In this episode, Phil Boyte and guest Deborah Beagle, Director of Student Activities at Vernon Hills HS, Illinois, discuss school culture, leadership development, and the value of a supportive school community. Debbie shares her inspirational journey with breast cancer and how her school and network supported and encouraged her. Listen in to hear about her Hakuna Matata theme that helped her stay positive during her cancer journey and the encouragement she gives to have “no worries.”
Join Phil Boyte and guest Melissa Wright for ideas to encourage and celebrate staff and students at the end of the school year. Melissa shares ways to build school culture, boost morale on campus, and bring back fun and meaningful spring traditions.
Melissa is a Jostens Renaissance Advisor and Mathematics and Dance Teacher at Kennebecasis Valley High School in Quispamsis, NB, Canada.
In this episode, Phil Boyte and Shyana Frost, COO of Learning for Living, talk about how tiny moments everyday help build trust and relationships on campus. Shyana shares examples why it is important to communicate effectively and acknowledge the dedication, achievements, and hard moments that our colleagues and students are experiencing.
Also, stay tuned until the end to hear an announcement about a NEW leadership program for administrators, “People First Administrator Training.” Learn more: https://www.learningforliving.com/administrator-training
Phil Boyte and guest Lianna Gantz, Central HS Teacher and 2021 Texas Student Council Advisor of the Year, discuss school culture and mental wellness. Lianna and her students work together to plan “Mental Wellness” Week and “Stop the Silence” Week to increase awareness and understanding of mental health and suicide prevention. Listen in to hear her ideas on sharing positivity, creating a caring campus, and building relationships with a “10 Gives, 1 Ask” approach.
Phil Boyte and guest Maureen Stover, 2021 National Teacher of the Year finalist, discuss redefining education coming out of the pandemic. Opportunities include creating a culture of trust, support, and intentional communications. Also, hear about Maureen’s equity in education initiative with her North Carolina regional team.
In this episode, Phil Boyte and guest Scott Backovich, founder of ENVOLVE Schools, share “Student Engagement Ideas.” Scott shares his approach on being a silver lining specialist, the importance of staff and student acknowledgement, and student activities you can do this spring to increase student involvement and create community.
Listen in to hear Rachael George’s incredible journey to education and her passion to pay it forward. She shares advice from her book Principaled as well as her newly released book, She Leads: The Women’s Guide to a Career in Educational Leadership, including strategies to navigate leadership positions and building school culture. Phil and Rachael also discuss the value of taking time to hear each other's stories to create a culture that puts people first.
In this episode, Vince Caguin, Natomas Unified Executive Director of Nutrition Services & Warehousing, shares 3 mantras on building “Healthy Culture” with a focus on child nutrition, taking care of staff, and supporting local farmers. For Vince and his dedicated team, “it’s more than food” as they quickly became a cornerstone for the community during the pandemic. Listen in to hear Vince's secret recipe to the success of his program.
Kelly Griffin wants to “change the educational ecosystem” with an emphasis on social emotional learning (SEL). She shares numerous SEL activities to help build community in the classroom. Kelly also discusses the importance of teaching and practicing self-awareness, self-management, and coping skills.
CLICK HERE for the Better Together Connect Cards that Kelly mentions during this episode.
Donovan Taylor Hall, youth advocate and educator, is an inspiring, positive force for youth. He helps kids improve their most important relationship… the one they have with themselves.
Donovan shares 3 skills to help students build a positive self-identity. Listen in to hear about the importance of encouraging helpful self-talk, creating a growth mindset, and practicing gratitude.
Brooke Barton is on a mission to build positive school culture and develop “get on your feet” leaders … because as Brooke says, you can’t lead sitting down!
Don’t miss her school’s unique approach to the typical canned food drive that gets more students involved, the “Big Greet” to welcome students mid semester, and more ideas that help build amazing campus culture!
Be inspired by Kenny Monday, former Olympic gold medalist wrestler and current Head Coach and Director of the wrestling academy at SPIRE Institute. Kenny shares the value of learning from all experiences, including wins and losses, to drive us forward. Kenny is creating opportunities for youth and student athletes as he believes “when we re-invest in our youth, we make a deposit into our future.”
Take a journey on the “Road to Awesome” with Phil Boyte and guest Darrin Peppard, keynote speaker, author, and former teacher and administrator. Darrin shares ideas on how to build positive school culture and how focusing on what people are doing right changed his mindset.
It’s back to school time, and we are chatting with Christina Onuskanich (Mrs. O), Teacher at Central Mountain Middle School in Mill Hall, PA. Christina shares ideas on how she is kicking off the new school year with a focus on engagement and building relationships. Ideas include dedicated circle time, welcome back activities, mindfulness tools, team building, and a school wide book reading of “Deep Kindness” with her goal to “Let kindness lead the way this year.”
Listen in to the CULTURE LEVER series finale and hear ideas on how you can CELEBRATE and SUPPORT your staff. It starts by creating and building genuine connections with colleagues. Phil Boyte shares ideas to consider this fall, such as relationship builders, check-in’s, and the Love List to get to know your staff and how they like to be celebrated or supported.
Download the staff Love List (plus some student love list questions in this blog post): https://www.learningforliving.com/cultureblog/2020/8/18/the-love-list
Join Phil Boyte and guest Jason Jedamski, Director of the Vanguard Academy of Broken Arrow, OK, as they share ideas on "Creating Irresistible Experiences for Students." Jason shares his passion to create an environment of emotional commitment among staff and students across campus and in the classrooms. JJ believes in micro experiences and that these moments create momentum.
Listen in and consider how you can create irresistible experiences at your school this fall!
Next up in the CULTURE LEVER series, join Phil Boyte and guest Shyana Frost, Learning for Living COO, for an episode packed with ideas and tips on how you can intentionally build connections at your GATHERINGS from staff meetings to social events. #PeopleFirst
In this episode of the School Culture By Design CULTURE LEVER series, Phil Boyte welcomes back guest Ted Goergen, Director of Student Activities at Adlai E. Stevenson HS in Lincolnshire, Illinois.
Ted views this fall as an opportunity to recalibrate and reimagine school culture and shares ideas on “Welcoming Students Back.”
Continuing the Culture Lever mini podcast series, this episode focuses on the “Onboarding/Reboarding” lever and gives ideas for welcoming staff back to your campus this fall. Hear how to communicate “we are so glad you are here” from day one with culture at the forefront.
Listen in as Phil Boyte provides an overview of the CULTURE LEVERS, four core areas that can be leveraged to intentionally build thriving school culture.
In this episode, Phil focuses on the COMMUNICATION lever and shares simple ways to take a “people first” approach to communicate with your staff leading into the fall semester.
Spring is here and before we know it school will be out for summer, so what a great time to pause and consider the potential we have before staff and students leave for the year. During this mini podcast, Phil shares the concept of "intent versus capacity" and thoughts on prioritizing this spring for optimal impact.
Join Phil Boyte and guests Kim Karr, co-founder of #ICANHELP, and Malorie Bournazian, Lead Intern at Digital4Good, as they discuss using technology and social media in a positive way and empowering students to be part of the solution. They share tips on how educators can encourage students to have safer and healthier digital habits as well as the importance of training students to help and support fellow students as they often turn to one another.
Additional resources, including free curriculum and the “21-Day Digital Wellness Challenge” to create healthy technology habits can be found on ICANHELP.net. Also, don’t miss the Digital4Good Virtual Summit Power Hour on April 23, 2021!
Join Phil Boyte and Debbie Hawkins, Campus Culture Director, at Sunnyside High School in Fresno, California, for a run down on virtual and social distancing ideas for this spring. Debbie has created possibilities and fun events for her staff and students during this pandemic without skipping a beat.
Listen in to hear how she helps her school stay connected, including STUDENT events such as Senior Shout Outs on Instagram, Move Up Day, and Virtual Prom; and STAFF events including social distance lawn chair lunches, staff competitions, and a virtual holiday party.
Join PB and PC as they bounce questions back and forth about culture, travel, books, self-care, and so much more! Get to know the two friends who are deeply passionate about building great culture, as they share both personal and professional experiences and insights.
In this episode, Phil Boyte interviews guest Jennifer Duston, former teacher and administrator, and current Client Partner with Franklin Covey Education. Hear Jennifer’s views on celebrating hard work, being yourself, and how leadership skills prepare students for life after school.
She also shares a virtual spin on making “emotional bank account” deposits to help increase engagement and build relationships among the school community while distance learning.