Fearless Environments: Leading with Psychological Safety
Release Date: 02/15/2025
Surviving the Superintendency: Dr. Nikki Woodson
Fearless Schools Podcast
In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we talk to Dr. Nikki Woodson, the superintendent of the Metropolitan School District in Washington Township, Indianapolis. We discuss Dr. Woodson's journey to leadership, the challenges of the superintendency, and the importance of building a diverse and effective team. We also talk about the impact of the pandemic on education and advice for aspiring superintendents. The conversation emphasizes the need for reflection, mentorship, and the joy of being fully present with and for students. And the key takeaways: The weight of...
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FS Podcast Shorts - John Hattie
Fearless Schools Podcast
In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, Dr. Dru Tomlin and Dr. Ann McCarty engage in a conversation with renowned educational researcher Dr. John Hattie. In addition to exploring Hattie's origin story and his journey through education, they also discuss how failure, curiosity, and reinvention are stepping stones to success. Hattie shares insights on the implications of homework on student learning, the need for educators to understand the nuances of educational strategies, the importance of fostering a growth mindset in students, the power of listening, and of course,...
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Surviving the Superintendency
Fearless Schools Podcast
In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we engage with Dr. Peter Noonan, discussing the complexities of the superintendency, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and explore the qualities necessary for effective leadership in education. Dr. Noonan shares insights on creating a leadership pipeline, the importance of communication and strong relationships, and transitioning from management to instructional leadership. The conversation also touches on the future of the superintendency and the evolving challenges leaders face in education. He shares insights on how to...
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From Pandemic Students to Post Pandemic Teachers
Fearless Schools Podcast
In this episode of the Fearless Podcast, we engage with educators Kylie Thomas and Em Beeler, who share their unique experiences as students during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it shaped their teaching philosophies. They discuss the confusion and challenges faced during the transition to online learning, the importance of understanding students' diverse backgrounds, and the lessons learned that have made them more compassionate educators. The conversation highlights the resilience of both teachers and students in navigating the complexities of education during and after the pandemic and...
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FS Podcast Shorts - Cindy Tomlin: A Special Mother's Day Tribute
Fearless Schools Podcast
In this heartfelt conversation on the Fearless Schools Shorts podcast, Dr. Dru Tomlin interviews his mother, Cindy Tomlin, exploring her journey as a student, her motivations, and her career in nursing. Cindy shares her experiences growing up, the influence of her family, and the challenges she faced along the way. The discussion highlights the importance of honesty, humor, and resilience in both personal and professional life, culminating in a reflection on the lessons learned and the value of family support. Key Takeaways: Extracurricular activities and leadership roles are vital to...
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Fearless Podcast Shorts: Jessyca Lucero-Flores
Fearless Schools Podcast
In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we speak with Jessyca Lucero-Flores, educational leader and consultant. We discuss Jessica's journey in education, her experiences living and working in various countries, and the influential teachers who shaped her path. The conversation explores the importance of hands-on learning, the challenges of traditional education systems, and the need for patience and risk-taking in creating lasting change in schools. Jessica shares her unique perspective on education, drawing parallels between ecological systems and educational environments,...
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Family & Community Engagement - FACE
Fearless Schools Podcast
In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we engage with educational experts Dr. Nino Collado and Dr. Alex Marrero to explore the critical topic of family and community engagement (FACE) in schools. They discuss the definitions, importance, and strategies for effective engagement, emphasizing the need for intentional collaboration and empowerment. The conversation highlights strategies for building collaborative teams, creating safe environments for dialogue, and the necessity of transparency in data sharing. The discussion also emphasizes the role of community trust and advocacy in...
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FS Podcast Shorts - Lisa Almeida: Relationships in Leadership
Fearless Schools Podcast
In this engaging conversation on the Fearless Schools Shorts podcast, Creative Leadership Solutions CEO, Lisa Almeida shares her journey from a passionate student to a leader in education, emphasizing the importance of relationships, mentorship, and creating a fearless culture in schools. Not only does she reflect on her favorite spicy foods--she also examines the impact of her early educators (including Dr. Doug Reeves) and how these experiences shaped her approach to leadership and professional development. Key Takeaways: The importance of partnership, mentorship, and...
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Fearless Leadership: Building Integrity & Trust
Fearless Schools Podcast
In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we engage with educational leaders Dr. Doug Reeves and Dr. Jymil Thompson, superintendent of Dorchester County Public Schools in MD to explore the concept of Fearless Leadership. We discuss the importance of integrity, courage, and confidence in leadership roles, the necessity of admitting mistakes, and the value of vulnerability in fostering a culture of openness. The conversation also emphasizes the significance of building credibility through consistent actions and the need for aspiring leaders to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. We...
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Fearless Podcast Shorts: Kim Marshall, The Marshall Memo
Fearless Schools Podcast
In this episode of the Fearless Shorts podcast, we talk to Mr. Kim Marshall, author of the enriching weekly research memo called (unironically) the "Marshall Memo" which has thousands of readers across the globe. Listen to Mr. Marshall not only talk about his own intriguing and international educational origin story (and the impact of those early experiences on him as a teacher and administrator), but also about such topics as the role of reflection, the Importance of non-fiction writing, challenges with teacher evaluation systems, and current and upcoming trends in the field of education. Mr....
info_outlineWelcome to S1 E4 of the Fearless Schools Podcast! In this episode join author, speaker, and educational leader Allyson Apsey to discuss the important topic of Leading with Psychological Safety. With extensive experience in the field of education, Allyson shares her wisdom on fostering the school environment for all to thrive. Listen in as we discuss key elements of leadership and give you strategies to nurture your school.