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

Transformation: The Power of Technology & Student Voice in Education

May 1, 2026 • 40 mins

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

  • Prioritize self-...
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Innovation: The Importance of Creating Memorable Learning Experiences

April 16, 2026 • 46 mins
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  Takeaways

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Culture: If It's Not Visible, It Doesn't Exist

April 2, 2026 • 49 mins
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...
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    Possibility: Teaching in the Age of AI with Doug Reeves

    March 16, 2026 • 35 mins
    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 turni...
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    Empathy: Unlocking the Power of The Middle School Years

    March 2, 2026 • 41 mins
    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...
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    Consistency: The Power of Showing Up The Same Way Everyday

    February 15, 2026 • 38 mins

    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...

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    Evolution: Why School Leadership Must Grow to Stay Relevant

    February 1, 2026 • 52 mins

    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...

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    Accountability: Why Punishment Doesn't Work

    January 14, 2026 • 30 mins
    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 with students.
      • ...
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    Creativity: Why Compliance is Failing Schools

    January 5, 2026 • 31 mins

    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, strong r...

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    Lead Like You Belong Here - Kass & Cornelius

    December 16, 2025 • 47 mins
    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...

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    Authentic Leadership - The Importance of Nurturing Relationships w. Principal EL

    November 30, 2025 • 45 mins
    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...
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    The Power of Educators: Writing, Reading and Teachers Who Create Possibility with Brad Meltzer

    November 15, 2025 • 40 mins
    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...
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    Creativity, Care, and Differentiation: Supporting Teachers, Seeing Students.

    November 1, 2025 • 41 mins
    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...
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    The Heart-Brain Connection of Great School Leadership

    October 16, 2025 • 44 mins
    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 ...
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    From Reluctant Student to Fearless Educator

    October 1, 2025 • 37 mins
    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...
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    Hope, Innovation, and the Future of Education with former Secretary of Education Cardona

    September 15, 2025 • 21 mins
    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...
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    Closing Attitude Gaps - Principal Kafele

    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 for continuo...
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    Fearless Schools Podcast: Dr. Michael Fullan

    August 15, 2025 • 51 mins
    In this insightful episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we talk to educational researcher and reformer, Dr. Michael Fullan, who delves into the critical role of failure in the learning process and educational reform. He reflects on his career transition from studying change and failure to actively reforming educational systems. Dr. Fullan discusses the importance of moving away from top-d...
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    Fearless Instruction Part 3 - Finishing the Puzzle

    August 1, 2025 • 35 mins
    In this episode of the Fearless School's podcast, we discuss Part 3 of the book, 'Fearless Instruction," entitled "FINISHING THE PUZZLE - Engaging Everyone" We ask the authors to talk about the impact of the 90-90-90 research on their writing for this section and discuss the concepts of literacy as a team sport, interdisciplinary thinking, and doing better when you know better to help all stu...
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    Fearless Instruction Part 2 - Connecting the Pieces: Putting the 90/90/90 Research to Work

    July 24, 2025 • 23 mins
    In this episode of the Fearless School's podcast, we discuss Part 2 of the book, 'Fearless Instruction," entitled "Putting It Together: Doing the Work that Matters." We focus on the 90-90-90 strategies that lead to high student achievement in diverse and economically challenged schools. The conversation emphasizes the importance of effective feedback, clarity, grading, and writing in educatio...
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