Fearless Schools Podcast

Join the Fearless Podcast team as we chang up the roles and explore many sizzling topics, including middle school education with Dr. Dru Tomlin, a seasoned principal, educator, and your Fearless Schools podcast host. Listen in and discover insights on student development, leadership, and innovative practices in middle school settings! Key  topics Middle school student development Leadership and cu...

Join the Fearless Podcast team as we explore innovative grading practices, assessment strategies, and the importance of feedback with expert and educational researcher extraordinaire, Ken O'Connor. In addition to uncovering Mr. O'Connor's penchant for field hockey, we guarantee that you'll be delighted to discover his sage insights about how to transform assessment for better student learning and...

Join the Fearless Schools podcast crew as we talk to the one and only Dr. Rachael George! She shares her inspiring journey from firefighting (and pageants!) to educational leadership, highlighting the importance of resilience, networking, self-care, and embracing challenges to become an effective leader. Discover practical insights and personal stories that will motivate current and aspiring schoo...

In this engaging interview, the Fearless Schools podcast team talks to Virginia Deputy State Superintendent, Innovation, Student Pathways & Opportunities DeWayne McClary, who shares his journey from a tech-savvy student to a state-level innovator. We discover his insights on fostering innovation, the importance of self-care, and the transformative power of technology and student voice in education...

In this engaging episode, the Fearless Schools Podcast welcomes back renowned educator, pedagogical pirate, author and publisher Dave Burgess. We explore innovative teaching strategies, the importance of creating memorable learning experiences, and the evolving role of AI in education, all aimed at empowering educators to inspire and engage students effectively. Key  Takeaways Teach Like a Pirate...

In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast we are joined by Jimmy Casas where we explore leadership, school culture, and personal values, sharing insights from Mr. Casas' decades of experience in education. Mr. Cases highlights his own story and how that has impacted his work to ensure that students are heard, valued, and seen. Noting that is starts with the adults in the building helping us...

In this episode of Fearless Schools, we chat with the legendary Dr. Doug Reeves about everything from the secrets of impactful teaching to the wild world of artificial intelligence in education. Plus, expect a masterclass on making research digestible, the real power of relationship-building, the science of reading and how to avoid AI turning us into the educational version of bologna sandwiches!...

In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we welcome Phyllis Fagell, renowned licensed clinical counselor and author, to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in middle school education, her journey as a student, her passion for working with young adolescents, and the importance of empathy and listening in educational settings. The conversation also delves into the role of AI in t...

In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we engage with Kim Campbell, a dynamic educator and middle school Dean of Students, and discuss the importance of consistency in education, building relationships with students, and the impact of technology on learning. Kim shares her journey as a student and educator, emphasizing the need for accountability and care in the classroom. The conversati...

In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we engage with Tom Burton, a nationally recognized leader in education. We discuss the importance of community engagement, the challenges faced by educational leaders, and the evolution of leadership perspectives. Tom shares his personal journey, emphasizing the significance of accountability, reflection, and finding joy in leadership. The conversat...

This is part two of our anniversary episode with Rick Wormeli. In this epside, Rick gives us strategies to give better feedback and help students be successful.  Continued Takeaways Experiential learning can transform students' perspectives. Differentiation makes learning successful for both adults and students. Teachers should focus on developing mutual ethos with students. Accountability in educ...

To mark the first anniversary of the  Fearless Schools podcast, we're excited to share the first conversation in a special two-part series featuring renowned educator and author Rick Wormeli. In Part One, Rick reflects on his journey into education and challenges long-held assumptions about accountability, grading, and compliance in schools. Together, we explore why experiential learning, strong r...

In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we engage with educators Kass and Cornelius Minor, who discuss their experiences and insights on sustainable change in education. They emphasize the importance of community, relationships, and the collective efficacy of educators in driving meaningful change. The conversation explores personal educational journeys, the role of school leaders, and th...

In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we engage with Principal Salome Thomas-El (aka Principal El), who shares his insights on authentic leadership, the importance of nurturing relationships in education, and the role of joy and resilience in school culture. Principal El emphasizes the significance of hands-on leadership, using the metaphor of watering plants to illustrate the need for...

In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we engage with bestselling author Brad Meltzer, exploring the profound impact of educators on students' lives. Meltzer shares his personal journey from a struggling student to a successful writer, highlighting the pivotal role of teachers who believed in him. The conversation delves into themes of gratitude, the importance of failure, and the magic...

In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we welcome Katie Powell, a passionate advocate for middle school education. We discuss Katie's journey from a curious student to a dedicated educator, her insights on engaging students through creative teaching strategies, and the importance of emotional safety in the classroom. Katie shares her experiences that influenced her book, Boredom Busters,...

In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we interview Mr. Ernest Clinkscale, an experienced and passionate elementary school principal. We discuss the importance of educational leadership, the heart-brain connection in teaching and leading, and the need for empathy and understanding in schools. Mr. Clinkscale shares his personal journey into education, his daily commitment to closing achie...

In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we welcome back educational leader and author, Allyson Apsey. We discuss Allyson's journey from a reluctant student to a passionate educator, the importance of building relationships in the classroom, and the concept of serendipity in education. The conversation also touches on collective efficacy, the challenges educators face, and practical strate...

In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we interview Dr. Miguel Cardona, the 12th U.S. Secretary of Education. We discuss Dr. Cardona's journey in education, the importance of mentorship, the power of bilingualism and biculturalism, and the challenges facing public education today. Dr. Cardona shares insights on educational innovations during the pandemic, the significance of teacher appr...

In this engaging Fearless Schools podcast episode, we converse with Principal Kafele, an educational leader with a remarkable journey from student, to celebrated teacher,  to renowned principal and educational thought leader. We explore themes of leadership, the importance of support systems, the need to close the attitude gap in education, and the significance of self-reflection for continuous im...

In this insightful episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we talk to educational researcher and reformer, Dr. Michael Fullan, who delves into the critical role of failure in the learning process and educational reform. He reflects on his career transition from studying change and failure to actively reforming educational systems. Dr. Fullan discusses the importance of moving away from top-down a...

In this episode of the Fearless School's podcast, we discuss Part 3 of the book, 'Fearless Instruction," entitled "FINISHING THE PUZZLE - Engaging Everyone" We ask the authors to talk about the impact of the 90-90-90 research on their writing for this section and discuss the concepts of literacy as a team sport, interdisciplinary thinking, and doing better when you know better to help all students...

In this episode of the Fearless School's podcast, we discuss Part 2 of the book, 'Fearless Instruction," entitled "Putting It Together: Doing the Work that Matters." We focus on the 90-90-90 strategies that lead to high student achievement in diverse and economically challenged schools. The conversation emphasizes the importance of effective feedback, clarity, grading, and writing in education, an...

The Fearless Schools podcast team talks to the authors of section 1 ("Laying the Foundation: Fostering a Culture of Collaboration") of the Creative Leadership Solutions book, Fearless Instruction--to learn about the critical information behind the book. In addition to examining the inspiration of Dr. Reeves' 90/90/90 research, they discuss how teachers and leaders can utilize the book to help all...

In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we talk to Dr. Jen Schwanke and we explore the journey of educational leadership, emphasizing the importance of kindness, creativity, and human connection in education. In addition to blueberries, we also discuss the challenges faced by educators, the importance of empowering others without overstepping, the impact of AI on learning, and the need fo...