Innovative Schools Podcast

AccuTrain Corporation

The Innovative Schools Podcast features conversations with authors, consultants, thought leaders and practicing educators working to improve K-12 schools around the world. These conversations include discussions on student mental and behavioral health, classroom behavior, school climate & culture, innovative teaching methods, student safety and more. Each episode provides an opportunity for administrators, teachers, counselors, social workers and others to learn about new insights and strategies for reaching and teaching students.

  1. S3:E10 - Students Need the Skill of Self-Regulation w/ Brad Chapin

    2D AGO

    S3:E10 - Students Need the Skill of Self-Regulation w/ Brad Chapin

    In this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast, we sit down with Brad Chapin to explore the power of self-regulation—for both educators and students. Brad breaks down how stress impacts the brain and body, why many challenging behaviors are actually skill deficits, and how teachers can intentionally help students build healthier responses to emotions and adversity. From “lizard brain” moments to practical classroom strategies, this conversation is packed with insights educators can apply immediately. 🔑 Key Takeaways✔️ Self-regulation is a skill set—not a personality trait ✔️ Every student and educator carries an invisible “backpack” of stress and experiences ✔️ Dysregulation is a normal human response to challenge ✔️ Awareness is the first step toward regulation ✔️ Students need explicit teaching and practice around emotional skills ✔️ Healthy regulation must be practiced intentionally, not assumed naturally 💬 Memorable Quotes 🗣️ “The problem is not the backpack—it’s how we carry it.” 🗣️ “You can’t regulate something if you don’t even know it’s happening.” 🗣️ “Self-regulation is either healthy or unhealthy, effective or ineffective.” 🗣️ “The first step in self-regulation is self-awareness.” 🗣️ “You’re fighting against biology when stress takes over.” 🗣️ “Hope plus skills equals growth.” 🧠 Strategies You’ll Learn Ways to identify physical warning signs of dysregulationHow to use calming techniques like box breathing intentionallySteps to help students recognize emotions before they escalateTechniques to teach self-regulation the same way you teach academic skillsHow to create predictable classroom routines that increase emotional safetySuggestions to shift from punishment to skill-building when addressing behaviorTips to help students separate controllable and uncontrollable stressors ➕ Additional Practices Create a “body map” activity where students identify where stress shows up physicallyPractice calming routines as a class before stressful moments occurNormalize conversations about emotions and stress in the classroomBuild opportunities for reflection after emotionally challenging momentsUse predictable structures and routines to support emotional safetyEncourage students to create personal regulation plans and calming strategiesModel healthy self-regulation openly as an educator 📚 Resources and Links🔗 Brad Chapin’s website: http://www.selfregulationstation.com/about-brad/ 🔗 Brad Chapin’s Books: https://youthlight.com/Brad-Chapin 🔗 Innovative Schools Summit: https://innovativeschoolssummit.com/ ❤️ Love This Episode? ✅ Share it with a fellow educator!⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show 💬 Join the Conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting! 💡Check out our Instagram! 💡Listen on Apple Podcasts! 💡Listen on Spotify! 💡Watch it on YouTube!

    1h 5m
  2. S3:E9 - Mindset Shifts That Change Classroom Behavior w/ Joseph Cope

    MAY 5

    S3:E9 - Mindset Shifts That Change Classroom Behavior w/ Joseph Cope

    In this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast, we welcome back Joseph Cope to explore a powerful shift in how educators approach student behavior. Instead of reacting to what students do, Joseph challenges us to look deeper—asking what skills students may be missing and how we can intentionally help them grow. From real classroom stories to practical frameworks, this conversation provides a roadmap for turning challenging moments into opportunities for long-term impact. 🔑 Key Takeaways ✔️ Behavior is communication—every action tells a deeper story ✔️ The problem isn’t the behavior; it’s the missing skill underneath ✔️ Taking behavior personally prevents effective responses ✔️ Students need coaching in life skills, not just correction of actions ✔️ Relationships and “currency” are essential for influence ✔️ Big emotional moments are often rooted in safety and control 💬 Memorable Quotes 🗣️ “The problem is not the problem.” 🗣️ “Every behavior tells a story.” 🗣️ “When we make it about us, we lose the opportunity to teach the skill.” 🗣️ “You can’t withdraw from a relationship you haven’t invested in.” 🗣️ “How you speak your mind will determine your next state of mind.” 🧠 Strategies You’ll Learn How to reframe behavior as a missing skill instead of defianceHow to remove yourself emotionally from challenging momentsHow to identify and teach foundational life skills in real timeHow to build “currency” with students to increase influenceHow to navigate high-emotion situations without escalating themHow to use structured conversations to guide behavior➕ Additional Practices List behaviors that frustrate you—and reframe them as missing skillsCreate 4–5 foundational classroom skills (e.g., respect, perseverance, self-control)Define those skills clearly so students understand expectationsIntentionally connect with students outside of academic conversationsReflect after difficult moments: Was I focused on the student or my feelings?Practice small mindset shifts—growth happens incrementally📚 Resources and Links 🔗 RCD Expert Joseph Cope: https://accutrain.com/joseph-cope-m-ed/ 🔗 Joseph Cope Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.empathy.guy/ ❤️ Love This Episode? ✅ Share it with a fellow educator!⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show 💬 Join the Conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting! 💡Check out our Instagram! 💡Listen on Apple Podcasts! 💡Listen on Spotify! 💡Watch it on YouTube!

    1h 1m
  3. S3:E8 - What Multilingual Learners Really Need From You w/ Dr. Dorina Ebuwa

    APR 21

    S3:E8 - What Multilingual Learners Really Need From You w/ Dr. Dorina Ebuwa

    In this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Dorina Ebuwa to unpack what it truly means to teach multilingual learners effectively. This powerful conversation goes beyond strategies and into mindset—challenging educators to reflect on their own “lens of life,” eliminate limiting beliefs, and create classrooms where every student is both supported and held to high expectations. From redefining terminology to practical classroom moves, this episode will leave you inspired—and ready to act. 🔑 Key Takeaways ✔️“Multilingual learner” shifts the focus from deficit to strength ✔️Your lens of life directly impacts how you see and teach students ✔️Lowering expectations (pobrecita syndrome) harms student growth ✔️Students need both support and high expectations (TLC Squared) ✔️Language is not the only barrier—culture, trauma, and experience matter ✔️You are responsible for every student on your roster—no exceptions 💬 Memorable Quotes 🗣️“Roster equals responsibility.” 🗣️“It’s not just linguistic—it’s human.” 🗣️“You are already halfway there when you take your lens off.” 🗣️“We don’t coddle—we prepare.” 🗣️“Language is power—but it shouldn’t take power away from identity.” 🧠 Strategies You’ll Learn How to identify and remove your personal bias (lens of life)Ways to avoid “Epcot Syndrome” and see students as individualsMethods for balancing empathy with high expectations (TLC Squared)How to assess students and meet them at their actual levelSteps to build intrinsic motivation instead of relying on external pressureTips for creating a safe, challenging, and inclusive classroom environment➕ Additional Practices Write a welcome letter to multilingual learners to establish trust and expectationsLearn and correctly pronounce student names—identity mattersUse small, incremental shifts in mindset (incremental is monumental)Replace “I don’t know what to do” with intentional learning and reflectionFocus on student potential, not limitations or labels 📚 Resources and Links 🔗 Dr. Dorina Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.e.l.i.e.v.e._dr.dorito/ 🔗 Dr. Dorina Website: https://www.dorinasackman.com/ ❤️ Love This Episode? ✅ Share it with a fellow educator!⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show 💬 Join the Conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting! 💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/ 💡Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943 💡Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lbw553jnDXuG08IZ43Kb5 💡Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@innovativeschoolspodcast

    1h 7m
  4. S3:E7 - More Than "Just A Teacher" w/ Jere Chang

    APR 7

    S3:E7 - More Than "Just A Teacher" w/ Jere Chang

    In this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast, Kevin sits down with gifted education teacher Jere Chang to explore how life experiences shape the way we show up for students. From an unexpected path into teaching to becoming a voice for educators through social media, Jere shares powerful insights on identity, student relationships, and what it truly means to make an impact. This conversation dives into gifted education myths, the importance of teacher self-worth, and how creating spaces where students feel seen can transform lives. 🔑 Key Takeaways ✔️Teaching is more than a job—it’s a lasting influence on students’ lives. ✔️The phrase “just a teacher” reflects a larger issue of respect and trust in education. ✔️Gifted students are often misunderstood and don’t always fit the “perfect student” mold. ✔️Relationships—not curriculum or data—are what students remember most. ✔️Educators must advocate for themselves while also building strong partnerships with parents and administrators. 💬 Memorable Quotes 🗣️“I’m not just a teacher—I’m impacting lives.” 🗣️“No student has ever come back and thanked me for a data chart.” 🗣️“Gifted doesn’t mean perfect—it means different.” 🗣️“You treated me like a person.” 🗣️“It’s good—it’s going to be good.” 🧠 Strategies You’ll Learn Tips to build authentic relationships that make students feel seen and valuedHow to support gifted students beyond stereotypes and labelsMethods to communicate effectively with parents as partners, not opponentsWays to create classroom environments where all students can be themselvesHow to handle difficult conversations with confidence and empathy➕ Additional Practices Intentionally connect with students who may feel overlooked or unseenCelebrate student strengths without forcing labels or expectationsUse role-play to help students develop social awareness and communication skillsPrioritize real conversations with parents over transactional communicationReflect on your own self-worth as an educator and avoid comparison with others 📚 Resources and Links 🔗 Jere Chang Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mschanggifted/ 🔗 Jere Chang TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mschanggifted 🔗 Jere Chang website: https://mschanggifted.com/ ❤️ Love This Episode? ✅ Share it with a fellow educator!⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show 💬 Join the Conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting! 💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/ 💡Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943 💡Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lbw553jnDXuG08IZ43Kb5 💡Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@innovativeschoolspodcast

    1 hr
  5. S3:E6 - AI in Schools: Where to Start and What to Avoid w/ Dan Fitzpatrick

    MAR 24

    S3:E6 - AI in Schools: Where to Start and What to Avoid w/ Dan Fitzpatrick

    Jordan and Kevin talk with AI educator Dan Fitzpatrick about what artificial intelligence means for today’s classrooms. Dan explains AI in practical terms, explores both its benefits and risks, and emphasizes that AI should enhance teaching and learning—not replace human thinking. The discussion focuses on intentional leadership, ethical use, and simple ways educators can begin using AI right now. 🔑Key Takeaways ✔️AI is a tool to support educators, not replace them ✔️Schools must act intentionally rather than wait for perfect clarity ✔️AI can improve accessibility and personalize learning ✔️Students still need to develop strong thinking skills ✔️Teachers need time and support to explore AI safely ✔️Younger learners require especially careful use 💬Memorable Quotes 🗣️“Lead with intent.” 🗣️“Not doing anything is a choice in itself.” 🗣️“This is not an IT issue — it’s a leadership issue.” 🗣️“Outsource your doing, not your thinking.” 🗣️“You’ve got to try it.” 🧠Strategies You’ll Learn How to use AI to save time on planning and resourcesWays to personalize explanations and examples for studentsHow to use AI as a thinking partner rather than an answer machineApproaches for introducing AI responsibly in the classroomSimple methods for experimenting with AI without overwhelmLeadership strategies for guiding schoolwide AI adoption➕Additional Practices Start by using AI for your own productivityUse AI to offer multiple pathways into contentPilot AI with one lesson or unit before scaling upSet clear expectations for student useBuild policies around purpose, not fearTeach ethics and responsible use alongside the tools📚 Resources and Links🔗 Dan’s website and books: https://www.theaieducator.io/ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/theaieducator ❤️ Love This Episode? ✅ Share it with a fellow educator!⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show 💬 Join the Conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting! 💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/ 💡Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943💡Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lbw553jnDXuG08IZ43Kb5💡Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@innovativeschoolspodcast

    1h 19m
  6. S3:E5 - Four Skills for Classroom Management w/ Shaun Woodly

    MAR 10

    S3:E5 - Four Skills for Classroom Management w/ Shaun Woodly

    In this episode of the Innovative Schools Podcast, Dr. Shaun Woodly explains that classroom management is more than rules and routines—it’s a professional skill educators can develop. By strengthening awareness, decision-making, action, and presence, teachers can create learning environments that balance structure, engagement, and psychological safety for students. 🔑Key Takeaways ✔️Classroom management is a skill that combines structure with understanding human behavior. ✔️Strong classroom environments rely on proactive systems rather than constant reaction. ✔️Situational awareness helps teachers recognize patterns and anticipate disruptions. ✔️Effective responses depend on thoughtful decision-making, not automatic reactions. ✔️A teacher’s presence helps create a classroom that feels safe, consistent, and focused. 💬Memorable Quotes 🗣️“Classroom management is a form of professional intelligence.” 🗣️“There is a difference between knowing what to do and doing it under pressure.” 🗣️“It’s not what you say, but how you say it.” 🗣️“If you leave things up to chance, you’re flipping a coin in your classroom.” 🗣️“Presence creates psychological safety in the learning environment.” 🧠Strategies You’ll Learn -  How to: Establish clear routines and expectations for classroom transitions.Use proactive systems to guide behavior instead of reacting to disruptions.Scan the entire classroom to stay aware of student engagement.Pause and assess the reason behind the behavior before responding.Use novelty and pattern recognition to capture student attention. ➕Additional Practices Practice calm, consistent responses for challenging moments.Build predictable structures that students can rely on each day.Reflect on classroom patterns to identify potential problem areas.Adjust classroom strategies based on the unique needs of each group of students.Balance authority with empathy to maintain strong student relationships.📚 Resources and Links 🔗 Dr. Shaun’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachhustleinspire/?hl=en 🔗 Dr. Shaun’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunwoodly 🔗 Teach Hustle Inspire website: https://www.teachhustleinspire.com/home ❤️ Love This Episode? ✅ Share it with a fellow educator!⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show 💬 Join the Conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting! 💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/ 💡Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943 💡Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lbw553jnDXuG08IZ43Kb5 💡Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@innovativeschoolspodcast

    58 min
  7. S3:E4 - Building Cultural Awareness Through Questions & Intentionality w/ Robert Jackson

    FEB 24

    S3:E4 - Building Cultural Awareness Through Questions & Intentionality w/ Robert Jackson

    Jordan and Will sit down with Robert Jackson to explore what cultural awareness really means in schools—and why it starts with respect, acceptance, and genuine curiosity. Robert shares stories that highlight how easy it is for adults (and students) to make assumptions, and why asking better questions is one of the most powerful ways to build connection. The conversation also introduces a simple values-based lens educators can use to reflect on their own approach to relationships, trust, and classroom culture. 🔑 Key Takeaways ✔️Cultural awareness is bigger than identity labels—it’s about honoring individual experience. ✔️Assumptions create distance; curiosity builds connection. ✔️Trust is essential for learning—and it takes consistency over time. ✔️Students take cues from adults on what respect looks like in real life. ✔️Growth happens when educators stay teachable, own mistakes, and keep learning. 💬 Memorable Quotes 🗣️“Culture is not color.” 🗣️“Be curious, not judgmental.” 🗣️“Kids remember how you made them feel.” 🗣️“You can’t withdraw from a relationship you haven’t invested in.” 🧠 Strategies You’ll Learn Ways to use questions to understand students beyond stereotypesStrategies to strengthen trust through everyday consistencyApproaches to recover when you “fumble” a cultural moment with studentsHow to create a classroom culture where students feel safe being themselvesPractices to keep learning about students without losing your own authenticity ➕ Additional Practices Use reflection prompts to check for assumptions before reactingPractice “teach-first” responses when misunderstandings happenBuild a habit of learning something new about students each weekReinforce respect through the way adults model language and behaviorTreat culture-building as ongoing—not a one-time activity 📚 Resources and Links 🔗 Robert Jackson’s website: https://www.robertjacksonmotivates.com/ 🔗 Robert Jackson’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robjmotivates/?hl=en 🔗 Robert Jackson on X: https://x.com/RJMotivates 🔗 See Robert Jackson at the Innovative Schools Summit: https://innovativeschoolssummit.com/orlando/ ❤️ Love This Episode? ✅ Share it with a fellow educator!⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show 💬 Join the Conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting! 💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/ 💡Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943 💡Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lbw553jnDXuG08IZ43Kb5 💡Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@innovativeschoolspodcast

    55 min
  8. S3:E3 - 50 Outside-the-Box Strategies on How to Reduce Absenteeism

    FEB 10

    S3:E3 - 50 Outside-the-Box Strategies on How to Reduce Absenteeism

    Recorded at the Innovative Schools Summit (San Antonio, Dec 2025), Kevin facilitates a rapid 50 in 50 panel where five experts share 50 practical ideas to boost attendance. The big message: Attendance is a culture signal—improve belonging, remove barriers, and make school worth showing up for. 👥 Featured Speakers Charles Williams - Previously a CPS administrator & founder of C.W. Consulting, with 20 years of Classroom Experience Dr. Darren Pepperd - 26 years in education, Lead Innovator for Road to Awesome Sharon Bradley - 25 years in education, Principal and educator consultant, founder of Restorative Flow Educational Solutions Moses Oheda - 32 years in education, leads a 13 CT program school Dr. Tracey Severns - Nationally Recognized Education Strategist & Founder of Teach4Results, with over 36 years in education 🧠 Key Takeaways ✔️ Reframe the language: move from “truant/chronically absent” to “students who need belonging and support.” ✔️ Relationships drive attendance: connect every student to trusted adults, peers, and activities. ✔️ Remove obstacles that make attendance difficult—by addressing basic needs and eliminating school practices that unintentionally discourage students from returning. ✔️ Make it visible + motivating: set realistic goals (not “perfect”), track progress, celebrate consistently. ✔️ Reduce reentry shame: welcome-back routines and catch-up systems help students return without feeling overwhelmed. 💬 Memorable Quotes 🗣️“Perfect is demoralizing.” 🗣️“Do not be the reason why a child chooses not to come to school.” 🗣️“Attendance is a symptom of your culture.” 🗣️“The goal is not to get kids to court. The goal is to get kids to class.” 🗣️“If our instruction is not relevant… why do they need to be there?” 🎯 51 Strategies for School Leaders and Staff to Address Absenteeism  Reframe labels around absenteeism (belonging vs. truancy)Second-mile service welcome language Build intentional school connectedness Family–student attendance conferences Shadow a student for a full day Walking school bus programs Set realistic attendance goals (not perfect attendance) Eliminate exclusionary practices as attendance barriers Industry partners reinforcing attendance expectations Question-storming instead of brainstorming Family breakfast club Front-of-the-line lunch incentivesPositive phone calls before attendance concerns Attendance-based trip cost incentives Re-entry bridge supports Peer “we missed you” messages Make instruction require physical presence Teach life routines that support attendance Student input committees on attendanceBarrier-buster rapid response teamsCommunity school supports (laundry, food, haircuts)Academic and attendance pep rallies Teach test-day coping skillsFlexible scheduling Attendance ambassadors (older students) Welcome-back stationsMonthly recognition eventsAttendance messaging at school eventsSurprise recognition for consistent attendanceMultiple adult mentors for high-risk studentsOn-site health clinics Visible attendance scoreboardsGrade-level attendance competitionsIncentives tied to classroom attendanceIncentivize ParentsPartner with Your Community Pop-up PrivilegesRandom Surprises Daily adult check-insMorning movie clubLeadership ProgramJazz-up Morning Announcements Level-upAsk the students Reimagine parent attendance forums Allow parents to share strategies with each otherDo a MOLOSA5 Essentials Attendance Culture Attendance collaborative teamsPredictive attendance pattern analysis 📚 Resources and Links 🔗 Join us at the next Innovative Schools Summit at www.innovativeschoolssummit.com ❤️ Love This Episode? ✅ Share it with a fellow educator!⭐ Rate & Review to help more teachers find this show 💬 Join the Conversation on social media or in your next staff meeting! 💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/ 💡Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/innovative-schools-podcast/id1502414943 💡Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Lbw553jnDXuG08IZ43Kb5 💡Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@innovativeschoolspodcast

    57 min
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4.9
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

The Innovative Schools Podcast features conversations with authors, consultants, thought leaders and practicing educators working to improve K-12 schools around the world. These conversations include discussions on student mental and behavioral health, classroom behavior, school climate & culture, innovative teaching methods, student safety and more. Each episode provides an opportunity for administrators, teachers, counselors, social workers and others to learn about new insights and strategies for reaching and teaching students.

Information

  • Creator
    AccuTrain Corporation
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 AccuTrain Corporation
  • Show Website
    Innovative Schools Podcast