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The Ruckus Report
Quick take: In a system built for efficiency rather than connection, Dr. Godfrey shows how one district is creating space for what truly matters—from targeted reading interventions to wellness days for staff—proving that even large districts can make the human element their highest priority.
Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker
Dr. Anthony Godfrey is the Superintendent of Schools for Jordan School District in Utah, overseeing 58,000 students and 9,000 employees. Appointed superintendent in 2019, he brings 31 years of experience in the district, having served as an English teacher, assistant principal, principal, and administrator of schools. Dr. Godfrey holds a Bachelor's in English Teaching and French from Weber State University, along with a Master's Degree and Doctorate from the University of Utah. He hosts the popular "Jordan Supercast" podcast, using his platform to connect directly with his community.
Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨
In this episode, Dr. Godfrey challenges traditional education paradigms:
Key Insight #1: Fund Preparation Time, Not Just Professional Development
What's broken: Traditional PD without paid time for teachers to implement what they've learned
The shift: Securing board funding for teacher preparation time alongside professional development for their Walk to Read program
Impact: Reading scores higher than ever before, despite launching during the pandemic
Key Insight #2: Prioritize Staff Wellness Through Structural Changes
What's broken: Expecting staff to maintain wellness without creating systemic support
The shift: Implementing dedicated "Health and Wellness Days" (three-day weekends) for all 9,000 district employees
Impact: Creating a culture that values people over processes, demonstrating that employee wellbeing isn't just talk
Key Insight #3: Reimagine Leadership Communication
What's broken: Relying on emails and memos to build connections and communicate vision
The shift: "Email is for information, not conversation" philosophy and launching a superintendent podcast
Impact: Deeper connections throughout the district as people hear their superintendent's voice and style, creating familiarity and trust
Quotable Ruckus
"Email is for information, not conversation. And many times we want to have a conversation through email. Email is just for information." – Dr. Anthony Godfrey
Your Do School Different Challenge
Ready to implement these ideas? Start here:
Tomorrow: Audit your own communication habits—are you trying to have conversations via email that would be better in person?
This Month: Create a plan to pay teachers for their preparation time for your next major initiative, not just the training
This Semester: Explore what a wellness day would look like in your school or district—even starting with a half-day pilot could show commitment to staff wellbeing
Connect & Continue
🎯 Listen to the Jordan Supercast: https://supercast.jordandistrict.org/
🔗 Follow Dr. Godfrey: X/Twitter | LinkedIn
💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: https://ruckusmakers.club/join
Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here.
Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: IXL: Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more here.
Expressability K12: Your inbox isn't a task manager. Your mind isn't for storing mundane processes. It's time to break free. With Expressability K12 Ruckus Makers can prioritize student success by offloading time sucking tasks. Visit Expressability K12 to learn how here.
ODP Business Solutions: "Our STEAM program is too complicated" = Code for "We're doing it wrong" Stop letting fear kill innovation. While some schools struggle with integrating STEAM, other leaders are using a 3-part framework to transform their programs. The secret? It's not what you think. Get the playbook URL: here.
Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning?
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The Ruckus Report
Quick take: Schools only account for 20% of a child's waking hours. Reschool co-founder Amy Anderson reveals how innovative partnerships with families and communities can transform the other 80% into powerful learning opportunities that create more equitable education for all.
Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker
Amy Anderson is the Executive Director and co-founder of RESCHOOL Colorado, which she established in 2013 to ensure learning systems offer options responsive to families' interests and needs, particularly those facing barriers to accessing opportunities. With over 25 years in education innovation, Amy previously served as Associate Commissioner at the Colorado Department of Education, leading the Division of Innovation, Choice, and Engagement where she created a statewide vision for personalized and expanded learning opportunities.
Amy's impressive career includes pioneering work in online and blended learning at the DK Foundation, education policy and school finance with APA Consulting, and new school development for the Colorado League of Charter Schools. She was instrumental in launching the nation's first charter schools in the early '90s at Designs for Learning in St. Paul, MN, and co-founded The Odyssey School in Denver, one of Colorado's first and longest-running charter schools. Amy holds a Ph.D. and M.Ed. from the University of Colorado and a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin and currently serves as Chair Emeritus of the Aurora Institute's Board of Directors.
Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨
In this episode, Amy challenges traditional education paradigms:
Key Insight #1: Co-Design Educational Solutions With Communities
What's broken: Creating educational programs for communities rather than with them
The shift: Inviting families and students to co-design learning experiences from the very beginning
Impact: More relevant and effective solutions that address actual needs instead of assumed ones, building lasting change (like a charter school Amy helped design that's now 26 years old)
Key Insight #2: Empower Families With Resources and Agency
What's broken: Privileged families can direct resources toward their children's learning outside of school, while others lack this opportunity
The shift: Creating "Learning Dollars" that give under-resourced families funds to access learning opportunities that supplement school
Impact: Over $600,000 distributed to families across Colorado, allowing them to direct resources toward tutoring, arts, sports, STEM, and other opportunities that match their children's interests and needs
Key Insight #3: Connect Schools to Community Learning Resources
What's broken: Schools trying to be everything to all students without utilizing community resources
The shift: Mapping community learning assets and connecting schools with these resources to expand what schools can offer
Impact: Creating "learning ecosystems" that leverage community expertise, like DenverLearningEcosystem.org, which helps schools find and partner with local learning providers
Quotable Ruckus
"Learning happens everywhere and we need to make sure it's equitable for all kids." – Amy Anderson
Your Do School Different Challenge
Ready to implement these ideas? Start here:
Tomorrow: Download the Design Lab resource from ReschoolColorado.org/tools to learn the basics of co-designing with your community
This Month: Identify 3-5 community organizations that could enhance your school's offerings and schedule initial conversations about potential partnerships
This Semester: Create a pilot program that gives families some agency over a portion of educational resources, perhaps starting with summer learning opportunities
Connect & Continue
🎯 Explore Reschool's Design Lab: ReschoolColorado.org/designlab
🔗 Learn about Denver's Learning Ecosystem: DenverLearningEcosystem.org
🌐 Visit RESCHOOL Colorado: ReschoolColorado.org
📱 Follow RESCHOOL: Instagram | Facebook | X/Twitter | LinkedIn
💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: https://ruckusmakers.club/join
Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here..
Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with:
IXL: Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more here.
Expressability K12: Your inbox isn't a task manager. Your mind isn't for storing mundane processes. It’s time to break free. With Expressability K12 Ruckus Makers can prioritize student success by offloading time sucking tasks.Visit Expressability K12 to learn how here.
ODP Business Solutions: "Our STEAM program is too complicated" = Code for "We're doing it wrong"
Stop letting fear kill innovation. While some schools struggle with integrating STEAM, other leaders are using a 3-part framework to transform their programs. The secret? It's not what you think.
Get the playbook URL: here.
Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning?
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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The Ruckus Report
Quick take: When transforming struggling schools, following the traditional playbook isn't enough. Learn how effective turnaround leaders strategically break rules, build relationships, and create rapid improvement while working within traditional systems.
Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker
Amy Galloway serves as Executive Director of PIVOT School Improvement Leaders, providing intensive coaching and development for principals leading significant school improvement efforts in Tennessee and Mississippi. With experience as a successful turnaround principal herself, Amy now helps school leaders master the delicate art of driving rapid change while building sustainable systems.
Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨
In this episode, Amy challenges traditional education paradigms:
Key Insight #1: The Power of Listening First
What's broken: Traditional top-down leadership where principals arrive with pre-made plans
The shift: Starting with door-to-door listening campaigns to understand community needs and dreams
Impact: Building deep trust and authentic buy-in from families and staff
Key Insight #2: Strategic Rule-Breaking
What's broken: Rigid adherence to system norms that maintain status quo results
The shift: Identifying which rules to break, preparing for consequences, and focusing on student impact
Impact: Creating rapid improvement by removing bureaucratic barriers while maintaining accountability
Key Insight #3: High-Performance Planning
What's broken: Reactive leadership consumed by daily fires
The shift: Protected time for quarterly/monthly/weekly planning aligned to priorities
Impact: Leaders who can drive strategic improvement even amid frequent crises
Quotable Ruckus
"If you're going to center your kids' experience and you're going to center student learning, that often means you have to make a choice that doesn't necessarily fit within the expectations or the system. And that is more than okay. In fact, it should be expected." - Amy Galloway
Your Do School Different Challenge
Ready to implement these ideas? Start here:
Tomorrow: Block off 30 minutes for weekly planning - make it your most important meeting
This Month: Schedule listening sessions with 5 key stakeholders about their hopes for your school
This Semester: Identify one system norm that needs to change and create an implementation plan
Connect & Continue
🎯 Get the full episode transcript: LInk
🔗 Follow Amy : Link - Website
💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: https://ruckusmakers.club/join
Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter?
Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here.
Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with:
IXL: Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more: IXL.com/leaders
Expressability K12: Your inbox isn't a task manager. Your mind isn't for storing mundane processes. It’s time to break free. With Expressability K12 Ruckus Makers can prioritize student success by offloading time sucking tasks.
Visit Expressability K12 to learn how. (expressability.com/ruckus)ODP Business Solutions® STEAM programs failing before they start? Most schools botch STEAM implementation because they're missing 3 critical elements. Here's the wild part: it's not about fancy tech or massive budgets. ODP Business Solutions® has researched many successful programs to identify what actually works (and what's just burning cash).Learn the blueprint here.
Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning?
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The Ruckus Report
Quick take: In this special episode, Danny shares his journey from rule-following student to educational disruptor, then delivers key updates on everything happening at Ruckus Maker HQ in 2025 that can help you transform your leadership.
Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker
Danny Bauer is the founder of Better Leaders Better Schools and host of the most downloaded podcast for school leaders. As a former principal turned educational leadership coach, Danny has dedicated his career to helping visionary school leaders "do school different" through his coaching programs, live events, and the Ruckus Maker movement.
Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨
In this episode, Danny shares his origin story and provides exciting updates about the Ruckus Maker movement:
Key Insight #1: Breaking Rules Intentionally Creates New Possibilities
What's broken: Following rules without questioning often leads to playing games you can't win
The shift: Consciously deciding to play different games on your own terms, even when it breaks convention
Impact: Discovering what you truly value and finding authentic pathways to success that align with your strengths
Key Insight #2: Leadership Support Requires Multiple Formats
What's broken: One-size-fits-all professional development that doesn't meet the diverse needs of innovative leaders
The shift: Creating an ecosystem of support through newsletters, accelerator programs, live events, and masterminds
Impact: School leaders can find the right level of support for their specific needs, challenges, and leadership journey
Key Insight #3: Creating a Campus Experience Worth Showing Up For
What's broken: Schools operating with uninspiring environments that fail to engage students and staff
The shift: Reimagining schools as vibrant, exciting, innovative places that rival Disney for creating meaningful experiences
Impact: When leaders set this tone, both students and teachers become more engaged, creating a virtuous cycle of positive energy
Quotable Ruckus
"There's two kinds of principals. Those play-it-safe principals who maintain the status quo. If they get better, it's incrementally better. They don't rock the boat at all. Nothing really changes. And then there's Ruckus Makers that I like to think are visitors from the future, showing us one day how education can be." – Danny Bauer
Your Do School Different Challenge
Ready to implement these ideas? Start here:
Tomorrow: Subscribe to Ruckus Maker News and use the Weekend Resource to plan your innovative approach for the week
This Month: Choose one rule or conventional practice at your school that needs questioning, and start exploring alternative approaches
This Semester: Identify where you need the most support in your leadership journey and commit to joining a community like the Mastermind or attending the Impact Intensive
Connect & Continue
🎯 Subscribe to Ruckus Maker News: https://ruckusmakers.news/subscribe
🔗 Learn about the Summer Impact Intensive: https://betterleadersbetterschools.com/live-event-2025/
💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: https://www.betterleadersbetterschools.com/mastermind-application/
Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here.
Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: Class Composer: Want to know why Ruckus Makers love Class Composer? Because it turns the dreaded end-of-year class placement meetings into a streamlined, data-driven process. Your teachers will save hours of time while ensuring that nothing is overlooked, including student separations. 🔍 Learn More Here.
Quest Food Management Services: Creating joyful learning environments starts in the cafeteria. Quest brings 40 years of expertise in crafting scratch-made meals that nurture both body and community spirit through innovative student engagement programs. 🔍 Learn more here.
ODP Business Solutions: Most schools botch STEAM implementation because they're missing 3 critical elements. Here's the wild part: it's not about fancy tech or massive budgets. ODP Business Solutions® has researched many successful programs to identify what actually works (and what's just burning cash). 🔍 Learn the blueprint: here.
Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning?
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The Ruckus Report
Quick take: Missouri Superintendent Dr. David Buck shows how real-world learning experiences are transforming education from standardized "assembly lines" into dynamic pathways that prepare students for a future even educators can't predict.
Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker
Dr. David Buck has been an educator for 28 years, serving as a teacher of everything from at-risk to gifted classes and middle school science. He's been involved with the Missouri Leadership Academy since 2006, helping emerging leaders become principals through a year-long development process. As a father of three daughters (one in college, one in high school, and one in middle school), he brings both professional expertise and personal investment to his transformative work in education.
Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨
In this episode, Dr. Buck challenges traditional education paradigms:
Key Insight #1: Transform Spaces into Real-World Learning Environments
What's broken: Traditional school facilities that limit hands-on, applied learning
The shift: Purchasing and repurposing a 15-acre former amusement park into a multi-level learning center for PreK-12, including environmental education, hospitality programs, and hands-on science experiments
Impact: Every grade K-5 now has culminating real-world science experiences, high schoolers gain practical career skills, and the community has rallied behind this bold reimagining of educational spaces
Key Insight #2: Make Learning Contextual Through Real-World Application
What's broken: Teaching academic content in isolation from its real-world applications
The shift: Creating contextual learning programs like "AMPed-up Algebra" where students learn algebra while running a screen-printing shop, and hands-on geometry through construction projects
Impact: Students in the applied algebra program scored higher than those in traditional classes, demonstrating that contextualized learning leads to better retention and understanding
Key Insight #3: Build Direct Bridges Between Education and Employment
What's broken: The disconnect between school learning and workforce needs
The shift: Implementing "Diploma Plus" programs that ensure every graduate has college credit, an industry-recognized certificate, an internship, or client-connected projects
Impact: Increased from 48% to 79% of graduates with market-value assets, with numerous success stories of students solving real business problems that adult employees couldn't crack
Quotable Ruckus
"What do kids need individually? And it's not going to be the same from kid to kid... I think historically one of the knocks you could put on education is they're quick to solution instead of wrestling and fully understanding the problem." – Dr. David Buck
Your Do School Different Challenge
Ready to implement these ideas? Start here:
Tomorrow: Identify one traditional lesson that could be taught through hands-on, real-world application instead. How might algebra look in a business setting or science in an environmental context?
This Month: Map your community's business assets and reach out to 3-5 potential partners who might provide internships or client-connected projects for students
This Semester: Establish a "Career Navigator" position or repurpose an existing role to focus specifically on connecting students with real-world learning opportunities
Connect & Continue
🎯 Get the full episode transcript: Link
🔗 Follow Dr. David Buck: Link
💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: https://ruckusmakers.club/join
Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here..
Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: Class Composer: Want to know why Ruckus Makers love Class Composer? Because it turns the dreaded end-of-year class placement meetings into a streamlined, data-driven process. Your teachers will save hours of time while ensuring that nothing is overlooked, including student separations. 🔍 Learn More Here.
IXL: Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more: IXL.com/leaders
ODP Business Solutions: Most schools botch STEAM implementation because they're missing 3 critical elements. Here's the wild part: it's not about fancy tech or massive budgets. ODP Business Solutions® has researched many successful programs to identify what actually works (and what's just burning cash). 🔍 Learn the blueprint: here.
Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning?
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The Ruckus Report Quick take: A veteran educator shares powerful insights on building trust, implementing anchor practices, and creating a school culture where both teachers and students want to show up every day.
Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker
A middle school principal with 14 years of experience in education transitions from teacher to coach to administrator, bringing fresh perspectives on building authentic relationships and implementing meaningful change.
Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, our guest challenges traditional education paradigms:
Key Insight #1: Trust-Building Over Tools
● What's broken: Focusing solely on implementing new programs and initiatives
● The shift: Building genuine relationships and trust first
● Impact: Increased teacher buy-in and more authentic implementation of school practices
Key Insight #2: Anchor Practices as Culture Builders
● What's broken: Treating classroom observations as purely evaluative tools
● The shift: Using anchor practices to celebrate and spread effective teaching strategies
● Impact: Teachers seeing observations as coaching opportunities rather than evaluations
Key Insight #3: Attendance Through Engagement
● What's broken: Treating attendance as a compliance issue
● The shift: Creating a school environment students don't want to miss
● Impact: Increased attendance rates and student engagement
Quotable Ruckus "Be curious, not judgmental." – Anonymous Principal
Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here:
Tomorrow: Have a non-evaluative conversation with a teacher about their interests outside of school
This Month: Identify your school's anchor practices by studying your most effective teachers
This Semester: Build a comprehensive plan to make your school a place students don't want to miss
Connect & Continue
🎯 Get the full episode transcript:
💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: https://ruckusmakers.club/join
🚀 Join the 90-Day Accelerator Waitlist: https://90-day-waitlist.carrd.co/
Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here.
Today's RUCKUS cast in Partnership with:
Class Composer: Want to know why Ruckus Makers love Class Composer? Because it turns the dreaded end-of-year class placement meetings into a streamlined, data-driven process. Your teachers will save hours of time while ensuring that nothing is overlooked, including student separations. 🔍 Learn More Here
Quest Food Management Services: Creating joyful learning environments starts in the cafeteria. Quest brings 40 years of expertise in crafting scratch-made meals that nurture both body and community spirit through innovative student engagement programs. 🔍 Learn more here.
ODP Business Solutions: Most schools botch STEAM implementation because they're missing 3 critical elements. Here's the wild part: it's not about fancy tech or massive budgets. ODP Business Solutions® has researched many successful programs to identify what actually works (and what's just burning cash). 🔍 Learn the blueprint: here
Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning?
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Dr. Lupita Hightower on Strategic Planning: Turning Belief into Transformation
The Ruckus Report
Quick take: Arizona's Superintendent of the Year drops a masterclass on how strategic planning—when done right—creates school systems where every child is valued as a treasure and success is the expectation, not the exception.
Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker
Dr. Lupita Hightower is Arizona's Superintendent of the Year for 2023 and has worked in education for over 27 years in various roles, serving as superintendent for the last 12 years. As an immigrant starting school in the U.S. in the 7th grade, she credits her success to the many believers including family and educators.
Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨
In this episode, Dr. Hightower challenges traditional education paradigms:
Key Insight #1: Strategic Planning Must Begin With Belief
What's broken: Strategic plans that lack a core belief system or are created without authentic community involvement
The shift: Building a foundational belief system—"Every child is capable of success without exception"—before crafting a community-driven strategic plan
Impact: A district where expulsions are non-existent (zero in 12 years) and long-term suspensions are extremely rare (only two in 12 years)
Key Insight #2: Parent Engagement Requires Genuine Partnership
What's broken: Blaming parents for lack of engagement instead of examining school practices
The shift: Implementing Academic Parent Teacher Teams where families become true educational partners, sharing transparent data and supporting each other
Impact: 23% of enrollment comes from out-of-district families, driven entirely by word-of-mouth, despite being in one of the nation's most competitive school choice environments
Key Insight #3: Diversity Requires Removing Bias From Selection
What's broken: Traditional hiring processes that perpetuate unconscious bias
The shift: Implementing a "blinded process" where applicants' identities are hidden during initial screening, with evaluation based purely on task performance
Impact: A district where 60% of staff are people of color, creating powerful representation for a student body that is 95% students of color
Quotable Ruckus
"We cannot forget that as parents, we are our children's first teacher. Yes, in the school, you make a huge difference, but we cannot forget that." – Dr. Lupita Hightower (sharing wisdom from a parent)
Your Do School Different Challenge
Ready to implement these ideas? Start here:
Tomorrow: Audit your language around students—how can you shift from deficit-based descriptions to treasure-focused language?
This Month: Identify one way to make parent engagement more data-transparent and collaborative, perhaps through piloting Academic Parent Teacher Teams in one grade level
This Semester: Examine your hiring practices for hidden bias—could a "blinded" initial screening process help diversify your staff?
Connect & Continue
🎯 Get the full episode transcript: Link
🔗 Follow Dr. Hightower: LinkedIn | Instagram
💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: https://ruckusmakers.club/join
Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here.
Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: Class Composer: Want to know why Ruckus Makers love Class Composer? Because it turns the dreaded end-of-year class placement meetings into a streamlined, data-driven process. Your teachers will save hours of time while ensuring that nothing is overlooked, including student separations. 🔍 Learn More Here.
Quest Food Management Services: Creating joyful learning environments starts in the cafeteria. Quest brings 40 years of expertise in crafting scratch-made meals that nurture both body and community spirit through innovative student engagement programs. 🔍 Learn more here.
ODP Business Solutions: Most schools botch STEAM implementation because they're missing 3 critical elements. Here's the wild part: it's not about fancy tech or massive budgets. ODP Business Solutions® has researched many successful programs to identify what actually works (and what's just burning cash). 🔍 Learn the blueprint: here.
Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning?
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The 90-Day Accelerator: Launching Your School Year for Legendary Impact
Danny Bauer on Transforming School Leadership Through Intentional Planning
The Ruckus Report Quick take: A game-changing framework for school leaders who want to escape the firefighting trap and create intentional, high-impact leadership from day one.
Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Danny Bauer, host of the Better Leaders Better Schools Podcast and founder of the Ruckus Maker movement, shares his journey from experiencing "the worst start to school ever" to developing a comprehensive system that helps school leaders launch their years with clarity, purpose, and momentum.
Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Danny challenges traditional education leadership paradigms:
Key Insight #1: Self-Leadership Before School Leadership
What's broken: Starting with operations and putting yourself last
The shift: Prioritizing your energy management and growth first
Impact: Leaders who are focused, empowered, and modeling the change they want to see
Key Insight #2: Communication as the Foundation
What's broken: Unclear expectations and complex messaging
The shift: "Simplicity is velocity, complexity is the devil"
Impact: Teams aligned and motivated, all "rowing in the same direction at once"
Key Insight #3: Focus Beats Fragmentation
What's broken: Chasing 10-20+ initiatives simultaneously
The shift: Zeroing in on 3-5 high-leverage priorities that create domino effects
Impact: Meaningful progress on what truly matters instead of watered-down results
Quotable Ruckus "You're going to get the culture that you deserve, whether that's positive or negative, depending on how you show up. It's either intentionally designed or it designs itself." – Danny Bauer
Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here:
Tomorrow: Complete the School Leadership Scorecard to identify your highest-leverage growth opportunities
This Month: Draft an intentional 90-day plan focused on the five core areas: self-leadership, communication, academic focus, culture building, and operations
This Semester: Join the 90-Day Accelerator to transform your leadership approach with proven frameworks and systems
Connect & Continue
🎯 Get the full episode transcript: Link
💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: https://ruckusmakers.club/join
🚀 Join the 90-Day Accelerator Waitlist: https://90-day-waitlist.carrd.co/
Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here: http://ruckusmakers.news/subscribe
Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: Class Composer: Want to know why Ruckus Makers love Class Composer? Because it turns the dreaded end-of-year class placement meetings into a streamlined, data-driven process. Your teachers will save hours of time while ensuring that nothing is overlooked, including student separations. 🔍 Learn More Here.
Quest Food Management Services: Creating joyful learning environments starts in the cafeteria. Quest brings 40 years of expertise in crafting scratch-made meals that nurture both body and community spirit through innovative student engagement programs. 🔍 Learn more here.
ODP Business Solutions: Most schools botch STEAM implementation because they're missing 3 critical elements. Here's the wild part: it's not about fancy tech or massive budgets. ODP Business Solutions® has researched many successful programs to identify what actually works (and what's just burning cash). 🔍 Learn the blueprint: here
Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning?
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The Ruckus Report Quick take: A compelling look at how embracing AI and creativity can transform education, told through the journey of a young entrepreneur who went from feeling constrained by traditional schooling to teaching others how to innovate.
Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Today's episode features two innovators in education:
Nate Corona is a Santa Cruz entrepreneur who's redefining what's possible for students in the AI age. Starting with a sneaker cleaning business in his hometown, Nate chose the "harder route" over traditional paths, leading him to d'Skills where he transformed a random thought into a successful logo design business. Now part of d'Skills' business development team while also working in auto advertising, Nate exemplifies how embracing different thinking styles can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Hannah Williams is the founder of d'Skills, a VC-backed startup shifting students from test prep to life prep. Her own unorthodox journey began at age 12 when her father handed her a phone to close a real estate deal from a blue pickup truck. She went on to enroll in college at 14 and graduated with a degree in international business at 18. Now at 25, Hannah leads d'Skills in equipping motivated teens with digital and AI skills, helping them convert these skills into paid, real-world projects with small businesses. Her vision is to help 1M high schoolers build impact portfolios that give them more experience and connections than most college graduates. Christopher Lochhead calls her "a pioneer of our time."
Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Nate Corona challenges traditional education paradigms:
Key Insight #1: Embracing Technology as an Ally
What's broken: Schools often fear and restrict technology use
The shift: Viewing AI and tech as tools for enhanced learning and creativity
Impact: Students develop practical skills while maintaining engagement
Key Insight #2: Learning Through Creation
What's broken: Traditional test-based assessment and rigid curriculum
The shift: Allowing students to drive their own learning through creative projects
Impact: Middle school students voluntarily creating additional learning spaces and refusing to leave class
Key Insight #3: Redefining Success
What's broken: One-size-fits-all approach to education and career paths
The shift: Embracing different thinking styles and entrepreneurial mindsets
Impact: Students discovering profitable opportunities and meaningful work before finishing traditional education
Quotable Ruckus "Don't be scared to be different. Be different. I think being different is awesome." – Nate Corona
Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here:
Tomorrow: Begin exploring how AI tools could enhance one lesson or activity
This Month: Create a space for students to pursue creative projects using technology
This Semester: Develop a program that connects student creativity to real-world opportunities
Connect & Continue
🎯 Get the full episode transcript: Link
💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: https://ruckusmakers.club/join
Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here.
Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with:
Class Composer: Want to know why Ruckus Makers love Class Composer? Because it turns the dreaded end-of-year class placement meetings into a streamlined, data-driven process. Your teachers will save hours of time while ensuring that nothing is overlooked, including student separations. 🔍 Learn More Here.
Quest Food Management Services: Creating joyful learning environments starts in the cafeteria. Quest brings 40 years of expertise in crafting scratch-made meals that nurture both body and community spirit through innovative student engagement programs. 🔍 Learn more here.
ODP Business Solutions: Most schools botch STEAM implementation because they're missing 3 critical elements. Here's the wild part: it's not about fancy tech or massive budgets. ODP Business Solutions® has researched many successful programs to identify what actually works (and what's just burning cash). 🔍 Learn the blueprint: here
Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning?
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The Ruckus Report Quick take: A former teacher turned ed-tech founder reveals how simple daily actions - from hallway check-ins to thoughtful class placements - can transform school culture and help every student thrive.
Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Mike Cronley is the CEO and co-founder of Class Composer, bringing 12 years of 3rd grade teaching experience to revolutionize how elementary schools create balanced classes. After witnessing firsthand how traditional class placement methods could unintentionally disrupt student relationships and learning environments, he developed a solution to help schools make more informed, equitable placement decisions.
Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Mike challenges traditional education paradigms:
Key Insight #1: The Power of Being Present
What's broken: Leaders getting caught up in administrative tasks and losing touch with their staff
The shift: Intentional daily check-ins and genuine conversations with teachers
Impact: Teachers feel valued, leading to increased motivation and better student outcomes
Key Insight #2: From Paper to Purpose
What's broken: Complex, paper-based class placement systems that miss crucial student dynamics
The shift: Data-informed decisions that consider academic, social, and emotional needs
Impact: More balanced classes and stronger student relationships
Key Insight #3: Taking Smart Risks
What's broken: Fear of failure leading to stagnation in educational practices
The shift: Creating a culture where trying new approaches is encouraged
Impact: Continuous improvement through calculated risk-taking and innovation
Quotable Ruckus "You have to be willing to take risks and try to improve. Not gigantic risks, but if you want to move the needle and do something different and better, you have to be willing to try." – Mike Cronley
Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here:
Tomorrow: Walk your halls after school and have one genuine conversation with a teacher
This Month: Create a system to track meaningful check-ins with all staff members
This Semester: Review your class placement process and identify opportunities for more data-informed decisions
Connect & Continue
🎯 Get the full episode transcript: Link
🔗 Follow Mike: LinkedIn, Facebook
💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: https://ruckusmakers.club/join
Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here.
Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with:
Class Composer: Want to know why Ruckus Makers love Class Composer? Because it turns the dreaded end-of-year class placement meetings into a streamlined, data-driven process. Your teachers will save hours of time while ensuring that nothing is overlooked, including student separations. 🔍 Learn More Here.
Quest Food Management Services: Creating joyful learning environments starts in the cafeteria. Quest brings 40 years of expertise in crafting scratch-made meals that nurture both body and community spirit through innovative student engagement programs. 🔍 Learn more here.
ODP Business Solutions: Most schools botch STEAM implementation because they're missing 3 critical elements. Here's the wild part: it's not about fancy tech or massive budgets. ODP Business Solutions® has researched many successful programs to identify what actually works (and what's just burning cash). 🔍 Learn the blueprint: here
Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning?
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The Ruckus Report Quick take: A veteran superintendent reveals how shifting from a mastery mindset to an unfinished mindset can transform school leadership and create environments where innovation thrives, student voice matters, and continuous growth is celebrated.
Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Dr. Michael Lubelfeld serves as Superintendent of North Shore District 112 in suburban Chicago, leading 9 elementary schools with 4,000 students. A passionate educator since 1992, Mike was awarded the 2021 Administrator and Supervision Distinguished Alumni Award from Loyola University Chicago. He's co-authored four books, including his latest "The Unfinished Teacher: Becoming the Next Version of Yourself."
Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Dr. Lubelfeld challenges traditional education paradigms:
Key Insight #1: The Power of Coaching Fundamentals
What's broken: Complex leadership initiatives that overlook basic human connection
The shift: Regular, structured coaching conversations focused on growth and support
Impact: Principals create better conditions for teacher growth, leading to improved student outcomes
Key Insight #2: Embracing the Unfinished Mindset
What's broken: The pressure to achieve mastery and have everything figured out
The shift: Viewing leadership as a continuous journey of growth and evolution
Impact: Creates a culture where innovation thrives and continuous improvement is celebrated
Key Insight #3: Leveraging Student Voice
What's broken: Top-down decision making that excludes student perspectives
The shift: Actively incorporating student input in strategic planning and facility design
Impact: More engaged students and better-designed learning environments that meet real needs
Quotable Ruckus "I'm never going to be done doing it. I'm going to learn more from the next principal than she or he learned from me because I'm learning from them and we're growing together." – Dr. Mike Lubelfeld
Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here:
Tomorrow: Schedule a one-on-one coaching conversation with a teacher or principal focused on their aspirations and goals
This Month: Create a student advisory panel to provide input on one major school initiative
This Semester: Develop a structured feedback system that celebrates growth and learning
Connect & Continue
🎯 Get the full episode transcript: Link
🔗 Follow Dr. Lubelfeld: LinkedIn
💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: https://ruckusmakers.club/join
Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here.
Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with:
Class Composer: Want to know why Ruckus Makers love Class Composer? Because it turns the dreaded end-of-year class placement meetings into a streamlined, data-driven process. Your teachers will save hours of time while ensuring that nothing is overlooked, including student separations. 🔍 Learn more here..
Quest Food Management Services: Creating joyful learning environments starts in the cafeteria. Quest brings 40 years of expertise in crafting scratch-made meals that nurture both body and community spirit through innovative student engagement programs. 🔍 Learn more: www.questfms.com
ODP Business Solutions: Most schools botch STEAM implementation because they're missing 3 critical elements. Here's the wild part: it's not about fancy tech or massive budgets. ODP Business Solutions® has researched many successful programs to identify what actually works (and what's just burning cash). 🔍 Learn the blueprint: here
Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning?
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The Ruckus Report
Quick take: In this special coaching episode, a K-4 principal shares his honest struggles and breakthroughs in implementing project-based learning, revealing why communication and teacher buy-in are crucial for meaningful educational change.
Meet Your Fellow Ruckus MakerDan is a K-4 principal with an art education background, bringing a unique creative perspective to his leadership role. As a solo administrator in his building, he's passionate about transforming education through project-based learning while maintaining strong relationships with his staff.
Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨In this episode, Dan challenges traditional education paradigms:
Key Insight #1: Consistent Communication
What's broken: Sporadic communication about new initiatives, assuming teachers will automatically buy in
The shift: Consistently discussing and reinforcing PBL benefits while giving teachers autonomy to experiment
Impact: Teachers feel more supported and are more likely to take risks with new teaching methods
Key Insight #2: Building Authentic Relationships
What's broken: Traditional top-down mandate approach to implementing new programs
The shift: Building genuine relationships and understanding teachers' individual goals and aspirations
Impact: Increased teacher engagement and willingness to try new approaches
Key Insight #3: Meaningful Feedback Systems
What's broken: Complex, jargon-filled evaluation systems that don't drive real improvement
The shift: Simple, meaningful feedback focused on growth and celebrating small wins
Impact: More authentic professional development and risk-taking in the classroom
Quotable Ruckus"You have to have the mentality that everybody you meet is going through something that you don't know anything about. We have a saying here: 'Sweep the sheds.' It sounds kind of weird, but it's about humility and doing the work that needs to be done." -Principal Dan
Your Do School Different ChallengeReady to implement these ideas? Start here:
Tomorrow: Ask your teachers what's stopping them from trying something new in their classrooms
This Month: Create a weekly roundup to celebrate teachers taking risks and trying new approaches
This Semester: Develop an implementation plan based on teacher feedback and goals
Connect & Continue🎯 Get the full episode transcript: Link
🔗 Join The Ruckus Maker Club waitlist: https://ruckusmakers.club/join
💪 Apply to the Ruckus Maker Mastermind: https://www.betterleadersbetterschools.com/mastermind-application
Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter?Learn how to Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here.
Today’s Pod in Partnership with:IXL Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more here.
Class Composer Is your elementary school still creating class lists with colored index cards or sticky notes? Class Composer offers a streamlined solution for making well-informed student placement decisions in less time. 🔍 https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7625546/b577a4c88ce8.
ODP: ODP Business Solutions® formerly Office Depot® Business Solutions Division has been a trusted partner for schools for over 30 years. At ODP Business Solutions, we’re by your side to meet your evolving education needs.🔍 Learn more here.
Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning?
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The Ruckus Report Quick take: As California mandates AI literacy in schools, education leaders face a critical choice between teaching basic AI operation and empowering students to reimagine what's possible with AI fluency.
Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Hannah Grady Williams is the Chief Rebel at d'Skills, where she helps students transform their passions into real-world projects using AI. Starting college at 14 and graduating with her bachelor's at 18, Hannah brings a fresh perspective to education innovation. Chris Lochhead calls her "one of the most important voices in education today."
Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Hannah challenges traditional education paradigms:
Key Insight #1: AI Literacy Isn't Enough
What's broken: Schools focusing only on basic AI efficiency like email writing and lesson planning
The shift: Moving toward true AI fluency where students apply AI across all aspects of learning
Impact: Students who can creatively innovate and think beyond what AI alone can accomplish
Key Insight #2: Integration Over Isolation
What's broken: Adding standalone AI clubs or career pathways as a checkbox solution
The shift: Embedding AI project-based learning into every core subject
Impact: Students developing real-world AI applications across all disciplines
Key Insight #3: Authentic AI Experience
What's broken: Using "sterilized" educational versions of AI tools that limit real learning
The shift: Teaching students to work with actual AI tools they'll use in their careers
Impact: Graduates prepared for the true demands of an AI-transformed workplace
Quotable Ruckus "If our response as leaders is to go with sterilized versions of tools to satisfy a mandate, we're not doing our kids a service for their future." - Hannah Grady Williams
Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here:
Tomorrow: Evaluate how your school currently uses AI - is it for efficiency or empowerment?
This Month: Identify one core subject where you can integrate AI project-based learning
This Semester: Develop a comprehensive AI fluency strategy across all grade levels
Connect & Continue
🎯 Get the full episode transcript: [Link]
🔗 Follow Hannah: [email protected]
🌐 Explore d'Skills: https://www.dskills.io/
💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: https://rucku
Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here
Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: IXL: Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more: IXL.com/leaders
Class Composer: Want to know why Ruckus Makers love Class Composer? Because it turns the dreaded end-of-year class placement meetings into a streamlined, data-driven process. Your teachers will save hours of time while ensuring that nothing is overlooked, including student separations. 🔍 Learn more here.
ODP Business Solutions®: Want to know how top schools create collaborative learning environments that actually work? ODP Business Solutions®, formerly Office Depot Business Solutions Division, has equipped innovative educators for over three decades. 🔍 Visit www.odpbusiness.com/education and let's make a ruckus together.
Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning?
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The Ruckus Report
Quick take: In this transformative session, Danny Bauer shares the powerful RISE method to help school leaders move from playing it safe to creating meaningful change in their schools.
Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Danny Bauer is the founder of Better Leaders Better Schools, author of multiple bestselling books, and host of one of the world's top 0.5% podcasts. He helps school leaders "Do School Different" through coaching, mentorship, and building communities of innovative educators.
Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨
In this episode, Danny challenges traditional education paradigms:
Key Insight #1: From Reactive to Reimagining
What's broken: Leaders getting stuck in day-to-day reactive mode
The shift: Using the RISE method (Reimagine, Identify, Select Strategic Strikes, Execute)
Impact: Creates clear path from current reality to reimagined future
Key Insight #2: From Overwhelm to Strategic Focus
What's broken: Trying to tackle too many initiatives at once
The shift: Using the 80/20 principle and "The One Thing" question
Impact: Identify highest leverage actions that make other things easier/unnecessary
Key Insight #3: From Planning to Execution
What's broken: Analysis paralysis and lack of momentum
The shift: Breaking goals into first day/week/month actions
Impact: Building momentum through quick wins and strategic progress
Quotable Ruckus "Ideas are great, but not the greatest. Taking action is really important." - Danny Bauer
Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here:
Tomorrow: Use the Do School Different Scorecard to assess your current reality
This Month: Identify your "One Thing" that makes everything else easier
This Semester: Implement strategic strikes using the 80/20 principle
Ready to Do School Different?
Take the next step: https://betterleadersbetterschools.com/win
*Offer expires January 27th, 2025
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The Ruckus Report Quick take: From surviving childhood trauma to revolutionizing student mental health, Dr. Watson reveals how schools can transform their approach to student wellbeing from crisis response to proactive skill-building.
Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Dr. Hayley Watson is the founder and CEO of Open Parachute, a Tier 1 K-12 curriculum program supporting mental health for students, teachers, and parents. A Clinical Psychologist with a PhD in school bullying interventions, she's spent 20 years developing youth programs that turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Dr. Watson challenges traditional mental health paradigms:
Key Insight #1: Mental Health Belongs in Tier One
What's broken: Relegating mental health support to counseling offices and crisis intervention
The shift: Teaching core mental health skills to all students as fundamental curriculum
Impact: Reduced pressure on Tier 2/3 services; students develop essential life skills early
Key Insight #2: Four Steps to Emotional Intelligence
What's broken: Reactive responses to emotional challenges without systematic approach
The shift: Feel, Pause, Think, Act framework for processing emotions
Impact: Students learn to recognize triggers and choose constructive responses
Key Insight #3: Student Voice Drives Transformation
What's broken: Adults lecturing about mental health without authentic connection
The shift: Real student stories and experiences guide learning
Impact: Increased engagement and relatability in mental health education
Quotable Ruckus "Don't be afraid to bring mental health into the classroom. This is the ruckus making that we need to really create generational change for the future." – Dr. Hayley Watson
Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here:
Tomorrow: Practice the Feel-Pause-Think-Act framework yourself in a challenging situation
This Month: Create safe spaces for students to share their stories and experiences
This Semester: Implement a tier one mental health curriculum across grade levels
Connect & Continue
🌐 Website: https://openparachuteschools.com/
📚 Get "Finding the Words": https://openparachuteschools.com/finding-the-words/
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-hayley-watson-2b249a16/
📧 Email: [email protected]
💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: https://ruckusmakers.club/join
Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here
Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: IXL: Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more: IXL.com/leaders
Class Composer: Want to know why Ruckus Makers love Class Composer? Because it turns the dreaded end-of-year class placement meetings into a streamlined, data-driven process. Your teachers will save hours of time while ensuring that nothing is overlooked, including student separations. 🔍 Learn more here.
ODP Business Solutions®: Want to know how top schools create collaborative learning environments that actually work? ODP Business Solutions®, formerly Office Depot Business Solutions Division, has equipped innovative educators for over three decades. 🔍 Visit www.odpbusiness.com/education and let's make a ruckus together.
Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning?
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The Ruckus Report Quick take: From middle school gum empire to innovative children's author, Mr. B reveals how embracing uniqueness and real-world learning can transform education from standardized to remarkable.
Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Mr. B is a multi-faceted creative and entrepreneur, blending Hip-Hop music, live-streaming, and children's storytelling into his unique brand. Known for his viral rhymes and as the creator of What Rhymes With Orange?, Mr. B brings fans into real-world experiences with his innovative 'Find Me IRL' live-streamed events and music concerts. He's on a mission to connect people, both in-person and online, with a fresh mix of freestyle rap, humor, and creative flair.
Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Mr. B challenges traditional education paradigms:
Key Insight #1: Real-World Learning Beats Standardization
What's broken: Schools focus on standardized formats and rigid rubrics
The shift: Enable students to engage in real-world business and creative projects
Impact: Mr. B's middle school gum business generated over $1,000 in 2.5 months, teaching vital lessons about supply, demand, and credit
Key Insight #2: Pattern Breaking Creates Opportunities
What's broken: Traditional teaching methods crush creativity and innovation
The shift: Encourage unique approaches and celebrate different ways of learning
Impact: Students develop confidence in their uniqueness and learn to innovate
Key Insight #3: Beauty, Innovation, and Respect Transform Learning
What's broken: Sterile environments and hierarchical relationships
The shift: Create beautiful spaces and authentic connections between staff and students
Impact: Students take themselves more seriously and operate at a higher level
Quotable Ruckus "Change is going to come from the kids, not the adults." – Mr. B
Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here:
Tomorrow: Sit with students at lunch and engage in genuine conversation
This Month: Create opportunities for students to publish or monetize their school work
This Semester: Design a program that lets students explore entrepreneurship within your school
Connect & Continue
📚 Get Mr. B's book "What Rhymes With Orange?": https://a.co/d/cPcq47B
📷 Follow Mr. B on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrbinspire
📧 Contact: [email protected]
💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: https://ruckusmakers.club/join
Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here.
Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: IXL: Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more: IXL.com/leaders
Class Composer: Want to know why Ruckus Makers love Class Composer? Because it turns the dreaded end-of-year class placement meetings into a streamlined, data-driven process. Your teachers will save hours of time while ensuring that nothing is overlooked, including student separations. 🔍 Learn more here.
Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning?
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The Ruckus Report Quick take: Start 2025 strong with three game-changing frameworks that help school leaders move from traditional planning to actionable transformation.
Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Danny Bauer is the founder of Better Leaders Better Schools and host of the top 1% education leadership podcast worldwide. His mission is helping Ruckus Makers "Do School Different" by reimagining education even within traditional systems.
Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Danny challenges traditional education paradigms:
Key Insight #1: Simplicity is Velocity
What's broken: 28-page improvement plans that gather dust and don't guide real work
The shift: The RISE Method (Reimagine the possible, Identify current reality, Select strategic strikes, Execute with energy)
Impact: Clear, actionable one-page strategies that excite stakeholders and drive real change
Key Insight #2: Staff Success Requires Differentiation
What's broken: Generic hiring checklists and standard operating procedures
The shift: Creating unique Staff Success Scorecards that define excellence in your context
Impact: Attract and retain top talent by clearly articulating your school's unique value proposition
Key Insight #3: Reflection Drives Innovation
What's broken: Reinventing the wheel each year without learning from experience
The shift: Regular reflection using tools like the Year in Review framework
Impact: Breakthrough insights that help leaders work smarter, not harder
Quotable Ruckus "Strategy answers three fundamental questions: Where are we now? Where do we aspire to go? And how can we credibly get there?" – Danny Bauer
Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here:
Tomorrow: Download the Do School Different Scorecard and honestly assess your current reality
This Month: Create your school's Staff Success Scorecard with your leadership team
This Semester: Implement the RISE Method to transform your strategic planning
Connect & Continue
🎯 Get the Principal Checklist: betterleadersbetterschools.com/principal-checklist
🔗 Subscribe to the newsletter: ruckusmakers.news
💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: https://ruckusmakers.club/join
Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter? Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here.
Today's RUCKUScast in Partnership with: Quest Food Management Services: Creating joyful learning environments starts in the cafeteria. Quest brings 40 years of expertise in crafting scratch-made meals that nurture both body and community spirit through innovative student engagement programs. 🔍 Learn more: www.questfms.com
IXL: Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more: IXL.com/leaders
Twelve Practices LLC © 2025 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning?
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The Ruckus Report
Quick take: From humble beginnings in Greenfield to becoming an award-winning superintendent, Dr. Galván shares powerful insights on leading with empathy, building authentic relationships, and preparing students for an AI-driven future.
Meet Your Fellow Ruckus MakerDr. Zandra Jo Galván serves as Superintendent of Salinas UHSD, is CALSA Immediate Past President (California Assoc Latinx Sups & Admin), was named ALAS National Superintendent of the Year 2023-2024, and recognized as a Top 100 National Influencer for District Administration 2024.
Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨In this episode, Dr. Galván challenges traditional education paradigms:
Key Insight #1: Authentic Leadership Transforms School Culture
What's broken: Traditional hierarchical leadership creating barriers between administrators and staff
The shift: Leading with vulnerability, genuine presence, and intentional relationship-building
Impact: Staff feel valued, seen, and supported, leading to stronger engagement and better student outcomes
Key Insight #2: Wellness Must Be Systemic
What's broken: Stigma around self-care and mental health in education
The shift: Implementing district-wide wellness initiatives including mental health days, beach cruiser bikes, and blender bikes
Impact: Created a culture where taking care of oneself is celebrated and supported
Key Insight #3: Future-Ready Education Requires Innovation
What's broken: Preparing students for jobs that won't exist
The shift: Embracing AI, creating innovative pathways, and focusing on future skills
Impact: Students develop entrepreneurial mindsets and are better prepared for emerging careers
Quotable Ruckus"I'm a very authentic person and vulnerable, and I'm okay with that. And a title is not going to change who I am for the virtue of position." – Dr. Zandra Jo Galván
Your Do School Different ChallengeReady to implement these ideas? Start here:
Tomorrow: Start your day in classrooms, connecting with students and teachers
This Month: Implement one wellness initiative for your staff
This Semester: Identify future-ready skills and begin planning innovative pathways
Connect & Continue🎯 Get the full episode transcript: [Link]
🔗 Follow Zandra on LinkedIn
💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: https://ruckusmakers.club/join
Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter?Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here.
Today’s RUCKUScast in Partnership with:Quest Food Management Services: Creating joyful learning environments starts in the cafeteria. Quest brings 40 years of expertise in crafting scratch-made meals that nurture both body and community spirit through innovative student engagement programs. 🔍 Learn more: www.questfms.com
IXL: Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more: IXL.com/leaders
Twelve Practices LLC © 2024| If Education Ain’t a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning?
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The Ruckus Report
Quick take: Discover how a veteran superintendent transforms traditional power structures into collaborative leadership, proving that giving away authority actually strengthens your impact as a leader.
Meet Your Fellow Ruckus MakerDr. Tricia Mooney brings 30 years of educational experience to her role as Superintendent of Hermiston School District. A relentless advocate for student achievement, she's dedicated to creating multiple education pathways for students both in the classroom and beyond graduation.
Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨In this episode, Dr. Mooney challenges traditional education paradigms:
Key Insight #1: Reimagining Positional Power
What's broken: Traditional hierarchy where titles create barriers and centralize decision-making
The shift: Intentionally giving away power and maintaining approachability ("I'm still just Tricia")
Impact: Created a more collaborative culture where team members feel empowered to innovate and take ownership
Key Insight #2: Trust-Based Leadership
What's broken: Micromanagement and the superintendent's need to "know everything"
The shift: Building strong teams and trusting specialists to lead in their areas of expertise
Impact: Developed a system that runs smoothly even in leader's absence, with increased innovation and specialized excellence
Key Insight #3: Strategic Resource Allocation
What's broken: Prioritizing budgets over community needs
The shift: "We budget our priorities, we don't prioritize our budget"
Impact: Successful implementation of innovative programs like the Think Big Space and comprehensive summer programs serving the community's unique needs
Quotable Ruckus"Your job is to develop another leader. If a sniper takes me out tomorrow, what's going to happen? The system should run so well that you don't notice whether or not I'm here." – Dr. Tricia Mooney
Your Do School Different ChallengeReady to implement these ideas? Start here:
Tomorrow: Identify one decision you can delegate to empower your team
This Month: Map out your team's strengths and begin aligning roles with natural abilities rather than traditional expectations
This Semester: Launch one innovative partnership program, starting small and building based on community needs
Connect & Continue🎯 Get the full episode transcript: Link
🔗 Follow Dr. Mooney: LinkedIn | Email: [email protected]
💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: https://ruckusmakers.club/join
Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter?Learn how to Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE here. ruckusmakers.news/subscribe
Today's Pod in Partnership with:Quest Food Management Services: Creating joyful learning environments starts in the cafeteria. Quest brings 40 years of expertise in crafting scratch-made meals that nurture both body and community spirit through innovative student engagement programs. 🔍 Learn more: www.questfms.com
IXL: Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more: IXL.com/leaders
Twelve Practices LLC © 2024 | If Education Ain't a Bit Disruptive, Then What Are Your Students Learning?
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Dr. Chris Nagy on Transformational Educational Leadership
The Ruckus ReportQuick take: In this paradigm-shifting conversation, educational futurist Dr. Chris Nagy reveals how superintendents can create innovative learning environments by embracing entrepreneurial mindsets and emerging technologies, challenging traditional educational frameworks while preparing students and staff for an AI-driven future.
Meet Your Fellow Ruckus MakerDr. Nagy is a retired school superintendent, co-founder of MagicEdX.ai, and founder of Nagy Education Group. As a transformational thought leader and educational futurist, he brings entrepreneurial thinking to education leadership. His work spans consulting, teaching doctoral programs, and creating content through his Leadership Sparks Series.
Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨In this episode, Dr. Nagy challenges traditional education paradigms:
Embracing Emerging Technologies
What's broken: Schools treating AI and immersive technologies as threats rather than opportunities
The shift: Running toward obstacles and embracing emerging technologies as tools for innovation
Impact: Students and staff becoming confident pioneers in using AI, VR, and other technologies to enhance learning
Fostering Entrepreneurial Mindsets
What's broken: Traditional mindset of staying inside or thinking outside the box
The shift: Creating environments where there is no box, fostering new neural pathways and creative thinking
Impact: Teachers and administrators functioning as educational entrepreneurs, creating innovative learning experiences
Creating Innovation Spaces
What's broken: Professional development that doesn't prepare for the future
The shift: Creating "playground" spaces for staff to experiment with new technologies and approaches
Impact: More engaged staff who feel empowered to innovate and adapt to changing educational landscapes
Quotable Ruckus"We need to continue to become more and more uncomfortable territory so that we could push ourselves to grow and to take on new experiences." - Dr. Chris Nagy
Your Do School Different ChallengeReady to implement these ideas? Start here:
Tomorrow: Create a simple experiment with AI tools in your administrative tasks
This Month: Develop a "playground" space where staff can safely explore and learn new technologies
This Semester: Draft and implement policies for emerging technologies that encourage innovation while maintaining educational integrity
Connect & Continue🎯 Get the full episode transcript: Link
Watch the Dr. Nagy Leadership Sparks Series: YouTube
Read "Bringing the Future to the Present": NJ School Boards Magazine
Read "The Next Disruption in Education is Here": Medium
Contact Dr. Nagy: [email protected]
💪 Join the Ruckus Maker Movement: ruckusmakers.club/join
Do you Subscribe to the Ruckus Maker Newsletter?Learn how to Do School Different 3x a Week. Join for FREE at ruckusmakers.news/subscribe
Today's Pod in Partnership with:Quest Food Management Services: Creating joyful learning environments starts in the cafeteria. Quest brings 40 years of expertise in crafting scratch-made meals that nurture both body and community spirit through innovative student engagement programs. 🔍 Learn more: www.questfms.com
IXL: Meet your students where they are and take them where they need to go. Join over 1 million teachers who trust IXL to drive data-informed excellence in their classrooms. 🔍 Learn more: IXL.com/leaders
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