Episode 28 - TEPSA Director: Why Education Is Under Attack and How Teachers Survive It - Todd Nesloney

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the SupportED Learning Podcast, Dr. Joe Sebestyen sits down with Todd Nesloney, former National Elementary Principal and Teacher of the Year, bestselling author, and Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership at TEPSA, to explain why most schools are working on the wrong problem. Todd shares how he went from classroom teacher to principal of a 90% free-and-reduced-lunch school overnight, and how a simple idea — that every human wants to feel seen, valued, and heard — became the foundation for turning a struggling campus into a nationally recognized model.Dr. Joe Sebestyen and Todd Nesloney discuss the practices that actually move the needle, including the Hats Off Cards initiative that transformed campus behavior with 22-second phone calls home, why culture work takes things off your plate instead of adding to them, and what authentic leadership looks like when you stop trying to project a plastic smile. Todd also explains why "remember your why" is some of the worst leadership advice circulating right now, why education is under attack on multiple fronts, and why he'd tell his first-year-principal self to shut up and listen more.This episode is especially useful for school principals, new and aspiring administrators, instructional coaches, and teachers trying to stay in the profession during a hard stretch. Todd gives a clear, honest framework for building school culture, supporting burnt-out staff, and remembering that the biggest changes usually happen in the quiet little moments.🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on academic strategy, college prep, and the future of student success.📲 Connect with them: toddnesloney.comInstagram: @techninjatoddFacebook: @ToddNesloney📲 Learn more about us: supportedtutoring.com, @dr_joe_ap_exams Thanks for tuning in to the SupportED Learning Podcast with Dr. Joe. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe for more insights on education, critical thinking, and AI integration in learning. Visit our website at supportedtutoring.comRemember to share this podcast with fellow parents and educators who are passionate about reimagining education for tomorrow's world. Until next time, keep supporting learning!