Episode #310: Phil Januszewski
Phil Januszewski is a tattoo covered, Netflix baking-show flopping, high-energy chemistry/physics teaching keynote speaker and coach that is on a mission to create and spread happiness through education, motivation, and entertainment. He empowers his audiences to completely flourish in their personal lives first, in order to ignite passion and purpose in their professional lives as well.
Phil is a nationally known dynamic speaker of 10+ years and a public school educator since 2005 with a bachelors in chemistry, a masters in teaching leadership, and a certification in positive education.
When not teaching, speaking, or supporting the givers in the world. Phil enjoys everyday adventures with his wife and two children and pursuing his personal passions of fitness, baking, networking, and personal development. If you ever meet Phil, be prepared for a great deal of positive energy, love, and passion.
Trench story: Started teaching in 2005, trend if retakes started in 2010. Wanted to hold st’s accountable. He got real cynical about it. Kids didn’t study the first time. His twist was 2-3 quizzes scaffold & build up to the test.Dangled carrot w/ 90%- how could they look at quizzes to see they needed to work more. Has been doing that ever since. Alleviated stress.W/ retakes he felt he was doing more work than st’s.
.Still teaches chemistry & physics. He teaches that & MLL physical science course. Deals w/ younger st’s and upperclassmen.He’s the CEO at: The Positive Growth Lounge LLC, which is a company dedicated to helping hardworking educators find more happiness and passion in their personal lives in order to pour more into the education of our youth.
Through dynamic keynotes and the Positive Growth Lounge Educator Membership, teachers are given the supports and actions necessary to flourish and feel more energized for positive change.
Positive Growth Lounge LLC: virtual teacher membership, group that meets 2x’s a month Wednesday, positive physiology theme, they support each other. How can they be more resilient? SEL for teachers. He hears different ideas, approaches from others. Ex. healthy boundaries & importance of play. How do we dig back into selves to be more energized?
How does Positive Growth Lounge support the t’s who are feeling like things are out of control in their school lives? Every 2nd Wedn. they meet. They look into positive physiology. Setting healthy boundaries, what’s w/in your control. Becomes a brainstorming challenge. How can we bring it to our classroom & co-workers? Schools are complex- a lot of ppl make decisions who are future from CR experience. When we can accept what we can control- it can be a positive impact.
Has the group grown a lot in the past yr? Are you currently looking for members? currently 7 members. Small but mighty. Can join for a free meetup to see the vibe. People from all over the U.S. Was launched after he got into positive psych after COVID lockdown.
Keynotes: Has been a youth speaker since 2013- builds confidence. He does gigs still- does w/ his best bud Matt. Does something weekends, evenings, w/in 2-3 hr drive. MMP presentations, LLC. In the past year, speaks to “givers”- teachers, nurses, and others who give & give. He gives tangible strategies to those who want to pour more into st’s. Improv-style high energy show.
Travel- he goes to conference that work w/ school schedule. CA wellness conf.
Does staff PD about wellness. He feels called to help adults. Got positive education certification. Under the umbrella of the keynote speaking he runs the teacher wellness membership. We need to know what fills us up. Are we intentional on holding those things up? How do we give passions to others?
Talk about the structure to keep everything going? He has a rigid, strict schedule to begin the day. He uses this from wake up to bedtime. Strong PLC groups, the preps he teaches he’s done for 6 yrs. 19 yrs at the same school. Building w/ 300 t’s so there’s always someone willing to sub. He student taught there. It’s a place teachers come and stick around. When he leaves work, dinner, kid time, etc. scheduled out. Family uses Cozy app to schedule. They try not to overschedule- what are things we do out of habit.
Out of everything: self reflect & make sure we’re building in what makes us happy. Put good things into your life.
Where can ppl find you? Website: https://philjanuszewski.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhilJanuszewskiSpeaks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philjanuszewski
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@philjanuszewski
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philjanuszewski
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philjanuszewski
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/philjanuszewskiLink to Subscribe to Positive Growth Lounge Emails: https://forms.gle/jeGC1EKPeuNAzstZ8
View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PFZXM_iJUuk
Episode #311: Jen Manly
https://outofthetrenches.podbean.com/e/episode-311-jen-manly/
Jen Manly is a current college instructor and a former high school and middle school computer science teacher and curriculum developer. She is a skilled facilitator and has presented to thousands of educators at the local, state, and national levels. She is a certified Agile Leader K–12 Trainer and coauthor of the Agile Educator Guide. Nationally, she has been recognized as an ITEEA Teacher Excellence awardee and a CS Teaching Excellence Honorable Mention.
Trench story: first year teaching. Thought she had to grade everything. Took edu classes at the same time. Work was overwhelming. Memory of the first time she was submitting report cards, pulled an all nighter. There’s something to be said about first semester of teaching being overwhelming. Sar
Teacher retention (YouTube video): we’re loosing teachers who thought they’d be career teachers. Workload is not sustainable. There are so many things on their plate. Things aren’t coming off their plates to make room for new things. She talks with admin about what they can do, because the initiatives are coming from above them. Admin are ppl managers as well, we’re helping t’s to prioritize. We’re letting t’s know it’s ok to leave work @ the end of the day w/ things to do. Admin can focus on their work as managers, canceling meetings when it doesn’t make sense to have them. Supports teachers with time management, work management, setting boundaries (in PLCs) .
Ways that admin can be better managers, how they can support them: piece of delegation. It’s your job to delegate to someone else who can do it better than you. How can the staff/admin assistants be the filter of requests? They’re filtering out things that are less important.
Also does PD on student-led learning, it frees up teacher time. This way teachers don’t need to be explicitly instructing. Tips: 1st- students are more capable than we give them credit for. St’s are different post-pandemic, require more support to put away phones. It’s scary for t’s to give up control. The kids have more buy-in when they own parts of their learning. If you’re coaching t’s who are in teacher-centered, focus on the 1st step- model what st’s should be doing during independent group time. What structure are we giving them to be successful? Start small, give them 10 m, then let them loose. Give kids a task list of what you want them to accomplish. Her experience is unique b/c she taught MS-college. She assumed that kids who didn’t have IEP/504’s knew executive functioning. It’s not right to assume HS/college students can self-chunk.
You co-authored the book the Agile Educator Guide, you’re an Agile K-12 trainer: it’s like project management for educators. IT’s a way to manage st work. It’s used in different industries worldwide. Working in short sprints. Delivering MVP-minimum viable product. She just ran a mini-course for t’s on how to get this set up. There are schools all over the world who use this. In 2019, Scrum Alliance brought her & 7 others together to co-author the guide. Breaking down on collaboration- teaching students to work with autonomy. Educators from all over the world use it. It’s not the teacher, it’s the studentss.
Talk about The Strategic Classroom (90K educators) & what members can gain from it: it’s her business, she runs everything through it. It’s through IG/Tik Tok. Has 225K followers. She’s been creating content for 2 yrs. Provides content on time management & setting boundaries. T’s care so much that they’re chasing the most impactful version that they can be. How do we do the work that serves st’s first and be OK with not getting everything done? How to be efficient w/in a system that’s asking you to do way more than you should?
She does content support for edupreneurs who would like to be more visible on social media & want to widen their impact. She posts to Tik Tok, she has a separate content IG. It’s figuring out how to translate their content.
Out of everything: you can’t serve your st’s if you’re gone. Sometimes being selfish is what’s great for kids. work w/in the constraints of the day we have.
Where can ppl find you online: Twitter: @jennifer_manly Instagram: @strategicclassroom LinkedIn: Jennifer Manly TikTok: @strategicclassroom
Content IG: instagram.com/jenmanlycreates
View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mL5k7Das0GI
Episode #312: Dr. Lindsay Prendergast
https://outofthetrenches.podbean.com/e/episode-312-dr-lindsay-prendergast/
Dr. Lindsay Prendergast has served schools and districts across the globe for nearly two decades as a leadership coach, consultant, principal, counselor, and teacher. She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Colorado Western State University and a doctorate of education in education leadership from Wilkes University.
Dr. Prendergast currently serves as Assistant Director of Learning Experiences for The Danielson Group (Framework for Teaching). While spending several post pandemic years directly supporting nearly 30 principals as a leadership coach alongside Piper Lee, Lindsay spent hundreds of hours in classrooms observing teachers. These experiences, coupled with her expertise in instructional leadership and coaching, greatly informed the purpose of and need for this book. Lindsay enjoys advocating for educators by writing and speaking around the world for organizations such as ASCD, Learning Forward, Edutopia, AMLE, and others around instructional leadership grounded in student-centered schools teachers thrive.
Trench story: times always stand out, when pandemic started. She was in an intl. school in Dominican Republic. 1st yr as principal. Centers around human aspect of relationships.
Current work as Asst. Director of Learning Experiences at the Danielson Group- Talk about Danielson for those who don’t know. Non-profit, framework for teaching supporting evaluations. Intent grounded in coaching. ⅔ of the states use it. Informs standards for natl. board certification. She partners with districts to look at the system around the framework. Give educators a background/framework around educ
How did you transition out of public ed (school improvement coach & principal) to Danielson Group? After they came back to in-person learning, they moved back to U.S. She worked for NWEA as a consultant while she did her Doctorate. Was side-stepping for a while. Found a niche with NWEA until Dec. ‘23. Clark County, NV. Her & Piper Lee worked with schools identified as high need. She was like an “emotional support animal” for the principals. Did this for 3 yrs. Wrote, spoke, and it led into consulting.
Talk about your live web-based show called Educators Without Borders: not so frequent anymore. Always guest, has hosted before, now produces. It’s a way to bring PD to educators for free. With School Rubric. Audience members can pose ?’s during the live broadcast.
You & co-author & Piper Lee are authors of Habits of Resilient Educators (Corwin): the book shows the crucial relationship between teacher well-being and student success. Talk about the 9 habits. Under contract now for Habits of Resilient Leaders coming in May ‘25. Her & Piper had never met & were thrown into project coaching t’s. Pulling back from it, she & Piper had convos around why is it working or not. They had a “mini research project” on the phone debriefing. Book is a synthesis of experience. Call out to Harry Wong’s book. 10th chapter all about reliance. Book came out in Feb ‘24. She is traveling nationally & internationally doing this work, she celebrates instructional rounds.
Talk about a recent journal article for ASCD or NWEA: she can highlight one that will come out with Corwin will come out on May 17- extending on habits, Teacher Well-Being. It talks about the Myth of Resilience. She can talk about ”The need for leadership coaches”- Will be shared in Corwin Talks journal. Resilience is a concept that has been a bit toxic. There is an unproductive environment that’s toxic. There’s a science to resilience. Her article talks a lot about positive physiology.
Out of everything: We have been positioned to think we are alone. IF you’re doing ok, reach out & help others. It’s a collective- the
Where can ppl find you? Connect with Lindsay via Twitter: @lindspren LinkedIn
website: www.edhabits.com
Will be at Visible Learning in San Diego, piloting Teacher induction programs.
View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/F3mbS5xbcR4
Episode #313: Priten Shah
https://outofthetrenches.podbean.com/e/episode-313-priten-shah/
Priten Shah’s projects aim to drive change and innovation in education. Priten has an M.ED. in Education Policy and Management from Harvard Graduate School of Education and a B.A. in Philosophy from Harvard College.
Priten has had the privilege of educating a wide array of students, ranging from language schools in South Korea to special education classes in New York. These diverse classroom experiences have been instrumental in his understanding of students’ unique needs, fostering his ability to deliver tailored educational solutions.
A believer in the transformative power of technology, Priten has spearheaded numerous groundbreaking projects, including designing custom Learning Management Systems, developing gamified learning applications, and creating mastery-learning-based online courses.
He currently runs two education ventures: United 4 Social Change (U4SC) and PedagogyCloud.
At U4SC, his focus is on fostering healthier democracies through interdisciplinary education, making civics education accessible to all. U4SC helps teachers integrate civics into their curricula through animated videos, lesson plans, and innovative classroom activities.
PedagogyCloud, on the other hand, blends his passion for education with the latest technology. He and his team are helping educators keep pace with rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. Their projects include a customizable chatbot for teachers to use in their classrooms (SocratAI) and professional development resources and curriculum development tools for teachers (PedagogAI).
In all his endeavors, Priten remains steadfast in his mission: driving innovative solutions to meet the diverse and intricate needs of learners in a rapidly evolving world. His ultimate vision is straightforward yet ambitious – ensuring we are all Prepared for a Dynamic Tomorrow.
Trench story: when AI stuff initially started. Chat GPT- he got really excited. Tried talking to ppl & they though he was crazy. They thought it was a problem they needed to solve. He does a lot of coding. Tries to keep up with philosophy of education.
Talk about how your earlier educational endeavors, ranging from language schools in South Korea to an EA in special education class in New York, shape the work you currently do? Hodgepodge. Earliest was peer-education program in HS. Quite a while ago, one was a gap year before freshman & sophomore years. Taught ESL in S. Korea. Ran a MS civics summer camp for students. His companies go to conferences, have
Talk about PedagogyCloud, and how that and United 4 Social Change (U4SC), 2 companies you founded, help lead educators forward in the age of AI?
Was able to help organizations because he was used to running a non-profit.
Talk about your book AI and the Future of Education: Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: What does the book teach educators about AI? There is a variety of knowledge from 0 to advance on how to use tools like Chat GPT in planning for lessons. During pandemic, worked w/ 215 classrooms. Customers still came to ask for support after inventing of Chat GPT.
They want to be able to use these in conjunction w/ AI- what is appropriate. Using Socratic.ai chatbot. It’s monitored by the teacher,
Can talk about language angle & how to navigate language learning conversation: there’s everything from AI-based translations, that can do a more robust translation. Chatbot can interact w/ student at language learning level. It will dictate what kind of convo students can have in the target language. In a few months- he hopes someone builds translation headphones. That circumvents the need to learn the language. The MLL student can use those, but the AI will know what words the students have learned. The tech is available, it’s about getting it funded for large-scale uses. If we put on our pedagogical hats and imagine what can be possible.
Talk about your book AI and the Future of Education: Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: What does the book teach educators about AI? There is a variety of knowledge from 0 to advanced on how to use tools like Chat GPT in planning for lessons. If you pick up the book you can learn how to navigate tools, how students are using them, and how to avoid common risks. Don’t use AI to do what we’ve always been doing.It can help cut down on teacher workload. How can AI help & not make our problems worse.
Speaking at Future of Education conference end of June? He is sometimes behind the computer coding; he’s often thinking about curricular changes. He’s been gearing towards academic spaces. Ethical dilemma we have as educators. Harry Burghouse- holistic framework, how to make disciplinary policies, what we fund/don’t fund. Which schools do we start using AI w/. Not all schools have broadband access. https://conference.pixel-online.net/FOE/– online & in Florence
Out of everything: teachers should take a deep breath. PD- so much coming at you. Figure out the right move for you. Everyone’s having the same onslaught of info.
Where can ppl find you? https://pritenshah.com/ see press kit for headshots pedagog.ai | socrat.ai | instagram Socrat.ai can host PD in schools: PD Flyer (pcdn.co)
They post webinars, news, lesson plans, prompt libraries, etc.
View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QvkgU5U7hfU
Episode #314: Joel McLean
https://outofthetrenches.podbean.com/e/episode-314-joel-mclean/
Joël began his career in education in 1997. He has worked as a science and chemistry teacher at the intermediate and secondary level and has been a school principal since 2006.
From 2014 to 2018, Joël was on detachment from his school board as a Pedagogical Leader at CFORP, serving the 12 French school boards of the province of Ontario in Canada, as well as various educational partners. As a leadership coach, he worked with school principals to help develop their leadership skills and board-level pedagogical teams regarding leading, teaching and learning in the digital age.
Joël was most recently presently principal and the School Efficacy Leader at Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario. He is the founder of Inspire Leadership Coaching and hosts 2 podcasts: Inspire Leadership Podcast and This Is Leadership Podcast.
Trench story: many yrs ago, first yrs as a school principal. He’d taught for 10 yrs. Felt calling to go into leadership. Went from chemistry classroom right into a principalship. Challenging. Some ppl were resistant. Started to question himself. He wanted people to grow. He thinks of Maxwell’s 5 Levels of Leadership. Current was coming up against him. Was close to burnout. Spoke with mentors/coaches. Made decision to move on to another school. New school saved him. Was himself at the new school. Was night & day. Fantastic 4 yrs. Career skyrocketed after that. Discovered benefits of leadership development. Sometimes it’s time to experience some change.
Serving on Ontario School Board for French Schools? a new project they put together. Company that provided French language resources to the 12 French school boards. This is when technology was showing up at schools. Provincial “swat team” for tech integration. Was a posting for a pedagogical leader but was a principal level position. Went outside his comfort zone. Was part of this team for 4 yrs. Ppl were all motivated to learn & grow. Travelled all over the province. Met principals in school communities.
Inspire Leadership Coaching/Work as leadership coach? was born out of that. He saw the value of being able to invest in himself. It is possible to have an admin job & make the time to grow, expand. Has been doing it for 5 yrs. Is now taking a step back from the system after 28 yrs.
Current work as school Efficacy Leader at Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario?
More like a director of pedagogy at the school board level. Brought in leadership development piece, brought in Mastermind groups. His team is composed of diff. teachers, instructional leaders. Roll out pedagogy, growth. He’s been doing it for 3 yrs.
Talk about your 2 podcasts: Inspire Leadership Podcast and This Is Leadership Podcast:
Styles are mixed up. Inspire Leadership is in French. Most episodes are with guest. Just finished season 4. Concentrated on principals & VPs of 12 ON school boards. Getting the leaders’ points of view. This is leadership podcast born 1.5 yrs ago. Started meeting English-speaking leaders. The reach is greater w/ English-speaking world. 2nd season coming out soon. Times episodes with school calendar.
Out of everything: invest in yourself. Biggest hurdle he’s encountered is time. the way we see time, perceive time. Ppl don’t make the time for their growth & PD. He discovered the importance of this. It made him thirstier for this. He’s actively developed himself since 2010. Take a good look at how you’re using your time. Start learning now about time management & time blocking.
Where can ppl find you? joel@inspireleadership.ca on FB, X, IG
Inspire coaching de leadership: https://www.facebook.com/inspirelifeleadershipcoaching/
View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qTZzlpnbnec
Episode #315: Glenn Robbins
Episode #315: Glenn Robbins | The Out of the Trenches Podcast (podbean.com)
GLENN ROBBINS is the proud Superintendent of the Brigantine Public School District in Brigantine, New Jersey. He has served as a public school superintendent in New Jersey since 2016. Prior to becoming a superintendent, he was a middle school principal, a high school assistant principal, a high school social studies teacher, and a high school varsity coach. He is also a best-selling author of “Calm In The Chaos: Ancient Stoic Wisdom for Successful School Leadership”, and sought after speaker.
Glenn has been awarded numerous administrative international, national and state recognitions including the National Exemplar of Education Award, Northeast Innovative Superintendent Award, NJ Visionary Superintendent Award, Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools Member, NASSP Digital Principal of the Year, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Winner, and SETDA Student Voice Award Winner. He has been invited to the White House, and to the US Department of Education several times. He is also the proud recipient of a National Superintendent Certification, and serves as an AASA National Governing Board Member, AASA Aspiring Superintendent Mentor, and Chair of NJASA Technology Committee.
Glenn has been recognized internationally for his innovative school and district improvement methods, and has been featured in numerous conferences, books, podcasts, vlogs, and other publications. Glenn is passionate about helping school leaders create schools where every student and educator can have the opportunity to succeed to their utmost potential in a VUCA world.
Trenches story: he wouldn’t be where he is if he didn’t fall into multiple trenches. was passed over for leadership positions multiple x’s. When became super, there were budget cuts. Had to let ppl go. Was like a firing squad. Constantly had to take hit after hit.
Discuss “Calm In The Chaos: Ancient Stoic Wisdom for Successful School Leadership”, which you co-authored with Danny Bauer. He’s been friends w/ Danny for a while. Glenn hosted a free conference & brought Danny in. He’d been thinking about writing a stoic leadership book. Went to Danny & proposed idea. “Stillness is the key” had just come out. Never lost sight of it. 1.5-2 yrs ago it became a reality. Tied into philosophy, Reflective practice in a way. Tied in case studies. Wanted to have it short for intentionality purposed. Needed to be short, practical, precise. There have been a lot of super’s in the past few years. What do we do in this situation? Not a right/wrong answer.
Being invited to the White House 1x, and to the US Department of Education 2x’s several times, in what capacity? 2016 celebrated as a principal. Wil go back in June to talk about learning spaces, speak w/ a panel.
When were you awarded NASSP Digital Principal of the Year 2016, and how did that affect your leadership? Spoke & traveled a lot. Continued to evolve from there. It was a success he wasn’t anticipating. Many ppl were paying attn to his social media feed. Blessed, opportunities to meet new friends. Found out how to take things from other districts & make practices someone theirs? Kept striving to do better. Got imposter syndrome.Utilized friendships. Raised to superintendent.
During COVID, reached out to presenters he’d met that year. Asked them to speak to his staff. Every Fri had these speakers.
Your passion is that every student and educator can have the opportunity to succeed to their utmost potential in a VUCA (?) world. Came from a workshop by David Culberhouse @dculberhouse- follow on social- VUCA is a military term. Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity It’s a VUCA world. Be agile & flexible. IF Glenn can help staff get through tough times.
Out of everything: he wrote the book cause we live in a volatile world. We need to be cordial & professional. Book will help you resonate what you can and cannot control. It strikes through to human emotion.
Where can ppl find you online: Twitter/X: @GlennGRobbins
IG: @GlennGRobbins
FB: Glennr1809 and/or Glenn Robbins
Website: www.GlennRobbins.com
View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4UFKXArPngc
Episode #316: Larry Dake
https://outofthetrenches.podbean.com/e/episode-316-larry-dake/
Larry Dake: superintendent out of NY state, @CVCSDWarriors, Adjunct BYU @bingtlel, @KingsCollege_PA, author of Identifying Small Habits: Left Unchecked by School Leaders Small Faults Can Become Major Cracks (2022), Dads, Leaders, & Father Figures: Creating Influence & Legacy for a Lifetime (2023)-co-author, Crisis Management: Effective School Leadership to Avoid Early Burnout (2021) and co-author on 100 No-Nonsense Things That ALL School Leaders Should STOP Doing
Trench story: first year as a principal- was 10th year in edu. School with 600 st’s at an ES. Week of Halloween, there was a parade, 2 students (5th grade) left campus. They didn’t know they weren’t there until an hour later. There was an Amber alert. Student showed up & was there for parents. Put on positive face when students returned. First trial by fire memory in admin.
Has taught at Binghamton Univ, NY for 7 years, also lots of leaders who are at the beginning of their careers. Has taught since 2017, evaluation & supervision.Also from the point of hiring, and evaluating support staff. Don’t rely on the flour method– be situationally aware, have ear to the ground. Reinforce what you want to see. It’s the first course a student takes. Teaches leadership theory class.Has helped him reflect on own leadership style. Students are at beginning of their careers. Now the program is fully remote, synchronous.
Is giving a TedTalk on 3/16 @ univ. on the benefits on not being the expert. Is out : Lacking Expertise: The Counterintuitive Benefits | Larry Dake | TEDxVestal Youth a local HS student put on a TedTalk, Larry got connected to him through someone he knew. Has been in leadership positions out of teaching, K-12 coordinator. During his career path:he was a HS SS teacher 6 yrs, then moved to district for RTTT (2010-14) was Coordinator of Instruction (AP to Asst. Superintendent), lots of responding to data (was certified as an anti-bullying trainer). Thought he’d be a secondary school principal but became an ES principal in 2013 without being an AP. He learned he had to listen to his staff. He hadn’t taught since June 2010. He’s thought about that for the TedTalk format. Schools were geographically dispersed (on own separate islands).
First year as superintendent: When the right superintendency came along and it was the right fit, starting 7/1/23. He was pressured to apply in 2019. Went to another district then to be asst. sup. in charge of budget. In his Crisis Management book, he talks about when you go through the licensure program, you’re not responsible for the budget on Day 1.Where he works, 1600 students. His office is the main student entrance. He’s near the students where he works, has a mobile desk, in a smaller district. He’s done some subbing and can transport st’s in a van. He can be out, see things, hear from ppl. It feeds his work. He’s not just a guy in an office in a suit. There’s value to being a little selective on leadership positions.
Talk about Identifying Small Habits: Left Unchecked by School Leaders Small Faults Can Become Major Cracks (2022) & talk about your chapter 100 No-Nonsense Things That ALL School Leaders Should STOP Doing. Wrote Identifying Small Habits during COVID, did research during 2020. Came out a bit later. For ppl who are finishing their career. More reflecting upon established leaders. There’s a chapter on playing favorites. A teacher mentioned he was favoriting some male teachers. He became more cognizant as to where he was spending his time. There’s 38 chapters in that book, about what can detract from someone’s effectiveness or getting a promotion. Chapter in 100 No-Nonsense Things: He’s a recovering people pleaser. He grew up w/o conflicts. Went to a small college. During 1st teaching job, coped w/ jerk colleague by trying to make person happy. If he has to have a difficult conversation, sticks to his values. It’s not about the person, it’s about being ethical. It’s hard when you first start as a leader to have those. He compensated in the beginning by making ppl feel comfortable.
out of everything: be in a place where you feel like you can do your best work. It’s important to not pursue leadership positions that will get in the way of family life. Too many leaders accept the “Bachelorette” moment. Ask “is this good for me”?
Where can ppl find you online: X, FB, LinkedIn @larrydake www.dadsleadersandfatherfigures.com summit this summer July 29. View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aYJr0Tyrkwo
Episode #317: Jimmy Day
https://outofthetrenches.podbean.com/e/episode-317-jimmy-day/
Jimmy Lee Day II, has been a band director for 15 years and has taught in the Aurora Public School District for 7 of those 15 years.
(edit for glitches 6:00-6:38, founded in 1903 part 9:17, 16:02-13,21:18-:43,37:31-:38:01, )
In his 15 years as a music educator, Day has rebuilt three band programs under his baton in urban areas. He transformed them into award-winning programs, earning superior ratings scores from district music festivals. As a result of his effective teaching, Day was chosen to participate in the Public Education & Business Coalition and the Aurora Public School Mentoring Community of Practice as a mentor. He was also asked to serve on the Music Advisory Committee for the Aurora Public School District.
Day is passionate about meeting students where they are and teaching them life skills and music skills to help them grow as a person and musician. This approach allows him to set high, but attainable expectations that students can feel proud about accomplishing.
In October 2022, Day had the honor of being named the 2023 Colorado Teacher of the Year. He is the first band director (elective/exploratory teacher) and the first Black male recipient to receive this award in the state of Colorado. In addition, Day received the “Educator Champion” award from Colorado Black Caucus of School Board Directors in February 2023 and was recognized at the “Drums Along the Rockies” band event in July of 2023. Day hopes to encourage more black men and women to be in the education profession. He also hopes to shed light on music education, the importance of music educators, how it was impactful to him as a Black student and how it can be impactful to students of color.
Trench story: first year teacher, getting settled in. Came after a band director st’s had fallen in love with. Had to set up his structures, figure out how to lead, slip in his own stuff. Was difficult. He was hired as a temp sub, st’s ran back to them. Brought it to admin, they reiterated it was a conflict having his sub there. St’s ran after him when they moved him to another school. Asked another band director what he did to have high expectations for his st’s.Took about 3 yrs. First ½ of the first year was really a trench.
Talk about some of your recent accomplishments such as just being initiated into Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity as a “Friend of the Arts” by the Denver Alumnae Chapter: Knew about the fraternity when he was in college. Alumnae chapter have donated to many music programs. Wanted to recognize Jimmy to be a great influence on Denver’s program.
Talk about how your family plays music together, and how your sons use music in their lives: Starting with his youngest- who is on the spectrum. He was a few grades behind on reading. Did hybrid thing with literacy. He learned how to read music. Now reads above grade level. Music is literacy. His personality comes out. Also into acting. Jimmy & him do a brass performance with Denver Brass during Christmas. Kicked back up in 2022. Oldest were Jimmy’s students. He had to stop playing trombone, stopped in 10th grade. Went to vocal music. Tennessee State U- Jimmy was a camp counselor there before he moved here. At the end of the camp, students do a performance with parents. Wife still sings, doesn’t play anymore. Karaoke queen. Family has never played as a group. Perhaps a future project.
What did you do before you taught MS? Middle school t in Memphis. Band scene there is very competitive. Was hired b/c he had been a TSU marching band student. Sat it in that direction. 2009-2015. Band had barely 30 kids- when left had 60 kids. Taught in Nashville 2 yrs- grades 5-8. Block schedule, 2 days taught general music, 2 days band. Wss burnt out after 2nd year in Nashville. Were 2 roughest yrs of career. Mom had passed away, was time to move.
What are some changes you’ll be making as you transition to Charles Burrell School of the Arts K-8, and how do you envision leading the program over the course of the next few years? He’ll be reaching out his elementary colleagues. Has been all over IG. Making sure he has a plan. Wants to set up a system to build up kids through the ranks. Has been @ school to check out the vibe.
What was the application process like to become CO ToY? Tedious application process. He did a presentation on it at last PD for elective teachers. You have to schedule time to do it. You have to sell yourself, video recording. Almost quit. Advice is to see what you have to produce in all sections before you start, hit the sections first that aren’t too tedious. Had to get signatures in the summer from the superintendent.
What was your ToY year like? As a fellow staff member, I saw you participate in some short clips for tv series, what else did you do around CO or other states? Lots of changes. Met the president, met cohorts from other states. Recognized at CO Capitol & during Teacher’s Appreciation at Rockies game. Was on many podcasts, YouTube events, CO public radio, also did 5 keynotes, panel discussions, breakouts at conferences, got to go to Space Camp. Was the first time getting in front of adults telling his story. Got choked up. We never stop & look at where we started. He’d been on the band grind forever. Life-changing.
Out of everything: Jimmy is passionate about what he does. He’s dedicated his life to music ed for 15 yrs. Takes how he effects his students seriously. The name Day has to be synonymous with greatness.
Where can ppl find you? Twitter: @jimmylday (The Maestro)
IG: @jimmydayii
FB: @The Maestro
Website: msha.ke/jimmyldayii dedicated to when he was a ToY. His YouTube channel is linked there.Has whole career as an educator recordings on YouTube.
View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FAWU22XrtPs