Your Morning Boost: The Weekly Reset for Educators

Your Morning Boost is a weekly spark for educators and school leaders who want to lead, teach, and live with greater intention. Released every Wednesday morning, the show helps you push through the midweek grind with clarity, momentum, and purpose. Produced by AWB Education and powered by the ForwardEd Network, the podcast blends practical classroom strategies with leadership insight and personal growth. Each episode delivers actionable ideas, reflective moments, and energizing encouragement to help you serve students well and finish your week strong. If you care about growing as an educator while staying grounded and inspired, Your Morning Boost belongs in your Wednesday routine.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Why Wait Time Matters: How Silence Improves Student Thinking

    Helping students become independent learners is one of the biggest goals in education—but many teachers unintentionally do too much of the thinking for their students. In this episode of Your Morning Boost, we explore how small shifts—like using intentional wait time and silence—can dramatically improve student thinking, engagement, and ownership of learning. You’ll learn: Why students struggle with independence (even when they’re capable)How teacher talk can limit student thinkingThe role of wait time in deeper learningA simple shift you can try in your classroom immediately If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying too much of the cognitive load in your classroom, this episode will give you a better way forward. Connect with Our Network:ForwardEd Network: www.forwardednetwork.comAWB Education and Media: www.awbeducation.orgGrundmeyer Leader Services: www.grundmeyerleadersearch.comSubscribe to the ForwardEd Network for more insights on school leadership, instructional clarity, and professional growth. Mentioned in this episode: Grundmeyer Leader Services Grundmeyer Leader Services (GLS) is a premier leadership search and consulting firm dedicated to "Transforming Education One Leader at a Time." Whether you are a school board looking for your next visionary superintendent or an educator ready to take the next step in your career, GLS provides the expertise, data, and national network to ensure the right fit for every district. How GLS Supports the ForwardEd Community: Executive Search: Comprehensive recruitment for Superintendents, Principals, Athletic Directors, and School Business Officials. Leadership Development: Tailored workshops, board retreats, and administrative coaching to strengthen existing teams. Applicant Resources: Mock interviews, resume reviews, and the Applicant Insights Workshop to help educators land their dream leadership roles. Visit: www.grundmeyerleadersearch.com to view active searches or learn how GLS can support your district’s leadership transition.

    16 min
  2. Wait...That Came Out of the School Budget? - Vice Principal Unofficed

    6 DAYS AGO ·  BONUS

    Wait...That Came Out of the School Budget? - Vice Principal Unofficed

    What’s really going on behind the scenes of public school budgets? In this episode, host Lisa Hill pulls back the curtain on the often confusing—and sometimes downright absurd—world of school spending. Through a mix of humor and firsthand experience, she shares stories that highlight the gap between what schools need and what budgets actually prioritize. From overflowing closets of unused supplies to questionable purchases that leave teachers shaking their heads, Lisa explores how small decisions can add up to big financial consequences. Along the way, she unpacks the bureaucratic challenges educators face and the frustrating reality of trying to do more with less. But this isn’t just about funny stories—it’s about accountability. Because when school spending misses the mark, it’s not just educators who feel it—it’s students, communities, and taxpayers. If you’ve ever wondered how funding decisions are made in education—or questioned where those dollars actually go—this episode offers a candid, thought-provoking look at a system that deserves a closer examination. 🔑 Key TakeawaysSchool budgeting can often feel chaotic, with purchasing decisions that don’t always align with classroom needsEveryday items like supplies and tech can reveal deeper systemic inefficienciesTeachers frequently navigate a disconnect between limited resources and questionable spending choicesOutdated or unnecessary purchases can lead to wasted taxpayer dollarsGreater transparency and accountability are essential for responsible school funding 🔗 Mentioned in This EpisodeAmazonBlackBerryPalmiPhone 🎧 Why Listen?This episode blends humor with a serious message: how schools spend money matters. Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or taxpayer, you’ll walk away with a sharper perspective on the realities—and responsibilities—of managing public funds in education. If you want, I can also: Create a short YouTube description + title + tags (SEO optimized)Write social posts for LinkedIn/X/FacebookOr format this directly for Captivate, Spotify, or Apple PodcastsI prefer this response

    29 min
  3. 18 MAR

    How to Give Feedback That Actually Improves Student Learning

    𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 "𝗮𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗸𝗲𝘆." 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗽𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆. Teacher feedback is one of the most powerful tools in the classroom—but most grading systems don’t actually improve learning. In this episode of Your Morning Boost, we break down how to move beyond traditional grading and use feedback to build student independence and deeper understanding. You’ll learn: – Why grades often stop learning instead of supporting it – The difference between corrective feedback and process feedback – Practical strategies you can use in your classroom tomorrow If you’ve ever wondered how to make feedback more meaningful (and less exhausting), this episode is for you. Links referenced in this episode: ForwardEdNetworkgrundmeyerleadersearch.com Mentioned in this episode: Grundmeyer Leader Services Grundmeyer Leader Services (GLS) is a premier leadership search and consulting firm dedicated to "Transforming Education One Leader at a Time." Whether you are a school board looking for your next visionary superintendent or an educator ready to take the next step in your career, GLS provides the expertise, data, and national network to ensure the right fit for every district. How GLS Supports the ForwardEd Community: Executive Search: Comprehensive recruitment for Superintendents, Principals, Athletic Directors, and School Business Officials. Leadership Development: Tailored workshops, board retreats, and administrative coaching to strengthen existing teams. Applicant Resources: Mock interviews, resume reviews, and the Applicant Insights Workshop to help educators land their dream leadership roles. Visit: www.grundmeyerleadersearch.com to view active searches or learn how GLS can support your district’s leadership transition.

    17 min
  4. From The Fixer to the Supported Leader with Dr. Jill Urich

    25 FEB

    From The Fixer to the Supported Leader with Dr. Jill Urich

    Are you tired of being the "fixer" for everyone else while your own tank runs on empty?In this episode of Your Morning Boost, Adam Busch sits down with veteran educator and master coach Dr. Jill Urich to discuss a critical shift in school leadership: moving from "doing more" to "being supported."Dr. Jill explains her "Inside Out" coaching philosophy, focusing on the person behind the title. We dive into why asking for help isn't a flaw—it's a requirement for high performance. If you are a school leader feeling the weight of the "superhero cape," this conversation will help you hit the pause button and find the clarity needed to lead with intention. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to shift the perspective of coaching from "remediation" to "essential growth."The difference between instructional implementation and executive coaching.Why "filling your own tank" is a prerequisite for making a lasting impact.Practical ways to move from reactive management to proactive leadership. Connect with Dr. Jill Urich: Website: jillurich.comLinkedIn: Dr. Jill UrichEmail: ljurichconsultingllc@gmail.com Subscribe to the ForwardEd Network for more insights on school leadership and professional growth. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/your-morning-boost-forwarded--6630377/support. Thank You for Listening!  This has been an episode from The FowardED Network—Where we are Advancing Voices and Shaping Education. We are dedicated to supporting everyone invested in K-12 success: teachers, leaders, parents, and community advocates. Want to keep the conversation going? Subscribe: Never miss an insight. Hit the subscribe or follow button on your podcast app to automatically receive our next episode.Share the Knowledge: If this episode provided value, please take a moment to rate and review us! Your five-star reviews help new teachers, parents, and leaders find our network.Explore the Network: This show is just one part of the ForwardEd Network family. Head over to our network page to explore our full roster of interconnected podcasts, including CTRL Shift Lead, Vice Principal UnOfficed, From Carpool to College, and Your Morning Boost.Connect with Us: Have a question or an idea for a future episode? Reach out to us at pillars.forwarded@gmail.com or find us on social media using the tag #theForwardEDnetwork. Ready for your next boost? Browse our catalog and discover your next great listen on The ForwardED Network. This episode includes AI-generated content.

    27 min
  5. BONUS PODCAST - Check out Vice Principal UnOfficed!

    19 FEB ·  BONUS

    BONUS PODCAST - Check out Vice Principal UnOfficed!

    Think your school days were weird? Think again. In this special bonus episode, we’re introducing you to Vice Principal UnOfficed—the podcast that shares the stories no one puts in the school newsletter. From the bizarre to the "how is this legal?" these real-life moments prove that Stranger Things has nothing on the local middle school hallway.Hosted by Dr. Lisa Hill, these are the stories that make you laugh first… then stare… then ask, “Wait… that really happened?” The answer is always yes. Love what you hear? Listen to more and subscribe here: 👉 https://push.fm/fl/vpunofficed Get in Touch: Have a wild school story of your own or want to reach out? Email: vpunofficed@gmail.com #KeepLaughing&Learning Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/your-morning-boost-forwarded--6630377/support. Thank You for Listening!  This has been an episode from The FowardED Network—Where we are Advancing Voices and Shaping Education. We are dedicated to supporting everyone invested in K-12 success: teachers, leaders, parents, and community advocates. Want to keep the conversation going? Subscribe: Never miss an insight. Hit the subscribe or follow button on your podcast app to automatically receive our next episode.Share the Knowledge: If this episode provided value, please take a moment to rate and review us! Your five-star reviews help new teachers, parents, and leaders find our network.Explore the Network: This show is just one part of the ForwardEd Network family. Head over to our network page to explore our full roster of interconnected podcasts, including CTRL Shift Lead, Vice Principal UnOfficed, From Carpool to College, and Your Morning Boost.Connect with Us: Have a question or an idea for a future episode? Reach out to us at pillars.forwarded@gmail.com or find us on social media using the tag #theForwardEDnetwork. Ready for your next boost? Browse our catalog and discover your next great listen on The ForwardED Network.

    34 min
  6. We’ve Let Our Inboxes Colonize Our Lives

    18 FEB

    We’ve Let Our Inboxes Colonize Our Lives

    The 104-Email Wake-Up Call.We’ve all been there: a milestone family moment interrupted by a vibrating pocket. Whether it’s moving a child into a dorm or sitting at the dinner table, we’ve reached a saturation point. In K–12 education, we haven’t just reached a limit with email—we’ve allowed it to colonize the moments that belong to our actual lives.In this episode of Your Morning Boost, we explore the "role strain" we feel when our identities as parents, educators, and leaders crash into each other. We look at the math of task switching—where one glance at a notification costs us 23 minutes of deep focus—and discuss how we can start pushing back.In this episode, we discuss: The Reality of Role Strain: Why the "employee" version of us shouldn't interrupt the "parent" version of us.The Science of Task Switching: Why we are living in a state of constant mental fragmentation.The Nonverbal Gap: Why "safe" emails often create more conflict than "hard" conversations.Architecting a New Culture: Implementing "No-Send Zones" and the "Weekend Shield" to protect our teams. It’s time to stop letting our inboxes dictate our priorities. Let’s reclaim our presence for our students, our staff, and our families. 𝘚𝘶𝘣𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘌𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱, 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘵𝘩. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/your-morning-boost-forwarded--6630377/support. Thank You for Listening!  This has been an episode from The FowardED Network—Where we are Advancing Voices and Shaping Education. We are dedicated to supporting everyone invested in K-12 success: teachers, leaders, parents, and community advocates. Want to keep the conversation going? Subscribe: Never miss an insight. Hit the subscribe or follow button on your podcast app to automatically receive our next episode.Share the Knowledge: If this episode provided value, please take a moment to rate and review us! Your five-star reviews help new teachers, parents, and leaders find our network.Explore the Network: This show is just one part of the ForwardEd Network family. Head over to our network page to explore our full roster of interconnected podcasts, including CTRL Shift Lead, Vice Principal UnOfficed, From Carpool to College, and Your Morning Boost.Connect with Us: Have a question or an idea for a future episode? Reach out to us at pillars.forwarded@gmail.com or find us on social media using the tag #theForwardEDnetwork. Ready for your next boost? Browse our catalog and discover your next great listen on The ForwardED Network. This episode includes AI-generated content.

    16 min

About

Your Morning Boost is a weekly spark for educators and school leaders who want to lead, teach, and live with greater intention. Released every Wednesday morning, the show helps you push through the midweek grind with clarity, momentum, and purpose. Produced by AWB Education and powered by the ForwardEd Network, the podcast blends practical classroom strategies with leadership insight and personal growth. Each episode delivers actionable ideas, reflective moments, and energizing encouragement to help you serve students well and finish your week strong. If you care about growing as an educator while staying grounded and inspired, Your Morning Boost belongs in your Wednesday routine.

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