About System Shift: Leading Change So Students Thrive
“System Shift: Leading Change So Students Thrive” is the go-to podcast for education leaders dedicated to building safe, inclusive learning environments through transformative, sustainable system-wide change. Hosted by Dr. Gail Angus, Dr. Leesa Huang, and Dr. Mary Beth Kropp— expert practitioners with implementing complex initiatives—this podcast blends cutting-edge research, actionable strategies, and authentic stories from education leaders who’ve navigated the challenges of system-wide improvement.
Whether you’re launching a district-wide initiative, enhancing current systems, or tackling the challenge of whole-child development, you’ll gain practical insights and tools to lead change with clarity and confidence.
Publisher
Dr. Gail Angus, Dr. Leesa Huang, and Dr. Mary Beth Kropp
60: How to Integrate SEL and Behavior (and Why Academics Depend on It)
Integrating social-emotional learning (SEL), behavior, and academics helps schools move beyond reacting to challenging behaviors and focus on teaching the skills students need to succeed. In this episode of System Shift, Dr. Gail, Dr. Leesa, and Dr. Mary Beth discuss how schools can integrate SEL into PBIS expectations and tiered supports to create more consistent, supportive learning environments.
In this episode:
How SEL, behavior, and academics work together to support student success.
Practical ways to integrate SEL skills into PBIS and tiered interventions.
How identifying lagging SEL skills can help address behavior challenges proactively.
Resources Mention:
CASEL Competencies (https://casel.org/casel-sel-framework-11-2020/)
Harvard SEL Skills Framework (http://exploresel.gse.harvard.edu/)
Have a question or a challenge you'd like us to discuss on a future episode? Share your problem of practice here (https://www.navigatedu.com/Podcast).
Visit us at navigatedu.com (https://www.navigatedu.com/)!
19 Oct 2026
59: Professional Development vs. Professional Learning: How to Turn Training Into Lasting Change
Professional development can provide great information, but information alone doesn’t change practice. In this episode, Dr. Gail, Dr. Mary Beth, and Dr. Leesa explore the difference between professional development and true professional learning and what leaders can do to help adults apply, integrate, and sustain what they learn.
The conversation examines adult learning, relevance, coaching, collaboration, and the importance of connecting professional learning to a school’s larger purpose and priorities. The goal isn’t more training. It’s creating learning experiences that actually change practice and build capacity across the system.
In This Episode:
Why professional development doesn’t always translate into changed practice
The difference between professional development and professional learning
How adult learning theory can reshape the way we support educators
How coaching, collaboration, and integration turn training into lasting change
Submit your problem of practice of question here: Podcast Submission (https://www.navigatedu.com/Podcast)
Visit us at navigatedu.com (https://www.navigatedu.com/)!
5 Oct 2026
58: Building a Stronger Communication System in Schools: The 7 C’s Every Leader Needs
Communication is one of the biggest challenges in schools and districts, but the problem often isn't a lack of communication. It's a lack of clear, consistent, and purposeful communication.
In this episode, Drs. Gail, Mary Beth, and Leesa revisit the 7 C’s of effective communication and explore how leaders can build a stronger communication system that keeps staff informed, aligned, and connected to the bigger purpose.
In This Episode
Why schools often over-communicate but under-inform
The 7 C’s for building a stronger communication system
How clarity and consistency help everyone stay aligned
One simple shift you can make to strengthen communication this year
Get your copy of the 7 C's of Communication Guidebook here! (https://www.navigatedu.com/7cs-communication-guidebook)
Visit us at navigatedu.com (https://www.navigatedu.com/)!
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 30 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
47
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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