Innovative Schools Podcast

Educator and speaker Connie Hamilton shares insights into how educators can support students through productive struggle without doing the thinking and work for them. The episode also provides practical suggestions to build student ownership and problem-solving, and skills to increase a student's overall confidence. 🔑 Key Takeaways • Productive struggle provides students opportunities to persever...

Former teacher and comedian Devin Siebold explores how laughter can relieve stress, build community, and help students feel safe. Educators will learn practical ways to bring authentic humor into the classroom without needing to be a comedian. 🔑 Key Takeaways • Laughter can communicate safety and help students lower their guard. • Humor gives educators and students a needed break from stress and...

Dr. Tiffany Anderson shares how relationships, service, high expectations, and community connections can transform schools. She challenges educators to get beyond the walls of the school, understand the people they serve, and build systems that create lasting change. 🔑 Key Takeaways Strong schools are built on trust and relationships . Challenges can be reframed as opportunities for change . Scho...

Jordan and Will sit down with Dr. John Almarode to explore the difference between challenge and true struggle. They discuss how educators can find the right level of difficulty, recognize when students are stuck, and respond without taking over the learning. 🔑 Key Takeaways Challenge isn’t struggle: Challenge is difficult but manageable; struggle happens when existing skills and strategies no lon...

Gerry Brooks joins the Innovative Schools Podcast to share practical ways educators and administrators can start the school year strong. From building relationships with colleagues and families to being a visible, supportive leader, Gerry explains how investing in people early can set the tone for the entire year. 🔑 Key Takeaways Prioritize relationships during the first weeks of school. Make pos...

In this special live season finale of the Innovative Schools Podcast , Jordan brings together a panel of education experts—Katie Kinder, Kara Rigsby, Megan Diede, and Ernesto Mejia—to discuss how educators can make the most of their summer. Through stories, laughter, and practical advice, the panel explores the importance of rest, reflection, and renewal, while offering actionable ways to recharge...

In this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast , we sit down with Brad Chapin to explore the power of self-regulation—for both educators and students. Brad breaks down how stress impacts the brain and body, why many challenging behaviors are actually skill deficits, and how teachers can intentionally help students build healthier responses to emotions and adversity. From “lizard brain” moments...

In this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast , we welcome back Joseph Cope to explore a powerful shift in how educators approach student behavior. Instead of reacting to what students do, Joseph challenges us to look deeper—asking what skills students may be missing and how we can intentionally help them grow. From real classroom stories to practical frameworks, this conversation provides a r...

In this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast , we sit down with Dr. Dorina Ebuwa to unpack what it truly means to teach multilingual learners effectively. This powerful conversation goes beyond strategies and into mindset—challenging educators to reflect on their own “lens of life,” eliminate limiting beliefs, and create classrooms where every student is both supported and held to high expect...

In this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast, Kevin sits down with gifted education teacher Jere Chang to explore how life experiences shape the way we show up for students. From an unexpected path into teaching to becoming a voice for educators through social media, Jere shares powerful insights on identity, student relationships, and what it truly means to make an impact. This conversation...

Jordan and Kevin talk with AI educator Dan Fitzpatrick about what artificial intelligence means for today’s classrooms. Dan explains AI in practical terms, explores both its benefits and risks, and emphasizes that AI should enhance teaching and learning—not replace human thinking. The discussion focuses on intentional leadership, ethical use, and simple ways educators can begin using AI right now....

In this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast, Dr. Shaun Woodly explains that classroom management is more than rules and routines—it’s a professional skill educators can develop. By strengthening awareness, decision-making, action, and presence, teachers can create learning environments that balance structure, engagement, and psychological safety for students. 🔑Key Takeaways ✔️Classroom mana...

Jordan and Will sit down with Robert Jackson to explore what cultural awareness really means in schools—and why it starts with respect, acceptance, and genuine curiosity . Robert shares stories that highlight how easy it is for adults (and students) to make assumptions, and why asking better questions is one of the most powerful ways to build connection. The conversation also introduces a simple v...

Recorded at the Innovative Schools Summit (San Antonio, Dec 2025), Kevin facilitates a rapid 50 in 50 panel where five experts share 50 practical ideas to boost attendance. The big message: Attendance is a culture signal—improve belonging, remove barriers, and make school worth showing up for. 👥 Featured Speakers Charles Williams - Previously a CPS administrator & founder of C.W. Consulting,...

Will and Jordan sit down with therapist and former school-based counselor Kim Johancen to define teacher burnout and explain why it isn’t a personal flaw—it’s a human nervous-system response to chronic stress . Kim walks through the early warning signs educators often miss, then shifts into realistic ways to respond, recover, and prevent burnout by building small, sustainable regulation habits and...

In this season three premiere episode, Will and Jordan sit down with Dr. Brian Dinkins to explore why emotional intelligence is foundational to learning, leadership, and school culture. Drawing from his experience as an educator, principal, and leadership coach, Brian explains how emotions shape behavior, relationships, and academic success—and why regulation must start with adults before it can r...

In this episode, Jordan sits down with school culture expert Steve Bollar (“Stand Tall Steve”) to share simple, but powerful strategies that help every student, staff member, and family feel seen, valued, and connected. These ideas require minimal effort but generate major impact—especially when repeated intentionally throughout the year. Whether you're a principal, teacher, or district leader, th...

In this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast, Liz and Will sit down with Dr. LaQuanta Nelson to explore the power of clarity, communication, and presence in schools. Through stories, metaphors, and leadership insights, Dr. Nelson explains how clear communication sets direction, removes confusion, protects culture, and strengthens relationships. She unpacks her philosophy that “clear is kind,”...

On this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast , Jordan and Liz sit down with Korey Collins , literacy teacher at the Ron Clark Academy, to dive deep into literacy, vocabulary, and the science of reading . Korey shares his personal journey into reading, explains why literacy rates are tied so closely to student success, and unpacks research-based practices that educators can apply in every clas...

This special “50-in-50” panel was recorded live at the Innovative Schools Summit in Las Vegas (2025) and moderated by Kevin Stewart from the Innovative Schools Summit team. 👥 Featured Speakers Ernesto Mejia – CoolSpeak family member and motivational educator Charles Williams – CPS administrator & founder of C.W. Consulting Jobi Lawrence – Director of Product Development & Strategic Partne...

In this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast , Jordan and Will sit down with Principal Baruti Kafele —educator, author of 14 books, and national education leader—to discuss the journey from classroom teacher to principal to renowned speaker. With over 35 years in education and more than 3,000 presentations, Principal Kafele shares his philosophy of self-reflection, attitude, and leadership ....

Instructional coach, author, and PD presenter Katie Kinder joins Will and Liz to unpack the phrase “digital heroin”—how excessive screen time can dysregulate kids, erode attention, and crowd out real-world learning. Katie argues for balance : leverage powerful tools like AI with clear boundaries, then deliberately pivot to paper-and-pen, dialogue, and play. She shares classroom moves and home rout...

Hosts Will and Jordan talk with Ernesto Mejia (CoolSpeak) about moving from family involvement to true engagement . Ernesto shares why relationships—not just meetings—unlock student success, how to remove barriers for busy or multilingual families, and practical, low-cost ways schools can make engagement fun, inclusive and sustainable across all grade levels. 🔑 Key Takeaways ✔️ Involvement ≠ Enga...

In this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast, Jordan and Liz sit down with Dr. Tracey Severns to explore the power of joy, humor, and high expectations in education. Broadcasting from Las Vegas at the Innovative Schools Summit, the conversation blends heartfelt storytelling with practical strategies—unpacking how laughter, connection, and the Warm Demander approach can transform classrooms an...

In this powerful and candid conversation recorded live at the Innovative Schools Summit in Nashville, Kevin sits down with principal-turned-speaker Gerry Brooks. Known for his viral humor and heartfelt wisdom, Gerry shares the turning points that shaped his 27-year journey from classroom teacher to national education influencer. He unpacks the core principles that drive great leadership, school cu...