In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros speaks with Noor Shammas and Matt Langes from Naperville Community Unit School District 203 about how their district balances strong foundational learning with continuous innovation.

Rather than introducing technology in isolation, Naperville 203 focuses on evolving instructional practices while working closely with teachers and the broader community to build shared ownership of solutions. Noor and Matt share how initiatives like the Google Classroom pilot and Inspire 203 demonstrate the power of starting small, gathering meaningful feedback, and scaling ideas that improve teaching and learning.

The conversation explores how districts can integrate instructional technology, strengthen foundational skills, empower educators, and ensure that innovation energizes staff rather than overwhelms them. If you are interested in leading meaningful change in schools while keeping students at the center, this discussion offers practical insights and leadership strategies.

Topics covered include: • Balancing foundational skills with evolving instructional practices • Building community ownership in school innovation • Starting small with pilots and scaling what works • Empowering teachers in technology integration • Creating sustainable improvement in school districts

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👉 Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on social media using #InnovatorsMindset

🌐 More at: https://georgecouros.com

🎙 Full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros

Follow George Couros:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros

Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519

📚 Books by George Couros:

Forward, Together:

https://a.co/d/99RGvl3

The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20

Because of a Teacher: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Because of a Teacher 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833450X?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20

Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

What does it really mean to “sit with winners”?

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros reflects on a viral message that claims “sit with winners, the conversation is different.” While the idea may sound motivating, it raises an important question: Who decides who the winners are?

Too often, society defines winners by popularity, status, or financial success. In schools, that mindset can unintentionally reinforce the same divisions students already experience, where some students feel valued while others feel excluded.

George challenges that definition and offers a different perspective. What if winning were defined by qualities that truly matter in learning communities: kindness, work ethic, curiosity, resilience, and how we treat other people?

Drawing from experiences as a teacher, coach, and school leader, he explores what this idea looks like in real classrooms and cafeterias. If students only sit with the most popular peers, what messages are we sending about belonging, empathy, and leadership?

This episode encourages educators and leaders to rethink the language we use around success and to consider how schools can foster environments where everyone has the opportunity to be seen as a “winner.”

You will hear reflections on:

• Why defining “winners” by status can create unhealthy divisions in schools • How kindness, effort, and mindset reshape what success looks like • What the “sit with winners” idea might look like in a high school cafeteria • Why educators play a critical role in modeling inclusive leadership • How conversations change when we value character over popularity

If we redefine what winning means, we also redefine the kind of culture we build in our schools and communities.

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👉 Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on social media using #InnovatorsMindset

🌐 More at: https://georgecouros.com

🎙 Full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros

Follow George Couros:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros

Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519

📚 Books by George Couros:

Forward, Together:

https://a.co/d/99RGvl3

The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20

Because of a Teacher: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Because of a Teacher 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833450X?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20

Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

In this episode, Alaina Clark shares her journey from bioanalytical chemist to leading TeacherGoals, a global online community designed to support, uplift, and connect educators. She explains how the platform combines humor, meaningful resources, and publishing opportunities to help teachers feel seen, valued, and inspired in their daily work.

The conversation highlights major initiatives such as virtual World Read Aloud Day, impactful professional development, and weekly Tech Talk Live sessions that spotlight women in edtech while advancing literacy, teacher voice, and authentic connection across classrooms and schools.

Whether you are a classroom teacher, school leader, or education innovator, this discussion offers practical insight into how online communities can strengthen morale, amplify impact, and move education forward together.

Learn more about TeacherGoals: https://teachergoals.com/

___________

👉 Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on social media using #InnovatorsMindset

🌐 More at: https://georgecouros.com

🎙 Full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros

Follow George Couros:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros

Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519

📚 Books by George Couros:

Forward, Together:

https://a.co/d/99RGvl3

The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20

Because of a Teacher: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Because of a Teacher 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833450X?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20

Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

In this episode, based on his weekly newsletter, George Couros shares reflections from his Learning and the Brain keynote and explores how educators can align artificial intelligence with strong foundational learning. He explains why reading, writing, and critical thinking must come before AI literacy, and how meaningful change happens when leaders build ownership instead of simple buy-in.

George also highlights three practical shifts to spotlight others that strengthen schools and classrooms: empowering students to lead their own learning, trusting staff to shape professional growth, and elevating the voices of other educators through community and connection. He shows how turning the spotlight onto others not only supports them but ultimately strengthens leadership, culture, and student success.

This episode is for educators and school leaders seeking practical strategies for AI in education, student ownership, collaborative culture, and building strong learning foundations in a changing world.

This is the email the newsletter the podcast is based on: https://us12.campaign-archive.com/?u=9381017234135a9c6d5f7419a&id=992b3fadae

___________

👉 Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on social media using #InnovatorsMindset

🌐 More at: https://georgecouros.com

🎙 Full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros

Follow George Couros:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros

Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519

📚 Books by George Couros:

Forward, Together:

https://a.co/d/99RGvl3

The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20

Because of a Teacher: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Because of a Teacher 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833450X?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20

Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

In this episode, George Couros sits down with Robby Cobbs, CEO of Tech My School, to explore his journey from teaching in classrooms around the world to founding a nonprofit dedicated to supporting underserved schools in Puerto Rico and beyond.

Robby shares how international teaching experiences, remote learning challenges, and a deep commitment to equity shaped the mission behind the Tech My School conference. The conversation highlights practical, human-centered uses of educational technology that strengthen learning, empower teachers, and create real opportunities for students in resource-limited communities.

You will also hear insights from Robby’s book on educational technology, lessons from building an education-focused organization, and a preview of the 2026 Tech My School conference in Puerto Rico, where George will be speaking.

This episode is for educators, school leaders, and anyone interested in meaningful innovation, global learning experiences, and using technology to expand opportunity for every student.

Conference Website: https://techmyschool.org/conference/

Robby's Book: https://a.co/d/04DFrK49

Follow Robby on X: https://x.com/cobbsclass

___________

👉 Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on social media using #InnovatorsMindset

🌐 More at: https://georgecouros.com

🎙 Full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros

Follow George Couros:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros

Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519

📚 Books by George Couros:

Forward, Together:

https://a.co/d/99RGvl3

The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20

Because of a Teacher: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Because of a Teacher 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833450X?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20

Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

Get your copy of "What Makes a Great Principal" here: https://a.co/d/0ia13rkP

In this episode, George Couros reflects on his work with Talladega County Schools in Alabama, sharing key leadership insights from his book What Makes a Great Principal.

The conversation focuses on what it truly takes to build a strong, sustainable school culture. George explores how effective principals develop leadership in others, not just themselves, to ensure long-term success beyond any single role or title.

He discusses why great leaders focus on amplifying strengths instead of rushing to change everything, and how creating genuine ownership among staff and community leads to deeper engagement and meaningful progress. You will also hear how open communication builds trust, reduces resistance, and strengthens collaboration across a school.

This episode emphasizes that leadership is not about position, it is about impact. By empowering others, delegating with trust, and fostering shared responsibility, principals can create lasting change that continues long after they leave.

If you are a school leader, aspiring principal, or educator looking to strengthen your leadership approach, this episode offers practical insights you can apply immediately.

___________

👉 Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on social media using #InnovatorsMindset

🌐 More at: https://georgecouros.com

🎙 Full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros

Follow George Couros:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros

Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519

📚 Books by George Couros:

Forward, Together:

https://a.co/d/99RGvl3

The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20

Because of a Teacher: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Because of a Teacher 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833450X?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20

Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

In this episode, George Couros sits down with Anthony Padrnos, Executive Director of Technology for Osseo Area Schools in Minnesota, to explore what it truly means to lead through learning, not just technology.

Instead of trying to fit technology into education, Anthony shares how his leadership begins with strong pedagogy, focusing on teaching and learning first, then using tools like AI to enhance those foundations. He discusses how breaking down silos between departments creates stronger alignment, better collaboration, and more meaningful innovation across schools.

The conversation also highlights the upcoming CoSN Minnesota conference, where educators and leaders will continue exploring how to integrate AI thoughtfully while keeping student learning at the center.

Although George and Anthony come from different professional experiences, they share a common goal: bringing people together, staying adaptable, and continuously learning in a rapidly changing educational landscape.

This episode is ideal for educators, district leaders, and anyone looking to better understand how leadership, AI, and pedagogy can work together to improve teaching and learning.

___________

👉 Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on social media using #InnovatorsMindset

🌐 More at: https://georgecouros.com

🎙 Full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros

Follow George Couros:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros

Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519

📚 Books by George Couros:

Forward, Together:

https://a.co/d/99RGvl3

The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20

Because of a Teacher: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Because of a Teacher 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833450X?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20

Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

George Couros reflects on how accidental beginnings, launching a blog, starting a podcast, and writing Forward, Together, led to unexpected opportunities and long-term professional growth.

In this episode, he shares three practical strategies to build momentum in your work and life: start before you feel ready, make and keep appointments with yourself, and share your learning to create accountability and connection.

Through real examples from his time as a principal, his health journey, and his speaking career, Couros emphasizes a powerful idea: momentum is created through consistent action, not perfection. Even the things that don’t work contribute to growth.

If you are feeling stuck or waiting for the right moment, this conversation will help you take that first step, stay consistent, and open doors you may not have expected.

Get your copy of “Forward, Together” here on Amazon!

https://a.co/d/99RGvl3

___________

👉 Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on social media using #InnovatorsMindset

🌐 More at: https://georgecouros.com

🎙 Full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros

Follow George Couros:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros

Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519

📚 Books by George Couros:

Forward, Together:

https://a.co/d/99RGvl3

The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20

Because of a Teacher: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Because of a Teacher 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833450X?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20

Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/