School Rules Podcast

Dr. Jerry R. Burkett
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The School Rules Podcast tackles real issues facing educators, teachers, and school leaders. Hosted by Dr. Jerry Burkett, Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at Texas Woman’s University, the show covers leadership, policy, community, and school culture. Episodes also include course lectures and seminars for master’s and doctoral students in Educational Leadership.

  1. 2d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Jun 23

    School Rules Podcast: Leadership Philosophy, Mental Health, and the Real Reasons Educators Walk Away

    In this episode of the School Rules Podcast, I blend discussions from ELDR 6433 and ELDR 5123 to explore what it means to lead with curiosity and purpose. We talk about developing a meaningful leadership philosophy, staying open to new information, and how curiosity shapes the way leaders respond to challenges. I also dive into trauma‑informed leadership, the mental health realities facing educators, and the deeper reasons teachers leave unhealthy schools and districts. This episode is a practical, honest look at the emotional and intellectual work of leading in today’s schools. Perfect for principals, aspiring leaders, and educators who want to grow with intention.

  7. Jun 5

    School Rules Podcast: Module 4: Organizational Dynamics, Communication, and Senge’s Framework

    School Rules Podcast -- Summer Edition. For my ELDR 6433: Seminar in Educational Leadership Course. How do great leaders handle conflict, navigate corporate culture, and stay legally compliant without losing their team? Welcome to Episode 4 of our Leadership Series! Today we are stepping out of textbook theory and straight onto the office floor to look at the practical, day-to-day dynamics that shape real leadership. Whether you are prepping for your executive track or completing your Module 5 Leadership Philosophy assignment, this breakdown is your playbook for organizational dynamics. 👇 In this episode, we cover: The 3 Main Communication Styles: Are you Direct, Indirect, or Adaptive? Discover how your communication preferences secretly dictate how you handle workplace conflict.Culture vs. Policy: What happens when a "clan" or casual workplace culture clashes with legal obligations like Title IX, ADA, or performance documentation?Subscribe for more leadership strategy, workplace psychology, and organizational development insights! #Leadership #Management #OrganizationalCulture #ConflictResolution #SystemsThinking #ProfessionalDevelopment

  8. May 26

    School Rules Podcast: Power, Influence, and Ethics in Educational Leadership

    Power is the currency of organizations, but how do we navigate it ethically? We stress-test abstract theories against the realities of institutional life using French and Raven’s five forms of power, Daniel Goleman’s emotional intelligence domains, and Robert Kelley’s followership styles. We also examine six distinct ethical lenses to help make your moral reasoning visible. 🎯 Special Assignment Segment: Are you working on your Ethical Leadership Case Study (Major Assignment 1)? Skip to the final segment of the episode for a concrete, 4-step strategic roadmap to help you ace the 3–5 page paper, align your analysis with your specific degree track (Higher Ed, K-12, or Nonprofit), and properly format your arguments using APA guidelines.

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About

The School Rules Podcast tackles real issues facing educators, teachers, and school leaders. Hosted by Dr. Jerry Burkett, Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at Texas Woman’s University, the show covers leadership, policy, community, and school culture. Episodes also include course lectures and seminars for master’s and doctoral students in Educational Leadership.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Jerry R. Burkett
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    63
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Jerry R. Burkett
  • Show Website
    School Rules Podcast