Transformative Principal

Host Jethro D. Jones talks with teacher Hilda Guerrero about her "Peacefully Productive Kids" program, which helps students develop emotional regulation, empathy, and conflict resolution skills. Hilda shares practical strategies and resources she created after working with a challenging student, and discusses her mission to make social-emotional learning easy and accessible for teachers everywhere.Peacefully Productive Kids - SEL and personal development for kids. Started 3 years ago when she had a highly challenging student, elopement, emotional outbursts. Started to read books and did action research with that particular student. Creating and collecting resources. Videos and resources already available and creating as she went along. Stephen Guise Elastic HabitsCreated a chart and tracked behavior. Ridiculously simple goals. The more he succeeded the better he got at succeeding. What causes the elopement?Let him know he’s safe, consistent soft, gentle messagesWhen a child is in distress, they need to learn how to release the emotions in a different way.If they have the language skills to express how they feel they will do better. Addressing 3 tiers with students - 1:1, friendship class, and whole group3 main components: mind, heart, body. Preparation for the lesson - needs to be teacher friendly. Within 5 clicks have what they need. Videos, journals, lesson plans, role plays, poetry, music, dance, etc. State an issue, and find resources to support kids. Language as the pathway to social and emotional well being“My son used to be feisty and snappy, and he even talks differently.” Words of empathy - friendship class - kids all complaining about what is going wrong. I can give you the words to de-escalate the fight! Friendship helpers. 6 steps on how to be an active listener. This project is bigger than me! Teachers are undertrained and outnumbered. Want to help out? Reach out at PeacefullyProductiveKids.comAbout Hilda GuerreroHilda Guerrero is a dedicated educator with 28 years of experience teaching elementary-aged students. Throughout her career, she has specialized in bilingual education, equipping students with the linguistic skills necessary to thrive in diverse learning environments. She holds a Master’s Degree in Teaching English as a Second Language, which has deepened her understanding of language acquisition and cross-cultural communication.Now, she is channeling her expertise into developing a digital product (Peacefully Productive Kids) designed to help teachers cultivate Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and personal development skills in their students. Drawing on the four modes of language learning, listening, speaking, reading, and writing, she is developing specialized language practices that foster children's social, emotional, and mental growth. Her passion for teaching language has expanded to include the vital language of emotions and self-awareness, empowering young learners to understand themselves and others with empathy and confidence.She believes in the transformative power of language and SEL to nurture holistic development, shaping not only students’ academic skills but also their emotional resilience and interpersonal growth.When she’s not teaching or creating, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, swimming, and taking long nature walks with friends, always inspired by the belief that education is the foundation for growth, in language, character, and life. LinkedLeaders: You need support. Get just-in-time mentoring at LinkedLeaders.comWe’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Nearly a year ago, Dr. Kelly Hastings interviewed Jethro on this show to talk about Saboteurs. It’s high time we get her on the show to talk about her work. SCALE Framework:Set the vision and team with clarity and purposeCreate the script that drives aligned, actionable changeAct and communicate effectively with your entire communityLearn, listen, and linger to build momentum and avoid burnoutEmpower and elevate your team so the work lasts beyond one leader or school yearYou can’t always make a vision happen in a single year. Principals must set the vision, but they can’t do it alone. Smallest possible action, aligned with what we are already doingCommunicate with everyone about how they can support the initiative. The power of “Shadow a Student”Teaching teachers how to be leaders - so powerful. Power of Permission - How to change mindsets - Vertical DevelopmentHow to be a transformative principal? Listen to what your good teachers are saying. Dr. Kelly Hastings brings over 28 years of dedicated service to public education, most recently as a middle school principal. Since retiring from her role in public schools, she has continued to impact the field by coaching and supporting school leaders in implementation and leadership development. Dr. Hastings is married and the proud mother of four children and grandmother to four grandchildren, ranging in age from 8 to 16. Living nearby, she delights in cheering them on in their many activities—from baseball and dance to taekwondo and more. Join her facebook group. Get her book: Leading Change that Lasts LinkedLeaders: You need support. Get just-in-time mentoring at LinkedLeaders.comWe’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Naphtali Hoff is an executive coach, organizational consultant, trainer, writer & speaker.How to come back from making a mistake.Think big picture.If you don’t create the right foundation, then you will spend far less time helping kids thanWhen elephants fight, it’s the grass that gets trampled. - Rick LavoieWhere you can support the visionEverything flows from the foundation.We make decisions based on the emotional connection.Trust shields you from other problems.How to be a transformative principal? Continue to invest in yourself. You can’t give what you don’t have.

In this episode, Jethro and Danny continue their "Reject the Premise" series, a collaborative book-writing and podcast project. They discuss challenging traditional assumptions in education, focusing on reimagining school leadership, student development, and the real purpose of education.Links to Parts 1-3:Reject the Premise 1: Podcasts LinkReject the Premise 2: Podcast LinkReject the Premise 3: Eric Chagla Episode LinkedLeaders: You need support. Get just-in-time mentoring at LinkedLeaders.comWe’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

In this episode of Transformative Principal, Jethro Jones welcomes three inspiring guests to discuss the origins and impact of the Test Kitchen Education Foundation in Fort Madison, Iowa. Brent Zirkel shares how the foundation was created to blend culinary arts with education, providing students with essential life and academic skills. Kumar Withanage, a renowned chef and passionate educator, recounts his journey from Sri Lanka to the U.S. and his motivation to give back to the community through after-school programs that teach both cooking and life lessons. Julian Pope, a former student and participant, describes how the Test Kitchen became a turning point in his life, offering mentorship, practical skills, and opportunities that helped him pursue higher education. The conversation highlights the power of mentorship, the importance of community, and the value of providing safe, supportive spaces for students to grow.How Test Kitchen Education Foundation came to be. How Julien got involved through the robotics program. Cooking provides instant feedback.The power of mentorship.ACT - Appreciate, Clean up after yourself, Thank everyone.Mentorship and agreements or commitmentsAbout Kumar WickramasinghaKumar Wickramasingha is best known in southeast Iowa for his culinary expertise and his deep commitment to educational equity. A native of Sri Lanka, Kumar immigrated to the United States in 1986, where he was welcomed by George and Jean Alton—two Fort Madison educators who gave him a home and the encouragement to pursue higher education. Inspired by their generosity and belief in the power of education, Kumar fulfilled his American dream by becoming a successful restaurateur and later a healthcare executive.Kumar's most enduring legacy, however, may be his work in education reform. As the founder of the Test Kitchen Education Foundation (TKEF), he created the Elliott Test Kitchen (ETK)—a one-of-a-kind afterschool program that used food and mentorship to bring academic support to students in rural Iowa. With a blend of culinary creativity and educational accountability, the program helped countless students from all backgrounds succeed in school, build life skills, and discover their potential.Today, Kumar is collaborating with former ETK student Julien Pope on a forthcoming book that tells the story of the Test Kitchen’s origins, challenges, and powerful impact. The book not only highlights the life-changing effects of academic support and mentorship, but also draws a powerful connection between the decline of quality education in rural communities and the rise of political polarization in America. Through real stories and hard truths, the project aims to spark a national conversation—and offer a roadmap for healing both systems.Kumar continues to live in Fort Madison and remains passionate about giving back to the community that once lifted him up. His work is a testament to the idea that the best way to thank a community is to build something lasting within it.About Julien PopeJulien Pope is a ghostwriter and freelance developmental editor currently working in Fort Madison, Iowa. As a high schooler, his life was positively impacted by the Elliott Test Kitchen, and, using the resources provided to him by the ETK, he successfully enrolled at the University of Iowa as an English and Creative Writing Major. Recently graduated, he has returned to Fort Madison to work on a series of writing projects, one of which being the memoir of Kumar Wickramasingha and the story of the Elliott Test Kitchen. As the author of this memoir, Julien will use both personal narrative and in-depth research to create a compelling argument for the solution to rural America’s educational decline - namely, that only through dedicated, passionate community involvement and cultural appreciation will education be able to flourish and heal the rifts in our fracturing society. About Brent ZirkelBrent Zirkel is currently the Elementary Principal at Mary Welsh Elementary in Williamsburg, Iowa, a school of about 650 students.  He also serves as the district ELL Director, Migratory Education Program Director, and Preschool Program Director. Brent has previously served as the Associate Principal at Williamsburg Jr/Sr. High School (7-12) and Fort Madison Middle School (4-8).  Brent taught Spanish at Fort Madison High School for 12 years where he was honored for 5 consecutive years with the Terry Branstad Inspiring Teacher Award for serving as a motivational force to some of Iowa’s top-performing high school students. He has a BA in Geography and Spanish Education, an MS in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Bilingual Education (ELL), and is certified as a Pre-K-12 Administrator and Special Education Supervisor.Brent is also an educational consultant for the Test Kitchen Educational Foundation: a non-profit organization that creates innovative after-school programming for rural communities in Iowa by getting youth excited about learning through engagement in academics, culinary arts, and valuable life skills.  Brent is married to Michelle, a K-6 Media Teacher, and has two children, Brevin (16) and Bram (10). Brent enjoys spending time with his family. He is an avid fan of Survivor, the TV show, and is a true believer in progress through struggle. Brent sees education as the greatest opportunity to build a better tomorrow by positively impacting the lives of his students today. LinkedLeaders: You need support. Get just-in-time mentoring at LinkedLeaders.comWe’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

In this episode, Jethro interviews Derek "DC" Crager, a passionate advocate for making artificial intelligence accessible, especially for the neurodiverse community. DC shares his personal experiences as an autistic individual and discusses how AI can empower people with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia to enhance their skills and independence. The conversation explores the unique challenges neurodiverse individuals face, the importance of supportive AI interfaces, and how technology can provide cognitive equity and a patient, understanding companion. DC also explains his work with Practical AI and AI for Autistics, offering insights into building inclusive tools and communities that help neurodiverse people thrive in education and employment. The episode highlights the transformative potential of AI as both a mentor and a bridge for communication, learning, and self-advocacy.Neurodiverse vs. neurotypicalAI gives “us” someone to talk toVoice interface to be a patient anthropomorphic voiceSpeak with ourselves Those of us with ADHD are either at 50,000 feet or deep in the weedsCognitive Equity is what AI enables for people with disabilities to have a voice when they didn’t beforeGenius Within - spikey profileLack of control over the words can be seen as ignorance or stupidityHow to make sure that the AI is helpful and context awareGuardrails on the AI - for example, as a subject matter expertNavigating the community and context instead of just GPS navigating vs. talking on the phone navigatingAnyplace that a human can be offering mentorship1:1 virtual mentor:student relationshipConversationally know and communicate about studentsReach out to DC about free resourcesDerek “DC” Crager, a passionate advocate for making artificial intelligence approachable and accessible, particularly for individuals within the neurodiverse community. As someone who is autistic, Derek has dedicated himself to fostering a supportive environment where people with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia can leverage AI to enhance their skills and income. Through his work at Practical AI, he emphasizes clarity and support, ensuring that users can navigate AI without being overwhelmed by its complexities.Derek has also achieved notable success in his career, having developed Amazon's top-rated employee training program, which focuses on simplifying complex concepts for better understanding and application. His community, now boasting over 6,060 members, thrives on the principles of shared learning and earning, making it a valuable resource for educators and leaders alike. He is poised to share insights drawn from his journey and the impactful initiatives at Practical AI, promising to engage and inspire any audience. LinkedLeaders: You need support. Get just-in-time mentoring at LinkedLeaders.comWe’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

In this episode of Transformative Principle, host Jethro Jones welcomes back Dr. Chad Dumas, international consultant and author of "The Teacher Team Leader Handbook." Together, they explore the crucial distinction between who you are and what you do as a leader, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, integrity, and coherence in educational leadership. Chad shares practical advice for new teacher team leaders, highlighting the foundational responsibilities of creating psychological safety, building team capacity, and doing the work. The conversation delves into actionable strategies—like the power of the pause and using a "third point" in meetings—to foster trust and effective collaboration. Listeners will come away with insights on aligning intentions with actions and building long-term, meaningful professional relationships.Two parts - who you are and what you do (being and doing)Give me a tool! Give me a process! Others did not perceive them as being genuine or authenticCoherence - striving to live a life of coherence - same person when I’m with anybodyClarity about the responsibilities - psychological safety, building capacity, doing the workCulture of NiceSocial sensitivity - nonverbal communicationEquity in turn taking - 4 quadrants for decision-making for a leader. 40 actions - here’s one:  pauseAnother one: 3rd point - Michael GrinderWhat was most valuable to you today? From The Coaching Habit.How to be a transformative principal? Think about your intentions as a person and a leader and how you can About Chad DumasDr. Chad Dumas is a Solution Tree PLC and RTI at Work®, Assessment, and Priority Schools associate and international consultant, presenter and award-winning researcher. His leadership training and coaching focuses on building capacity for self, team, and system improvement. Having been a successful teacher, principal, central office administrator, professional developer and consultant in a variety of school districts, he shares his research and knowledge in his books, Let’s Put the C in PLC, An Action Guide to Put the C in PLC, and The Teacher Team Leader Handbook,  and consulting that includes research, stories, hands-on tools, useful knowledge, and practical skills. LinkedLeaders: You need support. Get just-in-time mentoring at LinkedLeaders.comWe’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

In this episode of Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones sits down with K.C. Knudson, MTSS Coordinator at the Northwest Educational Service District, to explore the critical distinction between coaching and evaluation in education. Drawing on research and real-world experience, K.C. shares why 98% of teachers need coaching—not evaluation—and how shifting from a culture of grading to one of growth can transform schools. The conversation covers the pitfalls of traditional evaluation systems, the power of collective efficacy, and practical strategies for principals to foster collaborative, learner-centered environments. Listeners will gain actionable insights on building effective teams, de-privatizing instructional practice, and making professional learning communities truly impactful.Coaching vs. EvaluationPennsylvania training and assistance networkPennsylvania data - 98% of teachers are rated proficientGrow vs. Grade - 98% of your staff want to grow and get better. Gates foundation spent $212 Million to state that teacher evaluations do not provide meaningful growth, retain teachers, or help with student achievementWashington - research-based evaluation - targeted vs. comprehensive evaluationNeed to teach our principals how to coach more effectively. Don’t spend a lot of time talking about quality instructionPrecision over profusion - trying to add more seat time is profusionWhat do we need our teachers to be really good at. Instructional floor - Anthony MuhammedWe’ve got to be good at our craft to get to the student learning part of it. Learner objectives - produce kids that know how to be seen and heard, how to function, how to thrive in the world. The Principal is PrincipleSchools change life trajectoriesCommunity Creates EquityPrincipal as the center of a wagon wheel vs. the principal as a node of a networkSupportive leadership in the service of empowered teachersHow to be a transformative principal? Deprivatize teaching: Sit down for 30 minutes and do a teams audit: When do I have people sitting down and focusing on student learning?About K.C. KnudsonK. C. Knudson is currently the MTSS Coordinator at the Northwest Educational Service District. Prior to this role, he served as a Senior Educational Consultant, where he focused on facilitating the establishment of inclusive classrooms, schools, and districts to effectively cater to the diverse needs of all students. This work is deeply rooted in the strategic utilization of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines and the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. K. C. has extensive experience in providing professional learning, coaching, and technical assistance specifically aimed at supporting the implementation of inclusive practices using UDL and MTSS. His background in education leadership includes significant roles such as Director of Teaching and Learning, Assistant Superintendent, Executive Director, Principal, Assistant Principal, and Teacher. LinkedLeaders: You need support. Get just-in-time mentoring at LinkedLeaders.comWe’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

In this episode of Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones interviews Kristian Golick, founder of EduCreative, about how schools can stand out by uncovering and communicating their unique culture and emotional truth. They discuss the importance of storytelling in school marketing, the process of identifying a school's key differentiator, and how a clear, emotionally resonant message attracts both families and staff who are the right fit. Kristian shares insights on the value of external perspective, the impact of belonging and engagement on students, and practical steps for principals to start collecting stories that define their school’s identity. The episode emphasizes that when a school’s message is clear and authentic, it fosters community, increases enrollment, and creates a virtuous cycle of pride and participation among students, staff, and families.Culture is just another word for reputationHow do you figure out what the key differentiator of your school. Tell me a time when you were so proud to work at your school.Emotions and key ideasKids will love school - Why?Your school is creating a sense of belonging in your students and families. Where kids want to congregate, rather than have to congregate. How having a good vision for your school helps recruit teachersIt can be hard to see what is good in your school when you’re in the thick of itAnything created is a representation of your school’s experience. How to be a transformative principal? What’s an amazing thing that happened this week?About Kristian GolickAt EduCreative, we help schools stop sounding like everyone else. Most schools talk about programs and preparation—but parents don’t choose schools based on that. They choose based on connection. We uncover the emotional truth behind what makes your school different, and turn that into strategic, story-driven video content, that resonates with the right families. Because when your message is clear and your story connects, enrollment follows. LinkedLeaders: You need support. Get just-in-time mentoring at LinkedLeaders.comWe’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

In this episode, Jethro Jones welcomes Patrick Mongrain, a middle school teacher, instructional coach, and restorative justice specialist, to discuss building sustainable systems in education. Patrick shares his “Moneyball” approach—leveraging data and analytics to improve classroom instruction and teacher support. He emphasizes the importance of moving beyond quick fixes and initiative fatigue by focusing on eight key practices that create hope and clarity for educators.Moneyball - Billy Bean developed a system of analytics to make a better system. Judging people based on unimportant data and perceptions. Applying a similar approach to how we teach. Spending time in different areas that see what great things are happening all over the place. Stop throwing shiny objects at the problem. The Key Performance Indicators: Class RoutineCommunity DataCorrective FeedbackInformed SupervisionOpportunities To RespondPositive FeedbackPositive Feedback RangeStudent To Teacher TimeTeaching ExpectationSystems = hopeKnowing what to do next gives people hope. That’s how systems create hope. 2% of teachers need to be evaluated, 98% of teachers need to be coached. Evaluation as a hoop to jump through. Teachers are so incredible, having an evaluation system that is so complex makes it difficult. Repeating is not the same as creating. Two injustices against teachers - evaluations Evaluation systems seem intentionally overwhelming.Initiative FatigueTrust Based Observations Edchanger Pro app - Make observations like a How to be a transformative principal? Relationships - taking the time to connect with them. Self-care is working in a system that you feel confident in. About Patrick MongrainPatrick Mongrain is a certified teacher currently serving in a TOSA role. He taught middle school history and leadership for 10 years and has spent another 10 years as a district-level instructional coach and restorative justice specialist. In his current position within the professional learning department, he divides his time evenly between teaching in classrooms, supporting school leaders in building systems, and working on district wide improvement. Patrick believes teachers are incredible, and to truly support them, we must move beyond quick fixes and do the hard work of building and sustaining systems. In this spirit, he has created a coherent instructional framework that applies a “Moneyball” approach, leveraging data and analytics on key performance indicators. He’s written a book Theory Can Only Take You So Far and developed a data collection app called Edchanger Pro that brings this system to life.Contact: E-mail: pmongrain65@comcast.netWebpage: https://www.youtube.com/@EdChanger and www.EdChanger.comApp: EdChanger Pro: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/edchanger-pro/id6741165826 LinkedIn: Patrick Mongrain LinkedLeaders: You need support. Get just-in-time mentoring at LinkedLeaders.comWe’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.