School Rules Podcast

Dr. Jerry R. Burkett

The School Rules Podcast talks about the real issues facing educators, teachers, and school leaders today. Podcast host, Dr. Jerry Burkett, Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at Texas Woman's University, serves up real talk for educators. The podcast focuses on parents, community, politics, and breaking school news. This is also the home of course lectures and seminars produced for Dr. Burkett's masters and doctoral courses.

  1. 4D AGO

    School Rules Podcast: Admin. Accountability, Cell Phone Bans, & Classroom Management with Prof. Zest

    In this episode of the School Rules Podcast, Dr. Jerry R. Burkett tackles three of pressing issues facing K-12 leaders today. From the courtroom in Virginia to the phone pouches in your hallways, we are talking about the "Architecture of Excellence" and the courage required to lead effectively.In this episode, we dive into:⚖️ The Virginia 6-Year-Old Shooting Case & Administrator LiabilityWe break down the unprecedented legal developments following the 2023 shooting at Richneck Elementary in Newport News, Virginia. With a grand jury indicting a former assistant principal on felony child neglect, we discuss what this means for "Duty of Care" and why "The Courage to Act" is no longer just a leadership mantra—it's a legal necessity.📱 Cell Phone Bans—Do They Actually Work?Distraction-free classrooms are the goal, but the implementation is where the battle is won or lost. We look at the data behind magnetic pouches vs. locker storage and how to handle the inevitable parent pushback without losing your campus culture.🍎 Interview with "The Classroom Management Guy" – Professor ZestA deep-dive conversation with Professor Zest on the "Systems of Success." We move past the theories and get into the high-leverage moves that help teachers reclaim their instructional time and reduce office referrals.🔗 Connect with Professor Zest: Visit ProfessorZest.comYouTube: @theclassroommanagementguyKey Takeaways for School Leaders:The legal definition of "Felony Neglect" in a school setting.Why a cell phone policy is only as strong as your weakest link.Professor Zest’s "3 Pillars of Proactive Management."Connect with the School Rules Podcast:📸 Facebook: @SchoolRulesPodcast🐦 Twitter/X: @DrJerry_Burkett📺 YouTube: @SchoolRulesPodcastAbout the Host:Dr. Jerry R. Burkett is an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership, providing "Real Talk" for educators, principals, and school leaders who are ready to build the Architecture of Excellence.#SchoolRulesPodcast #EducationLaw #ClassroomManagement #CellPhoneBan #SchoolSafety #PrincipalLife #ProfessorZest #Schoolleadership #K12Leadership Music Credit: Deep Abstract Ambient - Purpose by ummbrella

    48 min
  2. JAN 26

    School Rules Podcast: Commitment vs. Compliance, Leading w/ Purpose and the Power of STEM Education

    In this episode, we dive into: 🎙️ Segment 1: Commitment vs. Compliance Are your staff meetings "death by PowerPoint," or are they fueling the mission? Dr. Jerry R. Burkett discusses how to move beyond "checking the boxes" of mandates and regulations to inspire a team that leads with their "Why." 🎬 Segment 2: The First Follower & "Wicked" Using the cultural phenomenon of "Wicked," we explore the "First Follower" concept. Why is the second person to join a movement just as important as the leader? We break down how leadership is a team sport and why you need those key "first followers" to spark true change on a K-12 campus. 🔬 Segment 3: STEM Education with Dr. Michaine Ashley An insightful interview with Dr. Michaine Ashley on the current state of STEM. We discuss how to make STEM accessible, the importance of equity in technical education, and how school leaders can support a robust STEM curriculum without being experts in the field themselves. Key Takeaways for School Leaders: How to conduct a "Why Audit" for your semester reset. Leadership lessons from Elphaba and Glinda on building momentum. Actionable steps for strengthening your campus STEM program. #EducationalLeadershipLinks to an external site. #SchoolRulesPodcastLinks to an external site. #STEMeducationLinks to an external site. #WickedLinks to an external site. #FirstFollowerLinks to an external site. #SchoolCultureLinks to an external site. #K12EducationLinks to an external site. #PrincipalLifeLinks to an external site. #teachersupportLinks to an external site. Music: "Deep Abstract Ambient" - Purpose by ummbrellaCHRISTHNALLEE JEEVISUVE by Father S J Berchmans Songs

    43 min
  3. 10/21/2025

    School Rules Podcast: Culture, Crisis & Communication: Leading Schools with Purpose

    School Rules Podcast | Culture, Crisis & Communication: Leading Schools with PurposeIn this powerful episode of the "School Rules Podcast", we dive deep into the systems and stories that shape our schools. Host Dr. Jerry R. Burkett explores the heartbeat of School Culture, the leadership of bilingual education, and the urgency of emergency preparedness for school campuses.👥 Featured Guests:- Dr. Maggie Marcus, Sullivan Family Charitable Foundation We discuss the transformative impact of **bilingual education** and how language access empowers students and families. Learn more at https://sullivanfamilyfoundation.org.- Chris Joffe, Founder & CEO of Joffe Emergency Management Chris shares insights on school safety, crisis response, and how leaders can build systems of preparedness that protect and empower. Visit https://www.joffeemergencyservices.com.🏫 Topics Covered:- Building and sustaining a strong school culture - Leadership strategies for safety and crisis management - Equity in education through bilingual programming - Systems thinking and capacity-building for school leaders🔗 **Connect & Learn More:- Sullivan Family Charitable Foundation: https://sullivanfamilyfoundation.org- Joffe Emergency Management: https://www.joffeemergencyservices.com📲 Follow & Share*#SchoolRulesPodcast #school #bilingualeducation #emergencypreparedness #leadershipineducation #education #safeschools #systemsthinking #educationalleadership Also available on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

    1h 11m

About

The School Rules Podcast talks about the real issues facing educators, teachers, and school leaders today. Podcast host, Dr. Jerry Burkett, Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at Texas Woman's University, serves up real talk for educators. The podcast focuses on parents, community, politics, and breaking school news. This is also the home of course lectures and seminars produced for Dr. Burkett's masters and doctoral courses.