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The Better Leaders Better Schools Podcast with Daniel Bauer

The BETTER LEADERS BETTER SCHOOLS podcast is in the TOP 0.5% most downloaded shows of over 2 million podcasts across the world. The BLBS show was created for RUCKUS MAKERS in education -- those out-of-the-box school leaders making change happen. Launched in 2015, this category-defining podcast in educational leadership has helped over 1 MILLION leaders LEVEL UP. Each week host DANIEL BAUER has a conversation with a leadership expert and invites you to listen in. Turn your commute, chores, or workout into professional development and then GO MAKE A RUCKUS! BLBS is the #1 downloaded podcast for school leaders.
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The Better Leaders Better Schools Podcast with Daniel Bauer
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Now displaying: 2016
Courage to Create with Ryan Jackson 0
Jul 20, 2016
Better Leaders Better Schools guest Ryan Jackson is the new principal of Mt. Pleasant High in Mt. Pleasant, TN. Prior to this he served as an AP at Maplewood HS. Jackson’s tenure in education has sent him as far as China to exchange leadership philosophies as part of Vanderbilt University and Metro Nashville Public Schools’ Principal Leaders Academy of Nashville. In our first podcast we dug into his Competitive Teaching Model and his identity as the UnderdogsAdvocate. 
 
If you haven’t listened to the first episode with Ryan Jackson, you can do that here.
 
Show Highlights
 
  • #ArtAntidote and #CourageToCreate how Arts are important to schools
  • Top initiatives he is trying to accomplish
  • Mechatroncis & Project Lead the Way
  • PBL model that will change how we will view the moon
  • Connecting with each student & weaving them into the school community
  • Ryan’s mindset going out to connect with the community & staff
  • The importance of being a reflective leader and how Ryan does it
  • How his mentors prepared him for the leap to the principalship
  • Are you connecting on Twitter, Voxer … why not start a podcast?
  • Ryan’s experience in an education mastermind
  • How Ryan wants to be remembered as a leader.
  • How to power through excuses
  • Ryan’s top 5 films
 
Resources
 
Finding our courage to create blog post
 
 
Brain Rules by John Medina
 
Connect
 
Ryan on Twitter
 
Sign up a time to chat if a mastermind is right for you 
 
Ryan’s Top 5 Movies
 
Apocalypse Now
Pulp Fiction
Back to the Future
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Predator 
 
 
Do you need accountability?
Text BETTERMASTERMIND to 33444
Daniel wants to work with you
and help you accelerate
your leadership development
and increase your impact.
 
 
  

Show Sponsors

KickUp: KickUp is a professional learning data analytics company that provides an easy-to-use platform to help school leaders optimize their PD resources and efforts by:

  • Soliciting and synthesizing teacher input on PD needs
  • Creating an intuitive, simple dashboard of needs so leaders can take immediate and informed action to support teachers
  • Measuring and reporting on the impact of those efforts over time

Schools, districts, and charter networks leverage KickUp’s platform and consultative support to synthesize data so that all stakeholders--administrators, coaches, and teachers--can monitor progress, identify meaningful professional learning actions, and demonstrate and share impact.

Audbile: Try over 180,000 titles on any smart device or computer.  I've downloaded and enjoyed books by Charles Duhigg, Zig Ziglar, Tony Robbins, and Gary Vaynerchuk so far.

 
Get out of the perfectionist box with Emily Drake 0
Jul 13, 2016
Emily Drake is the CEO of Flank 5 Academy located in Chicago, IL.  Flank 5 is a personal incubator that helps you unlock your potential, change careers, or become self-employed. Graduates start consulting practices, open restaurants, change industries, and restructure their current employment situation.
 
In this episode you will learn:
  • Community building thinking
  • How to be a part of the solution
  • The power of possibility
  • Micro-movements and celebration
  • How to push through fear and take action
  • Ask yourself, “What could be?"
  • Get out of the perfectionist box
  • The power of failing fast
  • Learn some great interview questions AND how to facilitate a great interview
  • Why emotional intelligence matters
 
Resources:
 
Mindset by Carol Dweck
 
Give and Take by Adam Grant
 
Enemies of Excellence by Greg Salciccioli
 
Flank 5 Academy
 
Contact Emily 
 
Do you need accountability?
Text BETTERMASTERMIND to 33444
Daniel wants to work with you
and help you accelerate
your leadership development
and increase your impact.
 
 
Text PHRASES to 33444 or click the link above.
 
 

Show Sponsors

KickUp: KickUp is a professional learning data analytics company that provides an easy-to-use platform to help school leaders optimize their PD resources and efforts by:

  • Soliciting and synthesizing teacher input on PD needs
  • Creating an intuitive, simple dashboard of needs so leaders can take immediate and informed action to support teachers
  • Measuring and reporting on the impact of those efforts over time

Schools, districts, and charter networks leverage KickUp’s platform and consultative support to synthesize data so that all stakeholders--administrators, coaches, and teachers--can monitor progress, identify meaningful professional learning actions, and demonstrate and share impact.

Audbile: Try over 180,000 titles on any smart device or computer.  I've downloaded and enjoyed books by Charles Duhigg, Zig Ziglar, Tony Robbins, and Gary Vaynerchuk so far.

 
 
An inside look into a school leader mastermind with Daniel Bauer 0
Jul 6, 2016

Today's show is special for a few reasons.

#1 ... it is released on my birthday ... WOO-HOO!!! BLBS has been around a little less than a year and to produce something to the wonderful community of ed-heroes trying to make an impact in their local communities is a great birthday gift to me and to you!

#2 ... Masterminds have been instrumental in my own personal, professional, and spiritual development. I participate in one and lead others through Better Leaders Better Schools

This episode is a "behind the curtain" look at what it's like to participate in a mastermind. I hope you enjoy it and I hope you consider joining. If you act fast you can lock in a great rate that will never, ever again be this discounted. Mastermind membership dues increase this August 2016.

Resources
 
 
Set up a call with Daniel to discuss if a mastermind is right for you.
 
Read about a mastermind here.
 
Listen to me discuss Masterminds with the Transformative Principal, Jehtro Jones.
 
Do you need accountability?
Text BETTERMASTERMIND to 33444
Daniel wants to work with you
and help you accelerate
your leadership development
and increase your impact.
 
 
 
 
Secrets to productivity and accountability with Henry Vasquez 0
Jun 29, 2016
Better Leaders Better Schools guest Henry Vasquez is a 4-time entrepreneur with experience in consumer media, B2B SaaS, and software consulting. Henry helped Spartz Media grow from a dorm room idea to a downtown office with more than 40 employees and 5 million users. He has built two 7-figure startups, two venture-backed startups, and created over 100 software applications.
 
 
In this episode you will learn:
  • Do you have a bench of talent?
  • The importance of building trust and how to do it at scale
  • Why you should be world-class in one thing and broad in all the rest
  • How to build a brand
  • Why you need to do what you say you’ll do
  • How his app, Tribe builds accountability
  • Why you should find people that compliment your skill set
 
Resources
 
Tribe.do
 
Tribe demo video
 
Contact Henry
 
Nudge by Richard Thaler
 
 
Do you need accountability?
Text BETTERMASTERMIND to 33444
Daniel wants to work with you
and help you accelerate
your leadership development
and increase your impact.
 
 
 
 
Run experiments and improve success with Jeremy Rogoff 0
Jun 22, 2016

Better Leaders Better Schools guest Jeremy Rogoff  has been an educator in rural, urban, district and charter schools. He was also a Coro Leadership Fellow and an All-Conference pitcher at Washington University in St. Louis.

 
His teaching career started in Clarendon, Arkansas and continued at KIPP DC: College Preparatory, where he was inspired to co-found KickUp.  He’s helped secure partnerships, attract investment, and generate interest in KickUp’s vision among K-12 teaching populations.
 
In this episode you will learn:
  • Get out of the way and remove obstacles
  • Building. Measuring. Learning.
  • How to make PD meaningful.
  • Importance of serving others.
  • Importance of listening.
  • Are you communicating with clarity?
  • Partnerships are enticing, but maybe not the right thing.
  • How 2 week experiments improve success.
  • Keys to effective meetings.
 
Resources
 
The Lean Startup
 
KickUp Website
 
Email Jeremy
 
Follow KickUp on Twitter
 
 
Do you need accountability?
Text BETTERMASTERMIND to 33444
Daniel wants to work with you
and help you accelerate
your leadership development
and increase your impact.
 
Follow Me and Get Behind the Scenes Access on SNAPCHAT!!!
 
Text PHRASES to 33444 or click the link above.
 
Take care of yourself first with Eric Connor 0
Jun 15, 2016
Better Leaders Better Schools guest Eric Connor is a clinical therapist with advanced training in trauma resolution, sexual addiction and other compulsive behaviors.  He seeks to use modern technology and evidence-based approaches to facilitate healing and growth.  He has a Masters in Computer Science from the University of Chicago and earned his Masters degree in Counseling from National-Louis University.  Eric is a CSAT therapist and is EMDR trained.
 
Eric believes that our brains and emotional selves will always seek healing and growth given the opportunity.  The more we discover how this happens, the more effective and efficient therapy can be.  He is a frequent speaker on the topics of shame, codependency and addiction.
 
Additionally, Eric coaches individuals looking to change career paths or find more rewarding work.  As co-founder of Flank 5 Academy, he has helped dozens of people reevaluate their desires and goals in order to pursue compelling and meaningful vocations.
 
Despite his technical focus, Eric still believes that the relationship between therapist and client is of the utmost importance for effective counseling.  He understands that love, trust and compassion are absolute prerequisites before any true transformation can be accomplished.  Eric considers it a privilege to be a part of this process.
 
In this episode you will learn:
  • how to develop self-awareness
  • how to eradicate your shadow self
  • the one question we all need to ask when “triggered"
  • the importance of self-care and self-regulation
  • why you should trust “that it will work out"
  • intimacy is key to leadership
  • the antidote to fear is community
  • only ask people to do what you have already done or are willing to do
  • why you need to connect at the heart
  • top leaders do this - demonstrate presence and positive regard
  • the importance of boundaries around social media and email
  • why you should stop recording how you spend your time
 
Resources:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
or call Eric at 224-801-1700
 
 
Do you need accountability?
Text BETTERMASTERMIND to 33444
Daniel wants to work with you
and help you accelerate
your leadership development
and increase your impact.
 
Follow Me and Get Behind the Scenes Access on SNAPCHAT!!!
 
Text PHRASES to 33444 or click the link above.
 
Healthy and whole living with Dr. Phil Carson 0
Jun 8, 2016

Better Leaders Better Schools guest Dr. Phillip Carson, President of Carson Natural Health, LLC is a Pharmacist who thinks outside the box of  traditional medicine. He believes in helping people find natural alternatives and integrative nutritional solutions to their health problems. He is committed to leading people to finding the root cause of their health problems and not just treating the symptoms. Phillip is passionate about encouraging and teaching people how to live more balanced, healthier and vibrant lives. He believes in equipping people with the knowledge to make the right choices for optimal health.

 
In this episode you will learn:
  • NEWSSSS
  • How to avoid a $2000 clothes hanger
  • Quitting is the only true failure
  • Practical ways to deal with stress 
  • You’re not Superman - stop trying to be
  • The problem of thinking, “Nobody can do it better than me"
  • Interval training
  • How to get fit in 49 days
 
Resources
 
Phil’s website
 
Phil’s freebie: 7 essentials
 
Fully alive by Ken Davis
 
48 days to the work you love by Dan Miller
 
 
Do you need accountability?
Text BETTERMASTERMIND to 33444
Daniel wants to work with you
and help you accelerate
your leadership development
and increase your impact.
 
Follow Me and Get Behind the Scenes Access on SNAPCHAT!!!
 
Text PHRASES to 33444 or click the link above.
 
The power of permission with Paul Vandersteen 0
Jun 1, 2016
Better Leaders Better Schools guest Paul Vandersteen has been the science department chair at Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, Illinois for 18 years.  The science department has 29 members, in two different buildings.  Paul has hired them all, along with others that have left to pursue other interests or relocated.  Paul was one of the original staff members when Neuqua Valley opened its doors in 1997.  He was instrumental in developing the climate and culture of the building and is the longest standing member of their instructional leadership team.   He received his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from North Central College and his undergraduate degree in Exercise Science and Science Education at the University of Iowa.  Paul is also the head Men’s Cross Country coach.  His program started with 18 men in 1997 and has grown to as much as 168 members.  His teams have won two Illinois state titles and finished in the top 4 eight times in the last thirteen years.  He is happily married to his wife, Char, and has two children.  His daughter, Samantha, is a junior at the University of Nebraska and his son, Austin, is a junior at Neuqua Valley High School.  
 
 
In this episode you will learn:
  • Discipline + hardwork + mentorship = leadership
  • Staying calm and collected are the keys to relationship building
  • The power of hiring the right people and how he runs interviews
  • Person-first leadership
  • Why you need to follow through
  • The importance of advocating for your people
  • The power of permission
  • How Paul grew his cross country team from 9 athletes to 168!
  • Learning from the best
  • Why leaders need to make personal connections
  • How to capture and publicize “memorable moments"
  • Leaders absorb pain; they don’t inflict it
 
Resources
 
7 Habits of Highly Effective People
 
The Animal Keepers
 
Contact Paul
 

 

Do you need accountability?
Text BETTERMASTERMIND to 33444
Daniel wants to work with you
and help you accelerate
your leadership development
and increase your impact.
 
Follow Me and Get Behind the Scenes Access on SNAPCHAT!!!
 
Text PHRASES to 33444 or click the link above.
 
Why you should forget about balance with Amy Heavin 0
May 25, 2016
Better Leaders Better Schools guest Amy Heavin is the principal at Ryan Park Elementary School, MSD of Steuben County in Angola, IN. She has been a school administrator since 2010, and taught middle school English for 8 years prior to that in Pasadena, CA, and Kendallville, IN. Passionate about curriculum and instruction, she pursues learning opportunities to blend 21st century essential skills instruction with best practices, leading through collaboration and coaching efforts. As a moderator for the #INeLearn Twitter chat and monthly writer for Fractus Learning, she promotes integration of strong pedagogy with technology in the classroom. She is the mother of 3 growing boys and wife of Angola High School principal.
 
In this episode you will learn
  • Why you should forget about balance … instead practice being present and create quality time
  • Lean on your team and distribute leadership
  • How to build a maker space
  • It starts with a “Yes"
  • The problem with individual classes
  • Keep the focus on the kids
  • Ask questions to create meeting agendas
  • How she flips staff meetings
 
Resources
 
Amy’s blog
 
Contact Amy
 
Start with the why by Simon Sinek
 
Simon Sinek’s TED Talk
 
Screencastify
 
Google Keep
 
Post-it notes
 
 
 
Do you need accountability?
Text BETTERMASTERMIND to 33444
Daniel wants to work with you
and help you accelerate
your leadership development
and increase your impact.
 
 
 
Leaders are readers with Dan and Iby 0
May 18, 2016

In today's show Dan and Iby explore tips 19-21 from the #1 Google ranked post, 200 tips for effective school leaders.

 
In this episode you will learn:
  • is your time balanced?
  • why leaders are readers
  • how books, audio, and video are virtual mentors
  • why it’s important to learn from other industries
  • do you empower your people to make meaningful decisions?
  • how should leaders use technology
  • the power of slack-ing
 
Resources
 
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
 
Slack Communication App
 
Boomerang
 
Evernote - get one month of premium free by clicking this link and creating and account
 
Living Forward by Michael Hyatt
 
 
 
 
 
 
Do you need accountability?
Text BETTERMASTERMIND to 33444
Daniel wants to work with you
and help you accelerate
your leadership development
and increase your impact.
 
 
 
The secret of cooking for families with Mark French 0
May 11, 2016
Better Leaders Better Schools guest Mark French has been a principal for eighteen years, the last ten of which he has spent at Rice Lake Elementary School. Since he arrived there, he has served as a role model by exhibiting compassion, enthusiasm, and a strong affinity for technology. “Mark builds strong relationships with families, staff, and community members by showing respect, treating everyone fairly, and showing that he really cares,” says parent Tammie Epley. Nine years ago, French and Epley started a program called “Students Connecting through International Service” where fifth grade students gather school supplies for Mexican students. Every year, they are taken to Sonora, Mexico to meet with pen pals and deliver the supplies in person. French is known for cooking dinner for his staff and dressing up in various costumes to amuse his students. As a veteran principal, he is well-versed in technology and uses Twitter, blogs, and email to connect with the school community. With French's encouragement, the PTO has purchased a computer lab, Chromebooks, iPads, projectors, and other technology to enhance the student learning experience. French is the president of the Minnesota Elementary School Principal's Association and was the recipient of its Division Leadership Award in 2007 and 2010. He holds a B.S. from Northern Michigan University, an M.A. and an Ed.S. from the University of St. Thomas, and an Ed.D. from St. Mary's University.
 
In this episode you will learn:
  • how to be the #1 role model
  • how to show up with a good attitude
  • the importance of breaks
  • make people the priority
  • why you should start cooking for families
  • how to use your calendar
  • are you making videos for your staff … you should be!
 
Resources
 
Mark’s blog
 
Contact Mark
 
Miracle morning by Hal Elrod
 
Teach like a pirate by Dave Burgess
 
Touchcast
 
Screenflow
 
Smore
 
Do you need accountability?
Text BETTERMASTERMIND to 33444
Daniel wants to work with you
and help you accelerate
your leadership development
and increase your impact.
 
 
 
 
Why you should look for trouble with Mark Modesti 0
May 4, 2016

29 years ago, Mark Modesti was a driver at UPS. Today, he uses 29 years of expertise from working within UPS’s walls to improve supply chains within other companies. His professional responsibility to shake up organizational systems puts him in a constant collision course with the undeniably human resistance to change. Yet, through this, Mark Modesti has learned time and time again that the greatest value always comes after the greatest trials, tribulations – and trouble.

In this episode you will learn:

  • Think. Solve. Do.
  • The importance of tension
  • Do you own your vision?
  • Builder vs Fixer mindset
  • Why you should look for trouble
  • What are you really capable of?
  • Why fear is a sign you’re on the right path
  • Don’t underestimate what you can do
  • 70-20-10 learning
  • Importance of mentorship and community

Resources:

Intentional Living by John Maxwell
 
Crucial Conversations by Patterson, Granny, McMillan, & Swizzler
 
Influencers by Granny & Patterson
 
Mark’s LinkedIn
 
Mark’s TED Talk
Do you need accountability?
Text BETTERMASTERMIND to 33444
Daniel wants to work with you
and help you accelerate
your leadership development
and increase your impact.
 
 
 
Project Based Learning with John Mergendoller 0
Apr 27, 2016
Better Leaders Better Schools guest John Mergnedoller works on special projects for the Buck Institute for Education as the first recipient of the annual Mergendoller Fellowship. He was Executive Director of BIE from 2000 to 2015, guiding its growth and building its reputation for high-quality work. He joined BIE in 1989 as Research Director, and was responsible for conducting research on the impact of BIE’s Project Based Economics Units on student learning. 
 
Before joining BIE, he was a Senior Program Director at the Far West Laboratory (now WestEd), a federally-funded regional educational laboratory. At Far West, he also established and managed the At-Risk Student Program and the Secondary School Improvement Program.
 
His publications span educational technology, science education, middle grades reform, and Project Based Learning.
 
John holds an MA and a PhD in Psychology and Education from the University of Michigan, an EdM from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a BA in Letters from Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. He was awarded a Fullbright Fellowship to study cognitive development at the University of Geneva. 
 
In this episode you will learn:
  • How to establish priorities in your class / school
  • Critical question = What would embarrass me if students didn’t know it by the end of the year?
  • How to build a culture of Project Based Learning
  • Classroom management is key
  • What gets in the way of student success?
  • How is time used in school?
  • Does the system support your goals?
  • Start small
 
Resources
 
Setting the standard for project based learning by John Larmer, John Mergendoller, Suzie Boss.
 
“Why we changed our model of the ‘8 essential elements of PBL’” by John Mergondoller and John Larmer
 
An ethic of excellence by Ron Berger (mistakenly called A culture of critique - I apologize!)
 
Crucial conversations by Patterson, Granny, McMillan, & Switzler.
 
Buck Institute for Education
 
Contact John
 
Do you need accountability?
Text BETTERMASTERMIND to 33444
Daniel wants to work with you
and help you accelerate
your leadership development
and increase your impact.
 
 
 
 
 
Creating Caring Classrooms with Justin Birkbichler 0
Apr 20, 2016
Better Leaders Better Schools guest Justin Birkbichler is a fourth-grade teacher at Hilda J. Barbour Elementary School in Front Royal, VA. He has been 
teaching fourth grade since 2013, and recently earned a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University. In the technology world, Justin is both a Google Certified Educator: Level 1 and 2 and a Google for Education Certified 
Trainer. He has presented at numerous local, regional, and state events and at VSTE15. He is a very connected educator, blogging at blog.justinbirckbichler.com, tweeting at @Mr_B_Teacher, co-moderating the #FlyHighFri and #Teach20s Twitter chats, and co-hosting the Eduroadtrip podcast. He enjoys a student-led classroom with a high degree of purposeful technology integration, in addition to collaborating with parents to best meet all learning needs.
 
In this episode you will learn:
  • How to create a family environment in your class/school
  • How to get to know your staff
  • Improve connections to parents and parent involvement
  • Utilize Google Hangouts on Air for the classroom
  • Advantages to a flipped class
  • Fridays + positivity
  • Why every educator needs to be on Twitter
  • DC vs Marvel
 
Resources
 
Justin’s Blog
 
Justin’s Twitter & don’t forget to check out #FlyHighFri and #Teach20s
 
EduRoadTrip Twitter & Podcast
 
Move your bus: An extraordinary new approach to accelerating success in work and life by Ron Clark
 
Creating Classroom Magic by Shauna Pollock
 
Learn like a pirate by Paul Solarz
 
Flipped learning from participate
 
#FlyHighFri article
 
#Teach20s article
 
Do you need accountability?
Text BETTERMASTERMIND to 33444
Daniel wants to work with you
and help you accelerate
your leadership development
and increase your impact.
 
 
 
 
 
 
What Do You Really Want from People with Jennifer Abrams 0
Apr 13, 2016
Better Leaders Better Schools guest Jennifer Abrams is an international educational and communications consultant for public and independent schools, hospitals, universities and non-profits. Jennifer trains and coaches teachers, administrators, nurses, hospital personnel, and others on new employee support, supervision, being generationally savvy, having hard conversations and effective collaboration skills. 
 
Jennifer considers herself a “voice coach,” helping others learn how to best use their voices - be it collaborating on a team, presenting in front of an audience, coaching a colleague, supervising an employee. Jennifer holds a Master’s degree in Education from Stanford University and a Bachelor’s degree in English from Tufts University. 
 
In this episode you will learn:
  • to say YES a lot
  • steps to becoming authentic
  • the importance of meditation and quiet
  • how to become softer and gentler
  • why being too credible can be a problem
  • difference between clarification conversations and hard conversations
  • have you thought through what you really want from people?
  • how to give growth producing and humane connections
  • the real misunderstanding between a multi-generational workplace
 
Resources
 
Jennifer’s Website
 
Contact Jennifer
 
Follow Jennifer on Twitter
 
Hard Conversations Unpacked: The Who’s, the Whens, and the What-Ifs by Jennifer Abrams
 
Clarity First; Accountability Follows by Jennifer Abrams
 
Planning Productive Talk by Jennifer Abrams
 
Tell Me So I Can Hear You: A Developmental Approach to Feedback for Educators by Drago-Severson & Blum-DeStefano 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
Do you need accountability?
Text BETTERMASTERMIND to 33444
Daniel wants to work with you
and help you accelerate
your leadership development
and increase your impact.
 
 
 
 
The Journey of a First Year Principal 0
Apr 6, 2016
Better Leaders Better Schools guest Jason Bodnar is the new principal at Lincoln Middle / High School in Cambridge City, Indiana.  This is his 12th year in education.  He taught high school science for nine years and was a middle school assistant principal before accepting his new position.  Mr. Bodnar loves connecting with other educators, learning, and helping others learn through his podcast which can be found at principallyspeaking.com.  He can also be found on Twitter @PrincipalBodnar.  
 
In this episode you will learn:
  • What can make you look different
  • The power of putting yourself "out there"
  • The paper resume is dead and what to do about it
  • What it’s like to be a 1st year principal
  • His New Personalized Learning Academy
  • Why we should build classes with glass walls
  • How to ignite learning with disengaged schools
 
Resources
 
Jason’s website and podcast
 
Episode 46 w/ Ken Grover
 
Episode 47 w/ Joe Mazza
 
Episode 50 w/ Neil Gupta 
 
Jason’s Twitter
 
Utah school mentioned in the show
 
The Principal 50 by Baruti Kafele
 
 
Do you need accountability?
Text BETTERMASTERMIND to 33444
Daniel wants to work with you
and help you accelerate
your leadership development
and increase your impact.
 
 
 
 
The power of a PLN with Dr. Neil Gupta 0
Mar 30, 2016
Better Leaders Better Schools guest Neil Gupta  graduated from Miami University and began his teaching career at Ashland High School, Ohio.  While teaching math, he obtained a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Ashland University and then pursued a doctoral degree from Ashland University in Educational Leadership.  While conducting his doctoral work, he worked as an Assistant Principal at Ashland High School for one year.  Afterwards, he served as the Director of Secondary Curriculum for Ashland City Schools while completing his doctoral work.
 
After six years, Dr. Gupta moved to New Albany, Ohio and served as Director of Curriculum of Teaching and Learning for two years at New Albany School District.  With his deep level of understanding on how assessments drive instruction, he then became the Director of Assessment and Programming for New Albany Plain Local School District for one year.
 
Beginning, July 1, 2015, Dr. Gupta became the Director of Secondary Education for Worthington City Schools.  He is fortunate to serve in a district with a vision and focus to provide opportunities for students in the areas of the arts, STEM, and international perspectives.
 
Dr. Gupta has served on a number of local and state committees, including the Ohio Improvement Process State Committee and Ohio Board of Regents STEM Committee.  He currently serve as the President of the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators Association and is a member of the Ohio Educator Leader Cadre.  Dr. Gupta is a member of the National Association of Secondary School Principals and works with Student Achievement Partners.  He has presented at many state and national conferences, such as the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators Association, Ohio Leadership Cadre specializing in state assessments, the national PARCC Education Leader Cadre.
 
Dr. Gupta has a passion for Principal leadership and coaching leaders using effective strategies and tools, such as design thinking and organizational management.
 
In this episode you will learn:
  • The power of connecting via social media to grow your PLN
  • Why waiting is sometimes the best choice
  • The importance of adding white space to your calendar
  • Why you need accountability
  • How to get clear on goals
  • The mistake of working outside the community 
  • Improve parent engagement by going where they are
  • The value in honoring everyone in the district
 
Resources
 
Neil's blog
 
Contact Neil.
 
Twitter chats:
 
#leadupchat Saturdays from 8:30-9:30am CST
#OHEDchat 8:00 pm CST
 
Good to great by Jim Collins
 
Do you need accountability?
Text BETTERMASTERMIND to 33444
Daniel wants to work with you
and help you accelerate
your leadership development
and increase your impact.
 
 
Crush the first 90 days of the principalship with Chad Weiden 0
Mar 23, 2016
Better Leaders Better Schools guest ChadWeiden is a proud graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign with a BA in History and Teaching of Social Studies. He received his Masters in Educational Leadership from National Louis University. Before working with the incredible faculty and students at Edgebrook Elementary, Chad began his career teaching middle school in Georgia at Sweetwater Middle School in Gwinnett County and at Drew Charter School in the East Lake Community outside Atlanta. He moved back to Chicago to become the founding social studies teacher at KIPP Ascend Charter School on Chicago's West Side. And while teaching, Chad served as managing director and co-founder of White Horse Theater Company in Chicago from 2001-2006. 
 
In 2004, he was asked to join the staff of Social Justice High School in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, which was born out of a community-based hunger strike in 2001. During his 7 years at Social Justice, Chad served as social studies teacher, assistant principal, and principal and was proud to see 95% of all graduates accepted to college. 
 
Missing his elementary school roots, Chad accepted the position of Assistant Principal at Blaine Elementary School in the Lakeview Neighborhood in Chicago. While at Blaine, he worked with an outstanding group of students, parents and teachers to ensure Blaine remained one of the top performing neighborhood school in the city of Chicago. 
 
In his free time, Chad is an adjunct faculty member at National Louis University in the Educational Leadership Department. He is an avid runner, triathlete, epic reader and dog lover. But the center of his life is his family and his beautiful son Uriah.  
 
He is thrilled to be the principal at Edgebrook Elementary School and serve the extended Edgebrook community.
 
In this episode you will learn:
  • The playground environment
  • 360 degree process
  • Align everything to values
  • Consistency is more important than words
  • The question to ask, "How are you ... What's going on?" ... And just listen!
  • How to enter the building
  • Your 1st 90 days
  • Your leadership story ... Why teach? ... Why lead?
  • You need the school as much as the school needs you
  • The leader is a coach
 
Resources:
 
First 90 Days
 
Courage to Teach
 
The Breakthrough Coach
 
The Skillful Teacher
 
Leadership on the Line
 
Teach Boost
 
Contact Chad 
 
Do you need accountability?
Text BETTERMASTERMIND to 33444
Daniel wants to work with you
and help you accelerate
your leadership development
and increase your impact.
 
 
Masterminds with Jethro Jones and Daniel Bauer Better Leaders Bonus Episode 0
Mar 17, 2016

Today I get the mic turned on me!

My buddy Jethro Jones of the Transformative Principal interviews me about why masterminds are a key advantage for school leaders interested in the personal development.

In this episode you will learn exactly what masterminds are, how they work, and why you need to join one today!

Resources:

Mastermind blog post

Blindspot blog post

Schedule a complimentary 30 minute call

I'M ALL IN ... RESERVE MY SPOT TODAY IN A BETTER MASTERMIND!

Fostering Resilient Learners

Living Forward

Daniel's Ideal Week

Reclaiming the Classroom

The Transformative Principal

Jethro on Twitter

Do you need accountability?
Text BETTERMASTERMIND to 33444
Daniel wants to work with you
and help you accelerate
your leadership development
and increase your impact.
 
Follow Me and Get Behind the Scenes Access on SNAPCHAT!!!
 
Text PHRASES to 33444 or click the link above.
 
Get rid of buy-in & replace it with ____ with Ken Williams 0
Mar 16, 2016
Better Leaders Better Schools guest Ken Williams has a message of motivation and success for your audience! His inspiring and engaging style will make your entire organization shift into high-gear. Collaboratively, professionally and personally!
 
For nearly two decades, Ken Williams has studied what makes achievers different. He knows what motivates them, what drives them, and what inspires them. Ken brings this critical and practical insight to your organization in a way that is timely, engaging and relevant.
 
As an nationally recognized speaker and trainer in team and individual peak performance strategies, Ken delivers his innovative, engaging and powerful  universal breakthrough principles to enthusiastic audiences around throughout the  US and Canada.
 
In this episode you will learn:
  • What kind of coach are you?
  • Importance of core purpose and shared mission
  • High ceilings / soft floors philosophy
  • The VELVET HAMMER!!!
  • Are you clear on why your school exists?
  • What do you seek to become as a school?
  • Get rid of buy-in and replace it with ____________.
  • Why planning time is sacred
  • Where to get PLC velcro (hint: it's not at Target!)
 
Resources
 
Ken's website.
 
Contact Ken.
 
Ken's Twitter.
 
Starting a movement by Ken Williams & Tom Hierck
 
Crucial conversations by Patterson et. al
 
It's about time by Buffum and Mattos
 
Overcoming the achievement trap by Anthony Muhammad
 
In praise of American educators by Rick DuFour
 
Do you need accountability?
Text BETTERMASTERMIND to 33444
Daniel wants to work with you
and help you accelerate
your leadership development
and increase your impact.
 
 
Standards Based Grading with Ryan Bruick 0
Mar 9, 2016
Better Leaders Better Schools guest Ryan Bruick has been teaching for 12 years and instructional coaching for 4.  He taught 3 years at Wheaton Warrenville South High School in Chicago's west suburbs where he learned to teach physics using Modeling methods.  For the past nine years Ryan has taught at Noblesville High School in a northern suburb of Indianapolis.  He currently use Modeling methods to teach three sections of Chemistry I Honors and am an instructional coach when he does not teach.  This is his second year practicing standards-based grading with his students, and his first year coaching other teachers in SBG.  Ryan coaches distance runners and learners, and for two years each, long/triple jumpers and pole vaulters.

Ryan’s experiences in chemical research and development influence the way he approaches teaching and coaching.  His first job out of college was serving at an Outback Steakhouse.  His second was a "Flavor Technician" in the Sweets division for an international flavor-engineering company where he worked with Flavorists to develop artificial flavors for companies like Yoplait, Coca-Cola, and Diageo.  He left that job for his first teaching job.

Later in his career, he worked as a research assistant to brother in Golden, CO.  There he worked largely on developing solutions for companies to turn waste into profit while reducing environmental impact.  He got to see and do so much cool stuff in that job, but most importantly his immersion in the industry gave him a better perspective as to what skills his students really need to compete. 

Ryan loves teaching, loves coaching, and loves science.
 
In this episode you will learn:
  • Quit or get better
  • How to lead by example
  • Humility is key
  • It's okay to admit you're not an expert
  • The problem of saying yes to everyone
  • Over-promise and Under-deliver vs Under-promise and Over-deliver
  • The importance of piloting before school wide implementation
  • Are you assigning meaningful work?
  • The power of getting ready
 
Resources
 
Ryan's Blog
 
Ryan's Progress Report 
 
Rethinking Grading
 
Canvas - Learning Management Website
 
Notability - app
 
Contact Ryan
 
Do you need accountability?
Text BETTERMASTERMIND to 33444
Daniel wants to work with you
and help you accelerate
your leadership development
and increase your impact.
 
 
I.G.N.I.T.E. your Shine with LaVonna Roth 0
Mar 2, 2016

Better Leaders Better Schools Guest LaVonna Roth is the founder of Ignite Your S.H.I.N.E.™ a movement to fire up those in your organization, school or district to create a place where we cherish and value… everyone! LaVonna is so pumped (and want you to be, too) about creating environments where every person wants to be actively present, know they are valued, are bursting with confidence (not ego) and ready to illuminate the world with their gifts!  This is your time to be a part of something bigger than you. It’s a time where we brighten the world by focusing on the positive attributes, strengths and qualities rather than focusing on the negatives. Let’s find where people’s strengths are, then foster and flourish them in a way that compares to nothing  else.

 
It’s more than just a movement though… it’s about creating a place around you where productivity, engagement and FUN is at its peak.  Everyone involved wants to be there and believes in this dynamic model that organizations can embed in their everyday practices and culture.  Are you ready for this mind-blowing shift? 
 
In this episode you will learn:
  • how to build confidence in kids and staff
  • why it’s important to focus on strengths
  • how to ignite your S.H.I.N.E.
  • how to create cultures where people feel cherished and valued
  • why it’s necessary to learn how to let go ...
  • why leadership isn’t about power
  • people want to support you and how to capitalize on that
  • how to own who you are
 
Books / Links / Resources:
 
What great educators do differently conference
 
Get your custom made S.H.I.N.E. bracelets
 
 The shawshank redemption (movie)
 
Start with why - Simon Sinek
 
Evernote
 
Contact LaVonna … Twitter / LinkedIn / igniteyourshine.com / LaVonnainc.com
 
 
 
Do you need accountability?
Text BETTERMASTERMIND to 33444
Daniel wants to work with you
and help you accelerate
your leadership development
and increase your impact.
 
Follow Me and Get Behind the Scenes Access on SNAPCHAT!!!
 
Text PHRASES to 33444 or click the link above.
 
Reclaiming the classroom with Trenton Goble 0
Feb 24, 2016
Better Leaders Better Schools guest Trenton Goble spent a twenty-years career in public schools. He taught several grade levels, served as an assistant principal, and was an elementary school principal for eleven years. As an administrator, he won numerous awards for innovation and educational excellence, including Rookie Principal of the Year and Principal Innovator of the Year.

In 2009 Trenton co-founded MasteryConnect, a mastery learning platform designed to help K-12 educators measure student growth against any set of standards. In 2012 he left his position as a principal to become the MasteryConnect Chief Learning Officer. In this role, he remains a passionate advocate for American educators, traveling the country helping schools and districts implement mastery learning.

 
Trenton married his high school sweetheart, Amy, who is now a history teacher. They live in Salt Lake City with their two children, Elliott and Maggie. He holds an M.Ed in Instructional Technology from Utah State University.
 
In this episode you will learn:
  • the evolution of education … maybe for the worse
  • why autonomy is so important to success
  • the difference between high stakes testing vs common formative assessments
  • the BIG 3
  • why assessments should be in the hands of teachers
  • where do you place your emphasis?
  • are you communicating what grades mean to your community?
  • be engaged in the school
  • go to where the problems are and solve them
  • be patient
  • why you should replace your staff meeting with 5 minute standing meetings
  • want to be a hero at your school? stop wasting teachers’ time!
 
Resources:
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Essential 55 by Ron Clark
 
 
Do you need accountability?
Text BETTERMASTERMIND to 33444
Daniel wants to work with you
and help you accelerate
your leadership development
and increase your impact.
 
 
 
 
 
Work hard, have fun, be nice with Jeff Zoul 0
Feb 17, 2016
Better Leaders Better Schools guest Dr. Jeffrey Zoul is a lifelong teacher, learner, and leader, currently serving as Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning with Deerfield Public Schools District 109 in Deerfield, Illinois. Prior to working in this capacity, Jeff served as a district administrator in Rock Island, Illinois, and a school improvement specialist with Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), the nation’s largest and oldest non-profit school improvement network. Jeff also served as a principal with Forsyth County Schools in Cumming, Georgia, and with North Shore School District 112 in Highland Park, Illinois. Zoul has also taught graduate courses at the university level. Before working as an administrator, Jeff taught for 18 years at the elementary, middle, and high school levels and enjoyed coaching a variety of sports. Jeff is the author of several books, including Improving Your School One Week at a Time and co-author of What Connected Educators Do Differently. In addition, Zoul enjoys sharing his thoughts about a wide range of educational topics through his blog, Teach. Learn. Lead. Repeat.
 
In this episode you will learn:
  • How disconnection and lack of inspiration motivated Jeff to make an impact
  • Why he uses the phrase "Work hard, have fun, be nice"
  • What MICE+E stands for
  • The power of old fashioned thank you cards
  • The problem wiht jumping to conclusions
  • The power and pitfalls of listening
  • You can't make everyone happy
  • The real importance of mission, vision, and values
  • The power of hard work
  • The one thing he would do if he was a principal now
  • Innovation vs Transformation
 
Contact Jeff
 
Jeff's blog
 
What great educators do differently conference
 
Books:
 
The Advantage by Pat Lencioni
 
Stop Stealing Dreams by Seth Godin (free)
 
The Innovator's Mindset by George Cauros
 
Improving Your School One Week at a Time by Jeff Zoul
 
What Connected Educators Do Differently by Jeff Zoul
 
Leading Professional Learning by Jeff Zoul
 
The One World School House by Salman Khan
 
Do you need accountability?
Text BETTERMASTERMIND to 33444
Daniel wants to work with you
and help you accelerate
your leadership development
and increase your impact.
 
 
 
 
Dig deeper to find the why with Sean Thom 0
Feb 10, 2016
Better Leaders Better Schools guest  Sean Thom is currently in his 2ndyear serving as the principal of Brookfield Elementary School In Haddon Heights, NJ.  His school is a private, out-of-district placement for students with behavioral and emotional issues. The aim of the school is to provide a rigorous academic and therapeutic education for their students to ensure that they will be equipped with tools to be successful in life. Prior to this, Sean taught middle school science for 6 years throughout New Jersey (in Hoboken, Camden, and Millville).

In addition to being an educator, Sean has also had a patent approved for a student-centered teacher feedback system. This approach takes the focus solely off of student output and examines student input. The process allows students to provide instant feedback on any one of several key aspects of a lesson. He is currently speaking with several companies about partnerships to get this system in the hands of students and educators as soon as possible.

When he is not working on school or business-related tasks, Sean loves to spend time with his wife, their two-year old son, and their two dogs. He enjoys running, mountain biking, training for and running Spartan races, and doing whatever he can to stay active and involved. 
 
In this episode you will learn:
  • How challenges in school helped become a better leader
  • How to keep fragile students on track for greatness
  • The power of a second chance
  • There is a reason story behind every struggle and how to find that story
  • How to dig deeper and find the "Why?"
  • Stop talking & start listening
  • Connecting online to grow leadership development
  • Tom's word for 2016: Breathe ... And how he finds space in his day to recalibrate
  • Why school leader and students should start meditating 
  • Sean's patent approved system for soliciting student feedback
 
Resources
 
Smart but stuck: Emotions in teens and adults with ADHD by Thomas Brown
 
Tara Brach on Tim Ferriss show.
 
Contact Sean
 
Sean’s Blog
 
Do you need accountability?
Text BETTERMASTERMIND to 33444
Daniel wants to work with you
and help you accelerate
your leadership development
and increase your impact.
 
 
 
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