CheckBox Pro Series

Missy Couch
  • 5.0 (9)
  • EDUCATION

CheckBox Pro founder, Missy Couch, interviews experts in the field of education to offer tools, tips, and insights to make the life of a charter school leader even more sustainable.

  1. 48: What's Saving My Life: Winter 2026

    5D AGO

    48: What's Saving My Life: Winter 2026

    In this quarterly What's Saving My Life episode, Missy reflects on the small (and surprisingly impactful) things helping her navigate the busy winter season—January through March. From systems that reduce mental load to simple routines that bring joy, this episode is a reminder that what sustains us doesn't have to be big or complicated. Sometimes, it's as simple as a shared calendar, a family show, or finally getting your kids to do their own chores. If you're in a full season (and let's be honest—who isn't?), this episode offers practical ideas and gentle encouragement to pause and notice what's working in your life right now. \Key Takeaways: Small systems can create big relief. Tools like a shared digital calendar or a planning spreadsheet can significantly reduce daily friction. Kids can—and want to—contribute. Creating clear expectations around chores builds independence and reduces parental load. Shared experiences matter. Whether it's a family TV show, the Olympics, or an Oscars watch party, having something to enjoy together builds connection. Look for ways to "stack" your time. Pairing connection with productivity (like folding laundry while catching up with friends) can be both efficient and life-giving. Lower the bar to make things sustainable. Simplifying holiday decor or meal routines makes it easier to maintain traditions without overwhelm. Future planning can be energizing. Booking trips or mapping out summer childcare provides something to look forward to—and reduces future stress.  Resources Mentioned: Skylight Digital Frame (for shared calendars, chores, and lists) Kendra Adachi's (The Lazy Genius) Homemade Granola Recipe https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/blog/the-best-granola-ever?rq=granola Missy's Summer Camp Planning Spreadsheet https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZFBk-ER6cDRtxfurSkQbMs0s6iiBbzNS6HDZaMgDGnU/edit?usp=drive_link Connect with Missy: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/missy-couch-5626b8176/ About CheckBox Pro: CheckBox Pro helps school leaders create sustainability through added capacity—taking repetitive tasks off their plates so they can focus on what matters most. https://www.checkboxpro.com/ Licensed music ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ Music: Energizer by Chris Phaze licensed through Premium Beat by Shutterstock ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ

    24 min
  2. 47: CEO: "Chief Everything Officer"

    MAR 16

    47: CEO: "Chief Everything Officer"

    In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Nicholas Ditto, Founder of Fort Worth STEAM Academy, for an honest look at life in the middle of a school's planning season. Nicholas shares his journey from aspiring public defender to educator and now founder, driven by a deep belief that access to high-quality education shapes opportunity. He explains why middle school is such a critical moment—before students begin disengaging—and why that urgency led him to launch a new charter campus in Fort Worth. The conversation explores the realities of the planning year, where "CEO" quickly becomes "Chief Everything Officer." From nonprofit paperwork and marketing to facilities and finance, Nicholas reflects on the steep learning curve founders face long before students arrive. He also shares the energizing moments that make it worthwhile—like gathering founding families and staff and watching a community begin to form. Nicholas names his superpower as staying focused on the few priorities that truly drive outcomes. He also shares practical systems for managing time, communication, and task—simple structures that help sustain him during an intense season of leadership.  Key Takeaways: Why middle school is a pivotal moment for student trajectory. The hidden business-building side of founding a school. How focusing on "one to three" priorities drives results. Practical systems to streamline time and communication. The importance of building community from day one.  Connect with Nicholas: Learn more about Fort Worth STEAM Academy https://www.fwsteamacademy.org/ Connect with Nicholas Ditto on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasditto/ About CheckBox Pro: CheckBox Pro helps school leaders create sustainability through added capacity—taking repetitive tasks off their plates so they can focus on what matters most. https://www.checkboxpro.com/ Licensed music ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ  Music: Energizer by Chris Phaze licensed through Premium Beat by Shutterstock ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ

    29 min
  3. 46: From Vision to Reality

    MAR 2

    46: From Vision to Reality

    In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Shonqualla West, Founder and Superintendent/CEO of Unparalleled Preparatory Academy, for an honest conversation about what it really means to lead during a school's founding year. Shonqualla shares how growing up in a small rural town with limited school choice shaped her belief that students deserve early opportunities to explore who they are, what they're good at, and what's possible for their future. That belief now lives at UPA, a career immersion middle school where students "try on" careers through STEM-focused, hands-on, and interdisciplinary learning. She reflects on the realities no one prepares founders for—the constant zooming in and out, the many hats, and the tension between staying deeply involved while learning when to step back. Shonqualla also talks candidly about building her first leadership team, the importance of strong operations support, and the joy of seeing students and families choose—and take pride in—a school that began as an idea on paper. She closes by naming her leadership superpower—bringing bold visions to life through community buy-in—and offers hard-earned advice for other founders: pace yourself, give yourself grace, and keep going.  Key Takeaways: What makes the founding year uniquely challenging—and uniquely formative. Why founders must constantly "zoom in and out" to lead effectively. The importance of hiring strong operations leadership early. How UPA helps students explore identity, strengths, and careers starting in middle school. Why community pride and student joy are powerful indicators of success. A reminder that grace is essential for sustainability in leadership.  Connect with Shonqualla: Learn more about Unparalleled Preparatory Academy https://upaschools.org/ Connect with Shonqualla on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/shonqualla-west-m-ed-35b463229/ About CheckBox Pro: CheckBox Pro helps school leaders create sustainability through added capacity—taking repetitive tasks off their plates so they can focus on what matters most. https://www.checkboxpro.com/ Licensed music ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ Music: Energizer by Chris Phaze licensed through Premium Beat by Shutterstock ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ

    34 min
  4. 45: The Long Game of Leadership

    FEB 16

    45: The Long Game of Leadership

    In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Rosalind DaCruz, Founder and Executive Director of RISE Prep Academies. Rosalind shares her journey from Teach For America corps member and high school history teacher to founding a charter school just three years into her teaching career—and what it's been like to lead and grow that organization for nearly a decade. Rosalind reflects on the evolution of her role from Founding Head of School to Executive Director, naming the often-unspoken challenges of scaling a school network: letting go of daily classroom life, resisting the urge to solve every problem personally, and learning to trust others with work she once owned. She speaks candidly about the emotional weight of this transition, especially as RISE Prep expands from a single kindergarten class into a K–12 network serving up to 1,400 students, with multiple campuses and major facilities projects underway.  The conversation also explores how Rosalind sustains herself through this demanding season of leadership. As a working parent and long-time school founder, she shares the practical systems that help her stay grounded—including a weekly closeout and look-ahead routine that brings clarity, accountability, and grace to both her professional and personal life. This episode is an honest, encouraging listen for school leaders navigating growth, transition, and longevity in the work.  Key Takeaways: What it really feels like to transition from founder to Executive Director as schools scale. Why stepping back from day-to-day school life can be both painful and necessary. How executive coaching and time audits supported Rosalind's leadership shift. The role of grit, strategic pivots, and persistence in sustaining a growing charter network. A simple weekly planning practice that supports leadership, parenting, and well-being.  Connect with Roz: Learn more about RISE Prep Academies: https://www.riseprep.org Connect with Rosalind DaCruz on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosalind-dacruz-3a3a4177/ About CheckBox Pro: CheckBox Pro helps school leaders create sustainability through added capacity—taking repetitive tasks off their plates so they can focus on what matters most. https://www.checkboxpro.com/  Licensed music ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ Music: Energizer by Chris Phaze licensed through Premium Beat by Shutterstock ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ

    34 min
  5. 44: Strong Systems, Strong Relationships

    FEB 3

    44: Strong Systems, Strong Relationships

    In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Luke Savidge, Principal of Compass Midtown High School in Memphis, Tennessee. Luke shares his journey into education—from growing up in a family of educators, to teaching middle school, to stepping into high school leadership for the first time in his 15-year career. Luke offers a candid look at the realities of leading a high school, including the steep learning curve of credits, scheduling, and compliance, as well as the ongoing work of building relational trust with staff, students, and families. He explains why strong relationships are the foundation that make everything else possible—and how investing in people ultimately creates better outcomes for students.  The conversation also dives into Luke's leadership superpower: organization. He walks Missy through the system he's built to keep himself grounded and focused—a single, living document that tracks priorities, data, staff celebrations, walkthroughs, and even self-care. Luke shares how becoming "Type A by necessity" helped him protect his time, lead more sustainably, and show up better for his school community.  This episode is a practical and human look at what it takes to lead well in a complex environment—and a reminder that systems and relationships aren't opposites, but partners.  Key Takeaways: Why high school leadership feels like a different ballgame than middle school—and what makes it uniquely challenging. How Luke prioritizes attendance and discipline data with a clear weekly rhythm. The importance of building relational capacity quickly when stepping into a new leadership role. How one well-designed system can reduce overwhelm and increase follow-through. Why small, consistent acts of care matter more than grand gestures for staff morale.  Connect with Luke: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-savidge-ed-s/ Learn more about Compass Midtown High School: https://www.compassmidtown.org  About CheckBox Pro: CheckBox Pro helps school leaders create sustainability through added capacity—taking repetitive tasks off their plates so they can focus on what matters most. https://www.checkboxpro.com/ Licensed music ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ   Music: Energizer by Chris Phaze licensed through Premium Beat by Shutterstock ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ

    36 min
  6. 43: Leading Through Growth

    JAN 19

    43: Leading Through Growth

    In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Rachael Sewards, Founder and Executive Director of Solare Collegiate Charter School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Rachael shares her journey from Teach for America corps member in Memphis to founding one of the city's highest-performing public charter schools serving a historically underperforming community. She opens up about what it takes to lead through rapid growth—from launching Solare as a middle school to expanding into a full K–8 campus—and the lessons she's learned about delegation, communication, and defining her role as her organization matures. Rachael also reflects on her team's impressive results, the power of trying (and sometimes failing) boldly, and how she sustains herself as both a leader and a mom in a demanding season.  Key Takeaways: How Solare Collegiate grew from a middle school to a thriving K–8 campus in just seven years. Lessons from scaling leadership: knowing when to delegate and when to let go. Why embracing mistakes has become one of Rachael's leadership superpowers. Building trust with families in a transient community through partnership and persistence. Practical habits that protect her time and make the work more sustainable.  Connect with Rachael: LinkedIn: Rachael Sewards https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachaelsewards/ Learn more about Solare Collegiate: https://www.solarecollegiate.org About CheckBox Pro: CheckBox Pro helps school leaders create sustainability through added capacity—taking repetitive tasks off their plates so they can focus on what matters most. https://www.checkboxpro.com/ Licensed music ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ Music: Energizer by Chris Phaze licensed through Premium Beat by Shutterstock ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ

    47 min
  7. 42: What's Saving My Life: Fall 2025

    JAN 12

    42: What's Saving My Life: Fall 2025

    In this quarterly solo episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy shares her What's Saving My Life list for Fall 2025—a season she defines as October through December, otherwise known as the sprint to the end of the year. This episode is equal parts reflection, survival guide, and joy inventory, capturing the small habits, simple tools, and intentional choices that helped her stay grounded during one of the busiest seasons of the year. From tiny logistics like a USB port adapter and Aquaphor, to bigger mindset shifts like not overplanning a family trip abroad, Missy walks through ten very real things that made life feel more manageable and more joyful. Along the way, she reflects on slowing down enough to notice what's working, creating margin where possible, and giving herself permission to lean into ease—even when the calendar is full. If you've ever felt like fall moved faster than you did, this episode is an invitation to pause, take stock, and name the things—big or small—that are helping you show up well for your people and yourself.  In this episode, Missy shares: The tiny tools that removed daily friction (and why they mattered more than expected). How Halloween became a joyful on-ramp to a hectic season. A mindset shift that made international travel with young kids actually enjoyable. Why rewatching familiar shows can be the perfect form of rest. Simple systems that reduced decision fatigue at home. How naming what's working can bring more calm, clarity, and gratitude. Listener Invitation: If you've never made your own What's Saving My Life list, this episode is your sign. Write it down, voice note it, or just name it quietly to yourself. And if something from Missy's list resonated with you, she'd love to hear about it—because noticing what's working is always better together.  About CheckBox Pro: CheckBox Pro helps school leaders create sustainability through added capacity—taking repetitive tasks off their plates so they can focus on what matters most. https://www.checkboxpro.com/  Licensed music ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ Music: Energizer by Chris Phaze licensed through Premium Beat by Shutterstock ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ

    28 min
  8. 41: Learning Beyond the Classroom

    12/15/2025

    41: Learning Beyond the Classroom

    In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Dr. Josh Pinto Taylor, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Anchor School in Atlanta, Georgia. Josh shares his journey from studying architecture to founding a charter school that blends academic excellence, student voice, and community impact. He reflects on the challenges of leading a growing school—running a thriving middle school while preparing to launch a high school—and what it means to lead with vision and shared ownership. Josh also unpacks The Anchor School's approach to place-based and project-based learning, where students identify problems within their own community and design solutions that make their school—and city—better. From hygiene cabinets and community gardens to student-designed duffel bags, Josh shares how giving students real agency transforms learning and builds lasting confidence. Key Takeaways: How The Anchor School blends architecture, education, and community design to shape learning. The difference between place-based and project-based learning—and why both matter. Practical examples of student-led projects that improve their school community. How to implement project-based learning whether you're a classroom teacher or school leader. The power of centering students' voices through structures like "micro village meetings."  Connect with Josh: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-pinto-taylor-ed-d-77913035/ Learn more about The Anchor School: https://www.theanchorschool.org About CheckBox Pro: CheckBox Pro helps school leaders create sustainability through added capacity—taking repetitive tasks off their plates so they can focus on what matters most. https://www.checkboxpro.com/  Licensed music ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ Music: Energizer by Chris Phaze licensed through Premium Beat by Shutterstock ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ

    39 min
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5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

CheckBox Pro founder, Missy Couch, interviews experts in the field of education to offer tools, tips, and insights to make the life of a charter school leader even more sustainable.

Information

  • Creator
    Missy Couch
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    CheckBox Pro Series