Welcome to the school leadership podcast dedicated to advancing creativity and innovation in education. No matter the seat you lead from, this podcast is your vehicle for creative ideas, bold school leadership, and field-tested strategies that work where it counts—in schools.
WARNING ⚠️ This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day with a relentless focus on improving student outcomes and transforming students’ TK-12 school experiences and the once-passionate leaders who may have lost a bit of their spark and just need a dose of inspiration to find their way back.
Each week, we invite innovators in education from across the country, doing the real work in schools to hop on the school bus with me -- Dr. Spates, the Proud Principal of a vibrant Los Angeles County Middle School Community. Together, we uncover what’s really working in schools—tapping into each guest’s “zone of genius” to give you one practical, school-tested strategy you can bring back to your learning community.
Because our children, families, and communities are counting on us to lead with urgency, care, and purpose.
Let’s reimagine what’s possible in education, together —one ride at a time.
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Ep 15 | Principals: Step Back to Build Belonging and Allow Teams to Lead Schools Forward a Reflective Conversation with Dr. Franklin and Dr. Spates
Season 1 · Episode 15
Monday, February 23, 2026 • Duration 21:51
In this reflective end of the year closing conversation, Dr. Spates and Dr. Franklin explore what it truly means to lead schools as collaborative communities rather than hierarchical organizations. From designing the master schedule as a whole-school effort to building authentic trust with teams, this episode highlights how inclusive leadership practices strengthen both systems and relationships.
Dr. Spates emphasizes that effective leadership is not about working in isolation or making decisions behind closed doors. Instead, it is about creating structures where educators co-design programs, propose innovative courses, and share ownership of student success.
This conversation is a powerful reminder that when teams feel seen, heard, and valued, the bar for excellence rises naturally—because everyone knows they belong to the work and to each other.
✨ Episode Takeaways
Dr. Spates emphasizes the importance of community and belonging in schools.
Building relationships with staff is crucial for effective leadership.
Data-driven decision-making is essential for school improvement.
Celebrating staff contributions fosters a positive school culture.
Listening to feedback from staff can lead to meaningful changes.
Creating opportunities for collaboration enhances team dynamics.
Recognizing student achievements is vital for motivation.
Emotional intelligence plays a key role in leadership success.
Engaging families in the school community strengthens support.
Personal experiences shape leadership philosophies and practices.
💭 Sound Bites
"Everything matters in education."
"We all own the data now."
"We can't do the work on our own."
🔑 Keywords
leadership, education, community, belonging, student success, relationships, school improvement, emotional intelligence, teaching, principal
🚌 About the Podcast
So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.
As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.
If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
Ep 14 | Policy Isn’t Just for Politicians: Lived Experience Is the Real Credential with TaVia Wooley
Season 1 · Episode 14
Monday, February 16, 2026 • Duration 01:18:27
In this powerful episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, I sit down with TaVia Wooley, founder and Executive Director of Empower Them Collective, for a masterclass in advocacy, humility, and shared power.
TaVia shares how her lived experience — as a mother, social worker, medical advocate, and community leader — shaped her belief that lived experience is more important than degrees. From navigating systems for her brother on the autism spectrum to advocating after the loss of her son, she transformed personal pain into policy literacy and leadership development for families.
Through the Leadership & Policy Academy for Parents, AIM (African American Infant & Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative), and the 661 Creators Space, TaVia is building the collective capacity of the Antelope Valley community to engage in and create meaningful policy initiatives.
This episode challenges educators to move beyond “family engagement” and toward shared ownership, humility, and she drops a creative-bomb: compensate parent expertise.
If you believe policy shouldn’t happen to you — this episode is for you.
✨ Episode Takeaways
Lived experience is more important than degrees.
Empowerment comes from understanding and addressing root causes.
Advocacy should be informed by personal experiences.
Creating safe spaces fosters open dialogue.
Self-care is essential for effective advocacy.
Community engagement requires valuing parents' voices.
Policy should be shaped by those affected by it.
Podcasting can amplify marginalized voices.
Building relationships is key to successful advocacy.
Compensating community members for their expertise is vital.
⏱️ Chapters
Ep 13 | Masterclass: Creating High School Culture from the Ground Up with Dr. Kathya Arriaran-Buono
Season 1 · Episode 13
Monday, February 9, 2026 • Duration 43:02
In this inspiring episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. Spates welcomes Dr. Kathya Arriaran-Buono, founding principal of Palmdale Academy Charter School in Palmdale, California. Dr. Buono shares how she built a high‑performing school‑of‑choice culture—during a pandemic—by centering servant leadership, restorative practices and data‑driven decision‑making. From hiring for heart over content knowledge and designing annual staff retreats, to expanding AP access, boosting graduation rates and modelling self‑care as a working mom, this conversation is loaded with practical wisdom for leaders at every level. Dr. Buono offers advice on navigating skepticism, creating joy‑filled traditions like “Peep Wars,” and ensuring families feel seen in a competitive educational landscape. Tune in for a master class on building culture, sustaining outcomes and leading with love.
✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways)
How to hire for culture by asking candidates what support they need from leadership
Why servant leadership, restorative practices and data‑driven decisions are Dr. Buono’s non‑negotiables
The power of annual retreats and restorative circles to foster belonging and accountability
Creative strategies like “Lunch Bunch” that keep seniors on track to graduate
How open access to AP courses, including an AP African‑American Studies pathway, builds equity
Why silly traditions (like Peep Wars) can strengthen staff culture
How to empower assistant principals through shared responsibility and leadership development
Practical advice for aspiring leaders: lead outside your classroom and anchor yourself in purpose
Why “love the kids” is both simple and challenging—and why joy is a leadership strategy
Tips for balancing school leadership with motherhood and self‑care
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – Meet Dr. Buono: Servant leader, restorative practitioner and data‑driven principal introduces herself and her “why.”
Ep 12 | You Are Not Obligated to Set Yourself on Fire to Keep Others Warm: Leading with Purpose, Equity & Data with Dr. Patricia Brent-Sanco
Season 1 · Episode 12
Monday, February 2, 2026 • Duration 58:56
In this powerful episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. Spates sits down with Dr. Patricia Brent-Sanco, a respected equity leader and advocate for inclusive educational systems. Dr. Brent-Sanco shares her lived experiences advancing equity through community partnerships, data-driven decision-making, and intentional leadership practices.
She discusses the founding and impact of the Unity Women's Professional Networking Organization, highlighting the importance of mentorship, collective support, and professional spaces specifically designed for African-American women educators. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Brent-Sanco emphasizes discernment in leadership, anchoring oneself in purpose, and finding joy as an act of resistance and sustainability in challenging times.
This episode is a must-listen for school leaders, educators, and anyone committed to fostering belonging, advancing equity, and supporting the whole educator.
✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways)
Community support is essential for sustainable equity initiatives.
Unity Women’s Professional Networking Organization creates space for growth, connection, and leadership among African-American women educators.
Data-driven decisions help leaders navigate skepticism and resistance around equity work.
Embedding equity into policy requires intentional alignment with fiscal and organizational priorities.
Innovative programs, such as Leadership Academies, can transform student outcomes and narratives.
Effective leadership centers belonging, care, and high expectations for all students.
Women of color in leadership benefit from anchoring themselves in purpose and building diverse support circles.
Discernment is critical when navigating political climates and organizational dynamics.
Joy is a leadership strategy that sustains hope and resilience.
Self-care is not optional—it is essential for educator well-being and effectiveness.
Ep 11 | Don’t Underestimate Our Communities: Leading with Heart, High Expectations, and a Restorative Lens
Season 1 · Episode 11
Monday, January 26, 2026 • Duration 01:20:35
In this episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. Carlos Montes shares his powerful journey in education as a teacher, instructional coach, principal, and now a system-level leader supporting 20 schools across East Los Angeles.
Dr. Montes reflects on the intentional work that led to the transformation of Jordan High School, highlighting the central role of creating restorative culture , high expectations, authentic relationships and a deep respect for students and families. He emphasizes that culture, community pride, and identity are not add-ons, but foundational to building schools where students thrive.
The conversation explores what authentic family partnership looks like in practice, including Dr. Montes’ innovative use of instructional walks with caregivers and parents to invite family voice and presence in schools, increase transparency, trust, and shared accountability. Together, Dr. Spates and Dr. Montes discuss how equity lives in daily leadership decisions, why student voice must be embedded in school structures, and how passion and humanity sustain long-term impact in education.
This episode serves as a powerful reminder that education is deeply human work—and that the leadership choices made today shape students, families, and communities for generations to come.
✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways)
How relationship-centered leadership transforms school culture
Why restorative practices must be paired with high expectations
Strategies for authentic family engagement beyond traditional meetings
How instructional walks with parents strengthen communication and trust
The role of student voice in equitable decision-making
Why passion and humanity are essential in school leadership
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Carlos Montes
03:01 Dr. Montes’ Journey in Education
Ep 10 | The Hope Dealer: Restorative Leadership, Digital Voice, and Running Toward the Roar with Dr. J.R. Rucker
Season 1 · Episode 10
Monday, January 19, 2026 • Duration 50:01
In this powerful episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. J.R. Rucker hops on the bus to share a deeply personal and purpose-driven leadership journey—one shaped by adversity, restored by education, and fueled by hope.
From navigating a challenging childhood to serving as a high school principal, Dr. Rucker describes himself as a “hope dealer”—a leader committed to giving students what he did not always receive: belief, advocacy, and opportunity. He reflects on his roots as a special education teacher, emphasizing that every child is different and that effective educators must be willing to find at least one door of engagement for every student.
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Rucker unpacks what restorative leadership looks like in real schools—centering relationships, accountability, and healing over punishment. He challenges school leaders to run toward the roar, confront hard truths, and create safe spaces where students, staff, and families can engage in honest conversations.
The episode also explores the evolving role of digital media and social platforms in school leadership. Dr. Rucker makes a compelling case for why schools can no longer afford to be silent online—and how social media, when used with intention, becomes a tool for transparency, connection, and community pride.
Grounded in wisdom, humility, and hope, this episode is a reminder that education is not transactional—it is transformational for students, families, and entire communities.
✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways)
Why being a hope dealer is a leadership responsibility—not a slogan
How restorative practices change culture, not just behavior
Why every student deserves at least one door of engagement
How weekly career exploration can reshape student motivation and agency
Ep 9 | Equity in Schools: Why Seeing Students and Teachers as Whole Humans Changes Everything with Jazmine Morales Rodriguez
Season 1 · Episode 9
Monday, January 12, 2026 • Duration 53:51
In this episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Jazmine Morales Rodriguez takes a seat on the bus to share her powerful journey as an educator and equity-centered leader. She reflects on her educational pathway, including the financial and systemic barriers she navigated, and how those experiences shaped her commitment to student advocacy and inclusion.
Jazmine underscores the importance of seeing students holistically and building reciprocal, human-centered relationships in schools. The conversation explores the impact of ethnic studies curriculum on student engagement, the realities of teacher burnout, and the critical role of community support in sustaining educators doing this work. Throughout the episode, Jazmine offers affirming insights, honest reflections, and actionable strategies for educators committed to equity, growth, and collective care.
✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways)
Jazmine emphasizes the importance of seeing students as whole individuals—not just academic performers.
She shares her personal journey of navigating and overcoming financial barriers to higher education.
The episode highlights the power of reciprocal relationships between educators and students.
Jazmine discusses how ethnic studies curriculum increases relevance, belonging, and student engagement.
She addresses teacher burnout and the emotional toll of doing equity-centered work.
The importance of community support and shared responsibility in education is stressed.
Jazmine advocates for honoring each student’s unique lived experience and needs.
She shares practical strategies for responding to racial comments among young students.
Collaboration among educators is positioned as essential, not optional.
Educators are encouraged to embrace imperfection, reflection, and growth over performative “perfection.”
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Jazmine Morales Rodriguez
Ep 8 | Don’t Waste Our Kids’ Time: Principal, Coach Fred Gatlin on Empathy, Relevance, and School Leadership
Season 1 · Episode 8
Monday, January 5, 2026 • Duration 48:06
In this episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Principal and Coach Fred Gatlin hops on the bus to share his powerful journey as an educator, principal, coach, and author. Grounded in empathy and shaped by lived experience, Coach Gatlin reflects on what it truly means to lead schools that honor students’ time, humanity, and potential.
The conversation explores how relevant, relationship-centered leadership can transform school culture—particularly for students navigating trauma, adversity, and disengagement. Coach Gatlin shares innovative programs he has implemented to build trust, inspire resilience, and help students develop a strong, “no-excuse” mindset rooted in purpose rather than pressure.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Spates and Coach Gatlin discuss the importance of empathy in leadership, the power of positive affirmations, and why self-care, delegation, and trust are essential for sustaining educators in demanding roles. This episode offers practical strategies and affirming reminders for school leaders committed to building environments where both students and staff can thrive.
✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways)
Empathy is a non-negotiable leadership skill in today’s schools
Diverse life and professional experiences strengthen leadership capacity
Relationships are the foundation of student engagement and trust
Innovative, student-centered programs can radically shift school culture
Relevance in education matters—students must see themselves in the work
Positive affirmations can set the tone for productive school days
Embracing pain and adversity can build resilience and purpose
Delegation and trust are essential to prevent leadership burnout
Self-care is critical for educators who want longevity and impact
Supportive environments accelerate both student and staff success
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Coach Fred Gatlin
Ep 7 | Leadership That Fuels Innovation: Dr. Greg Franklin on Creating a Culture of “Yes!”
Season 1 · Episode 7
Monday, December 15, 2025 • Duration 45:31
In this episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. Greg Franklin shares insights from his extensive career in education and leadership, offering practical strategies for fostering creativity and innovation among teachers while building school cultures rooted in equity and collaboration.
Dr. Franklin emphasizes the importance of clear vision, consistent communication, and investing in people over programs. He challenges school leaders to move beyond compliance-driven systems and instead create cultures that say “yes,” empower educators, and scale innovation in sustainable, inclusive ways.
This episode is a must-listen for principals, district leaders, instructional coaches, and teacher leaders who are navigating change, strengthening school culture, and working to ensure equitable opportunities for all students.
✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways)
• Why a clear vision unlocks teacher creativity
• How repetition strengthens communication and alignment
• Why investing in people outperforms investing in programs
• How a culture of “yes” fuels innovation
• What equity looks like in access to rigorous learning
• How listening and learning tours deepen community trust
• Why relationships are the foundation of strong leadership
• The importance of establishing non-negotiables early
• What it takes to scale innovation with staff buy-in
• How joy and collaboration sustain educators
⏱️ Chapters
Ep 06 | MTSS for Real Classrooms: Strategies That Actually Support Diverse Learners
Season 1 · Episode 6
Monday, December 8, 2025 • Duration 42:24
In this episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, the mic flips — three aspiring teachers interview Dr. Spates about what it actually takes to build an MTSS system that works in real classrooms.
From relationships to data, from teacher collaboration to differentiation, this conversation breaks MTSS and RTI down in a way that’s real, practical, and grounded in care. Dr. Spates shares strategies educators can use tomorrow to support diverse learners academically, socially, and emotionally.
Whether you're a teacher, principal, student teacher, or instructional leader, this episode is packed with insight into what it truly means to support every student.
Thank you to the New Edu Crew: Christal Heard, Yesenia Padilla and Nicole Vera for an awesome interview!
✨ Episode Takeaways
Strong relationships are the foundation of student success.
MTSS supports the whole child — academics, behavior, and social-emotional needs.
Teachers shouldn’t aim for perfection; take risks and grow.
Progress monitoring and data collection matter.
Collaboration strengthens support for diverse learners.
Investing time to truly know students pays off.
Positive reinforcement drives motivation.
Student feedback helps teachers refine their practice.
Classroom environment communicates care.
Family engagement expands the support network.
🎧 Sound Bites
"It's not personal, right?"
"They love affirmation."
"You can't outdo care."
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tavia Woolley and Empower Them Collective
06:02 Lived Experiences and Leadership
11:48 Empower Them Collective's Mission and Impact
17:20 Advocacy Skills for Parents and Caregivers
24:02 Navigating School Systems and Policy Literacy
29:59 The Role of Podcasting in Community Engagement
35:53 Concrete Actions for Educators to Partner with Families
41:25 Self-Care and Personal Reflections
47:40 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations
🎧 Sound Bites
"We need to ask the right questions."
"We need to shift the narrative."
"More is caught than taught."
🔑 Keywords
Tavia Woolley, Empower Them Collective, lived experience, advocacy, community engagement, education, podcasting, self-care, leadership, policy change
🚌 About the Podcast
So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.
As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.
If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
02:30 – Hiring for Culture: The interview question that reveals mindset and why heart can’t be coached.
05:00 – Learner Profile & Retreat: Defining the profile of a graduate and the role of themed retreats in building culture.
08:30 – Restorative Practices: How restorative circles work, with examples of powerful prompts.
11:00 – AP Access & Student Outcomes: From AP Silver School to plans for AP African‑American Studies and high college‑and‑career readiness.
17:00 – Graduation & Interventions: Using “Lunch Bunch” and catered meals to prevent senioritis and boost A–G completion.
21:00 – Enrollment Growth: Being a school of choice in a competitive district and serving families as clients.
24:00 – Founding Principal Lessons: Challenges of launching a high school during COVID and the roller coaster of “firsts.”
27:30 – Strengthening Culture in 90 Days: Peep Wars, potlucks and treating adults like professionals.
31:00 – Leadership Development: Dividing work among APs, empowering them to lead MTSS and culture initiatives.
34:00 – Love, Joy & Self‑Care: Anchoring leadership in love, finding joy as resistance, and balancing motherhood.
38:00 – Career Advice: Why teachers should lead PD, mentor others and step into committees before moving into administration.
🎧 Sound Bites
“Our students choose us every single day.” – Dr. Buono on leading a school of choice
“You can't teach heart; you can coach content, but not mindset.” – Dr. Buono on hiring for culture
“Love the kids. They know when you care and when you don't.” – Dr. Buono on the core of leadership
🔑 Keywords
school culture, charter high school, servant leadership, restorative practices, data‑driven decision‑making, AP access, equity, student success, school choice, staff retreats, leadership development, teacher mentorship, student belonging, joy in leadership, self‑care
🚌 About the Podcast
So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.
As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.
If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Patricia Brent-Sanco
02:47 – Unity Women’s Professional Networking Organization
05:34 – Building Community Support for Equity Initiatives
10:39 – Navigating Skepticism in Equity Work
14:07 – Embedding Equity in Policy and Practice
18:58 – Innovative Programs for Student Support
24:19 – The Role of Leadership in Education
28:27 – Advice for Women of Color in Leadership
35:22 – The Importance of Discernment in Leadership
39:35 – Finding Joy and Hope in Education
49:42 – Consulting Services and Self-Care Practices
🎧 Sound Bites
“Data doesn’t lie.”
“Finding joy brings hope.”
“We want to transform environments.”
🔑 Keywords
education, equity, leadership, community support, women in leadership, mentorship, student success, professional development, diversity, inclusion
🚌 About the Podcast
So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.
As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.
If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
05:45 Transforming Jordan High School
09:01 The Power of Hustle and Relationships
11:54 Restorative Practices in Education
14:52 Current Role and Supporting Schools
17:51 Cultural Pride in East LA Schools
20:48 Personal Experiences Shaping Leadership
23:39 Building Relationships with Families
26:50 Instructional Walks with Parents
29:51 Feedback and Growth in Education
32:44 Creating a Positive School Environment
35:44 Conclusion and Future Aspirations
44:20 Equity in Education: A Consistent Practice
50:43 Building Authentic Partnerships with Families
55:53 Empowering Student Voice in Decision Making
01:08:11 Passion and Leadership: Starting with Yourself
01:15:48 The Human Impact of Education
🎧 Sound Bites
“You got to hustle.”
“Don’t underestimate our parents.”
“It’s about wanting to know.”
🔑 Keywords
Educational leadership, equity in education, restorative practices, family engagement, student voice, school culture, community pride, instructional leadership, East Los Angeles schools
🚌 About the Podcast
So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.
As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.
If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
What it means to run toward the roar as a school leader
Why schools must embrace digital media to tell their own stories
How educators can sustain themselves through self-care and balance
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Dr. J.R. Rucker
01:20 – Becoming a Hope Dealer
04:26 – Experiences That Shaped His Educational Philosophy
06:47 – The Power of Restorative Practices
10:26 – Leading a High School Community with Intention
12:12 – Run Toward the Roar: A Leadership Mantra
14:11 – Motivating Students and Staff
16:17 – Leveraging Social Media for School Engagement
25:35 – The Educational Truth Podcast and Conference
29:36 – Advice for New Educators
35:01 – Writing Books to Empower Others
40:02 – Work-Life Balance and Self-Care
45:16 – Innovations That Improve Student Outcomes
🎧 Sound Bites
“I want to be a hope dealer.”
“Run toward the roar.”
“We should literally be exploring careers on a weekly basis.”
“Education is a transformational event for families.”
🔑 Keywords
social media in schools, career exploration, self-care for educators, instructional leadership, On the School Bus with Dr. Spates
🚌 About the Podcast
So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.
As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.
If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
02:46 – Jazmine’s Educational Journey
05:43 – Overcoming Financial Barriers to Education
09:17 – Transitioning from Education to Nonprofit Work
12:48 – The Role of Community in Education
17:56 – Navigating Burnout in Education
20:34 – The Importance of Teacher Well-Being
22:58 – Taking a Holistic View of Education
26:20 – Building Authentic Relationships in Schools
28:37 – Implementing Ethnic Studies Frameworks
35:03 – Collaborative Curriculum Development
35:36 – Coaching Through Role Play
37:30 – Empowering Educators Through Curriculum Design
38:43 – Humanizing the Educator Experience
39:18 – Building Reciprocal Relationships
44:38 – Addressing Racial Comments in Early Education
50:55 – Navigating Teacher Pushback in a Changing Climate
52:30 – Embracing Mistakes & Finding Your Educator Voice
So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.
As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.
If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
01:28 – How Diverse Roles Shape Leadership
04:03 – Why Empathy Matters in Education
07:26 – The Inspiration Behind Train Your Mindset
10:34 – Designing Innovative Programs for Engagement
11:55 – Understanding Student Demographics
14:14 – Building Comprehensive Support Systems
16:34 – Relationship-Driven Leadership
18:50 – Daily Motivational Practices
20:38 – Developing a No-Excuse Mindset
24:53 – Turning Adversity into Advantage
27:26 – Supporting Trauma-Impacted Students
29:45 – Creating a Caring School Culture
31:08 – Cultivating a Supportive Leadership Team
34:00 – Integrating Life Skills into Education
36:29 – Making Learning Relevant
39:58 – Balancing Multiple Roles as an Educator
42:21 – Sustainable Self-Care Practices
44:39 – Advice for School Leaders
🎧 Sound Bites
“Don’t waste our kids’ time.”
“I was born to do this.”
“You can’t count down the days.”
🔑 Keywords
educational leadership, empathy in leadership, school culture, student engagement, resilient mindset, trauma-informed schools, principal leadership, educator self-care, relevant education, relationship-centered leadership
🚌 About the Podcast
So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.
As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.
If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
00:00 — Introduction to Mentorship and Leadership
05:00 — Unlocking Teacher Creativity and Innovation
07:39 — Mind Shifts: From Compliance to Creativity
10:47 — Non-Negotiables for Innovation During Crisis
13:48 — Equity and Innovation in Education
16:50 — Scaling Innovation in Education
18:54 — Building Inclusive Career Pathways
21:52 — Challenges in Scaling Innovation
24:50 — Conclusion and Final Thoughts
25:58 — Scaling Educational Success
28:00 — Collaborative Professional Development
29:38 — Fostering Innovation in Schools
31:11 — Leadership and Boldness
32:17 — Listening and Learning Tours
36:38 — Building Relationships in Education
40:56 — Sustaining Wellness for Educators
🎧 Sound Bites
"Find a way to say yes."
"Start with the willing."
"The teaching is the key."
🔑 Keywords
education leadership, innovative school leadership, teacher creativity, equity in education, school culture, professional development, teacher support, community engagement, instructional leadership, scaling innovation, educational equity, leadership mindset, building school culture, education podcast, K–12 leadership, principal leadership, teacher empowerment, collaborative leadership
🚌 About the Podcast
So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.
As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.
If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
00:00 — Introduction & Purpose
05:28 — Why These Future Teachers Chose Education
11:27 — What MTSS & RTI Really Mean in Schools
17:41 — The Teacher’s Role in MTSS
19:46 — Using Data & Progress Monitoring Effectively
21:14 — Asking Students for Feedback
23:23 — Teacher Collaboration That Actually Works
26:37 — Differentiation for Diverse Learners
29:27 — Strengthening Relationships with Students & Families
32:37 — Empowering Students as Peer Teachers
34:52 — Creating a Positive, Welcoming Classroom Environment
So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together.
This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people:
The passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 school experiences, and
The once-passionate leaders who may have lost a bit of their spark and just need a dose of inspiration to find their way back.
As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.
