The Elemental Educator Podcast

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The Elemental Educator Podcast hosted by Tyler Comeau Explores the alchemy of education, leadership, and pedagogy: Challenging the status quo of leadership norms while redefining learning.

  1. How to Scale Instructional Coaching in Schools!

    6D AGO

    How to Scale Instructional Coaching in Schools!

    Most schools try to improve teaching the wrong way. They rely on top-down professional development, one-off workshops, and “sit and get” training sessions that feel productive in the moment but rarely change classroom practice. In this episode of The Elemental Educator, Dr. Matthew Rhoads explains why those approaches fail and what actually helps professional learning spread through a school system. Dr. Rhoads is an instructional leader and education technology expert focused on AI integration, inclusive teaching, and helping educators improve student learning across TK-20 education. Together we unpack how coaching, diffusion of learning, and intentional leadership create the conditions for real instructional improvement. One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is simple but powerful: Instructional improvement does not scale through mandates. It scales through relationships, coaching, and momentum. If you are a principal, district leader, instructional coach, or educator trying to improve teaching across your school or system, this conversation will challenge the way you think about professional learning. Inside this episode: • Why top-down professional development often fails• The biggest mistake leaders make when trying to improve teaching• Why one-off PD sessions rarely lead to lasting change• How instructional coaching spreads learning across schools• The difference between forcing adoption and building momentum• Why leaders must choose between being instructional leaders or managers• How AI and technology fit into modern instructional leadership If you care about improving teaching and learning in a way that actually sticks, this episode will give you a different lens for thinking about professional learning and leadership. Chapter Markers 00:00 Why do most schools try to improve teaching the wrong way?01:37 What is the fastest way a leader can accidentally kill instructional improvement?02:01 Why is one-off “sit and get” PD the number one killer of professional learning?04:40 What role does instructional coaching actually play in improving teaching?12:15 How can leaders build momentum instead of forcing change?22:40 What does effective instructional coaching look like in practice?34:10 Are school leaders acting as instructional leaders or just managers?46:05 How does AI fit into instructional leadership and professional learning?58:30 What should school leaders focus on if they want real instructional improvement? Connect With Me Website https://www.elementaleducator.com If this episode sparked an idea or challenged how you think about leadership, visit the site and explore more conversations designed to help leaders make better decisions under pressure.Connect With Dr. Matthew Rhoads Websitehttps://matthewrhoads.com LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-rhoads-ed-d-95772120/ Instagramhttps://instagram.com/DrRhoadsEDU X / Twitterhttps://x.com/mattrhoads1990 If this conversation helped you rethink professional learning, share it with another educator or school leader who cares about improving teaching and learning. Subscribe for more conversations about leadership, innovation, instructional improvement, and decision making in education.

    59 min
  2. Complexity Is Not a Leadership Failure... It’s the Job

    MAR 2

    Complexity Is Not a Leadership Failure... It’s the Job

    Most leaders secretly believe that if they were better, smarter, or more experienced, things would feel less complex. That belief is wrong. In this episode of The Elemental Educator, I sit down with Dr. Corey Steeves to confront one of the most damaging myths in leadership: that complexity is a signal you are failing. Instead, we argue that complexity is the job. The weight, the ambiguity, the competing priorities, and the pressure are not proof you are unqualified. They are proof you are leading. As Corey shares in the episode, many principals and high-stakes leaders feel isolated while navigating innovation, change, and uncertainty . We unpack how to reframe that isolation, how to build intentional networks of support, and why white-knuckling your way through leadership is not a badge of honor. If you remember one sentence from this conversation, remember this: you do not need to carry the load alone. Inside this episode: • Why strong leaders still feel overwhelmed• The myth that “good principals shouldn’t have challenges”• How to reframe complexity as opportunity• The danger of leading in isolation• A practical way to identify and strengthen your network of support• Why grace and reflection are leadership skills, not weaknesses This conversation will help you stop interpreting pressure as personal deficiency and start seeing it as part of the leadership arena you were chosen to step into. 00:00 What if complexity isn’t a sign you’re failing?03:56 Why do so many leaders believe they shouldn’t have this many challenges?05:45 What problem does this episode actually solve for principals?06:18 How do you tell the difference between a principle and a preference?12:30 What happens when leaders try to “white knuckle” complexity?20:45 Why does isolation make complexity feel heavier than it is?31:10 How can you intentionally reflect on your network of support?44:20 What would you tell your younger self about leading under pressure?52:40 How do you build innovation without doing it alone?59:03 Why can’t anyone prepare students or organizations for what’s next by themselves?01:02:00 What should leaders do next after hearing this conversation? Website: https://www.elementaleducator.com If this episode sparked something for you, I’d love to hear from you. Visit the site, connect, and explore tools designed to help you make decisions you can explain, defend, and repeat under pressure. LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-corey-steeves-071894271?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app Leadership Reflection Form:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1jGJLlSje2PFQj-bO9cPVeyMVzOb9TW1F3OA1z0u6VI4/edit?usp=drivesdk Resource Document:https://drive.google.com/file/d/14imPwNJjCuHWLIrmOb-xcvox8f8sAAg-/view?usp=sharing If this conversation helped you rethink leadership under pressure, leave a review and share it with another leader who needs to hear that complexity is not a verdict on their competence. Subscribe for more episodes focused on decision making under pressure, values-rooted leadership, and building resilient teams.

    1h 3m
  3. Why Most School Change Initiatives Fail And How to Fix Them in 2026

    FEB 23

    Why Most School Change Initiatives Fail And How to Fix Them in 2026

    Join host Tyler on The Elemental Educator podcast as he chats with strategist and change catalyst Lisa Riegel. Discover why most leaders fail not from lack of ambition, but because change stays theoretical. Lisa shares insights on operationalizing aspirations, the role of brain science in perceptions and resistance, her 8C Commitment Framework, and practical strategies for engaging employees, reducing fear, and driving lasting change in education and beyond. Perfect for leaders seeking fulfillment and better outcomes. Timestamps below! Connect with Lisa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisariegel/Learn more about the podcast: https://www.elementaleducator.comSubscribe for more leadership insights! #Leadership #ChangeManagement #Education Chapter Markers 00:00:00 - Intro: Why Leaders Fail at Change00:01:15 - Real Change Starts in the Brain00:03:37 - When Change Collapses: Common Pitfalls00:06:04 - Welcome & Grounded Moments Segment00:07:56 - The Human Side of Leadership00:09:00 - How Perceptions Are Formed in the Brain00:12:52 - Early Indicators of Stress Responses00:15:00 - Name It, Own It, Control It Activity00:18:00 - Resistance as Unaddressed Fear00:21:00 - The 8C Commitment Framework Explained00:25:00 - Clarity and Coherence in Change00:30:00 - Cadence for Sustainable Change00:35:00 - Culture and Psychological Safety00:40:00 - Celebrating Wins and Building Trust00:45:00 - Collaboration and Collective Efficacy00:50:00 - Biggest Barriers to Effective Change00:55:00 - Classroom Management and Relationships01:00:00 - Spark or Burn: Decision Making Under Uncertainty01:05:00 - Resilience as Key to Leadership01:07:00 - One Key Takeaway & Guest Question

    1h 8m
  4. How to Challenge Your Boss Without Killing Your Career

    FEB 17

    How to Challenge Your Boss Without Killing Your Career

    Challenging your boss can feel like career suicide, but knowing how to disagree with leadership respectfully, strategically, and confidently is a critical leadership skill under pressure. In this episode, we break down how to challenge your boss without killing your career by grounding your approach in core values, clear reasoning, and disciplined communication. My guest, Mark Pearmain, shares real-world insight on navigating conflict with senior leaders, influencing up the chain of command, and protecting trust while advocating for better decisions. If you’ve ever struggled with pushing back, handling workplace conflict, or speaking up to authority, this conversation will give you practical tools you can use immediately. You’ll learn: How to disagree with your boss professionally How to manage conflict with leadership How to protect your credibility under pressure How to communicate tough feedback upward How to make value-based decisions at work This is leadership in real time. No bravado. No shortcuts. Just better decisions you can explain, defend, and repeat. 🔗 Connect with Tyler:https://link.me/tylercomeau 🔗 Connect with Mark Pearmain:www.linkedin.com/in/mark-pearmain-0a456324 If you're a leader navigating stress, incomplete information, and accountability without control, this episode is for you.00:00 – Why Leadership Can’t Live in a Bubble01:01 – Meet the Guest & His Leadership Philosophy01:55 – The Moment Leadership Became Real (9/11 Classroom Story)03:20 – 10 Seconds of Courage04:56 – When Safety Illusions Break06:47 – “It Always Seems Impossible Until It’s Done”09:18 – The Secret: Distributed Leadership10:05 – Teams Beat Heroes11:12 – Your Anchor in Pressure: Integrity13:42 – Challenge Up vs Empower Down (Real Examples)14:36 – AI in Schools & Local Decision Making16:05 – Why Employees Fear Speaking Up18:40 – How Leaders Create Speak-Up Culture21:02 – The Right Way to Challenge a Leader23:30 – Principle or Preference Game25:05 – The Leadership Skill Most Leaders Get Wrong59:52 – Final Takeaways & Closing Thoughts

    1h 1m
  5. Do Leaders Avoid Responsibility Because It’s Heavy… or Because It’s Revealing?

    FEB 9

    Do Leaders Avoid Responsibility Because It’s Heavy… or Because It’s Revealing?

    Do leaders avoid responsibility because it’s heavy, or because it exposes who they really are? In this episode of The Elemental Educator, I sit down with Danny Bauer, founder of Better Leaders Better Schools, to unpack why responsibility isn’t just about workload, but identity, values, and visibility. We explore why leadership gets lonely, why so many leaders hide instead of ask for help, and how responsibility becomes lighter when it’s shared inside the right community. This conversation moves from deep personal stories to practical leadership tools you can use immediately. You’ll hear: Why responsibility feels revealing before it feels heavy How isolation quietly erodes leadership effectiveness What strong leaders do instead of going it alone How to tell if you’re leading reactively or proactively A simple “pre-mortem” tool to make better decisions under pressure Why community isn’t optional for sustained leadership If you lead without full authority, carry invisible pressure, or feel like you’re supposed to have it all figured out, this episode will hit close to home. Listen for one idea. Take one action. That’s where leadership actually changes. Connect With Me Instagram: / elemental_educatorYouTube: / @elementaleducatorTikTok: / elemental.educatorWebsite: https://www.elementaleducator.comLinkedIn: / tyler-comeau-961a49310 For Speaking, Consulting, Coaching, Guest Recommendations, or Other Inquiries📩 tyler@elementaleducator.com Guest: Danny Bauer Better Leaders Better SchoolsWebsite: https://betterleadersbetterschools.comBooks The Better Leaders Better Schools Roadmap: https://amzn.to/4lFViEvMastermind: Unlocking Talent Within Every School Leader: https://amzn.to/41hQJsNBuild Leadership Momentum: https://amzn.to/4mAj3PKThe Remarkable Vision Formula: https://amzn.to/4mY02XgCalm in the Chaos: https://amzn.to/3Jqneie X: https://twitter.com/heydannybauerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/heydannybauerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heydannybauer/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heydannybauer/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwVE_oB3URcg7ghv2Mn3yiQ?sub_confirmation=1 Chapters:0:00 What happens when your leadership is challenged publicly?1:00 Do leaders avoid responsibility because it’s heavy or because it’s revealing?3:55 Who does leadership require you to become?6:45 What makes leadership feel lighter when it’s shared?9:40 Why do leaders expect change without implementation?13:35 Is hiding easier than facing responsibility head-on?16:10 Why is isolation one of leadership’s biggest traps?18:30 What advice helps leaders reset toward connection?21:40 How do you know if you’re leading reactively or proactively?23:05 What is a leadership pre-mortem and why does it work?25:05 How can one tool prevent future leadership failures?26:45 Principal or Preference: is responsibility a choice or a condition?29:10 Should humor be considered a leadership skill?31:20 Is vulnerability more persuasive than expertise?33:10 Should culture be shaped by what leaders do, not what they say?36:05 Why does community accelerate leadership growth?39:00 What do leaders gain by watching others in the hot seat?41:50 How does proximity to decision-making sharpen judgment?44:10 What separates proactive leaders from reactive ones?47:05 How do leaders build support before pressure hits?49:40 Why does leadership change when you stop going it alone?52:10 What responsibility is leadership asking you to own next?

    1h 15m
  6. Why Does Your Team Freeze Under Pressure?

    FEB 2

    Why Does Your Team Freeze Under Pressure?

    How do you lead hard conversations, build psychological safety, and get real accountability without trying to control every outcome? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Amanda Fernandez to break down the “human element” of leadership: the mindset shifts and practical tools that turn tense teams into collaborative teams. We get into: Why “I don’t know” can be a power move that builds trust (not weakness). The moment leadership stops being “control” and becomes “elevate people.” How to co-create team agreements (so accountability is shared, not dumped on the leader). What “fail forward” looks like when you’re rebuilding culture from the ground up. Why change doesn’t always explode, sometimes it spreads one ripple at a time. Plus, we run the Elemental segments:Grounded Moments (Job Guesser), Principle or Preference, Flip the Script, and Final Answer. If you’re leading in a top-down culture and you want more ownership, better ideas, and fewer silent meetings, this one’s for you. Leave a comment: What’s the one team conversation you know you need to have, but you keep delaying? Connect with Dr. AmandaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-amanda-fernandez-b86890339/Website: www.waypointnorth.org Connect With MeInstagram: / elemental_educatorYouTube: / @elementaleducatorTikTok: / elemental.educatorWebsite: https://www.elementaleducator.comLinkedIn: / tyler-comeau-961a49310 For Speaking, Consulting, Coaching, Guest Recommendations, or Other Inquiriestyler@elementaleducator.com 0:00 What's the hardest truth leaders avoid about how they show up for their teams?0:46 Why is saying "I don't know" one of the fastest ways to build trust?2:23 When did leadership stop being about control and start being about elevating people?4:13 How do you lead after you've been sabotaged from the inside out?6:07 How do you have a hard conversation without making it personal?9:14 Can a quick game reveal how you actually lead under pressure (Grounded Moments)?11:48 What did hauling firewood teach you about responsibility and leadership?15:15 How do you "level up" your role to scale your impact?22:12 How do team social contracts turn culture into something measurable?25:04 What do you do when someone breaks the agreement they co-signed?29:02 Principle or preference: can you answer without overthinking it?37:48 Flip the Script: how would you reframe a messy leadership dilemma?42:36 Can change spread one ripple at a time instead of blowing everything up?50:40 Final Answer: what would you choose when there's no middle option?52:03 What pushed you to start Waypoint North before you felt ready?59:25 What's the simplest "fail forward" move you can try this week?

    1 hr
  7. The Do’s and Don’ts of Leading Under Pressure Without Losing Integrity

    JAN 26

    The Do’s and Don’ts of Leading Under Pressure Without Losing Integrity

    Leadership under pressure, integrity under authority, and the identity shift that happens when you refuse to shrink.In this Elemental Educator episode, Janelle McLaughlin breaks down how a fear-based leader reshaped her definition of leadership and what she built after. In this conversation, you’ll learn: How “bad leadership” can become a blueprint for who you refuse to be How to stay kind without getting walked over Why leaving a role can be a leadership upgrade, not a loss How conflict can create growth instead of collapse Why AI can expand creativity when used as a thought partner Connect with Janelle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janellemclaughlin/Chapters: 0:00 Innovation gets blocked (first move) 0:23 Creative leadership: goodness, relationships, ideas matter 0:49 Can you be kind and influential? 1:13 Leadership: answers vs presence 2:17 Earth element: Grounded Moments (build culture, not all ideas) 8:15 Principle or Preference (decision lens) 16:03 Air element: Headwinds and Tailwinds 16:24 Hot Seat: pressure decisions 20:15 Charisma, manipulation, and power (the trap) 25:44 Psychological safety (why creativity dies) 26:36 Realm of control, integrity under authority 28:03 Flip the Script begins 28:23 Leaving a job means you lost (reframe) 28:45 Kind leaders get walked over (reframe) 29:01 AI will kill creativity (reframe) 31:06 Water element: Ripples of Change 31:21 GenAI cohort implementation 33:59 Easiest AI win: differentiation 35:09 Right storming: every voice heard 37:13 Grounded habit: accountability partner 39:36 Fire element: leap past fear (independent consulting)

    49 min
  8. Before You Write an AI policy... Watch This!

    JAN 19

    Before You Write an AI policy... Watch This!

    AI in schools, digital wellness, and trust-first leadership for real classrooms.Micro-tools that work: phone away, deep breathing, and questions that spark curiosity. Bill breaks down how districts can lead AI change without getting trapped in slow policy cycles, and how to build a culture where people feel permission to adapt while staying anchored to pillars. Practical takeaways: How they approached “learning in the age of AI” with guiding principles and a year of learning. Why they decided not to create a new AI policy (too slow to be responsive). Rebuilding the upstream system: merging IT and curriculum so decisions actually work in practice. The fast reset for overwhelm: deep breathing. The simplest digital wellness habit: phone in a different room at bedtime. Connect with Bill at EdTechPartner.com or at https://www.linkedin.com/in/bcoredtechpartner/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction02:12 Humans First (Empathy + Online Behavior)03:23 Earth: Grounded Moments (Go Upstream)05:51 Blue Light, Sleep, and Explaining the “Why”07:46 Parent Engagement as a Conversation08:49 Rebuild the System: Merge IT + Curriculum10:30 Permission to Innovate (Culture + Modeling)14:02 Principle: Tech Should Make Humans More Human14:19 Systems Should Adapt to People (In Principle)16:40 Continuous Improvement vs Flip-Flopping23:37 Air: Headwinds and Tailwinds (Stress Can Help)24:36 Hot Seat: Resistance, Tech Crashes, Burnout25:19 Fear of Being Replaced by AI (Human Element)26:14 Will Students Accept AI Teachers? (They Want a Human)30:02 Overwhelm vs Evolution (Skills Over Tools)38:55 Water: Ripples of Change (District AI Shift)44:13 Action Steps: Don’t Just Write Policy, Build Use Cases47:46 Why Policy Cycles Were Too Slow for AI48:26 Fire: Spark Curiosity + Digital Wellness Micro Habits55:22 Build Trust (Principle or Preference)58:21 How to Reach Bill (EdTechPartner.com)59:29 Closing Question: Hard Work and Who You Become1:01:11 Identity Goal: Trusted, Respected, Kind

    1h 5m
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About

The Elemental Educator Podcast hosted by Tyler Comeau Explores the alchemy of education, leadership, and pedagogy: Challenging the status quo of leadership norms while redefining learning.

Information

  • Creator
    elementaleducator
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © elementaleducator