TEPSA Talk

About TEPSA Talk

Texas school principals are some of the most influential figures in the community…and also the busiest! Join us for conversations with educational and political leaders on the hot topics affecting Texas public education.

Publisher

TEPSA

Category

education · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

22 Jul 2020

Latest episode

4 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

159 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   4 Oct 2026

   Why Critical Thinking Is the Skill AI Can't Replace with Adam Bellow

   Critical thinking is not a buzzword - it's the skill that helps students, staff, and school leaders thrive when the answer is not obvious. Todd Nesloney sits down with Adam Bellow, the educator-turned-entrepreneur behind Breakout EDU, for a conversation about why challenge, play, and productive struggle matter more than ever in classrooms and school culture. Adam shares how his own experiences as a deeply curious, sometimes "selective" learner shaped his belief that students should not just memorize and regurgitate. From there, he unpacks how Breakout EDU evolved from a physical engagement tool into a powerful learning experience built around puzzles, collaboration, and the four C's, while still keeping academics front and center. He also explains why the pressure to go faster, finish first, and always be right can actually work against real learning. You'll discover how to use hands-on experiences to help adults buy into new ideas, why modeling being wrong in front of others can change a staff culture, and how challenges can become opportunities instead of roadblocks. Adam also connects these ideas to the realities schools are facing right now, from reduced screen time to the rise of AI, and makes the case that critical thinking cannot be outsourced to a tool. He also shares how this mindset shows up at home with his two sons, including what it looks like to step back, let kids try, and trust them with real problem-solving. Along the way, Todd and Adam highlight the power of working together, embracing failure as part of learning, and creating spaces where every voice can matter. Essential listening for principals, teachers, and parents who want practical ways to build stronger thinkers and a stronger school culture. If you lead people, teach kids, or just want to make learning more meaningful, this conversation will give you plenty to think about and put into practice right away.

2. 

   20 Sept 2026

   Why Schools Need Solutions, Not More To-Do Lists with Kim Bearden

   Most schools are trying to improve family engagement with more meetings, reminders, and obligations—but Kim Bearden says that's backwards. Real breakthroughs happen when families feel welcomed, known, and connected before difficult conversations ever begin.In this episode of the Todd Nesloney sits down with Kim Bearden, co-founder of the Ron Clark Academy, to discuss practical ways schools can build trust and create stronger family partnerships. Kim shares ideas for: • Making open house more engaging with mini lessons • Using bingo nights, trivia nights, and game nights to build community • Creating meaningful events for mothers, grandmothers, and caregivers • Involving fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and other men in school life • Using family photo days and name buttons to help parents connect • Turning parent relationships into genuine school partnershipsTodd also explains how he adapted these ideas for his own school community. The central message is simple: when schools stop seeing families as "us versus them" and start creating joyful, welcoming spaces for connection, students benefit.Kim Bearden is the co-founder of the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, an educator training facility and middle school known for engaging classrooms and innovative approaches to school culture. Learn more about Kim Bearden and the Ron Clark Academy: https://ronclarkacademy.com/ #Education #FamilyEngagement #SchoolLeadership #EducationalLeadership #TEPSATalk

3. 

   3 May 2026

   Transform School Relationships with Simple Habits with Nick Yoder

   Discover how modeling genuine relationships can transform school culture. In this episode, Nick Yoder shares simple actions for school leaders to boost student connections and staff morale. Learn about greeting students, the "buddy-up" strategy, and integrating soft skills into lessons. These practices foster a connected, resilient learning environment. Perfect for educators eager to make a real impact. Visit HarmonyAcademy.org for resources.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

3.7 / 5

3 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

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Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.