Episodes

  • From Points to Pointers: Shifting the Grading Paradigm

    From Points to Pointers: Shifting the Grading Paradigm
    Jan 5 2026
    Welcome to the first show of 2026! We are kicking off the New Year with a "heavy hitter" in the world of education. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Matt Townsley, an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Northern Iowa and the acclaimed author of Making Grades Matter.If you have ever felt that traditional grading systems—driven by points, percentages, and "extra credit Kleenex boxes"—don’t accurately reflect what your students actually know, this conversation is for you. Dr. Townsley challenges us to move from a culture of "earning" to a culture of "learning."

    Key Highlights:
    • The Power of Redos and Retakes: Why honoring different learning paces is essential for student success and how to implement a plan that avoids the "end-of-semester dump."
    • The 21-Point Inspection: A brilliant analogy for shifting grading from vague percentages to detailed, standard-based feedback.
    • Communication Over Compliance: How to move away from using grades as "carrots and sticks" and start using them as a clear map for student growth.
    • Practical Leadership: Tips for principals on how to affirm teachers who are already innovating in their assessment practices.
    Stop chasing points and start focusing on evidence of learning. Tune in to learn how to diagnose the "holes in the bucket" and provide meaningful interventions that truly help students master their goals.

    Connect with Dr. Matt Townsley:
    • University Profile: University of Northern Iowa Faculty
    • Book: Making Grades Matter


    Thank You for Listening! This has been an episode from The FowardED Network—Where we are Advancing Voices and Shaping Education. We are dedicated to supporting everyone invested in K-12 success: teachers, leaders, parents, and community advocates.

    Want to keep the conversation going?
    • Subscribe: Never miss an insight. Hit the subscribe or follow button on your podcast app to automatically receive our next episode.
    • Share the Knowledge: If this episode provided value, please take a moment to rate and review us! Your five-star reviews help new teachers, parents, and leaders find our network.
    • Explore the Network: This show is just one part of the ForwardEd Network family. Head over to our network page to explore our full roster of interconnected podcasts, including CTRL Shift Lead, Vice Principal UnOfficed, From Carpool to College, and Your Morning Boost.
    • Connect with Us: Have a question or an idea for a future episode? Reach out to us at pillars.forwarded@gmail.com or find us on social media using the tag #theForwardEDnetwork.
    Ready for your next boost? Browse our catalog and discover your next great listen on The ForwardED Network.


    This episode includes AI-generated content.
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    48 mins
  • From Survival to Celebration: Energizing Your Staff in December ❄️

    From Survival to Celebration: Energizing Your Staff in December ❄️
    Dec 1 2025
    Are you just counting down the days until winter break, or are you actively building energy to carry your staff through it?In this episode of Control Shift Lead, we are joined by Jim Dutrow, Principal of Lake Ridge Middle School in Prince William County. Together, we explore how to shift the December mindset from "survival mode" to "thriving mode." We discuss the power of being mentally present at student performances, how to turn simple visibility into deep community connections, and creative ways to combat chronic absenteeism among both students and staff.Key Takeaways:
    • Control: How to be truly present and visible during the busy holiday arts season.
    • Shift: Fun, actionable strategies to boost staff morale, including "Wheel of Names" giveaways and the "Snowflake in Your Pocket" game.
    • Lead: Building tangible support systems, such as school-based food pantries, to help families navigate holiday stressors.
    Don't miss these practical tips to keep the "Pack Mentality" strong in your building!

    Subscribe and share this episode to help other leaders shift their thinking!

    Thank You for Listening! This has been an episode from The FowardED Network—Where we are Advancing Voices and Shaping Education. We are dedicated to supporting everyone invested in K-12 success: teachers, leaders, parents, and community advocates.

    Want to keep the conversation going?
    • Subscribe: Never miss an insight. Hit the subscribe or follow button on your podcast app to automatically receive our next episode.
    • Share the Knowledge: If this episode provided value, please take a moment to rate and review us! Your five-star reviews help new teachers, parents, and leaders find our network.
    • Explore the Network: This show is just one part of the ForwardEd Network family. Head over to our network page to explore our full roster of interconnected podcasts, including CTRL Shift Lead, Vice Principal UnOfficed, From Carpool to College, and Your Morning Boost.
    • Connect with Us: Have a question or an idea for a future episode? Reach out to us at pillars.forwarded@gmail.com or find us on social media using the tag #theForwardEDnetwork.
    Ready for your next boost? Browse our catalog and discover your next great listen on The ForwardED Network.


    This episode includes AI-generated content.
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • 🤯 Stop Reacting, Start Defining Your Future with AI! 🤖

    🤯 Stop Reacting, Start Defining Your Future with AI! 🤖
    Nov 1 2025
    The pace of AI and EdTech evolution can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be a source of fear—it's a core leadership opportunity. Join the Control, Shift, Lead team as they welcome recognized educational technology leader and sought-after speaker, Amy Wichman. Amy, an administrator actively helping districts manage rapidly evolving technology, helps us re-frame the challenge: Control the narrative, Shift your mindset from instructional manager to digital leader, and Lead with an ethical and purposeful AI vision. Learn the practical steps leaders must take now to prepare students for a world where an AI assistant will be the norm. Don't let uncertainty lead to inaction; discover how to foster student contribution over mere consumption.

    👉 Key Takeaways:
    • How to proactively control the narrative around AI in your school community.
    • The critical shift from an IT-only issue to a fundamental leadership responsibility.
    • The importance of digital leadership and why you must engage parents and the community (especially since a recent study showed 83% of parents feel in the dark).
    Don't wait! Listen now to gain the actionable strategies you need to lead your school into the future. Subscribe, share this episode, and visit our sponsors for more resources.

    Thank You for Listening! This has been an episode from The FowardED Network—Where we are Advancing Voices and Shaping Education. We are dedicated to supporting everyone invested in K-12 success: teachers, leaders, parents, and community advocates.

    Want to keep the conversation going?
    • Subscribe: Never miss an insight. Hit the subscribe or follow button on your podcast app to automatically receive our next episode.
    • Share the Knowledge: If this episode provided value, please take a moment to rate and review us! Your five-star reviews help new teachers, parents, and leaders find our network.
    • Explore the Network: This show is just one part of the ForwardEd Network family. Head over to our network page to explore our full roster of interconnected podcasts, including CTRL Shift Lead, Vice Principal UnOfficed, From Carpool to College, and Your Morning Boost.
    • Connect with Us: Have a question or an idea for a future episode? Reach out to us at pillars.forwarded@gmail.com or find us on social media using the tag #theForwardEDnetwork.
    Ready for your next boost? Browse our catalog and discover your next great listen on The ForwardED Network.
    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • Unlocking Leadership Potential: Time Management, Trust, and Leading with Love (with Scott Garvis)

    Unlocking Leadership Potential: Time Management, Trust, and Leading with Love (with Scott Garvis)
    Oct 1 2025
    In this episode of Control Shift Lead, hosts Jim Wichman and Adam Busch welcome Scott Jarvis, an expert in athletic administration and leadership. The conversation explores the importance of controlling one's time, shifting perspectives in leadership, and leading with love and vulnerability. Scott emphasizes that everyone has the potential to be a leader and that building relationships and trust is essential in education. The episode is filled with insights on how educators can make a positive impact in their communities and the lives of their students.



    Thank You for Listening! This has been an episode from The FowardED Network—Where we are Advancing Voices and Shaping Education. We are dedicated to supporting everyone invested in K-12 success: teachers, leaders, parents, and community advocates.

    Want to keep the conversation going?
    • Subscribe: Never miss an insight. Hit the subscribe or follow button on your podcast app to automatically receive our next episode.
    • Share the Knowledge: If this episode provided value, please take a moment to rate and review us! Your five-star reviews help new teachers, parents, and leaders find our network.
    • Explore the Network: This show is just one part of the ForwardEd Network family. Head over to our network page to explore our full roster of interconnected podcasts, including CTRL Shift Lead, Vice Principal UnOfficed, From Carpool to College, and Your Morning Boost.
    • Connect with Us: Have a question or an idea for a future episode? Reach out to us at pillars.forwarded@gmail.com or find us on social media using the tag #theForwardEDnetwork.
    Ready for your next boost? Browse our catalog and discover your next great listen on The ForwardED Network.


    This episode includes AI-generated content.
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • Shift from Wait and See to Plan to Be

    Shift from Wait and See to Plan to Be
    Sep 1 2025
    Welcome back to Control Shift Lead! In this episode, hosts Jim Wichman and Adam Busch dive into the back-to-school reality, sharing their personal experiences with the exhaustion and excitement of the first few days. They reflect on the differences between starting the school year on a Monday versus a Wednesday and share some great stories, including Jim's recent travels and speaking engagements in Louisiana and West Virginia.The core of this episode focuses on addressing our first mailbag question from a new teacher who feels their ideas are not being heard in department meetings. Jim and Adam offer practical advice, emphasizing the importance of being proactive, building trust with colleagues, and the value of clear communication. They discuss the "clear as kind" philosophy from Brené Brown and the importance of understanding personality profiles like the DiSC to improve communication within teams. They also stress that a new teacher's fresh perspective is a valuable asset to any team. The episode shifts to a discussion on the "honeymoon phase" of the school year, challenging educators to move beyond initial planning. They introduce the concept of "plan to be in that moment" versus "wait and see," advocating for continuous measurement, monitoring, and adjustment of school initiatives.Be sure to tune in for this insightful discussion on professional growth, team dynamics, and strategic planning.
    .

    Thank You for Listening! This has been an episode from The FowardED Network—Where we are Advancing Voices and Shaping Education. We are dedicated to supporting everyone invested in K-12 success: teachers, leaders, parents, and community advocates.

    Want to keep the conversation going?
    • Subscribe: Never miss an insight. Hit the subscribe or follow button on your podcast app to automatically receive our next episode.
    • Share the Knowledge: If this episode provided value, please take a moment to rate and review us! Your five-star reviews help new teachers, parents, and leaders find our network.
    • Explore the Network: This show is just one part of the ForwardEd Network family. Head over to our network page to explore our full roster of interconnected podcasts, including CTRL Shift Lead, Vice Principal UnOfficed, From Carpool to College, and Your Morning Boost.
    • Connect with Us: Have a question or an idea for a future episode? Reach out to us at pillars.forwarded@gmail.com or find us on social media using the tag #theForwardEDnetwork.
    Ready for your next boost? Browse our catalog and discover your next great listen on The ForwardED Network.
    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
  • The Power of Simple

    The Power of Simple
    Aug 1 2025
    Welcome back to Control Shift Lead! In this August episode, Jim Wichman and Adam Busch dive into "The Power of Simple," reminding ourselves how often we overlook its profound impact. Get ready for actionable insights you can implement immediately.First, under "Control," we explore "Optimizing Your First Staff Meeting Agendas."

    Discover how streamlining your initial meetings can set a positive and productive tone for the entire school year. We'll share strategies to avoid overwhelming your staff and maximize engagement by focusing on clarity and essential information.

    Next, we "Shift" our perspective "From 'My Team' to 'Our Team' – Collective Responsibility." We discuss the profound impact of language and how intentionally shifting our vocabulary can foster a greater sense of shared ownership and collaboration within your school community.

    Finally, we empower you to "Lead" by "Cultivating a Culture of Psychological Safety." Learn why creating an environment where team members feel safe to be open and authentic, rather than just vulnerable, is crucial for innovation, problem-solving, and overall well-being.Join us as we unpack these powerful concepts to help you control, shift, and lead with greater impact.

    Find more resources and connect with us at www.awbeducation.org and
    https://www.jimwichman.com/.

    Thank You for Listening! This has been an episode from The FowardED Network—Where we are Advancing Voices and Shaping Education. We are dedicated to supporting everyone invested in K-12 success: teachers, leaders, parents, and community advocates.

    Want to keep the conversation going?
    • Subscribe: Never miss an insight. Hit the subscribe or follow button on your podcast app to automatically receive our next episode.
    • Share the Knowledge: If this episode provided value, please take a moment to rate and review us! Your five-star reviews help new teachers, parents, and leaders find our network.
    • Explore the Network: This show is just one part of the ForwardEd Network family. Head over to our network page to explore our full roster of interconnected podcasts, including CTRL Shift Lead, Vice Principal UnOfficed, From Carpool to College, and Your Morning Boost.
    • Connect with Us: Have a question or an idea for a future episode? Reach out to us at pillars.forwarded@gmail.com or find us on social media using the tag #theForwardEDnetwork.
    Ready for your next boost? Browse our catalog and discover your next great listen on The ForwardED Network.


    This episode includes AI-generated content.
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • Control-Shift-Lead Podcast: A Sneak Peek

    Control-Shift-Lead Podcast: A Sneak Peek
    Jul 31 2025
    This sneak peek from Control-Shift-Lead, with hosts Jim Wichman and Adam Busch, highlights how powerful leadership principles enhance loyalty and trust in any community, especially in education. Get a glimpse of insights on effective communication and development among leaders. This offers a taste of the practical advice from the full episode, designed to help you lead your school or district. Learn about the three key elements that transform leadership: control, shift, and lead. Tune into the full discussion for more! Find out more at www.awbeducation.org and https://www.jimwichman.com/. Find out more about what we do: AWB Education - awbeducation.org Grundmeyer Leader Services - grundmeyerleadersearch.com Got a mailbag question? Reach out to us at adam@awbeducation.org

    Thank You for Listening! This has been an episode from The FowardED Network—Where we are Advancing Voices and Shaping Education. We are dedicated to supporting everyone invested in K-12 success: teachers, leaders, parents, and community advocates.

    Want to keep the conversation going?
    • Subscribe: Never miss an insight. Hit the subscribe or follow button on your podcast app to automatically receive our next episode.
    • Share the Knowledge: If this episode provided value, please take a moment to rate and review us! Your five-star reviews help new teachers, parents, and leaders find our network.
    • Explore the Network: This show is just one part of the ForwardEd Network family. Head over to our network page to explore our full roster of interconnected podcasts, including CTRL Shift Lead, Vice Principal UnOfficed, From Carpool to College, and Your Morning Boost.
    • Connect with Us: Have a question or an idea for a future episode? Reach out to us at pillars.forwarded@gmail.com or find us on social media using the tag #theForwardEDnetwork.
    Ready for your next boost? Browse our catalog and discover your next great listen on The ForwardED Network.
    Show More Show Less
    2 mins
  • Empowering School Leadership Navigating Evaluations and Building Capacity

    Empowering School Leadership Navigating Evaluations and Building Capacity
    Jul 1 2025
    Join Jim Wichman from Inspired Edification and Adam Busch from AWB Education on Control Shift Lead as they explore empowered leadership, especially for educators during the summer. This episode covers crucial aspects of planning effective evaluation schedules, moving beyond checklist exercises to intentional, high-value processes. Jim and Adam share insights on shifting to an energy-giving leadership model, focusing on building team capacity through effective delegation and leveraging individual strengths. They also provide a blueprint for navigating challenging conversations with staff, always emphasizing the ultimate benefit to students. Learn to refine your administrative planning and leadership approach to lead your school to success. Find out more at https://www.awbeducation.org/ and https://www.jimwichman.com/.

    Thank You for Listening! This has been an episode from The FowardED Network—Where we are Advancing Voices and Shaping Education. We are dedicated to supporting everyone invested in K-12 success: teachers, leaders, parents, and community advocates.

    Want to keep the conversation going?
    • Subscribe: Never miss an insight. Hit the subscribe or follow button on your podcast app to automatically receive our next episode.
    • Share the Knowledge: If this episode provided value, please take a moment to rate and review us! Your five-star reviews help new teachers, parents, and leaders find our network.
    • Explore the Network: This show is just one part of the ForwardEd Network family. Head over to our network page to explore our full roster of interconnected podcasts, including CTRL Shift Lead, Vice Principal UnOfficed, From Carpool to College, and Your Morning Boost.
    • Connect with Us: Have a question or an idea for a future episode? Reach out to us at pillars.forwarded@gmail.com or find us on social media using the tag #theForwardEDnetwork.
    Ready for your next boost? Browse our catalog and discover your next great listen on The ForwardED Network.


    This episode includes AI-generated content.
    Show More Show Less
    42 mins