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Be sure to connect with Dr. Darin Brawley on LinkedIn here.
Dr. Brawley transformed Compton Unified from a 58% graduation rate to 94%.
A-G Completion rate from 12% to 76%
Collective will is essential for achieving student success.
Benchmarking against other districts drives improvement.
Continuous improvement models help in adjusting strategies.
Staying connected to schools is crucial for effective leadership.
Succession planning ensures organizational growth and stability.
Conflict is necessary for change and should be embraced.
Work-life balance is important to prevent burnout.
Mentorship plays a key role in professional development.
Assessments should guide instruction and interventions.
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Darren Brawley
02:43 Transforming Compton Unified School District
05:13 The Importance of Collective Will in Education
07:55 Benchmarking for Success
10:49 Staying Connected to Schools
13:29 Succession Planning and Mentorship
16:06 Work-Life Balance and Avoiding Burnout
18:57 The Role of Conflict in Leadership
21:19 Shout Outs and Closing Thoughts
Book Adam for your next event! mradamwelcome.com/speaking
Brand new speaking video HERE!
Adam's Books:
Kids Deserve It - amzn.to/3JzaoZv
Run Like a Pirate - amzn.to/3KH9fjT
Teachers Deserve It - amzn.to/3jzATDg
Empower Our Girls - amzn.to/3JyR4vm
Dr. Amy Alzina is very well known across California and involved in so many different areas across the state and the country. Her energy everyday with her team and everyone she meets is contagious, you'll see what I'm talking about.
Be sure to connect with Amy on LinkedIn here.
Key takeaways from our conversation -
- Every educator has a story that inspired them to teach.
- Kindergarten is the heartbeat of education.
- John Wooden's principles can guide effective leadership.
- Community support is vital for personal and professional growth.
- Effective onboarding can set the tone for new staff.
- Measuring success goes beyond test scores.
- Empowering students fosters leadership skills.
- AI can enhance personalized learning experiences.
- Educators must teach students about the responsible use of technology.
- Collaboration among staff is key to student success.
Chapters -
00:00 Introduction and Background of Amy Alzina
02:52 The Magic of Kindergarten Education
05:47 John Wooden's Influence on Leadership
08:24 The Joy of Running and Community
11:16 Interviewing for the Right Fit
13:58 Onboarding New Staff with Enthusiasm
16:52 Measuring Initiative Success in Education
19:46 Empowering Student Leadership
22:19 Navigating AI in Education
25:11 Shout Outs and Closing Thoughts
Book Adam for your next event! mradamwelcome.com/speaking
Brand new speaking video HERE!
Adam's Books:
Kids Deserve It - amzn.to/3JzaoZv
Run Like a Pirate - amzn.to/3KH9fjT
Teachers Deserve It - amzn.to/3jzATDg
Empower Our Girls - amzn.to/3JyR4vm
Keegan Webb is an Elementary Principal from central Texas, who shares her unique experiences and insights from her 21 years in education. Keegan discusses her journey from being a music teacher to an administrator, highlighting the different roles she takes on in a smaller, rural district. Keegan emphasizes the importance of building a positive school culture, supporting teachers, and connecting with students, especially those who may not excel in traditional academic or athletic settings.
Keegan also shares her strategies for welcoming new staff and fostering a collaborative environment, as well as her thoughts on the integration of AI in education and the significance of maintaining focus amidst the many distractions in the educational landscape.
Takeaways -
Hire for personality and I train for skill.
You want to make a positive culture where people want to be.
Every single day is like an inbox activity.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Keegan Webb
01:34 - Life as a Rural Principal
06:02 - Hiring and Supporting Teachers
09:20 - The Role of AI in Education
14:16 - Staying Focused as a Principal
18:13 - Supporting All Students
19:33 - Balancing Life and Work
21:53 - Book Recommendations and Personal Growth
25:42 - Shoutouts and Closing Thoughts
Book Adam for your next event! mradamwelcome.com/speaking
Brand new speaking video HERE!
Adam's Books:
Kids Deserve It - amzn.to/3JzaoZv
Run Like a Pirate - amzn.to/3KH9fjT
Teachers Deserve It - amzn.to/3jzATDg
Empower Our Girls - amzn.to/3JyR4vm
Today on the show I interviewed Dr. Anthony Mays, Superintendent of Alief ISD in Texas. Be sure to connect with Dr. Mays on LinkedIn here.
Dr. Mays shares insights on leadership, prioritization, and the importance of preparing students for their future.
He discusses the diverse environment of his district, the role of AI in education, and the significance of treating people with respect. Dr. Mays emphasizes the need for educators to focus on their impact and the importance of community support in achieving success.
Highlights -
Book Adam for your next event! mradamwelcome.com/speaking
Brand new speaking video HERE!
Adam's Books:
Kids Deserve It - amzn.to/3JzaoZv
Run Like a Pirate - amzn.to/3KH9fjT
Teachers Deserve It - amzn.to/3jzATDg
Empower Our Girls - amzn.to/3JyR4vm
In my conversation with Dr. Lorenda Chisholm, the Superintendent of Greenberg Central School District, she shares her journey from law enforcement to educational leadership and so much more.
Be sure to connect with Lorenda on LinkedIn!
Key takeaways from Lorenda!
1. Balance and boundaries are essential for effective leadership.
2. Success in education is defined by relationships and community engagement.
3. AI is a tool that must be embraced in education, but with caution.
4. Leadership requires a humanistic approach and understanding.
5. Building a strong support network is crucial for superintendents.
6. Lessons from law enforcement can be applied to educational leadership.
7. Defining success goes beyond metrics to include social-emotional aspects.
8. Continuous learning and adaptation are key in leadership roles.
9. Celebrating student achievements fosters a positive school culture.
10. Leadership is a shared responsibility that involves the entire community.
Book Adam for your next event! mradamwelcome.com/speaking
Brand new speaking video HERE!
Adam's Books:
Kids Deserve It - amzn.to/3JzaoZv
Run Like a Pirate - amzn.to/3KH9fjT
Teachers Deserve It - amzn.to/3jzATDg
Empower Our Girls - amzn.to/3JyR4vm
Marlon's new book (Make Your Move) just released and it's a must read, grab your copy here!
I had such a great time reconnecting with my friend Dr. Marlon Styles to discuss his new book, 'Make Your Move.'
We talk about ambition, leadership, and the importance of reflection and empathy in personal and professional growth. Marlon shares insights on creating a culture of ambition, the significance of simplicity in leadership, and the necessity of being selective with opportunities. Marlon really emphasizes the value of collaboration and the need to evaluate progress regularly to maintain momentum in one's journey towards success.
Big ideas from Marlon -
Take care of the most important things in life.
Reflect on what brings you joy and fulfillment.
Creating a culture of ambition requires intentionality.
Simplicity is key in leadership and communication.
Set momentum markers to track progress.
Empathy is essential for understanding team dynamics.
Be selective with opportunities that align with your goals.
Evaluate your progress regularly to stay on track.
Collaboration enhances ideas and initiatives.
Always ask why you are doing what you do.
Be sure to connect with Marlon on LinkedIn here!
Book Adam for your next event! mradamwelcome.com/speaking
Brand new speaking video HERE!
Adam's Books:
Kids Deserve It - amzn.to/3JzaoZv
Run Like a Pirate - amzn.to/3KH9fjT
Teachers Deserve It - amzn.to/3jzATDg
Empower Our Girls - amzn.to/3JyR4vm
Frank Polen, is an Assistant Superintendent and Director of C&I at Buckeye Career Center in Ohio. We discuss Frank's extensive background in education, the importance of career exploration for students, and the innovative programs being implemented to prepare students for the workforce.
Be sure to connect with Frank on LinkedIn here!
Frank started as a middle school teacher and basketball coach.
Buckeye Career Center offers a variety of programs for high school and adult education, focusing on skill development.
Career exploration initiatives, such as summer camps, provide early exposure to various career paths for students.
Engaging students in hands-on experiences is crucial for their career development.
The center adapts its programs based on community needs and workforce trends.
AI is becoming increasingly relevant in education, and educators must adapt to these changes.
Hiring practices at Buckeye focus on supporting staff from diverse backgrounds, including those from the workforce.
Leadership in education is about building relationships and serving the community.
Continuous improvement and adaptation are key to success in educational leadership.
Reading and ongoing professional development are essential for effective leadership.
00:00 Introduction and Background of Frank Polen
02:54 Career Exploration and Summer Camp Initiatives
05:59 Current Trends in Career and Technical Education
08:49 Engaging Students in Career Pathways
12:00 The Role of AI in Education
15:10 Hiring and Retaining Staff in Education
18:07 Leadership Lessons and Book Recommendations
21:02 Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement
Book Adam for your next event! mradamwelcome.com/speaking
Brand new speaking video HERE!
Adam's Books:
Kids Deserve It - amzn.to/3JzaoZv
Run Like a Pirate - amzn.to/3KH9fjT
Teachers Deserve It - amzn.to/3jzATDg
Empower Our Girls - amzn.to/3JyR4vm
I had a really great time interviewing Scott Borba, a Superintendent/Principal, about his experiences in rural education, the importance of leadership, and the innovative professional development initiatives he has implemented in Merced County. Scott shares insights from his new book, 'The Leader You're Not,' emphasizing adaptability, empowerment, and the significance of community and networking in educational leadership.
Connect with Scott on LinkedIn here.
And please check out Scott's new book 'The Leader You're Not' here that just released!
Takeaways -
Scott is a Superintendent/Principal with a passion for innovation in education.
Building relationships is key to effective leadership in small districts.
Professional development is crucial for preventing burnout among educators.
Networking through organizations like NAESP can significantly enhance leadership skills.
Empowering others is essential for effective delegation and leadership.
Adaptability is a critical trait for leaders in changing environments.
Scott's book highlights the importance of self-awareness in leadership.
Creating a supportive community among principals fosters growth and collaboration.
Leadership should focus on serving others rather than personal gain.
Mistakes are part of the growth process in leadership.
Chapters -
00:00 Introduction and Background of Scott Borba
02:57 Leadership in Rural Education
06:06 Professional Development Revolution in Merced County
11:51 The Importance of Networking and Community
14:51 The Leader You're Not: Insights from Scott's Book
21:50 Adaptability and Leadership Styles
27:01 Closing Thoughts and Final Reflections
Book Adam for your next event! mradamwelcome.com/speaking
Brand new speaking video HERE!
Adam's Books:
Kids Deserve It - amzn.to/3JzaoZv
Run Like a Pirate - amzn.to/3KH9fjT
Teachers Deserve It - amzn.to/3jzATDg
Empower Our Girls - amzn.to/3JyR4vm
In this episode of CTE in 10 sponsored by Sphero, host Adam Welcome and guest Adrienne Emerson discuss the significance of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in preparing students for the workforce. They explore the essential skills taught in CTE programs, emerging career paths, the importance of community connections, and valuable resources for educators.
The conversation emphasizes the role of internships in providing real-world experience for students, highlighting the need for adaptability and problem-solving skills in today's job market.
HUGE thanks to our sponsor Sphero who has the BEST programmable robots on the market for hands-on learning that delivers immersive learning experiences Pre-K-12!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to CTE in 10 Podcast
01:03 Understanding Career and Technical Education (CTE)
03:20 Emerging Career Paths in CTE
05:48 Building Community Connections for CTE
07:31 Resources and Support for CTE Programs
09:54 The Importance of Internships in CTE
Today on the show we have Dr. Kip Glazer!
Kip is a High School Principal in California and I really enjoyed our conversation. Be sure to stay connected with Kip on LinkedIn here. Check out Kip's website here. Kip is also a 2025 Google Innovator and you can learn more about her project here.
AI, Google Innovator, Building leadership and capacity in others, creativity, shout outs and more.....I really think you're going to enjoy this episode!
Hope you enjoy the conversation, thanks for listening!
Book Adam for your next event! mradamwelcome.com/speaking
Brand new speaking video HERE!
Adam's Books:
Kids Deserve It - amzn.to/3JzaoZv
Run Like a Pirate - amzn.to/3KH9fjT
Teachers Deserve It - amzn.to/3jzATDg
Empower Our Girls - amzn.to/3JyR4vm
From the publisher's feed

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