Best Dr. Mel Vandevort Educational Leadership Podcasts (2025)

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Systematize: Calming Chaos with Purpose, People, and Process #197 21:59

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3d ago21:59

21:59

Send us a text If your days feel like a never-ending game of whack-a-mole—emails, meetings, fires, and a to-do list that multiplies overnight—this episode is your deep breath. Dr. Mel breaks down how leaders can systematize the chaos without losing their people or their peace. Using her signature Purpose–People–Process Framework, she’ll walk you th…

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Power Surge⚡The Power of a New Perspective Seeing the Whole Picture #196 4:48

5d ago4:48

4:48

Send us a text In this Power Surge, Dr. Mel unpacks what happens when things look “fine” on the surface but really aren’t. Drawing inspiration from the Thatcher Effect illusion, she challenges leaders to flip their perspective and see what’s truly happening in their schools, teams, and systems. Because sometimes what looks normal is actually upside…

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The 3 Conversations Every Leader Should Have Every Week #195 10:43

11d ago10:43

10:43

Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Mel unpacks the three essential conversations every leader should be having weekly — with teachers, leadership teams, and themselves. Learn how to build connection, alignment, and reflection into your leadership rhythm. Key Takeaways: Connect with teachers through short, meaningful check-ins. Align your leadershi…

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Power Surge⚡Get There When You Get There – Leadership Without the Rush #194 5:02

13d ago5:02

5:02

By Dr. Mel Vandevort - Educational Leadership, Educational Consultancy, Teacher Transition Coach, Educational Administration, Educational Entrepreneurship

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Why Great Leaders Embrace Conflict: Building Stronger School Leadership Teams #193 11:24

17d ago11:24

11:24

Send us a text Conflict doesn’t have to divide your leadership team — in fact, when handled well, it can be the very thing that strengthens your culture, deepens trust, and drives innovation. In this episode, Dr. Mel unpacks why healthy conflict is essential for leadership teams and how you can start embracing it instead of avoiding it. Whether it’…

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Power Surge⚡Roots and Wings — Balancing Stability and Growth in School Leadership #192 4:28

20d ago4:28

4:28

Send us a text Great leaders provide both stability and opportunity. In this Power Surge, we explore what it means to give your staff and students roots—a strong foundation of clarity, consistency, and belonging—while also giving them wings—the freedom to innovate, take risks, and grow. This back-to-school season, your people need both the groundin…

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Unlocking Hidden Leadership to Boost Student Achievement by Putting Teachers in the Right Roles #191 16:06

23d ago16:06

16:06

Send us a text In this episode of The Empowered Educator Show, Dr. Mel explores the leadership strategy of aligning teachers with the right roles—both in their classrooms and in leadership opportunities across the school. When educators are empowered to use their unique gifts, talents, and passions, student achievement soars. You’ll learn why stren…

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Power Surge⚡Why Great Leaders Understand the Power of “Not Yet” #190 5:45

27d ago5:45

5:45

Send us a text Not every leader has all the answers on day one—and that’s not a weakness, it’s wisdom. In this Power Surge episode, we’ll unpack the power of saying “not yet” as you head into the school year. From building trust to making tough decisions, “not yet” shifts the focus from instant perfection to steady growth. 🔑 What You’ll Learn: Why …

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From Idea to Classroom: Inside the Curriculum Development and Selection Process with Alexia Jacoby of Amplify #189 29:18

1M ago29:18

29:18

Send us a text In this episode of The Empowered Educator Show, Dr. Mel sits down with Alexia Jacoby, Chief Product Officer at Amplify, to break down what new and aspiring administrators need to know about curriculum selection and implementation. From her early days as a high school biology teacher outside New Orleans to leading product development …

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Power Surge⚡ Decisions in the Hallway: How Everyday Moments Shape School Leadership and Culture #188 5:01

1M ago5:01

5:01

Send us a text Not every leadership decision happens in the boardroom. In this episode of The Empowered Educator Show, Dr. Mel unpacks how the smallest, everyday interactions—like greeting a staff member in the hallway or redirecting a student—often carry more weight than major initiatives. These “hallway decisions” reveal your values, build credib…

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Feedback Is a Gift — Coaching for Growth at Every Level #187 9:06

1M ago9:06

9:06

Send us a text Feedback can feel uncomfortable, even discouraging—but the truth is, it’s one of the greatest tools for leadership growth. In this episode, Dr. Mel shares from her perspective as a superintendent, coaching principals to reframe feedback as a gift, not a judgment. Main Message: How you receive feedback shapes how your staff will recei…

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Power Surge⚡Grace Under Pressure — Leading Calm Through the Chaos #186 3:31

1M ago3:31

3:31

Send us a text The first weeks of school bring excitement—but also stress, surprises, and a million moving parts. As a leader, your response in those moments sets the tone for everyone around you. In this episode, we’ll explore how to lead with calm, clarity, and grace, even when everything feels chaotic. Main Message: Your team looks to you for st…

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Data with Direction: Turning Benchmarks into Better Instruction #185 12:09

2M ago12:09

12:09

Send us a text In this episode of The Empowered Educator Show, Dr. Mel breaks down how school leaders can use beginning-of-year benchmark assessments as more than just numbers on a spreadsheet. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by data, you’ll learn how to turn it into a clear roadmap for instructional decisions. From spotting trends and setting growt…

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Power Surge⚡You Set the Temperature — Leading the Culture You Want to See #184 5:26

2M ago5:26

5:26

Send us a text Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase! Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points. Calling All Educators! I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking…

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Becoming Fearless in Leadership with Dr. Benjamin Ritter #183 30:12

2M ago30:12

30:12

Send us a text In this episode of The Empowered Educator Show, Dr. Mel sits down with Dr. Benjamin Ritter—author of Becoming Fearless—to dive deep into what it means to lead with empathy, build trust, and move from self-doubt to self-mastery. Dr. Ritter shares his unique journey from aspiring professional soccer player to healthcare professional to…

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Power Surge⚡Visible Leadership: Why They Need to See You Before They Follow You #182 4:36

2M ago4:36

4:36

Send us a text Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase! Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points. Calling All Educators! I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking…

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Power Surge⚡Listen First, Lead Second - Building Trust Before Making Big Changes #181 4:02

2M ago4:02

4:02

Send us a text As a new leader, the temptation is to prove yourself quickly by fixing problems. But lasting leadership isn’t about rushing to solutions—it’s about listening first. Listening builds trust, respect, and credibility. By pausing to understand your school’s story, you earn the relational capital to lead change effectively later. Key Poin…

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Create, Connect, Contribute: Leading with Authenticity with Robin Nathaniel #180 31:39

2M ago31:39

31:39

Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Mel sits down with TEDx speaker, author, and Telly Award Gold Winner Robin Nathaniel for a real conversation about leadership that starts—and stays—with authenticity. From his days as a musician to his pivot into nonprofit leadership and marketing, Robin shares how human connection has shaped every stage of his j…

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Power Surge⚡How to Set the Tone From Day One #179 4:33

2M ago4:33

4:33

Send us a text The moment you step into your school as a new leader, the clock starts ticking. Those first 90 feet—from the front door to your office—can quietly shape how you’re perceived for months to come. This episode is all about making those first impressions intentional, strategic, and grounded in curiosity rather than assumption. In these c…

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Small School, Big Impact: Launching Micro Schools with David Richards *178 30:59

2M ago30:59

30:59

Send us a text In this powerful episode of The Empowered Educator, Dr. Mel chats with David Richards—founder of ChangemakerEDU and passionate advocate for micro schools. Together, they dig into the why, what, and how of this growing movement that's redefining what learning can look like when you strip it down to relationships, purpose, and personal…

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Power Surge⚡Own the Room: Leading with Presence, Not Just Position #177 8:21

3M ago8:21

8:21

Send us a text Back-to-school season isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how you show up. In this Power Surge, Dr. Mel unpacks how school leaders can deliver powerful pre-service messages and opening PD sessions by leading with presence, not just position. You’ll learn how to use body language, tone, and mindset to inspire trust, shift culture…

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Power Surge⚡From Reactive to Reflective: Start the School Year Strong Without Burning Out #176 5:36

3M ago5:36

5:36

Send us a text Welcome to the Empowered Educator podcast! In today’s Power Surge, we’re tackling the back-to-school stress head-on. As a leader, your mind is already spinning with tasks, responsibilities, and expectations—and it’s easy to fall into reactive mode. But here’s the truth: starting strong doesn’t mean starting busy. It means starting cl…

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Power Surge⚡Ready or Not! When God Promotes You Unexpectedly #175 6:04

3M ago6:04

6:04

Send us a text In this quick Power Surge episode, Dr. Mel shares a personal reflection on how spiritual gifts can unexpectedly lead us into new roles and responsibilities—just like her new journey as a superintendent. Even when you’re not looking, God is always positioning you when you're walking in alignment with your purpose. Get ready to explore…

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Part 2: Organizing Your School Around the 7 Correlates of Effective Schools with Erica Glenn and Kim Bradley #174 46:56

3M ago46:56

46:56

Send us a text Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase! Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points. Calling All Educators! I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking…

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Part 1: Organizing Your School Around the 7 Correlates of Effective Schools with Erica Glenn and Kim Bradley #173 39:22

3M ago39:22

39:22

Send us a text This episode is the first in a two-part series, a workshop-style discussion on organizing schools for success. My guests, Erica Glenn and Kim Bradley draw from the research of Larry Lezotte, focusing on his work on the seven correlates of effective schools. Seven Correlates of Effective Schools Strong Instructional Leadership: Emphas…

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Power Surge⚡What if I Fail? But...What if You Succeed? #172 5:12

3M ago5:12

5:12

Send us a text Too often, fear of failure keeps leaders stuck in comfort zones. But what if your greatest success is on the other side of one bold move? In this Power Surge, we’re reframing fear and helping you step into possibility with courage. This episode will empower you to: Recognize the hidden cost of playing it safe Challenge worst-case thi…

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Power Surge ⚡The Power of Listening: Talking Less, Learning More #171 4:44

3M ago4:44

4:44

Send us a text When leaders rush to speak, they often miss what matters most. In this episode of the Empowered Educator, we explore the power of pausing, listening, and learning—especially when you’re uncertain. Inside this Power Surge, you’ll discover: Why listening is one of your most powerful leadership tools How silence creates space for insigh…

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From Community Engagement and Social Media to Shredded Lettuce and Saturday Selfies with Chuck Moss #170 37:54

3M ago37:54

37:54

Send us a text Chuck Moss is back talking about community Engagement practices that breed a great school culture. Join me as I talk with Chuck about everything from Community Engagement and Social Media to Shredded Lettuce and Saturday Selfies. Connect with Chuck: X, FB, IG, Trends - @ChuckMossEDU Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get…

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Power Surge ⚡ Are You an Ambassador for Your School? Represent with Positive Intention #169 3:28

3M ago3:28

3:28

Send us a text Every interaction you have as a leader tells a story about your school. In this Power Surge, we dig into what it means to lead like an ambassador—not just inside your building, but in your community, online, and everywhere your leadership reaches. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Build trust through consistent leadership presenc…

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Are You Leading in a Comfort Zone? Get Clear and Lead Boldly #168 5:02

3M ago5:02

5:02

Send us a text In this Power Surge episode of The Empowered Educator podcast, we’re kicking off the new school year with a challenge: lead with clarity, not comfort. With great opportunity comes great responsibility—and part of that responsibility is evaluating what you’re bringing into the new year. From outdated routines to legacy systems that no…

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Are You Leading from Freedom or Shrinking from Fear? Boldly Declare Your Independence and Purpose #167 8:22

4M ago8:22

8:22

Send us a text In this Power Surge, Dr. Mel reflects on the deeper meaning of independence for educators. You’ll be challenged to name and claim the freedom you already have—freedom to lead, freedom to pivot, and freedom to follow God’s purpose for your career. Whether you’re heading into leadership or out of the classroom altogether, this episode …

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Let’s Talk Work-Life Balance #166 15:23

4M ago15:23

15:23

Send us a text Burnout doesn’t serve your calling. If you’ve been running on empty or trying to balance all the things without leaving space for yourself, this is your nudge to pause, protect your peace, and lead from a place of wholeness. You’ll walk away with: A fresh mindset around rest and sustainability Permission to protect your work-life bal…

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Power Surge ⚡Ready to Let Go to Level Up? Ditch Analysis Paralysis and Lead with Clarity #165 5:05

4M ago5:05

5:05

Send us a text As a new school year approaches, school leaders are faced with endless decisions, data, and demands—but clinging to what’s familiar can quietly stall progress. In this Power Surge episode, we’re naming the real culprit: analysis paralysis. Whether it’s outdated systems, overcomplicated routines, or fear of making the wrong move, the …

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Why Good Teachers Are Still Struggling—And What We Can Do About It #164 17:43

4M ago17:43

17:43

Send us a text Empowered Educator Community The Confident Classroom In this enlightening episode of the Empowered Educator series, we tackle the pressing issues surrounding teacher struggles in today’s educational landscape. Despite their passion and commitment, many educators find themselves feeling overwhelmed and unsupported, leading to alarming…

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Power Surge ⚡ From Teacher to Leader: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything #163 5:57

4M ago5:57

5:57

Send us a text You’ve landed the leadership role—now what? In this week’s Power Surge, Dr. Mel breaks down the real mindset shifts new administrators must make after stepping out of the classroom and into leadership. If you’re still thinking like a teacher but expected to lead like a visionary, this 5-minute episode is the clarity check you need. L…

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Part 2 - Culture First Classrooms: Leadership, Relationships, and Practices that Transform Schools with Dr. Darrin Peppard and Katie Kinder #162 25:47

4M ago25:47

25:47

Send us a text In this episode, Mel Vandevort dives into a captivating discussion with Katie Kinder and Dr. Darrin Peppard about their book "Culture First Classrooms" and their extensive experience as education consultants and speakers. The book, originally conceived as a guide to classroom management, evolved into a comprehensive exploration of fo…

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Part 1 - Culture First Classrooms: Leadership, Relationships, and Practices that Transform Schools with Dr. Darrin Peppard and Katie Kinder #161 27:14

4M ago27:14

27:14

Send us a text In this episode, Mel Vandevort dives into a captivating discussion with Katie Kinder and Dr. Darrin Peppard about their book "Culture First Classrooms" and their extensive experience as education consultants and speakers. The book, originally conceived as a guide to classroom management, evolved into a comprehensive exploration of fo…

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☀️🎧 Summer Sound Track Series: Track 5: Build Your Band – Reconnect Before You Re-Lead #160 5:38

4M ago5:38

5:38

Send us a text Before the school year even starts, it’s time to rehearse your leadership mindset. In this episode, I’ll walk you through a simple reflection practice to mentally prepare for the kind of leader you want to be this year. Grab a journal, find a quiet space, and let’s get your mind in tune. Theme: Social Recharge + Leadership Circle Son…

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☀️🎧 Summer Sound Track Series: Track 4: Drop the Beat – Connect Before You Direct #159 8:18

5M ago8:18

8:18

Send us a text The strongest leaders start the school year with relationships already in motion. This episode is all about how to build connection before you even step foot back into the building. From welcome messages to family outreach to community love, you’ll learn how to cultivate trust early—so when it’s time to lead, your people are already …

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☀️🎧 Summer Soundtrack Series Track 3: Hit Repeat – Grow Through Professional Development #158 7:02

5M ago7:02

7:02

Send us a text You don’t need to do all the things—you just need to grow in one right area. In today’s episode, we’re focusing on how to grow through professional development that actually fuels your next level. Whether it's a micro-course, a virtual summit, or a deep dive into data or equity, summer PD is your chance to sharpen your skills without…

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☀️🎧 Summer Soundtrack Series Track 2: Mark the Beat – Set Your Schedule with Intention #157 7:42

5M ago7:42

7:42

Send us a text Before your calendar fills up with other people’s priorities, let’s take a beat to plan with purpose. In this episode, we’ll talk about how to set your leadership rhythm before the year starts—so you're leading, not just reacting. I’ll walk you through what to prioritize, how to make space for what matters, and how to use your planne…

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☀️🎧 Summer Soundtrack Series Track 1: Turn the Page – Read to Refuel #156 7:54

5M ago7:54

7:54

Send us a text Books can change your mindset, your momentum, and your mission. In today’s episode, I’m inviting you to read with intention—not out of obligation, but as a way to fuel the leader you're becoming. Whether it’s instructional leadership, school culture, or personal mindset, there’s a book that will stretch and strengthen you this summer…

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Being Brave on Purpose with Samantha Hamilton #155 22:07

5M ago22:07

22:07

Send us a text Today’s guest is Samantha Hamilton—an award-winning principal, national education consultant, and the author of Brave On Purpose. With over two decades in education, Samantha is known for leading with heart, turning chaos into culture, and helping school leaders build joyful, resilient communities—without losing themselves in the pro…

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Power Surge⚡From Busy to Productive: Leading with Purpose #154 3:16

5M ago3:16

3:16

Send us a text Main Message (2–3 min): Grab your top three tasks for this week and ask: Does this drive instructional excellence? Does this build a stronger school culture? Does this empower or develop someone on my team? Delegate-Delay-Delete “I Will” Statement: "I will align my actions with my purpose—so every step I take strengthens instruction,…

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🎙️ From AP to Principal: How to Own the Interview When It’s Your Own School #153 11:11

5M ago11:11

11:11

Send us a text 🎧 Stepping into the principalship at the school where you already serve as an assistant principal? That internal interview process can feel personal, political, and pressure-packed. In this episode, Dr. Mel coaches you through how to confidently prepare for that high-stakes moment—especially when your interview panel knows you well. …

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💥Power Surge: Finish Strong, Start Clear #152 4:25

5M ago4:25

4:25

Send us a text Main Message (2–3 min): Use these last few weeks to: ✅ Celebrate the wins—no matter how small. Growth happened. ✅ Gather reflections—from your team, your students, and yourself. What worked? What didn’t? ✅ Set your foundation—don’t wait until August. Anchor one or two key priorities for next year now so your team has clarity over the…

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Real Talk on Leading, Retaining, Growing, & Starting Before You’re Ready with Dr. Jana Haywood #151 31:27

5M ago31:27

31:27

Send us a text Dr. Jana Haywood drops truth and strategy for every aspiring leader, burned-out teacher, and game-changing educator ready to make a move. From tackling the teacher shortage to rethinking onboarding, Dr. Haywood shares how authentic relationships, daily visibility, and intentional leadership can transform your school culture—and your …

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Power Surge⚡The 3-Minute Reset: Leading with Intention #150 4:22

5M ago4:22

4:22

Send us a text Pause. Breathe. Ask yourself three quick reflection questions: What leadership move did I make this week that aligned with my vision? What’s draining me or my staff that needs my attention? What’s one intentional shift I can make before Friday to refocus my energy or support my team better? This isn’t about perfection—it’s about alig…

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No Permission Needed: Building a Culture of Trust and Innovation with Chuck Moss #149 33:19

6M ago33:19

33:19

Send us a text In this episode of The Empowered Educator, Dr. Mel sits down with veteran educator Chuck Moss to unpack what it really takes to build a thriving school culture—one that fuels student achievement and inspires educators to lead from where they are. With over three decades in education as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal…

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💥 Power Surge: The Ripple Effect of a Thank You #148 4:01

6M ago4:01

4:01

Send us a text ✅ A heartfelt, specific thank you hits deeper than a donut. ✅ Recognize effort, not just outcomes. "I saw the way you deescalated that student in third period—your calm presence made a big difference." ✅ Appreciation fuels retention. Teachers who feel seen and valued are more likely to stay and serve. Action Surge (1 min): Pick 3 tea…