Leading a school in today’s educational landscape is both rewarding and complex. This podcast equips elementary and secondary school principals with proven strategies to tackle challenges they face daily. Hosts Shelley Steele, Steve Young, and Stan Baker—along with expert guests—explore topics like restorative practices, staff well-being, equity-driven leadership, student absenteeism and navigating complex systemic challenges. Discover actionable advice, inspiring stories, and strategies to transform your school community while maintaining balance in your leadership journey.
Teaching kids, not just content:Leading schools in the age of AI
Artificial intelligence is reshaping how students learn — and how educators teach.
Our guest this episode is Dr. Luther Brown of Subannah EduConsulting , a retired principal and author of the book Leading From Where We Are: Challenging The Status Quo (https://www.amazon.ca/Leading-Where-We-Are-Challenging/dp/B0F1LJTW8C). Dr. Brown challenges us to rethink content delivery and focus on critical thinking.
We explore how technology should enhance learning rather than threaten it.
The discussion highlights why professional reading, reflection, and adaptability matter more than ever. Student outcomes don’t happen by accident — they’re produced by systems.
This episode illustrates how environment, policy, and leadership shape school success.
We discuss collaboration, equity, and the importance of aligning practice across grades and teams.
Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca (https://restorative.ca)
#EducationalLeadership, #RestorativePractices, #DifficultConversations, #StudentWellBeing, #SchoolLeadership, #ListenToUnderstand#Education #Leadership,#leading from where you are,#interest-based negotiation in schools,#school leadership communication,#parent engagement strategies,#strength-based school leadership.#student voice and leadership
23 Feb 2026
Listening to Parents Differently: How Principals Build Trust
Why do some conversations with parents escalate while others build trust?
Our guest this episode is Dr. Luther Brown of Subannah EduConsulting , a retired principal and author of the book Leading From Where We Are: Challenging The Status Quo (https://www.amazon.ca/Leading-Where-We-Are-Challenging/dp/B0F1LJTW8C). Dr. Brown explains that our approach to families is rooted in our guiding belief systems.
This episode explores culturally responsive leadership and reflective practice.
We examine how listening beneath emotion helps principals respond with clarity rather than reaction. Leadership doesn’t start with a title—it starts with influence.
Dr. Brown shares why everyone in a school community leads from where they are.
We discuss how students, teachers, and parents communicate needs through behaviour and emotion. The conversation reframes discipline as an opportunity to recognize hidden leadership potential.
What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff
Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca (https://restorative.ca)
#EducationalLeadership, #RestorativePractices, #DifficultConversations, #StudentWellBeing, #SchoolLeadership, #ListenToUnderstand#Education #Leadership,#leading from where you are,#interest-based negotiation in schools,#school leadership communication,#parent engagement strategies,#strength-based school leadership.#student voice and leadership
16 Feb 2026
We Teach Kids, Not Content: School Leadership at the Post-AI Turning Point
One of the biggest barriers to school improvement isn’t strategy—it’s identity.
Our guest again this episode is Dr. Lisa Riegel, author of the book Aspirations to Operations (https://www.amazon.com/Aspirations-Operations-leaders-making-transformative/dp/B0GHF3P15G/ref=sr_1_1?crid=152TKMXNO90B6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xOQPF1B8MGVMlMYIf495ag.GLS1pk10GzGrqujWZM8I1rW7lBG9upGofo4DgRRoLAE&dib_tag=se&keywords=riegel+aspirations+to+operations+book&qid=1768851706&sprefix=riegel+aspirations+to+operations+boo,aps,229&sr=8-1). Dr. Riegel explains why teachers resist change when their beliefs and self-concept are tied to “how I’ve always taught.”We explore how leaders can separate behaviours from identity to reduce defensiveness and increase alignment. Lisa connects brain science to adult learning, stress, and psychological safety. AI has changed the game, and schools are at a real flashpoint.
Dr. Riegel challenges the idea that content is still king—and asks what the value-add of a teacher really is.We talk about engagement, absenteeism, and why students don’t always value what school is offering.She pushes leaders to define skills for a post-AI world and assess “thinking about content,” not just content.
What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff
Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca (https://restorative.ca)
#EducationalLeadership, #RestorativePractices, #DifficultConversations, #StudentWellBeing, #SchoolLeadership, #ListenToUnderstand#Education #Leadership,#teacher identity and change resistance,#brain-based leadership in school,#parent engagement strategies in education,#trauma-informed school practices,#post-AI education skills,#student engagement and absenteeism
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
3,022
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 68 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
96
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
32
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