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The Assistant Principal Podcast

The Assistant Principal Podcast

By: Frederick Buskey
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A bi-weekly podcast to improve the quality of life and leadership for assistant principals.Strategic Leadership Consulting, LLC Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • Resilience with Craig Woodall

    Resilience with Craig Woodall
    20 Oct 2026
    Outline and Show NotesShow Title: Resilience with Craig WoodallPower Quote: “I carry it, but it doesn’t define me”Teaser:What’s the difference between resilience and self-care?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 IntroGuest Bio:Craig Woodall brings 30 years in education — including 12 as principal of Rocky Mountain High School — to his work as a speaker, leadership coach, and author. He speaks with organizations and leaders on resilience, perseverance, and cultivating hope through adversity. His book, Overcome: Rebuilding Hope After Losing My Brother on 9/11, released August 2026.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/PromptsA lot of what we will talk about today is in your book, so can you give listeners a brief summary or elevator pitch about the book?In our pre-show meeting we discussed resilience versus self-care. Maybe there is no real difference, but for me, resilience sounds more realistic than self-care. I’m curious how you view these two concepts.We are both morning-driven people. I want to dig into our mornings first as I’m interested to see where we are similar and different. After this, let’s talk about how we got to where we are with our mornings – what did that journey look like for you?The team at digiCOACH wants to know: How are your classroom walkthroughs going this school year?Are they leading to meaningful feedback and coaching, or are they becoming one more thing on an already full plate?digiCOACH helps school leaders make walkthroughs faster, more focused, and more meaningful. Capture what you see to identify trends, provide timely feedback, and align your walkthroughs and coaching to the instructional priorities that matter most at your campus.Ready to make more out of the time you spend in classrooms? Visit digiCOACH.com.And tell them you heard about digiCOACH on The Assistant Principal Podcast to take advantage of an exclusive offer.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 up“I carry it, but it doesn’t define me.”So many people are carrying things – you can’t always tell. And that’s why we should listen moreNegative thoughts (doubts and imposter syndrome) are designed to keep you safe at the expense of growth!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/ digiCOACH: digiCOACH.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 ...
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    41 min
  • The Invisible Paycheck with Josh Tovar

    The Invisible Paycheck with Josh Tovar
    13 Oct 2026
    Show Title: The Invisible Paycheck with Josh TovarPower Quote: As teachers, we get an invisible paycheck that others don’t getShow NotesKey OutcomesJosh Tovar and Frederick discuss the intersection of personal trauma and professional leadership in education. Tovar emphasizes the importance of empathy over sympathy, the value of "invisible paychecks" (emotional impact on students), and the necessity of maintaining high energy and self-care to support marginalized students.Educational Philosophy and ImpactStudent Connection: Tovar focuses on supporting "broken kids," including immigrants and students with severe trauma, drawing from his own experience as an immigrant and a former alcoholic.Empathy vs. Sympathy: Empathy leads to maintaining high expectations for students, whereas sympathy often leads to lowering them 2.The "Invisible Paycheck": The spiritual reward of knowing a teacher's presence fundamentally changed a student's life, which Tovar values over financial gain.Instructional Rounds: Tovar's campus achieved nearly 400 instructional rounds in September, following a previous year's record of 4,100 rounds.Personal Resilience and WellnessDaily Routine: Tovar maintains a disciplined morning regimen including workouts 6-7 times per week and listening to professional development podcasts to ensure he brings "A-game" energy to his scholars.Stoicism and Positivity: To counteract a naturally "cactus-like" or stoic exterior shaped by past trauma, Tovar intentionally projects over-positivity to avoid appearing unapproachable.Mortality and Health: Both Tovar and Frederick reflect on the importance of prioritizing physical and mental health as they age to remain active for their families and professions.Leadership StrategiesThermostat vs. Thermometer: The mindset shift from merely reflecting the room's energy (thermometer) to actively setting the energy level (thermostat)."Judo" Approach: Using compassion and connection to redirect a student's negativity rather than meeting it with aggression ("karate").Intentional Support: Tovar practices "sending flowers" by sending supportive texts to colleagues and peers to combat the isolation and lack of loyalty often felt in the teaching profession.Topic OutlineGuest Bio: Josh Tovar is the proud son of Jesus and Virginia Tovar who immigrated from Cd. Juarez, Mexico. Josh has been in education for 34 years and worked at all grade levels (elementary to college graduate courses). He has been able to support different schools and establish a culture which helped turned around a campus medical program, increased a high school 3 letter grades in 3 years and currently ensures EB students’ from all around the world graduate.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?Interview questions:Anyone who knows you is inspired in your presence. The energetic positivity you exude is palpable and motivates us to be our best. Yet the reality is, it’s a hard world right now, so I wanted to dig into the ways you stay focused and positive. Let’s look at three elements:What do you do at the beginning of the day to get ready to be Josh Tovar?What things do you do throughout the day to sustain your attitude and energy?At the end of a difficult day, what do you do to lay the foundation for getting up tomorrow and doing it all over again?We’ve been together at NCMLE each of the past three years but not really had much conversation together. I think you reached out about something you heard on one of my podcasts and in our interactions, I shared a challenging situation in my personal life, and from that moment on you began checking in on me. Nothing fancy, just, “Hey, how are you doing?” I want you to know how much that has meant to me. My suspicion is that you are very intentional about “touching” people and pouring into them when they are in need. I’d like you to share how you think about this and how you are intentional in supporting others.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?Where can people learn more about you and your work…Big TakeawaysThe invisible paycheckDoes it come down to will?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/Closing PointsLeadership 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 ...
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    1 hr and 19 min
  • Whose Fault Is It If Your Teachers Don’t Have Classroom Procedures?

    Whose Fault Is It If Your Teachers Don’t Have Classroom Procedures?
    6 Oct 2026
    Show Title: Whose Fault Is It If Your Teachers Don’t Have Classroom Procedures?Show NotesTopic OutlineWarmup 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?ALT and Entry YearAP says…Outline:TRIPS6 aspects of teaching a procedureBig Five ProceduresSpecial 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/Closing PointsLeadership 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_774957520Sponsor Messages and LinksKaleidoscope AdventuresI’d like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today’s show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn’t that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes.IXLEveryone 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.digiCOACHThe team at digiCOACH wants to know: How are your classroom walkthroughs going this school year?Are they leading to meaningful feedback and coaching, or are they becoming one more thing on an already full plate?digiCOACH helps school leaders make walkthroughs faster, more focused, and more meaningful. Capture what you see to identify trends, provide timely feedback, and align your walkthroughs and coaching to the instructional priorities that matter most at your campus.Ready to make more out of the time you spend in classrooms? Visit digiCOACH.com.And tell them you heard about digiCOACH on The Assistant Principal Podcast to take advantage of an exclusive offer.
    Show more Show less
    31 min
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