EP TALKS

Andre J. Wicks
  • 3.0 (2)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

The stories of school principals are powerful. In an industry where all the resources exist to achieve the results we desperately seek, EP TALKS harnesses the collective expertise of successful school administrators. These stories influence, inform, and inspire us. Listen, learn, engage and share.

  1. Aug 1

    S1E23 | Creating Future-Ready Schools | Jeremy S. Owoh

    In this episode, Dr. Jeremy S. Owoh shares insights on future-ready leadership, the importance of adaptability, and building pathways for scholar success in education. Discover how visionary leadership and continuous learning can transform schools and prepare students for a rapidly changing world.KeywordsFuture Ready Leadership, Education Innovation, Scholar Success, Adaptability, Pathways in Education, School Leadership, Educational EquityKey topicsFuture ready leadership requirementsThe importance of adaptability in educationBuilding effective pathways and programsThe role of principals and district supportThe concept of scholars versus studentsLeadership influence and mentorship ResourcesCreate Your Own Luck by Dr. Jeremy S. Owoh - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Create+Your+Own+Luck+Jeremy+S.+OwohJeremy S. Owoh - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremysowoh/ISTI - International Society for Transforming Education - https://www.transformingeducation.org/ASCD - Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development - https://www.ascd.org/Guest linksLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremysowoh/Website - https://www.transformingeducation.org/

  2. Aug 1

    S1E22 | Turning Resistance into Strategy: AI Implementation in Education | Shreyas Koushik

    In this episode, Andre Wicks interviews Shreyas Koushik, head of strategic partnerships at Tomo Club, about AI literacy in education, implementation strategies, and how to turn resistance into strategic advantage. They explore how schools can effectively integrate AI skills, foster collaboration, and sustain innovation. Keywords AI literacy, education technology, implementation strategies, school leadership, future-ready skills, game-based learning, AI ethics, teacher training, school district AI rollout Key topics AI literacy and judgment over prompting fluency Implementation design and sustainability in schools Skills for effective AI integration: communication, collaboration, leadership, problem-solving Strategies for overcoming resistance and fostering strategic change Game-based learning as a tool for teaching future-ready skills Sound bites "Fluency without judgment is actually the riskier outcome" "Teaching discernment is as important as teaching technique" "Leaders need a network of peers navigating the same shift" Resources Tomo Club Official Website - https://tomoclub.com Everyday Principle - https://everydayprinciple.com Guest links LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/shreyas-koushik Tomo Club - https://tomoclub.com

  3. Aug 1

    S1E21 | Reimagining Accountability in Education | Douglas Reeves

    In this episode, Dr. Douglas Reeves shares insights on effective accountability, grading practices, psychological safety, and the ethical use of AI in education. Discover how leadership can foster trust, improve student achievement, and navigate the evolving landscape of educational technology. Keywords education, leadership, accountability, grading, psychological safety, AI in education, school improvement, teacher development Key topics Healthy accountability and its impact on systems The role of grading in student achievement and school culture Psychological safety and its influence on learning Ethical use of AI in schools and full disclosure Leadership practices for trust and high standards Takeaways Accountability should be rigorous without being punitive. Effective leaders focus on continuous, incremental improvement. Grading is a powerful lever for achievement but must be used thoughtfully. Psychological safety is essential for learning; fear inhibits it. AI in education requires full disclosure and ethical use. Sound bites "When people are afraid, they can't learn." "Grading is about power, not just evaluation." "Grade in pencil, not in pen, to allow for improvement." Resources Fearless Schools by Douglas Reeves - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Fearless+Schools+Douglas+Reeves Finish the Dissertation.org - https://finishthedissertation.org/ Amy Edmondson - Psychological Safety - https://hbr.org/2019/11/high-reliability-organizations-have-psychological-safety How's My Kid Doing? by Tom Gusky - https://www.amazon.com/How-Sys-My-Kid-Doing/dp/XXXXXX AI in Education - Douglas Reeves - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=AI+in+Education+Douglas+Reeves Guest links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglasreeves Twitter - https://twitter.com/douglasreeves

  4. Aug 1

    S1E20 | Simplifying School Improvement | Mike Schmoker

    In this episode, education expert Mike Schmoker discusses the importance of clarity, coherence in curriculum, and effective teaching practices. He emphasizes simplifying school improvement efforts and focusing on core practices that truly move learning forward. Keywords education, school improvement, curriculum, teaching strategies, clarity, literacy, instructional design Key topics Clarity in teaching and curriculum Overcomplication of school improvement Core practices for effective teaching The role of literacy in education Productive struggle and student engagement The importance of teacher training and mastery Sound bites "Effective teaching includes checking for understanding." "Learning targets double student success rates." "Celebrating success on lessons is key to improvement." Resources Focus by Mike Schmoker - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Focus+Mike+Schmoker Results Now 2.0 by Mike Schmoker - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Results+Now+2.0+Mike+Schmoker Jim Collins on Effective Leadership - https://hbr.org/2001/11/building-your-companys vision Tim Shanahan on Literacy Instruction - https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/what-research-says-about-literacy-instruction/2023/01 Tim Shanahan on Small Group Instruction - https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/why-small-group-instruction-may-not-be-as-effective-as-you-think/2024/01 Guest links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeschmoker Twitter - https://twitter.com/mikeschmoker

  5. Aug 1

    S1E18 | Socializing for Systemic Change | Dr. Tammy Campbell

    n this episode, Dr. Tammy Campbell shares her insights on the importance of the word 'scholar' over 'student', the role of socialization and clarity in educational systems, and strategies for equity and systemic improvement in schools. Keywords education, leadership, equity, socialization, clarity, systemic change, school districts, student voice, teacher practices, school leadership Key topics The significance of the word 'scholar' over 'student' The process and importance of socializing new practices How clarity impacts effective implementation Unintentional lowering of expectations in districts The importance of long-term planning and success criteria The role of principals in advancing equity The impact of systemic socialization and normalization Strategies for systemic change and systemic leadership Takeaways Words signal beliefs and can shift culture when used intentionally. Socializing practices involves co-constructing, sharing, and reinforcing behaviors. Clarity starts with seeing and imagining the ideal before doing. Expectations can be unintentionally lowered through piecemeal efforts. Long-term planning and success criteria are essential for deep change. Principals play a critical role in leading with equity and urgency. Every person in a school system influences the student experience. Effective systems require clear, shared goals and ongoing feedback. Sound bites "Words signal what we believe about students" "Clarity is about seeing and imagining the ideal" "Principals must know their students deeply" Resources Standards-Based Grading by O'Connor and Gusky - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Standards-Based+Grading+O%27Connor+and+Gusky Fisher and Fry's Work on Teacher Clarity - https://www.fisherandfry.com/teacher-clarity Hattie's Visible Learning - https://www.amazon.com/Visible-Learning-Research-Transforming-Education/dp/0415476187 Guest links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammycampbell Twitter - https://twitter.com/tammycampbell

  6. Aug 1

    S1E19 | The Courage to Lead: Transforming School Culture | Dr. Anthony Muhammad

    In this episode, Dr. Anthony Muhammad shares insights on school culture, leadership, equity, and the importance of authenticity and courage in education. Discover practical strategies for transforming school environments and fostering genuine partnerships. Keywork school culture, leadership, equity, education, organizational change, authenticity, courage, school transformation Key topics School culture transformation Leadership behaviors that impact culture Equity as a professional issue The role of sincerity and courage in leadership Strategies for engaging parents and staff Recognizing and addressing unhealthy organizational norms Takeaways Authenticity and sincerity are foundational for effective leadership. Leadership expectations set the tone for school culture. Moving equity discussions into professional practice is essential. Authority should be paired with compassion and empathy. Change requires discomfort and inconvenience, but leads to growth. Sound bites "Sincerity has always been my fuel." "Thought leaders must be courageous and authentic." "Confrontation can look strong but be damaging to culture." Resources Larry Cuban and David Tyak's 'Tinkering Towards Utopia' - https://www.amazon.com/Tinkering-Towards-Utopia-Larry-Cuban/dp/XXXXXX Rick DeFore's approach to leadership - https://linkedin.com/in/rickdefore Overcoming Achievement Gap Trap by Anthony Muhammad - https://www.amazon.com/Overcoming-Achievement-Gap-Trap-ebook/dp/B00XXXX School Culture and Change Frameworks - https://schoolcultureframeworks.org Guest links LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/anthonymuhammad Twitter - https://twitter.com/AnthonyMuhammad

  7. Aug 1

    S1E17 | The Purpose-Driven Use of Technology in Schools | Eric Sheninger

    In this episode, Eric Sheninger shares insights on how technology, especially AI, can be leveraged for effective leadership and teaching. He emphasizes the importance of purpose-driven use of digital tools to enhance outcomes and foster authentic storytelling in education. Keywords AI in education, educational leadership, technology in schools, storytelling, professional development, innovation, effective teaching, school improvement Key topics AI as a tool for leadership and teaching Purposeful use of technology in education Storytelling and narrative control in schools Innovation and continuous improvement Building capacity and sharing best practices Sound bites "Technology supports, enhances, and amplifies what we do" "AI can take mundane tasks off our plate" "Leadership is about creating conditions for change" Resources Eric Sheninger - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericsheninger/ Digital Leadership by Eric Sheninger - https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Leadership-Transforming-Teaching-Learning/dp/1119546794 AI Tools for Education - Official Site - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/ai-for-education Storytelling in Education - Edutopia Article - https://www.edutopia.org/article/storytelling-education/ Effective Teaching Strategies - ASCD - https://www.ascd.org/blogs/effective-teaching-strategies Guest links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericsheninger/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/EricSheninger

  8. Jun 1

    EP TALKS | S1E16 | Leading w/ Kindness | Supt. Daniel Ludvigson

    Unlock the transformative power of kindness in leadership—without losing your edge. When systems push back and disrupt your efforts, how do you stay true to your integrity while creating real change? Daniel Ludvigson, superintendent and author of an upcoming book on leadership, reveals how kindness isn't a weakness but a disciplined, strategic force that can reshape organizations from the inside out.In this episode, Daniel shares his unique journey from art teacher to educational leader, emphasizing that authentic leadership begins with understanding and mastering your own identity. You'll discover how continuous self-reflection, embracing change, and deliberate condition-setting are key to navigating adversity and fostering trust. We break down practical strategies for leading with kindness during conflict, managing criticism, and controlling the narrative—without manipulation or compromise of your values.Daniel candidly discusses the "Distortion Cycle"—the systemic resistance to meaningful change—and how to identify, respond, and adapt when efforts are misunderstood or sabotaged. You'll learn why leadership success depends on the discipline to remain resilient, intentional, and authentic, even in the most challenging environments. His insights challenge the myth that kindness equates to softness, offering a powerful roadmap for leaders committed to integrity and impact.Perfect for educators, school leaders, and change-makers—if you're tired of surface-level leadership advice and ready to lead with purpose that honors your humanity, this episode is your dose of honest, actionable wisdom. Tune in to discover how kindness can serve as your greatest leadership discipline, propelling you beyond survival to true influence.Why this works:This episode hooks with the provocative idea that kindness, often misunderstood, is a disciplined leadership tool. It appeals directly to leaders seeking authentic strategies to navigate systemic resistance and adversity. By combining real stories, practical frameworks, and deep insights on identity and systemic distortion, it keeps listeners curious and uplifted, encouraging them to hit play and stay engaged.Character count: 3,958/4,000

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About

The stories of school principals are powerful. In an industry where all the resources exist to achieve the results we desperately seek, EP TALKS harnesses the collective expertise of successful school administrators. These stories influence, inform, and inspire us. Listen, learn, engage and share.

Information

  • Creator
    Andre J. Wicks
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Andre J. Wicks
  • Show Website
    EP TALKS