The Assistant Principal Podcast Frederick Buskey

Show title and release date: Who Should Drive Change? With Frederick
 
Power quote: Lighter = faster and easier with less risk of injury
 
Show Description:
In a few weeks you will hear my discussion with Dr. Chad Dumas in which we dig into PLCs. We begin by noting the “PLC” is one of the most despised buzzwords by teachers and dig into the why. In my conversation with Chad, we move from 40,000 feet to ground level multiple times. I don’t think the episode is confusing, it’s more that there are so many powerful ideas in the one episode that some of them will get lost. One of the parts I’m afraid will get overlooked is our discussion on implementation, which is fleeting and incomplete. So, I’ve recorded a follow-up – a sequel in TV jargon – that uses PLC implementation as an example of how we should – and should not – implement change. That takes us to today, the prequel to main episode in a few weeks. I want to frontload some thoughts about change, so when you hear my discussion with Chad, you will better follow what we are talking about. I also want some key ideas bouncing around in your head as you begin discussions in your leadership teams (hopefully) on what next years will look like.
 
 
Celebrations: As I record this, I’ve just been hired for the first time to lead a book study of A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose with 20 assistant principals in the western region of North Carolina. I’m so excited and want to give a big shout out to Candie Sellers at WRESA. Candie, it has been a pleasure working with you and your passion for education throughout WNC inspires me to keep growing and becoming better.  
 
Disclaimer: You don’t have to agree with me, if you don’t agree with me, that doesn’t mean you are wrong. There are different ways t approach things. What I describe here is well-documented in the research and is my loved experience, but different people create different outcomes. If some of what I say does create dissonance, I ask that you analyze why and then make a conscious decision to disregard what I’ve said, withhold judgement and continue evaluating, or embrace it.
 
The Big Idea
 
Backpack:
·      Lighter = faster and easier with less risk of injury
·      I must pack my own pack and decide on my own gear
·      Sharing some gear makes things easier for everyone
 
Corollaries:
·      Fewer initiatives mean better implementation with less burnout (every yes is a no to something else)
·      Teachers should drive the focus of PD. Three examples:
o   ECT struggling with CR management
o   Mid-career teacher who wants more student participation
o   Late career teacher who is overwhelmed caring for aging parents
·      It is a collaborative effort
 
When someone attempts to implement something new, there two critical variables:
·      Can they grow?
·      Will they be supported?
·      Growth:
·      Support: Four dimensions: align to the practice
·      Example: Restorative practices
 
Challenges
·      Teachers choose the wrong thing:
o   Change requires trust
§  Trust builds when we listen
§  Trust builds when we help people decrease pain
o   We aren’t very good at identifying “the thing”
o   M=V/E
o   If the house is burning down we put out the fire
o   We can plant seeds!
·      Teachers don’t want to grow:
o   Acknowledge the trauma
o   Acknowledge the stigma of coaching and “improvement plans”
o   Acknowledge the lack of resources
o   Acknowledge the flavor-of-the-month
o   Ask, “If you could get your students to do one thing differently, what would it be?” Getting them to do “the thing” is where they want and need to grow.
·      Mandates and new things
o   Four approaches: ignore, delay, deny, find the overlap
o   Leading edge versus bleeding edge
·      Our reading scores suck
o   Every teacher’s students’ scores don’t suck for the same reason
o

Outline and Show Notes
 
Show Title: Mastermind! With Dr. Nick Davies
 
Power Quote: Be willing to fail
 
 
Description:
When I say the word “mastermind”, what thoughts spring into your head? Do you picture the head of a shadowy criminal enterprise, or the 1980’s colored-dot guessing game (think WORDL with colors). Or maybe you think about a special club for people in similar roles to come together and help each other grow. Of course, it is this third option we dive into on today’s show. So stick around as I and my special guest share our mastermind experiences and how to build one yourself.
 
Guest Bio:
Dr. Davies is an associate principal for Vancouver Public Schools and an adjunct Faculty Member at Pacific University. He has a Ph.D. in Education and Leadership and wrote his dissertation on curriculum implementation. Dr. Davies was named the 2024 Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year for the state of Washington. He has previously held roles as an associate principal/athletic director and was a high school math teacher and head track and field coach. He was a two-time state coach of the year in Oregon. Dr. Davies also served as a reservist in the U.S. Coast Guard.
 
March 19, ep 192
 
Warmup questions:
·      We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?
·      Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?
 
 
Questions/Topics/Prompts
·      Let’s discuss what a mastermind is
·      What inspired you to set up a MM for APs?
·      What was the value for APs?
·      Tips for APs interested in setting up their own MMs?
 
Closing questions:
·      What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?
·      If listeners could take just one thing away from today’s podcast, what would it be?
·      Before we go, is there anything else that you’d like to share with our listeners?
·      Where can people learn more about you and your work…
 
Close
·      Leadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.
·      You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/
·      I love hearing from you so consider email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connecting with me on LinkedIn.
·      Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.
·      Remember, if you are interested in starting a mastermind, reach out to Nick. If you’d like to be part of a mastermind but feel like you are on your own, reach out to me and we’ll see what we can do.
·      Have a great rest of the week, be present for others and, more importantly, take time to reflect and recover so you can continue to live and lead better.
·      Cheers!
 
 
Guest links:
Nick’s website: www.drnickdavies.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-davies-education/
 
 
Frederick’s Links:
Email: frederick@frederickbuskey.com
Website: https://www.frederickbuskey.com/
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/strategicleadershipconsulting
Daily Email subscribe: https://adept-experimenter-3588.ck.page/fdf37cbf3a
The Strategic Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWRS2F6N?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520
 

Outline and Show Notes
 
Show Title: Three questions with Dr. Brandon Beck
 
Power Quote: “Our ultimate goal is to unlock unlimited potential in others”
 
Description:
Today’s show is going to inspire you. It will take you deep into yourself, maybe places you go every day, but also to places within that you haven’t visited in a while. I guarantee after today’s show you are going to want to invest some time in reflecting. Today you will hear three questions you need to ask yourself – three questions to help you unlock your unlimited potential. And please understand – this isn’t “rah-rah” let’s get excited. Today we will look at some substantive steps you can take right now to find more joy in your leadership each day.
 
Guest Bio:
Dr. Brandon Beck epitomizes multi-faceted inspiration. As an Award Winning Teacher and Coach, Speaker, Leadership Coach, and Author of "Unlocking Unlimited Potential," his keynote speeches and storytelling mirror authentic activities, all aiming at one pinnacle: unlocking unlimited potential. Hosting the "Unlocking Unlimited Potential Stories Show" amplifies his passion for inspiring tales. With a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and 19 years of teaching, including bilingual education, he embodies diverse expertise. A National Board Certified teacher, leadership coach, and college professor, he's a sought-after keynote speaker at conferences. Beyond education, he's a Mutt-i-grees National Trainer, merging social-emotional learning with shelter dogs. Beck's entrepreneurial spirit extends to professional soccer coaching, achieving numerous state, regional, and national triumphs.
 
 
Warmup questions:
·      We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?
·      Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?
 
Questions/Topics/Prompts
1.     Your manta is “unlocking unlimited potential” Let’s talk about that specifically in the context of school leadership. I’m an assistant principal, or maybe a coach or even THE principal. I work hard every day – very hard. But I spend big chunks of my day in urgent mode and I don’t feel like I’m really moving my school forward and not doing enough to help my teachers continue to grow in their craft.
a.     What does it mean for me to “unlock my untitled potential” 
b.     And how do I do that?
2.     Optional: I can imagine some listeners thinking “This is great Brandon, but this isn’t me. I’m not a high-energy extroverted bundle of hoorah. How can I be authentic and be unlimited in my potential?”
 
 
Closing questions:
1.     What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?
2.     If listeners could take just one thing away from today’s podcast, what would it be?
3.     Before we go, is there anything else that you’d like to share with our listeners?
4.     Where can people learn more about you and your work…
 
What a powerful interview. As I refenced at the top of the show, please find time to invest in reflection and consider these three questions:
1.     What are your defining moments?
2.     What was school like for you?
3.     Who are your role models and what did they do that inspired you?
 
 
Close
·      Leadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.
·      You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/
·      I love hearing from you so consider email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connecting with me on LinkedIn.
·      My new book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose, is now available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html
·      Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.
·      Have

Interview Tip: Tell the Story that Drives You!
 
The Big Idea
 
·       Interview tips for aspiring APs (Dos vs. don'ts, or any stories of a successful interview or an interview that did not go well)
o   Remember you are interviewing them
o   Be authentic – if you compromise in the interview you can never get it back
o   Tell what you have done, not what you would do
o   Tell the story that drives you
 
·       What catches the attention of an interview committee that makes them say "we got our person?" I know a lot is influenced based on needs and fit. What do you look for?
o   When they tell you it wasn’t the right fit…
o   The story; what you have done already; lighthouse
o   If you don’t “fit the part” educate them
 
·       What questions should aspiring APs ask in an interview? 
o   Ask “what are you looking for in terms of complimenting the team which already exists?”
o   What are your expectations of the AP for instructional leadership?
o   What opportunities are there for me to grow?
o   “If you hired me, and I did a great job, what would that look and sound like? How will you determine if I did a great job?”
o   What is your approach to discipline?
 
·       What are areas in which first-time APs tend to struggle? 
o   Taking other people’s monkeys
o   Doing what others can do
o   Missing small opportunities for instructional leadership
o   Getting caught in urgent leadership
o   Failing to be a lighthouse
o   Focusing on tasks instead of people (forgetting your purpose)
o   Not nurturing your ECTs
 
·       Discussion on staying positive when getting rejected or not finding that first AP job. I have moments feeling this, but fortunately, I have a supporting wife and dad (former educator, and administrator). I've seen this topic being posted a lot on Facebook groups recently. 
o   Fit, fit, fit, and it goes both ways
o   “When you put a good person in a bad organization, the organization wins” (Mary Hemphill, Limitless Leader)
o   Build your support network now (leader, peers, advocate, mentor)
o   Ask for feedback
o   Every “no” is one step closer to a “yes.”
o   Life doesn’t run on your time or plan
o   My experience applying to WCU
 
 
Close
·      Leadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.
·      You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/
·      I love hearing from you so consider email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connecting with me on LinkedIn.
·      Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.
·      My new book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose, is now available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html
·      Have a great rest of the week, be present for others and, more importantly, take time to reflect and recover so you can continue to live and lead better.
·      Cheers!
 
 
 
Frederick’s Links:
Email: frederick@frederickbuskey.com
Website: https://www.frederickbuskey.com/
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/strategicleadershipconsulting
Daily Email subscribe: https://adept-experimenter-3588.ck.page/fdf37cbf3a
The Strategic Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWRS2F6N?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520
 

A Human Approach to Schooling with Dr. Faiza Jamil
 
Power Quote: We lose our ability to see the whole
 
 
Description:
You can think of today’s show as a bit of a thought experiment. What changes if we make relationships, at every level of the school, THE priority? It is a thought experiment, but we also have lots of experience that tells us how that experiment could turn out.
 
Guest Bio:
Faiza M. Jamil is a former K-12 teacher and currently serves as Associate Professor of Education and Human Development in the area of Learning Sciences at Clemson University. Jamil is the Founding Director of the Contexts of Learning and Development Lab, where she conducts interdisciplinary research with a focus on educational equity across learning contexts. She is the author of Public Education in Turbulent Times: Innovative Strategies for Leadership and Learning.
 
 
Warmup questions:
·      We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?
·      Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?
 
 
Questions/Topics/Prompts
·      Talk about importance of being colleagues and investing time together
·      School purpose => individual purpose
o   How do we prioritize the relationship piece
o   Task v person
o   CIRCLE model
·      Mindset shift
·      Mental health
 
Closing questions:
·      What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?
·      If listeners could take just one thing away from today’s podcast, what would it be?
·      Before we go, is there anything else that you’d like to share with our listeners?
·      Where can people learn more about you and your work…
 
Close
·      We covered a lot of ground today. I encourage you to do three things:
o   Monitor your own inner dialog – when you say you don’t have time to listen, to build relationships, what are you actually doing instead?
o   Begin asking people – teachers and students – “what would make school better for you?”
o   Use your expertise to ask powerful questions instead of goving powerful answers.
·      Leadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.
·      You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/
·      I love hearing from you so consider email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connecting with me on LinkedIn.
·      Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.
·      Have a great rest of the week, be present for others and, more importantly, take time to reflect and recover so you can continue to live and lead better.
·      Cheers!
 
 
Guest links:
My Book: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-43237-8  
Research Lab: https://www.clemson.edu/education/programs/labs/clad.html  
Twitter: https://twitter.com/eduprofjamil
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faiza-m-jamil/
 
 
 
Frederick’s Links:
Email: frederick@frederickbuskey.com
Website: https://www.frederickbuskey.com/
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/strategicleadershipconsulting
Daily Email subscribe: https://adept-experimenter-3588.ck.page/fdf37cbf3a

Power quote: If you don’t have a relationship, you aren’t coaching… your telling.
 
Show Description:
The foundation of coaching. That’s today’s topic, although it wasn’t what I had planned. This episode was scheduled to be about coaching fundamentals, but as I began working on the first part of the show – I realized the foundation needed more than a couple lines. So, once again, we will be talking about relationships on this show. Why? Because relationships are the vehicle that allow us to grow people, and if people are our purpose, relationships are the path to that purpose. And now I will give away the entire show – if you only take one thing away – coaching without relationship isn’t coaching, it’s telling. If you genuinely want to coach teachers, you must invest in building relationships.
 
 
 
Close
·      Leadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.
·      You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/
·      I love hearing from you so consider email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connecting with me on LinkedIn.
·      Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.
·      Have a great rest of the week, be present for others and, more importantly, take time to reflect and recover so you can continue to live and lead better.
·      Cheers!
 
Link to episode 192 on five-minute coaching: https://theassistantprincipal.transistor.fm/109
 
Frederick’s Links:
Email: frederick@frederickbuskey.com
Website: https://www.frederickbuskey.com/
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/strategicleadershipconsulting
Daily Email subscribe: https://adept-experimenter-3588.ck.page/fdf37cbf3a
The Strategic Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWRS2F6N?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520