Transformative Principal

In this special handoff episode of Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones announces he's passing the podcast to Mike Caldwell, founder of LinkedLeaders, as Jethro transitions to his new role as Director of Operations at Life Lab, a character education company creating video curriculum for middle and high schools—a move that aligns perfectly with his doctorate in character education, which he's defending the day after this episode airs. The episode explores why this partnership makes sense, as both Transformative Principal and LinkedLeaders focus on supporting school leaders through connection, mentorship, and learning from others' experiences, with Mike's platform connecting principals with mentors who have actually done the work they're struggling with through features like "Leadership Suites" that give districts their own dedicated spaces while accessing a broader community. Jethro shares insights about using AI tools like Open Claw to streamline operations and eliminate repetitive tasks in his new rol

In this vault episode from the Transformative Leadership Summit, host Jethro Jones interviews Will Parker, a high school principal from northeastern Oklahoma, about implementing KRAs (Key Responsibility Areas) in schools. Will shares how he adapted Dave Ramsey's organizational management concept to create clarity and accountability for all staff members—from secretaries and counselors to administrators. The conversation explores how defining specific responsibility areas upfront prevents confusion, enables cross-training, improves hiring processes, and creates a supportive environment where everyone understands their role. Will emphasizes that KRAs are living documents revisited annually, helping schools manage organizational structure effectively, especially during transitions like budget cuts or staff changes. LinkedLeaders: You need support. Get just-in-time mentoring at LinkedLeaders.comWe’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, scien

15:19.5In this episode of Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones interviews Benny, a 16-year-old sophomore at Alpha School in Austin. Benny discusses his Alpha X project—a YouTube channel explaining how video games are educational.The conversation explores Alpha School's innovative model, which combines AI-based academics in the morning with passion-driven project work in the afternoon. Benny shares insights on how video games teach critical life skills like problem-solving, resilience, teamwork, and communication through active learning environments.Jethro challenges Benny to stop perfecting his first video and start publishing immediately, emphasizing that consistent practice beats endless research. They discuss the importance of learning through doing, the value of failure in video games versus traditional education, and how Alpha School's approach helps students develop real-world skills.Alpha School academics and workshops. Benny’s youtube channelUploading many videos as opposed to researching to ma

In this episode of Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones speaks with Stan Koterba, an Ohio principal working on his doctorate in educational leadership. Stan shares his powerful personal journey of battling leukemia during his doctoral program and how that experience shaped his dissertation focus on principal self-efficacy—the belief that positive thinking and visualization directly impact leadership effectiveness.Dissertation Accountability groupStarted his dissertation in 2014, Leukemia slowed him down, but he persevered and is back on track!What self-efficacy means: Visualizing success and optimism that it’s going to work out.Personal experience first, and thinking about it. Tackle the toughest thing first. Start with the smallest win, and then keep going. Email is a procrastination tool. Schedule send is your friend!School email off my cell phone. Schedule times on your calendar. You are worthy of that yourselfDon’t get too busy with the busywork to do the real work!Text blast for phones to communic

In this episode of Reject the Premise, Jethro and Danny challenge three common misconceptions in educational leadership. They argue that leadership development isn't a luxury but a necessity, emphasizing that top performers in every field invest in coaching and that having a coach demonstrates maturity rather than inadequacy. They reject the notion that leadership must be lonely, encouraging leaders to build supportive communities and connections rather than remaining isolated. Finally, they reframe innovation as a mindset focused on problem definition rather than an expensive, technology-dependent endeavor. Throughout the conversation, they stress that leaders must take ownership of their own development rather than waiting for districts to provide it, and they share practical examples of how constraints can actually fuel creativity and meaningful change in schools.Key Takeaways:Leadership development is not a luxury - it's essential. When you get better as a leader, everybody wins. Top performers across all

In this episode, Jethro Jones interviews Mike Goldstein, co-founder of Reset Teen Coaching and author of "I'll Do It Later." They discuss the challenges teens face with executive function, especially those with ADHD, and the trial-and-error nature of finding strategies that work. The conversation covers the limitations of one-size-fits-all approaches in education, the importance of supporting students and families, and the need for school leaders to rethink homework and support systems. Mike shares practical advice for principals, emphasizing the value of providing help during the times students struggle most, such as evenings, and encourages educators to partner with families and adapt to each student’s unique journey.Jethro’s current struggles with exerciseCase studies focused on the teens who are struggling with ADHDStrategies that could work with a certain situationHumility that you’re going to try different things for different kids. Kids don’t just have to struggle through school. College can cut both w

In this special "reverse interview" episode of Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones is interviewed by Mike Caldwell. Jethro reflects on his journey as a podcaster, the evolution of his career, and his philosophy on education, innovation, and personal growth. The conversation covers the origins of the podcast, lessons learned from hundreds of interviews, the role of AI in education, and Jethro's next chapter with Life Lab.

In this episode, Jethro Jones sits down with Rich Czyz, principal of Yardville Elementary and author of "Autopilot: Practical Productivity for School Leaders." They dive into actionable strategies for school leaders to reclaim their time—starting with time audits, the art of elimination, and the power of delegation. Rich shares how empowering students with real leadership roles, like running morning announcements, not only automates tasks but also builds community. The conversation explores the evolving role of AI in education, the importance of maintaining energy and boundaries as a principal, and why sometimes closing your door is the key to effective leadership. Whether you’re looking to do more with less or simply do less, this episode is packed with practical advice for every school leader.Find a way to run the school before the school runs youFinding a way to do more with lessSchool leaders struggle with eliminationWe’ve always been doing thisDo a time inventoryIdeal weekAutomation can happen by delegat

In this episode, Jethro Jones and Danny Bauer continue their "Reject the Premise" series, challenging common assumptions in education. They discuss the importance of schools partnering with parents, emphasizing that parents are the primary educators and schools should serve as supportive partners. The conversation also rejects the idea that test scores are the sole measure of success, advocating instead for focusing on meaningful inputs and student well-being. Finally, they encourage school leaders to break free from the status quo, embrace innovation, and model positive change, highlighting the value of creativity and adaptability in education.Links:Transformative Principal Episode 490 with Susie WiseMultiple Choice is more than a film- it's a movement LinkedLeaders: You need support. Get just-in-time mentoring at LinkedLeaders.comWe’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of

Jethro Jones interviews Ben Downey, founder of Big Nest, about the vital role and challenges of parent teacher groups (PTAs/PTGs) in schools. They discuss how these groups are essential for building strong school communities but often face issues with organization, communication, and fundraising. Ben explains how his experience managing a local parent group inspired him to create Big Nest—a platform designed to simplify and modernize the management and fundraising efforts of parent teacher groups. The conversation highlights the unique needs of school-based nonprofits, the importance of preserving institutional knowledge, and how Big Nest streamlines processes like donations, record-keeping, and event organization to make parent involvement easier and more effective.How Big Nest got started. Parent teacher groups are chaotic by natureFundraising can and should be easier. Podcast about SoftwareCommunity to get people togetherSchool and parent groups are intertwinedNeed to have systems and methods to keep track

Host Jethro Jones talks with Mike Caldwell, founder of LinkedLeaders, about building a platform that connects school leaders with mentors and peers for real-time support. They discuss the challenges of school leadership, the value of personalized coaching, and how technology and community can help educators grow.  LinkedLeaders: You need support. Get just-in-time mentoring at LinkedLeaders.comWe’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Welcome to Transformative Principal! In this thought-provoking solo episode, host Jethro Jones explores how artificial intelligence has revealed the weaknesses in our current education system—and why it’s time to refocus on real learning.Episode Highlights:Jethro shares candid reflections from his AI Leader Office Hours, challenging the status quo in education.He explains how schools have been designed for adult convenience, making them easy targets for AI automation, and why this approach fails students.The episode critiques formulaic assignments, standardized tests, and grading systems that prioritize efficiency over genuine learning.Jethro advocates for a shift toward student-centered learning, emphasizing the importance of real audiences, authentic work, and developing “organic skills” like critical thinking, collaboration, and relationship-building.He shares personal stories from his teaching career, illustrating the power of giving students agency and meaningful projects.The discussion covers the limita

The great importance of redesigning Tier 1 instruction that ensures deeper learning for all students. The research shows huge benefits to students and their teachers including higher achievement, closure of gaps among all reporting categories of students, increased attendance, lower misbehavior, and increased teacher satisfaction and retention.Michael was last on the podcast with me in 2022, talking about student agency.Is education about teaching or developingDeveloping humans is much different than teaching studentsDevice centric development - similar to addictionEpidemic of anxiety because of screen timeBrain matter loss around the areas of the brain necessary for deep learning and deep readingLegacy system (our current system) - Around controlSomething happened at the pandemicWe put kids on computers constantlyMaldevelopment in the brain - device parentingSchool’s optional is the other thing we taught with our response to the pandemicWhen you’re on a device, all the human side is not developing. Most conn

In this episode of Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones interviews Adrian Ireland, an international educator, systems thinker, and author of "Designing Different." Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities in reimagining the architecture of learning within schools. The conversation delves into why educational reform often fails when it focuses on incremental improvements rather than structural changes, emphasizing the importance of authentic learning experiences, student motivation, and agency.Adrian shares insights on how small but significant changes—like creating "sandboxes" for experimentation and expanding the audience for student work—can lead to meaningful transformation. The discussion covers the pitfalls of over-relying on extrinsic motivators like grades, the value of interdisciplinary and project-based learning, and the need for flexible systems that nurture both passion and competence in students. Practical examples, such as school newspapers and project weeks, illustrate how

In this episode of Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones interviews Joel Lavin, an equity and inclusion administrator in Eugene, Oregon, with 25 years of experience in public education. Joel shares insights into his work supporting high school students with disabilities, focusing on transition services that help students move from school to adulthood. The conversation covers the importance of inclusive practices, unifying specialized programs, and providing real-life experiences through initiatives like CTE (Career Technical Education) and the Future Build program. Joel and Jethro discuss the challenges and successes of integrating students with disabilities into broader educational and extracurricular opportunities, including unified sports and robotics. The episode features personal stories that highlight the impact of these programs on student confidence, independence, and community involvement, emphasizing the value of collaboration among educators to create inclusive environments. LinkedLeaders: Yo

In this episode of Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones interviews Tyler Lafferty, executive director and founder of Slingshot. Tyler shares his mission to help young people discover purposeful career paths by aligning their unique skills and personalities with fulfilling jobs. The conversation explores the IDEAS framework—Introspection, Design, Exploration, Adaptability, and Service—and offers practical advice for educators and students to dream big, build social capital, and find meaning in both work and community service.Purposeful directionDream big about their futureShow kids how to connect the dots Multi-faceted human being – many different paths that you could find fulfillment in.Be open to the winding path.No losing just learningTyler’s book, “Be More Like You”The path of least resistance.IDEAS FrameworkIntrospection, Design, Exploration, Adaptability, ServiceDreaming too small.Meaningful conversation about the work.Encouraging teachers to get out and find someone to speak in their classroom. B

In this episode of Transformative Principal, Brandon Cardet-Hernandez shares his journey from being a principal to advising the NYC Mayor, and now serving as President of Mrs. Wordsmith, a company dedicated to improving children's literacy through innovative tools like books and video games. Brandon dives into the urgent need for solutions in education, particularly addressing the missed "dosage" in phonemic awareness, phonics, and vocabulary instruction that many students experience. He explores the role of video games in education, emphasizing that while games can't replace teachers, they can enhance the learning process through engaging, spaced-repetition techniques, like the popular game Word Tag.Brandon discusses how joy and mastery of language can transform a student's understanding and emotional connection to words. He also highlights the challenges many students face in developing strong reading skills, especially in middle and high school, and how increasing practice time is essential.Leaving the pri

Host Jethro D. Jones talks with teacher Hilda Guerrero about her "Peacefully Productive Kids" program, which helps students develop emotional regulation, empathy, and conflict resolution skills. Hilda shares practical strategies and resources she created after working with a challenging student, and discusses her mission to make social-emotional learning easy and accessible for teachers everywhere.Peacefully Productive Kids - SEL and personal development for kids. Started 3 years ago when she had a highly challenging student, elopement, emotional outbursts. Started to read books and did action research with that particular student. Creating and collecting resources. Videos and resources already available and creating as she went along. Stephen Guise Elastic HabitsCreated a chart and tracked behavior. Ridiculously simple goals. The more he succeeded the better he got at succeeding. What causes the elopement?Let him know he’s safe, consistent soft, gentle messagesWhen a child is in distress, they need to learn

Nearly a year ago, Dr. Kelly Hastings interviewed Jethro on this show to talk about Saboteurs. It’s high time we get her on the show to talk about her work. SCALE Framework:Set the vision and team with clarity and purposeCreate the script that drives aligned, actionable changeAct and communicate effectively with your entire communityLearn, listen, and linger to build momentum and avoid burnoutEmpower and elevate your team so the work lasts beyond one leader or school yearYou can’t always make a vision happen in a single year. Principals must set the vision, but they can’t do it alone. Smallest possible action, aligned with what we are already doingCommunicate with everyone about how they can support the initiative. The power of “Shadow a Student”Teaching teachers how to be leaders - so powerful. Power of Permission - How to change mindsets - Vertical DevelopmentHow to be a transformative principal? Listen to what your good teachers are saying. Dr. Kelly Hastings brings over 28 years of dedicated service to pu

Naphtali Hoff is an executive coach, organizational consultant, trainer, writer & speaker.How to come back from making a mistake.Think big picture.If you don’t create the right foundation, then you will spend far less time helping kids thanWhen elephants fight, it’s the grass that gets trampled. - Rick LavoieWhere you can support the visionEverything flows from the foundation.We make decisions based on the emotional connection.Trust shields you from other problems.How to be a transformative principal? Continue to invest in yourself. You can’t give what you don’t have.