Circle Forum

Stan Baker

Leading a school in today’s educational landscape is both rewarding and complex. This podcast equips elementary and secondary school principals with proven strategies to tackle challenges they face daily. Hosts Shelley Steele, Steve Young, and Stan Baker—along with expert guests—explore topics like restorative practices, staff well-being, equity-driven leadership, student absenteeism and navigating complex systemic challenges. Discover actionable advice, inspiring stories, and strategies to transform your school community while maintaining balance in your leadership journey.

  1. 3D AGO

    Listening to Parents Differently: How Principals Build Trust

    Why do some conversations with parents escalate while others build trust? Our guest this episode is Dr. Luther Brown  of Subannah EduConsulting , a retired principal and author of the book  Leading From Where We Are: Challenging The Status Quo.  Dr. Brown explains that our approach to families is rooted in our guiding belief systems. This episode explores culturally responsive leadership and reflective practice. We examine how listening beneath emotion helps principals respond with clarity rather than reaction. Leadership doesn’t start with a title—it starts with influence. Dr. Brown shares why everyone in a school community leads from where they are. We discuss how students, teachers, and parents communicate needs through behaviour and emotion. The conversation reframes discipline as an opportunity to recognize hidden leadership potential. What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff   Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca #EducationalLeadership, #RestorativePractices, #DifficultConversations, #StudentWellBeing, #SchoolLeadership, #ListenToUnderstand#Education #Leadership,#leading from where you are,#interest-based negotiation in schools,#school leadership communication,#parent engagement strategies,#strength-based school leadership.#student voice and leadership

    24 min

  2. FEB 16

    We Teach Kids, Not Content: School Leadership at the Post-AI Turning Point

    One of the biggest barriers to school improvement isn’t strategy—it’s identity. Our guest again this episode is Dr. Lisa Riegel, author of the book Aspirations to Operations.  Dr. Riegel explains why teachers resist change when their beliefs and self-concept are tied to “how I’ve always taught.”We explore how leaders can separate behaviours from identity to reduce defensiveness and increase alignment. Lisa connects brain science to adult learning, stress, and psychological safety. AI has changed the game, and schools are at a real flashpoint. Dr. Riegel challenges the idea that content is still king—and asks what the value-add of a teacher really is.We talk about engagement, absenteeism, and why students don’t always value what school is offering.She pushes leaders to define skills for a post-AI world and assess “thinking about content,” not just content. What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff   Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca #EducationalLeadership, #RestorativePractices, #DifficultConversations, #StudentWellBeing, #SchoolLeadership, #ListenToUnderstand#Education #Leadership,#teacher identity and change resistance,#brain-based leadership in school,#parent engagement strategies in education,#trauma-informed school practices,#post-AI education skills,#student engagement and absenteeism

    24 min

  3. FEB 9

    Why Change Doesn’t Stick: What Every School Leader Needs to Know About the Brain

    Why do so many school improvement efforts fail—even when everyone is well intentioned? Our guest this episode is Dr. Lisa Riegel, author of the book Aspirations to Operations.  Dr. Riegel explains how stress, perception, and brain biology impact adult learning. We explore why clarity, celebration, and psychological safety matter more than new programs. The conversation highlights collective efficacy as the true driver of sustainable change. Using neuroscience, she explains how stress shuts down thinking and fuels resistance. We discuss what leaders can do to create cultures where adults feel safe to try, fail, and grow. This episode reframes school improvement as a human process, not a compliance exercise. What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff   Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca #EducationalLeadership, #RestorativePractices, #DifficultConversations, #StudentWellBeing, #SchoolLeadership, #ListenToUnderstand#Education #Leadership,#collective efficacy in schools,#brain-based leadership,#school change management,#professional development implementation,#psychological safety in schools,#educational leadership strategies Aspirations to Operations by Dr. Lisa Riegel https://www.amazon.com/Aspirations-Operations-leaders-making-transformative/dp/B0GHF3P15G/ref=sr_1_1?crid=152TKMXNO90B6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xOQPF1B8MGVMlMYIf495ag.GLS1pk10GzGrqujWZM8I1rW7lBG9upGofo4DgRRoLAE&dib_tag=se&keywords=riegel+aspirations+to+operations+book&qid=1768851706&sprefix=riegel+aspirations+to+operations+boo%2Caps%2C229&sr=8-1

    21 min

  4. JAN 26

    The Power of One Caring Adult: Why Relationships Change Everything

    Some of the hardest conversations in schools involve substance use, stigma, and family complexity. In this episode our returning guests this episode are Dr. Emily Jenkins, Associate Professor & Canada Research Chair, University of British Columbia I Scientific Director, Wellstream/Bienamont: The Canadian Centre for Innovation in Child and Youth Mental Health and Substance Use in Vancouver British Columbia  and Dr. Nathan Ngieng Deputy Superintendent of Abby Schools in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Nathan and Emily explore how educators can approach these moments with empathy, clarity, and care. We discuss why punitive responses often deepen harm rather than reduce risk. Through powerful real-life stories, the conversation highlights the life-changing impact of connection and trust. This episode dives into the importance of restorative, relationship-based responses to substance use in schools and we explore why knowing a student’s name, checking in daily, and staying connected can change life trajectories. What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff   Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca #EducationalLeadership, #RestorativePractices, #DifficultConversations, #StudentWellBeing, #SchoolLeadership, #ListenToUnderstand#Education #Leadership #SchoolLeadership #EdLeaders #MentalHealth#RestorativePractices#restorativejustice#traumainformedpractice#emotionalintelligenceinschools

    25 min

  5. JAN 21

    Listening Before Fixing: How Educators Can Navigate Polarization and Difficult Conversations

    In today’s polarized world, even routine school conversations can feel emotionally charged. Our returning guests this episode are Dr. Emily Jenkins, Associate Professor & Canada Research Chair, University of British Columbia I Scientific Director, Wellstream/Bienamont: The Canadian Centre for Innovation in Child and Youth Mental Health and Substance Use in Vancouver British Columbia  and Dr. Nathan Ngieng Deputy Superintendent of Abby Schools in Abbotsford, British Columbia. We explore how educators can navigate difficult conversations with parents, colleagues, and students with a particular focus on substance use conversations. We unpack why listening to understand—not to respond—matters more than ever. The conversation highlights the power of strengths-based thinking, shared goals, and trust-centered leadership. Substance use education isn’t really about substances—it’s about connection, belonging, and trust. Teachers and principals can approach substance use conversations in developmentally appropriate and compassionate ways. The discussion highlights resilience, agency, and the critical role caring adults play in prevention. What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff   Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca #EducationalLeadership, #RestorativePractices, #DifficultConversations, #StudentWellBeing, #SchoolLeadership, #ListenToUnderstand#Education #Leadership #SchoolLeadership #EdLeaders #MentalHealth#RestorativePractices#restorativejustice#traumainformedpractice#emotionalintelligenceinschools

    21 min

  6. 2025-11-24

    From Conflict to Connection: How Principals Can Build Trust with Parents

    How do you teach someone to stay calm when a parent walks in angry? Our guest this episode is  Dr. Wayne Davies, Instructor, Director of Student Teaching, Faculty of education at the University of Winnipeg. Wayne believes you don’t tell—you show. He explains why mentorship must be experiential: watching, trying, and debriefing together. He shares moving stories of humility, humour, and hard-won wisdom from decades of principalship.Great principals aren’t born—they’re mentored. Wayne Davies shares how riding alongside seasoned leaders taught him the nuances of trust, timing, and emotional intelligence. His take on mentorship moves beyond checklists to real human connection—relationships that let leaders take risks, reflect, and grow. In a time when many new administrators feel isolated, his message lands deeply: leadership is learned in community. Mentor's Guidebook: Unleashing Your Potential to Inspire and Retain New Teachers https://a.co/d/5RSIx12 What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff   Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca #Education #Leadership #SchoolLeadership #EdLeaders #MentalHealth#RestorativePractices#restorativejustice#traumainformedpractice#emotionalintelligenceinschools#PrincipalWellbeing #TeacherWellbeing #RestorativeLeadership #mentalhealth#EducationalLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #StaffSupport#PreventBurnout #LeadWithCare #FlattenTheHierarchy #BuildingTrust #ResilientLeadership#ListenToUnderstand #BuildingTrust #LeadWithCare #HealthySchools #StrongerTogether#conflictresolution

    30 min

  7. 2025-11-03

    Curiosity is the Cure with Trauma-Informed Principals

    What if curiosity was the single best antidote to stress, shame, and trauma in schools? Our returning guest this episode is Dr. Robyn Koslowitz, Educational Director of the Targeted Parenting Institute and author of  Post-Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle and Become The Parent You Always Wanted To Be. Dr. Robyn  argues that curiosity is the opposite of pathology—it shifts our focus outward and makes space for authentic connection. Principals, vice-principals, and teachers will hear how curiosity helps in staff conflicts, parent meetings, and classrooms where the usual playbook doesn’t work. Principals and teachers can practice trauma-informed leadership simply by staying curious and kind. In this conversation, Dr. Robyn  shows how curiosity helps de-escalate conflict, validate human experience, and model problem-solving skills for students.  Robyn also offers guidance on how to notice and manage our own triggers, so we lead with steadiness instead of reactivity. What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff   Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca #Education #Leadership #SchoolLeadership #EdLeaders #MentalHealth#RestorativePractices#restorativejustice#traumainformedpractice#emotionalintelligenceinschools#PrincipalWellbeing #TeacherWellbeing #RestorativeLeadership #mentalhealth#EducationalLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #StaffSupport#PreventBurnout #LeadWithCare #FlattenTheHierarchy #BuildingTrust #ResilientLeadership#ListenToUnderstand #BuildingTrust #LeadWithCare #HealthySchools #StrongerTogether#conflictresolution

    19 min

  8. 2025-10-27

    Stopping to listen: how principals can shift trauma into connection with parents and teachers

    New principals often face the pressure of staying on script, but what happens when the real need is something else entirely? Our returning guest this episode is Dr. Robyn Koslowitz, Educational  Director of the Targeted Parenting Institute and author of  Post-Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle and Become The Parent You Always Wanted To Be.  She shares how she balances the tension between curriculum and connection by addressing what’s truly happening in the room. Her CARING model- Connection, Assessment, Resourcing, Integration, Normalization, and Generation - offers leaders a step-by-step way to move from frustration to collaboration with parents, staff, and students. We hear about aha moments that shift blame into understanding and conflict into problem-solving. From cattiness in Grade 6 to territorial debates among teachers, Robyn describes how leaning into tough conversations fosters connection and trust.She shares powerful stories about becoming trauma-informed and creating space for teachers to connect with kids in meaningful ways. Instead of pushing through the curriculum, Dr. Robyn encourages us to pause and teach the social-emotional lessons that matter most. What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff   Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca #Education #Leadership #SchoolLeadership #EdLeaders #MentalHealth#RestorativePractices#restorativejustice#traumainformedpractice#emotionalintelligenceinschools#PrincipalWellbeing #TeacherWellbeing #RestorativeLeadership #mentalhealth#EducationalLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #StaffSupport#PreventBurnout #LeadWithCare #FlattenTheHierarchy #BuildingTrust #ResilientLeadership#ListenToUnderstand #BuildingTrust #LeadWithCare #HealthySchools #StrongerTogether#conflictresolution

    25 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Leading a school in today’s educational landscape is both rewarding and complex. This podcast equips elementary and secondary school principals with proven strategies to tackle challenges they face daily. Hosts Shelley Steele, Steve Young, and Stan Baker—along with expert guests—explore topics like restorative practices, staff well-being, equity-driven leadership, student absenteeism and navigating complex systemic challenges. Discover actionable advice, inspiring stories, and strategies to transform your school community while maintaining balance in your leadership journey.

Information

  • Creator
    Stan Baker
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    215
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Stan Baker
  • Show Website
    Circle Forum