Episodios

  • Student Turns Classroom Idea Into $40,000 Business (Principal Reveals How) with Jeremy Quals

    Student Turns Classroom Idea Into $40,000 Business (Principal Reveals How) with Jeremy Quals
    Sep 24 2025
    Quick take: What happens when a leader ditches ego, prioritizes relationships, and treats students like real-world innovators? Jeremy Quals proves you can turn around struggling schools and create one of the most exciting entrepreneurial programs in the country. 🤝 Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Dr. Jeremy Qualls is the Executive Director of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center (EIC) and College, Career, and Technical Education (CCTE) with Williamson County Schools. A former coach, principal, and district athletic director, he now leads some of the most innovative programs in Tennessee, blending entrepreneurship, career readiness, and creative learning opportunities that make school worth showing up for. 🔨 Breaking Down the Old Rules In this episode, Jeremy challenges traditional education paradigms: 🧠 Key Insight #1: Leadership isn’t about ego — it’s about relationships. What’s broken: Leaders who default to punishment and blame.The shift: Building trust first, simplifying discipline to “Be responsible, be respectful, be ready.”Impact: Transformed a school with 1,000+ discipline referrals into one with just 52 — and skyrocketed student growth. 🧠 Key Insight #2: Students need relevance, not busywork. What’s broken: 42 definitions on a worksheet and other meaningless tasks.The shift: Replace rote work with entrepreneurial problem-solving, empathy-driven projects, and micro-internships.Impact: Students who once checked out now show up excited, engaged, and prepared for life beyond school. 🧠 Key Insight #3: Create spaces worth showing up for. What’s broken: Schools that look the same as the 1950s— rows, lectures, and compliance.The shift: Entrepreneurial labs with open design, mentorship networks, and student-led startups.Impact: The Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center grew from 70 students to 280 with a 500+ waitlist — and is producing teen founders winning national competitions. Quotable Ruckus “Fail forward and fail often.” – Jeremy Quals 📌 Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Swap one rote assignment for a real-world problem or entrepreneurial- style task.This Month: Map student relationships — find the “safety valves” so every kid has a trusted adult.This Semester: Audit your schoolwork and culture. Cut the irrelevant busywork, build in creative challenges, and create spaces students want to be in. 🔗 Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: [Link] 🔗 Follow Dr. Jeremy Qualls: https://wcssportsconference.com/ Email: jq14@hotmail.comLinkedIn: LinkedInTwitter: @wcsCCTE on XX: @wcsEIC on X 📣 Ruckus Makers Don’t Just Listen — They Act If education ain’t a bit disruptive, then what are your students really learning? This show isn’t about “doing school better.” It’s about Doing School Different — and joining a growing movement of bold, creative school leaders who reject legacy models and reimagine what’s possible. 🧠 Here are four ways we can help you on your Do School Different journey: 📬 Subscribe to the Free Newsletter Tools, mindset shifts, and strategies that actually work — delivered 3x/week. → ruckusmakers.news 🗞 Read Ruckus Makers on Substack Premium leadership insights, AI prompts & GPTs, early access to new books. → ruckusmakers.media 💥 Join the Ruckus Maker Club Private network + workshops, AI Prompt Library, and more. → ruckusmakers.club 🧨 Apply to the Mastermind Weekly coaching + peer mentorship using the Ruckus Maker Flywheel. → betterleadersbetterschools.com/mastermind-application 🎙 Today’s RUCKUS cast in Partnership With: IXL Over 1 million teachers rely on IXL because it is empowering, it helps them make better decisions with reliable data, and it adapts instruction based on student performance. 🔍 Get started today at ixl.com/leaders. ODP For over 30 years, ODP Business Solutions® has helped schools transform from whiteboards to smartboards. Why? Because when you get the right tools, everyone wins. 🔍 Visit odpbusiness.com/education to revolutionize your school's learning spaces
    Más Menos
    53 m
  • From NYC's Toughest Schools to California's Top Charter: A Principal's Journey

    From NYC's Toughest Schools to California's Top Charter: A Principal's Journey
    Sep 17 2025

    The Ruckus Report.

    Quick take:

    What if the secret to becoming a more effective school leader was … leaving school? Joe Clausi, known as the Traveling Principal, shares how stepping out of the building helped him step into his purpose.

    Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker

    Joe Clausi, aka The Traveling Principal, is reimagining what it means to lead schools by exploring the world — and himself — one passport stamp at a time.

    Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨

    Key Insight #1: Curiosity makes you a better principal

    • What's broken: The traditional career path says school leaders should settle down and play it safe.
    • The shift: Joe’s curiosity drove him to explore 39 countries — and that curiosity now shapes how he leads schools.
    • Impact: He’s more reflective, empathetic, and able to connect with people across backgrounds.

    Key Insight #2: Leadership doesn’t happen in isolation

    • What's broken: Most principals grind through the work without personal growth.
    • The shift: Joe intentionally seeks people, places, and moments that challenge his worldview.
    • Impact: Each trip adds to his toolkit as a leader — and inspires his team to grow too.

    Key Insight #3: Adventure is a mindset, not a plane ticket

    • What's broken: PD is treated like a checklist, not a life-changing experience.
    • The shift: Joe shows how you can bring the spirit of exploration to your daily leadership.
    • Impact: His story proves that reimagining school starts with reimagining yourself.
    Quotable Ruckus

    “I needed to lose who I thought I was … to find who I really am.” – Joe Clausi

    Your Do School Different Challenge

    Ready to implement these ideas? Start here:

    1. Tomorrow: Walk your campus with a traveler’s eyes — what would surprise or inspire a visitor?
    2. This Month: Schedule time outside the school walls to connect with something that sparks wonder.
    3. This Semester: Share one leadership lesson from your own journey with your staff — and invite theirs.
    Connect & Continue
    • 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: https://ruckusmakers.notion.site/Joe-the-Traveling-Principal-Joins-Danny-and-Mitch-211229bf615380ecbf96c2c10f48c1f9?source=copy_link
    • 🔗 Follow Joe Clausi: https://travelprincipal.com
    • 💪 Apply to the mastermind: https://www.betterleadersbetterschools.com/mastermind-application/
    Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter?

    Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here → ruckusmakers.news/subscribe

    Today’s RUCKUScast in Partnership with:

    For over 30 years, ODP Business Solutions® has helped schools transform from whiteboards to smartboards. Why? Because when you get the right tools, everyone wins. Visit odpbusiness.com/education to revolutionize your school's learning spaces.

    Over 1 million teachers rely on IXL because it is empowering, it helps them make better decisions with reliable data, and it adapts instruction based on student performance.

    Get started today at ixl.com/leaders
    Más Menos
    1 h y 3 m
  • The Secret to Turning Resistance into Support

    The Secret to Turning Resistance into Support
    Sep 10 2025
    The Ruckus Report Quick take: If you're facing pushback on your bold school vision, this episode is your playbook for flipping critics into raving fans. Learn how one principal shifted the narrative — and built massive community support in the process. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Dr. Christopher Jones is a high school principal, leadership author, and host of the Seeing to Lead podcast. He helps educators shift from surviving to thriving by encouraging reflection, connection, and vision — even in the most resistant environments. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 Key Insight #1 What’s broken: Too many leaders are paralyzed by fear of resistance — especially from staff or community stakeholders.The shift: Chris started by listening deeply and showing people how they could lead without a title.Impact: Staff ownership grew, and culture shifted — not because mandates were handed down, but because people bought in. Key Insight #2 What’s broken: Traditional admin mindsets treat critics as threats rather than assets.The shift: Chris chose curiosity over combat, asking questions like: “What do you want to see happen?”Impact: Open conversations turned former critics into trusted allies who now champion his leadership publicly. Key Insight #3 What’s broken: Schools often ignore how powerful public perception is in building momentum.The shift: Chris proactively told positive stories and empowered his community to tell them too.Impact: The narrative shifted from doubt to celebration — with the superintendent, school board, and staff all on board. Quotable Ruckus “Your loudest critics might just be your most loyal supporters — if you give them the chance to lead.” – Dr. Christopher Jones Your Do School Different Challenge Tomorrow: Ask one critic what success would look like in their eyes. Listen without defense.This Month: Invite that person into a decision-making process — not to agree with you, but to shape the future together.This Semester: Create a system where feedback becomes fuel, not friction. Turn your toughest room into your greatest asset. Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript here. 🔗 His Books: 📘 SEEing to Lead📗 Isabella and the Storm📕 Isabella's Unexpected Gift 📌 Ruckus Makers Don’t Just Listen — They Act If education ain’t a bit disruptive, then what are your students really learning? This show isn’t about doing school better. It’s about Doing School Different — and joining a growing movement of bold, creative school leaders who reject legacy models and reimagine what’s possible. 🧠 Here are four ways we can help you on your Do School Different journey 📬 Subscribe to the Free Newsletter – 3x/week leadership mindset shifts and tools that work: ruckusmakers.news 🗞 Read Ruckus Makers – Premium content on Substack with early access to new books, AI prompts, and more: ruckusmakers.media 💥 Join The Ruckus Maker Club – Private community, The Automatic School™ tools, and more: ruckusmakers.club 🧨 Apply to the Mastermind – Weekly coaching + The Ruckus Maker Flywheel leadership system: Apply Now ❤️ Today’s show is sponsored by: For over 30 years, ODP Business Solutions® has helped schools transform from whiteboards to smartboards. Why? Because when you get the right tools, everyone wins. Visit odpbusiness.com/education to revolutionize your school's learning spaces. Over 1 million teachers rely on IXL because it is empowering, it helps them make better decisions with reliable data, and it adapts instruction based on student performance. Get started today at ixl.com/leaders
    Más Menos
    53 m
  • 10 Surprising Lessons I Learned Making a Podcast (With 1 Million+ Downloads)

    10 Surprising Lessons I Learned Making a Podcast (With 1 Million+ Downloads)
    Sep 5 2025

    What started as a frustrating Sunday afternoon mistake in a tiny Chicago apartment turned into a million-download podcast that changed everything.

    Join 5,000+ Ruckus Makers who want to Do School Different 👉 https://ruckusmakers.news/subscribe

    Ten years ago, I almost quit before I even started. I lost my first interview recording and nearly gave up on the whole podcasting dream.

    Instead, I chose myself and launched anyway. Now the Better Leaders Better Schools podcast ranks in the top 0.5% worldwide.

    Here are the 10 game-changing lessons I've learned from a decade of creating, serving school leaders, and building something that matters.

    TIMESTAMPS
    • 00:01 - The story begins: September 2nd, 2015
    • 01:52 - The lost recording disaster that almost ended it all
    • 03:48 - Choose yourself: The moment everything changed
    • 06:31 - Lesson 1: Most overnight successes take 10+ years
    • 07:24 - Lesson 2: Be an original (Purple Cow principle)
    • 08:20 - Lesson 3: Fire yourself to scale
    • 09:09 - Lesson 4: The one question that changes everything
    • 10:01 - Lesson 5: Look for leverage in everything you do
    • 11:07 - Lesson 6: Take action, then improve
    • 11:53 - Lesson 7: Fear vs Adventure - you choose
    • 12:38 - Lesson 8: Choose your pain - discipline or regret
    • 13:10 - Lesson 9: Success won't make you happy
    • 15:04 - Lesson 10: Love is the center of everything
    WHENEVER YOU ARE READY … HERE ARE 3 WAYS TO CONTINUE YOUR DO SCHOOL DIFFERENT JOURNEY:

    🗞️ Read Ruckus Makers — Exclusive content on Substack. Premium leadership insights, AI prompts and custom gpts, new books before the bookshelf. https://ruckusmakers.media

    💥 Join The Ruckus Maker Club — Our private network + workshops, The Automatic School tools, AI Prompt Library, and more: https://ruckusmakers.club/join

    🧨 Apply to the Mastermind — Weekly coaching, peer mentorship, and our proven leadership system (The Ruckus Maker Flywheel) to help you transform your campus: https://betterleadersbetterschools.com/mastermind
    Más Menos
    17 m
  • William Grube on Flipping AI From Threat to Superpower

    William Grube on Flipping AI From Threat to Superpower
    Sep 3 2025
    🎯 The Ruckus Report Quick take: If you're still blocking ChatGPT, you're playing the wrong game. In this episode, William Grube of Groovy Education shows how to turn AI from a perceived threat into a daily teaching advantage — one that saves teachers time, levels up rigor, and makes cheating irrelevant. 🤝 Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker William Grube is the founder of Groovy Education, a consultancy and training firm that helps educators across 100+ schools and organizations integrate AI responsibly and effectively. His work is grounded in ethics, practical tools, and a passion for helping schools lead, not lag, in the AI revolution. 🔨 Breaking Down the Old Rules In this episode, William challenges traditional education paradigms and shows how Ruckus Makers can lead the shift: 🧠 Key Insight #1: Design for Trust, Not Policing What’s broken: Schools are using surveillance software to "catch" students cheating with AI, treating tech as the enemy.The shift: Rebuild assessments around curiosity, context, and originality — like having students respond to local events or present their work live.Impact: Makes cheating pointless. Encourages deeper thinking. Promotes student ownership. 🧠 Key Insight #2: Differentiate Without Burnout What’s broken: Teachers waste hours adapting lessons to meet different learning needs — often sacrificing quality for speed.The shift: Use AI to instantly align assignments to state standards, adjust for reading levels, and build accommodations (504/IEP).Impact: Teachers get time back. Students get work that actually fits. Everyone wins. 🧠 Key Insight #3: Teach Tech Like It’s a Literacy — Because It Is What’s broken: The only digital safety lesson most kids get is “don’t be online too much.”The shift: Teach AI & media literacy by exploring how algorithms shape thought, how to verify sources, and how to disagree respectfully.Impact: Students learn to think critically, not just click passively — which pays dividends in every subject and real life. 💬 Quotable Ruckus "Ignoring AI in schools today is like ignoring the internet in 1995." — William Grube 📌 Your Do School Different Challenge Start using AI to lead differently — not later: Tomorrow: Pick one assignment and make it AI-resistant. Add a personal, local, or in-class component students can’t fake.This Month: Use AI to adapt a unit plan — align to standards, customize for reading levels, and build in scaffolded supports.This Semester: Pilot a student-facing AI/Media Literacy sequence. Let students analyze the algorithm and present real insights in a live class debate. 🔗 Connect & Continue 🎯 Transcript: [Link]🔗 Learn more about Groovy Education: groovyeducation.comEmail: william.grube@gruvyeducation.comInstagram: ****https://www.instagram.com/gruvyeducation/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-grube-16200a177/X: https://x.com/gruvyeducation 📣 Ruckus Makers Don’t Just Listen — They Act If education ain’t a bit disruptive, what are your students really learning? This isn’t about “doing school better.” It’s about Doing School Different — and joining a bold movement of creative, visionary school leaders. 🧠 Four Ways to Do School Different With Us 📬 Subscribe to the Free Newsletter Tools, mindset shifts, and strategies that actually work — delivered 3x/week. → ruckusmakers.news 🗞 Read Ruckus Makers on Substack Premium leadership insights, AI prompts & GPTs, early access to new books. → ruckusmakers.media 💥 Join the Ruckus Maker Club Private network + workshops, AI Prompt Library, and more. → ruckusmakers.club 🧨 Apply to the Mastermind Weekly coaching + peer mentorship using the Ruckus Maker Flywheel. → betterleadersbetterschools.com/mastermind-application 🎙 Today’s RUCKUScast in Partnership With: ODP Business Solutions Transform classrooms from whiteboard to WOW with flexible furniture, integrated tech, and sustainable tools — all from a compliant vendor. 🔍 Learn more: odpbusiness.com/education Ruckus Makers on Substack Get 90-second mindset shifts, custom GPTs, and content that punches above its weight. 🎁 Listeners get 50% off year one: ruckusmakers.media/awesome IXL Close knowledge gaps and tailor instruction with diagnostics and adaptive practice — built to serve every learner. 🔍 Learn more: ixl.com/leaders
    Más Menos
    38 m
  • Leading from the Ground Up

    Leading from the Ground Up
    Aug 27 2025
    The Ruckus Report Quick take: From pushing a broom to leading the boardroom — Dr. Chris Jackson's journey from custodian to principal at his own alma mater proves that grit, humility, and authentic community connection matter more than pedigree when transforming schools. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Chris Jackson rose from custodian to administrator in his hometown of San Bernardino, fueled by hard work, family, and perseverance. A husband, father, and lifelong learner, he overcame personal loss and humble beginnings to inspire others. Raised by his grandmother after being born to teen parents, Chris worked his way through every level of education — from custodian to teacher, coach, instructional coach, athletic director, and eventually principal of Cajon High School, where he met his wife as a 15-year-old student. Author of "From Broom to Boardroom," Chris's journey proves that with grit, purpose, and love, anyone can rise, no matter where they start. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Dr. Chris Jackson challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: Every Job on Campus Matters Equally What's broken: Creating hierarchies that separate administrators from the real work of schools, losing connection with staff and community The shift: Leading with servant leadership — picking up trash during lunch, building relationships with custodians, and blurring the lines between "management" and service Impact: Instant credibility with all stakeholder groups and authentic empathy that comes from walking in everyone's shoes Key Insight #2: Bloom Where You're Planted First What's broken: Always looking for the next promotion instead of excelling in your current role and building relationships where you are The shift: Do your best work in whatever sphere of influence you have, ask questions, and let opportunities find you through positive relationships Impact: Chris went from custodian on Wednesday to teaching his own class on Monday — but only because he had built trust and demonstrated excellence where he was Key Insight #3: Community Connection Beats Credentials Every Time What's broken: Leading schools as an outsider who doesn't understand the community's needs, values, and challenges The shift: Live in, understand, and serve your community in their image — being able to say "I'm your neighbor" during difficult conversations Impact: When parents challenge decisions, Chris can respond: "I live two blocks from you, I went to school here, my parents went here" — eliminating the "you don't understand" barrier Quotable Ruckus "No job is more important than any other job on the campus. Everybody's job matters. Everybody's little zone of what we do is a valuable contribution to what we're trying to achieve." – Dr. Chris Jackson Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Put on a metaphorical "straw hat" — spend time doing work typically done by support staff to build authentic relationships and understanding This Month: Identify one person in your orbit whose expertise you can learn from, regardless of their title or position — ask them questions about their work and challenges This Semester: Audit your community connections — are you living, shopping, and engaging where you serve? Find three ways to deepen your roots in your school community Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: [Link] 🔗 Follow Dr. Chris Jackson: @DocJMedia on Twitter/X 📖 Website: DocJMedia.com 📚 Get "From Broom to Boardroom": Available wherever books are sold 📌 Ruckus Makers Don't Just Listen — They Act If education ain't a bit disruptive, then what are your students really learning? This show isn't about doing school better. It's about Doing School Different — and joining a growing movement of bold, creative school leaders who reject legacy models and reimagine what's possible. 🧠 Here are four ways we can help you on your Do School Different journey 📬 Subscribe to the Free Newsletter — An opportunity to Do School Different 3x a week. Tools, mindset shifts, and strategies that actually work: ruckusmakers.news 🗞️ Read Ruckus Makers — Exclusive content on Substack. Premium leadership insights, AI prompts and custom gpts, new books before the bookshelf. ruckusmakers.media 💥 Join The Ruckus Maker Club — Our private network + workshops, The Automatic School tools, AI Prompt Library, and more: https://ruckusmakers.club/join 🧨 Apply to the Mastermind — Weekly coaching, peer mentorship, and our proven leadership system (The Ruckus Maker Flywheel) to help you transform your campus: Apply Now Every tool, community, and coaching program we offer is built to help visionary school leaders play the new game — one where leadership is creative, tech-enabled, and unapologetically student-centered. 🎙️ The podcast is your starting point. The movement is just getting started. Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership ...
    Más Menos
    47 m
  • Red Hat Rebellion

    Red Hat Rebellion
    Aug 20 2025
    The Ruckus Report Quick take: Two beards, two red hats, one mission to blow up education's broken boundaries. Mitch Weathers reveals why saying "no" to district busywork and "yes" to what actually moves the needle isn't rebellion — it's leadership. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Mitch became a gifted teacher because he was a mediocre student. Mitch rarely felt comfortable in the classroom. In fact, it took him 7 years to graduate from college. Choosing to become a teacher, Mitch was fortunate enough to experience school as if it was happening all around him. He was unsure how to jump into his learning with confidence. There is a loneliness to experiencing your education as a passive object as opposed to an active subject. From the moment he entered the classroom, Mitch relied on his personal experiences as a learner. He recognized that what we teach—the content or curriculum—is secondary. We must first lay the foundation for learning before we can get to teaching. Mitch designed Organized Binder to empower teachers with a simple but research-backed strategy to teach students executive functioning skills while protecting the time needed for content instruction. The secret is found in establishing a predictable learning routine that serves to foster safer learning spaces. When students get practice with executive functions by virtue, we set them up for success. Learn more in his recent book Executive Functions for Every Classroom. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Mitch Weathers challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: Boundaries Aren't Selfish — They're Strategic What's broken: Leaders burning out because they accept every task as sacred, even when it doesn't serve studentsThe shift: Ask the hard question: "If I can't draw a clear line between this work and student success, why am I doing it?"Impact: Time and energy get redirected to what actually matters — classroom visits, relationship building, and real leadership Key Insight #2: Homework Is Often Educational Theater What's broken: Teachers spending hours collecting, grading, and returning homework that creates inequality and rarely informs instructionThe shift: Replace homework with in-class learning logs where students reflect on understanding in real-timeImpact: Sustainable formative assessment that gives teachers authentic insight into every student's learning Key Insight #3: Don't Feed the Emotional Monster What's broken: Educators taking student outbursts personally and escalating conflicts into power strugglesThe shift: Deflect emotional assaults with calm agreement: "You might be right" strips the drama from disruptionImpact: Classroom management issues disappear when adults stop being more entertaining than the lesson Quotable Ruckus "If I can't draw a very clear line between what I'm doing as a teacher and improving student success, then I'm not going to do it. I just started throwing things out." – Mitch Weathers Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Identify one "urgent" district task and ask: "Has anyone ever followed up on this or used it to guide actual school operations?"This Month: Replace one homework assignment with in-class learning logs where students reflect on their understandingThis Semester: Practice emotional deflection — when someone tries to trigger you, respond with calm curiosity instead of defensiveness Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: [Link]🔗 Follow Mitch Weathers: LinkedIn📖 Get his book: Executive Functions for Every Classroom🎙️ More Red Hat Rebellion: adorableredhats.com 📌 Ruckus Makers Don't Just Listen — They Act If education ain't a bit disruptive, then what are your students really learning? This show isn't about doing school better. It's about Doing School Different — and joining a growing movement of bold, creative school leaders who reject legacy models and reimagine what's possible. 🧠 Here are four ways we can help you on your Do School Different journey 📬 Subscribe to the Free Newsletter — An opportunity to Do School Different 3x a week. Tools, mindset shifts, and strategies that actually work: ruckusmakers.news 🗞️ Read Ruckus Makers — Exclusive content on Substack. Premium leadership insights, AI prompts and custom gpts, new books before the bookshelf. ruckusmakers.media 💥 Join The Ruckus Maker Club — Our private network + workshops, The Automatic School tools, AI Prompt Library, and more: ruckusmakers.club 🧨 Apply to the Mastermind — Weekly coaching, peer mentorship, and our proven leadership system (The Ruckus Maker Flywheel) to help you transform your campus: Apply Now Every tool, community, and coaching program we offer is built to help visionary school leaders play the new game — one where leadership is creative, tech-enabled, and unapologetically student-centered. 🎙️ The podcast is your starting point. The movement is just getting...
    Más Menos
    1 h
  • Building Trust in a System That Breaks It

    Building Trust in a System That Breaks It
    Aug 13 2025
    The Ruckus Report Quick take: The most dangerous myth in school leadership is that problems will eventually stop. Jennifer Schwanke reveals how embracing challenges and shifting from "trustworthy" to "trust willing" transforms toxic school cultures into thriving communities. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Jennifer Schwanke, Ed.D., brings nearly three decades of experience to the field of education, having served as both a teacher and leader across all levels. She is a published author with ASCD, including four current books and a forthcoming fifth title, "Trusted: Trust Pillars, Trust Killers, and the Secret to Successful Schools," expected in the summer of 2025. In addition to her books, Jennifer has contributed hundreds of articles to numerous educational publications. She is actively involved in professional development, offering her expertise to school districts in areas such as school climate, personnel management, and instructional leadership. She is also a frequent presenter at major educational conferences, including those hosted by ASCD, NAESP, NASSP, AASA, and various state and national organizations. Jennifer shares her insights as the co-host of the widely listened-to "Principal Matters" podcast and as an instructor in educational administration at The Ohio State University. Currently, Dr. Schwanke serves as a Deputy Superintendent in Ohio. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Jennifer Schwanke challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: Problems Are Life, Not Obstacles What's broken: Leaders waiting for a stress-free summit where all problems disappearThe shift: Embrace problems as opportunities to do meaningful work and stay sharpImpact: Leaders stop burning out waiting for calm seas and start building resilience through challenge Key Insight #2: Trust Willing vs. Trustworthy Leadership What's broken: Focusing only on being trustworthy while micromanaging and speaking in deficit language about staff and studentsThe shift: Become "trust willing" by believing in your people, letting them do their trained work, and focusing on your zone of influenceImpact: Collective efficacy emerges as teams believe their daily work actually matters and makes a difference Key Insight #3: Lead Around the 2% What's broken: Spending 98% of energy on the 2% of toxic people who will never changeThe shift: Set clear boundaries professionally, then invest energy in the majority who want to do good workImpact: The 98% gain respect and momentum while toxic behaviors lose their power to derail the mission Quotable Ruckus "When you run out of problems, you're dead. You want problems to come because you want to solve them, because not only does that keep you alive and sharp, but it allows you to do the good you want in the world." – Jennifer Schwanke Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Identify one "emergency" you're treating that could benefit from a 24-48 hour pauseThis Month: Practice "trust willing" leadership by letting one capable team member handle something you usually micromanageThis Semester: Conduct your own "proflection" — identify which trust pillars you're building vs. trust killers you need to eliminate Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: here🔗 Follow Jennifer Schwanke: LinkedIn | Instagram📚 Jennifer's Books: You're the Principal! Now What? | The Principal Reboot | The Teacher's Principal | The Principal's Guide to Conflict Management🎙️ Co-host of Principal Matters Podcast💥 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: https://ruckusmakers.club/join 📌 Ruckus Makers Don't Just Listen — They Act If education ain't a bit disruptive, then what are your students really learning? This show isn't about doing school better. It's about Doing School Different — and joining a growing movement of bold, creative school leaders who reject legacy models and reimagine what's possible. 🧠 Here are four ways we can help you on your Do School Different journey 📬 Subscribe to the Free Newsletter — An opportunity to Do School Different 3x a week. Tools, mindset shifts, and strategies that actually work: ruckusmakers.news 🗞️ Read Ruckus Makers — Exclusive content on Substack. Premium leadership insights, AI prompts and custom gpts, new books before the bookshelf. ruckusmakers.media 💥 Join The Ruckus Maker Club — Our private network + workshops, The Automatic School tools, AI Prompt Library, and more: ruckusmakers.club 🧨 Apply to the Mastermind — Weekly coaching, peer mentorship, and our proven leadership system (The Ruckus Maker Flywheel) to help you transform your campus: Apply Now Every tool, community, and coaching program we offer is built to help visionary school leaders play the new game — one where leadership is creative, tech-enabled, and unapologetically student-centered. 🎙️ The podcast is your starting point. The movement is just getting started. Do you Subscribe to...
    Más Menos
    37 m