The Ruckus Report

Quick take: If you're facing pushback on your bold school vision, this episode is your playbook for flipping critics into raving fans. Learn how one principal shifted the narrative — and built massive community support in the process.

Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker

Dr. Christopher Jones is a high school principal, leadership author, and host of the Seeing to Lead podcast. He helps educators shift from surviving to thriving by encouraging reflection, connection, and vision — even in the most resistant environments.

Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨

Key Insight #1

• What’s broken: Too many leaders are paralyzed by fear of resistance — especially from staff or community stakeholders.
• The shift: Chris started by listening deeply and showing people how they could lead without a title.
• Impact: Staff ownership grew, and culture shifted — not because mandates were handed down, but because people bought in.

Key Insight #2

• What’s broken: Traditional admin mindsets treat critics as threats rather than assets.
• The shift: Chris chose curiosity over combat, asking questions like: “What do you want to see happen?”
• Impact: Open conversations turned former critics into trusted allies who now champion his leadership publicly.

Key Insight #3

• What’s broken: Schools often ignore how powerful public perception is in building momentum.
• The shift: Chris proactively told positive stories and empowered his community to tell them too.
• Impact: The narrative shifted from doubt to celebration — with the superintendent, school board, and staff all on board.

Quotable Ruckus

“Your loudest critics might just be your most loyal supporters — if you give them the chance to lead.”

– Dr. Christopher Jones

Your Do School Different Challenge

• Tomorrow: Ask one critic what success would look like in their eyes. Listen without defense.
• This Month: Invite that person into a decision-making process — not to agree with you, but to shape the future together.
• This Semester: Create a system where feedback becomes fuel, not friction. Turn your toughest room into your greatest asset.

Connect & Continue

🎯 Get the full episode transcript here.

🔗 His Books:

• 📘 SEEing to Lead
• 📗 Isabella and the Storm
• 📕 Isabella's Unexpected Gift

📌 Ruckus Makers Don’t Just Listen — They Act

If education ain’t a bit disruptive, then what are your students really learning?

This show isn’t about doing school better.

It’s about Doing School Different — and joining a growing movement of bold, creative school leaders who reject legacy models and reimagine what’s possible.

🧠 Here are four ways we can help you on your Do School Different journey

📬 Subscribe to the Free Newsletter – 3x/week leadership mindset shifts and tools that work: ruckusmakers.news

🗞 Read Ruckus Makers – Premium content on Substack with early access to new books, AI prompts, and more: ruckusmakers.media

💥 Join The Ruckus Maker Club – Private community, The Automatic School™ tools, and more: ruckusmakers.club

🧨 Apply to the Mastermind – Weekly coaching + The Ruckus Maker Flywheel leadership system: Apply Now

❤️ Today’s show is sponsored by:

For over 30 years, ODP Business Solutions® has helped schools transform from whiteboards to smartboards. Why? Because when you get the right tools, everyone wins. Visit odpbusiness.com/education to revolutionize your school's learning spaces.

Over 1 million teachers rely on IXL because it is empowering, it helps them make better decisions with reliable data, and it adapts instruction based on student performance.

Get started today at ixl.com/leaders