In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros speaks with Giselle Rodriguez, Director of the Office of Innovative Learning, and Peter Bayer, Principal of Pembroke Pines Charter School at the Academic Village Campus in Southern Florida.

Learn how a municipally run charter school system is redefining what’s possible in education by focusing on aligned leadership, mental health supports, and innovation at every level. Giselle shares how her department ensures consistency and collaboration across schools, while Peter explains how their unique leadership model empowers educators and students to thrive.

🎯 In This Episode:

How Pembroke Pines bridges innovation and tradition through a charter-municipal partnership

Strategies for system-wide professional learning and leadership alignment

A proactive approach to mental health through the Student Assistance Program

The role of community voice and shared leadership in shaping school culture

This conversation is full of practical insights for school leaders, teachers, district administrators, and policymakers who are striving to build student-centered systems that adapt to the needs of their communities.

📘 Explore more ideas in George’s book:

🎤 Book George Couros to speak at your event:

Letting Go of the Good to Pursue the Exceptional | The Innovator's Mindset Podcast

In this inspiring episode of The Innovator's Mindset Podcast, George Couros dives into a powerful idea: sometimes you have to let go of what's good to reach what's great.

Drawing inspiration from Brianna Wiest’s book The Pivot Year, George shares real-life stories about navigating major career changes, taking bold risks, and embracing the unknown. If you're feeling stuck, facing a big decision, or simply ready for a new chapter, this episode will challenge you to think differently and act courageously.

🎯 Learn how to:

Reframe uncertainty as a path to growth

Let go of comfort to pursue purpose

Make meaningful pivots in your life and career

Don’t miss this empowering conversation about creating your own story and chasing what truly matters. Subscribe and take that leap forward today!

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros sits down with Anita Huggins, Superintendent of Charleston County School District, to explore her journey from classroom teacher to district leader. With nearly 30 years of experience, Anita shares how Charleston is cultivating a high-performance culture rooted in student voice and genuine community collaboration.

She highlights how the district's Student Cabinet gives learners a meaningful seat at the table—from budgeting decisions to shaping student life—and how prioritizing children over egos leads to real innovation. Tune in to hear practical insights on leading with humility, amplifying student agency, and creating systems that effectively serve all students.

🔗 Learn more about Charleston County School District: https://www.ccsdschools.com

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Please share your thoughts with us on Twitter or Instagram at #InnovatorsMindset.

More at georgecouros.com

George Couros on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros

George Couros on Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros

George Couros on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/

George Couros on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519

For the full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros

The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

What Makes a Great Principal - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgeorge0f-20&creativeASIN=1948334739&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2SBTFVTBT0S6X&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin

Because of a Teacher - https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Because of a Teacher 2 - 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833450X?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20&linkCode=ssc&creativeASIN=194833450X&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2SBTFVTBT0S6X

Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

What are the 3 questions every innovative school leader should ask?

✅ How continuous self-directed learning shapes effective leadership

These questions will challenge you to think differently, act intentionally, and lead with purpose:

What am I learning on my own, and how do I make that learning visible?

What is one thing we can do to build a strong foundation for deeper learning?

How can I create a culture that amplifies the strengths and passions of those I serve?

Perfect for school administrators, teacher leaders, and anyone driving change in education.

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros interviews Dr. Matt Frederickson, superintendent of Lincoln County R-III in Missouri. With over 30 years in education, Dr. Frederickson shares actionable strategies for empowering students, supporting educators, and engaging the community to drive lasting school improvement.

How to create a meaningful and rigorous curriculum that focuses on student understanding of the why, not just the what and how.

How to integrate student voice through advisory councils to inform campus design, teaching practices, and school climate improvements.

Why family and community partnerships matter in shaping a shared vision for student success and increased ownership in learning.

How leadership grounded in listening and service can energize both staff and students to strive for excellence.

Ways to align school facilities planning (e.g., bond measures) with student engagement and 21st-century learning goals.

“If students understand the why, then the what and how become much easier.” – Dr. Matt Frederickson

School and district administrators

Curriculum directors and instructional coaches

Teachers focused on student-centered learning

Education leaders interested in strategic planning and community engagement

Learn more about Dr. Matt Frederickson and the Lincoln County R-III School District by visiting their website or following along with George Couros’ updates.

 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and be inspired to rethink what’s possible in education.

“How do we design schools and instruction so the kids understand the why, the what, the how, and the connection…” – Dr. Matt Frederickson

“Student voice helps shape everything from relationships to learning spaces.” – George Couros “    

“If we listen to students, they can tell us quite a bit...students have a thing or two to say about what they’re learning.”  – Dr. Matt Frederickson

Dr. Matt Frederickson LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-frederickson-8b6ba67/

Dr. Matt Frederickson X - https://x.com/lcr3sup

Student Voice Blog Post - https://georgecouros.com/student-voice/ 

Lincoln County R-III YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@LincolnCountyR3Schools 

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset podcast, George Couros shares personal reflections on what he has learned after moving from Edmonton, Alberta, to Orlando, Florida. Over three years of change, George discusses the challenges of relocation, the heartbreak of losing his dogs, and the powerful lessons about resilience, gratitude, and personal growth.

Drawing from his own story, George offers insights for anyone navigating a major life transition: whether you are moving cities, starting a new job, or stepping into an unfamiliar season. You will hear why no place alone can define you, and how a willingness to grow is what truly shapes your experience.

👉 Read the full blog post:

If you are interested in having George speak to your team or organization about leadership, innovation, and personal growth, you can book him for speaking engagements here:

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, host George Couros welcomes thought leaders in education—Dr. Catlin Tucker, Brett Vogelsinger, and Dale Alexander—for powerful conversations about instructional practices, writing across the curriculum, and financial literacy. Each guest offers insights that educators, leaders, and lifelong learners won’t want to miss.

 Watch Clip

 Watch Clip

 Clip coming soon

Intro 

TBD

Description & Time Codes: 

0:00 Intro with George Couros

TBD Intro Music

TBD Dr. Catlin Tucker

TBD Brett Vogelsinger

TBD Dale Alexander

Dr. Catlin Tucker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rV8bh0Bi0A 

In this clip from The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, Dr. Catlin Tucker defines tier 1 supports and explains what we are considering when we are thinking about tier 1 in relation to the multi-tiered system of support. Dr. Tucker and George Couros reflect on what it means when we are providing tier 1 and how that relates to being the core, or the universal, learning in a classroom. Dr. Tucker also elaborates on what tier 2 and tier 3 are and how they differ from tier 1. As Dr. Tucker continues sharing her thinking, she shares how this is connected to station rotations. When Dr. Tucker refers to “elevating tier 1 instruction,” she encourages teachers to really consider what they are planning to introduce in whole group and what they will introduce in small group. Be sure to check out this clip and then the full episode for even more great ideas from Dr. Tucker!

Brett Vogelsinger

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzTpMQYxCoE 

In this clip from The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros and Brett Vogelsinger reflect on the importance of the writing process in all subject areas, while advocating for an emphasis on the development and messiness of writing, rather than just the final product. Vogelsinger and Couros also share personal reflections that illustrate how writing can be a tool for thought development and learning across various content areas and professions, not just writing.  Vogelsinger’s book, Artful AI in Writing Instruction, offers insights and principles for teachers of any subject while providing methods to help both students and teachers navigate the writing process without fully relying on AI. Be sure to check the links below to grab a copy of Vogelsinger’s new book and check out the full episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast for even more great AI reflections. 

Dale Alexander

TBD

In this clip of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, Dale Alexander and George Couros review the 70% rule, and Alexander shares just what he means when he talks about making “70 your 100.” If you watch or listen to this clip after you have already started your first job and did not consider making your 70 your 100, be sure to watch the full episode to hear what Alexander suggests you do next. This podcast with Alexander is a great episode for all ages because it shares some powerful financial strategies based on the book, ‘The Talk (About Money).’ Be sure to check the links below for even more great resources from Alexander, including his website and YouTube channel.

In this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros sits down with financial literacy advocate and author Dale Alexander to explore how we can better teach students and young adults about managing money. Dale shares his powerful 70-20-10 principle—spend 70%, invest 20%, and give 10%—and explains how starting financial education early can lead to lifelong financial success.

They discuss practical investing tips, including mutual funds, the power of consistent savings, and why most adults say, “I wish I learned this when I was 18.” Whether you're an educator, parent, or young adult, this conversation provides actionable strategies to help anyone build a strong financial foundation.

👉 Learn more at: https://www.thetalkaboutmoney.com/

Key Topics:

Financial literacy for students

Dale Alexander’s 70-20-10 money rule

Teaching kids and teens how to manage money

Smart investing for beginners

How to build wealth early

Why budgeting matters for young adults

Subscribe for more insights on education, leadership, and innovation.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Innovator's Mindset Podcast, George Couros sits down with Brett Vogelsinger—veteran English teacher and author of the upcoming book Artful AI in Writing Instruction: A Human-Centered Approach to Using Artificial Intelligence in Grades 6–12.

Together, they explore how AI can support rather than supplant the writing process, emphasizing the importance of preserving student voice, creativity, and curiosity. Vogelsinger shares powerful classroom examples, like using AI to spark deeper character analysis or improve first drafts, always returning the focus to the human element behind the writing.

This conversation is a must-listen for educators across all subjects who want to:

Thoughtfully integrate AI into student writing

Design writing assignments that feel relevant and personal

Empower students to critique and improve upon AI outputs

Balance innovation with human connection and creativity

🧠 Whether you're tech-savvy or just starting your AI journey, this episode offers practical strategies and inspiring insights to navigate the future of education with intention and purpose.

✨ Notable Quotes from Brett Vogelsinger:

🔗 Resources & Links

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Please share your thoughts with us on Twitter or Instagram at #InnovatorsMindset.

More at georgecouros.com

George Couros on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros

George Couros on Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros

George Couros on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/

George Couros on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519

For the full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros

The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

What Makes a Great Principal - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgeorge0f-20&creativeASIN=1948334739&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2SBTFVTBT0S6X&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin

Because of a Teacher - https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Because of a Teacher 2 - 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833450X?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20&linkCode=ssc&creativeASIN=194833450X&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2SBTFVTBT0S6X

Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

In this special episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast, George Couros celebrates the 10-year anniversary of his best-selling book, The Innovator’s Mindset. Answering thoughtful questions from a book study group in India, George shares timeless ideas about innovation in education and what it takes to lead in a world that never stops changing.

You’ll learn why innovation is about creating new and better ways to serve learners, not just using new tools. George unpacks the importance of balancing traditional foundations with aspirational goals and highlights how educators can model risk-taking, resilience, and purposeful growth.

Key Topics in This Episode:

What innovation really means in today’s schools

How to foster creativity and deep learning in constrained systems

Why resilience is more important than failure

How educators can lead with authenticity and adaptability

Ways to build learner-driven, evidence-informed classroom culture

Notable Quotes:

“Innovation is not about using technology; it is about creating something new and better.”

“You cannot expect others to take risks if they never see you taking any yourself.”

“Everything you want to happen in your school already exists; the challenge is helping people bring it to the surface.”

“If a strategy isn’t working, we don’t abandon the student; we adjust and iterate to meet their needs.”

📘 Grab your copy of The Innovator’s Mindset:

Paperback / Kindle on Amazon

More books and resources from George Couros

Whether you're a new teacher, a veteran leader, or somewhere in between, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration to help you create a culture of innovation in your school.