The first cold snap hits, the room isn’t spotless anymore, and that August buzz has faded. That’s when the real work shows up—and so does the truth about culture. We talk candidly about beating the fall slump and why October, not August, shapes the educators and leaders our students need.

We start with the human side: shorter days, less sunlight, and the silent drag on mood and motivation. Then we get practical. From Walking Wednesdays—a simple 15‑minute, no‑email, no‑grading movement break—to four anchor habits that actually stick: early morning sunlight, scheduled movement, community connection, and guilt‑free rest. These small, repeatable actions lower stress, boost focus, and help you return to class grounded, not just busy.

From there, we tackle culture with clear eyes. What you allow becomes your culture: gossip, negativity, and slipping effort spread fast when energy is low. But so do wins, professionalism, and compassionate accountability when we model them daily. We share how to run a mid‑fall culture check, set boundaries without drama, and protect the peace of your classroom or campus with love and clarity. The kids are watching, the staff is watching, and your actions write the rules far louder than any speech.

If you’ve felt heavier, tired, or less inspired, you’re not broken—you’re human. Keep showing up, not perfectly but intentionally. Try one habit, invite a colleague for a walk, and name one boundary you’ll enforce this week. If this resonated, subscribe, share it with a teammate who needs a lift, and leave a review so more educators can find it. Your light still matters, and your daily choices build the school everyone deserves.

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Start where you are, even if it’s a $30 mic at a kitchen table. That simple choice to move without seeing the whole staircase sparked a journey across classrooms, auditoriums, and continents—connecting with educators who are tired, hopeful, and ready to lead with purpose. We open the door on how a pandemic project evolved into a structured, sustainable speaking and consulting practice, born from an MBA challenge and shaped by hundreds of conversations with teachers and leaders searching for clarity.

We go deep on the unglamorous side of growth: sobriety as a practice of presence, endurance over performance, and the quiet disciplines that keep you centered when the calendar won’t. You’ll hear how gratitude keeps us grounded and growth keeps us moving, and why honoring your season—silence or support—isn’t optional if you want to serve well. Expect practical guidance on boundaries, rest without guilt, and letting go of habits or relationships that no longer serve the person you’re becoming.

To celebrate 50 episodes, we’re giving back with The Mindful Leader Journey, a 70-day journal designed for principals, teachers, and coaches who want daily prompts, affirmations, and intentional challenges that build self-awareness and steadier leadership. It’s a tool born from years of notes and reflections, now yours to put into practice. The message we leave you with is simple and actionable: don’t wait for perfect—take the next step with what you have. Subscribe for more stories and tools that help you stay grounded, grow with intention, and lead with peace. If this resonates, share it with a colleague and leave a review to help more educators find the show.

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Hit pause on the urge to copy last year’s playbook. We open the year by making a clear promise to ourselves and our students: fresh slate, flexible mindset, and real relationships first. With educator and speaker Simone Walden, we dig into character education as more than a curriculum—it’s how we show up daily, how trust forms, and why students work harder for adults who keep their word and protect their dignity.

We get practical fast. Simone breaks down Monday share routines that humanize the room, the art of modeling honesty without shaming, and the quiet power of naming your own boundaries so kids know how to succeed with you. We talk about the early touches that win parent partnerships—quick praise messages, respectful updates, and the tiny moments of listening that pay off when a tough call arrives. There’s a candid look at staff culture too: who likes public jokes, who prefers private nudges, and how tailoring your approach builds stronger teams.

You’ll hear Simone’s unforgettable “sharing table” story—from diverting breakfast waste to a classroom table, to relying on that same table during a hard financial season, and later seeing the practice embraced at a student retreat. The lesson lands: communities work when giving and receiving are both normal, and when we stop turning basic needs into power struggles. We close with actionable ideas you can use tomorrow—relationship-first routines, low-friction supply systems, and trust habits that make classroom management lighter because students feel seen.

If you’re ready to trade rigid routines for responsive leadership—and to let character, trust, and small systems do big work—this one’s for you. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a colleague who could use a fresh start this year.

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Norberto Troncoso takes us on a powerful journey from the Bronx to national recognition as he shares how he transforms "closeted introverts" into championship-level speakers. With raw authenticity and practical wisdom, Norberto reveals the strategies that have helped students from America's poorest congressional district win national speech competitions and secure millions in scholarships.

The conversation dives deep into the transformative power of communication skills. Norberto explains his innovative approach to helping students find their voices through games and storytelling exercises that meet them where they are. Rather than making communication seem intimidating, he disarms students by connecting with their existing communication styles before introducing more structured techniques. This gradual progression creates a safe space for authentic expression and confidence-building.

At the heart of Norberto's philosophy is the concept of "doing it scared" – facing fears instead of being paralyzed by them. This approach was born from his own near-death experience that left him unable to speak, eat, or move. Through his personal journey of rehabilitation, Norberto gained profound insight into human potential and resilience that now informs his work with students and educators alike.

For educators struggling to find their own voice or purpose, Norberto offers a powerful reminder to reconnect with their "why." He emphasizes that teacher effectiveness isn't measured by student approval or colleague recognition, but by staying true to one's purpose. As he quotes from rapper LaCrae: "If you live for people's acceptance, you're going to die by their rejection." This wisdom serves as a rallying cry for educators to remember their impact, even when it goes unacknowledged.

Whether you're an educator seeking to help students find their voice, a leader looking to improve your communication skills, or someone who wants to make a difference in your community, this episode offers practical strategies and heartfelt inspiration. Subscribe, share with a colleague, and join us as we continue to explore how great educators are changing lives one student at a time.

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What happens when educators bring their authentic selves to work? Carlos Malavé, Director of Culture and Community at Bloom Academy in Houston, reveals how vulnerability transforms school environments and why being genuine as a leader creates spaces where everyone can thrive.

Carlos shares the story of finding his perfect professional fit—a position created to match his expertise in implementing curriculum, supporting teachers, and building restorative practices. His approach to building genuine connections among staff through exercises like "Need to Know" demonstrates how powerful it can be when leaders show their humanity first. By opening up about his own experiences, including his father's struggle with mental health that ended in suicide, Carlos creates permission for others to be their true selves.

"Creating the spaces I wish my father would have had" drives Carlos's mission in education. He recognizes how crucial it is for students—especially those from challenging backgrounds—to see male educators who demonstrate vulnerability, kindness, and emotional intelligence. This representation matters deeply, particularly in elementary settings where male educators are often absent until students reach the age of sports or discipline.

The conversation takes an inspiring turn when host Edward DeShazer shares a chance encounter with a former student who remembered him after 17 years—a powerful reminder that educators make lasting impacts even when the work feels thankless. These connections sustain educators through difficult days and remind us why this work matters so profoundly.

Discover why authentic leadership is transforming education and how being your true self—rather than trying to fill someone else's shoes—creates the foundation for meaningful relationships with students and staff alike. Whether you're new to education or a veteran seeking renewal, this conversation will remind you of the power in simply being yourself.

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Have you ever wondered why some schools feel vibrant and positive while others seem stuck in negativity? The answer lies not in catchy slogans or mission statements, but in something far more fundamental.

School culture—that invisible force shaping everything from staff morale to student achievement—boils down to a surprisingly simple formula: what leaders consistently allow and what leaders consistently do. This isn't about perfect leadership or elaborate initiatives. It's about the power of everyday decisions that either strengthen or undermine your educational community.

When you allow gossip to spread unchecked, when negativity goes unaddressed, or when low effort becomes the norm, these elements define your culture regardless of what inspiring quotes decorate your hallways. Your silence as a leader speaks volumes. Conversely, when you consistently recognize achievements, follow through on commitments, and remain visible throughout your building, you cultivate environments of trust, respect, and excellence.

For educators scrolling through social media feeling inadequate against the seemingly perfect classrooms they see, remember: these platforms showcase highlight reels, not reality. Behind those immaculate bulletin boards are copier jams, challenging student behaviors, and lesson plans that didn't quite land. The comparison between someone else's curated image and your complete reality is inherently unfair. What makes you effective isn't perfection but presence—showing up consistently even when things aren't flawless.

As you navigate this school year, consider asking yourself two critical questions: "What am I currently allowing that I need to address?" and "What am I currently doing that I need to continue or change?" The answers will illuminate the culture you're actually building, not just the one you aspire to create.

Share this episode with another educator who might benefit from this perspective, leave a review, and consider sharing your own story on the show. Every educator has valuable insights that deserve to be heard. Together, we can build school cultures where both students and staff thrive.

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Dustin Thomas shares his journey from UPS worker to PE teacher and DJ, demonstrating how to create an inclusive school culture through music and movement in a diverse elementary school setting.

• Overcoming personal dislike of school to become an educator in his 15th year
• Using culturally responsive approaches to connect with 300+ ELL students 
• Learning key phrases in Haitian Creole to communicate with immigrant students
• Replacing traditional whistle-based PE instruction with music as a universal language
• Creating "Rhythm and Roots" program after three students lost their drummer father
• Evolving from bucket drumming to a full recording studio through grant funding
• Transforming school program into "Dropping the Beat" 501(c)(3) nonprofit
• Identifying student interests to develop relevant after-school programs
• Leading from current position without waiting for formal leadership titles
• Finding resources through community partnerships and grant writing

Visit www.droppingthebeat.com to learn more about this innovative program bringing music education to underserved communities.

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The first week of school sets the foundation for the entire year, making it essential to establish clear expectations that build trust and create safety for everyone involved. Educational success hinges on setting the right tone from day one, practicing procedures until they become second nature, and creating environments where both students and staff can thrive rather than merely survive.

• Pre-school anxiety is normal and indicates you care about your work
• Clear expectations create safety and trust for students and staff
• Consistency is critical – correct behaviors every time, not sporadically
• Teachers should model desired behaviors, practice procedures until automatic, and maintain emotional stability
• School leaders need to clearly communicate non-negotiables, remain visible throughout the building, and support before disciplining
• The goal is to thrive this year, not just survive
• Give yourself grace during transitions and when new approaches need adjustment

If you enjoyed today's episode, please subscribe, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, or hit the thumbs up button on YouTube. Your feedback helps us reach more educators who need this support. Visit www.edwarddeshazer.org to connect with me on all platforms.

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Principal Mo takes us behind the curtain of educational leadership to reveal the moment everything fell apart—and how it transformed her approach to leading a school. "This job can ruin you mentally, emotionally, physically," she confesses, sharing the raw truth about her 2022 breaking point when overwork led to depression, anxiety, and professional failure.

The conversation dives deep into what authentic leadership really means in education today. Principal Mo reveals how removing her work email from her phone, refusing to send messages after 5 PM, and being vulnerable with her staff about her struggles completely revolutionized her effectiveness as a leader. "When I say vulnerability is a strength," she explains, "that's when I realized I should have been vulnerable and honest all along." Her staff rallied around her once they understood what was happening, offering solutions she hadn't considered.

We explore the critical importance of building a complementary leadership team rather than surrounding yourself with people who think and act like you do. As Principal Mo puts it, "Don't surround yourself with people who are the same as you." Her insights on identifying teachers who lead from their seats and developing their capacity offer practical guidance for any educational leader looking to build a stronger organization.

This episode delivers honest, actionable wisdom about sustainable leadership practices that protect both your effectiveness and your wellbeing. Whether you're a veteran administrator or a teacher considering moving into leadership, Principal Mo's journey from burnout to balance provides a roadmap for leading with authenticity, vulnerability, and strength.

Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with an educator who needs to hear this message of hope and transformation. The work we do matters too much to let burnout win.

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What if the key to academic success isn't found in rigid classroom structures, but in creating spaces where students feel safe enough to be their authentic selves? Alexia, known professionally as "The Dancer Teacher," brings her infectious energy and profound insights to this episode as we explore how joy, authenticity, and emotional intelligence create the foundation for effective learning environments.

Drawing from her dual expertise as a kindergarten teacher in Atlantic City and a hip-hop dance instructor, Alexia challenges the widespread misconception that learning must be devoid of fun to be effective. "We often link this 'no fun, get to business' with higher scores and higher learning, but actually that's wrong," she observes, noting that despite this approach, "the scores are still trash." Instead, she advocates for intentionally building classroom cultures where both teachers and students can show up as their true selves.

The conversation delves into practical strategies for creating these environments, from establishing consistent routines that build safety to teaching emotional vocabulary that helps students identify and manage their feelings. Alexia emphasizes that before educators can help students develop emotional intelligence, they must first cultivate this skill themselves – knowing their own triggers and modeling healthy emotional regulation.

We also tackle the critical issue of expectations, particularly for students from marginalized communities. Alexia identifies two problematic extremes: over-disciplining Black and brown children, and the savior mentality that sets exceedingly low expectations. Both approaches, she argues, ultimately fail students by not preparing them for success beyond the classroom.

Perhaps most compelling is Alexia's perspective on freedom in education – not as chaos, but as creating space for authentic self-expression and student agency. When students feel empowered in this way, they take ownership of their learning journey and develop the intrinsic motivation that drives lasting success.

Subscribe to The Teacher's Ed Podcast for more conversations that help educators learn, grow, and be inspired. Find Alexia on all platforms @TheDancerTeacher and at thedancerteacher.com for classroom resources.

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