What does it really take to build a school culture where every student can thrive? In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham sits down with Dr. Christi Buell, an educator driven by her passion to create meaningful learning environments that every child deserves.

Christi shares how leaders can put people before programs to strengthen school culture, engage students and staff in the process of change, and turn vision into action. She also highlights the importance of celebrating small wins—early and often—as the foundation for lasting transformation.

If you’ve ever wondered how to shift culture, foster connection, and create schools where achievement and support go hand in hand, this conversation will inspire and challenge you to see leadership through a new lens.

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Download the Our Handout below:

https://resources.franklincovey.com/season-6/lbrlh_k12

If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/

Connect with Dr. Buell on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/christi-buell-b2765716/

Host: Dustin Odham

Guest: Dr. Christi Buell (Assistant Superintendent, Teaching & Learning Arlington ISD)

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 02:58) Introduction

(02:59 - 03:43) Who is Dr. Buell

(03:44 - 06:04) Transformation in Education

(06:05 - 07:44) Where Do I Start?

(07:45 - 12:49) Creating the Why

(12:50 - 16:18) Know Your Who

(16:19 - 18:30) Leadership Habits

(18:31 - 24:03) Leader In Me

(24:04 - 31:56) Opening Up

(31:57 - 37:05) Implementing Action

(37:06 - 41:18) Pride and Drive

(41:19 - 47:42) A Foundation of Sand

(47:43 - 50:25) Book Recommendations

(50:26 - 51:31) Walk Up Song

(51:32 - 52:31) A Small Group

(52:32 - 54:11) Closing