Épisodes

  • Ep 15 | Principals: Step Back to Build Belonging and Allow Teams to Lead Schools Forward a Reflective Conversation with Dr. Franklin and Dr. Spates

    Ep 15 | Principals: Step Back to Build Belonging and Allow Teams to Lead Schools Forward a Reflective Conversation with Dr. Franklin and Dr. Spates
    Feb 23 2026

    In this reflective end of the year closing conversation, Dr. Spates and Dr. Franklin explore what it truly means to lead schools as collaborative communities rather than hierarchical organizations. From designing the master schedule as a whole-school effort to building authentic trust with teams, this episode highlights how inclusive leadership practices strengthen both systems and relationships.

    Dr. Spates emphasizes that effective leadership is not about working in isolation or making decisions behind closed doors. Instead, it is about creating structures where educators co-design programs, propose innovative courses, and share ownership of student success.

    This conversation is a powerful reminder that when teams feel seen, heard, and valued, the bar for excellence rises naturally—because everyone knows they belong to the work and to each other.


    ✨ Episode Takeaways

    • Dr. Spates emphasizes the importance of community and belonging in schools.
    • Building relationships with staff is crucial for effective leadership.
    • Data-driven decision-making is essential for school improvement.
    • Celebrating staff contributions fosters a positive school culture.
    • Listening to feedback from staff can lead to meaningful changes.
    • Creating opportunities for collaboration enhances team dynamics.
    • Recognizing student achievements is vital for motivation.
    • Emotional intelligence plays a key role in leadership success.
    • Engaging families in the school community strengthens support.
    • Personal experiences shape leadership philosophies and practices.


    💭 Sound Bites

    • "Everything matters in education."
    • "We all own the data now."
    • "We can't do the work on our own."

    🔑 Keywords

    leadership, education, community, belonging, student success, relationships, school improvement, emotional intelligence, teaching, principal


    🚌 About the Podcast

    So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.

    As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.


    📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates

    Website: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.com

    Website: KrishnaSpates.com

    Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com

    Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates

    LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.


    📬 Connect with Dr. Gregor Franklin

    USC Rossier Breakthrough Leadership Institute Summer Professional Learning:

    https://rossierprolearn.usc.edu/2026-bli-info/

    Website: USC Rossier School of Education Doctoral Program in Education Leadership

    Email: gfrankli@usc.edu


    📸 Production Studio

    Recorded at 661 Creators Space

    Website: 661CreatorsSpace.com

    Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace

    Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com


    🎼 Music

    Theme Song: “Call of Duty” — Mutanix

    Instagram: @mutanixs

    Email: mutanixmedia@gmail.com

    Used with permission.


    💛 Support the Work

    If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    22 min
  • Ep 14 | Policy Isn’t Just for Politicians: Lived Experience Is the Real Credential with TaVia Wooley

    Ep 14 | Policy Isn’t Just for Politicians: Lived Experience Is the Real Credential with TaVia Wooley
    Feb 16 2026
    In this powerful episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, I sit down with TaVia Wooley, founder and Executive Director of Empower Them Collective, for a masterclass in advocacy, humility, and shared power.TaVia shares how her lived experience — as a mother, social worker, medical advocate, and community leader — shaped her belief that lived experience is more important than degrees. From navigating systems for her brother on the autism spectrum to advocating after the loss of her son, she transformed personal pain into policy literacy and leadership development for families.Through the Leadership & Policy Academy for Parents, AIM (African American Infant & Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative), and the 661 Creators Space, TaVia is building the collective capacity of the Antelope Valley community to engage in and create meaningful policy initiatives.This episode challenges educators to move beyond “family engagement” and toward shared ownership, humility, and she drops a creative-bomb: compensate parent expertise.If you believe policy shouldn’t happen to you — this episode is for you.✨ Episode TakeawaysLived experience is more important than degrees.Empowerment comes from understanding and addressing root causes.Advocacy should be informed by personal experiences.Creating safe spaces fosters open dialogue.Self-care is essential for effective advocacy.Community engagement requires valuing parents' voices.Policy should be shaped by those affected by it.Podcasting can amplify marginalized voices.Building relationships is key to successful advocacy.Compensating community members for their expertise is vital.⏱️ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Tavia Woolley and Empower Them Collective06:02 Lived Experiences and Leadership11:48 Empower Them Collective's Mission and Impact17:20 Advocacy Skills for Parents and Caregivers24:02 Navigating School Systems and Policy Literacy29:59 The Role of Podcasting in Community Engagement35:53 Concrete Actions for Educators to Partner with Families41:25 Self-Care and Personal Reflections47:40 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations🎧 Sound Bites"We need to ask the right questions.""We need to shift the narrative.""More is caught than taught."🔑 KeywordsTavia Woolley, Empower Them Collective, lived experience, advocacy, community engagement, education, podcasting, self-care, leadership, policy change🚌 About the PodcastSo here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene SpatesWebsite: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.comWebsite: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.comInstagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📬 Connect with TaVia WooleyWebsite: Empower Them CollectiveWebsite: JustTavia.comEmail: tavia@justtavia.comPodcast Studio: 661 Creators SpaceInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: 661CreatorsSpace.comInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com🎼 MusicTheme Song: “Call of Duty” — MutanixInstagram: @mutanixsEmail: mutanixmedia@gmail.comUsed with permission.💛 Support the WorkIf this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 18 min
  • Ep 13 | Masterclass: Creating High School Culture from the Ground Up with Dr. Kathya Arriaran-Buono

    Ep 13 | Masterclass: Creating High School Culture from the Ground Up with Dr. Kathya Arriaran-Buono
    Feb 9 2026
    In this inspiring episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. Spates welcomes Dr. Kathya Arriaran-Buono, founding principal of Palmdale Academy Charter School in Palmdale, California. Dr. Buono shares how she built a high‑performing school‑of‑choice culture—during a pandemic—by centering servant leadership, restorative practices and data‑driven decision‑making. From hiring for heart over content knowledge and designing annual staff retreats, to expanding AP access, boosting graduation rates and modelling self‑care as a working mom, this conversation is loaded with practical wisdom for leaders at every level. Dr. Buono offers advice on navigating skepticism, creating joy‑filled traditions like “Peep Wars,” and ensuring families feel seen in a competitive educational landscape. Tune in for a master class on building culture, sustaining outcomes and leading with love.✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways)How to hire for culture by asking candidates what support they need from leadershipWhy servant leadership, restorative practices and data‑driven decisions are Dr. Buono’s non‑negotiablesThe power of annual retreats and restorative circles to foster belonging and accountabilityCreative strategies like “Lunch Bunch” that keep seniors on track to graduateHow open access to AP courses, including an AP African‑American Studies pathway, builds equityWhy silly traditions (like Peep Wars) can strengthen staff cultureHow to empower assistant principals through shared responsibility and leadership developmentPractical advice for aspiring leaders: lead outside your classroom and anchor yourself in purposeWhy “love the kids” is both simple and challenging—and why joy is a leadership strategyTips for balancing school leadership with motherhood and self‑care⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Meet Dr. Buono: Servant leader, restorative practitioner and data‑driven principal introduces herself and her “why.”02:30 – Hiring for Culture: The interview question that reveals mindset and why heart can’t be coached.05:00 – Learner Profile & Retreat: Defining the profile of a graduate and the role of themed retreats in building culture.08:30 – Restorative Practices: How restorative circles work, with examples of powerful prompts.11:00 – AP Access & Student Outcomes: From AP Silver School to plans for AP African‑American Studies and high college‑and‑career readiness.17:00 – Graduation & Interventions: Using “Lunch Bunch” and catered meals to prevent senioritis and boost A–G completion.21:00 – Enrollment Growth: Being a school of choice in a competitive district and serving families as clients.24:00 – Founding Principal Lessons: Challenges of launching a high school during COVID and the roller coaster of “firsts.”27:30 – Strengthening Culture in 90 Days: Peep Wars, potlucks and treating adults like professionals.31:00 – Leadership Development: Dividing work among APs, empowering them to lead MTSS and culture initiatives.34:00 – Love, Joy & Self‑Care: Anchoring leadership in love, finding joy as resistance, and balancing motherhood.38:00 – Career Advice: Why teachers should lead PD, mentor others and step into committees before moving into administration.🎧 Sound Bites“Our students choose us every single day.” – Dr. Buono on leading a school of choice“You can't teach heart; you can coach content, but not mindset.” – Dr. Buono on hiring for culture“Love the kids. They know when you care and when you don't.” – Dr. Buono on the core of leadership🔑 Keywordsschool culture, charter high school, servant leadership, restorative practices, data‑driven decision‑making, AP access, equity, student success, school choice, staff retreats, leadership development, teacher mentorship, student belonging, joy in leadership, self‑care🚌 About the PodcastSo here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene SpatesWebsite: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.comWebsite: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.comInstagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📬 Connect with Dr. Kathya Arriaran-BuonoPalmdale Academy Charter High SchoolEmail: Kathyaarriaran@gmail.com📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: 661CreatorsSpace.comInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com🎼 MusicTheme Song: “Call of Duty” — ...
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    43 min
  • Ep 12 | You Are Not Obligated to Set Yourself on Fire to Keep Others Warm: Leading with Purpose, Equity & Data with Dr. Patricia Brent-Sanco

    Ep 12 | You Are Not Obligated to Set Yourself on Fire to Keep Others Warm: Leading with Purpose, Equity & Data with Dr. Patricia Brent-Sanco
    Feb 2 2026
    In this powerful episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. Spates sits down with Dr. Patricia Brent-Sanco, a respected equity leader and advocate for inclusive educational systems. Dr. Brent-Sanco shares her lived experiences advancing equity through community partnerships, data-driven decision-making, and intentional leadership practices.She discusses the founding and impact of the Unity Women's Professional Networking Organization, highlighting the importance of mentorship, collective support, and professional spaces specifically designed for African-American women educators. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Brent-Sanco emphasizes discernment in leadership, anchoring oneself in purpose, and finding joy as an act of resistance and sustainability in challenging times.This episode is a must-listen for school leaders, educators, and anyone committed to fostering belonging, advancing equity, and supporting the whole educator.✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways)Community support is essential for sustainable equity initiatives.Unity Women’s Professional Networking Organization creates space for growth, connection, and leadership among African-American women educators.Data-driven decisions help leaders navigate skepticism and resistance around equity work.Embedding equity into policy requires intentional alignment with fiscal and organizational priorities.Innovative programs, such as Leadership Academies, can transform student outcomes and narratives.Effective leadership centers belonging, care, and high expectations for all students.Women of color in leadership benefit from anchoring themselves in purpose and building diverse support circles.Discernment is critical when navigating political climates and organizational dynamics.Joy is a leadership strategy that sustains hope and resilience.Self-care is not optional—it is essential for educator well-being and effectiveness.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Patricia Brent-Sanco02:47 – Unity Women’s Professional Networking Organization05:34 – Building Community Support for Equity Initiatives10:39 – Navigating Skepticism in Equity Work14:07 – Embedding Equity in Policy and Practice18:58 – Innovative Programs for Student Support24:19 – The Role of Leadership in Education28:27 – Advice for Women of Color in Leadership35:22 – The Importance of Discernment in Leadership39:35 – Finding Joy and Hope in Education49:42 – Consulting Services and Self-Care Practices🎧 Sound Bites“Data doesn’t lie.”“Finding joy brings hope.”“We want to transform environments.”🔑 Keywordseducation, equity, leadership, community support, women in leadership, mentorship, student success, professional development, diversity, inclusion🚌 About the PodcastSo here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene SpatesWebsite: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.comWebsite: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.comInstagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📬 Connect with Dr. Patricia Brent-SancoThe Lighthouse Educational Consulting Group - https://www.thelighthouseconsulting.com/Email: pbsanco@yahoo.comUnity: https://www.unityumoja.orgE-Book: Then and Now Understanding and Addressing White Supremacy byDr. Patricia Brent Sanco & Dr. Veronica BloomfieldPurchase E-book: hereLinkedIn: Patricia Brent-Sanco, EdD.📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: 661CreatorsSpace.comInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com🎼 MusicTheme Song: “Call of Duty” — MutanixInstagram: @mutanixsEmail: mutanixmedia@gmail.comUsed with permission.💛 Support the WorkIf this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    59 min
  • Ep 11 | Don’t Underestimate Our Communities: Leading with Heart, High Expectations, and a Restorative Lens

    Ep 11 | Don’t Underestimate Our Communities: Leading with Heart, High Expectations, and a Restorative Lens
    Jan 26 2026
    In this episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. Carlos Montes shares his powerful journey in education as a teacher, instructional coach, principal, and now a system-level leader supporting 20 schools across East Los Angeles.Dr. Montes reflects on the intentional work that led to the transformation of Jordan High School, highlighting the central role of creating restorative culture , high expectations, authentic relationships and a deep respect for students and families. He emphasizes that culture, community pride, and identity are not add-ons, but foundational to building schools where students thrive.The conversation explores what authentic family partnership looks like in practice, including Dr. Montes’ innovative use of instructional walks with caregivers and parents to invite family voice and presence in schools, increase transparency, trust, and shared accountability. Together, Dr. Spates and Dr. Montes discuss how equity lives in daily leadership decisions, why student voice must be embedded in school structures, and how passion and humanity sustain long-term impact in education.This episode serves as a powerful reminder that education is deeply human work—and that the leadership choices made today shape students, families, and communities for generations to come.✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways)How relationship-centered leadership transforms school cultureWhy restorative practices must be paired with high expectationsStrategies for authentic family engagement beyond traditional meetingsHow instructional walks with parents strengthen communication and trustThe role of student voice in equitable decision-makingWhy passion and humanity are essential in school leadership⏱️ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dr. Carlos Montes 03:01 Dr. Montes’ Journey in Education05:45 Transforming Jordan High School09:01 The Power of Hustle and Relationships11:54 Restorative Practices in Education14:52 Current Role and Supporting Schools17:51 Cultural Pride in East LA Schools20:48 Personal Experiences Shaping Leadership23:39 Building Relationships with Families26:50 Instructional Walks with Parents29:51 Feedback and Growth in Education32:44 Creating a Positive School Environment35:44 Conclusion and Future Aspirations44:20 Equity in Education: A Consistent Practice50:43 Building Authentic Partnerships with Families55:53 Empowering Student Voice in Decision Making01:08:11 Passion and Leadership: Starting with Yourself01:15:48 The Human Impact of Education🎧 Sound Bites“You got to hustle.”“Don’t underestimate our parents.”“It’s about wanting to know.”🔑 KeywordsEducational leadership, equity in education, restorative practices, family engagement, student voice, school culture, community pride, instructional leadership, East Los Angeles schools🚌 About the PodcastSo here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene SpatesWebsite: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.comInstagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📬 Connect with Dr. Carlos MontesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/montes-carlos-ed-d-6b632471/📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: 661CreatorsSpace.comInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com🎼 MusicTheme Song: “Call of Duty” — MutanixInstagram: @mutanixsEmail: mutanixmedia@gmail.comUsed with permission.💛 Support the WorkIf this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 21 min
  • Ep 10 | The Hope Dealer: Restorative Leadership, Digital Voice, and Running Toward the Roar with Dr. J.R. Rucker

    Ep 10 | The Hope Dealer: Restorative Leadership, Digital Voice, and Running Toward the Roar with Dr. J.R. Rucker
    Jan 19 2026
    In this powerful episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. J.R. Rucker hops on the bus to share a deeply personal and purpose-driven leadership journey—one shaped by adversity, restored by education, and fueled by hope.From navigating a challenging childhood to serving as a high school principal, Dr. Rucker describes himself as a “hope dealer”—a leader committed to giving students what he did not always receive: belief, advocacy, and opportunity. He reflects on his roots as a special education teacher, emphasizing that every child is different and that effective educators must be willing to find at least one door of engagement for every student.Throughout the conversation, Dr. Rucker unpacks what restorative leadership looks like in real schools—centering relationships, accountability, and healing over punishment. He challenges school leaders to run toward the roar, confront hard truths, and create safe spaces where students, staff, and families can engage in honest conversations.The episode also explores the evolving role of digital media and social platforms in school leadership. Dr. Rucker makes a compelling case for why schools can no longer afford to be silent online—and how social media, when used with intention, becomes a tool for transparency, connection, and community pride.Grounded in wisdom, humility, and hope, this episode is a reminder that education is not transactional—it is transformational for students, families, and entire communities.✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways)Why being a hope dealer is a leadership responsibility—not a sloganHow restorative practices change culture, not just behaviorWhy every student deserves at least one door of engagementHow weekly career exploration can reshape student motivation and agencyWhat it means to run toward the roar as a school leaderWhy schools must embrace digital media to tell their own storiesHow educators can sustain themselves through self-care and balance⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Dr. J.R. Rucker01:20 – Becoming a Hope Dealer04:26 – Experiences That Shaped His Educational Philosophy06:47 – The Power of Restorative Practices10:26 – Leading a High School Community with Intention12:12 – Run Toward the Roar: A Leadership Mantra14:11 – Motivating Students and Staff16:17 – Leveraging Social Media for School Engagement25:35 – The Educational Truth Podcast and Conference29:36 – Advice for New Educators35:01 – Writing Books to Empower Others40:02 – Work-Life Balance and Self-Care45:16 – Innovations That Improve Student Outcomes🎧 Sound Bites“I want to be a hope dealer.”“Run toward the roar.”“We should literally be exploring careers on a weekly basis.”“Education is a transformational event for families.”🔑 Keywordssocial media in schools, career exploration, self-care for educators, instructional leadership, On the School Bus with Dr. Spates🚌 About the PodcastSo here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene SpatesWebsite: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.comInstagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📬 Connect with Dr. J.R. RuckerWebsite: drjrrucker.comEmail: info@drjrrucker.comListen to the Podcast: The Educational Truth PodcastLinkedIn: Jerome (J.R.) Rucker Ed.D.📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: 661CreatorsSpace.comInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com🎼 MusicTheme Song: “Call of Duty” — MutanixInstagram: @mutanixsEmail: mutanixmedia@gmail.comUsed with permission.💛 Support the WorkIf this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    50 min
  • Ep 9 | Equity in Schools: Why Seeing Students and Teachers as Whole Humans Changes Everything with Jazmine Morales Rodriguez

    Ep 9 | Equity in Schools: Why Seeing Students and Teachers as Whole Humans Changes Everything with Jazmine Morales Rodriguez
    Jan 12 2026
    In this episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Jazmine Morales Rodriguez takes a seat on the bus to share her powerful journey as an educator and equity-centered leader. She reflects on her educational pathway, including the financial and systemic barriers she navigated, and how those experiences shaped her commitment to student advocacy and inclusion.Jazmine underscores the importance of seeing students holistically and building reciprocal, human-centered relationships in schools. The conversation explores the impact of ethnic studies curriculum on student engagement, the realities of teacher burnout, and the critical role of community support in sustaining educators doing this work. Throughout the episode, Jazmine offers affirming insights, honest reflections, and actionable strategies for educators committed to equity, growth, and collective care.✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways)Jazmine emphasizes the importance of seeing students as whole individuals—not just academic performers.She shares her personal journey of navigating and overcoming financial barriers to higher education.The episode highlights the power of reciprocal relationships between educators and students.Jazmine discusses how ethnic studies curriculum increases relevance, belonging, and student engagement.She addresses teacher burnout and the emotional toll of doing equity-centered work.The importance of community support and shared responsibility in education is stressed.Jazmine advocates for honoring each student’s unique lived experience and needs.She shares practical strategies for responding to racial comments among young students.Collaboration among educators is positioned as essential, not optional.Educators are encouraged to embrace imperfection, reflection, and growth over performative “perfection.”⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Jazmine Morales Rodriguez02:46 – Jazmine’s Educational Journey05:43 – Overcoming Financial Barriers to Education09:17 – Transitioning from Education to Nonprofit Work12:48 – The Role of Community in Education17:56 – Navigating Burnout in Education20:34 – The Importance of Teacher Well-Being22:58 – Taking a Holistic View of Education26:20 – Building Authentic Relationships in Schools28:37 – Implementing Ethnic Studies Frameworks35:03 – Collaborative Curriculum Development35:36 – Coaching Through Role Play37:30 – Empowering Educators Through Curriculum Design38:43 – Humanizing the Educator Experience39:18 – Building Reciprocal Relationships44:38 – Addressing Racial Comments in Early Education50:55 – Navigating Teacher Pushback in a Changing Climate52:30 – Embracing Mistakes & Finding Your Educator Voice🎧 Sound Bites“We need to see each other holistically.”“It’s never too early to talk about race.”🔑 Keywordseducation, equity, instructional coaching, ethnic studies, student empowerment, teacher burnout, community support, relationship building, financial aid, diversity🚌 About the PodcastSo here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene SpatesWebsite: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.comInstagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📬 Connect with Jazmine Morales RodriguezEmail: Jazzmorales40@gmail.com📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: 661CreatorsSpace.comInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com🎼 MusicTheme Song: “Call of Duty” — MutanixInstagram: @mutanixsEmail: mutanixmedia@gmail.comUsed with permission.💛 Support the WorkIf this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    54 min
  • Ep 8 | Don’t Waste Our Kids’ Time: Principal, Coach Fred Gatlin on Empathy, Relevance, and School Leadership

    Ep 8 | Don’t Waste Our Kids’ Time: Principal, Coach Fred Gatlin on Empathy, Relevance, and School Leadership
    Jan 5 2026
    In this episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Principal and Coach Fred Gatlin hops on the bus to share his powerful journey as an educator, principal, coach, and author. Grounded in empathy and shaped by lived experience, Coach Gatlin reflects on what it truly means to lead schools that honor students’ time, humanity, and potential.The conversation explores how relevant, relationship-centered leadership can transform school culture—particularly for students navigating trauma, adversity, and disengagement. Coach Gatlin shares innovative programs he has implemented to build trust, inspire resilience, and help students develop a strong, “no-excuse” mindset rooted in purpose rather than pressure.Throughout the episode, Dr. Spates and Coach Gatlin discuss the importance of empathy in leadership, the power of positive affirmations, and why self-care, delegation, and trust are essential for sustaining educators in demanding roles. This episode offers practical strategies and affirming reminders for school leaders committed to building environments where both students and staff can thrive.✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways)Empathy is a non-negotiable leadership skill in today’s schoolsDiverse life and professional experiences strengthen leadership capacityRelationships are the foundation of student engagement and trustInnovative, student-centered programs can radically shift school cultureRelevance in education matters—students must see themselves in the workPositive affirmations can set the tone for productive school daysEmbracing pain and adversity can build resilience and purposeDelegation and trust are essential to prevent leadership burnoutSelf-care is critical for educators who want longevity and impactSupportive environments accelerate both student and staff success⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Coach Fred Gatlin01:28 – How Diverse Roles Shape Leadership04:03 – Why Empathy Matters in Education07:26 – The Inspiration Behind Train Your Mindset10:34 – Designing Innovative Programs for Engagement11:55 – Understanding Student Demographics14:14 – Building Comprehensive Support Systems16:34 – Relationship-Driven Leadership18:50 – Daily Motivational Practices20:38 – Developing a No-Excuse Mindset24:53 – Turning Adversity into Advantage27:26 – Supporting Trauma-Impacted Students29:45 – Creating a Caring School Culture31:08 – Cultivating a Supportive Leadership Team34:00 – Integrating Life Skills into Education36:29 – Making Learning Relevant39:58 – Balancing Multiple Roles as an Educator42:21 – Sustainable Self-Care Practices44:39 – Advice for School Leaders🎧 Sound Bites“Don’t waste our kids’ time.”“I was born to do this.”“You can’t count down the days.”🔑 Keywordseducational leadership, empathy in leadership, school culture, student engagement, resilient mindset, trauma-informed schools, principal leadership, educator self-care, relevant education, relationship-centered leadership🚌 About the PodcastSo here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene SpatesWebsite: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.comInstagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📬 Connect with Community Day School Principal, Coach Fred GatlinEmail: CoachGatlinMindset@gmail.com📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: 661CreatorsSpace.comInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com🎼 MusicTheme Song: “Call of Duty” — MutanixInstagram: @mutanixsEmail: mutanixmedia@gmail.comUsed with permission.💛 Support the WorkIf this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    48 min