The Better Leaders Better Schools Podcast with Daniel Bauer

Daniel Bauer
  • 4.8 (300)
  • HOW TO
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Better Leaders Better Schools Podcast with Daniel Bauer

The BETTER LEADERS BETTER SCHOOLS podcast is in the TOP 0.5% most downloaded shows of over 2 million podcasts across the world. The BLBS show was created for RUCKUS MAKERS in education -- those out-of-the-box school leaders making change happen. Launched in 2015, this category-defining podcast in educational leadership has helped over 1 MILLION leaders LEVEL UP. Each week host DANIEL BAUER has a conversation with a leadership expert and invites you to listen in. Turn your commute, chores, or workout into professional development and then GO MAKE A RUCKUS! BLBS is the #1 downloaded podcast for school leaders.

  1. 52 MIN. AGO

    10x Leadership: Dr. Mike Lubelfeld's Guide to Empowering Superintendents

    The Ruckus Report Quick take: A veteran superintendent reveals how shifting from a mastery mindset to an unfinished mindset can transform school leadership and create environments where innovation thrives, student voice matters, and continuous growth is celebrated. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Dr. Michael Lubelfeld serves as Superintendent of North Shore District 112 in suburban Chicago, leading 9 elementary schools with 4,000 students. A passionate educator since 1992, Mike was awarded the 2021 Administrator and Supervision Distinguished Alumni Award from Loyola University Chicago. He's co-authored four books, including his latest "The Unfinished Teacher: Becoming the Next Version of Yourself." Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Dr. Lubelfeld challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: The Power of Coaching Fundamentals What's broken: Complex leadership initiatives that overlook basic human connection The shift: Regular, structured coaching conversations focused on growth and support Impact: Principals create better conditions for teacher growth, leading to improved student outcomes Key Insight #2: Embracing the Unfinished Mindset What's broken: The pressure to achieve mastery and have everything figured out The shift: Viewing leadership as a continuous journey of growth and evolution Impact: Creates a culture where innovation thrives and continuous improvement is celebrated Key Insight #3: Leveraging Student Voice What's broken: Top-down decision making that excludes student perspectives The shift: Actively incorporating student input in strategic planning and facility design Impact: More engaged students and better-designed learning environments that meet real needs Quotable Ruckus "I'm never going to be done doing it. I'm going to learn more from the next principal than she or he learned from me because I'm learning from them and we're growing together." – Dr. Mike Lubelfeld Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Schedule a one-on-one coaching conversation with a teacher or principal focused on their aspirations and goals This Month: Create a student advisory panel to provide input on one major school initiative This Semester: Develop a structured feedback system that celebrates growth and learning Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: Link 🔗 Follow Dr. Lubelfeld: LinkedIn 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: https://ruckusmakers.club/join Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here. Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: Class Composer: Want to know why Ruckus Makers love Class Composer? Because it turns the dreaded end-of-year class placement meetings into a streamlined, data-driven process. Your teachers will save hours of time while ensuring that nothing is overlooked, including student separations. 🔍 Learn more here.. Quest Food Management Services: Creating joyful learning environments starts in the cafeteria. Quest brings 40 years of expertise in crafting scratch-made meals that nurture both body and community spirit through innovative student engagement programs. 🔍 Learn more: www.questfms.com ODP Business Solutions: Most schools botch STEAM implementation because they're missing 3 critical elements. Here's the wild part: it's not about fancy tech or massive budgets. ODP Business Solutions® has researched many successful programs to identify what actually works (and what's just burning cash). 🔍 Learn the blueprint: here Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning?

    42 min

  2. JAN 29

    Moving from Ideas to Implementation: A Principal's Journey Creating Buy-In with PBL

    The Ruckus Report Quick take: In this special coaching episode, a K-4 principal shares his honest struggles and breakthroughs in implementing project-based learning, revealing why communication and teacher buy-in are crucial for meaningful educational change. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Dan is a K-4 principal with an art education background, bringing a unique creative perspective to his leadership role. As a solo administrator in his building, he's passionate about transforming education through project-based learning while maintaining strong relationships with his staff. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Dan challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: Consistent Communication What's broken: Sporadic communication about new initiatives, assuming teachers will automatically buy in The shift: Consistently discussing and reinforcing PBL benefits while giving teachers autonomy to experiment Impact: Teachers feel more supported and are more likely to take risks with new teaching methods Key Insight #2: Building Authentic Relationships What's broken: Traditional top-down mandate approach to implementing new programs The shift: Building genuine relationships and understanding teachers' individual goals and aspirations Impact: Increased teacher engagement and willingness to try new approaches Key Insight #3: Meaningful Feedback Systems What's broken: Complex, jargon-filled evaluation systems that don't drive real improvement The shift: Simple, meaningful feedback focused on growth and celebrating small wins Impact: More authentic professional development and risk-taking in the classroom Quotable Ruckus "You have to have the mentality that everybody you meet is going through something that you don't know anything about. We have a saying here: 'Sweep the sheds.' It sounds kind of weird, but it's about humility and doing the work that needs to be done." -Principal Dan Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Ask your teachers what's stopping them from trying something new in their classrooms This Month: Create a weekly roundup to celebrate teachers taking risks and trying new approaches This Semester: Develop an implementation plan based on teacher feedback and goals Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: Link 🔗 Join The Ruckus Maker Club waitlist: https://ruckusmakers.club/join 💪 Apply to the Ruckus Maker Mastermind: https://www.betterleadersbetterschools.com/mastermind-application   Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Learn how to Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here.     Today’s Pod in Partnership with: IXL Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more here. Class Composer Is your elementary school still creating class lists with colored index cards or sticky notes? Class Composer offers a streamlined solution for making well-informed student placement decisions in less time. 🔍 https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7625546/b577a4c88ce8. ODP: ODP Business Solutions® formerly Office Depot® Business Solutions Division has been a trusted partner for schools for over 30 years. At ODP Business Solutions, we’re by your side to meet your evolving education needs.🔍 Learn more here.     Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning?

    49 min

  3. JAN 22

    Beyond AI Literacy: Creating AI-Powered Students for 2025 and Beyond

    The Ruckus Report Quick take: As California mandates AI literacy in schools, education leaders face a critical choice between teaching basic AI operation and empowering students to reimagine what's possible with AI fluency. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Hannah Grady Williams is the Chief Rebel at d'Skills, where she helps students transform their passions into real-world projects using AI. Starting college at 14 and graduating with her bachelor's at 18, Hannah brings a fresh perspective to education innovation. Chris Lochhead calls her "one of the most important voices in education today." Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Hannah challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: AI Literacy Isn't Enough What's broken: Schools focusing only on basic AI efficiency like email writing and lesson planning The shift: Moving toward true AI fluency where students apply AI across all aspects of learning Impact: Students who can creatively innovate and think beyond what AI alone can accomplish Key Insight #2: Integration Over Isolation What's broken: Adding standalone AI clubs or career pathways as a checkbox solution The shift: Embedding AI project-based learning into every core subject Impact: Students developing real-world AI applications across all disciplines Key Insight #3: Authentic AI Experience What's broken: Using "sterilized" educational versions of AI tools that limit real learning The shift: Teaching students to work with actual AI tools they'll use in their careers Impact: Graduates prepared for the true demands of an AI-transformed workplace Quotable Ruckus "If our response as leaders is to go with sterilized versions of tools to satisfy a mandate, we're not doing our kids a service for their future." - Hannah Grady Williams Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Evaluate how your school currently uses AI - is it for efficiency or empowerment? This Month: Identify one core subject where you can integrate AI project-based learning This Semester: Develop a comprehensive AI fluency strategy across all grade levels Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: [Link] 🔗 Follow Hannah: hannah@dskills.io 🌐 Explore d'Skills: https://www.dskills.io/ 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: https://rucku Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: IXL: Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more: IXL.com/leaders Class Composer: Want to know why Ruckus Makers love Class Composer? Because it turns the dreaded end-of-year class placement meetings into a streamlined, data-driven process. Your teachers will save hours of time while ensuring that nothing is overlooked, including student separations. 🔍 Learn more here. ODP Business Solutions®: Want to know how top schools create collaborative learning environments that actually work? ODP Business Solutions®, formerly Office Depot Business Solutions Division, has equipped innovative educators for over three decades. 🔍 Visit www.odpbusiness.com/education and let's make a ruckus together. Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning?

    53 min

  4. JAN 21 · BONUS

    The Ruckus Report

    The Ruckus Report   Quick take: In this transformative session, Danny Bauer shares the powerful RISE method to help school leaders move from playing it safe to creating meaningful change in their schools.   Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Danny Bauer is the founder of Better Leaders Better Schools, author of multiple bestselling books, and host of one of the world's top 0.5% podcasts. He helps school leaders "Do School Different" through coaching, mentorship, and building communities of innovative educators.   Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨   In this episode, Danny challenges traditional education paradigms:   Key Insight #1: From Reactive to Reimagining   What's broken: Leaders getting stuck in day-to-day reactive mode The shift: Using the RISE method (Reimagine, Identify, Select Strategic Strikes, Execute) Impact: Creates clear path from current reality to reimagined future Key Insight #2: From Overwhelm to Strategic Focus   What's broken: Trying to tackle too many initiatives at once The shift: Using the 80/20 principle and "The One Thing" question Impact: Identify highest leverage actions that make other things easier/unnecessary   Key Insight #3: From Planning to Execution   What's broken: Analysis paralysis and lack of momentum The shift: Breaking goals into first day/week/month actions Impact: Building momentum through quick wins and strategic progress   Quotable Ruckus "Ideas are great, but not the greatest. Taking action is really important." - Danny Bauer     Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here:   Tomorrow: Use the Do School Different Scorecard to assess your current reality This Month: Identify your "One Thing" that makes everything else easier This Semester: Implement strategic strikes using the 80/20 principle Ready to Do School Different?   Take the next step: https://betterleadersbetterschools.com/win   *Offer expires January 27th, 2025

    1h 7m

  5. JAN 15

    Transforming Trauma into Student Success with Dr. Hayley Watson

    The Ruckus Report Quick take: From surviving childhood trauma to revolutionizing student mental health, Dr. Watson reveals how schools can transform their approach to student wellbeing from crisis response to proactive skill-building. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Dr. Hayley Watson is the founder and CEO of Open Parachute, a Tier 1 K-12 curriculum program supporting mental health for students, teachers, and parents. A Clinical Psychologist with a PhD in school bullying interventions, she's spent 20 years developing youth programs that turn challenges into opportunities for growth. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Dr. Watson challenges traditional mental health paradigms: Key Insight #1: Mental Health Belongs in Tier One What's broken: Relegating mental health support to counseling offices and crisis intervention The shift: Teaching core mental health skills to all students as fundamental curriculum Impact: Reduced pressure on Tier 2/3 services; students develop essential life skills early Key Insight #2: Four Steps to Emotional Intelligence What's broken: Reactive responses to emotional challenges without systematic approach The shift: Feel, Pause, Think, Act framework for processing emotions Impact: Students learn to recognize triggers and choose constructive responses Key Insight #3: Student Voice Drives Transformation What's broken: Adults lecturing about mental health without authentic connection The shift: Real student stories and experiences guide learning Impact: Increased engagement and relatability in mental health education Quotable Ruckus "Don't be afraid to bring mental health into the classroom. This is the ruckus making that we need to really create generational change for the future." – Dr. Hayley Watson Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Practice the Feel-Pause-Think-Act framework yourself in a challenging situation This Month: Create safe spaces for students to share their stories and experiences This Semester: Implement a tier one mental health curriculum across grade levels Connect & Continue 🌐 Website: https://openparachuteschools.com/ 📚 Get "Finding the Words": https://openparachuteschools.com/finding-the-words/ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-hayley-watson-2b249a16/ 📧 Email: hayley@openparachuteschools.com 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: https://ruckusmakers.club/join Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: IXL: Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more: IXL.com/leaders Class Composer: Want to know why Ruckus Makers love Class Composer? Because it turns the dreaded end-of-year class placement meetings into a streamlined, data-driven process. Your teachers will save hours of time while ensuring that nothing is overlooked, including student separations. 🔍 Learn more here. ODP Business Solutions®: Want to know how top schools create collaborative learning environments that actually work? ODP Business Solutions®, formerly Office Depot Business Solutions Division, has equipped innovative educators for over three decades. 🔍 Visit www.odpbusiness.com/education and let's make a ruckus together. Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning?

    42 min

  6. JAN 8

    Mr. B on Breaking Patterns & Building Student Entrepreneurs

    The Ruckus Report Quick take: From middle school gum empire to innovative children's author, Mr. B reveals how embracing uniqueness and real-world learning can transform education from standardized to remarkable. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Mr. B is a multi-faceted creative and entrepreneur, blending Hip-Hop music, live-streaming, and children's storytelling into his unique brand. Known for his viral rhymes and as the creator of What Rhymes With Orange?, Mr. B brings fans into real-world experiences with his innovative 'Find Me IRL' live-streamed events and music concerts. He's on a mission to connect people, both in-person and online, with a fresh mix of freestyle rap, humor, and creative flair. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Mr. B challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: Real-World Learning Beats Standardization What's broken: Schools focus on standardized formats and rigid rubrics The shift: Enable students to engage in real-world business and creative projects Impact: Mr. B's middle school gum business generated over $1,000 in 2.5 months, teaching vital lessons about supply, demand, and credit Key Insight #2: Pattern Breaking Creates Opportunities What's broken: Traditional teaching methods crush creativity and innovation The shift: Encourage unique approaches and celebrate different ways of learning Impact: Students develop confidence in their uniqueness and learn to innovate Key Insight #3: Beauty, Innovation, and Respect Transform Learning What's broken: Sterile environments and hierarchical relationships The shift: Create beautiful spaces and authentic connections between staff and students Impact: Students take themselves more seriously and operate at a higher level Quotable Ruckus "Change is going to come from the kids, not the adults." – Mr. B Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Sit with students at lunch and engage in genuine conversation This Month: Create opportunities for students to publish or monetize their school work This Semester: Design a program that lets students explore entrepreneurship within your school Connect & Continue 📚 Get Mr. B's book "What Rhymes With Orange?": https://a.co/d/cPcq47B 📷 Follow Mr. B on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrbinspire 📧 Contact: mrbinspire@gmail.com 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: https://ruckusmakers.club/join Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here. Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: IXL: Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more: IXL.com/leaders Class Composer: Want to know why Ruckus Makers love Class Composer?  Because it turns the dreaded end-of-year class placement meetings into a streamlined, data-driven process.  Your teachers will save hours of time while ensuring that nothing is overlooked, including student separations. 🔍 Learn more here. Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning?

    55 min

  7. JAN 1

    Danny Bauer on The RISE Method: Three Tools to Transform Your School in 2025

    The Ruckus Report Quick take: Start 2025 strong with three game-changing frameworks that help school leaders move from traditional planning to actionable transformation. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Danny Bauer is the founder of Better Leaders Better Schools and host of the top 1% education leadership podcast worldwide. His mission is helping Ruckus Makers "Do School Different" by reimagining education even within traditional systems. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Danny challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: Simplicity is Velocity What's broken: 28-page improvement plans that gather dust and don't guide real work The shift: The RISE Method (Reimagine the possible, Identify current reality, Select strategic strikes, Execute with energy) Impact: Clear, actionable one-page strategies that excite stakeholders and drive real change Key Insight #2: Staff Success Requires Differentiation What's broken: Generic hiring checklists and standard operating procedures The shift: Creating unique Staff Success Scorecards that define excellence in your context Impact: Attract and retain top talent by clearly articulating your school's unique value proposition Key Insight #3: Reflection Drives Innovation What's broken: Reinventing the wheel each year without learning from experience The shift: Regular reflection using tools like the Year in Review framework Impact: Breakthrough insights that help leaders work smarter, not harder Quotable Ruckus "Strategy answers three fundamental questions: Where are we now? Where do we aspire to go? And how can we credibly get there?" – Danny Bauer Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Download the Do School Different Scorecard and honestly assess your current reality This Month: Create your school's Staff Success Scorecard with your leadership team This Semester: Implement the RISE Method to transform your strategic planning Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the Principal Checklist: betterleadersbetterschools.com/principal-checklist 🔗 Subscribe to the newsletter: ruckusmakers.news 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: https://ruckusmakers.club/join Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here. Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: Quest Food Management Services: Creating joyful learning environments starts in the cafeteria. Quest brings 40 years of expertise in crafting scratch-made meals that nurture both body and community spirit through innovative student engagement programs. 🔍 Learn more: www.questfms.com IXL: Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more: IXL.com/leaders Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning?

    41 min

  8. 12/25/2024

    Leading with Heart: How Dr. Zandra Jo Galván Creates Thriving School Communities Dr. Zandra Jo Galván on Leading with Purpose and Building Resilient Schools

    The Ruckus Report Quick take: From humble beginnings in Greenfield to becoming an award-winning superintendent, Dr. Galván shares powerful insights on leading with empathy, building authentic relationships, and preparing students for an AI-driven future. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Dr. Zandra Jo Galván serves as Superintendent of Salinas UHSD, is CALSA Immediate Past President (California Assoc Latinx Sups & Admin), was named ALAS National Superintendent of the Year 2023-2024, and recognized as a Top 100 National Influencer for District Administration 2024. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Dr. Galván challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: Authentic Leadership Transforms School Culture What's broken: Traditional hierarchical leadership creating barriers between administrators and staff The shift: Leading with vulnerability, genuine presence, and intentional relationship-building Impact: Staff feel valued, seen, and supported, leading to stronger engagement and better student outcomes Key Insight #2: Wellness Must Be Systemic What's broken: Stigma around self-care and mental health in education The shift: Implementing district-wide wellness initiatives including mental health days, beach cruiser bikes, and blender bikes Impact: Created a culture where taking care of oneself is celebrated and supported Key Insight #3: Future-Ready Education Requires Innovation What's broken: Preparing students for jobs that won't exist The shift: Embracing AI, creating innovative pathways, and focusing on future skills Impact: Students develop entrepreneurial mindsets and are better prepared for emerging careers Quotable Ruckus "I'm a very authentic person and vulnerable, and I'm okay with that. And a title is not going to change who I am for the virtue of position." – Dr. Zandra Jo Galván Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here: Tomorrow: Start your day in classrooms, connecting with students and teachers This Month: Implement one wellness initiative for your staff This Semester: Identify future-ready skills and begin planning innovative pathways Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: [Link] 🔗 Follow Zandra on LinkedIn 💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: https://ruckusmakers.club/join      Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here.     Today’s RUCKUScast in Partnership with: Quest Food Management Services: Creating joyful learning environments starts in the cafeteria. Quest brings 40 years of expertise in crafting scratch-made meals that nurture both body and community spirit through innovative student engagement programs. 🔍 Learn more: www.questfms.com IXL: Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more: IXL.com/leaders     Twelve Practices LLC © 2024| If Education Ain’t a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning?

    37 min
See All (301)

4.8
out of 5
300 Ratings

About

The BETTER LEADERS BETTER SCHOOLS podcast is in the TOP 0.5% most downloaded shows of over 2 million podcasts across the world. The BLBS show was created for RUCKUS MAKERS in education -- those out-of-the-box school leaders making change happen. Launched in 2015, this category-defining podcast in educational leadership has helped over 1 MILLION leaders LEVEL UP. Each week host DANIEL BAUER has a conversation with a leadership expert and invites you to listen in. Turn your commute, chores, or workout into professional development and then GO MAKE A RUCKUS! BLBS is the #1 downloaded podcast for school leaders.

Information

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada