The Elemental Educator Podcast

Episode 39: How to Prioritize Core Values in Leadership Effectively with Ashley Moore

In this episode of The Elemental Educator, we dive deep into leadership insights with Ashley Moore, a principal with a mission to do what's best for kids. Discover how Ashley’s core values of integrity and fun shape her decision-making and empower her school community to achieve excellence. Whether you’re navigating leadership challenges, implementing school-wide change, or finding your core values, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped.
Highlights:
Prioritizing Core Values: Why integrity and fun are at the heart of transformational leadership.
Navigating Challenges: Leading through adversity, including the pandemic, with purpose and grit.
Driving Change: Successfully implementing honors programs and specialized initiatives.
Call to Action: What’s your biggest leadership challenge? Share in the comments below! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your fellow leaders.
Connect with Ashley Moore:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principal_mo
X: https://x.com/principal_mo
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@principal_mo
Email: principalmo03@gmail.com
Support the Channel:
Visit our website: https://www.elementaleducator.com
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elemental_educator
Subscribe to our podcast on Podbean: https://elementaleducator.podbean.com
Affiliate Links:
Riverside recording platform: https://www.riverside.fm/?via=tyler-comeau
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Timestamps (SEO Optimized): 0:00 What Does "Prioritizing Core Values" Mean in Leadership? 0:20 Who Is Ashley Moore? A Leadership Journey from Philadelphia to Maryland 1:38 How Early Experiences Shaped Ashley’s Career in Education 2:35 Why Integrity and Fun Drive Transformational Leadership 3:43 How to Align Programs with School and Community Core Values 5:45 Overcoming Leadership Challenges with Empowerment Strategies 10:21 What’s It Like to Lead During a Pandemic? 14:33 Strategies for Tackling Unique Educational Challenges 17:31 How to Identify Your Core Values as a Leader 20:09 The Secret to Driving School-Wide Change Successfully 24:13 Key Mentorship Techniques for New School Leaders 27:26 How Risk-Taking Shapes Bold Leadership Decisions 32:03 Finding Balance Between Immediate Needs and Long-Term Goals 35:57 Lessons Learned from Public Speaking at a National Conference 39:48 What Does the Future Hold for Ashley Moore? 42:15 Closing Thoughts and How to Connect with Ashley Moore

Episode 38: How to Lead with Grace and Grit - With Julianne Lang

In this empowering episode of The Elemental Educator Podcast, host Tyler Comeau sits down with Julianne Lang, also known as Leadership with a Latte. Julianne is a charter school principal from South Carolina who navigates educational leadership with an inspiring mix of resilience and empathy. In her first-ever podcast appearance, Julianne delves into her journey through personal adversity and professional challenges, sharing how her experiences shaped her core values of grace, grit, and transparency.
Throughout the conversation, Julianne provides insights into the unique demands of charter school leadership, the importance of fostering a supportive school community, and the ways she empowers her team and students to lead with courage and compassion. She also shares practical strategies for inspiring resilience and high-energy leadership, ensuring her team stays mission-driven and focused on growth despite the challenges they face.
Key Takeaways:
Julianne’s journey through personal loss and its impact on her leadership approach
Core values that guide her decision-making: empathy, resilience, and transparency
The significance of high-energy, mission-driven leadership
Effective strategies for fostering resilience among students, teachers, and families
The power of vulnerability, collective efficacy, and innovative solutions in charter schools
Insights on balancing educational innovation with accountability
Call to Action:What values guide your leadership? Let us know, and explore our resources to cultivate resilience and inspiration in your own practice.
Links Mentioned:Visit our website: https://www.elementaleducator.comFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elemental_educatorSubscribe to our podcast on Podbean: https://elementaleducator.podbean.com
Engage With Us:What is one value you lead by every day? Let us know in the comments or on social media!
Affiliate Links:
Riverside recording platform: https://www.riverside.fm/?via=tyler-comeau
SavvyCal scheduling tool: https://savvycal.com/?via=tyler-comeau
Podbean unlimited hosting: https://www.podbean.com/elementaleducator
Keychron keyboards for productivity: https://www.keychron.com/?ref=TYLERCOMEAU
Connect with Julianne Lang:Website: https://www.leadershipwithalatte.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadership.with.a.latte/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliannelang/Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Leadership-With-A-Latte
Timestamps:0:00 Introduction to the Elemental Educator00:30 Meet Julianne: Leadership with Grace and Grit02:15 Julianne’s Journey to Leadership05:55 Key Core Values in Education09:22 Building an Inclusive School Environment13:05 Overcoming Adversity with Empathy and Resilience17:50 Creating a Career Ladder for Teachers22:31 Strategies for High-Energy, Mission-Driven Leadership25:50 Navigating Challenges in Charter School Leadership29:15 Advocacy, Community Building, and Collective Efficacy34:42 Balancing Innovation and Accountability38:05 Embracing Resilience and Leading by Example41:30 The Importance of Grace and Grit in Education43:52 Advice for Overcoming Adversity

Episode 37: The Best Way to Overcome Fear and Embrace Courage with Utkarsh Narang

In this episode of The Elemental Educator Podcast, host Tyler Comeau welcomes Utkarsh Narang, a learning consultant, executive coach, and content creator from Melbourne, Australia. With a diverse career spanning from physiotherapy to entrepreneurship, Utkarsh shares his journey of making fear an ally and living a life grounded in core values. Throughout the conversation, he discusses the importance of discipline, growth, and love, revealing how these values drive his decisions and actions.
Utkarsh speaks passionately about finding and living one’s core values, offering practical steps for anyone seeking to align their life with what matters most. He explains how mindfulness practices can help navigate adversity and the crucial difference between discipline and motivation. Utkarsh also shares his insights on using fear to fuel courage, and how building supportive communities can empower individuals and teams. This episode is filled with wisdom on personal growth, leadership, and the power of internal strength, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to lead a more intentional and courageous life.
Key Discussion Points:Utkarsh’s journey from physiotherapist to entrepreneur, and how his core values guided his path. The process of discovering and solidifying core values. Why discipline is more essential than motivation. The role of mindfulness in managing adversity. How to use fear as a catalyst for courageous actions. The importance of self-reflection and the 2 percent rule. Building communities rooted in support and love.
Call to Action:What’s one core value that guides your decisions? Let us know, and don’t forget to check out our resources to help you align your actions with your values!
Helpful Links:Free resources for educational leaders: https://www.elementaleducator.comFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elemental_educatorSubscribe to the podcast: https://elementaleducator.podbean.com
Engage With Us:What is your biggest takeaway from this episode? Share your insights and experiences in the comments!
Affiliate Links:I record my episodes on Riverside. Use this link for a sweet rate on your recording needs: https://www.riverside.fm/?via=tyler-comeauI book my meetings with SavvyCal. Start optimizing your time with this link: https://savvycal.com/?via=tyler-comeauI use Podbean to host my show. Check out unlimited hosting here: https://www.podbean.com/elementaleducator or the business plan here: https://www.podbean.com/pro/elementaleducatorI do all of my typing with a Keychron keyboard. Explore customizable options here: https://www.keychron.com/?ref=TYLERCOMEAU
Connect with Utkarsh Narang:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ignitedneuronsLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/utkarsh-narang/
Timestamps:0:00 Introduction to the Elemental Educator00:28 Meet Utkarsh: A Journey of Courage and Growth03:29 Unpacking Core Values07:27 Finding and Living Your Values12:39 The Role of Discipline in Success16:00 Navigating Adversity with Mindfulness22:10 Using Fear to Drive Courage22:25 The Power of Water and Overcoming Fear23:43 Leveraging Fear for Courageous Actions25:19 Breaking Down the First Step34:15 The Importance of Discipline Over Motivation39:21 The 2 Percent Rule for Self-Reflection41:11 Building a Supportive Community43:10 The Value of Coaching44:33 Conclusion and Future Plans

Episode 36: Data Driven vs Data Informed What is the Best way to Use Data with Dr. Selena Fisk

In this episode of The Elemental Educator Podcast, host Tyler Comeau is joined by Dr. Selena Fisk, a data expert, consultant, and author who has made it her mission to demystify data for educators and organizations. Together, they explore how to effectively utilize data to drive meaningful change, focusing on the importance of storytelling, ethical responsibility, and practical application.
Dr. Fisk shares her journey from being a high school teacher to a consultant, highlighting her experiences in different educational contexts and the role that data played in shaping her teaching practices. The conversation dives into how data literacy is not just about numbers but also about understanding the human stories behind the data. Dr. Fisk emphasizes the value of being data-informed rather than data-driven, guiding educators on how to navigate through complex data sets to make decisions that truly benefit students.
Listeners will gain insights on the process of triangulation, how to ensure data is valid and reliable, and why it's crucial to build trust in the data you use. Dr. Fisk also discusses the importance of visualizing data effectively, and how small, actionable steps can lead to big improvements in educational outcomes. Whether you're a teacher, school leader, or anyone working with data, this episode offers practical advice and strategies to help you confidently use data to inform and support your work.
Key Discussion Points:Selena's journey from teaching to consulting and the value of data storytelling. Understanding data literacy and its role in education. The ethical responsibility of using data effectively. Differentiating between data-driven and data-informed decisions. Practical tips on visualizing data for clarity. The power of small, data-informed changes. How to build trust in data and use it to drive action.
Call to Action:What’s one way you can start using data more effectively in your role? Let us know, and don’t forget to check out our resources to help you make the most of your data insights!
Helpful Links:Free resources for educational leaders: https://www.elementaleducator.comFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elemental_educatorSubscribe to the podcast: https://elementaleducator.podbean.com
Engage With Us:How do you approach data in your work? Share your insights and experiences in the comments!
Affiliate Links:I record my episodes on Riverside. Use this link for a sweet rate on your recording needs: https://www.riverside.fm/?via=tyler-comeauI book my meetings with SavvyCal. Start optimizing your time with this link: https://savvycal.com/?via=tyler-comeauI use Podbean to host my show. Check out unlimited hosting here: https://www.podbean.com/elementaleducator or the business plan here: https://www.podbean.com/pro/elementaleducatorI do all of my typing with a Keychron keyboard. Explore customizable options here: https://www.keychron.com/?ref=TYLERCOMEAU
Connect with Dr. Selena Fisk:Website: https://www.selenafisk.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/selenafiskFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/drselenafiskLinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/selenafisk
Timestamps:0:00 Welcome to the Elemental Educator Podcast00:58 Meet Selena: Data Expert and Author02:16 Selena's Journey: From Teacher to Consultant04:02 The Power of Data Storytelling in Education06:47 Understanding Data Literacy and Its Importance09:42 Ethical Responsibility in Using Data16:21 The Role of Standardized Testing20:55 Triangulation of Data: Ensuring Validity and Reliability22:06 Trusting the Majority of Data22:27 Tailoring Classroom Strategies23:35 Starting Small with Data25:26 The Power of Triangulation27:33 Differentiation and Data29:06 Visualizing Data Effectively31:42 Taking Action on Data Insights32:56 Overcoming Fear and Rigidity35:44 The Importance of Time in Data Interpretation36:52 Final Thoughts and Resources

Episode 35: Discover the Secret to Leading with Purpose in 2024 with Frederick Buskey

In this episode of The Elemental Educator Podcast, host Tyler Comeau sits down with Dr. Frederick Buskey, an expert with over three decades of experience in K-12 and higher education. Dr. Buskey dives deep into transformative strategies for effective school leadership, highlighting the importance of prioritizing teacher development over administrative tasks. He shares his insights on the distinction between urgent and strategic leadership, practical approaches to navigating educational mandates like MTSS, and the benefits of focusing on incremental change. Listeners will gain valuable advice on effective time management tools, the significance of being present as a leader, and strategies for handling external pressures while upholding core values. Dr. Buskey also discusses the power of trust, engaging teachers in decision-making, and creating a supportive, growth-oriented environment in schools. The episode concludes with a look at his personal journey, the motivation behind his upcoming book Reclaiming Purpose, and how listeners can stay connected to his latest insights. Key Discussion Points: Prioritizing teacher growth over administrative tasks. Understanding the difference between urgent and strategic leadership. Practical approaches to educational mandates like MTSS. The power of incremental change in leadership. Effective time management tools for school leaders. The importance of presence, listening, and maintaining core values. Engaging teachers in decision-making and fostering a supportive environment. Dr. Buskey's personal journey and the inspiration behind his book Reclaiming Purpose. Call to Action: What's one strategy you can implement to become a more strategic leader in your school? Share your thoughts with us, and be sure to explore our free resources for educational leaders! Helpful Links: Free resources for educational leaders: https://www.elementaleducator.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elemental_educator Subscribe to the podcast: https://elementaleducator.podbean.com Engage With Us: How are you transforming leadership practices in your school? Share your insights in the comments! Support the Channel: Subscribe to the podcast: https://elementaleducator.podbean.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elemental_educator Visit our website: https://www.elementaleducator.com Connect with Dr. Frederick Buskey: Email: frederick@frederickbuskey.com Website: https://www.frederickbuskey.com LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/strategicleadershipconsulting Daily Email subscribe: https://adept-experimenter-3588.ck.page/fdf37cbf3a The Strategic Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWRS2F6N Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Elemental Educator Podcast 00:46 Meet Dr. Frederick Buskey 01:40 A Day in the Life of an Assistant Principal 03:39 The Importance of Reflective Practice 04:03 Dr. Buskey's Journey in Education 09:03 Strategic vs. Urgent Leadership 18:07 Navigating Mandates and Incremental Change 24:25 Teacher Recruitment and Growth 24:49 The Power of Incremental Change 25:23 Piloting New Practices 25:56 Leadership and Buy-In 27:37 Clarifying Expectations 29:40 Empowering Teachers 31:53 Observations and Teacher Growth 36:17 Supporting Teachers Through Personal Struggles 39:23 The Importance of Presence and Listening 41:36 Future Aspirations and Consistency 43:31 Conclusion and Contact Information

Episode 34: How to Develop Strong Education Cultures, with Erinn Cottman

Discover the keys to building strong educational cultures in the workplace. This video explores the importance of company culture and how it impacts organizational success. Listen now to learn more!
Join host Tyler on the Elemental Educator Podcast as he sits down with Erinn Cottman, an Atlanta-based leadership and teacher development coach, to explore the power of instructional coaching in education. Erinn shares her unique journey from journalism to teaching, explaining how her passion for fostering strong educational cultures has shaped her approach to developing leaders and teachers alike. In this episode, we dive deep into core values, mission alignment, and strategic leadership. Erinn discusses the importance of cultural knowledge, resilience, and how instructional coaching can build a thriving school environment. She also shares practical strategies for facing resistance, maintaining morale, and implementing positive changes within schools.
🔑 Key Discussion Points: Erinn Cottman’s inspiring journey from journalism to education. How to align your work with school vision and mission. Building a resilient, culturally responsive leadership approach. The role of coaching in developing strong educational cultures. Strategies for navigating resistance to change and maintaining consistency. Why risk-taking and continuous development are crucial in education.
🎯 Call to Action: What’s one strategy you’ll apply to your school or classroom from this episode? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to connect with Erinn to learn more about her work!
📌 Helpful Links: Connect with Erinn Cottman: Website: www.erinncottman.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/erinncottma
💬 Engage With Us: What’s your biggest takeaway from this episode? How are you implementing instructional coaching in your school?
🔗 Support the Channel: Subscribe to the podcast: https://elementaleducator.podbean.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elemental_educator Visit our website: https://www.elementaleducator.com
📱 Connect with Us Online: Website: https://www.elementaleducator.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/elementaleducator Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elemental_educator X (Twitter): https://x.com/ElementalEduc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555973948902&mibextid=JRoKGi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-comeau-961a49310/ Support the Channel: https://eepurl.com/iYmSOA
⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome to the Elemental Educator Podcast
00:43 How Did Erinn Cottman Transition Into Education?
02:35 What Are the Core Values That Drive Educational Change?
04:49 How Do We Align With School Vision and Mission?
08:08 Why Is Cultural Knowledge and Resilience So Important in Leadership?
13:10 How Do You Build a Culture of Coaching?
23:23 What Is the Role of Co-Teaching in Leadership Presence?
23:42 How Do You Navigate Resistance to Change?
24:30 What Strategies Make Leadership and Communication More Effective?
25:36 How Can Leaders Support Teachers Through Change?
26:45 Why Is Consistency So Critical in Education?
35:44 How Can We Encourage Risk-Taking in Schools?
42:03 What’s Next for Erinn Cottman?

Episode 33: Leadership Hacks with Mike Anderson: Boost Team Performance NOW!

Are you looking for people who are compliant, needing to be managed? Or are you looking for people who are self-managing and self-motivated? In this episode of the Elemental Educator, I sit down with Mike Anderson, an award-winning educator, author, and consultant. We dive deep into educational practices, core values, and the powerful habits that help teachers and leaders succeed. If you're ready to explore innovative ways to inspire and lead, this conversation is for you.
🔑 Key Discussion Points: How core values shape education and leadership Embracing mistakes and fostering a growth mindset Navigating compliance, autonomy, and motivational crises Practical strategies for empowering both students and teachers
🎯 Call to Action: What do you think is the biggest challenge educators face today? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
📌 Helpful Links: Learn more about Mike Anderson: https://www.leadinggreatlearning.com Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: Mike Anderson Follow Mike on X: https://x.com/balancedteacher
💬 Engage With Us: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as an educator or leader? Share in the comments, and let’s keep the conversation going! 🔗 Support the Channel: Subscribe to the podcast: https://elementaleducator.podbean.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elemental_educator Visit our website: https://www.elementaleducator.com
📱 Connect with Us Online: Website: https://www.elementaleducator.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/elementaleducator Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elemental_educator X (Twitter): https://x.com/ElementalEduc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555973948902&mibextid=JRoKGi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-comeau-961a49310/ Support the Channel: https://eepurl.com/iYmSOA
⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to the Elemental Educator Podcast
00:36 Who is Mike Anderson, and what is his journey?
01:39 How do core values influence education?
02:34 What makes teaching so enjoyable for Mike?
05:00 How can embracing mistakes enhance learning?
07:07 How do core values shape professional practices?
10:35 Why is effective communication crucial in education?
13:41 How can we balance compliance and autonomy in schools?
23:04 How do we reignite motivation in schools today?
27:48 Can parenting language impact student motivation?
28:01 What drives self-motivation in students and teachers?
29:00 How can teachers and students be empowered in the classroom?
29:59 What challenges do educational leaders face?
30:49 How does consultancy play a role in educational transformation?
33:32 What does effective professional learning look like?
35:30 How do you align new initiatives with school values?
40:52 What risks come with innovative teaching methods?
47:46 Why is reflecting on educational practices essential?
49:45 How do we overcome adversity in education?
51:31 Conclusion and Contact Information

Episode 32: Traditional Discipline vs. Restorative Justice: Which Works Better? With Robyn Hollohan

🎧 In This Episode:
Welcome to The Elemental Educator podcast! Today, Tyler is joined by Robyn Hollohan, a school administrator in Alberta focused on restorative justice practices and redefining leadership in education. Robyn shares her unique journey from pursuing biology to becoming a school leader, driven by her core value of relationships. In this episode, she discusses the importance of building trust, supporting students through adversity, implementing collaborative response models, and the power of restorative practices. Robyn also explores outcome-based reporting and innovative strategies for engaging students in meaningful ways.
🎯 Call to Action: If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to like, rate, and subscribe! Reach out to Robyn to continue the dialogue on restorative practices or leadership in education.
📌 Key Highlights: Robyn’s journey to education and leadership Fostering relationships and building trust in a diverse school community Addressing challenges in education through collaborative response and social contracts Outcome-based reporting and assessment innovations How restorative practices create meaningful change and support students Managing change and risk in education leadership Effective strategies for balancing personal well-being with professional responsibilities
🔗 Resources Mentioned: Instagram: @katholl99 Robyn Hollohan (Facebook)
💬 Engage With Us: What’s your biggest challenge in fostering relationships in your school? Share with us in the comments! 🔗 Support the Channel: Join the Elemental Educator newsletter: http://eepurl.com/iYmSOA
📱 Connect with Us Online:
Website: www.elementaleducator.com Instagram: @elemental_educator YouTube: @elementaleducator LinkedIn: Tyler Comeau Facebook: Elemental Educator Email: tyler@elementaleducator.com
⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:20 Robyn's Journey to Education
02:42 Core Values in Education
03:28 Leadership and Relationship Building
11:19 Challenges in Education
12:54 Implementing Change and Collaborative Response
22:15 Supporting Literacy in Education
22:26 Outcome-Based Reporting Explained
23:13 Mapping Outcomes in PowerSchool
24:36 Innovative Assessment Strategies
27:30 Balancing Change and Risk in Education
30:48 Building Effective Relationships
34:05 Restorative Practices in Schools
41:08 Future Goals and Advice for Educators