The School Life Series

In this episode, educator, speaker and behavior expert Andre Deshotel shares insights on student behavior, neuroscience, and practical classroom strategies. Discover how understanding behavior biology and building connections can transform your teaching approach! An episode for all educators at every level!

In this inspiring episode, Justin Pickens shares his remarkable journey from overcoming personal challenges to becoming a passionate educator. He emphasizes the importance of intentionality, culture, and love for education, offering practical advice for teachers to thrive and make lasting impacts.A must listen for all educators!

In this episode, Ross Braun interviews Kim Gameroz, an expert in social-emotional learning (SEL) and author of "Becoming the Bison." They discuss the importance of SEL in education, emphasizing that it should be integrated into daily classroom activities rather than treated as an extra task. Kim shares her journey from being a professional dancer to becoming an educator and SEL specialist. She highlights the significance of teachers modeling SEL skills for students and the need for proactive strategies to support students' emotional and social development. The conversation also touches on teacher wellness, the importance of finding a supportive community, and practical strategies for implementing SEL in the classroom. Kim encourages educators to be intentional in their teaching and to find their "herd" for support. The episode concludes with advice for educators and students on embracing the "bison" mindset, which involves facing challenges head-on with resilience and determination.This summary captures the essence of the episode by focusing on the emotional and psychological benefits of integrating SEL into education, which can lead to more resilient and well-rounded students and educators. An episode every educator needs to hear!

In this episode, Ross Braun interviews AJ Bianco, an experienced educator and principal, who shares his journey in education, the importance of positivity, and practical strategies for overcoming challenges in the classroom. AJ emphasizes the significance of building relationships with students and staff, understanding that grades are not the sole measure of success, and the need for educators to lead with positivity. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced in education today and the importance of collaboration among educators.

In this episode of the School Life series, Ross Braun interviews Barrett Duncan, an elementary curriculum specialist, about the significance of curriculum in education. They discuss Barrett's journey in education, the importance of providing high-quality instruction for all students, and the challenges educators face in implementing curriculum effectively. Barrett shares personal anecdotes and insights on how to engage students and the necessity of adapting curriculum to meet diverse learner needs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of collaboration, support, and the human side of education.

In this engaging conversation, Ross Braun and Jonathan Alsheimer explore the multifaceted world of education, focusing on the importance of student engagement, the challenges educators face, and the influence of personal experiences on teaching philosophy. Jonathan shares his journey from classroom teacher to speaker, emphasizing the need for educators to connect with students on a personal level and adapt their teaching strategies to meet the needs of modern learners. The discussion highlights the significance of building relationships, embracing technology, and fostering a positive classroom environment to enhance student learning.

In this episode of the School Life Series, Ross Braun interviews Danny Steele, a seasoned educator with over 31 years of experience. They discuss the importance of supporting both students and teachers, the concept of 'passion drift' in education, and practical strategies to maintain enthusiasm in the teaching profession. Danny shares personal anecdotes, insights on leadership, and the significance of building relationships within the school community. The conversation emphasizes the need for educators to remember their purpose and the impact they have on students' lives.

On this episode of The School Life Series Bitesize PD, we dive into something we can all do better with, being a better listener! Ross shares the benefits, the results and practical strategies on becoming a better listener.

Have you ever thought about building a CTE program but didn't know where to start or thought your students were too young? In this episode of The School Life Series, Dr. Brittany Porter shares about a highly impactful CTE program she built for her middle school students in rural West Virginia. We also discuss student leadership, meeting students where they are and the power of connections! A true must listen for all educators!

In this week's bitesize PD with host, Ross Braun, we chat about 5 simple yet very effective strategies you can implement TODAY that will help you, your colleagues, and our education system get it's JOY back! Tune in and let us know what you think and how we can support YOU.

On this episode of The School Life Series we have forever educator Dr. Breauna Wall joining us from southern California. Dr. Wall shares a ton of quality advice for educator effectiveness, collaboration and we really dive into special education talking about her new book, Leading Special Education. This is a must listen for all educators!

Let's try something new in 2025 with some bite size PD in between guest episodes! On this bite size session, Ross dives into a topic he is super passionate about, GREENLIGHTS! Join Ross as he shares the reasons why we need more green lights in today's schools and how YOU can make them happen!

Episode 6 in Season 3 has a very special guest, Sarah Dlouhy. Sarah is a forever educator who may no longer be teaching in the classroom now supports schools and educators through her company Creative School Daze and is also the newest creative representative for School Life! In this episode, we dive into reach strategies and tips that all educators can use to improve our profession and support each other!

In this last short episode of 2024, host Ross Braun shares a little about The School Life Series journey, his advice as you head into break and over break, along with some exciting happenings at School Life! If you are a School Life school and want us to share the AMAZING things you are doing in your school, complete this short form and we will be in contact! https://forms.gle/dZHcF7Vpm1HpTM169

On Episode 5 of Season 3 we have a really special guest, Chuck Moss who is an administrator from Virginia and on this episode we really dive into the importance of people and connections! The official topic is bringing out the best in others so you can bring out the best in kids. I loved this conversation and I think you will, too!

In Episode 4 of Season 3 we have southern California teacher, David Domena! David is a STEM teacher who loves teaching and brings a unique perspective to the profession as a 2nd career educator. We talk about this along with the love of teaching, reaching students and some bonus parenting tips, as well!

Episode 3 is all about MATH! Our special guest is Dr. Gary Seaboldt who is a district math coordinator in South Carolina. Gary shares is unique math journey, provides some great strategies and how leaders can promote math in your school. Another must listen for all educators!

On episode 2 of Season 3 we have principal Curtis Price from North Carolina as our guest. Curtis leads an elementary in the Outer Banks where he is passionate about creating a culture where staff and students thrive! In this conversation, we dive into the 3 R's: relationships, rigor and relevance. A great listen for all educators who may find themselves frustrated and looking for new strategies.

In our first official episode of Season 3 we have Emily Paschall as our guest who truly has a heart of gold and passion for kids! Emily is a former elementary principal and now career center leader from Alabama. In this special conversation with Emily, we talk about mindset, staying student focused and dive into the topic of CAREER READINESS. This episode is for all educators and you are guaranteed to leave a better educator and human.

We are back for Season 3 of The School Life Series! This season is all about Real educators. Real stories. Real strategies. In the introduction, the host of the The School Life Series, Ross Braun, opens up the season by sharing 3 simple strategies that can have BIG IMPACT on your school life! Get ready! Season 3 is here and we've got some incredible educators with us ready to share their passions, stories and strategies!

On Episode 6 in the Back to School Season, we have THE Culture Queen, Dr. Brandi Brotherton, as our guest! Dr. B is an incredible educational leader from Houston, Texas where she is changing lives each and every day! In this episode, we dive into how the right school culture drives student success and ultimately retains teachers, too. This is an episode every school leader needs to here!

On Episode 5 of the Back to School Season, we have the AWESOME Dr. Darrin Peppard as our guest and together, we dive into the very real topic of firefighter mode. If you're a school leader, you know what this feels like and we are here to support you!

On Episode 4 of the Back to School Season of The School Life Series we have special guest Nick Casey who is an outstanding and passionate principal in California. On this episode we talk about ways you can build the right school culture!

On Episode 3 of the Back to School Season, we have special guest Dr. Tron Young who shares with us his passion, purpose and vision on how you can BE THE THERMOSTAT for your classroom, school, district, community and own life!

On Episode 2 of the Back to School Season we have Texas high school principal, Patrick Hinson, as our guest. Together, we dive into the topic of supporting ALL students and staff. Patrick is true servant leader and this is an episode that will inspire you to be better!

On Episode 1 of the Back to School Season we have special guest, Dr. Ryan Eckart, who shares is expertise, passion and experience! He celebrates students and makes learning fun in extreme, exciting and new ways that he shares with everyone!

We are so excited to bring school leaders the Back to School Season of The School Life Series where we will be talking with incredible principals from around the country covering the hottest of topics. This Season is intentionally designed to help school leaders start their year right and take this school year to the next level! Listen here as host, Ross Braun, introduces this Season and offers some simple advice for school leaders.

On Episode 15, we have Jenna who is a 2nd grade teacher from New York. She is @thatstrongteacher who shares her personal teaching journey and how it has impacted her work. Much like Ross, Jenna is passionate about supporting teachers and uses social media to provide incredible content. Another great episode for all educators!

On Episode 14 of The School Life Series we have principal Nick Edwards from New Jersey! Nick is a true servant leader who is passionate about building the next generation with strong values, kind hearts and hard work ethics!

On Episode 13, the Indiana boys are taking over as we have special guest, Drew Graber, on The School Life Series. Drew is an assistant principal in northern Indiana where he leads with passion and true servant leadership mindset. Drew is a family man, coach and is ALL IN for the students he serves!

On Episode 12 of The School Life Series we have an awesome elementary principal from southern California, Dr. Todd Schmidt. Todd is a positive and impactful school leader who is passionate about supporting his students, staff and community. His experience is highlighted in this episode that is full of knowledge for every educator!

On Episode 11 of The School Life Series we have elementary principal, Dr. Tyler Cook as our guest. Tyler is the real deal of leader who truly walks the walk and is passionate about finding the gold in everyone around him.

On Episode 10 of The School Life Series, we have Nikki as our guest. She is an elementary Dean from Virginia who is passionate about doing what is best for students and supporting her teachers like they deserve to be supported! This episode is full of amazing advice for all educators!

On Episode 9 we talk with David James who is a 7th grade history teacher in North Carolina. He is also the marketing director and conference coordinator for NCMLE. David is a passionate educator who brings a brand new middle level perspective to The School Life Series.

On Episode 8 of The School Life Series we have extraordinary principal, Matt Critell as our guest! Matt is a true servant leader who is the principal of Bethel Elementary in South Carolina. In this episode, Matt shares a ton of wisdom and expertise for all educators! There is nothing more rewarding and impactful than being your true self and Matt shares his tips on how to make that happen.Thanks for listening! Be sure to give us a like, share and shoutout.

It's Episode 7 and we are back for another round of episodes in the School Life Series! On this episode we have special guest, Allyson Apsey. She is a true leader in the educational world. Allyson is a former principal of 19 years who has authored 7 educational books and now travels the entire country speaking at conferences and working directly with schools. In this episode we dive into leadership, pain points in our education system, ways schools can support teachers, and more! Give us a listen, let us know what you want to hear in upcoming episodes and we would appreciate a like and share, as well.

On episode 6 of The School Life Series we have a truly revolutionary school leader, Dr. Ryan Daniel, as our guest. She is an elementary principal in Maryland. She is also the current President of the Maryland Elementary Principal's Association, Senior Fellow for NAESP, and Washington Post Principal of the Year. Ryan brings so much passion and fire to this episode for school leaders, all educators and mothers in leadership! As always, THANK YOU to our sponsor, School Life. Check out School Life and all of their awesome school solutions at their website, including the popular Brag Tags! www.schooollife.com

On episode 5 we bring in Liz Sherman, @teachingwithasideofglitter, to share her expertise and passions on Special Education and inclusion. Liz is a positive educator with a lot of of love for special education. You do not want to miss out on the greatness Liz shares in this episode!

On Episode 4 we have special guest CJ Reynolds from West Philadelphia. CJ is an incredible teacher who is passionate about relationships, connecting with students and making sure his students reach their full potential. CJ is also an author, educational content creator, husband, father and "one of the coolest human beings I've ever met!"

On Episode 3 we have a VERY special guest, Naomi O'Brien. She an author, teacher, presenter, and leader in literacy! Naomi shares amazing information about the Science of Reading along with some great advice for teachers and students and more! #teaching #scienceofreading #literacy #schoollife #education

For episode 2 we have a very special guest, Todd Nelsoney! Todd is the Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership for the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). He is also the Director of Get Your LEAD On (underneath the Get Your Teach On umbrella). He was previously a Principal/Lead Learner at a PreK-5 school in Texas. He is an award winning author, international speaker and guru on leadership! Todd shares some great wisdom on being your best self, finding the leader in us all, believing in yourself and much more!

In our very first episode, we sit down with the CEO of our official sponsor to learn more about School Life, who she is as a leader and get her advice to educators.