Jordan and Will sit down with Robert Jackson to explore what cultural awareness really means in schools—and why it starts with respect, acceptance, and genuine curiosity. Robert shares stories that highlight how easy it is for adults (and students) to make assumptions, and why asking better questions is one of the most powerful ways to build connection. The conversation also introduces a simple values-based lens educators can use to reflect on their own approach to relationships, trust, and classroom culture.🔑 Key Takeaways✔️Cultural awareness is bigger than identity labels—it’s about honoring individual experience.✔️Assumptions create distance; curiosity builds connection.✔️Trust is essential for learning—and it takes consistency over time.✔️Students take cues from adults on what respect looks like in real life.✔️Growth happens when educators stay teachable, own mistakes, and keep learning.💬 Memorable Quotes🗣️“Culture is not color.”🗣️“Be curious, not judgmental.”🗣️“Kids remember how you made them feel.”🗣️“You can’t withdraw from a relationship you haven’t invested in.”🧠 Strategies You’ll LearnWays to use questions to understand students beyond stereotypesStrategies to strengthen trust through everyday consistencyApproaches to recover when you “fumble” a cultural moment with studentsHow to create a classroom culture where students feel safe being themselvesPractices to keep learning about students without losing your own authenticity➕ Additional PracticesUse reflection prompts to check for assumptions before reactingPractice “teach-first” responses when misunderstandings happenBuild a habit of learning something new about students each weekReinforce respect through the way adults model language and behaviorTreat culture-building as ongoing—not a one-time activity📚 Resources and Links🔗 Robert Jackson’s website: https://www.robertjacksonmotivates.com/🔗 Robert Jackson’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robjmotivates/?hl=en🔗 Robert Jackson on X: https://x.com/RJMotivates🔗 See Robert Jackson at the Innovative Schools Summit: https://innovativeschoolssummit.com/orlando/❤️ Love This Episode?✅ Share it with a fellow educator!⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show💬 Join the Conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting!💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/💡Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943💡Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lbw553jnDXuG08IZ43Kb5💡Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@innovativeschoolspodcast

Recorded at the Innovative Schools Summit (San Antonio, Dec 2025), Kevin facilitates a rapid 50 in 50 panel where five experts share 50 practical ideas to boost attendance. The big message: Attendance is a culture signal—improve belonging, remove barriers, and make school worth showing up for.👥 Featured SpeakersCharles Williams - Previously a CPS administrator & founder of C.W. Consulting, with 20 years of Classroom ExperienceDr. Darren Pepperd - 26 years in education, Lead Innovator for Road to AwesomeSharon Bradley - 25 years in education, Principal and educator consultant, founder of Restorative Flow Educational SolutionsMoses Oheda - 32 years in education, leads a 13 CT program schoolDr. Tracey Severns - Nationally Recognized Education Strategist & Founder of Teach4Results, with over 36 years in education🧠 Key Takeaways✔️ Reframe the language: move from “truant/chronically absent” to “students who need belonging and support.”✔️ Relationships drive attendance: connect every student to trusted adults, peers, and activities.✔️ Remove obstacles that make attendance difficult—by addressing basic needs and eliminating school practices that unintentionally discourage students from returning.✔️ Make it visible + motivating: set realistic goals (not “perfect”), track progress, celebrate consistently.✔️ Reduce reentry shame: welcome-back routines and catch-up systems help students return without feeling overwhelmed.💬 Memorable Quotes🗣️“Perfect is demoralizing.”🗣️“Do not be the reason why a child chooses not to come to school.”🗣️“Attendance is a symptom of your culture.”🗣️“The goal is not to get kids to court. The goal is to get kids to class.”🗣️“If our instruction is not relevant… why do they need to be there?”🎯 51 Strategies for School Leaders and Staff to Address Absenteeism Reframe labels around absenteeism (belonging vs. truancy)Second-mile service welcome language Build intentional school connectedness Family–student attendance conferences Shadow a student for a full day Walking school bus programs Set realistic attendance goals (not perfect attendance) Eliminate exclusionary practices as attendance barriers Industry partners reinforcing attendance expectations Question-storming instead of brainstorming Family breakfast club Front-of-the-line lunch incentivesPositive phone calls before attendance concerns Attendance-based trip cost incentives Re-entry bridge supports Peer “we missed you” messages Make instruction require physical presence Teach life routines that support attendance Student input committees on attendanceBarrier-buster rapid response teamsCommunity school supports (laundry, food, haircuts)Academic and attendance pep rallies Teach test-day coping skillsFlexible scheduling Attendance ambassadors (older students) Welcome-back stationsMonthly recognition eventsAttendance messaging at school eventsSurprise recognition for consistent attendanceMultiple adult mentors for high-risk studentsOn-site health clinics Visible attendance scoreboardsGrade-level attendance competitionsIncentives tied to classroom attendanceIncentivize ParentsPartner with Your Community Pop-up PrivilegesRandom Surprises Daily adult check-insMorning movie clubLeadership ProgramJazz-up Morning Announcements Level-upAsk the students Reimagine parent attendance forums Allow parents to share strategies with each otherDo a MOLOSA5 Essentials Attendance Culture Attendance collaborative teamsPredictive attendance pattern analysis📚 Resources and Links🔗 Join us at the next Innovative Schools Summit at www.innovativeschoolssummit.com❤️ Love This Episode?✅ Share it with a fellow educator!⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show💬 Join the Conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting!💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/💡Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943💡Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lbw553jnDXuG08IZ43Kb5💡Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@innovativeschoolspodcast

Will and Jordan sit down with therapist and former school-based counselor Kim Johancen to define teacher burnout and explain why it isn’t a personal flaw—it’s a human nervous-system response to chronic stress. Kim walks through the early warning signs educators often miss, then shifts into realistic ways to respond, recover, and prevent burnout by building small, sustainable regulation habits and stronger boundaries, along with encouragement and clear signs that healing is happening.🔑 Key Takeaways✔️ Burnout is a signal, not a failure—your body is telling you things are out of balance.✔️ Chronic stress can push the brain into survival mode, which changes how we think and feel.✔️ Everyone’s burnout looks different, but early awareness makes recovery easier.✔️ Small, consistent practices can be more effective than waiting for one big “fix.”✔️ Boundaries and support systems are essential for long-term sustainability in education.💬 Memorable Quotes🗣️ “Burnout is a nudge to get back into balance.”🗣️ “It’s a stress response, not a personal flaw.”🗣️ “Your experience is valid—and there’s nothing wrong with you.”🗣️ “Burnout is about disconnection.”🗣️ “Stress is a normal human response… and you’re not alone.”🧠 Strategies You’ll LearnHow to recognize early burnout signs (physical, emotional, and behavioral)Why micro-moments of regulation throughout the day matterHow mindfulness and “orienting” can help your brain return to safetyWays to build resilience without pretending stress doesn’t existHow to set healthier boundaries—personally and system-wide➕ Additional PracticesCreate a small “reset routine” you can repeat during the dayPay attention to what improves your mood and energy—and do more of itTalk with colleagues about burnout openly to share tools and reduce isolationAdvocate for simple boundary norms that protect staff timeTrack progress by watching for increased gratitude, clearer limits, and a return of joy📚 Resources and Links🔗 Kim Johancen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-johancen-03413842?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name🔗 Kim Johancen Website: https://www.clearviewcounselingdenver.com/contact❤️ Love This Episode?✅ Share it with a fellow educator!⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show💬 Join the Conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting!💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/💡Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943💡Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lbw553jnDXuG08IZ43Kb5💡Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@innovativeschoolspodcast

In this season three premiere episode, Will and Jordan sit down with Dr. Brian Dinkins to explore why emotional intelligence is foundational to learning, leadership, and school culture. Drawing from his experience as an educator, principal, and leadership coach, Brian explains how emotions shape behavior, relationships, and academic success—and why regulation must start with adults before it can reach students. This conversation blends research, real stories, and practical strategies educators can use immediately.🔑 Key Takeaways✔️ Emotional intelligence is a skill set, not a personality trait.✔️ Dysregulated adults cannot regulate dysregulated students.✔️ Learning cannot happen without emotional safety.✔️ Self-awareness is the starting point for all effective instruction.✔️ School culture improves when emotional regulation becomes a shared commitment.💬 Memorable Quotes🗣️ “You can’t teach a dysregulated brain.”🗣️ “Emotions aren’t good or bad—they’re information.”🗣️ “I’ve never seen a dysregulated adult regulate a dysregulated child.”🗣️ “Kids remember how you made them feel long after the lesson is gone.”🧠 Strategies You’ll LearnDaily emotional self-checks for educatorsBuilding emotional vocabulary beyond “fine” or “good.”Helping students identify and regulate emotionsUsing body language and cues to read student readinessCreating emotional deposits before making behavioral withdrawals👁️‍🗨️ Additional PracticesGreet students with nonverbal emotional check-insUse color or visuals to help students name emotionsPrioritize sleep, nutrition, and self-care for staffEstablish shared emotional commitments schoolwideCoach adults in real time—not after breakdowns📚 Resources and Links🔗 Dr. Brian Dinkins Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbdinkins/?hl=en🔗 Want Dr. Brian Dinkins to come to your school?Visit: https://accutrain.com/emotional-intelligent-practices/❤️ Love This Episode?✅ Share it with a fellow educator!⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show💬 Join the Conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting!💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/💡 Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943💡 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lbw553jnDXuG08IZ43Kb5💡 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@innovativeschoolspodcast

In this episode, Jordan sits down with school culture expert Steve Bollar (“Stand Tall Steve”) to share simple, but powerful strategies that help every student, staff member, and family feel seen, valued, and connected. These ideas require minimal effort but generate major impact—especially when repeated intentionally throughout the year.Whether you're a principal, teacher, or district leader, this conversation delivers actionable tools you can use tomorrow to build the positive climate and culture your school deserves.🔑 Key Takeaways✔️ Culture is built through repetition—not slogans.Climate is what people feel the moment they enter a school. Culture is what people repeat until it becomes tradition.✔️ Being seen is the root of all positive culture.Every idea Steve shares ultimately comes down to visibility—students, staff, families, and community members feeling acknowledged and valued.✔️ Growth must be recognized—not just high achievement.Recognition tied to improvement (not perfection) increases motivation for students who are often overlooked.✔️ Strong schools intentionally engage their community.Local businesses, younger grades, older grades, and families can all become partners in celebration and connection.✔️ Support staff are culture drivers—and must be honored.Paraprofessionals and custodians play major roles in how a school feels. When they are recognized, morale improves across the building.💬 Memorable Quotes🗣️ “Repetition creates tradition. Tradition is culture.” —Steve Bollar🗣️ “Find a way to let people be seen—from students, to staff, to families.”🗣️ “Some kids work incredibly hard even if they never get straight A’s—recognize their growth.”🗣️ “Take the time to build community connections. Students and families should feel supported inside and outside of school.”🗣️ “It doesn’t take a lot of effort—just a little bit done consistently.” —Steve Bollar🧠 Strategies You’ll LearnChange Your Name / Show Up With Your NameA simple visibility strategy: allow students or staff to rename how they want to be known—encouraging identity, confidence, and belonging.“Be Seen” MomentsEverything from recognition to support to one-on-one check-ins—Steve emphasizes the importance of intentionally affirming people at every level.Comeback Kid Recognition SystemCelebrate any student who improves a grade letter or grows academically in any measurable way. Examples include: F → D, D → C, C → B, B → A. This system reinforces progress, effort, and resilience—not just perfection.Community Connection CertificatesPartner with local businesses (Steve used pizza shops) to reward student growth and achievement, like Honor Roll, Comeback Kid, GPA improvement, or even Behavior improvementsBusinesses display a certificate saying they support your students, while students/families receive coupons or rewards. It can boost motivation, community pride, and even family engagement. Steve also recommends building traditions like Trunk-or-Treat, high schoolers mentoring younger grades, and student service activities.Support Staff SpotlightsCustodian Recognition Frames: Place framed hallway plaques reading: “This hallway professionally maintained by…”This brings dignity, visibility, and appreciation to custodial staff.Paraprofessional Supply Locker: Fill a private supply locker with pencils, post-its, pens, rulers, erasers, etc.👁️‍🗨️Additional PracticesFirst Five, Last Five – Focus on the first and last moments of class/day to shape emotional climate and connection.Staff Visibility Plan – Increase adult presence in key areas to boost safety, relationships, and positive tone.Student Spotlight Board – Highlight students weekly for kindness, growth, leadership, or effort—not just academics.No-Homework / Family Connection Night – Replace homework with meaningful family activities once a month.Staff Shoutout System – Create a simple way for staff to leave anonymous praise for one another.30-Second Celebrations – Quickly acknowledge student wins with short, sincere moments of recognition.📚 Resources and Links🔗 Steve Bollar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/standtallsteve/🔗 Steve Bollar book: “Ideas Ideas Ideas”: https://youthlight.com/product.php?id=3521🔗 Steve Bollar Website: https://www.standtallsteve.com/❤️ Love This Episode?✅ Share it with a fellow educator!⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show💬 Join the Conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting!💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/💡Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943💡Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lbw553jnDXuG08IZ43Kb5💡Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@innovativeschoolspodcast