Clear is the NEW Confident with Casey Watts

Too often, data meetings feel like a numbers game—one that creates fear, skepticism, or even resistance among educators. But what if data wasn’t something to fear, but rather a tool to empower? In this episode, I’m sitting down with Jessica Lane , founder of Data-Informed Impact, to talk about how schools can build trust in data teams and meetings . We’ll explore how to shift from compliance to co...

Leadership isn't just about strategy—it’s about character. In this episode, I’m sitting down with Julianne Lang , school leader at Lowcountry Leadership Charter School and author of Cup of Courage: The Key to Leading with Grace and Grit . We’re diving into The Grit Factor —how resilience, strong character, and a courageous mindset fuel leadership success. Julianne will share insights from her...

What’s standing in the way of teacher efficacy in your school? In this episode, I’m joined by Jenni Donohoo and Glenn Forbes , authors of Collective Impact: Overcoming the Twelve Enemies of Teacher Efficacy , to explore the biggest barriers that keep teams from thriving. We’ll break down practical strategies to shift from blame to feedback, isolation to interdependence, and compliance to real comm...

One teacher alone can’t meet the vast and varied needs of every student—but what if they didn’t have to? In this episode, I’ll sit down with Kurtis Hewson , co-author of Collaborative Response: Three Foundational Components That Transform How We Respond to the Needs of Learners , to explore how schools can create a system where every child has a team supporting their success. We’ll break down the...

As AI continues to evolve, how can school leaders, instructional coaches, and teacher leaders leverage it to create clarity and drive change in education? In this episode, I’m joined by Catlin Tucker to explore her new book, Elevating Educational Design with AI , co-authored with Katie Novak . We discuss how AI can be a thought partner for educators, helping leaders streamline workflows, prioritiz...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to move from dreaming about leadership to stepping boldly into it? In this episode of the Catching Up with Casey , Dr. Alfreda Howard will join us to crack open the realities of accessing leadership, especially for female educators. As the author of Apply Your Makeup: A Guide for Female Educators Aspiring to Executive Leadership , Dr. Howard will bring insight,...

In this milestone 100th episode, I’m challenging the popular phrase, "Clear is kind." While there’s truth in it, too often it becomes an excuse for unnecessary harshness or stops short of the real work of leadership. Clarity isn’t just about delivering hard truths—it’s a habit we build daily to align people, cut through noise, and turn potential into progress. Let’s explore what it reall...

In this episode, I’m reconnecting with Joey Sanchez , an assistant principal who brings a fresh perspective on navigating and avoiding educator burnout. Together, we’ll explore strategies for prioritizing time more effectively to maximize results while maintaining balance. If you’re an instructional leader or educator looking to reclaim your time and find clarity amidst the chaos, this episode is...

What does it take to move a team from chaos to alignment? In this episode, I’ll share the story behind The Craft of Clarity —how a single question from a curious aspiring leader sparked a framework now helping campuses and districts achieve sustainable alignment. You’ll hear about the real-world challenges, small wins, and the lessons learned along the way. Plus, I’ll read the book’s introduction...

Does your school feel weighed down by too many initiatives and competing priorities? In this episode, I’m joined by Becca Silver from The Whole Educator and Christi Roberts and Chad Ransom, Co-Founders of Compass Edvantage , to share a powerful exercise they use with coaches and leaders to align initiatives and priorities in schools undergoing turnaround efforts. Together, we explore how creating...

What if the secret to stronger teams and relationships isn’t just better communication but better curiosity? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Amy Mathews-Perez to dive into the concept of "Leading with Curiosity." Drawing on insights from her recent blog , we’ll explore how asking intentional questions and actively learning from others can transform personal and professional relationships. Wheth...

Teacher shortages are threatening to undermine the quality of education for students across the nation. But what if the solution lies in creating model classrooms —spaces that set the standard for excellence and provide a blueprint for teacher success? In this episode, Ashlee Boothe , author of The Model Classroom Approach , joins me to discuss how model classrooms can help recruit and retain high...

Do your teachers feel overwhelmed by too many strategies and too little time? In this episode, I’m joined by Sherry St. Clair, author of Intentional Instructional Moves, to discuss her practical, research-backed approach to streamlining classroom strategies for maximum impact. Sherry shares how her book and its Companion Guide help educators move efficiently from theory to practice by focusing on...

Are your teachers tackling lesson planning alone and wondering why it feels so overwhelming? In this “From the Field” episode, I’m joined by Hannah Lawler and Christy Bostic, Inclusion Teachers and Site Coordinators at Ocean Springs Upper Elementary, to dive into the strategies that make collaborative lesson planning work. They’ll share insights on building a collaborative culture, meeting diverse...

When the stakes are high, so is the potential for growth. Join Todd Nesloney and me as we dig into the art of navigating difficult conversations and their powerful role in shaping a school’s culture. Todd shares his insights on creating a space for open dialogue, addressing tensions head-on, and fostering a culture of trust and unity. Want to hold people accountable without micromanaging and creat...

Are teachers (or leaders) continuously asking for more products, programs, or resources?   Maybe you're hearing things like "I found this packet on TPT that our team could use..." "Can we get an app that helps students with ___ (fact fluency, reading fluency, comprehension, writing...)?" "Our kids can't (fill-in-the-blank) and we need something to fill the gaps..." "We have (insert program), but i...

"Emotional well-being isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for showing up as your best self." In this episode, Kayla Becker, The Success Coach, shares powerful insights and practical strategies to help educators prioritize their emotional health. Tune in to uncover the secrets to staying balanced, resilient, and fulfilled—both inside and outside the classroom. Whether you're leading a team or teaching st...

It's the first "Coffee & Clarity" session! In these sessions, I bring clarity around a topic in 20 minutes or less! In today's episode, I bring clarity around assigning emotions- what it means, why you should stop doing it, and what to do instead. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to my email list so you can get reminders about these Zoom sessions! In this episode, I mention 'perception c...

Are you building a lasting culture—or just managing the climate? In this episode, Brandon Jones of Driven by Vision, LLC, joins us to break down the difference between these often-confused concepts. Discover how culture shapes the core of your school’s identity, while climate reflects the day-to-day experiences. Tune in to learn how understanding both can transform your leadership and create susta...

In this episode, we’re getting real about something that’s holding schools back more than you might realize—flawed assessments. Joined by David Woodard, Founder of Forefront Education, we’ll break down how assessments that miss the mark are not just wasting time but actively creating barriers to the kind of school improvement we all strive for. Together, we’ll dig into the common mistakes and, mor...

Has anyone ever really taught you how to ask for or receive feedback? I’ve been thinking about how many times we find ourselves in those awkward conversations where we’re grasping for how to respond to the vague feedback questions—“How did you think it went? Was it good? Was it bad?” But those questions rarely lead to anything meaningful, right? In fact, sometimes it leads to us not responding at...

We all know that collective efficacy has a tremendous effect on student learning and success. But what we don’t often consider is how collective efficacy can impact students socially and emotionally. In this episode, I’m joined by Nathan Wray, Youth Mental Health Speaker and Substance Use Prevention Coordinator, to learn about how reducing youth substance use is a collaborative effort. We'll d...

Who loves books that are immediately applicable?! In this episode, I’m chatting with Sonya Murray, a fresh voice in education and new author with Corwin. Sonya introduces her book, which takes a culinary-inspired approach to planning for equitable accelerated learning. Just like a chef plans a perfect meal, educators can use her five-course framework to assess school conditions, reimagine curricul...

Are you assuming that people know what you do and what your role is all about? Guess what- they really may not. I know what you're thinking, "Aren't elevator pitches for sales people?" Well, yes, they are definitely helpful for sales people and those in marketing. But YOU are in the business of customer service. Whether you are district administrator, a campus administrator, an i...

No one wants PLCs to suck, so in this episode, Jana Lee and I dive into the essentials of setting up successful Professional Learning Communities. Jana shares her top non-negotiables that can transform your PLCs into powerful, productive, and positive spaces for collaboration. Tune in to discover how you can create a thriving environment for your team with practical tips and real-world insights. D...