Empowered Educator: Leadership in Motion | Educational Leadership, Principal Leadership, Teachers as Leaders
Are you a passionate educator stepping into leadership—or thinking about making that leap?</p> <p>Maybe you just accepted your first admin role and feel the weight of leading well.</p> <p>Or you’re a classroom teacher who feels the calling to lead with purpose and impact.</p> <p><strong>The Empowered Educator Show</strong> is your space to grow as a leader without losing who you are.</p> <p>I’m Dr. Mel—former administrator turned leadership and instructional coach, educational consultant, and now your guide to navigating the real work of school leadership. With over 25 years in education, I help new and aspiring leaders shift their mindset, strengthen their strategies, and build Confident Classrooms—where teachers feel supported, students are engaged, and learning thrives.</p> <p>Each episode I bring you real talk, practical tools, and heart-centered leadership support designed to help you:</p> <p>Create a school culture rooted in confidence, clarity, and trust</p> <p>Develop teachers who feel empowered, not overwhelmed</p> <p>Lead with boldness, even when the road gets bumpy</p> <p>It’s about becoming the kind of leader who creates ripple effects across classrooms, campuses, and communities.</p> <p>Let’s power up your purpose and put your leadership in motion.</p>
Episodes
In this enlightening episode of the Empowered Educator series, we tackle the pressing issues surrounding teacher struggles in today’s educational landscape. Despite their passion and commitment, many educators find themselves feeling overwhelmed and unsupported, leading to alarming rates of attrition and vacancies in our schools.
By the end of the episode, listeners wi...
You’ve landed the leadership role—now what? In this week’s Power Surge, Dr. Mel breaks down the real mindset shifts new administrators must make after stepping out of the classroom and into leadership. If you’re still thinking like a teacher but expected to lead like a visionary, this 5-minute episode is the clarity check you need. Learn the top three shifts that will help you delegate with confidence, lead people ins...
In this episode, Mel Vandevort dives into a captivating discussion with Katie Kinder and Dr. Darrin Peppard about their book "Culture First Classrooms" and their extensive experience as education consultants and speakers. The book, originally conceived as a guide to classroom management, evolved into a comprehensive exploration of fostering positive classroom cultures. With insights from 24 educators, Katie ...
In this episode, Mel Vandevort dives into a captivating discussion with Katie Kinder and Dr. Darrin Peppard about their book "Culture First Classrooms" and their extensive experience as education consultants and speakers. The book, originally conceived as a guide to classroom management, evolved into a comprehensive exploration of fostering positive classroom cultures. With insights from 24 educators, Katie ...
Before the school year even starts, it’s time to rehearse your leadership mindset. In this episode, I’ll walk you through a simple reflection practice to mentally prepare for the kind of leader you want to be this year. Grab a journal, find a quiet space, and let’s get your mind in tune.
Theme: Social Recharge + Leadership Circle
Song Connection: Good Day - Forrest
The strongest leaders start the school year with relationships already in motion. This episode is all about how to build connection before you even step foot back into the building. From welcome messages to family outreach to community love, you’ll learn how to cultivate trust early—so when it’s time to lead, your people are already with you. Let’s build culture on purpose, not by chance.
Song Connection: "L...
You don’t need to do all the things—you just need to grow in one right area. In today’s episode, we’re focusing on how to grow through professional development that actually fuels your next level. Whether it's a micro-course, a virtual summit, or a deep dive into data or equity, summer PD is your chance to sharpen your skills without the pressure. Let’s talk growth that sticks.
Song Connection: Rise Up – And...
Before your calendar fills up with other people’s priorities, let’s take a beat to plan with purpose. In this episode, we’ll talk about how to set your leadership rhythm before the year starts—so you're leading, not just reacting. I’ll walk you through what to prioritize, how to make space for what matters, and how to use your planner as a leadership tool. It’s time to lead on purpose, not autopilot.
Song Connect...
Books can change your mindset, your momentum, and your mission. In today’s episode, I’m inviting you to read with intention—not out of obligation, but as a way to fuel the leader you're becoming. Whether it’s instructional leadership, school culture, or personal mindset, there’s a book that will stretch and strengthen you this summer. Tune in for a powerful 5-minute reset and walk away with an action step to keep...
Today’s guest is Samantha Hamilton—an award-winning principal, national education consultant, and the author of Brave On Purpose. With over two decades in education, Samantha is known for leading with heart, turning chaos into culture, and helping school leaders build joyful, resilient communities—without losing themselves in the process.
thebarefootprincipal@gmail.com
Main Message (2–3 min):
Grab your top three tasks for this week and ask:
- Does this drive instructional excellence?
- Does this build a stronger school culture?
- Does this empower or develop someone on my team?
Delegate-Delay-Delete
“I Will” Statement:
"I will align my actions with my purpose—so every step I take strengthens instruction, culture, or people."
🎧 Stepping into the principalship at the school where you already serve as an assistant principal? That internal interview process can feel personal, political, and pressure-packed. In this episode, Dr. Mel coaches you through how to confidently prepare for that high-stakes moment—especially when your interview panel knows you well.
You’ll learn:
- The mindset shift that changes everything when interviewing internal...
Main Message (2–3 min):
Use these last few weeks to:
✅ Celebrate the wins—no matter how small. Growth happened.
✅ Gather reflections—from your team, your students, and yourself. What worked? What didn’t?
✅ Set your foundation—don’t wait until August. Anchor one or two key priorities for next year now so your team has clarity over the summer.
“I Will” Statement:
"I will lead the end ...
Dr. Jana Haywood drops truth and strategy for every aspiring leader, burned-out teacher, and game-changing educator ready to make a move. From tackling the teacher shortage to rethinking onboarding, Dr. Haywood shares how authentic relationships, daily visibility, and intentional leadership can transform your school culture—and your career.
We dig into:
- Why building culture starts with your body language
- How to retai...
Pause. Breathe. Ask yourself three quick reflection questions:
- What leadership move did I make this week that aligned with my vision?
- What’s draining me or my staff that needs my attention?
- What’s one intentional shift I can make before Friday to refocus my energy or support my team better?
This isn’t about perfection—it’s about alignment. When you lead on autopilot, you drift. When you pause, you re-center.
In this episode of The Empowered Educator, Dr. Mel sits down with veteran educator Chuck Moss to unpack what it really takes to build a thriving school culture—one that fuels student achievement and inspires educators to lead from where they are. With over three decades in education as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, and now director, Chuck brings a grounded, real-world perspective to school leadersh...
✅ A heartfelt, specific thank you hits deeper than a donut.
✅ Recognize effort, not just outcomes. "I saw the way you deescalated that student in third period—your calm presence made a big difference."
✅ Appreciation fuels retention. Teachers who feel seen and valued are more likely to stay and serve.
Action Surge (1 min):
Pick 3 teachers today.
📩 Send a voice memo.
✍🏽 Write a stick...
This episode dives deep into the real challenges and responsibilities of school leadership. From chaotic tornado drills to the emotional weight of imposter syndrome, we hit on what it really means to lead with clarity, communication, and care.
🔥 Key Takeaways:
- Culture trickles down: When the culture’s bad for teachers, it's just as bad—if not worse—for students.
- Communication is leadership: A tornado drill gone...
Feeling stuck in the in-between? Whether you’re still in the classroom dreaming about leadership or already in a role but waiting for that next open door, this episode is for you. We’re talking about how to lead well in the waiting season—because growth doesn’t stop just because the title hasn’t changed. The way you show up now is shaping your leadership legacy later. Let this be a reminder that your “not yet” is actu...
Are you rushing through your day like a ticking clock, or are you moving with purpose like a compass? This episode helps you pause and reflect on how you're leading—especially when urgency tries to run the show. Aspiring and new leaders, this is your reminder that leadership isn't about how busy you are, but how aligned you are. Let’s talk about how to shift from reacting to directing… with intention and vis...
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