The Better Leaders Better Schools Podcast with Daniel Bauer Every Voice Matters: Reimagining Leadership with Dr. Brandi Kelly
Quick take: Dr. Brandi Kelly offers a refreshing reminder that hope isn't fluffy — it's foundational. In this episode, she unpacks how school leaders can reconnect with what matters most: the heartbeat of their schools.
🎓 Meet Your Fellow Ruckus MakerDr. Brandi Kelly is a seasoned educator with 20+ years of experience as a school social worker, principal, and superintendent. She's a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Maxwell Certified Coach who founded Spark HOPE Edu to help leaders cultivate schools where every person feels seen, heard, and valued.
🔨 Breaking Down the Old RulesIn this episode, Dr. Brandi Kelly challenges traditional education paradigms:
🧠 Key Insight #1: Leadership by Compliance- What's broken: Systems that reward rule-following over relationship-building.
- The shift: Leading with heart, humanity, and HOPE.
- Impact: Deeper connection, higher engagement, and campuses where people thrive.
- What's broken: Focusing on deficits and discipline.
- The shift: Believing in students before they believe in themselves.
- Impact: Students rediscover purpose, belonging, and personal power.
- What's broken: Isolation at the top.
- The shift: Prioritizing coaching, community, and connection.
- Impact: Stronger, more supported leaders who build stronger teams.
"You matter. Your story matters. And there is greatness inside of you. So go shine your light in this world bright." – Dr. Brandi Kelly
🏋️ Your Do School Different ChallengeReady to implement these ideas? Start here:
- Tomorrow: Ask one student or teacher what gives them hope.
- This Month: Reflect on your leadership through the lens of HOPE: Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, and Excellence.
- This Semester: Start your day with intention. Replace your to-do list with a "to-connect" list.
🌟 Get the full episode transcript here
🔗 Follow Dr. Brandi Kelly:
- Website: www.sparkhopeedu.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandi-kelly-ed-d-lcsw-05446aa7/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadwithhope.23/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LTW24?mibextid=LQQJ4d
If education ain't a bit disruptive, then what are your students really learning?
This show isn't about doing school better.
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🤝 Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with:- ODP Business Solutions®: Looking to create the kind of campus experience students never forget? ODP Business Solutions® transforms ordinary spaces into extraordinary learning environments. 🔍 Learn more: odpbusiness.com/education
- IXL: Over 1 million teachers rely on IXL because it is empowering, it helps them make better decisions with reliable data, and it adapts instruction based on student performance. 🔍 Learn more: ixl.com/leaders
- Play Piper: Too many students love tech but don't see themselves as scientists or engineers. Play Piper's hands-on STEM kits and engaging curriculum changes that. 🔍 Learn more: playpiper.com
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