The Better Leaders Better Schools Podcast with Daniel Bauer

The BETTER LEADERS BETTER SCHOOLS podcast is in the TOP 0.5% most downloaded shows of over 2 million podcasts across the world. The BLBS show was created for RUCKUS MAKERS in education -- those out-of-the-box school leaders making change happen. Launched in 2015, this category-defining podcast in educational leadership has helped over 1 MILLION leaders LEVEL UP. Each week host DANIEL BAUER has a conversation with a leadership expert and invites you to listen in. Turn your commute, chores, or workout into professional development and then GO MAKE A RUCKUS! BLBS is the #1 downloaded podcast for school leaders.

Reject the Premise Part 3 07/16/2025

Reject the Premise Part 3 Jethro Jones on Breaking the Robot Principal Playbook The Ruckus Report Quick take: Most school leaders are trained to lead like emotionless robots. But students aren't spreadsheets and staff don't need a boss with a checklist — they need a human being. Time to reject the premise that logic alone should run our schools. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Jethro Jones, 2017 NASSP Digital Principal of the Year, is a former principal from Fairbanks, Alaska, and the host of Transformative Principal, where he interviews leaders from around the world who are reimagining K-12 education. He's the founder of the Transformative Leadership Summit and author of SchoolX: How principals can design a transformative school experience for students, teachers, parents – and themselves! Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Jethro Jones challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: Emotions Are Your Leadership Superpower What's broken: The robot principal mentality that emotions should be locked out of work The shift: Embrace emotional intelligence as the very thing that makes leadership work — connection Impact: Leaders build authentic relationships instead of being terminators hunting for data points Key Insight #2: From Sage on Stage to Compass Among Us What's broken: Teachers controlling every learning moment as the "sage on the stage" The shift: Become a "compass among us" — pointing to true north while students navigate their own path Impact: Students take ownership of learning while teachers focus on what computers can't do: the human connection Key Insight #3: Discipline Matrices Are BS What's broken: One-size-fits-all discipline charts that treat every situation identically The shift: Use the smallest possible intervention that changes behavior — sometimes just a look Impact: Fewer office referrals, more authentic relationships, and students who actually learn from mistakes Quotable Ruckus "If AI can crushed everything else, what's left is our emotions and our spirituality and the metaphysical stuff that makes us different than computers." – Jethro Jones Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Check in with someone by asking "How are you?" instead of "How did your students do on that assessment?" This Month: Replace one discipline matrix consequence with a restorative conversation This Semester: Audit your teaching staff — how many are still stuck in "sage on the stage" mode? Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: [Link] 🔗 Follow Jethro Jones: | 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. ✉ Join for FREE: 📌 Ruckus Makers Don't Just Listen — They Act If education ain't a bit disruptive, then what are your students really learning? This show isn't about doing school better. It's about Doing School Different — and joining a growing movement of bold, creative school leaders who reject legacy models and reimagine what's possible. 🧠 Here are four ways we can help you on your Do School Different journey 📬 Subscribe to the Free Newsletter — An opportunity to Do School Different 3x a week. Tools, mindset shifts, and strategies that actually work: ruckusmakers.news 🗞️ Read Ruckus Makers — Exclusive content on Substack. Premium leadership insights, AI prompts and custom gpts, new books before the bookshelf. ruckusmakers.media 💥 Join The Ruckus Maker Club — Our private network + workshops, The Automatic School tools, AI Prompt Library, and more: ruckusmakers.club 🧨 Apply to the Mastermind — Weekly coaching, peer mentorship, and our proven leadership system (The Ruckus Maker Flywheel) to help you transform your campus: Apply Now Every tool, community, and coaching program we offer is built to help visionary school leaders play the new game — one where leadership is creative, tech-enabled, and unapologetically student-centered. 🎙️ The podcast is your starting point. The movement is just getting started. Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: IXL Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more: ixl.com/leaders Expressability K12 Your inbox isn't a task manager. Your mind isn't for storing mundane processes. It's time to break free. With Expressability K12, Ruckus Makers can prioritize student success by offloading time-sucking tasks. 🔍 Learn more: expressability.com/ruckus ODP Business Solutions "Our STEAM program is too complicated" = Code for "We're doing it wrong." Stop letting fear kill innovation. Some leaders are transforming STEAM with a three-part framework that's not what you think. 🔍 Get the playbook: here Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning? /episode/index/show/better/id/37302470

Sam Feeney on Closing the Compliance Gap 07/09/2025

Sam Feeney on Closing the Compliance Gap The Ruckus Report Quick take: The biggest legal risk most districts face isn't a headline-grabbing lawsuit — it's the hidden gap between the accommodations they promise and the ones students actually receive. Sam Feeney built a tool that collapses this compliance gap to 10 seconds and a single click. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Sam Feeney has been an educator for twenty-five years as an English teacher, counselor, administrator, and consultant. He created Accommodate in response to his professional observations and his personal experience as a father. Sam and the team at Accommodate provide classroom supports for students with all kinds of learning needs so every teacher can maintain instructional integrity. In his spare time, Sam enjoys reading and collaborating with others to build something new. Sam, his wife, and his five children live in suburban Denver, where they enjoy sports and the outdoors. And—no—he doesn't ski. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Sam Feeney challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: Need Equals Permission What's broken: Waiting for perfect credentials or expertise before tackling problems you see The shift: Recognition of a need is your permission to solve it — start with passion, build expertise along the way Impact: Innovation happens when educators stop waiting for someone else to fix what's broken Key Insight #2: Hidden Non-Compliance Is Everywhere What's broken: Beautifully written IEPs, 504s, and ELL plans that vanish under the weight of crowded classrooms and overworked teachers The shift: Technology that transforms any lesson into student-specific accommodations at the push of a button Impact: Students get the support they're legally entitled to, teachers avoid guilt and burnout, districts avoid million-dollar settlements Key Insight #3: Time Is the Ultimate Gift What's broken: Teachers spending hours trying to accommodate across three different areas of expertise (special ed, ELL, gifted) The shift: 10-second accommodations that give teachers back their most precious resource Impact: Instructional integrity becomes sustainable, not just aspirational Quotable Ruckus "Need equals permission. If you see a need, that's your permission to go tackle it." – Sam Feeney Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Audit one accommodation plan — is it actually happening in the classroom, or just living on paper? This Month: Calculate the true cost of hidden non-compliance on your campus (teacher burnout, potential lawsuits, student outcomes) This Semester: Invest in tools that give your teachers back time while ensuring every student gets what they're legally entitled to Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: 🔗 Follow Sam Feeney: 🌐 Learn more about Accommodate: 📌 Ruckus Makers Don't Just Listen — They Act If education ain't a bit disruptive, then what are your students really learning? This show isn't about doing school better. It's about Doing School Different — and joining a growing movement of bold, creative school leaders who reject legacy models and reimagine what's possible. 🧠 Here are four ways we can help you on your Do School Different journey 📬 Subscribe to the Free Newsletter — An opportunity to Do School Different 3x a week. Tools, mindset shifts, and strategies that actually work: 🗞️ Read Ruckus Makers — Exclusive content on Substack. Premium leadership insights, AI prompts and custom gpts, new books before the bookshelf. 💥 Join The Ruckus Maker Club — Our private network + workshops, The Automatic School tools, AI Prompt Library, and more: 🧨 Apply to the Mastermind — Weekly coaching, peer mentorship, and our proven leadership system (The Ruckus Maker Flywheel) to help you transform your campus: Every tool, community, and coaching program we offer is built to help visionary school leaders play the new game — one where leadership is creative, tech-enabled, and unapologetically student-centered. 🎙️ The podcast is your starting point. The movement is just getting started. Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: IXL Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more: Expressability K12 Your inbox isn't a task manager. Your mind isn't for storing mundane processes. It's time to break free. With Expressability K12, Ruckus Makers can prioritize student success by offloading time-sucking tasks. 🔍 Learn more: ODP Business Solutions Stop letting compliance paperwork kill innovation. Some leaders are transforming special education support with technology that turns accommodation promises into reality. 🔍 Learn more: Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning? /episode/index/show/better/id/37301935

Rethinking School Leadership: From Problem-Solver to Capacity-Builder 07/02/2025

Rethinking School Leadership: From Problem-Solver to Capacity-Builder Mitch Weathers on Breaking the Bottleneck Leadership Trap The Ruckus Report Quick take: Most principals think they're the chief problem solver—but that mindset is actually what's breaking their schools. When you're the go-to for every fire, you're not leading, you're enabling dependence. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Mitch became a gifted teacher because he was a mediocre student. Mitch rarely felt comfortable in the classroom. In fact, it took him 7 years to graduate from college. Choosing to become a teacher, Mitch was fortunate enough to experience school as if it was happening all around him. He was unsure how to jump into his learning with confidence. There is a loneliness to experiencing your education as a passive object as opposed to an active subject. From the moment he entered the classroom, Mitch relied on his personal experiences as a learner. He recognized that what we teach—the content or curriculum—is secondary. We must first lay the foundation for learning before we can get to teaching. Mitch designed Organized Binder to empower teachers with a simple but research-backed strategy to teach students executive functioning skills while protecting the time needed for content instruction. The secret is found in establishing a predictable learning routine that serves to foster safer learning spaces. When students get practice with executive functions by virtue, we set them up for success. Learn more in his recent book Executive Functions for Every Classroom: Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Mitch Weathers challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: The Problem-Solver Trap What's broken: Principals positioning themselves as the chief problem solver for every issue, fire, complaint, and question The shift: Moving from being the bottleneck to building capacity in your staff so the school runs without you in every room Impact: Sustainable leadership that doesn't burn out the principal and creates independent, empowered teams Key Insight #2: Preparing Students for Unknown Jobs What's broken: Teaching rigid, content-heavy curricula when we don't even know what jobs will exist in 10 years The shift: Focusing on transferable knowledge, transferable skills, and executive functioning competencies that adapt across any future role Impact: Students equipped with the dexterity to thrive in an evolving job market where AI skills and human connection become differentiators Key Insight #3: The Boundaries Crisis in Education What's broken: An unhealthy culture that treats being "completely out of balance" as a badge of honor—first one in, last one out mentality The shift: Deliberate boundary setting that prioritizes sustainability and recognizes that self-care isn't district care Impact: Educators who can sustain their passion long-term without sacrificing family, health, or effectiveness Quotable Ruckus "When you're the go-to for every issue, every fire, every complaint, every question you're not leading, you're enabling dependence." – Mitch Weathers Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Identify one problem you consistently solve for your staff. Instead of solving it, ask them what they think the solution should be. This Month: Audit your daily schedule. What percentage of your time is spent firefighting vs. capacity building? Set a goal to flip that ratio. This Semester: Implement one systematic change that reduces dependency on you as the decision-maker. Create protocols that empower others to act without your approval. Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: 🔗 Follow Mitch Weathers: 📖 Get his book: Executive Functions for Every Classroom: 📌 Ruckus Makers Don't Just Listen — They Act If education ain't a bit disruptive, then what are your students really learning? This show isn't about doing school better. It's about Doing School Different — and joining a growing movement of bold, creative school leaders who reject legacy models and reimagine what's possible. 🧠 Here are four ways we can help you on your Do School Different journey 📬 Subscribe to the Free Newsletter — An opportunity to Do School Different 3x a week. Tools, mindset shifts, and strategies that actually work: ruckusmakers.news 🗞️ Read Ruckus Makers — Exclusive content on Substack. Premium leadership insights, AI prompts and custom GPTs, new books before the bookshelf: ruckusmakers.media 💥 Join The Ruckus Maker Club — Our private network + workshops, The Automatic School tools, AI Prompt Library, and more: 🧨 Apply to the Mastermind — Weekly coaching, peer mentorship, and our proven leadership system (The Ruckus Maker Flywheel) to help you transform your campus: Apply Now Every tool, community, and coaching program we offer is built to help visionary school leaders play the new game — one where leadership is creative, tech-enabled, and unapologetically student-centered. 🎙️ The podcast is your starting point. The movement is just getting started. Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: IXL Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more: Expressability K12 Your inbox isn't a task manager. Your mind isn't for storing mundane processes. It's time to break free. With Expressability K12, Ruckus Makers can prioritize student success by offloading time-sucking tasks. 🔍 Learn more: ODP Business Solutions "Our STEAM program is too complicated" = Code for "We're doing it wrong." Stop letting fear kill innovation. Some leaders are transforming STEAM with a three-part framework that’s not what you think. 🔍 Get the playbook: Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning? /episode/index/show/better/id/37249175

Veronica Holyoke on Breaking the Myth of Solitary Leadership 06/25/2025

Veronica Holyoke on Breaking the Myth of Solitary Leadership The Ruckus Report Quick take: The "lone wolf" leader is a toxic myth that's burning out school administrators and failing students. Veronica Holyoke proves that transformational leadership happens in community, not isolation — and one hour a week can change everything. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Veronica Holyoke is a 25-year education veteran and Utah's 2024 Assistant Principal of the Year. A former 5th grade teacher with master's degrees in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Leadership, she's spent her fourth year as an elementary Assistant Principal in Jordan School District. Beyond her accolades, Veronica has navigated supporting her husband through serious disability while excelling in her leadership role — proving that community support transforms both professional and personal resilience. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Veronica Holyoke challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: Imposter Syndrome Isn't Permanent What's broken: Leaders believing they must have all the answers and can't show vulnerability or uncertainty The shift: Embrace community support where every voice matters, regardless of title or experience level Impact: Confidence grows, authentic leadership emerges, and the toxic cycle of isolation breaks Key Insight #2: Weekly Support Beats Yearly Burnout What's broken: The expectation that school leaders should figure everything out alone while pouring into everyone else The shift: Prioritize one hour per week for consistent community support and professional growth Impact: Leaders go to bed happier every Tuesday, face challenges with renewed energy, and sustain their passion for the work Key Insight #3: Personal Growth Drives Professional Excellence What's broken: Separating personal wellness from professional performance, leading to unsustainable leadership practices The shift: Invest in whole-person support that addresses both home and work challenges Impact: When leaders are cared for, they can better care for staff and students — creating award-winning school cultures Quotable Ruckus "I could only take care of my staff and students because I was being taken care of because of the mastermind group." – Veronica Holyoke Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Make a list of things you do weekly to "fill your bucket" — where does community support rank? This Month: Find one hour per week to connect with other leaders outside your system for growth and support This Semester: Build or join a community where you can be 100% authentic about your challenges and victories Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: 🔗 Follow Veronica Holyoke: [email protected] 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. ✉ Join for FREE: Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: IXL Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more: Expressability K12 Your inbox isn't a task manager. Your mind isn't for storing mundane processes. It's time to break free. With Expressability K12, Ruckus Makers can prioritize student success by offloading time-sucking tasks. 🔍 Learn more: ODP Business Solutions "Our STEAM program is too complicated" = Code for "We're doing it wrong." Stop letting fear kill innovation. Some leaders are transforming STEAM with a three-part framework that's not what you think. 🔍 Get the playbook: Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning? /episode/index/show/better/id/37143675

Punching the Shark: Why Teacher Retention Beats Recruitment Every Time 06/18/2025

Punching the Shark: Why Teacher Retention Beats Recruitment Every Time The Ruckus Report Quick take: Most districts are dumping water into leaky buckets while wondering why they can't fill them. Nate Eklund shows us why we've been solving the wrong problem — and how "punching the shark" creates the workplace conditions that make educators want to stay. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Nate Eklund is the founder and CEO of Vital Network, a national organization focused on improving educator retention and well-being through workplace improvements. A former classroom teacher and author of How Was Your Day at School? Improving Dialogue about Teacher Job Satisfaction, Nate brings deep experience and research-backed insight to the conversation on creating sustainable, joyful workplaces for educators everywhere. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Nate Eklund challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: We Don't Have a Recruitment Problem — We Have a Retention Problem What's broken: Districts frantically recruiting new teachers while ignoring why good ones leave The shift: Focus on the "leaky bucket" — in Minnesota, there are more licensed teachers NOT teaching than teaching (enough to fill the Vikings stadium) Impact: When you fix workplace conditions instead of just hiring more people, you solve the math problem at its source Key Insight #2: Burnout Isn't a Personal Failing — It's Environmental What's broken: Treating burnout as individual weakness ("eat more kale, get more sleep") The shift: Recognize burnout as systemic depletion that no amount of self-care can overcome — you can't "kale your way out of your fifth reading curriculum in two years" Impact: Leaders stop blaming teachers and start designing better workplace conditions that prevent burnout Key Insight #3: There Are Two Versions of Every Educator What's broken: Accepting that some educators are just "difficult" or "burned out" The shift: Understanding that everyone has a "fired up" version and a "deflated" version — external factors determine which one shows up Impact: Instead of writing people off, leaders create conditions where the best version of every educator can thrive Quotable Ruckus "You can dump a lot of water into it and invest a lot of energy getting the water into the bucket, but if the bucket's leaking, you've got a fundamental math problem." – Nate Eklund Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Ask yourself: "What external factors are keeping my best educators from showing up as their best selves?" This Month: Survey your staff about workplace conditions — not just morale, but actual day-to-day systems and decision-making processes This Semester: Implement one "Punch the Shark" moment — tackle an uncomfortable workplace issue head-on with your team Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: 🔗 Follow Nate Eklund: 🔗 Vital Network: 🔗 Follow Vital on LinkedIn: 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here: Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: IXL Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more: Expressability Your inbox isn't a task manager. Your mind isn't for storing mundane processes. It's time to break free. With Expressability, Ruckus Makers can prioritize student success by offloading time-sucking tasks. 🔍 Learn more: ODP Business Solutions Stop letting compliance kill innovation. Some leaders are transforming their campuses with flexible solutions that actually work for modern learning environments. 🔍 Learn more: Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning? /episode/index/show/better/id/36928315

Building Culture That Goes Beyond the Wall 06/15/2025

Building Culture That Goes Beyond the Wall The Ruckus Report Quick take: If your school has beautiful values painted on the walls but nobody's living them, you're running a theater, not a school. Jimmy Casas exposes the brutal difference between what we say and what we do. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Jimmy Casas has been an educator for over 30 years, serving twenty-two years as a school leader. Under his leadership, his school was named one of the Best High Schools in the country three times by Newsweek and US News & World Report. Jimmy was named the 2012 Iowa Secondary Principal of the Year and was selected as runner-up NASSP 2013 National Secondary Principal of the Year. In 2014, Jimmy was invited to the White House to speak on the Future Ready Schools pledge. Jimmy is also the author of ten books, including the Washington Post's best-selling book CULTURIZE: Every Student. Every Day. Whatever It Takes, which has sold over 350,000 copies to date. Jimmy is the owner and CEO of J Casas & Associates, where he and his team serve as professional leadership coaches for school and district leaders across the country. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Jimmy Casas challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: Systems Beat Inspiration Every Time What's broken: Unorganized leaders who scramble and make their teams scramble, destroying credibility and culture The shift: Create systematic approaches like the "summer list" and culturized journal to capture what needs attention without losing momentum Impact: Leaders stay organized, teams trust the process, and nothing falls through the cracks Key Insight #2: Culture Is Behavior, Not Posters What's broken: Schools with beautiful mission statements on walls but no observable evidence of those values in action The shift: Ask "When I walk into your classroom, what will I see that tells me you're building relationships with kids?" Impact: Intentional observation leads to measurable culture change and real student achievement Key Insight #3: Excellence Is Your Responsibility What's broken: Settling for average because it's easier and letting others pull you down to status quo The shift: Walk in every day believing you can make an impact and help others find their way back when they lose direction Impact: Leaders create environments where children look forward to class and adults look forward to work Quotable Ruckus "Don't let anybody take away your excellence because the world is full of average." – Jimmy Casas Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Start a "summer list" with your team - every time something comes up that needs deeper attention, add it to the list instead of letting it consume your mental energy This Month: Pick one core value and define what you'll actually observe when you walk into classrooms - what will kids be doing? What will teachers be doing? This Semester: Create your own reflection system (journal, digital tool, or team process) to track meaningful experiences and undercurrents you're creating Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: 🔗 Follow Jimmy Casas: 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE . Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: IXL Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more: Expressability K12 Your inbox isn't a task manager. Your mind isn't for storing mundane processes. It's time to break free. With Expressability K12, Ruckus Makers can prioritize student success by offloading time-sucking tasks. 🔍 Learn more: ODP Business Solutions "Our STEAM program is too complicated" = Code for "We're doing it wrong." Stop letting fear kill innovation. Some leaders are transforming STEAM with a three-part framework that's not what you think. 🔍 Get the playbook: Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning? /episode/index/show/better/id/37007350

Transforming Schools Through Teacher-Centered Leadership 06/11/2025

Transforming Schools Through Teacher-Centered Leadership The Ruckus Report Quick take: Most principals manage buildings instead of transforming lives. Dr. Chris Jones flips the script by putting teachers at the center of every decision, creating scheduling magic that serves everyone — and proves that embracing resistance makes you stronger. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Chris Jones has been an educator in Massachusetts for 24 years. He is finishing his 16th year as a building administrator. He is a teacher centered Principal and passionate about continuous improvement and the idea that success is not a destination, but a process. Chris is the President of the Massachusetts State Administrators Association (MSAA) and was the Massachusetts School Counselors Association (MASCA) 2022 State Administrator of the Year. Chris is active on social media, vlogs about continuous improvement on a weekly basis, and hosts his own podcast called SEEing to Lead as a way to amplify teacher's voices in an effort to improve education as a whole promoting his "just cause": improving the educational experience for as many people as possible by being purposeful, acting with integrity, and building character. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Dr. Chris Jones challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: Schedules Should Serve People, Not Systems What's broken: Cookie-cutter schedules that ignore what teachers and students actually need The shift: Build schedules from scratch based on your values and vision — give teachers two preps, create rotating blocks that feel fresh, and add "WIN" time for individualized support Impact: Teachers report feeling more connected, less burned out, and students are more engaged because the day feels "slower" and more purposeful Key Insight #2: Resistance Is Your Design Partner What's broken: Seeing pushback as something to overcome or defeat The shift: Practice "kintsugi leadership" — break the old system completely, then rebuild it stronger using resistance as beautiful constraints that guide better solutions Impact: Dr. Jones' assistant principal solved complex scheduling problems in one day by "breaking it" first, and senior tardiness plummeted when they redesigned privileges around what students actually valued Key Insight #3: Schools Prepare Kids for the Past, Not the Future What's broken: Standardized practices that keep the past alive in the present for a future that no longer exists The shift: Individualize learning experiences, eliminate meaningless assessments like midterms/finals, and focus on what students need to be amazing Impact: Schools become places where learning matters more than grades, and students develop skills for jobs that don't even exist yet Quotable Ruckus "You can't just throw something at people and say, okay, what do you think? You have to help them along and guide them as to what part of what you think, what they think you want to hear about so that you can make adjustments to it." – Dr. Chris Jones Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Ask your teachers one question: "What do you need to be amazing?" Then actually listen and take notes This Month: Identify one "sacred cow" practice (like midterms) that doesn't serve learning and plan to eliminate it This Semester: Practice kintsugi leadership on your biggest scheduling or systems challenge — break it completely and rebuild from your values Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: 🔗 Follow Dr. Chris Jones: | | 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: IXL Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more: Expressability K12 Your inbox isn't a task manager. Your mind isn't for storing mundane processes. It's time to break free. With Expressability K12, Ruckus Makers can prioritize student success by offloading time-sucking tasks. 🔍 Learn more: ODP Business Solutions Stop letting compliance kill innovation. Some leaders are transforming their campuses with flexible solutions that actually work for modern learning environments. 🔍 Learn more: Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning? /episode/index/show/better/id/36927950

Dr. Nick Polyak on Unlearning Your Way to Educational Innovation 06/04/2025

Dr. Nick Polyak on Unlearning Your Way to Educational Innovation The Ruckus Report Quick take: Award-winning Superintendent Dr. Nick Polyak reveals why the most innovative school leaders aren't just adding new programs—they're actively tearing down outdated practices to make room for transformational student experiences. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Dr. Nick Polyak is the proud superintendent of the award-winning Leyden Community High School District 212. He earned his undergraduate degree from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL, his Masters from Governors State University, and his Ed.D. from Loyola University Chicago. Nick has been a classroom teacher and coach, a building and district level administrator, a School Board member, and a superintendent in both central Illinois and suburban Chicago. Nick earned an IASA School of Advanced Leadership Fellowship and he also graduated from the AASA National Superintendent Certification Program. He teaches for both the Illinois and National Aspiring Superintendent Academies and has co-authored four books on school leadership. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Dr. Nick Polyak challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: Unlearning Debunked Educational Practices What's broken: Clinging to disproven theories like multiple learning styles while adding endless new initiatives The shift: Actively identifying and discarding outdated knowledge to make room for evidence-based practices Impact: Teachers empowered with current, relevant pedagogical approaches instead of layering old myths with new methods Key Insight #2: Reimagining School Structure Through Innovation Incubators What's broken: Traditional 45-minute siloed classes with bell schedules that fragment learning The shift: Creating teacher-led innovation teams who design interdisciplinary, problem-based learning experiences like CoLab Impact: Freshmen spending four periods daily in meaningful, community-connected learning that earns honors credit Key Insight #3: Transforming Exclusion into Belonging Through Bilingual Programming What's broken: Theater programs that don't reflect the school's 70% Latinx population The shift: Creating Teatro Leyden with dual English/Spanish casts, treating language as an asset Impact: Doubled theater participation and families who previously couldn't access school arts now fill auditoriums Quotable Ruckus "We as human beings are really good at learning new things. We're really bad at unlearning things that are no longer true or no longer relevant to make room for new things." – Dr. Nick Polyak Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Identify one "sacred cow" practice in your school and research whether it's still educationally sound This Month: Create an innovation incubator team of teachers from different disciplines to dream big about student experience This Semester: Audit your programs to see if they reflect your student demographics—then redesign what doesn't Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: 🔗 Follow Dr. Nick Polyak: 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE .. Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: IXL: Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more: Expressability K12: Your inbox isn't a task manager. Your mind isn't for storing mundane processes. It's time to break free. With Expressability K12 Ruckus Makers can prioritize student success by offloading time sucking tasks. Visit Expressability K12 to learn how: ODP Business Solutions: STEAM programs failing before they start? Most schools botch STEAM implementation because they're missing 3 critical elements. Here's the wild part: it's not about fancy tech or massive budgets. ODP Business Solutions® has researched many successful programs to identify what actually works (and what's just burning cash). Learn the blueprint: Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning? /episode/index/show/better/id/36741270

Do School Different Part 1 05/28/2025

Do School Different Part 1 The Ruckus Report Quick take: Visionary school leaders don’t follow dusty rulebooks. In this episode, Jethro Jones joins Danny Bauer to burn the old manual and co-create a new playbook for Ruckus Makers — one bold idea at a time. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Jethro Jones, 2017 NASSP Digital Principal of the Year, is a former principal from Fairbanks, Alaska, and the host of Transformative Principal, where he interviews leaders from around the world who are reimagining K-12 education. He’s the founder of the Transformative Leadership Summit and author of SchoolX: How principals can design a transformative school experience for students, teachers, parents – and themselves! Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Jethro Jones challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: Learning Is Not Linear What’s broken: The assumption that learning progresses in a straight line, within four walls, at the same pace for all The shift: Honor that all learning is personal and non-linear; value what students learn outside of school, too Impact: Schools begin to partner with families and communities — not just invite them to partner with schools Key Insight #2: Change Something in Year One What’s broken: “Don’t change anything your first year” — the most paralyzing advice for new leaders The shift: Make small, strategic changes that align with your vision from day one Impact: Greater momentum, better clarity, and staff trust because you’re not waiting to lead Key Insight #3: First In, Last Out Is a Trap What’s broken: Hustle culture that measures effectiveness by time on campus The shift: Shift to value-based leadership — do the right work, not all the work Impact: Leaders reclaim time, model healthy boundaries, and lead more sustainably (without burning out) Quotable Ruckus “You can’t out-teach what’s happening in the home. We should be partnering with parents, not asking them to partner with us.” – Jethro Jones Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Stop collecting a meaningless report or form you never read — free up your staff and your schedule This Month: Draw your “Do School Different Scorecard” — list the top 8 areas of campus life and define where each needs to go This Semester: Redesign how your school values time — for yourself, your staff, and your students Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: 🔗 Follow Jethro Jones: | 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. ✉️ Join for FREE: Today’s RUCKUScast in Partnership with: IXL Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more: Expressability K12 Your inbox isn't a task manager. Your mind isn't for storing mundane processes. It's time to break free. With Expressability K12, Ruckus Makers can prioritize student success by offloading time-sucking tasks. 🔍 Learn more: ODP Business Solutions "Our STEAM program is too complicated" = Code for "We're doing it wrong." Stop letting fear kill innovation. Some leaders are transforming STEAM with a three-part framework that’s not what you think. 🔍 Get the playbook: Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain’t a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning? /episode/index/show/better/id/36740795

Demetrius Ball on Leading with Purpose as Principal of the Year 05/21/2025

Demetrius Ball on Leading with Purpose as Principal of the Year The Ruckus Report Quick take: Award-winning Principal Demetrius Ball reveals how intentional leadership, strategic decision-making, and being consistently present creates a school culture where students feel more connected than ever before. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Demetrius Ball was born and raised in Ohio. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy (West Point, NY) and served 5 years on active duty in the US Army as a Field Artillery Officer. His education career began in 2008 as a social studies teacher, spanning roles in California and Maryland before moving into administration. Currently in his third year as principal of California High School, Demetrius was recently named Administrator of the Year. He is a proud husband and father of four amazing children, committed to professional development that benefits his school and community. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Demetrius Ball challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: Strategic Decision-Making as a Leadership Superpower What's broken: Rushed, reactive decision-making without challenging assumptions The shift: Slowing down to journal, identify assumptions, and strategically question each one before implementing changes Impact: More meaningful staff collaboration time and professional development aligned with actual teacher needs Key Insight #2: Intentional Presence Transforms School Culture What's broken: Administrators hidden in offices, disconnected from the daily pulse of school life The shift: Being consistently present—greeting students at drop-off, walking campus, attending after-school activities Impact: Students reporting they feel more connected to school than ever before, with meaningful learning experiences Key Insight #3: Building Administrative Teams Around Complementary Strengths What's broken: Hiring admin team members who mirror the principal's skills and style The shift: Intentionally seeking team members with diverse skills that fill identified gaps Impact: A more versatile, aligned administrative team that presents a united front while bringing different strengths to challenges Quotable Ruckus "One of the biggest secrets that I've found to being a successful leader and building trust in your community is being present. Not just physically being present, but showing up." – Demetrius Ball Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Start your day by walking a complete lap around your campus, popping into hallways and classrooms This Month: Survey your staff about what they need, then use AI to identify the main themes from their responses This Semester: Evaluate your admin team's collective strengths and weaknesses, then recruit specifically to fill the gaps Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: here 🔗 Follow Demetrius Ball: | 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE . Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: IXL: Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more Expressability K12: Your inbox isn't a task manager. Your mind isn't for storing mundane processes. It's time to break free. With Expressability K12 Ruckus Makers can prioritize student success by offloading time sucking tasks. Visit Expressability K12 to learn how ODP Business Solutions: "Our STEAM program is too complicated" = Code for "We're doing it wrong" Stop letting fear kill innovation. While some schools struggle with integrating STEAM, other leaders are using a 3-part framework to transform their programs. The secret? It's not what you think. Get the playbook: Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning? /episode/index/show/better/id/36649420

Jennifer Bertram on Trusting Your Inner Leadership Expert 05/14/2025

Jennifer Bertram on Trusting Your Inner Leadership Expert The Ruckus Report Quick take: International school leader Jennifer Bertram reveals how trusting your intuition can lead to unexpected leadership opportunities, and how joining a supportive community of fellow leaders transforms professional growth. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Originally from Canada, Jennifer's teaching journey began in Montevideo, Uruguay, followed by many years at Escola Americana de Campinas, Brazil. She transitioned to administrative roles including Secondary Dean of Students and Assistant Principal. Jennifer then served as Middle School Principal at the American International School of Dhaka for five years before moving to American International School Chennai with her family. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Jennifer Bertram challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: Leadership Pathways Aren't Always Conventional What's broken: The belief that leadership journeys must follow a prescribed, traditional path The shift: Embracing unexpected opportunities, even when they seem imperfect or challenging Impact: Discovering authentic leadership styles while gaining valuable experience in roles others might avoid Key Insight #2: Community-Fueled Confidence What's broken: The isolation and loneliness of school leadership positions The shift: Joining supportive communities of like-minded leaders who face similar challenges Impact: Creating a professional network that offers accountability, resource sharing, and emotional support Key Insight #3: Sticky Core Values Drive School Culture What's broken: Abstract, forgettable school values that don't connect with daily practices The shift: Creating "sticky" core values that tell stories and create memorable mindsets Impact: Transforming school culture through principles like "Every day is a new day," "Together we," and "The gift of concentration" Quotable Ruckus "Leadership can be lonely. It can be one of those places where you would love to be able to talk about an issue with someone, and you just can't for various reasons. What I found in the Mastermind was a group that is very open." – Jennifer Bertram Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Trust your intuition when an unexpected leadership opportunity presents itself This Month: Create one "sticky core value" that can be turned into a memorable, actionable school goal This Semester: Build a support network of leaders facing similar challenges to combat professional isolation Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: 🔗 Follow Jennifer Bertram: 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE . Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: IXL: Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more Expressability K12: Your inbox isn't a task manager. Your mind isn't for storing mundane processes. It's time to break free. With Expressability K12 Ruckus Makers can prioritize student success by offloading time sucking tasks. Visit Expressability K12 to learn how ODP Business Solutions: Want to know why 67% of STEAM programs fail? Hint: It's not the budget. After researching many schools, ODP Business Solutions® uncovered three make-or-break factors that determine STEAM success. The best part? You probably already have what you need. See the research: Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning? /episode/index/show/better/id/36554995

Dr. Derek Mitchell on Transforming Schools Through Authentic Connection and Community 05/07/2025

Dr. Derek Mitchell on Transforming Schools Through Authentic Connection and Community The Ruckus Report Quick take: When traditional approaches to school improvement aren't working, the answer may not be more control - but rather more connection. Dr. Mitchell reveals how transformative leadership starts with listening and building authentic relationships. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Dr. Derek Mitchell serves as the CEO of Partners in School Innovation, working with schools that face long histories of chronic underperformance and serve predominantly high-poverty communities. His organization partners with schools to create lasting, meaningful change through innovative leadership approaches. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Dr. Mitchell challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1 ● What's broken: The assumption that out-of-control schools need stricter discipline and tighter control ● The shift: Building authentic connections with students by listening and understanding their perspectives ● Impact: One principal transformed his challenging middle school by first meeting with 30 struggling students to truly hear their needs, leading to innovative solutions like stealth support systems for students in distress Key Insight #2 ● What's broken: Traditional professional development that's neither professional nor developmental ● The shift: Creating authentic learning communities that build relationships while focusing on growth ● Impact: Moving PLC meetings off-campus and sharing meals together led to vastly improved outcomes and stronger teacher collaboration Key Insight #3 ● What's broken: The "skill solution" approach to addressing performance issues ● The shift: Using the skill-will-way matrix to properly diagnose and address teacher performance challenges ● Impact: More effective interventions by matching solutions to the real root cause - whether it's skill, will, or way Quotable Ruckus "Working within the lines will only produce what's been produced in the past. If we're really talking about excellence for each and every child, mean every young person reaching their potential, we got to get beyond the lines." - Dr. Derek Mitchell Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: 1. Tomorrow: Color-code your calendar based on your top 3-4 strategic priorities to see how you're really spending your time 2. This Month: Move one regular meeting off-campus to build stronger relationships and more authentic dialogue 3. This Semester: Create a system to proactively schedule regular check-ins with your supervisor where you set the agenda and priorities Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: 🔗 Follow Dr Derek Mitchell: , 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE . Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: IXL: Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more Expressability K12: Your inbox isn't a task manager. Your mind isn't for storing mundane processes. It's time to break free. With Expressability K12 Ruckus Makers can prioritize student success by offloading time sucking tasks. Visit Expressability K12 to learn how ODP Business Solutions: STEAM programs failing before they start? Most schools botch STEAM implementation because they're missing 3 critical elements. Here's the wild part: it's not about fancy tech or massive budgets. ODP Business Solutions® has researched many successful programs to identify what actually works (and what's just burning cash).Learn the blueprint: Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning? /episode/index/show/better/id/36366235

Mitch Weathers on Educational Trends and the Future of Teaching 04/30/2025

Mitch Weathers on Educational Trends and the Future of Teaching The Ruckus Report Quick take: This experimental episode explores emerging educational trends with Mitch Weathers, diving into AI's impact on teaching, the evolution of education's purpose, and whether teaching remains a recommendable profession. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Mitch became a gifted teacher because he was a mediocre student. Despite taking seven years to graduate college, he navigated the classroom with discomfort. This unique perspective fueled Mitch's teaching approach. Recognizing the importance of laying a foundation for learning, he created Organized Binder. This research-backed strategy empowers teachers to impart executive functioning skills efficiently, preserving valuable instructional time. By establishing a predictable routine, Organized Binder fosters safer learning spaces, shaping Mitch's journey from a struggling student to an innovative educator. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Mitch Weathers challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: AI's Impact on Education What's broken: The notion that AI will completely replace teachers within the next decade The shift: Reimagining education as developing transferable competencies rather than just delivering content Impact: Creating learning environments where teachers serve as guides and mentors while AI supports content delivery and practice Key Insight #2: Redefining Education's Purpose What's broken: Education systems focused primarily on knowledge transfer without clear career pathways The shift: Focusing on developing student agency and capacity for learning in new environments Impact: Preparing students for future careers that don't even exist yet through transferable skills Key Insight #3: The Teaching Profession's Future What's broken: The perception of teaching as financially unrewarding and morale-killing The shift: Recognizing teaching as a meaningful profession with immediate visible impact Impact: Creating school cultures where educators feel fulfilled beyond financial compensation Quotable Ruckus "When you boil down education to its raw elements, it's a messy human-to-human endeavor, which means relationships matter." – Mitch Weathers Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Ask yourself: "What are we teaching and why?" in light of AI advancements This Month: Identify transferable competencies your students need beyond content knowledge This Semester: Create a plan to balance technological integration while preserving meaningful human relationships Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: [Link] 🔗 Follow Mitch Weathers:, ,Facebook & 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: 📚 Read Mitch's Book: Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE . Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: IXL: Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more Expressability K12: Your inbox isn't a task manager. Your mind isn't for storing mundane processes. It's time to break free. With Expressability K12 Ruckus Makers can prioritize student success by offloading time sucking tasks. Visit Expressability K12 to learn how ODP Business Solutions: Want to know why 67% of STEAM programs fail? Hint: It's not the budget. After researching many schools, ODP Business Solutions® uncovered three make-or-break factors that determine STEAM success. The best part? You probably already have what you need. See the research: Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning? /episode/index/show/better/id/36366030

Reimagining School with WIN Time: Stephanie McConnell on Transforming Student Success 04/23/2025

Reimagining School with WIN Time: Stephanie McConnell on Transforming Student Success The Ruckus Report Quick take: The factory model of education is dead. This school leader transformed a failing campus into a Blue Ribbon award winner by reimagining intervention through WIN Time - and now she's showing thousands of leaders worldwide how to do the same. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Stephanie is a veteran school leader, author, and owner of Principal Principles. With 18 years as a principal and now serving as an assistant superintendent of schools she's passionate about leadership, student success, and innovative school solutions. She's also the creator of WIN Time, helping schools implement data-driven interventions. Connect with her at PrincipalPrinciples.net! Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Stephanie McConnell challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: Intervention Without Interruption What's broken: The old pull-out model where students leave class for intervention and miss core instruction The shift: WIN Time - built into the master schedule where every student gets intervention AND enrichment without missing anything Impact: Transformed McConnell's school from an F-rated campus to a National Blue Ribbon Award winner in just two years Key Insight #2: Flexible Grouping Based on Real-Time Data What's broken: Static intervention groups that trap students in remediation all year The shift: Data-driven regrouping every 2-4 weeks based on student progress Impact: Students can receive double-blocked reading intervention AND math enrichment based on individual needs Key Insight #3: Culture of Ownership > Compliance What's broken: Teachers following prescribed programs without investment in outcomes The shift: Challenging the "why" behind every practice and building true teacher ownership Impact: Teachers shift from "I taught it" to "students learned it" mindset, driving real results Quotable Ruckus "Since the things that matter the most should never be at the mercy of the things that matter the least." – Stephanie McConnell Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Ask yourself "why" about one existing intervention practice in your school This Month: Audit your master schedule to find where WIN Time could fit This Semester: Visit a school using WIN Time or bring Stephanie's framework to your team Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: [Link] 🔗 Follow Stephanie McConnell: , 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: 📚 Join Stephanie's Leadership Group: Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE . Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: IXL: Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more Expressability K12: Your inbox isn't a task manager. Your mind isn't for storing mundane processes. It's time to break free. With Expressability K12 Ruckus Makers can prioritize student success by offloading time sucking tasks. Visit Expressability K12 to learn how ODP Business Solutions: "Our STEAM program is too complicated" = Code for "We're doing it wrong." Stop letting fear kill innovation. While some schools struggle with integrating STEAM, other leaders are using a 3-part framework to transform their programs. The secret? It's not what you think. Get the playbook Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning? /episode/index/show/better/id/36265225

Dr. Anthony Godfrey on Meaningful Connections: Prioritizing What Truly Matters in Education 04/16/2025

Dr. Anthony Godfrey on Meaningful Connections: Prioritizing What Truly Matters in Education The Ruckus Report Quick take: In a system built for efficiency rather than connection, Dr. Godfrey shows how one district is creating space for what truly matters—from targeted reading interventions to wellness days for staff—proving that even large districts can make the human element their highest priority. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Dr. Anthony Godfrey is the Superintendent of Schools for Jordan School District in Utah, overseeing 58,000 students and 9,000 employees. Appointed superintendent in 2019, he brings 31 years of experience in the district, having served as an English teacher, assistant principal, principal, and administrator of schools. Dr. Godfrey holds a Bachelor's in English Teaching and French from Weber State University, along with a Master's Degree and Doctorate from the University of Utah. He hosts the popular "Jordan Supercast" podcast, using his platform to connect directly with his community. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Dr. Godfrey challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: Fund Preparation Time, Not Just Professional Development What's broken: Traditional PD without paid time for teachers to implement what they've learned The shift: Securing board funding for teacher preparation time alongside professional development for their Walk to Read program Impact: Reading scores higher than ever before, despite launching during the pandemic Key Insight #2: Prioritize Staff Wellness Through Structural Changes What's broken: Expecting staff to maintain wellness without creating systemic support The shift: Implementing dedicated "Health and Wellness Days" (three-day weekends) for all 9,000 district employees Impact: Creating a culture that values people over processes, demonstrating that employee wellbeing isn't just talk Key Insight #3: Reimagine Leadership Communication What's broken: Relying on emails and memos to build connections and communicate vision The shift: "Email is for information, not conversation" philosophy and launching a superintendent podcast Impact: Deeper connections throughout the district as people hear their superintendent's voice and style, creating familiarity and trust Quotable Ruckus "Email is for information, not conversation. And many times we want to have a conversation through email. Email is just for information." – Dr. Anthony Godfrey Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Audit your own communication habits—are you trying to have conversations via email that would be better in person? This Month: Create a plan to pay teachers for their preparation time for your next major initiative, not just the training This Semester: Explore what a wellness day would look like in your school or district—even starting with a half-day pilot could show commitment to staff wellbeing Connect & Continue 🎯 Listen to the Jordan Supercast: 🔗 Follow Dr. Godfrey: | 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE . Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: IXL: Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more Expressability K12: Your inbox isn't a task manager. Your mind isn't for storing mundane processes. It's time to break free. With Expressability K12 Ruckus Makers can prioritize student success by offloading time sucking tasks. Visit Expressability K12 to learn how . ODP Business Solutions: "Our STEAM program is too complicated" = Code for "We're doing it wrong" Stop letting fear kill innovation. While some schools struggle with integrating STEAM, other leaders are using a 3-part framework to transform their programs. The secret? It's not what you think. Get the playbook URL: Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning? /episode/index/show/better/id/36153060

Amy Anderson on Reimagining Education Beyond School Walls: Learning Happens Everywhere 04/10/2025

Amy Anderson on Reimagining Education Beyond School Walls: Learning Happens Everywhere The Ruckus Report Quick take: Schools only account for 20% of a child's waking hours. Reschool co-founder Amy Anderson reveals how innovative partnerships with families and communities can transform the other 80% into powerful learning opportunities that create more equitable education for all. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Amy Anderson is the Executive Director and co-founder of RESCHOOL Colorado, which she established in 2013 to ensure learning systems offer options responsive to families' interests and needs, particularly those facing barriers to accessing opportunities. With over 25 years in education innovation, Amy previously served as Associate Commissioner at the Colorado Department of Education, leading the Division of Innovation, Choice, and Engagement where she created a statewide vision for personalized and expanded learning opportunities. Amy's impressive career includes pioneering work in online and blended learning at the DK Foundation, education policy and school finance with APA Consulting, and new school development for the Colorado League of Charter Schools. She was instrumental in launching the nation's first charter schools in the early '90s at Designs for Learning in St. Paul, MN, and co-founded The Odyssey School in Denver, one of Colorado's first and longest-running charter schools. Amy holds a Ph.D. and M.Ed. from the University of Colorado and a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin and currently serves as Chair Emeritus of the Aurora Institute's Board of Directors. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Amy challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: Co-Design Educational Solutions With Communities What's broken: Creating educational programs for communities rather than with them The shift: Inviting families and students to co-design learning experiences from the very beginning Impact: More relevant and effective solutions that address actual needs instead of assumed ones, building lasting change (like a charter school Amy helped design that's now 26 years old) Key Insight #2: Empower Families With Resources and Agency What's broken: Privileged families can direct resources toward their children's learning outside of school, while others lack this opportunity The shift: Creating "Learning Dollars" that give under-resourced families funds to access learning opportunities that supplement school Impact: Over $600,000 distributed to families across Colorado, allowing them to direct resources toward tutoring, arts, sports, STEM, and other opportunities that match their children's interests and needs Key Insight #3: Connect Schools to Community Learning Resources What's broken: Schools trying to be everything to all students without utilizing community resources The shift: Mapping community learning assets and connecting schools with these resources to expand what schools can offer Impact: Creating "learning ecosystems" that leverage community expertise, like DenverLearningEcosystem.org, which helps schools find and partner with local learning providers Quotable Ruckus "Learning happens everywhere and we need to make sure it's equitable for all kids." – Amy Anderson Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Download the Design Lab resource from ReschoolColorado.org/tools to learn the basics of co-designing with your community This Month: Identify 3-5 community organizations that could enhance your school's offerings and schedule initial conversations about potential partnerships This Semester: Create a pilot program that gives families some agency over a portion of educational resources, perhaps starting with summer learning opportunities Connect & Continue 🎯 Explore Reschool's Design Lab: 🔗 Learn about Denver's Learning Ecosystem: 🌐 Visit RESCHOOL Colorado: 📱 Follow RESCHOOL: | | | 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE .. Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: IXL: Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more Expressability K12: Your inbox isn't a task manager. Your mind isn't for storing mundane processes. It’s time to break free. With Expressability K12 Ruckus Makers can prioritize student success by offloading time sucking tasks.Visit Expressability K12 to learn how . ODP Business Solutions: "Our STEAM program is too complicated" = Code for "We're doing it wrong" Stop letting fear kill innovation. While some schools struggle with integrating STEAM, other leaders are using a 3-part framework to transform their programs. The secret? It's not what you think. Get the playbook URL: Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning? /episode/index/show/better/id/36086510

Amy Galloway on Strategic Rule-Breaking for School Transformation 04/02/2025

Amy Galloway on Strategic Rule-Breaking for School Transformation The Ruckus Report Quick take: When transforming struggling schools, following the traditional playbook isn't enough. Learn how effective turnaround leaders strategically break rules, build relationships, and create rapid improvement while working within traditional systems. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Amy Galloway serves as Executive Director of PIVOT School Improvement Leaders, providing intensive coaching and development for principals leading significant school improvement efforts in Tennessee and Mississippi. With experience as a successful turnaround principal herself, Amy now helps school leaders master the delicate art of driving rapid change while building sustainable systems. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Amy challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: The Power of Listening First What's broken: Traditional top-down leadership where principals arrive with pre-made plans The shift: Starting with door-to-door listening campaigns to understand community needs and dreams Impact: Building deep trust and authentic buy-in from families and staff Key Insight #2: Strategic Rule-Breaking What's broken: Rigid adherence to system norms that maintain status quo results The shift: Identifying which rules to break, preparing for consequences, and focusing on student impact Impact: Creating rapid improvement by removing bureaucratic barriers while maintaining accountability Key Insight #3: High-Performance Planning What's broken: Reactive leadership consumed by daily fires The shift: Protected time for quarterly/monthly/weekly planning aligned to priorities Impact: Leaders who can drive strategic improvement even amid frequent crises Quotable Ruckus "If you're going to center your kids' experience and you're going to center student learning, that often means you have to make a choice that doesn't necessarily fit within the expectations or the system. And that is more than okay. In fact, it should be expected." - Amy Galloway Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Block off 30 minutes for weekly planning - make it your most important meeting This Month: Schedule listening sessions with 5 key stakeholders about their hopes for your school This Semester: Identify one system norm that needs to change and create an implementation plan Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: 🔗 Follow Amy : - W 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE . Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: IXL: Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more: Expressability K12: Your inbox isn't a task manager. Your mind isn't for storing mundane processes. It’s time to break free. With Expressability K12 Ruckus Makers can prioritize student success by offloading time sucking tasks. Visit Expressability K12 to learn how. () ODP Business Solutions® STEAM programs failing before they start? Most schools botch STEAM implementation because they're missing 3 critical elements. Here's the wild part: it's not about fancy tech or massive budgets. ODP Business Solutions® has researched many successful programs to identify what actually works (and what's just burning cash).Learn the blueprint . Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning? /episode/index/show/better/id/35750865

Playing The Game By Your Own Rules 03/26/2025

Playing The Game By Your Own Rules The Ruckus Report Quick take: In this special episode, Danny shares his journey from rule-following student to educational disruptor, then delivers key updates on everything happening at Ruckus Maker HQ in 2025 that can help you transform your leadership. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Danny Bauer is the founder of Better Leaders Better Schools and host of the most downloaded podcast for school leaders. As a former principal turned educational leadership coach, Danny has dedicated his career to helping visionary school leaders "do school different" through his coaching programs, live events, and the Ruckus Maker movement. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Danny shares his origin story and provides exciting updates about the Ruckus Maker movement: Key Insight #1: Breaking Rules Intentionally Creates New Possibilities What's broken: Following rules without questioning often leads to playing games you can't win The shift: Consciously deciding to play different games on your own terms, even when it breaks convention Impact: Discovering what you truly value and finding authentic pathways to success that align with your strengths Key Insight #2: Leadership Support Requires Multiple Formats What's broken: One-size-fits-all professional development that doesn't meet the diverse needs of innovative leaders The shift: Creating an ecosystem of support through newsletters, accelerator programs, live events, and masterminds Impact: School leaders can find the right level of support for their specific needs, challenges, and leadership journey Key Insight #3: Creating a Campus Experience Worth Showing Up For What's broken: Schools operating with uninspiring environments that fail to engage students and staff The shift: Reimagining schools as vibrant, exciting, innovative places that rival Disney for creating meaningful experiences Impact: When leaders set this tone, both students and teachers become more engaged, creating a virtuous cycle of positive energy Quotable Ruckus "There's two kinds of principals. Those play-it-safe principals who maintain the status quo. If they get better, it's incrementally better. They don't rock the boat at all. Nothing really changes. And then there's Ruckus Makers that I like to think are visitors from the future, showing us one day how education can be." – Danny Bauer Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Subscribe to Ruckus Maker News and use the Weekend Resource to plan your innovative approach for the week This Month: Choose one rule or conventional practice at your school that needs questioning, and start exploring alternative approaches This Semester: Identify where you need the most support in your leadership journey and commit to joining a community like the Mastermind or attending the Impact Intensive Connect & Continue 🎯 Subscribe to Ruckus Maker News: 🔗 Learn about the Summer Impact Intensive: 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here. Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: Class Composer: Want to know why Ruckus Makers love Class Composer? Because it turns the dreaded end-of-year class placement meetings into a streamlined, data-driven process. Your teachers will save hours of time while ensuring that nothing is overlooked, including student separations. 🔍 Learn More Here. Quest Food Management Services: Creating joyful learning environments starts in the cafeteria. Quest brings 40 years of expertise in crafting scratch-made meals that nurture both body and community spirit through innovative student engagement programs. 🔍 Learn more here. ODP Business Solutions: Most schools botch STEAM implementation because they're missing 3 critical elements. Here's the wild part: it's not about fancy tech or massive budgets. ODP Business Solutions® has researched many successful programs to identify what actually works (and what's just burning cash). 🔍 Learn the blueprint: here. Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning? /episode/index/show/better/id/35858935

Dr. David Buck on Real-World Learning: Transforming Education Beyond the Factory Model 03/19/2025

Dr. David Buck on Real-World Learning: Transforming Education Beyond the Factory Model The Ruckus Report Quick take: Missouri Superintendent Dr. David Buck shows how real-world learning experiences are transforming education from standardized "assembly lines" into dynamic pathways that prepare students for a future even educators can't predict. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Dr. David Buck has been an educator for 28 years, serving as a teacher of everything from at-risk to gifted classes and middle school science. He's been involved with the Missouri Leadership Academy since 2006, helping emerging leaders become principals through a year-long development process. As a father of three daughters (one in college, one in high school, and one in middle school), he brings both professional expertise and personal investment to his transformative work in education. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Dr. Buck challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: Transform Spaces into Real-World Learning Environments What's broken: Traditional school facilities that limit hands-on, applied learning The shift: Purchasing and repurposing a 15-acre former amusement park into a multi-level learning center for PreK-12, including environmental education, hospitality programs, and hands-on science experiments Impact: Every grade K-5 now has culminating real-world science experiences, high schoolers gain practical career skills, and the community has rallied behind this bold reimagining of educational spaces Key Insight #2: Make Learning Contextual Through Real-World Application What's broken: Teaching academic content in isolation from its real-world applications The shift: Creating contextual learning programs like "AMPed-up Algebra" where students learn algebra while running a screen-printing shop, and hands-on geometry through construction projects Impact: Students in the applied algebra program scored higher than those in traditional classes, demonstrating that contextualized learning leads to better retention and understanding Key Insight #3: Build Direct Bridges Between Education and Employment What's broken: The disconnect between school learning and workforce needs The shift: Implementing "Diploma Plus" programs that ensure every graduate has college credit, an industry-recognized certificate, an internship, or client-connected projects Impact: Increased from 48% to 79% of graduates with market-value assets, with numerous success stories of students solving real business problems that adult employees couldn't crack Quotable Ruckus "What do kids need individually? And it's not going to be the same from kid to kid... I think historically one of the knocks you could put on education is they're quick to solution instead of wrestling and fully understanding the problem." – Dr. David Buck Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Identify one traditional lesson that could be taught through hands-on, real-world application instead. How might algebra look in a business setting or science in an environmental context? This Month: Map your community's business assets and reach out to 3-5 potential partners who might provide internships or client-connected projects for students This Semester: Establish a "Career Navigator" position or repurpose an existing role to focus specifically on connecting students with real-world learning opportunities Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: 🔗 Follow Dr. David Buck: 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE .. Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: Class Composer: Want to know why Ruckus Makers love Class Composer? Because it turns the dreaded end-of-year class placement meetings into a streamlined, data-driven process. Your teachers will save hours of time while ensuring that nothing is overlooked, including student separations. 🔍 . IXL: Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more: ODP Business Solutions: Most schools botch STEAM implementation because they're missing 3 critical elements. Here's the wild part: it's not about fancy tech or massive budgets. ODP Business Solutions® has researched many successful programs to identify what actually works (and what's just burning cash). 🔍 Learn the blueprint: . Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning? /episode/index/show/better/id/35734740

Building Trust Through Anchor Practices: A Journey in Educational Leadership 03/12/2025

Building Trust Through Anchor Practices: A Journey in Educational Leadership The Ruckus Report Quick take: A veteran educator shares powerful insights on building trust, implementing anchor practices, and creating a school culture where both teachers and students want to show up every day. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker A middle school principal with 14 years of experience in education transitions from teacher to coach to administrator, bringing fresh perspectives on building authentic relationships and implementing meaningful change. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, our guest challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: Trust-Building Over Tools ● What's broken: Focusing solely on implementing new programs and initiatives ● The shift: Building genuine relationships and trust first ● Impact: Increased teacher buy-in and more authentic implementation of school practices Key Insight #2: Anchor Practices as Culture Builders ● What's broken: Treating classroom observations as purely evaluative tools ● The shift: Using anchor practices to celebrate and spread effective teaching strategies ● Impact: Teachers seeing observations as coaching opportunities rather than evaluations Key Insight #3: Attendance Through Engagement ● What's broken: Treating attendance as a compliance issue ● The shift: Creating a school environment students don't want to miss ● Impact: Increased attendance rates and student engagement Quotable Ruckus "Be curious, not judgmental." – Anonymous Principal Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Have a non-evaluative conversation with a teacher about their interests outside of school This Month: Identify your school's anchor practices by studying your most effective teachers This Semester: Build a comprehensive plan to make your school a place students don't want to miss Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: 🚀 Join the 90-Day Accelerator Waitlist: Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE Today's RUCKUS cast in Partnership with: Class Composer: Want to know why Ruckus Makers love Class Composer? Because it turns the dreaded end-of-year class placement meetings into a streamlined, data-driven process. Your teachers will save hours of time while ensuring that nothing is overlooked, including student separations. 🔍 Quest Food Management Services: Creating joyful learning environments starts in the cafeteria. Quest brings 40 years of expertise in crafting scratch-made meals that nurture both body and community spirit through innovative student engagement programs. 🔍 Learn more . ODP Business Solutions: Most schools botch STEAM implementation because they're missing 3 critical elements. Here's the wild part: it's not about fancy tech or massive budgets. ODP Business Solutions® has researched many successful programs to identify what actually works (and what's just burning cash). 🔍 Learn the blueprint: Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning? /episode/index/show/better/id/35644950

Dr. Lupita Hightower on Strategic Planning: Turning Belief into Transformation 03/05/2025

Dr. Lupita Hightower on Strategic Planning: Turning Belief into Transformation Dr. Lupita Hightower on Strategic Planning: Turning Belief into Transformation The Ruckus Report Quick take: Arizona's Superintendent of the Year drops a masterclass on how strategic planning—when done right—creates school systems where every child is valued as a treasure and success is the expectation, not the exception. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Dr. Lupita Hightower is Arizona's Superintendent of the Year for 2023 and has worked in education for over 27 years in various roles, serving as superintendent for the last 12 years. As an immigrant starting school in the U.S. in the 7th grade, she credits her success to the many believers including family and educators. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Dr. Hightower challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: Strategic Planning Must Begin With Belief What's broken: Strategic plans that lack a core belief system or are created without authentic community involvement The shift: Building a foundational belief system—"Every child is capable of success without exception"—before crafting a community-driven strategic plan Impact: A district where expulsions are non-existent (zero in 12 years) and long-term suspensions are extremely rare (only two in 12 years) Key Insight #2: Parent Engagement Requires Genuine Partnership What's broken: Blaming parents for lack of engagement instead of examining school practices The shift: Implementing Academic Parent Teacher Teams where families become true educational partners, sharing transparent data and supporting each other Impact: 23% of enrollment comes from out-of-district families, driven entirely by word-of-mouth, despite being in one of the nation's most competitive school choice environments Key Insight #3: Diversity Requires Removing Bias From Selection What's broken: Traditional hiring processes that perpetuate unconscious bias The shift: Implementing a "blinded process" where applicants' identities are hidden during initial screening, with evaluation based purely on task performance Impact: A district where 60% of staff are people of color, creating powerful representation for a student body that is 95% students of color Quotable Ruckus "We cannot forget that as parents, we are our children's first teacher. Yes, in the school, you make a huge difference, but we cannot forget that." – Dr. Lupita Hightower (sharing wisdom from a parent) Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Audit your language around students—how can you shift from deficit-based descriptions to treasure-focused language? This Month: Identify one way to make parent engagement more data-transparent and collaborative, perhaps through piloting Academic Parent Teacher Teams in one grade level This Semester: Examine your hiring practices for hidden bias—could a "blinded" initial screening process help diversify your staff? Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: 🔗 Follow Dr. Hightower: | 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE . Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: Class Composer: Want to know why Ruckus Makers love Class Composer? Because it turns the dreaded end-of-year class placement meetings into a streamlined, data-driven process. Your teachers will save hours of time while ensuring that nothing is overlooked, including student separations. 🔍 . Quest Food Management Services: Creating joyful learning environments starts in the cafeteria. Quest brings 40 years of expertise in crafting scratch-made meals that nurture both body and community spirit through innovative student engagement programs. 🔍 Learn more ODP Business Solutions: Most schools botch STEAM implementation because they're missing 3 critical elements. Here's the wild part: it's not about fancy tech or massive budgets. ODP Business Solutions® has researched many successful programs to identify what actually works (and what's just burning cash). 🔍 Learn the blueprint: . Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning? /episode/index/show/better/id/35490110

The 90-Day Accelerator 02/26/2025

The 90-Day Accelerator The 90-Day Accelerator: Launching Your School Year for Legendary Impact Danny Bauer on Transforming School Leadership Through Intentional Planning The Ruckus Report Quick take: A game-changing framework for school leaders who want to escape the firefighting trap and create intentional, high-impact leadership from day one. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Danny Bauer, host of the Better Leaders Better Schools Podcast and founder of the Ruckus Maker movement, shares his journey from experiencing "the worst start to school ever" to developing a comprehensive system that helps school leaders launch their years with clarity, purpose, and momentum. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Danny challenges traditional education leadership paradigms: Key Insight #1: Self-Leadership Before School Leadership What's broken: Starting with operations and putting yourself last The shift: Prioritizing your energy management and growth first Impact: Leaders who are focused, empowered, and modeling the change they want to see Key Insight #2: Communication as the Foundation What's broken: Unclear expectations and complex messaging The shift: "Simplicity is velocity, complexity is the devil" Impact: Teams aligned and motivated, all "rowing in the same direction at once" Key Insight #3: Focus Beats Fragmentation What's broken: Chasing 10-20+ initiatives simultaneously The shift: Zeroing in on 3-5 high-leverage priorities that create domino effects Impact: Meaningful progress on what truly matters instead of watered-down results Quotable Ruckus "You're going to get the culture that you deserve, whether that's positive or negative, depending on how you show up. It's either intentionally designed or it designs itself." – Danny Bauer Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Complete the School Leadership Scorecard to identify your highest-leverage growth opportunities This Month: Draft an intentional 90-day plan focused on the five core areas: self-leadership, communication, academic focus, culture building, and operations This Semester: Join the 90-Day Accelerator to transform your leadership approach with proven frameworks and systems Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: 🚀 Join the 90-Day Accelerator Waitlist: Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here: Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: Class Composer: Want to know why Ruckus Makers love Class Composer? Because it turns the dreaded end-of-year class placement meetings into a streamlined, data-driven process. Your teachers will save hours of time while ensuring that nothing is overlooked, including student separations. 🔍 Learn More Here. Quest Food Management Services: Creating joyful learning environments starts in the cafeteria. Quest brings 40 years of expertise in crafting scratch-made meals that nurture both body and community spirit through innovative student engagement programs. 🔍 Learn more here. ODP Business Solutions: Most schools botch STEAM implementation because they're missing 3 critical elements. Here's the wild part: it's not about fancy tech or massive budgets. ODP Business Solutions® has researched many successful programs to identify what actually works (and what's just burning cash). 🔍 Learn the blueprint: here Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning? Last edited just now /episode/index/show/better/id/35436115

Unleashing Student Potential Through AI: A Young Innovator's Story Nate Corona on Transforming Education Through Creative Technology 02/19/2025

Unleashing Student Potential Through AI: A Young Innovator's Story Nate Corona on Transforming Education Through Creative Technology The Ruckus Report Quick take: A compelling look at how embracing AI and creativity can transform education, told through the journey of a young entrepreneur who went from feeling constrained by traditional schooling to teaching others how to innovate. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Today's episode features two innovators in education: Nate Corona is a Santa Cruz entrepreneur who's redefining what's possible for students in the AI age. Starting with a sneaker cleaning business in his hometown, Nate chose the "harder route" over traditional paths, leading him to d'Skills where he transformed a random thought into a successful logo design business. Now part of d'Skills' business development team while also working in auto advertising, Nate exemplifies how embracing different thinking styles can lead to unexpected opportunities. Hannah Williams is the founder of d'Skills, a VC-backed startup shifting students from test prep to life prep. Her own unorthodox journey began at age 12 when her father handed her a phone to close a real estate deal from a blue pickup truck. She went on to enroll in college at 14 and graduated with a degree in international business at 18. Now at 25, Hannah leads d'Skills in equipping motivated teens with digital and AI skills, helping them convert these skills into paid, real-world projects with small businesses. Her vision is to help 1M high schoolers build impact portfolios that give them more experience and connections than most college graduates. Christopher Lochhead calls her "a pioneer of our time." Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Nate Corona challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: Embracing Technology as an Ally What's broken: Schools often fear and restrict technology use The shift: Viewing AI and tech as tools for enhanced learning and creativity Impact: Students develop practical skills while maintaining engagement Key Insight #2: Learning Through Creation What's broken: Traditional test-based assessment and rigid curriculum The shift: Allowing students to drive their own learning through creative projects Impact: Middle school students voluntarily creating additional learning spaces and refusing to leave class Key Insight #3: Redefining Success What's broken: One-size-fits-all approach to education and career paths The shift: Embracing different thinking styles and entrepreneurial mindsets Impact: Students discovering profitable opportunities and meaningful work before finishing traditional education Quotable Ruckus "Don't be scared to be different. Be different. I think being different is awesome." – Nate Corona Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Begin exploring how AI tools could enhance one lesson or activity This Month: Create a space for students to pursue creative projects using technology This Semester: Develop a program that connects student creativity to real-world opportunities Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE . Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: Class Composer: Want to know why Ruckus Makers love Class Composer? Because it turns the dreaded end-of-year class placement meetings into a streamlined, data-driven process. Your teachers will save hours of time while ensuring that nothing is overlooked, including student separations. 🔍 . Quest Food Management Services: Creating joyful learning environments starts in the cafeteria. Quest brings 40 years of expertise in crafting scratch-made meals that nurture both body and community spirit through innovative student engagement programs. 🔍 Learn more ODP Business Solutions: Most schools botch STEAM implementation because they're missing 3 critical elements. Here's the wild part: it's not about fancy tech or massive budgets. ODP Business Solutions® has researched many successful programs to identify what actually works (and what's just burning cash). 🔍 Learn the blueprint: Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning? /episode/index/show/better/id/35341575

Small Actions, Big Impact: Mike Cronley on Creating Environments Where Everyone Matters 02/12/2025

Small Actions, Big Impact: Mike Cronley on Creating Environments Where Everyone Matters The Ruckus Report Quick take: A former teacher turned ed-tech founder reveals how simple daily actions - from hallway check-ins to thoughtful class placements - can transform school culture and help every student thrive. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Mike Cronley is the CEO and co-founder of Class Composer, bringing 12 years of 3rd grade teaching experience to revolutionize how elementary schools create balanced classes. After witnessing firsthand how traditional class placement methods could unintentionally disrupt student relationships and learning environments, he developed a solution to help schools make more informed, equitable placement decisions. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Mike challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: The Power of Being Present What's broken: Leaders getting caught up in administrative tasks and losing touch with their staff The shift: Intentional daily check-ins and genuine conversations with teachers Impact: Teachers feel valued, leading to increased motivation and better student outcomes Key Insight #2: From Paper to Purpose What's broken: Complex, paper-based class placement systems that miss crucial student dynamics The shift: Data-informed decisions that consider academic, social, and emotional needs Impact: More balanced classes and stronger student relationships Key Insight #3: Taking Smart Risks What's broken: Fear of failure leading to stagnation in educational practices The shift: Creating a culture where trying new approaches is encouraged Impact: Continuous improvement through calculated risk-taking and innovation Quotable Ruckus "You have to be willing to take risks and try to improve. Not gigantic risks, but if you want to move the needle and do something different and better, you have to be willing to try." – Mike Cronley Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Walk your halls after school and have one genuine conversation with a teacher This Month: Create a system to track meaningful check-ins with all staff members This Semester: Review your class placement process and identify opportunities for more data-informed decisions Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: 🔗 Follow Mike: , 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE . Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: Class Composer: Want to know why Ruckus Makers love Class Composer? Because it turns the dreaded end-of-year class placement meetings into a streamlined, data-driven process. Your teachers will save hours of time while ensuring that nothing is overlooked, including student separations. 🔍 . Quest Food Management Services: Creating joyful learning environments starts in the cafeteria. Quest brings 40 years of expertise in crafting scratch-made meals that nurture both body and community spirit through innovative student engagement programs. 🔍 Learn more ODP Business Solutions: Most schools botch STEAM implementation because they're missing 3 critical elements. Here's the wild part: it's not about fancy tech or massive budgets. ODP Business Solutions® has researched many successful programs to identify what actually works (and what's just burning cash). 🔍 Learn the blueprint: Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning? /episode/index/show/better/id/35210825

10x Leadership: Dr. Mike Lubelfeld's Guide to Empowering Superintendents 02/05/2025

10x Leadership: Dr. Mike Lubelfeld's Guide to Empowering Superintendents The Ruckus Report Quick take: A veteran superintendent reveals how shifting from a mastery mindset to an unfinished mindset can transform school leadership and create environments where innovation thrives, student voice matters, and continuous growth is celebrated. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Dr. Michael Lubelfeld serves as Superintendent of North Shore District 112 in suburban Chicago, leading 9 elementary schools with 4,000 students. A passionate educator since 1992, Mike was awarded the 2021 Administrator and Supervision Distinguished Alumni Award from Loyola University Chicago. He's co-authored four books, including his latest "The Unfinished Teacher: Becoming the Next Version of Yourself." Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Dr. Lubelfeld challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: The Power of Coaching Fundamentals What's broken: Complex leadership initiatives that overlook basic human connection The shift: Regular, structured coaching conversations focused on growth and support Impact: Principals create better conditions for teacher growth, leading to improved student outcomes Key Insight #2: Embracing the Unfinished Mindset What's broken: The pressure to achieve mastery and have everything figured out The shift: Viewing leadership as a continuous journey of growth and evolution Impact: Creates a culture where innovation thrives and continuous improvement is celebrated Key Insight #3: Leveraging Student Voice What's broken: Top-down decision making that excludes student perspectives The shift: Actively incorporating student input in strategic planning and facility design Impact: More engaged students and better-designed learning environments that meet real needs Quotable Ruckus "I'm never going to be done doing it. I'm going to learn more from the next principal than she or he learned from me because I'm learning from them and we're growing together." – Dr. Mike Lubelfeld Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Schedule a one-on-one coaching conversation with a teacher or principal focused on their aspirations and goals This Month: Create a student advisory panel to provide input on one major school initiative This Semester: Develop a structured feedback system that celebrates growth and learning Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: 🔗 Follow Dr. Lubelfeld: 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. . Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: Class Composer: Want to know why Ruckus Makers love Class Composer? Because it turns the dreaded end-of-year class placement meetings into a streamlined, data-driven process. Your teachers will save hours of time while ensuring that nothing is overlooked, including student separations. 🔍 Learn more .. Quest Food Management Services: Creating joyful learning environments starts in the cafeteria. Quest brings 40 years of expertise in crafting scratch-made meals that nurture both body and community spirit through innovative student engagement programs. 🔍 Learn more: ODP Business Solutions: Most schools botch STEAM implementation because they're missing 3 critical elements. Here's the wild part: it's not about fancy tech or massive budgets. ODP Business Solutions® has researched many successful programs to identify what actually works (and what's just burning cash). 🔍 Learn the blueprint: Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning? /episode/index/show/better/id/35117760

Moving from Ideas to Implementation: A Principal's Journey Creating Buy-In with PBL 01/29/2025

Moving from Ideas to Implementation: A Principal's Journey Creating Buy-In with PBL The Ruckus Report Quick take: In this special coaching episode, a K-4 principal shares his honest struggles and breakthroughs in implementing project-based learning, revealing why communication and teacher buy-in are crucial for meaningful educational change. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Dan is a K-4 principal with an art education background, bringing a unique creative perspective to his leadership role. As a solo administrator in his building, he's passionate about transforming education through project-based learning while maintaining strong relationships with his staff. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Dan challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: Consistent Communication What's broken: Sporadic communication about new initiatives, assuming teachers will automatically buy in The shift: Consistently discussing and reinforcing PBL benefits while giving teachers autonomy to experiment Impact: Teachers feel more supported and are more likely to take risks with new teaching methods Key Insight #2: Building Authentic Relationships What's broken: Traditional top-down mandate approach to implementing new programs The shift: Building genuine relationships and understanding teachers' individual goals and aspirations Impact: Increased teacher engagement and willingness to try new approaches Key Insight #3: Meaningful Feedback Systems What's broken: Complex, jargon-filled evaluation systems that don't drive real improvement The shift: Simple, meaningful feedback focused on growth and celebrating small wins Impact: More authentic professional development and risk-taking in the classroom Quotable Ruckus "You have to have the mentality that everybody you meet is going through something that you don't know anything about. We have a saying here: 'Sweep the sheds.' It sounds kind of weird, but it's about humility and doing the work that needs to be done." -Principal Dan Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Ask your teachers what's stopping them from trying something new in their classrooms This Month: Create a weekly roundup to celebrate teachers taking risks and trying new approaches This Semester: Develop an implementation plan based on teacher feedback and goals Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: 🔗 Join The Ruckus Maker Club waitlist: 💪 Apply to the Ruckus Maker Mastermind: Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Learn how to Do School Different 3x a Week. . Today’s Pod in Partnership with: IXL Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 . Class Composer Is your elementary school still creating class lists with colored index cards or sticky notes? Class Composer offers a streamlined solution for making well-informed student placement decisions in less time. 🔍 . ODP: ODP Business Solutions® formerly Office Depot® Business Solutions Division has been a trusted partner for schools for over 30 years. At ODP Business Solutions, we’re by your side to meet your evolving education needs.🔍 . Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning? /episode/index/show/better/id/35056075

Beyond AI Literacy: Creating AI-Powered Students for 2025 and Beyond 01/22/2025

Beyond AI Literacy: Creating AI-Powered Students for 2025 and Beyond The Ruckus Report Quick take: As California mandates AI literacy in schools, education leaders face a critical choice between teaching basic AI operation and empowering students to reimagine what's possible with AI fluency. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Hannah Grady Williams is the Chief Rebel at d'Skills, where she helps students transform their passions into real-world projects using AI. Starting college at 14 and graduating with her bachelor's at 18, Hannah brings a fresh perspective to education innovation. Chris Lochhead calls her "one of the most important voices in education today." Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Hannah challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: AI Literacy Isn't Enough What's broken: Schools focusing only on basic AI efficiency like email writing and lesson planning The shift: Moving toward true AI fluency where students apply AI across all aspects of learning Impact: Students who can creatively innovate and think beyond what AI alone can accomplish Key Insight #2: Integration Over Isolation What's broken: Adding standalone AI clubs or career pathways as a checkbox solution The shift: Embedding AI project-based learning into every core subject Impact: Students developing real-world AI applications across all disciplines Key Insight #3: Authentic AI Experience What's broken: Using "sterilized" educational versions of AI tools that limit real learning The shift: Teaching students to work with actual AI tools they'll use in their careers Impact: Graduates prepared for the true demands of an AI-transformed workplace Quotable Ruckus "If our response as leaders is to go with sterilized versions of tools to satisfy a mandate, we're not doing our kids a service for their future." - Hannah Grady Williams Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Evaluate how your school currently uses AI - is it for efficiency or empowerment? This Month: Identify one core subject where you can integrate AI project-based learning This Semester: Develop a comprehensive AI fluency strategy across all grade levels Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: [Link] 🔗 Follow Hannah: [email protected] 🌐 Explore d'Skills: 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: IXL: Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more: Class Composer: Want to know why Ruckus Makers love Class Composer? Because it turns the dreaded end-of-year class placement meetings into a streamlined, data-driven process. Your teachers will save hours of time while ensuring that nothing is overlooked, including student separations. 🔍 Learn more . ODP Business Solutions®: Want to know how top schools create collaborative learning environments that actually work? ODP Business Solutions®, formerly Office Depot Business Solutions Division, has equipped innovative educators for over three decades. 🔍 Visit and let's make a ruckus together. Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning? /episode/index/show/better/id/34924755

The Ruckus Report 01/21/2025

The Ruckus Report The Ruckus Report Quick take: In this transformative session, Danny Bauer shares the powerful RISE method to help school leaders move from playing it safe to creating meaningful change in their schools. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Danny Bauer is the founder of Better Leaders Better Schools, author of multiple bestselling books, and host of one of the world's top 0.5% podcasts. He helps school leaders "Do School Different" through coaching, mentorship, and building communities of innovative educators. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Danny challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: From Reactive to Reimagining What's broken: Leaders getting stuck in day-to-day reactive mode The shift: Using the RISE method (Reimagine, Identify, Select Strategic Strikes, Execute) Impact: Creates clear path from current reality to reimagined future Key Insight #2: From Overwhelm to Strategic Focus What's broken: Trying to tackle too many initiatives at once The shift: Using the 80/20 principle and "The One Thing" question Impact: Identify highest leverage actions that make other things easier/unnecessary Key Insight #3: From Planning to Execution What's broken: Analysis paralysis and lack of momentum The shift: Breaking goals into first day/week/month actions Impact: Building momentum through quick wins and strategic progress Quotable Ruckus "Ideas are great, but not the greatest. Taking action is really important." - Danny Bauer Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Use the Do School Different Scorecard to assess your current reality This Month: Identify your "One Thing" that makes everything else easier This Semester: Implement strategic strikes using the 80/20 principle Ready to Do School Different? Take the next step: *Offer expires January 27th, 2025 /episode/index/show/better/id/34943910

Transforming Trauma into Student Success with Dr. Hayley Watson 01/15/2025

Transforming Trauma into Student Success with Dr. Hayley Watson The Ruckus Report Quick take: From surviving childhood trauma to revolutionizing student mental health, Dr. Watson reveals how schools can transform their approach to student wellbeing from crisis response to proactive skill-building. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Dr. Hayley Watson is the founder and CEO of Open Parachute, a Tier 1 K-12 curriculum program supporting mental health for students, teachers, and parents. A Clinical Psychologist with a PhD in school bullying interventions, she's spent 20 years developing youth programs that turn challenges into opportunities for growth. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Dr. Watson challenges traditional mental health paradigms: Key Insight #1: Mental Health Belongs in Tier One What's broken: Relegating mental health support to counseling offices and crisis intervention The shift: Teaching core mental health skills to all students as fundamental curriculum Impact: Reduced pressure on Tier 2/3 services; students develop essential life skills early Key Insight #2: Four Steps to Emotional Intelligence What's broken: Reactive responses to emotional challenges without systematic approach The shift: Feel, Pause, Think, Act framework for processing emotions Impact: Students learn to recognize triggers and choose constructive responses Key Insight #3: Student Voice Drives Transformation What's broken: Adults lecturing about mental health without authentic connection The shift: Real student stories and experiences guide learning Impact: Increased engagement and relatability in mental health education Quotable Ruckus "Don't be afraid to bring mental health into the classroom. This is the ruckus making that we need to really create generational change for the future." – Dr. Hayley Watson Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Practice the Feel-Pause-Think-Act framework yourself in a challenging situation This Month: Create safe spaces for students to share their stories and experiences This Semester: Implement a tier one mental health curriculum across grade levels Connect & Continue 🌐 Website: 📚 Get "Finding the Words": 🔗 LinkedIn: 📧 Email: [email protected] 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: IXL: Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more: Class Composer: Want to know why Ruckus Makers love Class Composer? Because it turns the dreaded end-of-year class placement meetings into a streamlined, data-driven process. Your teachers will save hours of time while ensuring that nothing is overlooked, including student separations. 🔍 Learn more . ODP Business Solutions®: Want to know how top schools create collaborative learning environments that actually work? ODP Business Solutions®, formerly Office Depot Business Solutions Division, has equipped innovative educators for over three decades. 🔍 Visit and let's make a ruckus together. Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning? /episode/index/show/better/id/34845305

Mr. B on Breaking Patterns & Building Student Entrepreneurs 01/08/2025

Mr. B on Breaking Patterns & Building Student Entrepreneurs The Ruckus Report Quick take: From middle school gum empire to innovative children's author, Mr. B reveals how embracing uniqueness and real-world learning can transform education from standardized to remarkable. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Mr. B is a multi-faceted creative and entrepreneur, blending Hip-Hop music, live-streaming, and children's storytelling into his unique brand. Known for his viral rhymes and as the creator of What Rhymes With Orange?, Mr. B brings fans into real-world experiences with his innovative 'Find Me IRL' live-streamed events and music concerts. He's on a mission to connect people, both in-person and online, with a fresh mix of freestyle rap, humor, and creative flair. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Mr. B challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: Real-World Learning Beats Standardization What's broken: Schools focus on standardized formats and rigid rubrics The shift: Enable students to engage in real-world business and creative projects Impact: Mr. B's middle school gum business generated over $1,000 in 2.5 months, teaching vital lessons about supply, demand, and credit Key Insight #2: Pattern Breaking Creates Opportunities What's broken: Traditional teaching methods crush creativity and innovation The shift: Encourage unique approaches and celebrate different ways of learning Impact: Students develop confidence in their uniqueness and learn to innovate Key Insight #3: Beauty, Innovation, and Respect Transform Learning What's broken: Sterile environments and hierarchical relationships The shift: Create beautiful spaces and authentic connections between staff and students Impact: Students take themselves more seriously and operate at a higher level Quotable Ruckus "Change is going to come from the kids, not the adults." – Mr. B Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Sit with students at lunch and engage in genuine conversation This Month: Create opportunities for students to publish or monetize their school work This Semester: Design a program that lets students explore entrepreneurship within your school Connect & Continue 📚 Get Mr. B's book "What Rhymes With Orange?": 📷 Follow Mr. B on Instagram: 📧 Contact: [email protected] 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here. Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: IXL: Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more: Class Composer: Want to know why Ruckus Makers love Class Composer? Because it turns the dreaded end-of-year class placement meetings into a streamlined, data-driven process. Your teachers will save hours of time while ensuring that nothing is overlooked, including student separations. 🔍 Learn more . Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning? /episode/index/show/better/id/34675780

The Better Leaders Better Schools Podcast with Daniel Bauer

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