EdVantage with David Young

Working in the field of education is a calling and a blessing in many ways, but it can also be a heavy weight to carry. We need to have the tools to navigate this in a healthy way. Nationally-known keynote speaker, consultant, and education thought leader Kim Strobel joins us today to talk about increasing our happiness and the compounding positive effect it can have on our lives. Check out Kim&#3...

Nationally-known author, keynote speaker, and current Illinois Superintendent of the Year Dr. PJ Caposey joins the podcast to talk about the first things to look for when improving your school or district, the evolution of education, the impact of coaches and coaching, and much more.

Sometimes it's fun when an idea "goes against the grain", but works! Join David as he describes five counterintuitive practices that, when implemented purposefully and intentionally, can lead to significant academic success in classrooms, schools, and districts.

What are the 3 traits that leaders need to have in order to be successful, and what are the 3 questions that people have to answer in a positive way before they will choose to follow your lead? 3 + 3 = 6 important things that successful leaders need to know. Join David as he digs into these important leadership lessons.

When we approach our work competitively, we tend to set lofty goals and work hard to achieve them. In a school or district setting, this can have a tremendous positive impact on students. On the other hand, when we "share our secrets" and collaborate with talented educators from other schools and districts, students benefit from that, too. Join David and Superintendent Mike Stacy of Beec...

Joining David today are two talented teacher leaders, John-Austin Jenkins and TJ Spivey, of Anderson County Schools. Strong teacher leaders are priceless when it comes to school success.  They are kid-focused, hard-working, often innovative, and see the big picture when it comes to what’s best for their own classrooms and the school as a whole.  John-Austin and TJ give us some great insight into h...

Principals Lesley Lawson and Kia Lamb of Garrard County Schools join David today to talk about what it's like to be a building administrator in today's schools. There is nothing better than hearing from talented folks like these two who are leading important work in their buildings right now. Their stories and advice for administrators are practical, heartwarming, and valuable for both bui...

Successful leaders often have an element of competitiveness - a desire to achieve at the highest level. When balanced with compassion for those within the organization, it's a combination that is hard to beat. Joining David is Superintendent Jason Booher of Mercer County Schools. Superintendent Booher has lived a fascinating life and career and shares many great tips for leaders, along with ex...

In any organization, many things are happening at any given moment. Sometimes, they all feel important. But as they say, if EVERYTHING is a priority, then NOTHING is really a priority. As leaders, we have the power to make sure that the most important things are done well...and for that to happen, those things have to be monitored. Join David, along with Dr. Kevin Hub, Executive In Residence at Ea...

Superintendent Mike Lafavers of Boyle County Schools joins David to talk about hiring, which is arguably the most important aspect of leading a high-performing organization. Successful leaders view hiring as an unparalleled opportunity to exponentially "leap forward" to higher levels of achievement. More specifically, though, these leaders know how to target, recognize, and prioritize hi...

Joining David today is accomplished educator, author, and consultant, Dr. Rocky Wallace of Campbellsville University. When you are a school principal, decisions are sort of your life. You make hundreds of small, on the spot decisions daily - while also managing medium range decisions and long range decisions. Shared leadership says that good leaders empower others, trust those around them, and mak...

As educational leaders, it's important to instill the mindset in our staff that "we control our destiny". Although there are barriers, our staff must believe that there is nothing we can't overcome. We have everything we need in order to achieve a very high level of success. This mindset is empowering and motivational. It's also a huge key to success. Join David as he talks w...

One of the toughest aspects of being a strong leader is summoning up the courage to do hard things when needed.  We’ve all been there.  Breaking through that barrier is often the difference between moderate and outstanding levels of success.  Today, Rob Clayton and Bart Flener join the podcast to discuss this important aspect of leadership.  Dr. Clayton is the superintendent of Warren County Schoo...

In an organization, everyone has certain responsibilities.  As the leader, it's our job to make sure that each one is handled by the right person, at the right level, at a high level of expectation.  Join David as he talks with Sheila Mitchell, superintendent of Anderson County Schools, and Dr. Ryan Clark, superintendent of Bardstown Independent Schools about their experiences as ed lead...

As educational leaders, how do we create a culture of accountability - a new "way we do things around here" - in which we hold ourselves (and each other) to a high performance expectation?  Dr. Harry Burchett, superintendent of Harrison County Schools, joins David to talk about the exciting work happening in his district, as well as this important aspect of school and district leadership.

David talks with Dr. Jay Morgan, president of Morehead State University, about the importance of leading your organization using specialized small groups called work teams.  These aren't "standing committees".  Rather, they are targeted groups of experts who are laser-focused on solving a particular problem. Using work teams well helps leaders stay nimble and efficient as they move the organizatio...

In this episode, David talks with Dr. Jim Flynn, Executive Director of the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents, about the powerful role that leaders play in "setting the tone" for success within the organization.  Whether we like it or not, as leaders, we are always "setting the tone" for the culture that exists within our organization (long term) and the climate each day (short te...

Join David as he spends some time with Amanda Ellis, former school principal and current VP of K-12 Policies and Programs at Kentucky's Council for Postsecondary Education, exploring lessons for school and district leaders striving to identify - and act on - "what's best for kids" in every situation.