The School Life Series

In this episode, Ross shares five leadership shifts to transform student behavior, emphasizing proactive strategies, relationship building, and systemic change to create a positive school environment.

In the intro to the Summer PD Season, The School Life Series host Ross Braun gives his 5 key strategies for your summer reset.

In this episode, educator, speaker and behavior expert Andre Deshotel shares insights on student behavior, neuroscience, and practical classroom strategies. Discover how understanding behavior biology and building connections can transform your teaching approach! An episode for all educators at every level!

In this inspiring episode, Justin Pickens shares his remarkable journey from overcoming personal challenges to becoming a passionate educator. He emphasizes the importance of intentionality, culture, and love for education, offering practical advice for teachers to thrive and make lasting impacts. A must listen for all educators!

In this episode, Ross Braun interviews Kim Gameroz, an expert in social-emotional learning (SEL) and author of "Becoming the Bison." They discuss the importance of SEL in education, emphasizing that it should be integrated into daily classroom activities rather than treated as an extra task. Kim shares her journey from being a professional dancer to becoming an educator and SEL specialis...

In this episode, Ross Braun interviews AJ Bianco, an experienced educator and principal, who shares his journey in education, the importance of positivity, and practical strategies for overcoming challenges in the classroom. AJ emphasizes the significance of building relationships with students and staff, understanding that grades are not the sole measure of success, and the need for educators to...

In this episode of the School Life series, Ross Braun interviews Barrett Duncan, an elementary curriculum specialist, about the significance of curriculum in education. They discuss Barrett's journey in education, the importance of providing high-quality instruction for all students, and the challenges educators face in implementing curriculum effectively. Barrett shares personal anecdotes and...

In this engaging conversation, Ross Braun and Jonathan Alsheimer explore the multifaceted world of education, focusing on the importance of student engagement, the challenges educators face, and the influence of personal experiences on teaching philosophy. Jonathan shares his journey from classroom teacher to speaker, emphasizing the need for educators to connect with students on a personal level...

In this episode of the School Life Series, Ross Braun interviews Danny Steele, a seasoned educator with over 31 years of experience. They discuss the importance of supporting both students and teachers, the concept of 'passion drift' in education, and practical strategies to maintain enthusiasm in the teaching profession. Danny shares personal anecdotes, insights on leadership, and the sig...

On this episode of The School Life Series Bitesize PD, we dive into something we can all do better with, being a better listener! Ross shares the benefits, the results and practical strategies on becoming a better listener.

Have you ever thought about building a CTE program but didn't know where to start or thought your students were too young? In this episode of The School Life Series, Dr. Brittany Porter shares about a highly impactful CTE program she built for her middle school students in rural West Virginia. We also discuss student leadership, meeting students where they are and the power of connections! A true...

In this week's bitesize PD with host, Ross Braun, we chat about 5 simple yet very effective strategies you can implement TODAY that will help you, your colleagues, and our education system get it's JOY back! Tune in and let us know what you think and how we can support YOU.

On this episode of The School Life Series we have forever educator Dr. Breauna Wall joining us from southern California. Dr. Wall shares a ton of quality advice for educator effectiveness, collaboration and we really dive into special education talking about her new book, Leading Special Education. This is a must listen for all educators!

Let's try something new in 2025 with some bite size PD in between guest episodes! On this bite size session, Ross dives into a topic he is super passionate about, GREENLIGHTS! Join Ross as he shares the reasons why we need more green lights in today's schools and how YOU can make them happen!

Episode 6 in Season 3 has a very special guest, Sarah Dlouhy. Sarah is a forever educator who may no longer be teaching in the classroom now supports schools and educators through her company Creative School Daze and is also the newest creative representative for School Life! In this episode, we dive into reach strategies and tips that all educators can use to improve our profession and support ea...

In this last short episode of 2024, host Ross Braun shares a little about The School Life Series journey, his advice as you head into break and over break, along with some exciting happenings at School Life! If you are a School Life school and want us to share the AMAZING things you are doing in your school, complete this short form and we will be in contact! https://forms.gle/dZHcF7Vpm1HpTM169

On Episode 5 of Season 3 we have a really special guest, Chuck Moss who is an administrator from Virginia and on this episode we really dive into the importance of people and connections! The official topic is bringing out the best in others so you can bring out the best in kids. I loved this conversation and I think you will, too!

In Episode 4 of Season 3 we have southern California teacher, David Domena! David is a STEM teacher who loves teaching and brings a unique perspective to the profession as a 2nd career educator. We talk about this along with the love of teaching, reaching students and some bonus parenting tips, as well!

Episode 3 is all about MATH! Our special guest is Dr. Gary Seaboldt who is a district math coordinator in South Carolina. Gary shares is unique math journey, provides some great strategies and how leaders can promote math in your school. Another must listen for all educators!

On episode 2 of Season 3 we have principal Curtis Price from North Carolina as our guest. Curtis leads an elementary in the Outer Banks where he is passionate about creating a culture where staff and students thrive! In this conversation, we dive into the 3 R's: relationships, rigor and relevance. A great listen for all educators who may find themselves frustrated and looking for new strategies.

In our first official episode of Season 3 we have Emily Paschall as our guest who truly has a heart of gold and passion for kids! Emily is a former elementary principal and now career center leader from Alabama. In this special conversation with Emily, we talk about mindset, staying student focused and dive into the topic of CAREER READINESS. This episode is for all educators and you are guarantee...

We are back for Season 3 of The School Life Series! This season is all about Real educators. Real stories. Real strategies. In the introduction, the host of the The School Life Series, Ross Braun, opens up the season by sharing 3 simple strategies that can have BIG IMPACT on your school life! Get ready! Season 3 is here and we've got some incredible educators with us ready to share their passions,...

On Episode 6 in the Back to School Season, we have THE Culture Queen, Dr. Brandi Brotherton, as our guest! Dr. B is an incredible educational leader from Houston, Texas where she is changing lives each and every day! In this episode, we dive into how the right school culture drives student success and ultimately retains teachers, too. This is an episode every school leader needs to here!

On Episode 5 of the Back to School Season, we have the AWESOME Dr. Darrin Peppard as our guest and together, we dive into the very real topic of firefighter mode. If you're a school leader, you know what this feels like and we are here to support you!

On Episode 4 of the Back to School Season of The School Life Series we have special guest Nick Casey who is an outstanding and passionate principal in California. On this episode we talk about ways you can build the right school culture!