On the School Bus with Dr. Spates

Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates
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Welcome to the school leadership podcast dedicated to advancing creativity and innovation in education. No matter the seat you lead from, this podcast is your vehicle for creative ideas, bold school leadership, and field-tested strategies that work where it counts—in schools. WARNING ⚠️ This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day with a relentless focus on improving student outcomes and transforming students’ TK-12 school experiences and the once-passionate leaders who may have lost a bit of their spark and just need a dose of inspiration to find their way back. Each week, we invite innovators in education from across the country, doing the real work in schools to hop on the school bus with me -- Dr. Spates, the Proud Principal of a vibrant Los Angeles County Middle School Community. Together, we uncover what’s really working in schools—tapping into each guest’s “zone of genius” to give you one practical, school-tested strategy you can bring back to your learning community. Because our children, families, and communities are counting on us to lead with urgency, care, and purpose. Let’s reimagine what’s possible in education, together —one ride at a time.

  1. Ep 14 | Policy Isn’t Just for Politicians: Lived Experience Is the Real Credential with TaVia Wooley

    5D AGO

    Ep 14 | Policy Isn’t Just for Politicians: Lived Experience Is the Real Credential with TaVia Wooley

    In this powerful episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, I sit down with TaVia Wooley, founder and Executive Director of Empower Them Collective, for a masterclass in advocacy, humility, and shared power. TaVia shares how her lived experience — as a mother, social worker, medical advocate, and community leader — shaped her belief that lived experience is more important than degrees. From navigating systems for her brother on the autism spectrum to advocating after the loss of her son, she transformed personal pain into policy literacy and leadership development for families. Through the Leadership & Policy Academy for Parents, AIM (African American Infant & Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative), and the 661 Creators Space, TaVia is building the collective capacity of the Antelope Valley community to engage in and create meaningful policy initiatives. This episode challenges educators to move beyond “family engagement” and toward shared ownership, humility, and she drops a creative-bomb: compensate parent expertise. If you believe policy shouldn’t happen to you — this episode is for you. ✨ Episode Takeaways Lived experience is more important than degrees.Empowerment comes from understanding and addressing root causes.Advocacy should be informed by personal experiences.Creating safe spaces fosters open dialogue.Self-care is essential for effective advocacy.Community engagement requires valuing parents' voices.Policy should be shaped by those affected by it.Podcasting can amplify marginalized voices.Building relationships is key to successful advocacy.Compensating community members for their expertise is vital. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tavia Woolley and Empower Them Collective06:02 Lived Experiences and Leadership11:48 Empower Them Collective's Mission and Impact17:20 Advocacy Skills for Parents and Caregivers24:02 Navigating School Systems and Policy Literacy29:59 The Role of Podcasting in Community Engagement35:53 Concrete Actions for Educators to Partner with Families41:25 Self-Care and Personal Reflections47:40 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations 🎧 Sound Bites "We need to ask the right questions." "We need to shift the narrative." "More is caught than taught." 🔑 Keywords Tavia Woolley, Empower Them Collective, lived experience, advocacy, community engagement, education, podcasting, self-care, leadership, policy change 🚌 About the Podcast So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back. As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me. 📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates Website: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.com Website: KrishnaSpates.com Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D. 📬 Connect with TaVia Wooley Website: Empower Them Collective Website: JustTavia.com Email: tavia@justtavia.com Podcast Studio: 661 Creators Space Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com 📸 Production Studio Recorded at 661 Creators Space Website: 661CreatorsSpace.com Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com 🎼 Music Theme Song: “Call of Duty” — Mutanix Instagram: @mutanixs Email: mutanixmedia@gmail.com Used with permission. 💛 Support the Work If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.

    1h 18m
  2. Ep 13 | Masterclass: Creating High School Culture from the Ground Up with Dr. Kathya Arriaran-Buono

    FEB 9

    Ep 13 | Masterclass: Creating High School Culture from the Ground Up with Dr. Kathya Arriaran-Buono

    In this inspiring episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. Spates welcomes Dr. Kathya Arriaran-Buono, founding principal of Palmdale Academy Charter School in Palmdale, California. Dr. Buono shares how she built a high‑performing school‑of‑choice culture—during a pandemic—by centering servant leadership, restorative practices and data‑driven decision‑making. From hiring for heart over content knowledge and designing annual staff retreats, to expanding AP access, boosting graduation rates and modelling self‑care as a working mom, this conversation is loaded with practical wisdom for leaders at every level. Dr. Buono offers advice on navigating skepticism, creating joy‑filled traditions like “Peep Wars,” and ensuring families feel seen in a competitive educational landscape. Tune in for a master class on building culture, sustaining outcomes and leading with love. ✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways) How to hire for culture by asking candidates what support they need from leadershipWhy servant leadership, restorative practices and data‑driven decisions are Dr. Buono’s non‑negotiablesThe power of annual retreats and restorative circles to foster belonging and accountabilityCreative strategies like “Lunch Bunch” that keep seniors on track to graduateHow open access to AP courses, including an AP African‑American Studies pathway, builds equityWhy silly traditions (like Peep Wars) can strengthen staff cultureHow to empower assistant principals through shared responsibility and leadership developmentPractical advice for aspiring leaders: lead outside your classroom and anchor yourself in purposeWhy “love the kids” is both simple and challenging—and why joy is a leadership strategyTips for balancing school leadership with motherhood and self‑care ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Meet Dr. Buono: Servant leader, restorative practitioner and data‑driven principal introduces herself and her “why.”02:30 – Hiring for Culture: The interview question that reveals mindset and why heart can’t be coached.05:00 – Learner Profile & Retreat: Defining the profile of a graduate and the role of themed retreats in building culture.08:30 – Restorative Practices: How restorative circles work, with examples of powerful prompts.11:00 – AP Access & Student Outcomes: From AP Silver School to plans for AP African‑American Studies and high college‑and‑career readiness.17:00 – Graduation & Interventions: Using “Lunch Bunch” and catered meals to prevent senioritis and boost A–G completion.21:00 – Enrollment Growth: Being a school of choice in a competitive district and serving families as clients.24:00 – Founding Principal Lessons: Challenges of launching a high school during COVID and the roller coaster of “firsts.”27:30 – Strengthening Culture in 90 Days: Peep Wars, potlucks and treating adults like professionals.31:00 – Leadership Development: Dividing work among APs, empowering them to lead MTSS and culture initiatives.34:00 – Love, Joy & Self‑Care: Anchoring leadership in love, finding joy as resistance, and balancing motherhood.38:00 – Career Advice: Why teachers should lead PD, mentor others and step into committees before moving into administration. 🎧 Sound Bites “Our students choose us every single day.” – Dr. Buono on leading a school of choice“You can't teach heart; you can coach content, but not mindset.” – Dr. Buono on hiring for culture“Love the kids. They know when you care and when you don't.” – Dr. Buono on the core of leadership🔑 Keywords school culture, charter high school, servant leadership, restorative practices, data‑driven decision‑making, AP access, equity, student success, school choice, staff retreats, leadership development, teacher mentorship, student belonging, joy in leadership, self‑care 🚌 About the Podcast So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back. As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me. 📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates Website: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.com Website: KrishnaSpates.com Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D. 📬 Connect with Dr. Kathya Arriaran-Buono Palmdale Academy Charter High School Email: Kathyaarriaran@gmail.com 📸 Production Studio Recorded at 661 Creators Space Website: 661CreatorsSpace.com Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com 🎼 Music Theme Song: “Call of Duty” — Mutanix Instagram: @mutanixs Email: mutanixmedia@gmail.com Used with permission. 💛 Support the Work If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.

    43 min
  3. Ep 12 | You Are Not Obligated to Set Yourself on Fire to Keep Others Warm: Leading with Purpose, Equity & Data with Dr. Patricia Brent-Sanco

    FEB 2

    Ep 12 | You Are Not Obligated to Set Yourself on Fire to Keep Others Warm: Leading with Purpose, Equity & Data with Dr. Patricia Brent-Sanco

    In this powerful episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. Spates sits down with Dr. Patricia Brent-Sanco, a respected equity leader and advocate for inclusive educational systems. Dr. Brent-Sanco shares her lived experiences advancing equity through community partnerships, data-driven decision-making, and intentional leadership practices. She discusses the founding and impact of the Unity Women's Professional Networking Organization, highlighting the importance of mentorship, collective support, and professional spaces specifically designed for African-American women educators. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Brent-Sanco emphasizes discernment in leadership, anchoring oneself in purpose, and finding joy as an act of resistance and sustainability in challenging times. This episode is a must-listen for school leaders, educators, and anyone committed to fostering belonging, advancing equity, and supporting the whole educator. ✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways) Community support is essential for sustainable equity initiatives.Unity Women’s Professional Networking Organization creates space for growth, connection, and leadership among African-American women educators.Data-driven decisions help leaders navigate skepticism and resistance around equity work.Embedding equity into policy requires intentional alignment with fiscal and organizational priorities.Innovative programs, such as Leadership Academies, can transform student outcomes and narratives.Effective leadership centers belonging, care, and high expectations for all students.Women of color in leadership benefit from anchoring themselves in purpose and building diverse support circles.Discernment is critical when navigating political climates and organizational dynamics.Joy is a leadership strategy that sustains hope and resilience.Self-care is not optional—it is essential for educator well-being and effectiveness. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Patricia Brent-Sanco 02:47 – Unity Women’s Professional Networking Organization 05:34 – Building Community Support for Equity Initiatives 10:39 – Navigating Skepticism in Equity Work 14:07 – Embedding Equity in Policy and Practice 18:58 – Innovative Programs for Student Support 24:19 – The Role of Leadership in Education 28:27 – Advice for Women of Color in Leadership 35:22 – The Importance of Discernment in Leadership 39:35 – Finding Joy and Hope in Education 49:42 – Consulting Services and Self-Care Practices 🎧 Sound Bites “Data doesn’t lie.”“Finding joy brings hope.”“We want to transform environments.” 🔑 Keywords education, equity, leadership, community support, women in leadership, mentorship, student success, professional development, diversity, inclusion 🚌 About the Podcast So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back. As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me. 📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates Website: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.com Website: KrishnaSpates.com Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D. 📬 Connect with Dr. Patricia Brent-Sanco The Lighthouse Educational Consulting Group - https://www.thelighthouseconsulting.com/ Email: pbsanco@yahoo.com Unity: https://www.unityumoja.org E-Book: Then and Now Understanding and Addressing White Supremacy by Dr. Patricia Brent Sanco & Dr. Veronica Bloomfield Purchase E-book: here LinkedIn: Patricia Brent-Sanco, EdD. 📸 Production Studio Recorded at 661 Creators Space Website: 661CreatorsSpace.com Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com 🎼 Music Theme Song: “Call of Duty” — Mutanix Instagram: @mutanixs Email: mutanixmedia@gmail.com Used with permission. 💛 Support the Work If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.

    59 min
  4. Ep 11 | Don’t Underestimate Our Communities: Leading with Heart, High Expectations, and a Restorative Lens

    JAN 26

    Ep 11 | Don’t Underestimate Our Communities: Leading with Heart, High Expectations, and a Restorative Lens

    In this episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. Carlos Montes shares his powerful journey in education as a teacher, instructional coach, principal, and now a system-level leader supporting 20 schools across East Los Angeles. Dr. Montes reflects on the intentional work that led to the transformation of Jordan High School, highlighting the central role of creating restorative culture , high expectations, authentic relationships and a deep respect for students and families. He emphasizes that culture, community pride, and identity are not add-ons, but foundational to building schools where students thrive. The conversation explores what authentic family partnership looks like in practice, including Dr. Montes’ innovative use of instructional walks with caregivers and parents to invite family voice and presence in schools, increase transparency, trust, and shared accountability. Together, Dr. Spates and Dr. Montes discuss how equity lives in daily leadership decisions, why student voice must be embedded in school structures, and how passion and humanity sustain long-term impact in education. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that education is deeply human work—and that the leadership choices made today shape students, families, and communities for generations to come. ✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways) How relationship-centered leadership transforms school cultureWhy restorative practices must be paired with high expectationsStrategies for authentic family engagement beyond traditional meetingsHow instructional walks with parents strengthen communication and trustThe role of student voice in equitable decision-makingWhy passion and humanity are essential in school leadership ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Carlos Montes 03:01 Dr. Montes’ Journey in Education05:45 Transforming Jordan High School09:01 The Power of Hustle and Relationships11:54 Restorative Practices in Education14:52 Current Role and Supporting Schools17:51 Cultural Pride in East LA Schools20:48 Personal Experiences Shaping Leadership23:39 Building Relationships with Families26:50 Instructional Walks with Parents29:51 Feedback and Growth in Education32:44 Creating a Positive School Environment35:44 Conclusion and Future Aspirations44:20 Equity in Education: A Consistent Practice50:43 Building Authentic Partnerships with Families55:53 Empowering Student Voice in Decision Making01:08:11 Passion and Leadership: Starting with Yourself01:15:48 The Human Impact of Education 🎧 Sound Bites “You got to hustle.”“Don’t underestimate our parents.”“It’s about wanting to know.” 🔑 Keywords Educational leadership, equity in education, restorative practices, family engagement, student voice, school culture, community pride, instructional leadership, East Los Angeles schools 🚌 About the Podcast So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back. As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me. 📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates Website: KrishnaSpates.com Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D. 📬 Connect with Dr. Carlos Montes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/montes-carlos-ed-d-6b632471/ 📸 Production Studio Recorded at 661 Creators Space Website: 661CreatorsSpace.com Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com 🎼 Music Theme Song: “Call of Duty” — Mutanix Instagram: @mutanixs Email: mutanixmedia@gmail.com Used with permission. 💛 Support the Work If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.

    1h 21m
  5. Ep 10 | The Hope Dealer: Restorative Leadership, Digital Voice, and Running Toward the Roar with Dr. J.R. Rucker

    JAN 19

    Ep 10 | The Hope Dealer: Restorative Leadership, Digital Voice, and Running Toward the Roar with Dr. J.R. Rucker

    In this powerful episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. J.R. Rucker hops on the bus to share a deeply personal and purpose-driven leadership journey—one shaped by adversity, restored by education, and fueled by hope. From navigating a challenging childhood to serving as a high school principal, Dr. Rucker describes himself as a “hope dealer”—a leader committed to giving students what he did not always receive: belief, advocacy, and opportunity. He reflects on his roots as a special education teacher, emphasizing that every child is different and that effective educators must be willing to find at least one door of engagement for every student. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Rucker unpacks what restorative leadership looks like in real schools—centering relationships, accountability, and healing over punishment. He challenges school leaders to run toward the roar, confront hard truths, and create safe spaces where students, staff, and families can engage in honest conversations. The episode also explores the evolving role of digital media and social platforms in school leadership. Dr. Rucker makes a compelling case for why schools can no longer afford to be silent online—and how social media, when used with intention, becomes a tool for transparency, connection, and community pride. Grounded in wisdom, humility, and hope, this episode is a reminder that education is not transactional—it is transformational for students, families, and entire communities. ✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways) Why being a hope dealer is a leadership responsibility—not a sloganHow restorative practices change culture, not just behaviorWhy every student deserves at least one door of engagementHow weekly career exploration can reshape student motivation and agencyWhat it means to run toward the roar as a school leaderWhy schools must embrace digital media to tell their own storiesHow educators can sustain themselves through self-care and balance ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Dr. J.R. Rucker01:20 – Becoming a Hope Dealer04:26 – Experiences That Shaped His Educational Philosophy06:47 – The Power of Restorative Practices10:26 – Leading a High School Community with Intention12:12 – Run Toward the Roar: A Leadership Mantra14:11 – Motivating Students and Staff16:17 – Leveraging Social Media for School Engagement25:35 – The Educational Truth Podcast and Conference29:36 – Advice for New Educators35:01 – Writing Books to Empower Others40:02 – Work-Life Balance and Self-Care45:16 – Innovations That Improve Student Outcomes 🎧 Sound Bites “I want to be a hope dealer.”“Run toward the roar.”“We should literally be exploring careers on a weekly basis.”“Education is a transformational event for families.” 🔑 Keywords social media in schools, career exploration, self-care for educators, instructional leadership, On the School Bus with Dr. Spates 🚌 About the Podcast So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back. As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me. 📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates Website: KrishnaSpates.com Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D. 📬 Connect with Dr. J.R. Rucker Website: drjrrucker.com Email: info@drjrrucker.com Listen to the Podcast: The Educational Truth Podcast LinkedIn: Jerome (J.R.) Rucker Ed.D. 📸 Production Studio Recorded at 661 Creators Space Website: 661CreatorsSpace.com Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com 🎼 Music Theme Song: “Call of Duty” — Mutanix Instagram: @mutanixs Email: mutanixmedia@gmail.com Used with permission. 💛 Support the Work If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.

    50 min
  6. Ep 9 | Equity in Schools: Why Seeing Students and Teachers as Whole Humans Changes Everything with Jazmine Morales Rodriguez

    JAN 12

    Ep 9 | Equity in Schools: Why Seeing Students and Teachers as Whole Humans Changes Everything with Jazmine Morales Rodriguez

    In this episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Jazmine Morales Rodriguez takes a seat on the bus to share her powerful journey as an educator and equity-centered leader. She reflects on her educational pathway, including the financial and systemic barriers she navigated, and how those experiences shaped her commitment to student advocacy and inclusion. Jazmine underscores the importance of seeing students holistically and building reciprocal, human-centered relationships in schools. The conversation explores the impact of ethnic studies curriculum on student engagement, the realities of teacher burnout, and the critical role of community support in sustaining educators doing this work. Throughout the episode, Jazmine offers affirming insights, honest reflections, and actionable strategies for educators committed to equity, growth, and collective care. ✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways) Jazmine emphasizes the importance of seeing students as whole individuals—not just academic performers.She shares her personal journey of navigating and overcoming financial barriers to higher education.The episode highlights the power of reciprocal relationships between educators and students.Jazmine discusses how ethnic studies curriculum increases relevance, belonging, and student engagement.She addresses teacher burnout and the emotional toll of doing equity-centered work.The importance of community support and shared responsibility in education is stressed.Jazmine advocates for honoring each student’s unique lived experience and needs.She shares practical strategies for responding to racial comments among young students.Collaboration among educators is positioned as essential, not optional.Educators are encouraged to embrace imperfection, reflection, and growth over performative “perfection.” ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Jazmine Morales Rodriguez 02:46 – Jazmine’s Educational Journey 05:43 – Overcoming Financial Barriers to Education 09:17 – Transitioning from Education to Nonprofit Work 12:48 – The Role of Community in Education 17:56 – Navigating Burnout in Education 20:34 – The Importance of Teacher Well-Being 22:58 – Taking a Holistic View of Education 26:20 – Building Authentic Relationships in Schools 28:37 – Implementing Ethnic Studies Frameworks 35:03 – Collaborative Curriculum Development 35:36 – Coaching Through Role Play 37:30 – Empowering Educators Through Curriculum Design 38:43 – Humanizing the Educator Experience 39:18 – Building Reciprocal Relationships 44:38 – Addressing Racial Comments in Early Education 50:55 – Navigating Teacher Pushback in a Changing Climate 52:30 – Embracing Mistakes & Finding Your Educator Voice 🎧 Sound Bites “We need to see each other holistically.” “It’s never too early to talk about race.” 🔑 Keywords education, equity, instructional coaching, ethnic studies, student empowerment, teacher burnout, community support, relationship building, financial aid, diversity 🚌 About the Podcast So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back. As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me. 📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates Website: KrishnaSpates.com Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D. 📬 Connect with Jazmine Morales Rodriguez Email: Jazzmorales40@gmail.com 📸 Production Studio Recorded at 661 Creators Space Website: 661CreatorsSpace.com Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com 🎼 Music Theme Song: “Call of Duty” — Mutanix Instagram: @mutanixs Email: mutanixmedia@gmail.com Used with permission. 💛 Support the Work If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.

    54 min
  7. Ep 8 | Don’t Waste Our Kids’ Time: Principal, Coach Fred Gatlin on Empathy, Relevance, and School Leadership

    JAN 5

    Ep 8 | Don’t Waste Our Kids’ Time: Principal, Coach Fred Gatlin on Empathy, Relevance, and School Leadership

    In this episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Principal and Coach Fred Gatlin hops on the bus to share his powerful journey as an educator, principal, coach, and author. Grounded in empathy and shaped by lived experience, Coach Gatlin reflects on what it truly means to lead schools that honor students’ time, humanity, and potential. The conversation explores how relevant, relationship-centered leadership can transform school culture—particularly for students navigating trauma, adversity, and disengagement. Coach Gatlin shares innovative programs he has implemented to build trust, inspire resilience, and help students develop a strong, “no-excuse” mindset rooted in purpose rather than pressure. Throughout the episode, Dr. Spates and Coach Gatlin discuss the importance of empathy in leadership, the power of positive affirmations, and why self-care, delegation, and trust are essential for sustaining educators in demanding roles. This episode offers practical strategies and affirming reminders for school leaders committed to building environments where both students and staff can thrive. ✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways) Empathy is a non-negotiable leadership skill in today’s schoolsDiverse life and professional experiences strengthen leadership capacityRelationships are the foundation of student engagement and trustInnovative, student-centered programs can radically shift school cultureRelevance in education matters—students must see themselves in the workPositive affirmations can set the tone for productive school daysEmbracing pain and adversity can build resilience and purposeDelegation and trust are essential to prevent leadership burnoutSelf-care is critical for educators who want longevity and impactSupportive environments accelerate both student and staff success ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Coach Fred Gatlin 01:28 – How Diverse Roles Shape Leadership 04:03 – Why Empathy Matters in Education 07:26 – The Inspiration Behind Train Your Mindset 10:34 – Designing Innovative Programs for Engagement 11:55 – Understanding Student Demographics 14:14 – Building Comprehensive Support Systems 16:34 – Relationship-Driven Leadership 18:50 – Daily Motivational Practices 20:38 – Developing a No-Excuse Mindset 24:53 – Turning Adversity into Advantage 27:26 – Supporting Trauma-Impacted Students 29:45 – Creating a Caring School Culture 31:08 – Cultivating a Supportive Leadership Team 34:00 – Integrating Life Skills into Education 36:29 – Making Learning Relevant 39:58 – Balancing Multiple Roles as an Educator 42:21 – Sustainable Self-Care Practices 44:39 – Advice for School Leaders 🎧 Sound Bites “Don’t waste our kids’ time.” “I was born to do this.” “You can’t count down the days.” 🔑 Keywords educational leadership, empathy in leadership, school culture, student engagement, resilient mindset, trauma-informed schools, principal leadership, educator self-care, relevant education, relationship-centered leadership 🚌 About the Podcast So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back. As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me. 📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates Website: KrishnaSpates.com Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D. 📬 Connect with Community Day School Principal, Coach Fred Gatlin Email: CoachGatlinMindset@gmail.com 📸 Production Studio Recorded at 661 Creators Space Website: 661CreatorsSpace.com Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com 🎼 Music Theme Song: “Call of Duty” — Mutanix Instagram: @mutanixs Email: mutanixmedia@gmail.com Used with permission. 💛 Support the Work If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.

    48 min
  8. Ep 7 | Leadership That Fuels Innovation: Dr. Greg Franklin on Creating a Culture of “Yes!”

    12/15/2025

    Ep 7 | Leadership That Fuels Innovation: Dr. Greg Franklin on Creating a Culture of “Yes!”

    In this episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. Greg Franklin shares insights from his extensive career in education and leadership, offering practical strategies for fostering creativity and innovation among teachers while building school cultures rooted in equity and collaboration. Dr. Franklin emphasizes the importance of clear vision, consistent communication, and investing in people over programs. He challenges school leaders to move beyond compliance-driven systems and instead create cultures that say “yes,” empower educators, and scale innovation in sustainable, inclusive ways. This episode is a must-listen for principals, district leaders, instructional coaches, and teacher leaders who are navigating change, strengthening school culture, and working to ensure equitable opportunities for all students. ✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways) • Why a clear vision unlocks teacher creativity • How repetition strengthens communication and alignment • Why investing in people outperforms investing in programs • How a culture of “yes” fuels innovation • What equity looks like in access to rigorous learning • How listening and learning tours deepen community trust • Why relationships are the foundation of strong leadership • The importance of establishing non-negotiables early • What it takes to scale innovation with staff buy-in • How joy and collaboration sustain educators ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Mentorship and Leadership 05:00 — Unlocking Teacher Creativity and Innovation 07:39 — Mind Shifts: From Compliance to Creativity 10:47 — Non-Negotiables for Innovation During Crisis 13:48 — Equity and Innovation in Education 16:50 — Scaling Innovation in Education 18:54 — Building Inclusive Career Pathways 21:52 — Challenges in Scaling Innovation 24:50 — Conclusion and Final Thoughts 25:58 — Scaling Educational Success 28:00 — Collaborative Professional Development 29:38 — Fostering Innovation in Schools 31:11 — Leadership and Boldness 32:17 — Listening and Learning Tours 36:38 — Building Relationships in Education 40:56 — Sustaining Wellness for Educators 🎧 Sound Bites "Find a way to say yes." "Start with the willing." "The teaching is the key." 🔑 Keywords education leadership, innovative school leadership, teacher creativity, equity in education, school culture, professional development, teacher support, community engagement, instructional leadership, scaling innovation, educational equity, leadership mindset, building school culture, education podcast, K–12 leadership, principal leadership, teacher empowerment, collaborative leadership 🚌 About the Podcast So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back. As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me. 📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates Website: KrishnaSpates.com Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D. 📬 Connect with Dr. Greg Franklin Email: gfrankli@usc.edu 📸 Production Studio Recorded at 661 Creators Space Website: 661CreatorsSpace.com Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com 🎼 Music Theme Song: “Call of Duty” — Mutanix Instagram: @mutanixs Email: mutanixmedia@gmail.com Used with permission. 💛 Support the Work If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.

    46 min
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Welcome to the school leadership podcast dedicated to advancing creativity and innovation in education. No matter the seat you lead from, this podcast is your vehicle for creative ideas, bold school leadership, and field-tested strategies that work where it counts—in schools. WARNING ⚠️ This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day with a relentless focus on improving student outcomes and transforming students’ TK-12 school experiences and the once-passionate leaders who may have lost a bit of their spark and just need a dose of inspiration to find their way back. Each week, we invite innovators in education from across the country, doing the real work in schools to hop on the school bus with me -- Dr. Spates, the Proud Principal of a vibrant Los Angeles County Middle School Community. Together, we uncover what’s really working in schools—tapping into each guest’s “zone of genius” to give you one practical, school-tested strategy you can bring back to your learning community. Because our children, families, and communities are counting on us to lead with urgency, care, and purpose. Let’s reimagine what’s possible in education, together —one ride at a time.

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