The Commons: Real Talk for Educators

If you are looking for effective school leadership strategies for late May classroom walkthroughs, it is time to reassess what counts as data in your observations. During the final weeks of the school year, a high cognitive load naturally causes both staff and students to shift into an operational autopilot. When energy dips, it is easy to default to instructions that feel "close enough," mistakin...

Modern Grading Reform — Sustaining the Work (Episode 4)Series Finale: 20 Years in the TrenchesIt is one thing to initiate grading reform; it is another to ensure it survives the "implementation dip" and becomes part of a school's cultural fabric. In this final installment of the Modern Grading Reform mini-series, Dr. Chad Lang and Dr. Matt Townsley draw upon two decades of experience to explore th...

How do you bridge the gap between "how we've always done it" and "how students actually learn"?Welcome to Part 3 of our 4-part mini-series, Modern Grading Reform, airing on The ForwardEd Network Commons. In this installment, Dr. Chad Lang and Dr. Matt Townsley engage in a comprehensive analysis of the psychological and practical hurdles inherent in transitioning to modern, standards-based approach...

How do you lead grading reform without causing a systemic meltdown? In Part 2 of this four-part mini-series on The ForwardEd Network Commons, Dr. Chad Lang and Dr. Matt Townsley shift from the "Why" into the practical "How." They tackle the "seductive detour" of gradebook mechanics and explain why the first deliverable of any successful reform isn't a new scale—it’s a Grading Purpose Statement. Cu...

How do we ensure a grade actually reflects what a student knows? In the premiere episode of this four-part mini-series on The ForwardEd Network Commons, Dr. Chad Lang and Dr. Matt Townsley reflect on 20 years in the "grading trenches." They tackle the critical shift from an industrial-age "rank and sort" mentality to a modern, evidence-based approach to assessment. The focus of this discussion rev...

Jim Wichman, a seasoned leader in educational administration, elucidates the transformative power of leadership coaching in this enlightening discussion. He emphasizes that effective leadership is not merely about managing tasks, but about nurturing relationships and celebrating the contributions of educators. Wichman reflects on his own evolution as a leader over 25 years, highlighting the import...

"If you don't like where you are, do something about it."In this episode of Your Booster Shot, host Adam Busch sits down with former student-athlete turned motivational powerhouse, Chris Norton. After a life-altering football injury left him with a 3% chance of ever moving again, Chris didn't just survive—he redefined what it means to take "Radical Responsibility" for one's life. As school leaders...

The hiring season in education is a crowded field—how do you ensure your application rises to the top of the pile? In this "Booster Shot" episode of The ForwardED Network, we sit down with Chris Whetzel to deconstruct the competitive landscape of educational hiring. Whether you are a first-year teacher or a veteran moving into administration, Chris shares high-impact strategies to refine your prof...

Prepare to expand your thinking and challenge your assumptions with this special "Booster Shot" episode, which offers a deeper dive into pressing issues in education! We welcome Dr. Darren Pepperd , the visionary behind "The Road to Awesome," for an insightful conversation. Discover the inspiring transformation in school leadership that stemmed from Dr. Pepperd's own experiences as a high school p...

This bonus episode celebrates the launch of the new educational podcast - Navigating the Nest: From K to Success. This new podcast is the collaboration between a few fellow podcasters from Ctrl+Shift+Lead and From Carpool to College, and Vice Principal UnOfficed. Together, the podcast hosts will bring perspectives from school leadership and college guidance, enriched with unforgettable real-life t...

In this special episode, we're joined by Dr. Albert Bramante for a deep dive into the core principles of effective leadership. Dr. Bramante shares his expertise on a variety of topics, including the power of networking, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections built on curiosity and a willingness to help others. He also discusses the critical need to monitor your social circle to ensure y...

Get ready to start the school year right with this week's collection of 'Your Morning Boost' episodes! We're talking about everything from the power of going above and beyond, to transforming boring preservice meetings into engaging sessions. Plus, we've got great tips on how to genuinely welcome new staff and students, and a crucial reminder to take a moment for yourself before the school year ki...

In this special recap episode, we dive into the Fitting Five, a collection of valuable articles designed for modern school leaders. We'll explore four key topics: the growing influence of AI on student connection and the need to prioritize authentic relationships; how to be a proactive, purpose-driven leader by taking control of your day; shifting student motivation through a policy of reassessmen...

This "Boost Bundle" provides a week's worth of crucial insights for school leaders. This comprehensive episode covers: supporting English Learners in math by addressing linguistic challenges; empathetically assisting students from challenging home environments while maintaining academic rigor; fostering unity between fine arts and athletics to celebrate all student talents; strategies for becoming...

Welcome to Your Boost Bundle, an essential guide for every school leader dedicated to fostering a positive and accountable school environment! In this special combined episode, we bring together five powerful discussions on restorative practices, offering a comprehensive playbook to transform challenges into opportunities for growth. We begin by setting the stage for transformative school discipli...

Welcome to the AWB Boost Bundle, a collection of this week's essential leadership insights from Your Morning Boost podcast by AWB Education and Grundmeyer Leader Services! In this comprehensive episode, we tackle critical topics for school communities. First, we delve into the teacher shortage crisis, offering actionable strategies for school leaders to attract and retain top talent. Discover how...

Welcome to AWB's Boost Bundle, a special episode designed to elevate your school leadership. Brought to you by AWB Education, this bundle condenses a week of deep dives into personality assessments and their impact on education. We kick things off by exploring how understanding diverse personality traits in the workplace can dramatically improve communication and reduce misunderstandings within yo...

This Boost Bundle brings you all of this week's Morning Boost shows in one convenient, unedited package! Catch up on essential insights for school leaders, covering everything from the power of first impressions and effective cell phone policies in schools to supporting entry-level workers and navigating the integration of AI in education. Get the full dose of actionable advice and stay ahead in t...

Welcome to the very first episode of "From the Mind of Jess Hansen" on the AWB Ed Ventures Network! Join your host, Jess Hansen, as she delves into a critical topic for all school leaders: the paramount importance of ensuring students with significant health needs are safe, supported, and exceptionally well-cared for within school environments. This episode goes beyond mere compliance, emphasizing...

Welcome to the AWB's Boost Bundle! This special episode is an unedited compilation of all the Morning Boost shows from this week, offering you the convenience of catching up on all the valuable insights and strategies in one go. This week on the Morning Boost Bundle, we dove into essential topics for school leaders! We started by exploring how to integrate dedicated MTSS time for Tier II intervent...

Welcome back to Your Booster Shot, the podcast for educators on the AWB Ed Ventures network. Join Douglas Newell as he dives into two of the most pressing challenges facing educators today: learning loss and the mental health needs of students (and ourselves).In this insightful episode, Douglas explores practical strategies for addressing academic gaps widened during remote learning. Learn about t...

This week on AWB's Boost Bundle, we're diving deep into the critical issue of student absenteeism. We kick things off by understanding the 'why' behind student absences, exploring individual, family, school, and community factors. Then, we shift to identifying best practices, sharing proven strategies and tiered intervention systems for consistent attendance. Next, we guide you through assessing y...

Welcome back to "Your Booster Shot," your go-to on the AWB Education EdVentures network for supercharging school leadership! This episode, Summer dives into transforming those crucial first staff meetings of the new school year. Discover how to shift from mere information delivery to powerful team building and genuine relationship fostering. Learn practical strategies like collaborative agenda set...

Feeling like your calendar runs you instead of the other way around? In this episode of "Your Booster Shot," we dive into the often-overlooked, yet critical skill of calendar management for school leaders. Discover actionable strategies like time blocking, the Eisenhower Matrix, and proactive scheduling to reclaim your most valuable resource – your time. Learn how intentional calendar control can...

Your Booster Shot Beyond the daily dose. 'Booster Shot' episodes offer a deeper dive into the most pressing issues in education today. Prepare to expand your thinking and challenge your assumptions. Check us out at: www.awbeducation.org https://www.coaching2tnl.org/   Welcome to the first episode of our new Booster Shot Editions, where we delve into essential topics for school leaders. Join us as...