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 role of equity in ensuring every student has access to high-quality learning
- How personal stories inform teaching practice
- What aviation can teach us about collaboration, urgency, and innovation in schools
At the heart of the episode is a simple truth Winheim embodies: “Every student has infinite value—and educators can change generations.”
Takeaways
- Matt Winheim is committed to connecting students with career opportunities, especially in aviation.
- Teachers should focus on their end goals and the practical steps to reach them.
- School leaders must empower teachers with support, coaching, and resources.
- Safe learning environments are essential for every student’s success.
- Relevance in instruction helps students understand the “why” behind what they’re learning.
- Every student has potential—educators must recognize and nurture it.
- AVID programs expand access to post-secondary pathways.
- Choosing a career in education is a way to serve the community and change lives.
- Educators can change generations by inspiring belief and confidence in students.
- A growth mindset fuels progress for both teachers and students.
Chapters
00:00 — Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
03:05 — Matt Winheim’s Educational Journey
07:51 — Advice for Teachers and School Leaders
12:39 — Relevance in Math Education
17:14 — Impact of Personal Experiences on Teaching
22:05 — Belief Systems and Student Potential
26:57 — Growth Mindset and Student Engagement
28:50 — Authenticity in Teaching
31:24 — Service and Duty in Education
34:09 — Creating a Supportive Learning Environment
34:57 — Innovative Aviation Education
46:38 — Career Pathways in Aviation
53:35 — Ensuring Equity in Education
56:45 — Elevating Teacher Voice and Practice
59:51 — Supporting Teachers for Student Success
01:04:49 — Creating Real-World Relevance in Education
01:13:42 — The Urgency of Educational Innovation
Guest
Matthew Winheim | California's 2025 Teacher of The Year | Aviation Teacher
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🚌 On the School Bus with Dr. Spates
So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together.
This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people:
- The passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform 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.
As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.
📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates
Website: KrishnaSpates.com
Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com
Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates
LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.
📸 Production Studio
Recorded at 661 Creators Space — a creative studio dedicated to amplifying local voices through high-quality audio and visual production.
Website: 661CreatorsSpace.com
Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace
Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com
🎼 Music
Theme Song: “Call of Duty”
Artist: Mutanix
Instagram: @mutanixs
Email: mutanixmedia@gmail.com
Used with permission. All rights reserved.
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