Wisdom and Productivity: The Podcast of An Imperfect Educator

Wisdom and Productivity: The Podcast of An Imperfect Educator

By Dr. Efrain MartinezEducationSelf-Improvement
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Wisdom and Productivity: The Podcast of An Imperfect Educator episodes

  • The Wisdom & Productivity of Dr. Amy Heineke

    Amy J. Heineke, PhD, is Professor of Multilingual Teaching & Learning in the School of Education at Loyola University Chicago. Her research focuses on teacher education for culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms, with strands focused on pre-service and in-service teachers’ preparation for emergent bilinguals and language policy work in practice to support students’ learning and language development.

    35 min
  • Lyndon B. Johnson’s Legacy as a School Principal

    In this thought-provoking episode, we embark on a captivating journey through the untold chapters of Lyndon B. Johnson's life, beyond the realms of his presidency. Inspired by Doris Kearns Goodwin's illuminating book Leadership In Turbulent Times, we delve into the extraordinary story of Johnson's tenure as a school principal. Set in a time marred by segregation and societal divisions, we witness Johnson's unwavering commitment to Mexican American students at Welhausen School in Cotulla, Texas. Through his remarkable leadership and unyielding belief in the transformative power of education, Johnson defied expectations, bridged divides, and kindled hope in the hearts of marginalized youth.

    8 min
  • Maslow’s Heart Attack and the Principal's Self Care

    How can school principals care for themselves to live a fructiferous life while serving others well? We can learn several lessons from Maslow's heart attack, his Hierarchy of Needs, and the Maslow vs. Bloom dilemma. The episode concludes with Robin Sharma's 4 Interior Empires as a framework for better self-care.

    29 min
  • The Wisdom & Productivity of Dr Dana Goodier

    Dana Goodier is a veteran teacher and current middle school administrator with over 18 years of experience teaching World Languages and English. Building off of her own growth as a teacher, she is dedicated to providing schools with techniques to minimize off-task behavior and to increase time on task.

    55 min
  • Wisdom: “Build Leadership Momentum: How to Create the Perfect Principal Entry Plan” by Daniel Bauer

    Lessons from “Build Leadership Momentum: How to Create the Perfect Principal Entry Plan” by Daniel Bauer

    As a principal transitioning into a new position, I searched for the literature on entry plans. I learned about “Build Leadership Momentum: How to Create the Perfect Principal Entry Plan” by Daniel Bauer.” The book walks us through developing an effective 90-day entry plan for a year of excitement, energy, and momentum. 

    Danny Bauer is a principal development and retention expert, the best-selling author of Mastermind: Unlocking Talent Within Every School Leader and the Better Leaders Better Schools Roadmap, and the host of two of the world’s most downloaded podcasts. Danny was a guest here at Wisdom & Productivity on September 16, 2021.

    1. Danny, how are you feeling?

    2. Please share with us the origin story of the book.

    3. Can you explain what an entry plan is and how it can help school principals achieve their goals?

    4. Why 90 days? Why is the plan never done?

    5. You challenge us to imagine what we want to see on the 91st day; tell us more.

    6. You encourage principals to eat a healthy meal every day, which can be taboo in many districts. Can you tell us more? 

    7. You say the top performers know how to recuperate and rest; can you share about the Ruckus Maker Mindset Tool?

    8. You use the example of practicing the 85% rule on Olympic runner Carl Lewis. Can you share with us how principals can emulate the 85% rule as a tool to take care of themselves?

    9. You mention the importance of the powerful approach to defining your values. I was particularly impressed with the purple cow idea from Seth Godin; can you tell us more about it?

    10. Why principals should stay away from having an open-door policy? How can principals communicate this in a way conducive to positive outcomes?

    11. You share a blueprint on a “Get-to-Know-You Survey that I will surely steal for my new school. Can you share with the show's listeners and viewers what this is about (purpose and expected outcomes)?

      1. The great idea is to use the results to follow up with teachers/staff on the 1:1 meetings. What should these meetings look like? How long should they be?

      2. The idea of writing the top 10 key concerns on index cards: tell us more.

      3. Why is showing that you care for the teachers/staff important? 

      4. Why is it essential to be redundant in your communication? 

      5. What is initiative fatigue and how to overcome it (example of “whac-a-mole”)?

      6. Can you share with us the four steps for Instructional Leadership?

      7. What are your recommendations for a principal who wants to do a “get-to-know-you survey for students?

      8. You suggest that principals drop in notes offering encouragement and positive feedback. Can you share some advice on when those positive notes ultimately have to provide feedback conducive to change? (the ones that ask people to change, especially considering evaluations)

      9. How can principals empower their teams?

      10. Why is it essential to measure intangibles gains?

      11. Can you share your thoughts on being present as a conduit to develop relationships better?

      12. Can you share your thoughts on practicing mindfulness? How can the principal do this during the school day?

      13. What is the difference between belonging and othering? Can you share the example in the book (example on page 47)?

      14. What are some celebrations we can have throughout the year?

      15. Should principals schedule email time during the school year? How to communicate this to staff in a way conducive to positive outcomes?

      16. Why is it important to delegate?

      17. Can you share about the resources and tools in the book?


        18. 1 hr 29 min
      18. Lessons from "Entry Planning for Equity-Focused Leaders:" with Adam Parrott-Sheffer

        Lessons from "Entry Planning for Equity-Focused Leaders:" with Adam Parrott-Sheffer

        As a principal transitioning into a new position, I searched for the literature on entry plans and discovered "Entry Planning for Equity-Focused Leaders: Empowering Schools and Communities." In this practitioner-focused and action-oriented work, Jennifer Perry Cheatham, Rodney Thomas, and Adam Parrott-Sheffer consolidate their extensive experience centering equity in leadership. They affirm that the entry of a new leader, or the pivot of an established one, affords an unparalleled opportunity to garner the insight, trust, and commitment to establish a basis for positive, equitable transformation within a system.

        Today I have the distinguished honor of interviewing Adam Parrott-Sheffer, one of the co-authors. He was interviewed on Wisdom & Productivity when the show had just started and I am thankful he’s back for a second time. 

        Adam is a former nonprofit and school district senior leader.  His areas of expertise include: leadership entry, team development, board management, and program evaluation/impact. 

        —QUESTIONS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF A PRINCIPAL

        1. Adam, how are you feeling?

        2. Please share with us the origin story of the book.

        3. Can you explain what an entry plan is and how it can help school principals achieve their goals?

        4. Why is equity such an important consideration for school principals, and how can an entry plan help them promote equity within their schools?

        5. Entry plan phases

          1. Reflect

          2. Listen and Learn

          3. Plan to Act

          4. Why is it important to develop a leadership story?

          5. Can you describe what empathy interviews look like?

            1. How to input this information and how to disaggregate this qualitative data in a way that makes sense?

            2. Can you tell us about the importance of political mapping?

            3. How can principals decide who to talk to? Are there some people one must avoid?

            4. Are the most important questions:

              1. What do you like about ______?

              2. What do you want to see better or improve?

              3. How can one engage non dominant voices?

              4. The book talks about superintendents getting a team and even hiring consultants; how can principals adapt this advice?

              5. Quote: “A leader must connect values and strategy through EMOTIONS to generate collective action.”

              6. How can principals share findings?

                1. James Baldwin quote: “not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”

                2. An example of a CORRESPONDING STRENGHTS-BASED LANGUAGE: “the highest form of school love is the belief that each student is capable of excellence and deserving of deep learning and critical feedback”

                  1. How to persuade the teachers or administrators who want to put blame on things that we cannot control?

                  2. What is your advice on creating report of findings 

                    1. Without offending people

                    2. Sensemaking process

                    3. And making time for healing

                    4. The three authors expressed they did everything they were supposed to do but didn’t center the importance of healing, self-care, and care for others – perhaps THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT SHIFT

                      1. Wondering if this will delay the expected progress districts have for principals — what advice do you have importance of self care as act of resistance

                        1. Cheatham mentioned that she worked 14 hour days and this took a toll in the family

                        2. The advice of not emailing people at night as it can trigger negative emotions

                          1. Should principals schedule email time?

                          2. Adam expresses his gratefulness on the last pages for those that supported him and mentions joyful learning; can we end the show by you telling us on how we can make learning (and teaching) joyful again?


                            3. 1 hr 19 min
                          3. Quitting Twitter Blue Lessons Learned #TBPodcaster #EdChat #EdLeadership #TeachBetter

                            In this episode, I explore the adverse effects of social media, specifically Twitter, on our attention span, mental health, and overall well-being. Drawing on research by Carl Newport on digital minimalism, I discussed and explained the benefits of leaving social media, including a clearer mind, more personal time, greater privacy, and more quality time. This episode serves as a reminder to be mindful of our social media use and to prioritize activities that truly bring us joy and fulfillment.

                            26 min
                          4. The Wisdom & Productivity of Kim Marshall #TBPodcaster #EdLeadership

                            Kim Marshall was sixth-grade teacher, central office curriculum director, and elementary principal in the Boston Public Schools for 32 years. Since 2002, Kim has provided one-on-one coaching for principals. In addition, Kim consults, speaks, and teaches courses for school leaders, with a special focus on teacher supervision and evaluation, time management, the effective use of student assessments, and curriculum unit design. Kim also writes The Marshall Memo, a weekly summary of helpful articles for principals, teachers, superintendents, and other educators He is the author of a number of articles and books, including Rethinking Teacher Supervision and Evaluation.

                            1 hr 2 min

                          About Wisdom and Productivity: The Podcast of An Imperfect Educator

                          From the publisher's feed

                          This podcast is made by a wisdom seeker who has found productivity to be a great tool for achievement. Here are my reflections & interviews with luminary figures.