Dr. Lupita Hightower on Strategic Planning: Turning Belief into Transformation The Ruckus Report Quick take: Arizona's Superintendent of the Year drops a masterclass on how strategic planning—when done right—creates school systems where every child is valued as a treasure and success is the expectation, not the exception. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Dr. Lupita Hightower is Arizona's Superintendent of the Year for 2023 and has worked in education for over 27 years in various roles, serving as s...
Mar 05, 2025•37 min•Ep. 10
The 90-Day Accelerator: Launching Your School Year for Legendary Impact Danny Bauer on Transforming School Leadership Through Intentional Planning The Ruckus Report Quick take: A game-changing framework for school leaders who want to escape the firefighting trap and create intentional, high-impact leadership from day one. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Danny Bauer, host of the Better Leaders Better Schools Podcast and founder of the Ruckus Maker movement, shares his journey from experiencing "the...
Feb 26, 2025•33 min•Ep. 9
The Ruckus Report Quick take: A compelling look at how embracing AI and creativity can transform education, told through the journey of a young entrepreneur who went from feeling constrained by traditional schooling to teaching others how to innovate. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Today's episode features two innovators in education: Nate Corona is a Santa Cruz entrepreneur who's redefining what's possible for students in the AI age. Starting with a sneaker cleaning business in his hometown, Nat...
Feb 19, 2025•45 min•Ep. 8
The Ruckus Report Quick take: A former teacher turned ed-tech founder reveals how simple daily actions - from hallway check-ins to thoughtful class placements - can transform school culture and help every student thrive. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Mike Cronley is the CEO and co-founder of Class Composer, bringing 12 years of 3rd grade teaching experience to revolutionize how elementary schools create balanced classes. After witnessing firsthand how traditional class placement methods could un...
Feb 12, 2025•33 min•Ep. 7
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 202...
Feb 05, 2025•42 min•Ep. 6
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 thro...
Jan 29, 2025•49 min•Ep. 5
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 educa...
Jan 22, 2025•53 min•Ep. 4
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 edu...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr 7 min
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...
Jan 15, 2025•42 min•Ep. 3
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 exper...
Jan 08, 2025•55 min•Ep. 2
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 challe...
Jan 01, 2025•41 min•Ep. 1
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 a...
Dec 25, 2024•37 min•Ep. 243
The Ruckus Report Quick take: Discover how a veteran superintendent transforms traditional power structures into collaborative leadership, proving that giving away authority actually strengthens your impact as a leader. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Dr. Tricia Mooney brings 30 years of educational experience to her role as Superintendent of Hermiston School District. A relentless advocate for student achievement, she's dedicated to creating multiple education pathways for students both in the cl...
Dec 18, 2024•35 min•Ep. 242
Dr. Chris Nagy on Transformational Educational Leadership The Ruckus Report Quick take: In this paradigm-shifting conversation, educational futurist Dr. Chris Nagy reveals how superintendents can create innovative learning environments by embracing entrepreneurial mindsets and emerging technologies, challenging traditional educational frameworks while preparing students and staff for an AI-driven future. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Dr. Nagy is a retired school superintendent, co-founder of Mag...
Dec 11, 2024•43 min•Ep. 241
The Ruckus Report Quick take: Want to sleep well at night as a school leader? Dr. Jon Bartelt shares how embracing joy, listening deeply to students, and staying true to core values helps him lead with confidence through 23 years as superintendent. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Dr. Jon Bartelt serves as Superintendent of Bloomingdale School District 13 in Illinois, leading a PreK-8 district of 1,400 students. With 34 years in education and 23 as superintendent, he's guided by three core values: ...
Dec 04, 2024•46 min•Ep. 240
Every principal deserves high quality coaching and mentorship. Who is your coach or mentor? What would you be able to accomplish with help figuring out how to accomplish your biggest goals? At Ruckus Maker HQ we have two great options for you: Option 1: Join the BRAND NEW Ruckus Maker Club. Learn more here Option 2: Join The Ruckus Maker Mastermind™ our flagship program. Learn more here. Show Highlights Strategies for effective curriculum communication. New student grouping system for differenti...
Nov 27, 2024•52 min•Ep. 239
Dr. Tracy Vitale proudly serves as Superintendent of Schools for the Seneca Valley School District, one of the largest public school districts in Western Pennsylvania. She is credited with opening and implementing the district’s first elementary world language program, accelerating academic rigor and leading educators in a collaborative approach to systems thinking. Show Highlights Shift traditional teaching methods toward coaching and facilitating rather than just imparting knowledge. Create an...
Nov 20, 2024•36 min•Ep. 238
. Chris Loeffler is the Head of Wilmington Friends Lower School. Prior to this role, Chris spent 7 years in administration, 13 years in the classroom, and even graduated from Wilmington Friends. His experience as a student, where he felt valued and given a voice in a peaceful environment, motivates him as an educator to provide the same experience for each of his students. Show Highlights Mastermind helps leaders be proactive and prepared for future challenges. Listening is crucial for new leade...
Nov 13, 2024•47 min•Ep. 237
. Kwame Sarfo-Mensah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Temple University. For nine years, he served as a middle school math teacher in Philadelphia, PA and Boston, MA. Currently, he is the founder of Identity Talk Consulting, a global educational consulting firm that specializes in developing K-12 teachers into identity-affirming educators. Throughout his 17-year career as a classroom teacher, author, and consultant, Kwame has earned nume...
Nov 07, 2024•47 min•Ep. 236
Dr. Derrick Gay is a globally recognized intercultural competency strategist, dedicated to fostering cultures of dignity and respect. With multifaceted expertise as an international speaker, author, researcher, educator, and university lecturer, Dr. Gay empowers individuals and organizations to deepen belonging and empathy by cultivating shared language, raising awareness, and fostering inclusive personal behaviors and organizational practices and policies. Drawing from his extensive internation...
Oct 30, 2024•43 min•Ep. 233
Every principal deserves high quality coaching and mentorship. Who is your coach or mentor? What would you be able to accomplish with help figuring out how to accomplish your biggest goals? At Ruckus Maker HQ we have two great options for you: Option 1: Join the BRAND NEW Ruckus Maker Club. Learn more here Option 2: Join The Ruckus Maker Mastermind™ our flagship program. Learn more here. Show Highlights Set clear goals for both personal and professional growth to drive success and balance in lif...
Oct 23, 2024•46 min•Ep. 234
Every principal deserves high quality coaching and mentorship. Who is your coach or mentor? What would you be able to accomplish with help figuring out how to accomplish your biggest goals? At Ruckus Maker HQ we have two great options for you: Option 1: Join the BRAND NEW Ruckus Maker Club. Learn more here Option 2: Join The Ruckus Maker Mastermind™ our flagship program. Learn more here. Show Highlights Why you need the 90-day planning and the 'Ruckus Maker Mindset.' 'Playing with the Lead' for ...
Oct 16, 2024•45 min•Ep. 233
Frederick Buskey leverages 33 years of k-12 and higher education leadership experience. He provides simple frameworks and practical tools to help leaders make immediate incremental improvements. Frederick hosts The Assistant Principal Podcast , and is the author of A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose . He works with school and non-profit leaders to help them live and lead better. Show Highlights The challenges faced by colleagues helps leaders provide tailored support and guidance. The...
Oct 09, 2024•40 min•Ep. 232
Every principal deserves high quality coaching and mentorship. Who is your coach or mentor? What would you be able to accomplish with help figuring out how to accomplish your biggest goals? At Ruckus Maker HQ we have two great options for you: Option 1: Join the BRAND NEW Ruckus Maker Club. Learn more here Option 2: Join The Ruckus Maker Mastermind™ our flagship program. Learn more here. Show Highlights Prioritize Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) amid challenges. Focus on scheduling, int...
Oct 02, 2024•44 min•Ep. 231
Every principal deserves high quality coaching and mentorship. Who is your coach or mentor? What would you be able to accomplish with help figuring out how to accomplish your biggest goals? At Ruckus Maker HQ we have two great options for you: Option 1: Join the BRAND NEW Ruckus Maker Club. Learn more here Option 2: Join The Ruckus Maker Mastermind™ our flagship program. Learn more here. Show Highlights effective email management and communication strategies to alleviate overload. The need for o...
Sep 25, 2024•52 min•Ep. 230
Every principal deserves high quality coaching and mentorship. Who is your coach or mentor? What would you be able to accomplish with help figuring out how to accomplish your biggest goals? At Ruckus Maker HQ we have two great options for you: Option 1: Join the BRAND NEW Ruckus Maker Club. Learn more here Option 2: Join The Ruckus Maker Mastermind™ our flagship program. Learn more here. Show Highlights Challenges in school culture can lead to a lack of trust and effectiveness. Student disciplin...
Sep 18, 2024•46 min•Ep. 229
Every principal deserves high quality coaching and mentorship. Who is your coach or mentor? What would you be able to accomplish with help figuring out how to accomplish your biggest goals? At Ruckus Maker HQ we have two great options for you: Option 1: Join the BRAND NEW Ruckus Maker Club. Learn more here Option 2: Join The Ruckus Maker Mastermind™ our flagship program. Learn more here. Show Highlights Shifting from accomplishment-focused education to learning and community contribution. Balanc...
Sep 11, 2024•51 min•Ep. 228
Every principal deserves high quality coaching and mentorship. Who is your coach or mentor? What would you be able to accomplish with help figuring out how to accomplish your biggest goals? At Ruckus Maker HQ we have two great options for you: Option 1: Join the BRAND NEW Ruckus Maker Club. Learn more here Option 2: Join The Ruckus Maker Mastermind™ our flagship program. Learn more here. Show Highlights Boosting Leadership Effectiveness in a Post-Pandemic World. Aligning professional development...
Sep 04, 2024•48 min•Ep. 227
Every principal deserves high quality coaching and mentorship. Who is your coach or mentor? What would you be able to accomplish with help figuring out how to accomplish your biggest goals? At Ruckus Maker HQ we have two great options for you: Option 1: Join the BRAND NEW Ruckus Maker Club. Learn more here Option 2: Join The Ruckus Maker Mastermind™ our flagship program. Learn more here. Show Highlights Essential tips for first-year principals, Be aware of political landscape and power structure...
Aug 28, 2024•37 min•Ep. 226
Dr. Chara N. Willaford, founder of Be Your Best Yet Coaching and Consulting, is an educational leader with 25+ years of experience. A National Mentor and Trainer, she specializes in turning around schools, empowering future and early-career principals. Dr. Chara's journey spans roles at state, district, national, and building levels, reflecting a deep commitment to shaping the future of education. Her holistic approach and commitment to continuous learning are embodied in the motto, 'The Best is...
Aug 21, 2024•33 min•Ep. 225
