24 Conversations Later: What This Season Taught Me About Leadership

Monday was my last day on calendar for the school year. A few days later, my family and I headed to Lake Arrowhead for some much-needed rest and reflection. If you know me, you know I love being outside. There is something about the trees, the mountains, and the water that soothes my soul.

Sitting in an Airbnb cabin overlooking beautiful Lake Arrowhead, I decided to record the Season One finale of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates.

After 24 conversations with educators, leaders, parents, advocates, and changemakers, I decided to take one final ride before summer break and reflect on the lessons that challenged, affirmed, and changed me as a school leader. What began as a desire to learn quickly became something much more meaningful. These conversations stretched my thinking, reinforced my beliefs, challenged my assumptions, and ultimately shaped the way I lead.

In this special season finale, I share five key leadership lessons that emerged from this season of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates and how those lessons continue to shape my work as a principal.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

🚌 Why relationships remain the foundation of every great school

🚌 What students taught me about belonging, challenge, and possibility

🚌 The importance of viewing parents and caregivers as true partners

🚌 Why courage is a requirement for leadership

🚌 The role hope plays in creating meaningful change in schools

🚌 Why care may be the most underrated superpower in education

🚌 Reflections on closing one chapter and preparing for a new opportunity as a high school principal

Thought

"You can never outwork or outperform somebody who cares."

Thank You for Riding Along

As we close Season One, I want to thank every guest who shared their wisdom, every listener who spent time with us each week, and every educator, caregiver, and student who inspires this work.

We have already begun recording Season Two and will return September 1, 2026, with new conversations, new ideas, and new opportunities to learn together.

Until then, enjoy a well-deserved summer of rest, reflection, and renewal.

Thank you for riding on the school bus with me.

We have already begun recording Season Two and will return September 1, 2026, with new conversations, new ideas, and new opportunities to learn together.

Connect with Dr. Spates

🌐 Website: KrishnaSpates.com

🎙️ Podcast Website: OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com

📧 Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com

📱 Follow: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates

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:

1. The passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 school experiences, and
2. 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.

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.

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 change
• The best ideas in a school can come from anyone—leaders must create space for them
• AI should be introduced through experience and value, not mandates or fear
• Leadership starts with self-reflection—point at yourself first
• Inviting challenge builds trust and strengthens community
• Spend time developing those who are ready to grow—the 80/80 mindset
• Listening to even one voice can move an entire organization forward
• Growth requires courage—don’t get used to environments that limit your potential
• Celebrate your growth—clap for yourself and recognize progress

Practical Leadership Moves

• Replace “buy-in” with co-creation and ownership
• Invite dissent in the room, not in the parking lot
• Start AI conversations with concerns first, then possibilities
• Model learning—don’t mandate it
• Create systems that elevate all voices, not just the loudest
• Focus your energy on those ready to grow—they will influence others
• Be 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/id1155968930
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3UU0vQeUPnCEhZVUoZT76v
• Soundcloud: 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.

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 language
• ASL is a complete language with its own grammar and structure—not simply English translated into signs
• High-quality ASL programs include culture, history, and real-world application—not just vocabulary
• Immersive experiences like “Silent Weekend” allow students to truly live the language beyond the classroom
• Students build empathy and deeper connections when they can directly communicate across differences
• Schools must invest in interpreters, trained teachers, and inclusive practices to support Deaf and hard of hearing students
• ASL 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.

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 lives
• Parents must look beyond behavior and start deeper conversations with their children
• Listening without judgment is one of the most powerful tools adults have
• Mental health support should be viewed as prevention, not just crisis response
• Students today are carrying anxiety, pressure, and uncertainty about their future
• Educators must lead with empathy and avoid labeling students
• Community partnerships with nonprofits can provide critical support for schools
• Starting a nonprofit requires heart, consistency, and the courage to “do it afraid”
• One conversation can change—and even save—a life
• 
  

If 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.

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 others
• Affirm children for who they are, not just what they achieve
• Avoid projecting your own dreams onto your child’s journey
• Setbacks are opportunities to assess, adjust, and advance
• Parents must balance protection with preparation for independence
• Student-athletes should prioritize academics and life skills beyond sports
• Educators must focus on all students—not just the ones who shine the brightest
• True 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.

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.

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.

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.

In this energizing episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, I sit down with California Teacher of the Year Nicholas Westfall, a passionate and innovative physical educator who is redefining what physical education can look and feel like for students.

Nicholas shares how his journey into physical education began at just 13 years old, inspired by his father’s advice, and how that calling eventually led him to statewide recognition as California Teacher of the Year. What impacted me most was how intentionally he designs learning experiences for students who traditionally feel disconnected from PE. We talk about his yoga-based PE class created specifically for students who once dreaded PE and unpack how he integrates mindfulness, social emotional learning, growth mindset, and standards-based grading into a curriculum that honors both rigor and belonging.

We also dive into his powerful “speed-friending” protocol, a strategy that builds authentic peer connections and teaches students how to ask meaningful questions. As Nicholas reminds us, “People are so interesting.” That line stayed with me. If you care about innovative teaching, student engagement, wellness, and building deeper relationships in schools, this episode will challenge and inspire you.

✨ What I Took Away From This Conversation

• Nicholas’s passion for physical education started early and never wavered.
• Being named California Teacher of the Year reflects the deep impact of innovative PE instruction.
• A yoga-based PE class can re-engage students who previously disliked physical education.
• Mindfulness and social emotional learning belong in PE spaces.
• Student enjoyment of PE declines from elementary to middle school and we must respond intentionally.
• Standards-based grading strengthens the integrity of physical education.
• Speed friending builds authentic friendships and communication skills.
• Teaching students how to ask good questions changes the quality of conversations.
• Professional development should mirror the engagement we want in classrooms.
• The quality of friendships has declined and schools must intentionally rebuild connection.
• Excellent PE instruction is rigorous, standards-based, and relevant.
• Growth mindset projects help students redefine what is “impossible.”
• Teacher collaboration amplifies student outcomes.
• Community events like 5Ks build wellness and engagement beyond campus.
• Educational policy must protect creativity and flexibility in teaching.

🎧 Sound Bites That Stuck With Me

“People are so interesting.”

“Impossible is just an opinion.”

“Education is not Starbucks.”

🔑 Keywords

physical education, California Teacher of the Year, innovative teaching, student engagement, yoga, mindfulness, speed friending, social emotional learning, conversation skills, education friendship quality, teacher collaboration, physical education, growth mindset, wellness, community engagement, educational policy, professional development, student relationships, teaching standards

🚌 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 Nicholas Westfall

Physical Education Teacher & California Teacher Of The Year 2025

Email: mr.growthmindsetwestfall@gmail.com

Substack Newsletter: https://nicholaswestfall.substack.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-westfall-a75b49131/

📸 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.

In this reflective end of the year closing conversation, Dr. Spates and Dr. Franklin explore what it truly means to lead schools as collaborative communities rather than hierarchical organizations. From designing the master schedule as a whole-school effort to building authentic trust with teams, this episode highlights how inclusive leadership practices strengthen both systems and relationships.

Dr. Spates emphasizes that effective leadership is not about working in isolation or making decisions behind closed doors. Instead, it is about creating structures where educators co-design programs, propose innovative courses, and share ownership of student success.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that when teams feel seen, heard, and valued, the bar for excellence rises naturally—because everyone knows they belong to the work and to each other.

✨ Episode Takeaways

•  Dr. Spates emphasizes the importance of community and belonging in schools.
• Building relationships with staff is crucial for effective leadership.
• Data-driven decision-making is essential for school improvement.
• Celebrating staff contributions fosters a positive school culture.
• Listening to feedback from staff can lead to meaningful changes.
• Creating opportunities for collaboration enhances team dynamics.
• Recognizing student achievements is vital for motivation.
• Emotional intelligence plays a key role in leadership success.
• Engaging families in the school community strengthens support.
• Personal experiences shape leadership philosophies and practices.

💭 Sound Bites

• "Everything matters in education."
• "We all own the data now."
• "We can't do the work on our own."

🔑 Keywords

leadership, education, community, belonging, student success, relationships, school improvement, emotional intelligence, teaching, principal

🚌 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. Gregor Franklin

USC Rossier Breakthrough Leadership Institute Summer Professional Learning:

https://rossierprolearn.usc.edu/2026-bli-info/

Website: USC Rossier School of Education Doctoral Program in Education Leadership

Email: gfrankli@usc.edu 

📸 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.

In this powerful episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, I sit down with TaVia Wooley, founder and Executive Director of Empower Them Collective, for a masterclass in advocacy, humility, and shared power.

TaVia shares how her lived experience — as a mother, social worker, medical advocate, and community leader — shaped her belief that lived experience is more important than degrees. From navigating systems for her brother on the autism spectrum to advocating after the loss of her son, she transformed personal pain into policy literacy and leadership development for families.

Through the Leadership & Policy Academy for Parents, AIM (African American Infant & Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative), and the 661 Creators Space, TaVia is building the collective capacity of the Antelope Valley community to engage in and create meaningful policy initiatives.

This episode challenges educators to move beyond “family engagement” and toward shared ownership, humility, and she drops a creative-bomb: compensate parent expertise.

If you believe policy shouldn’t happen to you — this episode is for you.

✨ Episode Takeaways

• Lived experience is more important than degrees.
• Empowerment comes from understanding and addressing root causes.
• Advocacy should be informed by personal experiences.
• Creating safe spaces fosters open dialogue.
• Self-care is essential for effective advocacy.
• Community engagement requires valuing parents' voices.
• Policy should be shaped by those affected by it.
• Podcasting can amplify marginalized voices.
• Building relationships is key to successful advocacy.
• Compensating community members for their expertise is vital.

⏱️ Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Tavia Woolley and Empower Them Collective
• 06:02 Lived Experiences and Leadership
• 11:48 Empower Them Collective's Mission and Impact
• 17:20 Advocacy Skills for Parents and Caregivers
• 24:02 Navigating School Systems and Policy Literacy
• 29:59 The Role of Podcasting in Community Engagement
• 35:53 Concrete Actions for Educators to Partner with Families
• 41:25 Self-Care and Personal Reflections
• 47:40 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

🎧 Sound Bites

"We need to ask the right questions."

"We need to shift the narrative."

"More is caught than taught."

🔑 Keywords

Tavia Woolley, Empower Them Collective, lived experience, advocacy, community engagement, education, podcasting, self-care, leadership, policy change

🚌 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 TaVia Wooley

Website: Empower Them Collective

Website: JustTavia.com

Email: tavia@justtavia.com

Podcast Studio: 661 Creators Space

Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace

Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com

📸 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.

In this inspiring episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. Spates welcomes Dr. Kathya Arriaran-Buono, founding principal of Palmdale Academy Charter School in Palmdale, California. Dr. Buono shares how she built a high‑performing school‑of‑choice culture—during a pandemic—by centering servant leadership, restorative practices and data‑driven decision‑making. From hiring for heart over content knowledge and designing annual staff retreats, to expanding AP access, boosting graduation rates and modelling self‑care as a working mom, this conversation is loaded with practical wisdom for leaders at every level. Dr. Buono offers advice on navigating skepticism, creating joy‑filled traditions like “Peep Wars,” and ensuring families feel seen in a competitive educational landscape. Tune in for a master class on building culture, sustaining outcomes and leading with love.

✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways)

• How to hire for culture by asking candidates what support they need from leadership
• Why servant leadership, restorative practices and data‑driven decisions are Dr. Buono’s non‑negotiables
• The power of annual retreats and restorative circles to foster belonging and accountability
• Creative strategies like “Lunch Bunch” that keep seniors on track to graduate
• How open access to AP courses, including an AP African‑American Studies pathway, builds equity
• Why silly traditions (like Peep Wars) can strengthen staff culture
• How to empower assistant principals through shared responsibility and leadership development
• Practical advice for aspiring leaders: lead outside your classroom and anchor yourself in purpose
• Why “love the kids” is both simple and challenging—and why joy is a leadership strategy
• Tips for balancing school leadership with motherhood and self‑care

⏱️ Chapters

• 00:00 – Meet Dr. Buono: Servant leader, restorative practitioner and data‑driven principal introduces herself and her “why.”
• 02:30 – Hiring for Culture: The interview question that reveals mindset and why heart can’t be coached.
• 05:00 – Learner Profile & Retreat: Defining the profile of a graduate and the role of themed retreats in building culture.
• 08:30 – Restorative Practices: How restorative circles work, with examples of powerful prompts.
• 11:00 – AP Access & Student Outcomes: From AP Silver School to plans for AP African‑American Studies and high college‑and‑career readiness.
• 17:00 – Graduation & Interventions: Using “Lunch Bunch” and catered meals to prevent senioritis and boost A–G completion.
• 21:00 – Enrollment Growth: Being a school of choice in a competitive district and serving families as clients.
• 24:00 – Founding Principal Lessons: Challenges of launching a high school during COVID and the roller coaster of “firsts.”
• 27:30 – Strengthening Culture in 90 Days: Peep Wars, potlucks and treating adults like professionals.
• 31:00 – Leadership Development: Dividing work among APs, empowering them to lead MTSS and culture initiatives.
• 34:00 – Love, Joy & Self‑Care: Anchoring leadership in love, finding joy as resistance, and balancing motherhood.
• 38:00 – Career Advice: Why teachers should lead PD, mentor others and step into committees before moving into administration.

🎧 Sound Bites

• “Our students choose us every single day.” – Dr. Buono on leading a school of choice
• “You can't teach heart; you can coach content, but not mindset.” – Dr. Buono on hiring for culture
• “Love the kids. They know when you care and when you don't.” – Dr. Buono on the core of leadership

🔑 Keywords

school culture, charter high school, servant leadership, restorative practices, data‑driven decision‑making, AP access, equity, student success, school choice, staff retreats, leadership development, teacher mentorship, student belonging, joy in leadership, self‑care

🚌 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. Kathya Arriaran-Buono

Palmdale Academy Charter High School

Email: Kathyaarriaran@gmail.com

📸 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.

In this powerful episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. Spates sits down with Dr. Patricia Brent-Sanco, a respected equity leader and advocate for inclusive educational systems. Dr. Brent-Sanco shares her lived experiences advancing equity through community partnerships, data-driven decision-making, and intentional leadership practices.

She discusses the founding and impact of the Unity Women's Professional Networking Organization, highlighting the importance of mentorship, collective support, and professional spaces specifically designed for African-American women educators. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Brent-Sanco emphasizes discernment in leadership, anchoring oneself in purpose, and finding joy as an act of resistance and sustainability in challenging times.

This episode is a must-listen for school leaders, educators, and anyone committed to fostering belonging, advancing equity, and supporting the whole educator.

✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways)

• Community support is essential for sustainable equity initiatives.
• Unity Women’s Professional Networking Organization creates space for growth, connection, and leadership among African-American women educators.
• Data-driven decisions help leaders navigate skepticism and resistance around equity work.
• Embedding equity into policy requires intentional alignment with fiscal and organizational priorities.
• Innovative programs, such as Leadership Academies, can transform student outcomes and narratives.
• Effective leadership centers belonging, care, and high expectations for all students.
• Women of color in leadership benefit from anchoring themselves in purpose and building diverse support circles.
• Discernment is critical when navigating political climates and organizational dynamics.
• Joy is a leadership strategy that sustains hope and resilience.
• Self-care is not optional—it is essential for educator well-being and effectiveness.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Patricia Brent-Sanco

02:47 – Unity Women’s Professional Networking Organization

05:34 – Building Community Support for Equity Initiatives

10:39 – Navigating Skepticism in Equity Work

14:07 – Embedding Equity in Policy and Practice

18:58 – Innovative Programs for Student Support

24:19 – The Role of Leadership in Education

28:27 – Advice for Women of Color in Leadership

35:22 – The Importance of Discernment in Leadership

39:35 – Finding Joy and Hope in Education

49:42 – Consulting Services and Self-Care Practices

🎧 Sound Bites

• “Data doesn’t lie.”
• “Finding joy brings hope.”
• “We want to transform environments.”

🔑 Keywords

education, equity, leadership, community support, women in leadership, mentorship, student success, professional development, diversity, inclusion

🚌 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. Patricia Brent-Sanco

The Lighthouse Educational Consulting Group - https://www.thelighthouseconsulting.com/

Email: pbsanco@yahoo.com

Unity: https://www.unityumoja.org

E-Book: Then and Now Understanding and Addressing White Supremacy by

Dr. Patricia Brent Sanco & Dr. Veronica Bloomfield

Purchase E-book: here

LinkedIn: Patricia Brent-Sanco, EdD.

📸 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.

In this episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. Carlos Montes shares his powerful journey in education as a teacher, instructional coach, principal, and now a system-level leader supporting 20 schools across East Los Angeles.

Dr. Montes reflects on the intentional work that led to the transformation of Jordan High School, highlighting the central role of creating restorative culture , high expectations, authentic relationships and a deep respect for students and families. He emphasizes that culture, community pride, and identity are not add-ons, but foundational to building schools where students thrive.

The conversation explores what authentic family partnership looks like in practice, including Dr. Montes’ innovative use of instructional walks with caregivers and parents to invite family voice and presence in schools, increase transparency, trust, and shared accountability. Together, Dr. Spates and Dr. Montes discuss how equity lives in daily leadership decisions, why student voice must be embedded in school structures, and how passion and humanity sustain long-term impact in education.

This episode serves as a powerful reminder that education is deeply human work—and that the leadership choices made today shape students, families, and communities for generations to come.

✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways)

• How relationship-centered leadership transforms school culture
• Why restorative practices must be paired with high expectations
• Strategies for authentic family engagement beyond traditional meetings
• How instructional walks with parents strengthen communication and trust
• The role of student voice in equitable decision-making
• Why passion and humanity are essential in school leadership

⏱️ Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Carlos Montes
• 03:01 Dr. Montes’ Journey in Education
• 05:45 Transforming Jordan High School
• 09:01 The Power of Hustle and Relationships
• 11:54 Restorative Practices in Education
• 14:52 Current Role and Supporting Schools
• 17:51 Cultural Pride in East LA Schools
• 20:48 Personal Experiences Shaping Leadership
• 23:39 Building Relationships with Families
• 26:50 Instructional Walks with Parents
• 29:51 Feedback and Growth in Education
• 32:44 Creating a Positive School Environment
• 35:44 Conclusion and Future Aspirations
• 44:20 Equity in Education: A Consistent Practice
• 50:43 Building Authentic Partnerships with Families
• 55:53 Empowering Student Voice in Decision Making
• 01:08:11 Passion and Leadership: Starting with Yourself
• 01:15:48 The Human Impact of Education

🎧 Sound Bites

• “You got to hustle.”
• “Don’t underestimate our parents.”
• “It’s about wanting to know.”

🔑 Keywords

Educational leadership, equity in education, restorative practices, family engagement, student voice, school culture, community pride, instructional leadership, East Los Angeles schools

🚌 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: KrishnaSpates.com

Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com

Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates

LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.

📬 Connect with Dr. Carlos Montes

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/montes-carlos-ed-d-6b632471/

📸 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.

In this powerful episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. J.R. Rucker hops on the bus to share a deeply personal and purpose-driven leadership journey—one shaped by adversity, restored by education, and fueled by hope.

From navigating a challenging childhood to serving as a high school principal, Dr. Rucker describes himself as a “hope dealer”—a leader committed to giving students what he did not always receive: belief, advocacy, and opportunity. He reflects on his roots as a special education teacher, emphasizing that every child is different and that effective educators must be willing to find at least one door of engagement for every student.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Rucker unpacks what restorative leadership looks like in real schools—centering relationships, accountability, and healing over punishment. He challenges school leaders to run toward the roar, confront hard truths, and create safe spaces where students, staff, and families can engage in honest conversations.

The episode also explores the evolving role of digital media and social platforms in school leadership. Dr. Rucker makes a compelling case for why schools can no longer afford to be silent online—and how social media, when used with intention, becomes a tool for transparency, connection, and community pride.

Grounded in wisdom, humility, and hope, this episode is a reminder that education is not transactional—it is transformational for students, families, and entire communities.

✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways)

• Why being a hope dealer is a leadership responsibility—not a slogan
• How restorative practices change culture, not just behavior
• Why every student deserves at least one door of engagement
• How weekly career exploration can reshape student motivation and agency
• What it means to run toward the roar as a school leader
• Why schools must embrace digital media to tell their own stories
• How educators can sustain themselves through self-care and balance

⏱️ Chapters

• 00:00 – Introduction to Dr. J.R. Rucker
• 01:20 – Becoming a Hope Dealer
• 04:26 – Experiences That Shaped His Educational Philosophy
• 06:47 – The Power of Restorative Practices
• 10:26 – Leading a High School Community with Intention
• 12:12 – Run Toward the Roar: A Leadership Mantra
• 14:11 – Motivating Students and Staff
• 16:17 – Leveraging Social Media for School Engagement
• 25:35 – The Educational Truth Podcast and Conference
• 29:36 – Advice for New Educators
• 35:01 – Writing Books to Empower Others
• 40:02 – Work-Life Balance and Self-Care
• 45:16 – Innovations That Improve Student Outcomes

🎧 Sound Bites

• “I want to be a hope dealer.”
• “Run toward the roar.”
• “We should literally be exploring careers on a weekly basis.”
• “Education is a transformational event for families.”

🔑 Keywords

social media in schools, career exploration, self-care for educators, instructional leadership, On the School Bus with Dr. Spates

🚌 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: KrishnaSpates.com

Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com

Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates

LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.

📬 Connect with Dr. J.R. Rucker

Website: drjrrucker.com

Email: info@drjrrucker.com

Listen to the Podcast: The Educational Truth Podcast

LinkedIn: Jerome (J.R.) Rucker 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.

In this episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Jazmine Morales Rodriguez takes a seat on the bus to share her powerful journey as an educator and equity-centered leader. She reflects on her educational pathway, including the financial and systemic barriers she navigated, and how those experiences shaped her commitment to student advocacy and inclusion.

Jazmine underscores the importance of seeing students holistically and building reciprocal, human-centered relationships in schools. The conversation explores the impact of ethnic studies curriculum on student engagement, the realities of teacher burnout, and the critical role of community support in sustaining educators doing this work. Throughout the episode, Jazmine offers affirming insights, honest reflections, and actionable strategies for educators committed to equity, growth, and collective care.

✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways)

• Jazmine emphasizes the importance of seeing students as whole individuals—not just academic performers.
• She shares her personal journey of navigating and overcoming financial barriers to higher education.
• The episode highlights the power of reciprocal relationships between educators and students.
• Jazmine discusses how ethnic studies curriculum increases relevance, belonging, and student engagement.
• She addresses teacher burnout and the emotional toll of doing equity-centered work.
• The importance of community support and shared responsibility in education is stressed.
• Jazmine advocates for honoring each student’s unique lived experience and needs.
• She shares practical strategies for responding to racial comments among young students.
• Collaboration among educators is positioned as essential, not optional.
• Educators are encouraged to embrace imperfection, reflection, and growth over performative “perfection.”

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Jazmine Morales Rodriguez

02:46 – Jazmine’s Educational Journey

05:43 – Overcoming Financial Barriers to Education

09:17 – Transitioning from Education to Nonprofit Work

12:48 – The Role of Community in Education

17:56 – Navigating Burnout in Education

20:34 – The Importance of Teacher Well-Being

22:58 – Taking a Holistic View of Education

26:20 – Building Authentic Relationships in Schools

28:37 – Implementing Ethnic Studies Frameworks

35:03 – Collaborative Curriculum Development

35:36 – Coaching Through Role Play

37:30 – Empowering Educators Through Curriculum Design

38:43 – Humanizing the Educator Experience

39:18 – Building Reciprocal Relationships

44:38 – Addressing Racial Comments in Early Education

50:55 – Navigating Teacher Pushback in a Changing Climate

52:30 – Embracing Mistakes & Finding Your Educator Voice

🎧 Sound Bites

“We need to see each other holistically.”

“It’s never too early to talk about race.”

🔑 Keywords

education, equity, instructional coaching, ethnic studies, student empowerment, teacher burnout, community support, relationship building, financial aid, diversity

🚌 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: KrishnaSpates.com

Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com

Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates

LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.

📬 Connect with Jazmine Morales Rodriguez

Email: Jazzmorales40@gmail.com

📸 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.

In this episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Principal and Coach Fred Gatlin hops on the bus to share his powerful journey as an educator, principal, coach, and author. Grounded in empathy and shaped by lived experience, Coach Gatlin reflects on what it truly means to lead schools that honor students’ time, humanity, and potential.

The conversation explores how relevant, relationship-centered leadership can transform school culture—particularly for students navigating trauma, adversity, and disengagement. Coach Gatlin shares innovative programs he has implemented to build trust, inspire resilience, and help students develop a strong, “no-excuse” mindset rooted in purpose rather than pressure.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Spates and Coach Gatlin discuss the importance of empathy in leadership, the power of positive affirmations, and why self-care, delegation, and trust are essential for sustaining educators in demanding roles. This episode offers practical strategies and affirming reminders for school leaders committed to building environments where both students and staff can thrive.

✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways)

• Empathy is a non-negotiable leadership skill in today’s schools
• Diverse life and professional experiences strengthen leadership capacity
• Relationships are the foundation of student engagement and trust
• Innovative, student-centered programs can radically shift school culture
• Relevance in education matters—students must see themselves in the work
• Positive affirmations can set the tone for productive school days
• Embracing pain and adversity can build resilience and purpose
• Delegation and trust are essential to prevent leadership burnout
• Self-care is critical for educators who want longevity and impact
• Supportive environments accelerate both student and staff success

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Coach Fred Gatlin

01:28 – How Diverse Roles Shape Leadership

04:03 – Why Empathy Matters in Education

07:26 – The Inspiration Behind Train Your Mindset

10:34 – Designing Innovative Programs for Engagement

11:55 – Understanding Student Demographics

14:14 – Building Comprehensive Support Systems

16:34 – Relationship-Driven Leadership

18:50 – Daily Motivational Practices

20:38 – Developing a No-Excuse Mindset

24:53 – Turning Adversity into Advantage

27:26 – Supporting Trauma-Impacted Students

29:45 – Creating a Caring School Culture

31:08 – Cultivating a Supportive Leadership Team

34:00 – Integrating Life Skills into Education

36:29 – Making Learning Relevant

39:58 – Balancing Multiple Roles as an Educator

42:21 – Sustainable Self-Care Practices

44:39 – Advice for School Leaders

🎧 Sound Bites

“Don’t waste our kids’ time.”

“I was born to do this.”

“You can’t count down the days.”

🔑 Keywords

educational leadership, empathy in leadership, school culture, student engagement, resilient mindset, trauma-informed schools, principal leadership, educator self-care, relevant education, relationship-centered leadership

🚌 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: KrishnaSpates.com

Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com

Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates

LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.

📬 Connect with Community Day School Principal, Coach Fred Gatlin

Email: CoachGatlinMindset@gmail.com

📸 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. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.

In this episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. Greg Franklin shares insights from his extensive career in education and leadership, offering practical strategies for fostering creativity and innovation among teachers while building school cultures rooted in equity and collaboration.

Dr. Franklin emphasizes the importance of clear vision, consistent communication, and investing in people over programs. He challenges school leaders to move beyond compliance-driven systems and instead create cultures that say “yes,” empower educators, and scale innovation in sustainable, inclusive ways.

This episode is a must-listen for principals, district leaders, instructional coaches, and teacher leaders who are navigating change, strengthening school culture, and working to ensure equitable opportunities for all students.

✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways)

• Why a clear vision unlocks teacher creativity

• How repetition strengthens communication and alignment

• Why investing in people outperforms investing in programs

• How a culture of “yes” fuels innovation

• What equity looks like in access to rigorous learning

• How listening and learning tours deepen community trust

• Why relationships are the foundation of strong leadership

• The importance of establishing non-negotiables early

• What it takes to scale innovation with staff buy-in

• How joy and collaboration sustain educators

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 — Introduction to Mentorship and Leadership

05:00 — Unlocking Teacher Creativity and Innovation

07:39 — Mind Shifts: From Compliance to Creativity

10:47 — Non-Negotiables for Innovation During Crisis

13:48 — Equity and Innovation in Education

16:50 — Scaling Innovation in Education

18:54 — Building Inclusive Career Pathways

21:52 — Challenges in Scaling Innovation

24:50 — Conclusion and Final Thoughts

25:58 — Scaling Educational Success

28:00 — Collaborative Professional Development

29:38 — Fostering Innovation in Schools

31:11 — Leadership and Boldness

32:17 — Listening and Learning Tours

36:38 — Building Relationships in Education

40:56 — Sustaining Wellness for Educators

🎧 Sound Bites

"Find a way to say yes."

"Start with the willing."

"The teaching is the key."

🔑 Keywords

education leadership, innovative school leadership, teacher creativity, equity in education, school culture, professional development, teacher support, community engagement, instructional leadership, scaling innovation, educational equity, leadership mindset, building school culture, education podcast, K–12 leadership, principal leadership, teacher empowerment, collaborative leadership

🚌 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: KrishnaSpates.com

Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com

Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates

LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.

📬 Connect with Dr. Greg Franklin

Email: gfrankli@usc.edu

📸 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. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.

In this episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, the mic flips — three aspiring teachers interview Dr. Spates about what it actually takes to build an MTSS system that works in real classrooms.

From relationships to data, from teacher collaboration to differentiation, this conversation breaks MTSS and RTI down in a way that’s real, practical, and grounded in care. Dr. Spates shares strategies educators can use tomorrow to support diverse learners academically, socially, and emotionally.

Whether you're a teacher, principal, student teacher, or instructional leader, this episode is packed with insight into what it truly means to support every student.

Thank you to the New Edu Crew: Christal Heard, Yesenia Padilla and Nicole Vera for an awesome interview!

✨ Episode Takeaways

• Strong relationships are the foundation of student success.
• MTSS supports the whole child — academics, behavior, and social-emotional needs.
• Teachers shouldn’t aim for perfection; take risks and grow.
• Progress monitoring and data collection matter.
• Collaboration strengthens support for diverse learners.
• Investing time to truly know students pays off.
• Positive reinforcement drives motivation.
• Student feedback helps teachers refine their practice.
• Classroom environment communicates care.
• Family engagement expands the support network.

🎧 Sound Bites

• "It's not personal, right?"
• "They love affirmation."
• "You can't outdo care."

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 — Introduction & Purpose

05:28 — Why These Future Teachers Chose Education

11:27 — What MTSS & RTI Really Mean in Schools

17:41 — The Teacher’s Role in MTSS

19:46 — Using Data & Progress Monitoring Effectively

21:14 — Asking Students for Feedback

23:23 — Teacher Collaboration That Actually Works

26:37 — Differentiation for Diverse Learners

29:27 — Strengthening Relationships with Students & Families

32:37 — Empowering Students as Peer Teachers

34:52 — Creating a Positive, Welcoming Classroom Environment

📌 Keywords

MTSS, RTI, education, teaching strategies, student support, teacher collaboration, classroom management, diverse learners, educational leadership, teacher relationships

🚌 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:

1. The passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 school experiences, and
2. 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.

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.