FocusED

Lainie Rowell Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners

Lainie Rowell is an educator and international consultant who specializes in working with other educators to find innovative and sustainable ways to transform teaching and learning. Her areas of focus include community building, learner-driven design, online/blended learning, and professional learning.

During her 25 years in education, Lainie has taught elementary, secondary, and higher education. She also served in a district-level leadership position supporting 22,000 students and 1,200 teachers at 33 schools.

As a consultant, Lainie's client list ranges from Fortune 100 companies like Apple and Google to school districts and independent schools. Lainie is a TEDx Speaker with more than 15 years of experience presenting at regional, national, and international conferences, including Learning Forward, the Digital Learning Annual Conference (DLAC), Building Learning Communities (BLC), and the Leadership 3.0 Symposium.

Her work has been highlighted in many publications, including Edutopia, OC Family Magazine, ASCD K-12 Leadership SmartBrief, Getting Smart, and PBS NewsHour.

Since 2014, Lainie has been a consultant for the Orange County Department of Education's Institute for Leadership Development, facilitating professional learning for administrators. Learn more about Lainie at LainieRowell.com and see highlights of her work at Linktr.ee/LainieRowell. You can also subscribe to her newsletter at LainieRowell.com/subscribe.

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FocusED Show Notes with Lainie Rowell

Lainie talked about her first book launching right at the start of COVID and what she began to feel as a leader as she recognized the immense weight of the crisis. Everyone needs gratitude.

Lainie talked about the science that backs the practice of gratitude. When we work on our ability to feel gratitude, we release “happiness chemicals” into our brains and bodies.

Don’t miss what she says about increasing your baseline happiness.

Joe brings up Todd Rose and equifinality. Don’t miss Lainie’s response to this.

Her “how to” is inspiring because there are so many ways that people can practice gratitude.

Listen to what she says about her career: I changed lanes without a turn signal.

Because of our work with feedback, we really connected to what she says about praise. We need to ensure that our ratios of praise to correction are balanced.

Gratitude works best when it’s natural.

With 20 examples from 18 contributors in the book, school leaders are bound to find first, second, and third steps to creating a culture of gratitude.

Lainie calls out Dwight Carter and Joshua Stamper for their examples from the book as well as the need to be authentic with our gratitude.

If Lainie could improve anything in schools, she would work on the praise to correction ratio.

Lainie talked about CASEL’s three signature practices.

Laurie Santos, James Clear, Robert Emmons, and Katie Milkman are four people who Lainie follows outside of education.

Big reveal at the end: Lainie’s next book!

Lainie Rowell Quotes from FocusED

The best way to change someone else’s behavior is to change our behavior first. ~ Lainie Rowell

Next time you’re working with someone who you want to change, consider what you’ve noticed that they do well first. ~ Lainie Rowell

This is Episode 42 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Elizabeth Jorgensen. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Education, the Delaware Academy for School Leadership, and The School House 302. Don’t miss what Liz says about student learning habits, process-based assessments, writing for an audience, making connections outside of the classroom…and so much more. _________________________________________

Elizabeth Jorgensen Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners

Elizabeth Jorgensen has been published in many popular journals, including the English Journal, Edutopia, Teachers & Writers Magazine, Azalea: Journal of Korean Literature and Culture (Harvard University), Brevity, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Writers Who Care, Ohio Journal of English Language Arts, Wisconsin English Journal, Skinny Poetry Journal, and Gyroscope Review, and more.

Her book on process-based assessment, Hacking Student Learning Habits, was published by Times 10 Publications in 2022, and her most recent book was released in October 2022, Gwen Jorgensen: USA’s First Olympic Gold Medal Triathlete, which was written to help young people follow a dream and to focus on the process

Just to name some of her accolades:

She was named one of 20 of America’s Most Inspiring Educators with an award called The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation Teacher Innovator.

She has been the Arrowhead Union High School Teacher of the Year, the Graduate of the Last Decade from Carroll University, the Lucille S. Pooley Award winner for Successful Techniques in Teaching Composition in the Schools of Wisconsin, the Jarvis E. Bush winner from the Wisconsin Council of Teachers of English, and a recipient of the PBS Innovative Educator Award.

You can learn more on her website: lizjorgensen.weebly.com. _________________________________________

FocusED Show Notes with Elizabeth Jorgensen Mark Barnes found her on Facebook and through her articles he felt like she had a book, which was the inception of Hacking Student Learning Habits.

Don’t miss what Elizabeth says about authentic purpose, writing for an audience.

We need to find a purpose for the assignments outside of the grade.

Elizabeth uses examples for authentic assessments from across the content areas. It’s all about the process and real world ways that we connect students’ assignments to actual problems outside of the school.

The audience has a lot to do with how authentic we can make the students’ work—who will see their work outside of the teacher and the grading system?

It was really cool to hear Elizabeth talk about Sijo, a Korean form of poetry. The way she connected her love of learning poetry to her students’ interest is amazing. Check out her book about it, Sijo:

Listen to Elizabeth talk about inspiring young people to set goals, including her story about there not being enough books about athletes for girls.

You can’t miss what she says about the limitation of rubrics for process-based assessments.

Elizabeth: One thing that administrators can do to support teaching, learning, and risk-taking is to connect like-minded teachers in the school around a particular topic.

As always with our guests, Elizabeth mentions Twitter as a go-to place for learning. She also mentions using a thought-partner, for her it’s her mother, who is a former teacher.

Mike Roberts Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners

Mike Roberts has been a middle school Educator for more than twenty years. In that time, he has taught English, has been an instructional coach, and is currently an Assistant Principal. Over the course of his career, he has received numerous awards for his outstanding teaching, including being named the 2014 Utah English Teacher of the Year and the 2018 Utah Middle Level Teacher of the Year. Mike also teaches college classes focused on classroom management and literacy in the content areas. He has served on many educational committees, and has been a featured speaker at dozens of state, regional, and national conferences.

Mike's most recent book, Hacking Modern Teaching - 10 Ways to Build Student Engagement, Maximize Success, and Inspire Authentic Learning, offers a variety of strategies to help teachers and students thrive within today's modern classroom. Mike is also the author of Chasing Greatness: 26.2 Ways Teaching is Like Running a Marathon, where he shares advice from some of the best teachers and runners from across the country as a way to help you reach your highest potential. Mike is also the author of Hacking Classroom Management - 10 Ideas to Help You Become the Type of Teacher They Make Movies About, which identifies a variety of strategies that empower students in the learning process.

When he's not teaching or presenting, Mike can usually be found running ultra-marathons in the mountains. And even after all these years, he's still not sure which takes more energy...a week with middle schoolers or running a 100 mile race. _________________________________________

FocusED Show Notes with Mike Roberts

Mike starts the show with a reminder that we need to take risks, show students more about ourselves by connecting beyond the curriculum, and try new ways to support learning.

We’re not so far into this podcast episode before Mike is challenging the status quo of teaching the way that we were taught.

Joe asked about “engagement beyond the curriculum” and Mike talked about using simple themes in books to apply that concept to popular music. The connections are key.

Mike says he’s the king of the cameos. Don’t miss what he says about how teachers and leaders can “show up” without losing all of their nights.

Teachers need to be authentic to who they are; don’t miss what Mike says about authenticity and teacher style.

You want to hear what Mike says about seating charts and late work--some is better than none and late is better than never.

MIke’s insights on using self-assessments is powerful. Too many of us jump to conclusions without trying the new strategy.

Mike’s explanation of classroom management is really about creating classroom culture, doing school with students versus to them. Joe delineates this between a controlled environment and an empowering one.

We talked about self-reported grades as having a high effective size.

Mike talks about providing students with tons of options--the more options the better--and the benefits of this for teachers.

He talks about giving students a challenge: “do something that impresses me.”

Mike talked about setting goals and bite-size challenges. Big goals are overwhelming but small ones are inspiring. Don’t miss what he says about manageable chunks and 1% better.

He talked about Jim Knight being an influence when he was an instructional coach.

Don’t miss why Mike follows Malcolm Gladwell, Jocko Willink, and David Goggins.

Mike wants to help lift up teachers to help them to be the best that they can be.

Christine Ravesi-Weinstein Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners ____

Christine Ravesi-Weinstein serves as a high school Assistant Principal in Massachusetts and previously worked as a high school science department chair for four years as well as classroom teacher for 15. Diagnosed with anxiety and depression at 23, Christine began her journey towards mental wellness. She began a non-profit organization in June of 2017 aimed at removing the stigma of mental illness and promoting physical activity as a means to cope with anxiety.

As an avid writer and educator, Christine became passionate about bridging the two with her advocacy for mental health. Since March of 2019, she has had numerous nationally published articles, including the number one most read article of 2019 on eSchool News (she also had the number six and eight most read articles in that year). She has also published articles with District Administration, the Teach Better Team, Tech & Learning, and SmartBrief.

Not only is she a highly sought after speaker, Christine is an MASCD Board Member, author of the books Anxious (by Times 10 Publications), Fighting Your Inner Voice, and Disrupt the Status Quo (both by Code Breaker, Inc.).

Follow her work on Twitter @RavesiWeinstein and on YouTube at The Runner's High.

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FocusED Show Notes with Christine Ravesi-Weinstein

Christine and her co-authors focused on the four areas of the book because everything fell into those four categories, including culture.

Joe asked Christine to dive deeper into the conversation about positive toxicity.

Don’t miss what she says about perspective building.

Christine talks to us about strategies for listening and really hearing what others have to say.

The seed of toxicity is the parking lot conversation that’s not productive for anyone.

It’s the million decisions that we have to make in a day that prevent us from listening. ~ Christine Ravesi-Weinstein

Sometimes the reason for our lack of failure is that we forgot what the goal is.

Don’t miss what Christine says about the power of face-to-face conversations.

Christine wants to eliminate numerical grading to improve the student experience. She believes that this can change the SEL landscape for kids.

You have to hear what she says about Jim Hensen.

Chrinstine shared that she reads a lot of books about running.

She mentions Edutopia and Code Breaker as places to go for leading and learning.

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Thanks for listening to FocusED, an educational leadership podcast brought to you by TheSchoolHouse302 @ theschoolhouse302.com where we publish free leadership content. Go to the site, subscribe, and you’ll get all of our content sent directly to your email.

FocusED is your educational leadership podcast where our mission is to dissect a particular focus for teachers and school leaders so that you can learn to lead better and grow faster in your school or district. Let us know who you would like to hear from next.

This is Episode 39 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Danny Steele. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Education, the Delaware Academy for School Leadership, and The School House 302. Don’t miss what Danny says about Essential Truths for Principals…and so much more. _______________________________________ Danny Steele Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners

Danny Steele is in his 30th year of education, and this school year marks his second as the principal at Homewood Middle School. Prior to this position, he has served as an Assistant Professor of Instructional Leadership, principal, assistant principal, teacher, and coach.

In 2005, Steele was recognized as the “Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year” for the state of Alabama. And in 2016, he was recognized as Alabama’s “Secondary Principal of the Year.” He has presented at numerous state and national conferences and spoken in school districts around the country.

Danny has written or co-written five books. He has an undergraduate degree in History from Covenant College; an M.A. in History from the University of Alabama, Birmingham; and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Administration as well as Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership--both from Samford University. He resides with his wife and three children in Birmingham, Alabama.

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FocusED Show Notes with Danny Steele

Danny talks about the inception of the book and how Todd Whitacker pitched the idea as something that would be very broad for educators but was then split into two books: Essential Truths for Teachers and Essential Truth for Principals.

Danny talks about the fact that we can get lost in doing what we’re doing and forget the reasons why we’re doing what we’re doing.

Don’t miss what he says about getting swallowed up by the administrivia.

He talks about the difference in the focus between being a teacher and being an administrator.

You have to hear what he says about the sign above his door and why it’s there.

We love what Danny says about instructional leadership. It’s not about improving teachers as much as it is creating the conditions for them to improve themselves.

He talked about “cultural conditions” and why that’s so important for teachers and diminishing burnout.

Fundamentally, teachers are looking for support. Danny talked about relationships and building them so that teachers can thrive in the school.

Danny talks about the fact that a collaborative approach to teaching and learning is the key to improving the student experience.

He says that we ought to focus on what students are doing, not just what the teachers are teaching.

Check out what he says about skills beating content every day.

Danny talks about being a huge fan of Todd Whitaker and points to several of Todd’s resources.

He calls out the book, Hacking Learning Centers by Starr Sackstein

Danny mentions Adam Grant and his book, Think Again.

He talks about the need for us to do more work on race and equity in schools. _________________________________________

Thanks for listening to FocusED, an educational leadership podcast brought to you by TheSchoolHouse302 @ theschoolhouse302.com where we publish free leadership content. Go to the site, subscribe, and you’ll get all of our content sent directly to your email.

FocusED is your educational leadership podcast where our mission is to dissect a particular focus for teachers and school leaders so that you can learn to lead better and grow faster in your school or district. Let us know who you would like to hear from next.

David Geurin Joins FocusED to Discuss What It Means to Be Future Driven…and More

This is Season 4, Episode 4 of FocusED, and it features our guest, David Geurin. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Education, the Delaware Academy for School Leadership, and The School House 302. Don’t miss what David says about being a Future Driven educator…and so much more. _______________________________________ David Geurin Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners Dr. David Geurin is serving in his first year as superintendent of schools for the Fair Play R-II school district. Previously, he was principal at Bolivar High School for 14 wonderful years. Under his leadership, BHS developed many innovative programs and the school was honored as a National Blue Ribbon School and Missouri Gold Star School.

Dr. Geurin is the author of Future Driven: Will Your Students Thrive in An Unpredictable World? He’s passionate about developing leadership, school culture, and authentic learning experiences. Most of all, he’s devoted to creating better future stories for all students.

In 2017, Dr. Geurin was named Digital Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. He has shared his keynotes and workshops from China to the Bahamas and across the U.S.

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FocusED Show Notes with David Geurin

David talked about being future driven and not just “polishing the past,” which he defined as doing what we’ve always done just a little better. The future should be altogether different.

Joe asks an important question about balancing the standards while being innovative and meeting students where they are!

David talked about shifting students' mindsets from getting through school to what they can get from school.

It was awesome to hear David bring up work-based learning. That was a treat for both Joe and T.J. in terms of pathways and vocational/technical programming.

Dr. Geurin talked about his 14 years as principal and the transition to superintendent. His excitement about leading a district is contagious.

David talked about using Twitter to connect as well as his state and national associations. Get involved, get active!

David reads more literature from outside of education than he does within the field.

David talked about John Maxwell, Todd Whitaker, Carol Dweck, Simon Sinek, Adam Grant.

He talked about Culture Code by Dan Coyle as a very influential book.

David talked about the need for more support and resources for rural educators.

Don’t miss what he says that he learned from George Couros and AJ Bianco.

David wants to see more science opportunities and more outdoor experiences for students.

We end with a discussion of intentional practices for inclusion in schools.

David Geurin Quotes From FocusED

We’re not just preparing students for jobs that don’t exist yet, but we have to consider that we’re preparing them to be neighbors and friends of the future as well. ~ David Geurin

We have to encourage an entrepreneurial mindset in the students. ~ David Geurin

I don’t want to be the same today in my thinking as I was in the past. ~ David Geurin _________________________________________

Thanks for listening to FocusED, an educational leadership podcast brought to you by TheSchoolHouse302 @ theschoolhouse302.com where we publish free leadership content. Go to the site, subscribe, and you’ll get all of our content sent directly to your email.

This is Episode 37 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Morgane Michael. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Education, the Delaware Academy for School Leadership, and The School House 302. Don’t miss what Morgane says about getting teachers From Burnt Out to Fired Up…and so much more.

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Morgane Michael Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners

Morgane Michael is the author of From Burnt Out to Fired Up. She has been an elementary school educator with the Greater Victoria School District in British Columbia, Canada, since 2008. Michael is a passionate advocate for social-emotional learning, kindness education, and educator well-being, and she leads professional development initiatives aligned with those efforts throughout her province.

Michael pursued her interest in developing positive school culture through carrying out kindness and self-compassion practices, by promoting effective social collaboration, by nurturing creativity, and through building self-efficacy that is responsive to students' needs.

She established a culture of high expectations by launching her podcast, KindSight 101, in 2018. She has interviewed some of the world's biggest names in education on the topics of kindness, well-being, self-compassion, and promotion of positive school culture.

Morgane Michael is also the creator and founder of the Small Act Big Impact 21-Day Kindness Challenge, which seeks to promote and cultivate safe and supportive school culture. She shares insights from her podcast and lesson ideas on her blog, Small Act, Big Impact.

Morgane Michael received a bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Victoria, British Columbia, and is currently completing a master's degree in educational leadership. She lives with her family in Victoria, British Columbia. ________________________________________

FocusED Show Notes with Morgane Michael

Morgane calls the times we’re in “the merge lane back to normal.”

Don’t miss what she says about expressing our full selves as educators.

You want to hear what she says about teachers who have “a way of seeing us.”

We were thrilled to find out what she learned from Tim Ferriss.

Start building your “happiness jar” today.

Morgane shared practical strategies for self-care and passion ignition, including the use of the following questions programmed in your phone three times a day: What am I feeling? Where am I feeling the stress in my body? What do I need to move forward?

You have to listen to what she says about our 6 emotional needs.

She talks about weaving other industries into our practice of learning so that we follow non-educator work. Seth Godin, Adam Grant, Brene Brown.

What she says about deep work around our values.

Morgane talks about Atomic Habits by James Clear. Without strong systems it’s hard to get to point B.

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Thanks for listening to FocusED, an educational leadership podcast brought to you by TheSchoolHouse302 @ theschoolhouse302.com where we publish free leadership content. Go to the site, subscribe, and you’ll get all of our content sent directly to your email.

FocusED is your educational leadership podcast where our mission is to dissect a particular focus for teachers and school leaders so that you can learn to lead better and grow faster in your school or district. Let us know who you would like to hear from next.

Julie Stern Joins FocusED to Discuss the Concept of Learning that Transfers…and More

This is Episode 36 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Julie Stern. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Education, the Delaware Academy for School Leadership, and The School House 302. Don’t miss what Julie says in this episode about learning that transfers…and so much more. _______________________________________

Julie Stern Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners

Julie Stern has nearly two decades of experience facilitating adult learning and feels lucky to partner with educators to take their practice to the next level.

She is passionate about synthesizing the best of education research into practical tools that support educators in breaking free from the industrial model of schooling and moving toward teaching and learning that promotes sustainability, equity, and well-being.

She is a four-time, best-selling author of Learning that Transfers, Visible Learning for Social Studies, The On-Your-Feet-Guide to Learning Transfer and Tools for Teaching Conceptual Understanding, Elementary and Secondary.

She is a certified trainer in Visible Learning Plus and Concept-Based Curriculum and Instruction. She is a James Madison Constitutional Fellow and taught social studies for many years in Washington, DC and her native Louisiana. Julie moves internationally every few years with her husband, a US diplomat, and her two children.

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FocusED Show Notes with Julie Stern

Julie starts with a definition of “learning that transfers” — it’s not what we might think in terms of taking learning from short-term to long-term — but rather transferring learning from one situation to another in application.

The vast majority of teachers already have the tools to plan for learning that transfers. ~ Julie Stern

Don’t miss what she says about the first shift that we need to make and what needs to be at the heart of the lesson.

You want to hear about what she says ISN’T transferable learning—isolated lessons that don’t apply to an additional situation.

Julie talks about common errors that teachers make often without even thinking about it.

There’s a big difference in the role that students and teachers take in classrooms where learning transfers. Students become pattern seekers. Teachers are no longer fact providers and sources of information.

Julie talks about what it means to shift from subject matter to disciplinary literacy.

Don’t miss what she says about content disciplines being a way to look at the world.

Assessments are the floor, not the ceiling. Rote learning doesn’t work, even for standardized tests. ~ Julie Stern

Go to LearningThatTransfers.com. Teachers, check out Chapter 8. Check Out These Recommendations from Julie Stern:

Brooke Castillo’s The Life School Podcast.

Good By To Overwhelm

The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday

Happy Days by Gabby Bernstein

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Thanks for listening to FocusED, an educational leadership podcast brought to you by TheSchoolHouse302 @ theschoolhouse302.com where we publish free leadership content. Go to the site, subscribe, and you’ll get all of our content sent directly to your email.

FocusED is your educational leadership podcast where our mission is to dissect a particular focus for teachers and school leaders so that you can learn to lead better and grow faster in your school or district. Let us know who you would like to hear from next.

This is Episode 35 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Jessica Cabeen. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Education, the Delaware Academy for School Leadership, and The School House 302. Don’t miss what Jessica says in this episode about leading with grace while maintaining high expectations…and so much more. _______________________________________

Jessica Cabeen Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners Jessica is the Principal of Alternative Educational Programs and Austin Online Academy in Austin Minnesota. Prior to that, she was the principal at Ellis Middle School as well as the “Happiest Place in Southeastern Minnesota,” the Woodson Kindergarten Center. She has been an assistant middle school principal, a special education assistant director, and special education teacher.

Jessica was awarded the NAESP/VINCI Digital Leader of Early Learning Award in 2016; in 2017, she was named the Minnesota National Distinguished Principal; and in 2021, she was named DIVE Principal of the year.

She is a NAESP Middle Level Fellow and a Future Ready Principal. Jessica is the author of Hacking Early Learning, Balance Like A Pirate, Unconventional Leadership, and Lead with Grace: Leaning into the Soft Skills of Leadership.

But by far her favorite space is the one that involves being with her husband Rob, two sons Kenny and Isaiah, and of course the family dog-Herman. Jessica can be found on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @JessicaCabeen and on her website: jessicacabeen.com. ________________________________________

FocusED Show Notes with Jessica Cabeen

Jessica talked about going from one level to another and learning how to communicate effectively.

Don’t miss what she says about vulnerability.

Jessica talked about letting go of the perception that you have to lead with perfection. Leaders need to celebrate errors…what she called normalizing errors.

Jessica talked about balancing grace with high expectations, what it means to have a tough conversation with people who you care about.

You’ll love what she says about setting up a crucial conversation.

The sandwich set up makes it so that people get their carbs but they miss the protein…you’ll know what we mean when you listen to the show.

Leading with grace is not always leading gracefully. Jessica talks about what leaders need as they grow and the skill of grace.

Leaders need to practice self-regulation by checking their energy and attitude each day. Listen to what Jessica says about her “miracle morning.”

Don’t miss what Jessica says about having an “open door policy.”

Jessica wants to see the student voice elevated in schools—seen, heard, valued in schools.

Jessica talks about brain development research and resources. Check out The Power of the Adolescent Brain by Thomas Armstrong

She mentions learning more about career pathways so that students can see themselves beyond schools.

Book number five is on its way: Principal in Balance.

Quotes from Jessica Cabeen

Breath, smile, take a break, and have a life. ~ Jessica Cabeen

No one needs to be May-tired in October. ~ Jessica Cabeen

It’s not what you say but how you say it. ~ Jessica Cabeen

Value people before their positions. ~ Jessica Cabeen

This is Episode 34 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Joe Sanfelippo. It was originally recorded live for a studio audience in Delaware, provided as a professional development experience for Delaware teachers and leaders. Don’t miss what Dr. Sanfelippo says about what it means to lead from anywhere and how leaders build intention, connection, and direction in schools.

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Joe Sanfelippo Brings Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners Dr. Joe Sanfelippo is the Superintendent of the Fall Creek School District in Fall Creek, WI. The Fall Creek School District was named an Innovative District in 2016 and 2017 by the International Center for Leadership in Education. Joe holds a BA in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from St. Norbert College, a MS in Educational Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a MS in Educational Leadership, and a PhD in Leadership, Learning, and Service from Cardinal Stritch University.

Joe is also an adjunct professor in the Educational Leadership Department at Viterbo University. Joe has taught Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, and 5th Grade. He was a school counselor and high school coach prior to taking on an elementary principal position in 2005. He has served as a principal in suburban and rural Wisconsin.

Joe started the #1minwalk2work Leadership Challenge, and co-authored

The Power of Branding-Telling Your School's Story,

Principal Professional Development: Leading Learning in a Digital Age,

Hacking Leadership: 10 Ways Great Leaders Inspire Learning That Teachers, Students and Parents Love,

and his new book is Lead From Where You Are: Building Intention, Connection, and Direction in Our Schools.

He was selected as 1 of 117 Future Ready Superintendents in 2014 and 1 of 50 Superintendents as a Personalized Learning Leader in 2016 by the US Department of Education. He attended summits at the White House for both distinctions. Education Dive named Joe 1 of 5 K-12 administrators to watch in 2018 and their National Superintendent of the Year in 2019.

He has been a featured speaker in multiple states in the areas of Advancing the Use of Social Media for School Leaders, Telling Your School Story, Creating a Culture of Yes, and Personalized Professional Growth for Staff.

Go Crickets!!

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FocusED Show Notes with Joe Sanfelippo

Joe wrote his new book as a legacy piece. Listen to what he says about his kids and leaving something behind.

His insight about leading from a position of isolation is powerful.

Joe sees a lot of leaders asking the same questions, that often have answers, but that everyone is asking in their own bubbles.

Joe recommends balance in your emotional state when making decisions. You have to hear what he says about the highs and lows of school leadership.

Joe talked about better student ownership through adult learning. When adults like what they’re learning, they’re more likely to translate that for kids.

When it comes to “resources,” Joe says that teachers and leaders should have a core group to go to for reflection and support.

Don’t miss what Joe says about amplifying your school's message.

Joe’s final message about treating everything like it matters is inspiring. _____________________________________

Thanks for listening to FocusED, an educational leadership podcast brought to you by TheSchoolHouse302 @ theschoolhouse302.com where we publish free leadership content. Go to the site, subscribe, and you’ll get all of our content sent directly to your email.