? Let’s unpack how to notice those stories, rewrite them, and walk into your next meeting grounded, confident, and clear.Check out the Better Data Meetings Tomorrow CourseYour teams are itching for CLARITY!  That can be a complex thing to provide.  But I have a framework that guides you to do just that– gain and create clarity!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/claritycycleframework Need help getting your leaders trained in a purposeful way? ⁠https://www.catchingupwithcasey.com/identity⁠Ready to build the habits of a clarity-driven leader? Get ⁠The Craft of Clarity⁠ book!Subscribe to my newsletter to get the resources mentioned in podcast episodes!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/newsletter 

What if the biggest barrier to your success isn’t your circumstances—but your own thinking? Steven English, leadership coach and Chief Transformation Officer, shares how he rebuilt his career at 45 through mental fitness and emotional self-mastery. You’ll learn how to catch yourself in moments of self-sabotage, pause before reacting, and ask better questions that shift you out of old patterns and into clarity.http://www.stevenenglish.net info@stevenenglish.net https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveenglish2/ Your teams are itching for CLARITY!  That can be a complex thing to provide.  But I have a framework that guides you to do just that– gain and create clarity!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/claritycycleframework Need help getting your leaders trained in a purposeful way? ⁠https://www.catchingupwithcasey.com/identity⁠Ready to build the habits of a clarity-driven leader? Get ⁠The Craft of Clarity⁠ book!Subscribe to my newsletter to get the resources mentioned in podcast episodes!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/newsletter

Not all PLCs are created equal. Some go through the motions, while others truly build capacity and improve learning. In this episode, I’ll be joined by Bruce Potter and Dave Nagel, co-authors of Grading Visible Learners: Learning with Fluidity, Not Finality. We’ll dig into what collaborative expertise looks like in action, why coherence, belonging, and consistency matter, and how leaders can create the same kind of clarity for adults that we expect teachers to create for students. Be on the lookout for their upcoming book mentioned in this episode!www.centerforcollaborativeexpertise.comBruce on LinkedInDave on LinkedInYour teams are itching for CLARITY!  That can be a complex thing to provide.  But I have a framework that guides you to do just that– gain and create clarity!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/claritycycleframework Need help getting your leaders trained in a purposeful way? ⁠https://www.catchingupwithcasey.com/identity⁠Ready to build the habits of a clarity-driven leader? Get ⁠The Craft of Clarity⁠ book!Subscribe to my newsletter to get the resources mentioned in podcast episodes!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/newsletter 

Ever sat in a meeting and thought, “I’m just going to stay quiet and wait for this to be over”? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m bringing clarity to the subtle ways leaders accidentally make people feel stupid—and how it kills contribution, collaboration, and trust. I’ll share three habits you can stop doing right now that may be shutting voices down, plus a few reflection questions to help you notice when it’s happening. Whether you’ve been the one silenced or the one unintentionally silencing, this episode will help you show up differently and create a space where people actually want to speak up.Listen to the podcast episode about reframing!Listen to the podcast about perception checking!Check out the Better Data Meetings Tomorrow CourseYour teams are itching for CLARITY!  That can be a complex thing to provide.  But I have a framework that guides you to do just that– gain and create clarity!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/claritycycleframework Need help getting your leaders trained in a purposeful way? ⁠https://www.catchingupwithcasey.com/identity⁠Ready to build the habits of a clarity-driven leader? Get ⁠The Craft of Clarity⁠ book!Subscribe to my newsletter to get the resources mentioned in podcast episodes!  www.catchingupwithcasey.com/newsletter