Fearless Schools Podcast

Creative Leadership Solutions

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The Fearless Schools Podcast explores the most pressing challenges in education, drawing on research and writing from Dr. Douglas Reeves and his colleagues at Creative Leadership Solutions. Each episode tackles timely topics from the field with honesty, expertise, and courage. Featuring nationally recognized educators and researchers.

2D AGO

Consistency: The Power of Showing Up The Same Way Everyday

In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we engage with Kim Campbell, a dynamic educator and middle school Dean of Students, and discuss the importance of consistency in education, building relationships with students, and the impact of technology on learning. Kim shares her journey as a student and educator, emphasizing the need for accountability and care in the classroom. The conversation also touches on the role of humor in education and the challenges faced by educators today. Takeaways Building strong relationships with students is essential. Accountability is necessary for student growth. Technology should be balanced with traditional teaching methods. Find your tribe of supportive colleagues. Simplicity in teaching strategies can lead to better outcomes. Engaging students through fun and creativity is vital.

39 min
2D AGO · BONUS

You Might Also Like: The Splendid Table: Conversations & Recipes For Curious Cooks & Eaters

Introducing 843: We Fancy with Jerrelle Guy and The Heart Shaped Tin with Bee Wilson from The Splendid Table: Conversations & Recipes For Curious Cooks & Eaters. Follow the show: The Splendid Table: Conversations & Recipes For Curious Cooks & Eaters This week, we’re all about mindfulness in our kitchens. First, we explore a whole new meaning of fancy with author and recipe developer Jerrelle Guy. She shares her unusual thinking and creative recipes that can transform your everyday eating. The little extras that can make a dish a bit more celebratory. Jerrelle Guy’s latest book is We Fancy: Simple Recipes to Make the Everyday Special, and she left us with her recipe for Olive Oil Brownie Pudding. Then we talk with Bee Wilson about the surprisingly sentimental nature of kitchen objects. In Bee’s latest memoir, The Heart Shaped Tin, she dives deep into the emotional relationships many people have with their kitchen tools, from a mother’s rice cooker to learning to eat off the best china rather than saving it. She shares her personal relationship to her most cherished kitchen items with stories of people who share the connection. Bee Wilson’s latest book is The Heart-Shaped Tin: Love, Loss, and Kitchen Objects. Broadcast dates for this episode: February 13, 2026 (originally aired) Subscribe to @TheSplendidTable on YouTube for full podcast episodes and full-length video interviews! Your support is a special ingredient in helping to make The Splendid Table. Donate today When you shop using our links, we earn a small commission. It’s a great way to support public media at no extra cost to you. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.
FEB 1

Evolution: Why School Leadership Must Grow to Stay Relevant

In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we engage with Tom Burton, a nationally recognized leader in education. We discuss the importance of community engagement, the challenges faced by educational leaders, and the evolution of leadership perspectives. Tom shares his personal journey, emphasizing the significance of accountability, reflection, and finding joy in leadership. The conversation also highlights the role of student leadership in driving change and the need for leaders to model the behaviors they wish to see in their students. Tom's insights on superpowers and kryptonite in leadership provide a relatable perspective for current and aspiring educational leaders. Takeaways The importance of community engagement for school leaders. Navigating challenges requires vulnerability and openness. Personal growth is essential for effective leadership. Leadership perspectives evolve with experience and challenges. Student leadership initiatives can drive meaningful change. Check out Tom's new book here: https://www.amazon.com/Visionary-Voices-Leadership-Stories-Lasting/dp/B0G4CQD943

53 min
JAN 14

Accountability: Why Punishment Doesn't Work

This is part two of our anniversary episode with Rick Wormeli. In this epside, Rick gives us strategies to give better feedback and help students be successful. Continued Takeaways Experiential learning can transform students' perspectives. Differentiation makes learning successful for both adults and students. Teachers should focus on developing mutual ethos with students. Accountability in education should not be punitive. Teachers need time for collaboration to enhance their practice. Feedback is essential for student growth and motivation. Continuous learning is vital for both teachers and students.

30 min
JAN 5

Creativity: Why Compliance is Failing Schools

To mark the first anniversary of the Fearless Schools podcast, we're excited to share the first conversation in a special two-part series featuring renowned educator and author Rick Wormeli. In Part One, Rick reflects on his journey into education and challenges long-held assumptions about accountability, grading, and compliance in schools. Together, we explore why experiential learning, strong relationships, and creativity are essential for meaningful student growth—and why punitive approaches often undermine equity and motivation. Rick also shares his perspective on the role of AI in education, reminding us that while technology can be a powerful tool, it should never replace teachers' professional judgment or creativity. This conversation sets the tone for the series and invites us to rethink what truly makes schools fearless: trust, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning. Takeaways Experiential learning can transform students' perspectives. To break down barriers and engage students, focus on developing mutual ethos with students.Accountability in education should not be punitive. AI can augment teaching but should not replace creativity. Teachers need time for collaboration to enhance their practice. Feedback is essential for student growth and motivation. Continuous learning is vital for both teachers and students. Check out the video on our Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/Pbi9IYii1DU

31 min
12/16/2025

Lead Like You Belong Here - Kass & Cornelius

In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we engage with educators Kass and Cornelius Minor, who discuss their experiences and insights on sustainable change in education. They emphasize the importance of community, relationships, and the collective efficacy of educators in driving meaningful change. The conversation explores personal educational journeys, the role of school leaders, and the necessity of fun in the learning process. The Minor Collective's approach to inclusive education and the significance of understanding students as individuals are highlighted throughout the discussion. Takeaways Start something today that you perpetuate tomorrow. We should be able to teach every class in the school building. School change doesn't require 100% buy-in. It's not a superpower as much as it's a super habit. The most effective people lead with their full humanity. Learn more about the Minor Collective at: https://www.kassandcorn.com/

48 min
12/01/2025

Authentic Leadership - The Importance of Nurturing Relationships w. Principal EL

In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we engage with Principal Salome Thomas-El (aka Principal El), who shares his insights on authentic leadership, the importance of nurturing relationships in education, and the role of joy and resilience in school culture. Principal El emphasizes the significance of hands-on leadership, using the metaphor of watering plants to illustrate the need for leaders to be actively involved in their communities. He advocates for choosing impact over compliance and fostering joy in educational settings, ultimately aiming to inspire and uplift educators and students alike. Takeaways Authentic leadership is crucial for building trust. Building relationships is key to fostering a supportive school culture. Joy and resilience are essential for effective school leadership. Chess teaches critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Leaders should prioritize impact over compliance.

46 min
11/15/2025

The Power of Educators: Writing, Reading and Teachers Who Create Possibility with Brad Meltzer

In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we engage with bestselling author Brad Meltzer, exploring the profound impact of educators on students' lives. Meltzer shares his personal journey from a struggling student to a successful writer, highlighting the pivotal role of teachers who believed in him. The conversation delves into themes of gratitude, the importance of failure, and the magic of teaching writing and reading. Meltzer emphasizes that educators are everyday heroes who inspire students to see their potential and embrace their unique voices. The episode concludes with a heartfelt message of appreciation for teachers and the vital work they do. Takeaways Teachers are heroes who deserve gratitude. Failure is necessary for success in any endeavor. Both fiction and non-fiction reading and writing are important to student achievement (and empathy). Teaching writing is a magical artform. There are everyday heroes all around us who need to be celebrated.

40 min

4.8

out of 5

10 Ratings

The Fearless Schools Podcast explores the most pressing challenges in education, drawing on research and writing from Dr. Douglas Reeves and his colleagues at Creative Leadership Solutions. Each episode tackles timely topics from the field with honesty, expertise, and courage. Featuring nationally recognized educators and researchers.

Creator

Creative Leadership Solutions
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

43
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2024
Show Website

Fearless Schools Podcast

Comedy

Comedy

Updated Semiweekly