On the School Bus with Dr. Spates
Welcome to the school leadership podcast dedicated to advancing creativity and innovation in education. No matter the seat you lead from, this podcast is your vehicle for creative ideas, bold school leadership, and field-tested strategies that work where it counts—in schools. WARNING ⚠️ This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day with a relentless focus on improving student outcomes and transforming students’ TK-12 school experiences and the once-passionate leaders who may have lost a bit of their spark and just need a dose of inspiration to find their way back. Each week, we invite innovators in education from across the country, doing the real work in schools to hop on the school bus with me -- Dr. Spates, the Proud Principal of a vibrant Los Angeles County Middle School Community. Together, we uncover what’s really working in schools—tapping into each guest’s “zone of genius” to give you one practical, school-tested strategy you can bring back to your learning community. Because our children, families, and communities are counting on us to lead with urgency, care, and purpose. Let’s reimagine what’s possible in education, together —one ride at a time.
Episodes
In this episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. Greg Franklin shares insights from his extensive career in education and leadership, offering practical strategies for fostering creativity and innovation among teachers while building school cultures rooted in equity and collaboration.
Dr. Franklin emphasizes the importance of clear vision, consistent communication, and investing in people over programs. He challenges school...
In this episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, the mic flips — three aspiring teachers interview Dr. Spates about what it actually takes to build an MTSS system that works in real classrooms.
From relationships to data, from teacher collaboration to differentiation, this conversation breaks MTSS and RTI down in a way that’s real, practical, and grounded in care. Dr. Spates shares strategies educators can use tomorrow to suppo...
In Episode 5 of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, we take a reflective ride into the heart of why this podcast exists. Dr. Spates opens up about her mission to spotlight innovation, bold leadership, and creative strategies that truly move the needle for students. She shares her personal journey in education, what keeps her committed to serving communities, and the pressing challenges educators are navigating today.
This episode rei...
Episode Description
In this episode Dr. Spates sits down with Ebony Wilson, MSW, LCSW, PPSC — founder and CEO of Ebony’s Safe Space. Based in Palmdale, California, her organization’s mission is to support and empower groups and communities through relatable mental health and emotional‑wellness services. Ebony and her team provide solution‑focused, strength‑based, anti‑oppressive therapy — including individual and group counseling, w...
In this insightful conversation, Matthew Winheim explores how educators can innovate to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. From designing career-connected learning to strengthening AVID programs, he emphasizes the power of relevance, strong school leadership, and a growth mindset.
Winheim and Spates discuss:
- How to build safe, supportive learning environments
- Why empowerment matters for teachers and site leaders
- The rol...
In this episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, turnaround principal Dr. Timothy Howell shares how authentic school leadership and relationship-building can transform entire school communities. He raises the questions: Teach or Suspend?
Dr. Howell opens up about leading from the heart, building trust through accountability, and the power of vulnerability in creating meaningful change. Together, we explore what it takes to shif...
In this engaging conversation, Dr. David Cash shares his insights on effective school leadership, community engagement, and the relentless pursuit of equity in schools. Drawing on decades of experience, Dr. Cash explores how leaders can create lasting change by listening deeply, building trust, and taking bold, strategic risks that put students, families, and communities first.
If you’re a TK–12 school leader seeking authentic strat...
Hello Colleagues! I have a huge announcement to share with you, probably one of the most exciting announcements of my career. Ahhhh, here we go. Are you ready? I'm launching a podcast: On the School Bus with Dr. Spates.
The podcast may “bomb” but I am going for it anyway because as a Middle School Principal serving a vibrant community of 800+ children in Los Angeles County, I am constantly looking for new ways to serve and su...
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