Communities of Character Podcast

The focus of this episode is Principle 8 of the 11 Principles Framework from character.org, which is about school staff being involved in learning about, discussing, and taking responsibility for character education initiatives. Earon Sheats is the principal at Hartselle Intermediate School, named a National School of Character in 2021. In this episode you'll learn: -How the school intentionally plans time each day for the school to focus on "The Tiger Way" -How a partnership with the Hope Institute propelled Hartselle Intermediate in their character initiative -Principal Sheats' vision for creating a culture of character -How character education must be more than a program -How the 11 Principles Framework takes stakeholders back to their "why" -The importance of the Character Team and how teachers are involved in the character education initiative -How action teams drive the character initiative at Hartselle Intermediate -About Camp Tiger Way and its importance in kicking off a school year Resources from the episode: 11 Principles Framework from Character.org  https://character.org/11-principles-overview/ The Hope Institute https://www.hopeinstitute.org/ Inch and Miles: The Journey to Success by John Wooden Kids Deserve It by Todd Nesloney Culturize by Jimmy Casas Unleash Talent: Bringing Out the Best in Yourself and the Learners You Serve by Kara Knollmeyer  Character Matters by Tom Lickona Connect with us!  On Twitter: Jennifer Hogan - @jennifer_hogan Communities of Character - @Samford_CCC Earon Sheats - @earonsheats Hartselle Intermediate School - @HIStigers56 On Instagram: Communities of Character - @Samford_CCC On Facebook: Hartselle Intermediate School https://www.facebook.com/his56tigers

The focus of this episode is Principle 7 of the 11 Principles Framework from Character.org. Today's guest has been serving as an educator for 43 years, both in public and private education. Cas McWaters is currently the Chief Academic Office for Cornerstone Schools of Alabama. In today's conversation, he will share ideas that are appropriate for public and private schools to foster intrinsic motivation.  In this episode, you'll learn: -How Character.org and The Hope Institute helped Cornerstone Schools to get laser-focused on character development -The reflective process involved in intrinsic motivation -Why Cas believes that students today have the most charitable hearts -Struggles that Cornerstone Schools faced with assessing their character program and intrinsic motivation -The 5 character pillars of Cornerstone Schools and why changed from their original core values -How students are assessed in intrinsic motivation at Cornerstone Schools -How Cornerstone Schools completely changed their graduation ceremony into a family event -The number 1 piece of advice that Cas gives to new or aspiring administrators Resources: Cornerstone Schools: https://csalabama.org/ The Hope Institute: https://www.hopeinstitute.org/ The 11 Principles from Character.org: https://character.org/11-principles-overview/ Connect with us! On Twitter: Jennifer Hogan - @jennifer_hogan Communities of Character - @Samford_CCC On Instagram: Communities of Character - @Samford_CCC Email Cas McWaters cmcwaters@csalabama.org

This episode features insights from Andrea Hamner, the principal at Huntington Place Elementary School in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The focus of this episode is Principle 6 of the 11 Principles Framework from Character.org. Andrea is passionate about her school community and the culture of character that was created by the leadership from students and staff members.  In this episode, you'll learn: -How Andrea got involved in character education -What it means to offer a challenging academic curriculum that “develops students’ character” -How Huntington Place Elementary builds and maintains a culture of high academic expectations while also providing meaningful and appropriate challenges for students of all ability levels -The kind of professional development her teachers attend to learn how to meet the needs of diverse learners -An example of how character education is integrated into academic content and instruction -How new teachers are trained to ensure that they know and model core values and continue to build a culture of character -How her school has been able to maintain high expectations through the pandemic and with limitations that have been in place Resources from the episode: Huntington Place Elementary School https://www.tcss.net/Domain/26 The 11 Principles Framework from Character.org https://character.org/11-principles-overview/ You Can't Teach Through a Rat, by Dr. Marvin Berkowitz https://www.amazon.com/You-Cant-Teach-Through-Rat/dp/1892056569 Professional Learning Communities https://www.allthingsplc.info Brainspring https://brainspring.com/ LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) https://www.lexialearning.com/alabama-letrs Alabama Math Science and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) https://www.amsti.org/ iReady https://www.curriculumassociates.com/ Connect with us! On Twitter: Jennifer Hogan - @jennifer_hogan Communities of Character - @Samford_CCC Huntington Place Elementary - @hpesrocks On Facebook: Huntington Place Elementary School https://www.facebook.com/pages/Huntington-PlaceElementarySchool/594592394001046 On Instagram: Communities of Character - @Samford_CCC Huntington Place Elementary - @hpesrocks

In this episode, you'll learn from Dr. Alicia Hunsberger, the current principal of Pizitz Middle School in Vestavia Hills City Schools in Alabama, as we discuss Principle 5 of the 11 Principles Framework from Character.org. We will be talking about service learning and putting core values into action. Dr. Hunsberger is passionate about working to raise the next generation of kind and smart kids. Alicia has worked in education for over 20 years - partnering with teachers to learn, lead, and serve students and families. She was named the principal of Pizitz Middle School in 2021, and previously served as principal of 2020 National School of Character, Cahaba Heights Elementary. In this episode you'll learn: -How Alicia got into character education -How the 11 Principles Framework from Character.org has helped Alicia lead and assess a culture of character -The difference between community service and service learning -Examples of how students at Cahaba Heights Elementary put their core values into action -Alicia's missteps in applying the core values at her school and how she overcame them -Advice that Alicia would give to leaders who are wanting to grow service learning at their schools Resources from the episode: Character Matters by Dr. Thomas Lickona - Alicia's recommendation for a good starting point for faculty How to Raise Kind Kids by Dr. Thomas Lickona - Book for parent book study at Cahaba Heights Elementary Samford University - https://www.samford.edu/education/ 11 Principles Framework by Character.org - https://character.org/11-principles-overview/ Connect with us! On Twitter: Jennifer Hogan - @jennifer_hogan Alicia Hunsberger - @hunsbergera Communities of Character - @Samford_CCC Pizitz Middle School - @pizitzmiddle You can email Alicia from the school's website: https://www.vestavia.k12.al.us/domain/286  

In this episode, you’ll get to hear from Dr. John Lowry, the former principal of a National School of Character, Shades Cahaba Elementary in Homewood, Alabama. He’s currently in his first year as the director of Academic Programs & Services at the central office. When I asked Dr. Lowry about his passions and mission, he said, “Really just being a good human, loving others, doing my best to be a helper, and trying to be an example to those I’m around.”  The focus of the episode is Principle 2 of the 11 Principles from Character.org, which has to do with defining character to include thinking, feeling, and doing. Dr. Lowry will share how his school provided these opportunities for students. In this episode you'll learn: -  Dr. Lowry's favorite activity in your school where your students were able to practice their core values - The adjustments have schools in his district have had to make during this time of the pandemic and the guidelines and changes that have come with it, in terms of character development - Advice to schools who had just gotten clear on their core values as they look for ways to have students understand their core values in terms of thinking, feeling, and doing - A misstep that was made in implementing his school's character initiative and what he learned from it  - Lessons that Dr. Lowry learned about character initiatives in his previous school that he's taken to his new district role Resources from the episode: - The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, by John Maxwell - Leading with Soul, by Lee G. Bolman & Terrence E. Deal To contact Dr. John Lowry, email him via the Homewood City Schools website: https://www.homewood.k12.al.us/domain/79

Podcast guest, Dr. Quentin Lee, is also called the “Can’t Touch This Principal” for his wildly viral video he created for his students at Childersburg High School as they were coming back to school in the fall of 2020. Last summer, in June of 2021, Quentin was named superintendent of Talladega City Schools in Alabama. While Principal at Childersburg HS, the school was named a 2021 State School of Character by character.org. Dr. Lee shares the importance of developing core values and how it changed his school's culture.  In this episode, you'll learn: -The process used at Dr. Lee's school for choosing their core values -How core values become strongly embedded into the school’s culture -How Dr. Lee, in his current role as superintendent, supports teachers and educators in ways that align with the school's core values (as well as his own core values) -Dr. Lee's advice he would give to someone wanting to start with Principle 1 (of the 11 Principles Framework) in their school Resources from the episode: Dr. Quentin Lee's website: https://www.drquentinjlee.com/ Dr. Lee's viral "Can't Touch This" video: https://youtu.be/oeAN8Xxz0q4 The Hope Institute: https://www.hopeinstitute.org/ Seven Blind Mice by Ed Young: https://amzn.to/3g3L29H Connect with Dr. Quentin Lee Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.QuentinJLee/ Twitter: @DrQuentinJLee

This inaugural episode kicks off a series on the 11 Principles framework by character.org. The 11 Principles framework was developed by school leaders and character education researchers, and it serves as a guide for schools that are building a culture of character.  Today's guest is Dr. Kara Chism, a Samford University professor and the Director of Professional Learning at the Hope Institute in Birmingham, Alabama. Listen to learn how schools use the 11 Principles framework and how there's not a one-size-fits-all when it comes to creating a culture of character in schools and organizations.  Discussed in the episode: -Dr. Chism's life-changing experiences with the Hope Institute -The specific principle that stands out as a "north star" for schools and organizations -Best practices for schools when determining its core values -The leader’s role in using the 11 Principles Framework to build a culture of character Resources from the episode: The 11 Principles Framework: https://character.org/11-principles-in-schools/ The Hope Institute: https://www.hopeinstitute.org/ Samford University Communities of Character Resources: https://www.samford.edu/education/communities-of-character Character is Destiny, by Russell W. Gough Character Matters, by Dr. Thomas Lickona PRIMED, by Dr. Marvin Berkowitz Connect with Dr. Chism on Social Media: Instagram: @samfordeducation Instagram: @hope.institute

Martin Luther King, Jr. stated, “Intelligence plus character. That is the true goal of education.”   The Communities of Character podcast agrees with Martin Luther King, Jr., and seeks to spark conversations and tackle the big ideas and important questions related to character and character development.  Guests on the podcast include thought leaders, researchers, experts, and practitioners who are passionate about character and its impact in their vocations and lives. Our goal is to support character development in educational communities by providing our listeners with inspiration and practical tools for building character in students and organizations. Episode 1 is coming soon - in January 2022. Be sure to subscribe to us in your favorite app so that you don't miss an episode!

Season 4 is here!In this special kickoff episode of the Communities of Character Podcast, host Jennifer Hogan welcomes a brand-new co-host, Laura Casey, Athletic Director for Vestavia Hills City Schools. Together, they set the stage for an inspiring season focused on one central theme:Character in Action: Stories That Shape Communities.This season will feature conversations with coaches, principals, parents, entrepreneurs, and alumni who are living out values like integrity, resilience, and teamwork in ways that make a real difference. From the basketball court to the classroom, from family life to the workplace, you’ll hear how character is not just taught—it’s lived. In this episode, Jennifer and Laura share:What listeners can expect from Season 4Why “character in action” is such a powerful focus for this yearHow past popular episodes—like Scarlett Lewis on social-emotional learning, Dr. Michele Borba on developing character strengths, and Gerrie Spellmann on teamwork—connect to what’s aheadA behind-the-scenes look at the heart of this podcast: celebrating everyday leaders who inspire us to build communities of characterWhether you’re an educator, parent, coach, or leader, this new season will equip and inspire you with stories and strategies to bring character to life in your own community.Subscribe, share, and join us on this journey—because when we put character in action, we shape stronger schools, stronger families, and stronger communities.About the HostsJennifer Hogan is a character and leadership coach and former high school principal who's passionate about building cultures of character and empowering leaders at every level.Laura Casey is the Athletic Director for Vestavia Hills City Schools, where she leads with a focus on integrity, teamwork, and student success.Want to reach out to the hosts? You can reach Jennifer at jhogan.hhs@gmail.com. You can reach Laura at laurascasey@gmail.com.Follow the podcast on Instagram at @coc.podcast💡 Past seasons of the podcast have featured conversations with leaders like Scarlett Lewis, Dr. Michele Borba, Dr. Gregory Moore, Liz Huntley, and more. Go back and listen to those episodes to discover why they’re among the most popular with our listeners.

This episode's guest is Detra Gilliam. Detra's parents instilled values in Detra that have come full circle in her role as a character education teacher at Edgewood Elementary School in the Homewood City School System in Alabama. Hear about her journey and how her school develops character in their students. In this episode, you'll learn: How Detra got involved in character education The values Detra’s parents instilled in her that influences her as a teacher Detra’s role as a “Character Education” teacher What BRIK, the title of her character class, stands for What a typical day or week looks like for Detra in her character class The role of the House System used at Detra’s elementary school to build character What a Core Values Contract is and how Detra’s school uses it Resources from the episode: Edgewood Elementary School - https://www.homewood.k12.al.us/Domain/12 The Hope Institute - https://www.hopeinstitute.org/ Character.org  - 2023 Promising Practices   https://character.org/2023-promising-practices-recipients/ 11 Principles Framework - https://character.org/11-principles-in-schools/ Homewood City Schools - https://www.homewood.k12.al.us/ Connect with us!      On Twitter: Jennifer Hogan - @jennifer_hogan Communities of Character - @Samford_CCC      On Instagram: Communities of Character - @Samford_CCC BRIK with Mrs. Gilliam - @BRIKwithMrsGilliam

Christy Amick is the principal of Chickasaw Elementary School, which is a part of Chickasaw City Schools, near Mobile, Alabama. She graduated from the University of Mobile with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education and earned her master’s degree in  Educational Leadership from the University of South Alabama. Under Christy's leadership, Chickasaw Elementary has increased its score since 2016 by 17 points on the Alabama State Department’s Report Card, and Chickasaw Elementary School has been recognized as a Model Site for Alabama Safe and Civil Schools and was named a Banner School by the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools.  In 2022, Christy was named the Alabama National Distinguished Principal for her district. In this episode, you'll learn: The different school improvement programs Christy has led at her school How a focus on character has improved academics and attendance How Christy focuses on character education as new employees join the team The importance of partnership between school and families How Christy’s school focuses on preparing students for the day after graduation Success stories of students who benefitted from a focus on character Advice Christy would give to new administrators Resources from the episode: Chickasaw Elementary School - https://ces.chickasawschools.com/ The Hope Institute - https://www.hopeinstitute.org/ Character.org  - 2023 Promising Practices   https://character.org/2023-promising-practices-recipients/ 11 Principles Framework - https://character.org/11-principles-in-schools/ Safe and Civil Schools - https://www.safeandcivilschools.com/ National Institute for Excellence in Teaching - https://www.niet.org/ 2021 CLAS Banner School (press release) - https://clasleaders.org/communications/news/2022/05/09/clas-recognizes-schools-of-distinction-and-announces-2021-banner-schools Christy’s Email: camick@chickasawschools.com Connect with us!      On Twitter: Jennifer Hogan - @jennifer_hogan Communities of Character - @Samford_CCC      On Instagram: Communities of Character - @Samford_CCC

This month's episode is a special one. To kick off the new year, we're sharing segments of previous interviews with two incredible women whose stories are not only inspiring but also a testament to the transformative power of character. Liz Huntley, a powerhouse advocate, attorney, and author, and co-founder of the Hope Institute, and Scarlett Lewis, a courageous mom and founder of the "Choose Love Movement," have faced adversity head-on and emerged not only as survivors but as beacons of hope and change. Their courage serves as a reminder that the power of resilience, compassion, and choosing love is within each of us.

In this month’s episode I interview Christi Martin, a middle school principal passionate about character. She’s going to share how her staff created an intentional partnership with students in the way of a Student Character Committee. Christi is passionate about character education and attributes her drive to lead, teach life lessons through accountability and discipline, and enhancing the culture of character at her school to her years spent playing college basketball and the lessons she gleaned from her time as an athlete. In this episode, you'll learn: -What motivated Christi and her school to focus on character development -How the 11 Principles Framework guides Homewood Middle School in their work on character development -The importance of student voice in the middle years -How and why they created a Student Character Committee (SCC) at their school -How the SCC has shaped the school’s character education program -How the focus on character education has changed their school -Next steps that they will take in their character education journey -Advice from Christi to school leaders who are considering or just starting out on the journey of building a culture of character in their schools Resources from the episode: Homewood Middle School - https://www.homewood.k12.al.us/hms Hope Institute - https://www.hopeinstitute.org/ Character.org - https://character.org/ 11 Principles Framework - https://character.org/11-principles-in-schools/ Episode with Gregory Moore - https://bit.ly/CCpodcast-Ep20 Connect with us! Email Christi! cmartin @ homewood.k12.al.us      On Twitter: Jennifer Hogan - @jennifer_hogan Communities of Character - @Samford_CCC Christi Martin - @DIHRD12      On Instagram: Communities of Character - @Samford_CCC

Core values are a clearly identified set of beliefs or values that an organization holds to be true, but that you use as a benchmark or compass for your decisions and actions. They’re the guiding principles for behavioral expectations, and they can also help evaluate whether an organization is on the right path. This episode is a special compilation of experts and practitioners, that’s focused on core values in schools. This masterclass episode is to re-energize you and give you a mental push to keep the main thing the main thing. In this episode, you'll hear from: -Dr. Kara Chism, a Samford University professor and the Director of Professional Learning at the Hope Institute in Birmingham, Alabama -“The Voice of Character Education,” Dr. Phil Vincent, a long-time educator, consultant, and author -Gerrie Spellmann, the principal at Woodridge Elementary in San Antonio, Texas -Dr. Quentin Lee, also called the “Can’t Touch This Principal” -Scott Mitchell, who has been principal at Brock’s Gap Intermediate School in Hoover, Alabama since its inception in 2011 Resources from the episode: Hope Institute https://www.hopeinstitute.org/ Character.org https://character.org/ Connect with us! On Twitter: Jennifer Hogan - @jennifer_hogan Communities of Character - @Samford_CCC On Instagram: Communities of Character - @Samford_CCC

On today’s episode, I interview Scott Mitchell, who has been principal at Brock’s Gap Intermediate School in Hoover, Alabama since its inception in 2011. When the school opened, it was a 5th-6th grade configuration, and in 2018 it was re-established 3rd-5th grade intermediate school. He has over 25 years of teaching and administrative experience, all of which have been in Hoover City Schools. Scott has multiple degrees in education and leadership, and over 25 years of teaching and administrative experience. Scott’s school is only in their 3rd year of being intentional about building a culture of character, and I think you’re going to learn a lot Scott as he shares a ton of ideas on how they’ve made their core values central to all that they do at their school, from rethinking how they use their time in their faculty settings to how they amplify their students’ voices. In this episode, you'll learn:      -The transition that Scott’s school went through pre- and post-pandemic, and why he made the decision to attend the Hope Leadership Academy and intentionally focus on school culture      -The process that Scott’s school used in the selection of its core values      -How Scott and his staff made the core values central to every decision and action so that they are strongly embedded into the school’s culture      -How Scott helped his teachers and staff understand that they weren’t “adding one more thing to their plates”      -How they flipped their faculty meetings to use the time for culture-focused work      -How the students defined core values in kid-friendly language and shared it      -How all stakeholders were involved in selecting core values      -Scott’s biggest “aha” moment since joining the Hope Leadership Academy and applying the work of character.org at his school      -How Scott defines students as more than a “brain on a stick”       -How the motto “Head, Heart, and Hands” was a light-bulb moment for Scott      -Advice that Scott would you give someone who wanted to focus on building a culture of character at their school Resources from the episode: Brock’s Gap Intermediate School https://www.hoovercityschools.net/brocksgap Hope Institute https://www.hopeinstitute.org/ Character.org https://character.org/ Clifton Taulbert - Entrepreneur. Businessman. Author. PRIMED by Dr. Marvin Berkowitz Ron Clark Academy Connect with us!      On Twitter: Jennifer Hogan - @jennifer_hogan Communities of Character - @Samford_CCC Scott Mitchell - @smitchell0464 Brock's Gap Intermediate School - @BrocksGapBucs      On Instagram: Communities of Character - @Samford_CCC Scott Mitchell - @ mrmitch0464      On Facebook: Scott Mitchell  https://www.facebook.com/scott.mitchell.3939 Brock’s Gap Intermediate School  https://www.facebook.com/BrocksGapBucs Email: Smitchell@hoover(dot)k12(dot)al(dot)us