• If I had One Day with You
    May 26 2026
    Assistant Principal Podcast Content Episode OutlineShow title and release date: If I Had One Day With You 5/26/26Teaser:The genesis for today’s episode came while I was hiking in the woods. I began thinking about what I would do working with someone if I only had one day. This “thought exercise” helped me think about the practices I teach that are most impactful, the ones that are simplest, and the ones that can make an immediate improvement in life and leadership. As I began putting the day together in my head, I realized I already have a one-day training that is very close to what I would do if I had you for a day, so I’ve made some changes to that training and borrowed some of the resources to come up with a one-day training for you. What I mean by that is that every activity I will take you through has a handout that goes with it. My hope is that you will be inspired by this podcast and one of two things will happen: you will grab the One Day guide and work through it on your own or, even better, with your team, or you’ll invite me to come do this training for you (and your team). Honestly, I would love to come to your school or district and train your leaders, but I know not everyone has the financial or time resources to do that, so I’d rather give the self-guided training away for free so anyone can access it. You can get all the supporting materials by visiting the special page on my website, https://www.frederickbuskey.com/oneday. Note that I will ask you to complete a three-question form when you download the handout. Whether you reach out to me or facilitate this yourself, I hope you take advantage of the way I’ve put this together. Sponsor Spot 1:Travel can positively impact students in a big way - but if your first thought is, “who is going to plan all of this?”, don’t worry because that’s where Kaleidoscope Adventures comes in.The KA team has been planning student group travel for more than 30 years! They handle the logistics from start to finish, so you can focus on your job in the classroom.Whenever you’re ready to plan a trip, Kaleidoscope Adventures can’t wait to help your group travel beyond expectations. Visit mykatrip.com today.Show IntroCelebrations:I’m recording this in early May, which is a pretty stressful time in most schools. So, I want to model celebrating the small wins. A couple weeks ago I lead a PLC in a small district in which we use Charlotte Danielson’s Frameworks model of teaching to spur discussions about teaching’s most important domains and elements. Watching busy school administrators have time to actually talk about teaching and learning was awesome! It’s so important to examine teaching intellectually and yet something many of us seldom take time to do.Key Points Part 1When I went to design this day, I began with my one-day book study kickoff workshop. I’ve made a few tweaks, but most of the day still mirrors the content of my book, which I will refer to as we go through the activities. If you are going to do this day for yourself or your team, you should get a few copies of the book (link). Also, as I take you through the day, I will describe not only what we do but why we are doing it and how to facilitate it. Many of the activities are designed to be group activities, and multiple groups makes for a richer training so the ideal number of people to do this with is 15-25, which give you 3-5 groups or 3-5 people each.So, imagine you walk into the room and I’m there to greet you. Let’s begin working…Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit http://ixl.com/assistant to get started.Key Points Part 2Summarizing (The big takeaway)Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/...
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Realistic Recharge with Dr. Julie Schmidt Hasson
    May 19 2026
    Outline and Show NotesRealistic Recharge with Dr. Julie HassonPower Quote: "the wrong kind of hard"Teaser:Today I’m back with Dr. Julie Hasson. In part 1, we went deep into burnout, toxic positivity, and self-care. In today’s show we’ll dig into Julie’s Recharge model. This episode is every bit as practical and rich as the last show was.Sponsor Spot 1:So when it comes to student travel, I get why it can feel like a big lift. That’s why I always point people toward Kaleidoscope Adventures. They’ve been doing this for more than 30 years, and they understand what schools actually need - clear communication, strong organization, and a plan that works. They handle the details, so you’re not left piecing it all together yourself. If you’ve been on the fence about planning a trip, now is the time to reach out to my friends at Kaleidoscope Adventures. Visit mykatrip.com today and get your free quote today. Kaleidoscope Adventures – Travel Beyond Expectations.Show IntroGuest Bio:Dr. Julie Schmidt Hasson is a professor, researcher, author, and certified resilience trainer. Julie is the founder of Teacher Recharge, which provides professional learning and resources to help educators stay longer, grow stronger, and keep making an impact. Julie’s popular TEDx Talk, The Teachers We Remember, has been viewed by educators around the world. She is the author of four books, including Pause, Ponder, and Persist in the Classroom: How Teachers Turn Challenges into Opportunities for Impact. Julie unequivocally believes that it is possible to impact lives and still have a life.Warmup questions:We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?Questions/Topics/PromptsI want to begin by clarifying some different concepts:BurnoutToxic positivitySelf-careI have become very intentional in my self-care, but I also don’t work in an organization that is burning me out. What does the science tell us about recharging?What are some simple practice listeners can use to recharge?(Optional) What are the biggest stressors you are hearing from people in the field?Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/assistant to get started.Summary/wrap upBattery metaphorAutonomySystems: “The wrong kind of hard.”I’m curious: 5-mc around next year“Boundaries are the distance at which I can love you and me simultaneously.” – Prentis HemphillRemember the link for the 25 Stress ResetsSpecial thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/CloseLeadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Remember the secret to good leadership:Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for othersBe fully presentAsk reflective questionsAnd then just listenDon’t overcomplicate it, the value is in the listening.Have a great rest of the week!Cheers!Guest Links:https://www.teacherrecharge.com/Free...
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    40 mins
  • What Does Burnout Mean? with Dr. Julie Schmidt Hasson
    May 12 2026
    Outline and Show NotesWhat Does Burnout Mean? With Dr. Julie HassonPower Quote: “The wrong kind of hard.”Teaser:Dr. Julie Hasson and I has so much fun recording our conversation – we just kept on talking, so instead of giving you a giant dump of stuff, we decided to break it into two distinct episodes. In part 1, we go deep into burnout, toxic positivity, and self-care. In next week’s show we’ll dig into Julie’s Recharge model. This is an episode rich in takeaways – not “rah rah” self-care - real things based on the challenges we are all dealing with.Sponsor Spot 1:I talk to a lot of Assistant Principals, and one thing that comes up all the time is the question - how do we create experiences students will remember forever? That’s where travel can really make a difference, and my friends at Kaleidoscope Adventures help schools create trips that go beyond just checking a box. They create adventures that build confidence, create connection, and give students something to carry with them long after they leave the classroom. If you’re looking to create those kinds of moments for your students, Kaleidoscope Adventures is a great place to start. Visit their website, mykatrip.com, and start planning your next school trip today.Show IntroGuest Bio:Dr. Julie Schmidt Hasson is a professor, researcher, author, and certified resilience trainer. Julie is the founder of Teacher Recharge, which provides professional learning and resources to help educators stay longer, grow stronger, and keep making an impact. Julie’s popular TEDx Talk, The Teachers We Remember, has been viewed by educators around the world. She is the author of four books, including Pause, Ponder, and Persist in the Classroom: How Teachers Turn Challenges into Opportunities for Impact. Julie unequivocally believes that it is possible to impact lives and still have a life.Warmup questions:We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?Questions/Topics/PromptsI want to begin by clarifying some different concepts:BurnoutToxic positivitySelf-careSponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/assistant to get started.Closing questions:What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?If listeners could take just one thing away from today’s podcast, what would it be?Before we go, is there anything else that you’d like to share with our listeners?Where can people learn more about you and your work…Summary/wrap upEnd of day ritualToxic positivity: not acknowledge (antidote – celebrate the small things)Self-care: feel good versus good for meRemember the link for the 25 Stress ResetsSpecial thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/CloseLeadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Remember the secret to good leadership:Be intentional in choosing how you will ...
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    41 mins
  • A Builder of People with Dr. Robert Maddox
    May 5 2026
    Power Quote:Am I a manager of priorities or a builder of people?Teaser:After recording today’s episode, I realized I needed to record the episodes on Strategic Action Cycles. Those episodes were a primer for this episode. If you haven’t yet listened to past two episodes on Strategic Action Cycles, I encourage you to do it now as this episode will have a bigger impact if you are already familiar with some of the concepts we talk about. In today’s show I talk with a former client about the work I did with them and what elements of that work have endured. Honestly, I did this episode as much for my own learning as yours. I hope you enjoy listening. Fill out this short form to receive your free Strategic Action Cycle guide.Sponsor Spot 1:So when it comes to student travel, I get why it can feel like a big lift. That’s why I always point people toward Kaleidoscope Adventures. They’ve been doing this for more than 30 years, and they understand what schools actually need - clear communication, strong organization, and a plan that works. They handle the details, so you’re not left piecing it all together yourself. If you’ve been on the fence about planning a trip, now is the time to reach out to my friends at Kaleidoscope Adventures. Visit mykatrip.com today and get your free quote today. Kaleidoscope Adventures – Travel Beyond Expectations.Show IntroWhen students practice math over the summer, math scores go up. So, what’s your summer math plan this year? Whether you have no summer math program, or are curious about what a research-based program looks like. Check out Summer Pops for free. Get your FREE workbook samples today at Summer Pops Workbooks.com. The link is in the show notes.Guest Bio:Dr. Robert Maddox has invested more than four decades serving students and communities in a variety of roles as an educator in South Carolina public schools. Throughout his career, Robert has served as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent. He now works part-time in South Carolina’s Lexington School District Four and, when not working with the district, devotes some of his free time to volunteering with various support organizations. Robert was also my first client for SLC, has been a huge supporter, colleague, and friend. There is a very good chance that, if not for his presence in my life, you would not be listening to this show because I would not have been inspired to do a podcast.Warmup questions:We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?Questions/Topics/PromptsHow do we build things that endure?Sometimes when we are busy working in our own gardens, we get so focused on the weeds that we forget about the seeds we planted and the flowers that are blooming. We worked together for a couple years around 2019-21. You are still on my daily email list and are kind enough to remind me frequently about some of the flowers that have sprung from seeds we planted together.Can you give a brief overview of how we worked together and why you chose the structures/formats we used?What has been the most enduring legacy of the work?What are the things you wish we could revisit?What’s next for you and the district?Fill out this short form to receive your free Strategic Action Cycle guide.Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/assistant to get started.Closing questions:What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?If listeners could take just one thing away from today’s podcast, what would it be?Before we go, is there anything else that you’d like to share with our listeners?Where can people learn more about you and your work…Summary/wrap upAm I a manager of priorities or a builder of people?Daily processes (what do builders do every day?)Let me know if you need the SAC guide or implementation helpFill out this short form to receive your free Strategic Action Cycle guide.Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!Ranford’s homepage: https://...
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    50 mins
  • The Power of Short Cycle Change Part 2
    Apr 28 2026
    Teaser:Today we dig into the second of our three-part series on the power of small change. Last week I covered some of the major challenges with BIG Change and then shared the four principles of leverage. I’ll give a quick recap of the principles of leverage in a few minutes, but if you did not listen to part 1 I strongly urge you to go to it before listening to this episode. Sponsor Spot 1:If you’ve been scrolling through social media this Spring, you’ve probably seen some of your colleagues from other schools on a trip with their students. They’re at Disney, Or D.C., or maybe even across the pond – and if you’re inspired to start planning a future trip for your students, I highly recommend working with Kaleidoscope Adventures. The KA team has been planning student travel for over 30 years, and they make the whole process very easy. Check out Kaleidoscope Adventures at mykatrip.com and start planning an educational adventure your students will remember forever.Show IntroWhen students practice math over the summer, students learn and math scores go up. Join the growing list of schools offering at-home summer math enrichment through Summer Pops. If you are curious about what a research-based summer-math program looks like. Check out Summer Pops for free. Get your FREE workbook samples today at Summer Pops Workbooks.com. The link is in the show notes.Celebrations:Fresh spring lettuce?Key Points Four stages (like PDSA)IdentifyDevelopImplementEvaluateSponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit http://ixl.com/assistant to get started.Key Points Part 2Summarizing (The big takeaway)PilotsImmediacy of valueNow’s a good timeIt’s messyLet me know if you’d like support facilitating this process (3+ days)Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/Summer Pops Workbooks: https://summerpopsworkbooks.com/ CloseLeadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Remember the secret to good leadership:Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for othersBe fully presentAsk reflective questionsAnd then just listenDon’t overcomplicate it, the value is in the listening.Have a great rest of the week!Cheers!Frederick’s Links:Email: frederick@frederickbuskey.comWebsite: https://www.frederickbuskey.com/ LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/strategicleadershipconsulting Daily Email subscribe: https://adept-experimenter-3588.ck.page/fdf37cbf3a The Strategic Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWRS2F6N?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520
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    33 mins
  • The Power of Short Cycle Change Part 1
    Apr 21 2026
    Teaser:We’ve all experienced it – BIG change. Not change as in the pandemic or a hurricane, or even NCLB. I mean BIG change initiatives that we do to ourselves. The programs or solutions we implement to great fanfare, that we pour money and time into, that almost inevitably fade out to be replaced by the next big thing. PBIS, Leader in Me, block scheduling, PLCs/teaming, standards-based assessment, and so much more. It’s not the program or content that’s the problem, it’s the process – specifically the process of BIG change. Today, I’m going to make the argument for ditching BIG change initiatives in favor of much smaller more tightly focused Strategic Action Cycles. I’ll identify the problems with BIG change, share the design philosophy behind Strategic Action Cycles (or SAC) and go through the SAC steps with an example.Fill out this short form to receive your free Strategic Action Cycle guide.Sponsor Spot 1:If you’ve been scrolling through social media this Spring, you’ve probably seen some of your colleagues from other schools on a trip with their students. They’re at Disney, Or D.C., or maybe even across the pond – and if you’re inspired to start planning a future trip for your students, I highly recommend working with Kaleidoscope Adventures. The KA team has been planning student travel for over 30 years, and they make the whole process very easy. Check out Kaleidoscope Adventures at mykatrip.com and start planning an educational adventure your students will remember forever.Show IntroWhen students practice math over the summer, students learn and math scores go up. Join the growing list of schools offering at-home summer math enrichment through Summer Pops. If you are curious about what a research-based summer-math program looks like. Check out Summer Pops for free. Get your FREE workbook samples today at Summer Pops Workbooks.com. The link is in the show notes.Celebrations:Key Points Part 1The inspiration for this episodeOriginal offering and first contractNext week’s episodeThe inspiration for SACToo many failed change initiatives from my studentsAdmin program change project (BHAG) - PBISMy own failures and successes with BIG change Tech’s rapid prototypingThe guide (that I will follow)The problems with BIG change (p. 29)The four principles of leverage (p. 28-33)Archimedes(seesaw analogy)Wrap up: p 34-36Fill out this short form to receive your free Strategic Action Cycle guide.Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit http://ixl.com/assistant to get started.Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/Summer Pops Workbooks: https://summerpopsworkbooks.com/ CloseLeadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Remember the secret to good leadership:Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for othersBe fully presentAsk reflective questionsAnd then just listenDon’t overcomplicate it, the value is in the listening.Have a ...
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    41 mins
  • WOW! 300!
    Apr 14 2026
    Wow! 300!Power Quote: It’s all about the people and the relationshipsTeaser:You are about to listen to the 300th episode of the assistant principal podcast. We released our first episode on August 26, 2021 with the topic of Strategic Leadership and, honestly, that episode was so bad I pulled it from our platform. Producing this show has been such an incredible experience and I wanted to do something special for episode 300 so I invited on some friends and we have a celebratory conversation that I think does a great job of surfacing what’s important about this podcast, why it’s relevant, and reiterates the main points about people relationships and staying true to our purpose as leaders I hope you enjoy listening to the show as much as I did recording it.Sponsor Spot 1:- So when it comes to student travel, I get why it can feel like a big lift. That’s why I always point people toward Kaleidoscope Adventures. They’ve been doing this for more than 30 years, and they understand what schools actually need - clear communication, strong organization, and a plan that works. They handle the details, so you’re not left piecing it all together yourself. If you’ve been on the fence about planning a trip, now is the time to reach out to my friends at Kaleidoscope Adventures. Visit mykatrip.com today and get your free quote today. Kaleidoscope Adventures – Travel Beyond Expectations.Show IntroIt’s not too early to think about summer. No. Not the vacation, the learning that can happen. The team at Summer Pops are educators with a passion for preventing the backwards summer slide in math, and Summer Pops is a unique and engaging approach to summer enrichment. I encourage you to connect with Summer Pops for free workbook samples. Go to summerpopsworkbooks.com to get your free copy and of course, the link is in the show notes.Guest Bio:Will Parker: William D. Parker is the Founder of Principal Matters, LLC, an educator, author, speaker, and executive coach who uses his expertise in school culture, leadership, and communication to equip educators with solutions and strategies for motivating students, inspiring teachers, and reaching communities. Will serves schools across the globe through professional development and leadership support. He is regularly asked to present at K-12 professional development events, education conferences, leadership teams, and graduate classes on effective practices, organizational management, and strategies for enhancing school communication.Amber Coburn: Amber Coburn is the Middle School Dean of Students at Eno River Academy, a K-12 Charter School in Hillsborough, North Carolina. A lifelong champion of middle school and all its quirks, she has spent the past 14 years helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. In her current role, she is honored to expand her impact on teaching, learning, and school culture at Eno River Academy Middle School!Dr. Pam Buskey: Dr. Pam Buskey is a recently retired Professor of Education at Western Carolina University. Wherever Pam has been, regardless of the role, she has been a leader. She is a bright light and inspiration to everyone who knows here and I have the distinct pleasure to be her husband and soul mate.Mara Almond: Mara (Buskey) Almond is the Inclusion Strategist at Strategic Leadership Consulting. When she’s not taking care of me and doing all the behind-the-scenes work that makes this podcast possible, Mara serves other entrepreneurs through her own business, Red Finch. Mara possesses a level of wisdom and empathy far beyond her 27 years.Warmup questions:We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?Each person will introduce themselves, give name and position, and a celebrationIs there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?Questions/Topics/PromptsRound robin sharing of your favorite moment/guest/idea/tool – whatever has been most impactful. After each individual goes, we will have a brief discussion on their answer.Conclude with what each person would like to see on future episodes and what they are still working on to grow as a leader.FB: This show is about life and leadership, so relationships and change begins within. Before we ask others to change their behaviors we need to change ourselves by examining our own assumptions, by learning about stuff but also learning about people, and then being the change we wish to see (to parahrase Gandhi)Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is ...
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • The Systems Supporting Teacher Growth with Isiah Williams
    Apr 7 2026
    The Systems Supporting Teacher Growth with Isiah WilliamsTeaser:If you’ve listened to this show for longer than a month you have likely heard me talk about the flywheel – the “magic” system for driving continual teacher growth. In December I was at an administrators’ conference in Pinehurst, NC and happened to sit at a table with an enthusiastic and passionate young AP who shared with me some of the strategies his school was using to create a culture of continual growth. What he described was a flywheel, and I am so excited to have him on today.Sponsor Spot 1:Are you a little tired of the same old student trip… the same itinerary… the same stops?If you’re ready to do something different, check out Kaleidoscope Adventures! They’ve been creating unforgettable educational experiences for over 30 years, and they know the destinations that work best for student groups — including a few hidden gems you might not have even thought about.Whether you’re dreaming of theme parks, international travel, or anything in between, Kaleidoscope Adventures custom-builds each itinerary to fit your students and your goals.Want fresh ideas for your next trip? Visit mykatrip.com today.Show IntroIt’s not too early to think about summer. No. not the vacation, the learning that can happen. The team at Summer Pops are educators with a passion for preventing the backwards summer slide in math, and Summer Pops is a unique and engaging approach to summer enrichment. I encourage you to connect with Summer Pops for free workbook samples. Go to summerpopsworkbooks.com to get your free copy and of course, the link is in the show notes.Guest Bio:Isiah Williams is a 2nd Year assistant principal at East Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, NC. He helps guide a magnet school of over 2600 students. Isiah is in his 17th year in education and was formerly a math teacher.Warmup questions:We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?Questions/Topics/PromptsWhat systems have you built around teacher development?How have these systems grown and evolved over time?How do they impact your work as an AP?How have teachers responded?If an AP is listening and wanted to move this forward in their school, what advice do you have for them?Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/assistant to get started.Closing questions:What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?If listeners could take just one thing away from today’s podcast, what would it be?Before we go, is there anything else that you’d like to share with our listeners?Where can people learn more about you and your work…Summary/wrap upIt’s a system, and each piece has a structure and a purposeDon’t build it all at once (see March 17’s episode on change mistakes)Include teachers from the beginningNotice: collaboration, not conflictSpecial thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!Ranford’s homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford’s music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/CloseLeadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book ...
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    43 mins