Fearless Schools Podcast

Fearless Schools Podcast

This is the Fearless Schools Podcast from Creative Leadership Solutions where we discuss and tackle timely topics from the field of education.

Episodes

June 22, 2026 39 mins
Join the Fearless Podcast team as we chang up the roles and explore many sizzling topics, including middle school education with Dr. Dru Tomlin, a seasoned principal, educator, and your Fearless Schools podcast host. Listen in and discover insights on student development, leadership, and innovative practices in middle school settings!

Key  topics

  • Middle school s...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Join the Fearless Podcast team as we explore innovative grading practices, assessment strategies, and the importance of feedback with expert and educational researcher extraordinaire, Ken O'Connor. In addition to uncovering Mr. O'Connor's penchant for field hockey, we guarantee that you'll be delighted to discover his sage insights about how to transform assessment for better student learning...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Join the Fearless Schools podcast crew as we talk to the one and only Dr. Rachael George! She shares her inspiring journey from firefighting (and pageants!) to educational leadership, highlighting the importance of resilience, networking, self-care, and embracing challenges to become an effective leader. Discover practical insights and personal stories that will motivate current and aspiring ...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

In this engaging interview, the Fearless Schools podcast team talks to Virginia Deputy State Superintendent, Innovation, Student Pathways & Opportunities DeWayne McClary, who shares his journey from a tech-savvy student to a state-level innovator. We discover his insights on fostering innovation, the importance of self-care, and the transformative power of technology and student voice in education.

Take Aways

  • Prio...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
In this engaging episode, the Fearless Schools Podcast welcomes back renowned educator, pedagogical pirate, author and publisher Dave Burgess. We explore innovative teaching strategies, the importance of creating memorable learning experiences, and the evolving role of AI in education, all aimed at empowering educators to inspire and engage students effectively.

Key  ...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast we are joined by Jimmy Casas where we explore leadership, school culture, and personal values, sharing insights from Mr. Casas' decades of experience in education. Mr. Cases highlights his own story and how that has impacted his work to ensure that students are heard, valued, and seen. Noting that is starts with the adults in the building helping us equate values to behaviors. He...
  • Listen
    Watch
    Mark as Played
    In this episode of Fearless Schools, we chat with the legendary Dr. Doug Reeves about everything from the secrets of impactful teaching to the wild world of artificial intelligence in education. Plus, expect a masterclass on making research digestible, the real power of relationship-building, the science of reading and how to avoid AI turning...
    Listen
    Watch
    Mark as Played
    In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we welcome Phyllis Fagell, renowned licensed clinical counselor and author, to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in middle school education, her journey as a student, her passion for working with young adolescents, and the importance of empathy and listening in educational settings. The conversation also delves into the role of AI...

    Listen
    Watch
    Mark as Played

    In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we engage with Kim Campbell, a dynamic educator and middle school Dean of Students, and discuss the importance of consistency in education, building relationships with students, and the impact of technology on learning. Kim shares her journey as a student and educator, emphasizing the need for accountability and care in the classroom. The conversation also touches on the role of humo...

    Listen
    Watch
    Mark as Played

    In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we engage with Tom Burton, a nationally recognized leader in education. We discuss the importance of community engagement, the challenges faced by educational leaders, and the evolution of leadership perspectives. Tom shares his personal journey, emphasizing the significance of accountability, reflection, and finding joy in leadership. The con...

    Listen
    Watch
    Mark as Played
    This is part two of our anniversary episode with Rick Wormeli. In this epside, Rick gives us strategies to give better feedback and help students be successful. 

    Continued Takeaways

    • Experiential learning can transform students' perspectives.
    • Differentiation makes learning successful for both adults and students.
    • Teachers should focus on developing mutual ethos w...
    Listen
    Watch
    Mark as Played

    To mark the first anniversary of the Fearless Schools podcast, we're excited to share the first conversation in a special two-part series featuring renowned educator and author Rick Wormeli. In Part One, Rick reflects on his journey into education and challenges long-held assumptions about accountability, grading, and compliance in schools. Together, we explore why experiential learning, str...

    Listen
    Watch
    Mark as Played
    In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we engage with educators Kass and Cornelius Minor, who discuss their experiences and insights on sustainable change in education. They emphasize the importance of community, relationships, and the collective efficacy of educators in driving meaningful change. The conversation explores personal educational journeys, the role of school leaders, a...

    Listen
    Watch
    Mark as Played
    In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we engage with Principal Salome Thomas-El (aka Principal El), who shares his insights on authentic leadership, the importance of nurturing relationships in education, and the role of joy and resilience in school culture. Principal El emphasizes the significance of hands-on leadership, using the metaphor of watering plants to illustrate the need...

    Listen
    Watch
    Mark as Played
    In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we engage with bestselling author Brad Meltzer, exploring the profound impact of educators on students' lives. Meltzer shares his personal journey from a struggling student to a successful writer, highlighting the pivotal role of teachers who believed in him. The conversation delves into themes of gratitude, the importance of failure, and the magic of teaching writing and readin...
    Listen
    Watch
    Mark as Played
    In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we welcome Katie Powell, a passionate advocate for middle school education. We discuss Katie's journey from a curious student to a dedicated educator, her insights on engaging students through creative teaching strategies, and the importance of emotional safety in the classroom. Katie shares her experiences that influenced her book, Boredom Bus...
    Listen
    Watch
    Mark as Played
    In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we interview Mr. Ernest Clinkscale, an experienced and passionate elementary school principal. We discuss the importance of educational leadership, the heart-brain connection in teaching and leading, and the need for empathy and understanding in schools. Mr. Clinkscale shares his personal journey into education, his daily commitment to closing ...
  • Listen
    Watch
    Mark as Played
    In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we welcome back educational leader and author, Allyson Apsey. We discuss Allyson's journey from a reluctant student to a passionate educator, the importance of building relationships in the classroom, and the concept of serendipity in education. The conversation also touches on collective efficacy, the challenges educators face, and practical s...
    Listen
    Watch
    Mark as Played
    In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we interview Dr. Miguel Cardona, the 12th U.S. Secretary of Education. We discuss Dr. Cardona's journey in education, the importance of mentorship, the power of bilingualism and biculturalism, and the challenges facing public education today. Dr. Cardona shares insights on educational innovations during the pandemic, the significance of teacher...
    Listen
    Watch
    Mark as Played
    September 1, 2025 41 mins
    In this engaging Fearless Schools podcast episode, we converse with Principal Kafele, an educational leader with a remarkable journey from student, to celebrated teacher,  to renowned principal and educational thought leader. We explore themes of leadership, the importance of support systems, the need to close the attitude gap in education, and the significance of self-reflection fo...
  • Listen
    Watch
    Mark as Played

    Popular Podcasts

      If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

      iHeartRadio 24/7 News: The Latest

      The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

      Dateline NBC

      Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

      The Breakfast Club

      The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

      Betrayal Weekly

      Betrayal Weekly is back for a new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. If you would like to share your story, you can reach out to the Betrayal Team by emailing them at betrayalpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.

    Advertise With Us
    Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

    Connect

    © 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.

    • Help
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • AdChoicesAd Choices