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.

www.EdwardDeShazer.org

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.

www.EdwardDeShazer.org

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.

www.EdwardDeShazer.org

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.

www.EdwardDeShazer.org

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.

www.EdwardDeShazer.org

Coming back strong with renewed purpose, this relaunch episode delivers exactly what tired educators need to hear before starting another school year. Edward DeShazer speaks directly to the heart of education's biggest challenge: the unsustainable expectation that teachers and leaders should sacrifice their wellbeing for their students.

Drawing from over two decades in education and his experience transforming a one-star school into a four-star institution, DeShazer shares what really makes the difference in schools – not fancy technology or perfect lesson plans, but the people who show up every day. "The people are our greatest asset," he emphasizes, challenging the data-obsessed approach that dominates many educational spaces.

The conversation takes a remarkably personal turn when DeShazer opens up about his own two-year sobriety journey. With disarming honesty, he connects his experience to the broader struggle many educators face: "We have to stop acting like being overwhelmed is just part of this job. That is not normal. That is not sustainable." His vulnerability creates space for listeners to acknowledge their own struggles – whether with burnout, anxiety, or the feeling that something just isn't right. The message resonates clearly: asking for help isn't weakness; it's wisdom.

As August anxiety settles in for educators everywhere, DeShazer offers practical permission to breathe, to start softly, and to prioritize wellbeing over perfection. "You don't have to come out of the gate sprinting," he assures listeners, "Taking time for yourself isn't lazy, it's wise." His insights on building authentic school culture – defined not by pizza parties but by how people feel when they come to work – provide a blueprint for the intentional year ahead.

Ready to lead with heart and grow with purpose? Subscribe, leave a review, and join a community of educators who believe that taking care of themselves isn't selfish – it's essential to the sacred work of shaping young lives.

www.EdwardDeShazer.org

Recharge your teaching spirit and prevent burnout with our latest episode, where we explore the transformative power of intentional self-care routines for educators. Have you ever considered that your weekend rest might not be enough to sustain your energy for the week ahead? Join me as I uncover the vital role of recharging routines, and how even micro breaks during your day can have a profound impact on your well-being. Understanding what drains your energy—be it after-school meetings or additional responsibilities—is the first step towards managing them effectively. Let’s talk about how simple acts like journaling or enjoying some quiet time can make all the difference in showing up as your best self for your students and colleagues.

Empower yourself to take control of your self-care and prioritize your own needs with the same kindness you extend to others. This episode is all about being intentional with your actions, who you surround yourself with, and how you recharge your energy. You deserve this care and attention, so let's focus on recharging your battery and being purposeful in your life. Listen in and ensure you greet each new week with renewed energy and enthusiasm. I look forward to connecting with you and supporting your journey towards a more balanced and fulfilling teaching experience.

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This podcast episode delves into practical strategies for educators to combat winter blues and maintain mental wellness. The discussion emphasizes self-awareness, the importance of light and movement, staying hydrated, and fostering community connections while encouraging listeners to prioritize their own well-being.

• Recognizing seasonal changes and their mental effects 
• Utilizing light therapy and movement for energy 
• Prioritizing hydration and nutritious meals 
• Building supportive connections with colleagues 
• Empowering teachers to ask for help when needed

RESOURCES:
www.988lifeline.org
Text or call 988.

www.EdwardDeShazer.org

Ever felt like the demands of the classroom are pulling you in too many directions, leaving no room for personal time? Discover how to reclaim your schedule and mental well-being with practical boundary-setting strategies in our latest episode of the Teachers Ed Podcast. Host Edward DeShazer sheds light on the necessity of defining work hours and the art of saying no to non-essential commitments. By setting clear expectations with colleagues, students, administrators, and parents, educators can transform their work-life balance, fostering a healthier and more productive environment both professionally and personally.

Prepare to be empowered with actionable advice on preserving energy and protecting precious personal time. We discuss the profound impact of dedicating at least one day or evening each week solely to self-care, emphasizing that rest is not a luxury but a critical component of effective teaching. Through real-life examples and expert insights, this episode is a treasure trove of tips for educators at any stage of their career, from teachers to principals and counselors. Join us to explore how establishing firm boundaries can help you show up as the best version of yourself, benefiting your students, family, and your own well-being.

www.EdwardDeShazer.org