On the School Bus with Dr. Spates

Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates
  • 5.0 (7)
  • HOW TO
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. Hope Isn’t a Strategy: Dr. David Cash on Relentless School Leadership for Equity & Innovation

    6D AGO

    Hope Isn’t a Strategy: Dr. David Cash on Relentless School Leadership for Equity & Innovation

    In this engaging conversation, Dr. David Cash shares his insights on effective school leadership, community engagement, and the relentless pursuit of equity in schools. Drawing on decades of experience, Dr. Cash explores how leaders can create lasting change by listening deeply, building trust, and taking bold, strategic risks that put students, families, and communities first. If you’re a TK–12 school leader seeking authentic strategies, professional growth, and hope-filled inspiration, this episode is a must-listen. 💡 Key Takeaways Focus leadership on children, parents, and communities.Listen deeply—especially in politically charged climates.Real change starts with community collaboration and understanding.Small wins can lead to larger systemic shifts.Support and empower informal leaders in your team.Transparency builds trust during bold change.Hope isn’t a strategy—focus on doing the work well.Stay relentless in pursuing equity and innovation.Take quiet reflection time to lead with clarity.🕒 Chapters 00:00 – Navigating Political and Social Challenges in Education 07:46 – Creative Strategies for Addressing Inequities 13:36 – Empowering Leaders at All Levels 17:09 – Engaging the Community for Student Success 20:23 – Balancing Boldness with Strategy in Leadership 27:22 – The Importance of Hope and Courage in Education 32:33 – Taking Risks for Positive Impact 36:37 – Personal Reflections and Leadership Strategies 🎧 Memorable Sound Bites “Hope is essential, but not a strategy.”“It’s about the kids.”“You have to be relentless in change.”🔑 Keywords leadership, education, equity, innovation, community engagement, risk-taking, school leadership, strategies, mentorship, professional development, teacher leadership, courageous leadership, K–12 education, educational change, superintendent insights, school transformation 👤 Guest Dr. David Cash Clinical Professor, University of Southern California Rossier School of Education (USC) | Retired Superintendent | Trial Lawyer 📧 Email: cashcounsel@gmail.com 🚌 On the School Bus with Dr. Spates 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 school experiences, andThe once-passionate leaders who may have lost a bit of their spark and just need a dose of inspiration 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. 📸 Production Studio Recorded at 661 Creators Space — a creative studio dedicated to amplifying local voices through high-quality audio and visual production. Website: 661CreatorsSpace.com Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com 🎼 Music Theme Song: “Call of Duty” Artist: Mutanix Instagram: @mutanixs Email: mutanixmedia@gmail.com Used with permission. All rights reserved. 💛 Support the Work If this episode inspired you, please follow, rate, and share with another school leader. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.

    41 min
  2. Ep 23 | George Couros on the 80/80 Rule: What Actually Moves Schools Forward

    APR 20

    Ep 23 | George Couros on the 80/80 Rule: What Actually Moves Schools Forward

    In Episode 23 of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, I had the opportunity to sit down with George Couros to talk about what it really means to move from conflict to community in today’s schools. This conversation pushed my thinking as a leader. We talked about how shifting from “buy-in” to true ownership can transform a school community, and how creating space for people to contribute their ideas leads to stronger, more sustainable change. We also explored the role of AI in education—how it can create tension, but also opportunity when approached with intentionality and a focus on learning. George reminded me that innovation isn’t about the tools we use, but about the mindset we bring and the relationships we build. If you’re leading through change, resistance, or uncertainty, this episode will challenge you to reflect, listen, and lead in a way that moves your community forward while honoring relationships and staying grounded in what matters most—our students. Episode Takeaways Ownership over buy-in leads to stronger, more sustainable changeThe best ideas in a school can come from anyone—leaders must create space for themAI should be introduced through experience and value, not mandates or fearLeadership starts with self-reflection—point at yourself firstInviting challenge builds trust and strengthens communitySpend time developing those who are ready to grow—the 80/80 mindsetListening to even one voice can move an entire organization forwardGrowth requires courage—don’t get used to environments that limit your potentialCelebrate your growth—clap for yourself and recognize progress Practical Leadership Moves Replace “buy-in” with co-creation and ownershipInvite dissent in the room, not in the parking lotStart AI conversations with concerns first, then possibilitiesModel learning—don’t mandate itCreate systems that elevate all voices, not just the loudestFocus your energy on those ready to grow—they will influence othersBe transparent when decisions are non-negotiable 🚌 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 George Couros Website & Blog: https://georgecouros.com Purchase the Books on Amazon Blog Post On Becoming a Writer: hhttps://georgecouros.com/want-to-write-a-book-start-a-blog/ Email: georgecouros@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgecourosim/ The Innovators Mindset Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-innovators-mindset-podcast/id1155968930Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3UU0vQeUPnCEhZVUoZT76vSoundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-427776484 📬 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. 📸 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.

    1 hr
  3. Ep 22 | From Isolation to Connection: ASL, Access, and Belonging A Teacher of the Year’s Playbook

    APR 13

    Ep 22 | From Isolation to Connection: ASL, Access, and Belonging A Teacher of the Year’s Playbook

    In Episode 22 of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, I sit down with Arby Jean Wolkov, an American Sign Language teacher and one of California’s 2025 Teachers of the Year. Arby shares her journey from being an English language learner to becoming a statewide leader in Deaf education. We explore what high-quality ASL instruction looks like, why language access is critical for Deaf and hard of hearing students, and how schools can create environments where all students feel connected and included. Arby also breaks down common misconceptions about the Deaf community and shares how her classroom builds real-world communication through immersive learning experiences—including interpreting live performances. This episode is a powerful reminder that when we center communication, access, and belonging, we open doors for students and communities in transformative ways.  Episode Takeaways Language access is foundational; many Deaf students are born to hearing parents and may not have early access to languageASL is a complete language with its own grammar and structure—not simply English translated into signsHigh-quality ASL programs include culture, history, and real-world application—not just vocabularyImmersive experiences like “Silent Weekend” allow students to truly live the language beyond the classroomStudents build empathy and deeper connections when they can directly communicate across differencesSchools must invest in interpreters, trained teachers, and inclusive practices to support Deaf and hard of hearing studentsASL should be treated as a world language and career pathway—not just an elective  🚌 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 Arby Jean Wolkov Go Fund Me (Silent Weekend): https://www.gofundme.com/f/silentweekend2026 Donor's Choose (Silent Weekend): https://www.donorschoose.org/classroom/aslwithmstacub Email: arbyjean.wolkov@lausd.net LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arby-jean-tacubw/ 📬 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. 📸 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.

    44 min
  4. Ep 21 | The Parenting Conversation We’ve Been Avoiding with Jacqueline A Diaz-Fontana

    APR 6

    Ep 21 | The Parenting Conversation We’ve Been Avoiding with Jacqueline A Diaz-Fontana

    In this powerful and deeply human conversation, I sit down with Jacqueline A. Diaz-Fontana, founder of the Erick A. Garcia You Are Enough Foundation, to explore how personal tragedy can transform into purpose that impacts entire communities and save lives. After losing her son Eric to suicide, Jacqueline made the courageous decision to share her story—not only to heal, but to help other families recognize the importance of mental health, connection, and conversation. Together, we discuss what young people are silently carrying, what parents and educators often miss, and how we can create environments where students feel safe enough to say, “I’m not okay.” This episode is both a wake-up call and a guide—filled with practical advice, hope, and a reminder that every child needs to know: they are enough. Episode Takeaways Jacqueline shares how the loss of her son led her to create the You Are Enough Foundation to save livesParents must look beyond behavior and start deeper conversations with their childrenListening without judgment is one of the most powerful tools adults haveMental health support should be viewed as prevention, not just crisis responseStudents today are carrying anxiety, pressure, and uncertainty about their futureEducators must lead with empathy and avoid labeling studentsCommunity partnerships with nonprofits can provide critical support for schoolsStarting a nonprofit requires heart, consistency, and the courage to “do it afraid”One conversation can change—and even save—a lifeIf you are a school leader, educator, or community partner looking to bring this work to your students—this is an organization to connect with. 🚨 Resources Mentioned 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Call or text 988)Local Department of Mental Health services 🚌 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 Jacqueline Diaz-Fontana & The Foundation Website: https://youareenoughfoundation.org Email: info@youareenoughfoundation.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youareenoughfoundation 📸 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.

    30 min
  5. Ep 20 | Todd Davis Sr.: The Playbook for Raising a Super Bowl Champion and a Daughter with Purpose

    MAR 30

    Ep 20 | Todd Davis Sr.: The Playbook for Raising a Super Bowl Champion and a Daughter with Purpose

    In this powerful episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. Spates sits down with Todd Davis Sr.—father of a Super Bowl champion and a dynamic motivational speaker—to explore what it truly means to raise resilient, purpose-driven children. Todd shares deeply personal insights about raising two children with different paths—his son, Todd Davis, and his daughter, whom he calls his “princessy”—while ensuring both felt equally valued, seen, and supported. The conversation dives into transparent parenting, avoiding comparison, and the importance of affirming children for who they are—not just what they achieve. Todd also challenges parents and educators to rethink how they support young people, especially those not “shining the brightest.” With powerful metaphors—from chandeliers to slinkies to setbacks—Todd delivers a message rooted in purpose: we are not raising children, we are raising future adults. This episode is a must-listen for educators, caregivers, and anyone committed to helping every child find their light. ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode Every child must be raised as an individual, not in comparison to othersAffirm children for who they are, not just what they achieveAvoid projecting your own dreams onto your child’s journeySetbacks are opportunities to assess, adjust, and advanceParents must balance protection with preparation for independenceStudent-athletes should prioritize academics and life skills beyond sportsEducators must focus on all students—not just the ones who shine the brightestTrue success is about becoming a whole, grounded human being 🚌 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 Todd Davis Senior Email: thisiscoachtodd@gmail.com Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thisiscoachtodd 📸 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 19 | Lead with Reckless Abandon. From Foster Care to College President: Inside Sacramento State’s Bold Equity Work with Dr. Luke Wood

    MAR 23

    Ep 19 | Lead with Reckless Abandon. From Foster Care to College President: Inside Sacramento State’s Bold Equity Work with Dr. Luke Wood

    In this powerful episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, I sit down with Dr. Luke Wood, President of California State University Sacramento, for a deeply personal and purpose-driven conversation about leadership, equity, and systems transformation. Dr. Wood takes us on a journey through his lived experiences—from navigating foster care and systemic barriers to becoming a national voice in higher education leadership. He shares how those experiences shaped his unwavering commitment to ensuring students are not blamed for inequitable outcomes—and why leaders must instead redesign the systems that serve them. We explore the bold work happening at Sacramento State, including initiatives like the Black Honors College, culturally responsive supports for students, and a strong focus on meeting students’ basic needs. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Wood reminds us that leadership rooted in love and accountability is not soft—it is strategic, courageous, and necessary. This episode is a call to action for leaders to stay focused, lead with purpose, and build systems where every student has the opportunity to thrive. ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode • How Dr. Luke Wood’s personal journey informs his leadership and commitment to equity • Why systems—not students—must be the focus of change in education • The vision and purpose behind Sacramento State’s Black Honors College • How addressing students’ basic needs directly impacts academic success • What it means to lead with both love and accountability in high-stakes environments • Strategies for creating cultures of belonging at scale • How leaders can remain grounded, focused, and resilient in challenging times 🎧 Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and welcome 01:14 – Early life experiences and commitment to equity 02:40 – Navigating foster care and systemic barriers 05:32 – The vision behind the Black Honors College 08:40 – Supporting Black students and Native communities 10:27 – Addressing student needs through basic support systems 12:14 – Leading through political and social challenges 14:36 – Shifting from fixing students to fixing systems 19:33 – Creating belonging and student-centered environments 23:24 – Leadership lessons rooted in purpose and focus 26:53 – Self-care, sustainability, and resilience 📚 Resources Mentioned Black Minds Matter Initiativehttps://blackmindsmatter.net/California State University Sacramento – Black Honors College: https://www.csus.edu/student-affairs/black-honors-college/California State University Sacramento – Basic Needs Center: https://www.csus.edu/student-life/health-counseling/basic-needs-resource-center/ 🚌 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. Luke Wood Website: https://www.csus.edu/president/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drlukewood LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukewood/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/DrLukeWood Research: https://blackmindsmatter.net/ 📸 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.

    31 min
  7. Ep 18 | Reimagining Schools So Marginalized Students Experience Belonging, Brilliance, and Joy

    MAR 16

    Ep 18 | Reimagining Schools So Marginalized Students Experience Belonging, Brilliance, and Joy

    In this powerful episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. Spates sits down with Allyson (Wright) Taylor, educator and program specialist with the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Allyson shares her deeply personal story and her mission to help educators reimagine schools as places where marginalized students do more than survive—they experience belonging, brilliance, and joy. Drawing from her own life journey, including experiencing homelessness as a teenager and being supported by a teacher who changed the trajectory of her life, Allyson speaks candidly about the transformative power of education. She challenges educators to rethink traditional systems and create learning environments that affirm student identity, center cultural responsiveness, and expand what young people believe is possible for themselves. Throughout the conversation, Allyson offers practical strategies for educators and school leaders to shift their mindset, redesign systems, and build authentic partnerships with students and families. This episode is a powerful reminder that when schools intentionally honor identity, culture, and voice, they become places where students can truly thrive. ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode • How Allyson’s personal journey shaped her commitment to equity and belonging in schools • Why schools must move beyond survival toward belonging, brilliance, and joy for Black students • Practical strategies for educators to shift their thinking around identity, culture, and power in the classroom • How culturally responsive behavior systems can transform school culture • The role of apology, repair, and student voice in building trust with students • Why educators must begin equity work with self-awareness and reflection • Strategies for partnering with families and caregivers through humility and trust-building • How intentional learning environments can affirm student identity and expand opportunity • The importance of hiring educators whose values align with equity-centered leadership • Why supporting educator well-being is critical for sustaining transformational work 🎧 Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Allyson (Wright) Taylor and her background 01:26 – How education changed Allyson’s life after experiencing homelessness 02:29 – Reimagining schools where Black students experience safety, belonging, and joy 04:10 – Practical steps educators can take to better support Black girls in school 05:59 – The power of apology, repair, and elevating student voice 07:25 – Rethinking behavior systems through culturally responsive practices 08:42 – Addressing racial slurs and inequitable discipline through systemic change 10:04 – Persisting in advocacy work despite resistance and challenges 13:01 – Designing learning environments that affirm diverse identities 14:30 – Recruiting staff who align with equity-centered school values 16:34 – Leadership insights: charter schools vs. traditional public schools 21:48 – How educators influence how students understand their identity and story 23:12 – New approaches to family engagement and community partnership 27:40 – Building trust through vulnerability and authentic relationships 29:17 – Current initiatives supporting Black learners, including the GENIUS Initiative 32:50 – Professional learning that shifts educator mindsets 35:36 – Culturally relevant practices that amplify student stories 36:26 – Building community through relational practices and shared storytelling 37:40 – The power of collaboration among educators working toward equity 38:47 – A call to action for school leaders advocating for marginalized students 39:33 – Sustaining the work through educator wellness and self-care 41:49 – Final reflections and gratitude for the shared journey in education 📚 Resources Mentioned • Supporting the African American Learner Guide – Dr. Katherine Edwards • The GENIUS Initiative • Brown University Teacher Education Program 🚌 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 Allyson (Wright) Taylor Email: Taylor_Allyson@lacoe.edu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allysonwright/ 📸 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.

    39 min
  8. Ep 17 | From Chaos to Community: How the Tatted Principal Kat Shaw Transforms Schools

    MAR 9

    Ep 17 | From Chaos to Community: How the Tatted Principal Kat Shaw Transforms Schools

    In this episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, I sit down with Kat Shaw, widely known as The Tatted Principal and Executive Director of Howard Gardner Community School. Kat brings more than two decades of experience in education and a leadership style grounded in authenticity, restorative practices, and deep belief in the potential of every student. Kat shares her remarkable journey from instructional aide to transformational school leader serving students who have often been pushed out of traditional systems. At Reach Academy, a school serving expelled students, she stepped into an environment marked by crisis and instability and helped transform it into a space centered on trust, belonging, and accountability. We talk about what happens when leaders refuse to code-switch and instead show up as their authentic selves. Kat explains how that authenticity helped her connect with students who had learned not to trust adults in schools. She also shares practical strategies educators can implement immediately: community circles, daily check-ins, mental health partnerships, and empowering students to step into leadership roles within their school community. This conversation is a powerful reminder that relationships are the foundation of real school transformation. If you care about belonging, restorative practices, and leadership that meets students where they are, this episode is for you. ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode • Why authentic leadership builds trust with students who feel disconnected from school • How restorative practices shift school culture from punishment to accountability • The power of daily community circles and student voice • Why mental health support must be integrated into school systems • How empowering students can transform school culture 🎧 Keywords education leadership, restorative practices, school transformation, student engagement, authentic leadership, student belonging, school culture, behavior intervention, alternative education, Kat Shaw, Howard Gardner Community School, student empowerment, teacher collaboration 🚌 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 Principal, Kat Shaw Email: kshaw@hgcschool.org Recommitted Counseling Founder: www.recommittedconsulting.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katshaw1227/ 📸 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
See All (25)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

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.

Information

You Might Also Like