School Rules Podcast

Dr. Jerry R. Burkett
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Education
  • Daily

School Rules is an education podcast hosted by Dr. Jerry Burkett, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at Texas Woman's University. Through conversations with educators, researchers, school leaders, and policymakers, the podcast explores the ideas, research, and experiences shaping education today. Episodes cover teaching and learning, leadership, policy, special education, higher education, and student success, connecting research and practice for educators at all levels.

  1. 13h ago

    Unlocking Student Speech: Screen-Time Delays, IEP Advocacy, and Play Dumb & Sabotage with Jeaneen Tang

    Why are more children entering K–12 classrooms with speech and language delays—and how can parents and educators work together to close the gap? In this episode of the School Rules Podcast, host Dr. Jerry Burkett sits down with Jeaneen Tang, Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), author, and advocate. Drawing from both her clinical expertise and her personal journey raising a child with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Jeaneen shares actionable, jargon-free strategies from her book, Play Dumb and Sabotage, to unlock child language development at home and in the classroom. In this episode, we cover: Advocating for Students & IEPs: How SLPs build trust with administrators and how parents can navigate legal 504/IEP processes without feeling outmatched. The "Digital Babysitter" Trap: How screens impact verbal acquisition, managing device-removal tantrums, and the power of joint screen engagement. The Play Dumb and Sabotage Framework: Practical techniques for parents and teachers, including choice-based questioning and eliminating rhetorical traps. AI & Assistive Tech: Using AI as an accessibility bridge for neurodivergent students and TBI learners without turning it into a cognitive crutch. Parent Empowerment: Why parents must embrace their role as the primary "beacon" of learning for their child. Connect with Jeaneen Tang: Website & Free Guides: playdumbandsabotage.com (Download the free companion journal and one-page daily cheat sheet) Instagram: @JT808

  2. Nov 6

    School Rules Podcast: Digital Literacy, the Attention Economy, and Detoxing from Digital Dopamine

    Are cell phone bans in classrooms actually solving the screen time crisis—or are we just swapping one digital distraction for another? In this episode of the School Rules Podcast, host Dr. Jerry Burkett sits down with Terry Gromes Jr., Founder and CEO of The Canary Project, to unpack the true cost of the attention economy on students and families. From algorithmic dopamine hooks to the "brain drain" caused by physical phone proximity, Terry shares why total tech bans miss the mark and how cultivating timeless virtues like discipline and self-control creates sustainable digital balance. In this episode, we cover: The "Phone Ban" Paradox: Why replacing cell phones with school-issued screens doesn't fix digital dependency. The Attention Economy & Gen Z: How social media algorithms target decision-making—and why 83% of Gen Z are actively trying to step back from doom-scrolling. The Cognitive Drain: What the University of Chicago proximity study reveals about cell phones sitting on classroom desks. The "Traffic Light" Framework: Why technology needs common-sense safety structures to help society coexist with smart devices. Actionable School & Family Strategies: How K-12 leaders can bridge the gap between home and school to empower parents and restore household leadership. Connect with Terry Gromes Jr. & The Canary Project: Website: www.thecanaryproject.org LinkedIn: Terry Gromes Jr. on LinkedIn Connect with School Rules: Hosted by Dr. Jerry Burkett Subscribe for weekly conversations connecting educational research, leadership practice, and school culture!

  3. Nov 2

    School Rules Podcast: The October Low and Normalizing Financial Literacy with Greg Junge

    Welcome back to the School Rules Podcast with Dr. Jerry Burkett! In this high-yield episode, we cut through educational noise and policy confusion to bring you actionable tools for school leadership, instructional technology, and financial literacy. The Leadership Lens (Before School): Navigating the October Low & DAEP Risks Dr. Burkett addresses the seasonal strain of late September and October as classroom honeymoon phases fade and behavior referrals surge. We examine the legislative push surrounding Chapter 37 / DAEP removals, the overuse of disciplinary exile for elementary students, and why leaders must protect proactive tier-2/3 behavior systems before default-removing kids. Hallway Highlights: Sun Ridge Middle School (Socorro ISD) Shining a 60-second light on Sun Ridge Middle School in West Texas. Greg Junge, founder of Money Mindset Academy and author of "Teen Money Mindset" and "Parent Money Mindset", steps in to discuss bridging the gap between home and school when it comes to financial education. Greg breaks down why teaching money mechanics isn't enough, how to remove shame around spending, credit cards, and savings, and how parents and schools can collaborate to raise financially confident kids. Resources Mentioned:ReadingDuck: https://readingduck.comFreeWorksheets: https://freeworksheets.comMoney Mindset Academy: https://moneymindsetacademy.com#k12education #schoolleadership #edtech #financialliteracy #Principalship #aiineducation #teachersupport #school

  4. Oct 30

    Designing Future-Ready Courses: AI, Adaptive Pathways & Human-Centered ID | Jackie Pelegrin

    How can educators and instructional designers harness the power of artificial intelligence without losing human empathy and connection? In this episode of the School Rules Podcast, Dr. Jerry Burkett welcomes Jackie Pelegrin, host of Designing with Love and adjunct professor at Grand Canyon University. Drawing from nearly two decades of experience across higher education, corporate learning, and media production, Jackie shares actionable strategies for creating future-ready, adaptive learning environments. AI as a Co-Designer: Using generative AI tools with intention while keeping human judgment at the center. The Rise of Adaptive Pathways: Why rigid, one-size-fits-all courses fall short and how to build flexible learning paths. Ethical AI Audits: Simple steps to evaluate course content for accuracy, bias, and privacy before publication. Human-Centered EdTech: Building psychological safety and authentic connection into digital classrooms. Connect with Guest: Website: designingwithloveblog.com Podcast: Designing with Love

  5. Oct 16

    Student-Led Prevention: Rethinking Youth Substance Use with NSPN | School Rules Podcast

    In this episode of the School Rules Podcast, Dr. Jerry Burkett sits down with Isabella Choi (Founder & President) and Camille Song from the National Substance Prevention Network (NSPN). For years, school leaders have relied on top-down assemblies, scare tactics, and zero-tolerance removals to combat substance use—methods that rarely shift student culture. NSPN is pioneering a different approach: an evidence-based, student-led network that trains youth to lead honest, research-backed conversations about substance use, mental health, and peer pressure. Connect with NSPN: Website: https://thenspn.org Instagram: @TheNSPN #SchoolRulesPodcast #SchoolLeadership #SubstancePrevention #NSPN #StudentLeadership #PeerToPeer #MentalHealth #Principalship #K12Education

  6. Oct 15

    James Talarico’s 3-Step Education Reform Plan | CNN Town Hall Breakdown | School Rules Podcast

    In this quick reaction episode of the School Rules Podcast, Dr. Jerry Burkett analyzes Texas Representative James Talarico’s education reform comments at last night’s CNN Town Hall. Episode Highlights: Fully Funding the Department of Education: Why federal Title I and IDEA dollars matter for local districts. Universal Pre-K: The long-term instructional return on early childhood investments. Teacher Pay Expansion: Addressing the educator retention crisis with real policy solutions. Dr. Burkett provides executive "Real Talk" on what it takes to turn political town hall promises into practical campus realities. Hashtags/Keywords: #EducationPolicy #PublicSchools #TeacherSalary #UniversalPreK #DepartmentOfEducation #SchoolLeadership #JamesTalarico

  7. Oct 7

    School Rules Podcast: Surviving the October Low, AI w/ Paul McKee & Financial Literacy w/ Greg Junge

    Welcome back to the School Rules Podcast with Dr. Jerry Burkett! In this high-yield episode, we cut through educational noise and policy confusion to bring you actionable tools for school leadership, instructional technology, and financial literacy. The Leadership Lens (Before School): Navigating the October Low & DAEP Risks Dr. Burkett addresses the seasonal strain of late September and October as classroom honeymoon phases fade and behavior referrals surge. We examine the legislative push surrounding Chapter 37 / DAEP removals, the overuse of disciplinary exile for elementary students, and why leaders must protect proactive tier-2/3 behavior systems before default-removing kids. Hallway Highlights: Sun Ridge Middle School (Socorro ISD) Shining a 60-second light on Sun Ridge Middle School in West Texas. Teacher’s Lounge: AI, EdTech & The Future of Learning with Paul McKee Paul McKee, M.Ed., co-founder of ReadingDuck.com and FreeWorksheets.com, joins Dr. Burkett to talk about the reality of AI in K-12 classrooms. We explore how teachers are actively leveraging technology, how to evaluate EdTech efficacy without overburdening staff, strategies for strengthening AI literacy among educators, and why the world needs skilled coders and critical thinkers now more than ever. After School: Normalizing Financial Literacy with Greg Junge Greg Junge, founder of Money Mindset Academy and author of "Teen Money Mindset" and "Parent Money Mindset", steps in to discuss bridging the gap between home and school when it comes to financial education. Greg breaks down why teaching money mechanics isn't enough, how to remove shame around spending, credit cards, and savings, and how parents and schools can collaborate to raise financially confident kids. Resources Mentioned:ReadingDuck: https://readingduck.comFreeWorksheets: https://freeworksheets.comMoney Mindset Academy: https://moneymindsetacademy.com#k12education #schoolleadership #edtech #financialliteracy #Principalship #aiineducation #teachersupport #school

  8. Sep 22

    School Rules Podcast: From Takeovers to PhDs: AI in Reading Support & Navigating Higher Ed

    Welcome to the kickoff episode of the 2026–2027 academic year! Host Dr. Jerry R. Burkett delivers an packed three-segment episode tackling the full spectrum of educational leadership—from systemic K-12 policy crises to cutting-edge classroom technology and doctoral student success.Segment 1: The Leadership Lens – Fort Worth ISD & State InterventionsDr. Burkett opens the season with an administrative analysis of the state intervention in Fort Worth ISD. He unpacks the real-world operational impacts of state oversight, budget deficits, and campus accountability, offering critical takeaways for K-12 leaders navigating policy shifts, fiscal cliff management, and local control.Segment 2: AI-Powered Literacy & Supporting Neurodivergent LearnersDr. Burkett sits down with David Chalk, co-founder of ReadingRoad.ai, who shares his personal journey of learning to read at age 62. They explore:-How AI is transforming reading intervention for struggling and neurodivergent learners.-Overcoming the shame and masking associated with illiteracy in K-12 classrooms.-Providing private, non-judgmental technology tools that build student confidence and reading fluency.Segment 3: Higher Ed Horizons – Demystifying the Doctorate with Dr. Cody ArvidsonIn the final segment, Dr. Burkett speaks with Dr. Cody Arvidson from Degree Solutions Group (degreesolutionsgroup.com) about her new book, "Demystifying the Doctorate: Your Guide to Survive and Thrive".Their conversation covers:-Practical strategies for doctoral students navigating the academic journey.-Managing AI ethics, literature reviews, and research integrity in higher education.-Emerging trends in post-secondary education and academic career development.#SchoolRulesPodcast #educationalleadership #k12education #highereducation #edtech #schoolleadership #literacymatters #readingintervention #aiineducation #neurodiversity #dyslexiasupport #specialeducation #Readingroad #DemystifyingTheDoctorate #doctoralstudent #phdlife #academictwitter #academicresearch #aiinresearch

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About

School Rules is an education podcast hosted by Dr. Jerry Burkett, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at Texas Woman's University. Through conversations with educators, researchers, school leaders, and policymakers, the podcast explores the ideas, research, and experiences shaping education today. Episodes cover teaching and learning, leadership, policy, special education, higher education, and student success, connecting research and practice for educators at all levels.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Jerry R. Burkett
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    66
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Jerry R. Burkett
  • Show Website
    School Rules Podcast

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