S2:E2 - The Big Picture: A Conversation with Gerry Brooks
S2 #2

S2:E2 - The Big Picture: A Conversation with Gerry Brooks

In this powerful and candid conversation recorded live at the Innovative Schools Summit in Nashville, Kevin sits down with principal-turned-speaker Gerry Brooks. Known for his viral humor and heartfelt wisdom, Gerry shares the turning points that shaped his 27-year journey from classroom teacher to national education influencer. He unpacks the core principles that drive great leadership, school culture, and staff retention—while offering practical advice for both teachers and administrators. Whether you’re leading a district or navigating the classroom, this episode will both challenge and inspire.


🔑 Key Takeaways

✔️ Leadership Begins with Influence: Gerry’s journey shows how one voice—starting with a class of 25—can scale to impact thousands.
✔️ Positive Culture is Intentional: Low staff turnover stems from a supportive, respectful environment—built with purpose.
✔️ Say “Yes” When You Can: A culture of support starts with a willingness to say yes when it matters most.
✔️ You’re Not the Expert at Everything: Great leaders hire to their weaknesses and embrace learning.
✔️ Teachers & Leaders Must Step Outside the Bubble: School-wide decisions can’t just serve one classroom—they must serve the big picture.


💬 Memorable Quotes

🗣️ “We don’t live in a box or a bubble—we live in a big picture.”
🗣️ “You hire to your weaknesses. That’s how great leadership works.”
🗣️ “When the day is done, turn the light switch off and go home.”
🗣️ “What’s best for students is always what’s best for teachers.”
🗣️ “Change your school, your grade level, or your mindset—just don’t stay stuck.”


🧠 Strategies You’ll Learn
  • How to scale your leadership without losing your core values
  • Simple ways to retain staff through positive climate and culture
  • Leading without ego: leveraging others’ strengths and owning your weaknesses
  • How to communicate with your team—even when you disagree
  • Creating school-wide policies that actually work for teachers

👁️‍🗨️ Additional Practices
  • Mentorship Matching: Pair staff based on complementary strengths and weaknesses.
  • 5–7 Year Refresh Rule: Encourage educators to switch grade levels or schools periodically to avoid burnout.
  • Build “Yes” Culture: Empower school leaders to say yes when possible—especially when supporting staff wellness.
  • Principal Visibility: Understand and support every department—reading, SPED, science—through active listening and training.
  • Big Picture Decision-Making: Train staff to think beyond their classroom or department and see the school as a whole system.

🎟️ Want More Gerry?
Catch him live at the Innovative Schools Summit – San Antonio (December 3–6, 2025), alongside other powerhouse educators like Ron Clark, Michael Bonner, and John Almarode.


📚 Resources and Links


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💬 Join the Conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting!
💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/