Lauren Kaufman (@LaurenMKaufman) - The Leader Inside Me

Lauren Kaufman’s passion is to empower teachers to lead and develop lifelong-literacy practices in all learners. She’s currently serving as a district leader in Long Island, NY, has served as an assistant principal, classroom teacher, elementary and middle school literacy specialist, instructional coach, and mentor coordinator K-12. Lauren has led teams developing a comprehensive approach to literacy, provided job-embedded professional learning, and leads with a coaching mindset. Lauren is the author of The Leader Inside: Stories of Mentorship to Inspire the Leader Within. She is passionate about sharing her learning on her own blog, through podcasts, and is a guest blogger for The Teach Better Team, Future Ready Schools and Defined. Lauren is also a contributing author in various educational journals, Edutopia, Education Week, Defined, George Couros' #BecauseOfATeacher and Lainie Rowell’s #EvolvingWithGratitude. She wholeheartedly believes in the importance of developing powerful professional learning communities and networks that foster meaningful, relevant learning and growth. Website: www.LaurenMKaufman.comLink to The Leader Inside book HERE

Before I get into who Dr. Brandi Kelly is, I want to introduce you to a life-changing course from Dr. Akilah Willery.The Midlife Educator's Job Search Blueprint is your personalized roadmap to navigating career transitions confidently. Whether you're seeking a leadership role in K12 education or exploring new paths beyond the classroom, this beginner-friendly, 6-module support program equips you with the actionable steps you need to shine.You can learn more about the course here: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/a/2147852369/pCgXU4WdMeet Dr. Brandi Kelly, Ed.D, LCSWDr. Brandi Kelly has been in the field of education for over 20 years. She was a school social worker for 10 years and has served as a Principal for 10 years. Dr. Kelly is currently a Superintendent at Mt. Olive CUSD #5. Dr. Kelly was an award winning principal receiving the NAESP Distinguished Elementary School Principal Award in 2014. She also earned the Middle School Principal of the Year Award in 2021. Dr. Kelly is a member of the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA), Teach Better Network, Illinois Principals Association (IPA), and the Educational League of Illinois (ELI). Dr. Kelly enjoys speaking, writing, and hosts the Lead with HOPE podcast. In her spare time, she loves to spend time with her family, read and travel. You can find her on most social media platforms and at www.leadwithhope.net. Don't forget to check out my book, The Edupreneur: Your Blueprint To Jumpstart And Scale Your Education Business. The book goes beyond the conventional business literature, providing a comprehensive roadmap from the initial idea to the successful launch and expansion of an education business.

Ray'Chel Wilson is an educator turned entrepreneur who was recently recognized as the 2024 U.S. Small Business Administration Young Entrepreneur of the Year for the state of Oklahoma. As a Teach for America alumna, the challenges faced by Ray'Chel's scholars inspired her to become a Certified Financial Education Instructor and author the "Black Wealth Freedom" series. Having sold nearly 2000 copies of the series in 7 different countries, she now serves as CEO of the upcoming "ForOurLastNames" app - removing the barrier of financial trauma from wealth building. As a Duke Master’s level student, Ray'Chel researches the value of stewardship and its impacts on personal finance & economic engagement. Ray’Chel’s multi-industry background positions her to share her keynote “The Pace of Productivity” and financial wellness workshops for corporate and nonprofit audiences. Ray’Chel is passionate about providing marginalized communities with financial knowledge, empowerment, and resilience. Why? To build generational wealth, for our last names. Sign up for the  ForOurLastNames waitlist at www.ForOurLastNames.io! Launching September 2024.Access the internationally selling Black Wealth freedom 3-part workbook series at www.RTBInvestments.org.  Want Ray’Chel to speak to your team on personal finance, entrepreneurial thinking, or change management? Email [email protected].  TakeawaysFinancial literacy is important because it helps individuals understand their relationship with money and the rules of that relationship.Investing is a critical component of building wealth because it allows money to grow at a faster rate than saving alone.Diversification is key in investing to mitigate risk and maximize returns.Overcoming the fear of market fluctuations requires developing a healthy mindset and healing from financial trauma.Financial trauma can impact our relationship with money and our ability to make sound financial decisions. Developing a healthy mindset around money is crucial for financial freedom.Integrating financial literacy into the classroom can be done by incorporating career discussions and comparing salaries and cost of living in different cities.Starting a business as an educator can be done gradually, using your job as your first investor.Prototyping and testing your business ideas with a target market can lead to a successful launch.The Four Our Last Names app offers money mindset meditations and connects users with trustworthy financial professionals.Financial liberation should be prioritized over personal financial freedom, and investing in communities is essential for collective liberation.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Guest02:00 Ray'Chel Wilson's Journey from Educator to Entrepreneur02:58 Becoming a Teacher and the Importance of Relationships05:17 Ray'Chel's Personal Finance Journey and Student Impact08:27 The Importance of Financial Literacy and Personal Finance09:54 Why Financial Literacy is Crucial in Today's World13:01 Investing as a Pillar of Building Wealth15:27 The Importance of Financial Planning and Sharing Wealth Journey19:11 Investing for Everyone and Mistakes to Avoid20:25 Why Investing is Critical for Building Wealth23:12 Overcoming the Fear of Market Fluctuations25:00 Healing from Financial Trauma for a Healthy Relationship with Money26:54 Developing a Healthy Mindset for Financial Freedom29:10 Transitioning from Educator to Entrepreneur33:32 Integrating Financial Literacy into the Classroom38:47 The Journey of Creating the Four Our Last Names App48:27 Financial Liberation and Investing in Communities

Dr. Kendrah Underwood is a Global Education Consultant and the founder of Level Up Education Consultancy. Her education philosophy is grounded in the 6 E's—Equity and Excellence in Education for Every Child, Every Chance, Every Day. Her inspiration to start her own education business stemmed from a deep passion for equity in education and a desire to make a broader impact beyond the walls of a single institution. Throughout her career in education leadership, she consistently encountered systemic challenges—gaps in resources, disparities in student outcomes, and the need for more effective teacher support. These experiences fueled her determination to create solutions that could address these issues on a larger scale. Dr. Underwood has a certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard Business School and an Executive Leadership certificate from Cornell University. She holds a BA in Sociology and Anthropology with a minor in Africana Studies from Agnes Scott College, two MBAs, and an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership and Development from Grand Canyon University. Her dissertation, titled "A Descriptive Phenomenological Reflective Study of Black Women who are First-Generation Doctorates," explored the theme of belongingness. Dr. Underwood boasts a distinguished track record of achieving impressive student outcomes. Her extensive experience spans teaching and administrative roles across elementary, middle, and high schools in diverse settings, including inner-city, urban, and suburban neighborhoods. Her portfolio includes supervising, coaching, and training principals, as well as managing all facets of school-related operations in elementary, K-8, middle, high, virtual, and early college school environments. She has worked in schools across inner-city, urban, suburban, and rural communities, including both traditional public and charter schools. Dr. Underwood’s guiding principle is straightforward: “I prioritize what’s best for kids, not what’s easiest for adults. She has served in traditional public, private, and charter schools in cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Tampa, St. Louis, and Houston. Dr. Underwood also taught college-level courses for four years and has held roles such as principal, assistant principal, grade team leader, content leader, and new teacher mentor. As a 12th-grade advisor, she guided all 23 of her advisees to college acceptance, with two achieving valedictorian and salutatorian honors. In addition to her educational leadership, Dr. Underwood initiated "Bridging the Divide," a community outreach program in partnership with the Chicago Police Department, and created several viral videos showcasing her passion for learning and engagement. Dr. Underwood defines success as the positive impact one can make on others’ lives and believes that one’s story is not a fortress but a source of fuel. 

Eric works with schools worldwide, helping educators meet and exceed their potential to improve learner outcomes. He is the founder and CEO of Aspire Change EDU, a collaborative consultancy designed to provide personalized support to all educational systems. Before this, he was a teacher and the award-winning Principal at New Milford High School. Under his leadership, his school became a globally recognized model for innovative practices. Eric oversaw the successful implementation of several sustainable change initiatives that radically transformed the learning culture at his school while increasing achievement. His work focuses on innovative and practical ways educators can transform teaching, learning, and leadership.  Through his work with thousands of schools, Eric has emerged as an innovative leader, best-selling author, and sought-after speaker. His main focus is using research, evidence-based practices, and artificial intelligence (AI) to empower learners and educators. Learn more about his work at Ericsheninger.com.Order books HERE. Nicki Slaugh is a transformative leader in education, celebrated for her visionary impact. As a secondary principal, she has redefined school culture by prioritizing personalized learning tailored to each student's needs. Her leadership has led to a proactive strategic use of technology to maximize individual potential. Nicki's innovative strategies include implementing proficiency scales, developing rubrics, engaging students and creating flexible, self-paced learning pathways that empower both educators and students. Her advocacy for student autonomy and learner agency has earned widespread recognition.With a career spanning over two decades, Nicki initially served as a classroom teacher, educating students from kindergarten through third grade. She later transitioned to roles as an instructional technology and curriculum coach, working with grades K-9 before assuming her current role as a secondary principal. Nicki remains driven by her deep-seated dedication to creating a lifelong love of learning among her students and staff.  While you're getting your copy of Personalize, check out my book, The Edupreneur: Your Blueprint To Jumpstart And Scale Your Education Business. The book goes beyond the conventional business literature, providing a comprehensive roadmap from the initial idea to the successful launch and expansion of an education business.

20+ year teacher and leader, fulfilling multiple leadership positions to improve student learning outcomes, peer and professional mentoring, and excellent instruction. I am a teacher leader, a mentor, a life-long learner, and a passionate student advocate. I have significant expertise in collaborative coordination and facilitation of professional development and targeted adult learning to support identified objectives. My strengths include demonstrated ability to communicate, build strong relationships, lead, design curriculum, and address complex and difficult issues using best practices and data analysis to support continuous improvement. I am practiced at creating professional development programs to meet short- and long-term goals using existing resources. I am a dedicated team member and team player, with a broad and deep track record of continual service

Before I get into who Starr Sackstein is, I want to introduce you to a life-changing course from Dr. Akilah Willery.The Midlife Educator's Job Search Blueprint is your personalized roadmap to navigating career transitions confidently. Whether you're seeking a leadership role in K12 education or exploring new paths beyond the classroom, this beginner-friendly, 6-module support program equips you with the actionable steps you need to shine.You can learn more about the course here: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/a/2147852369/pCgXU4WdMeet StarrStarr Sackstein is a dynamic and visionary educator renowned for her pioneering work in transforming traditional classrooms into vibrant centers of student-driven learning. With a rich background in secondary education, she has dedicated her career to challenging educational norms and advocating for innovative approaches that prioritize student voice, autonomy, and growth.As an accomplished author, Starr's influential books, including "Hacking Assessment," have garnered widespread acclaim for providing practical, actionable insights that empower educators to reimagine assessment practices and engage learners more effectively. Her thought leadership extends beyond the pages of her books, as she regularly shares her expertise through thought-provoking speaking engagements, workshops, and digital platforms.Starr's impact on education reverberates globally, inspiring educators to embrace forward-thinking methodologies that foster critical thinking, creativity, and inclusivity. Her commitment to equity and authentic learning experiences has earned her recognition as a beacon of change in the educational landscape.A passionate advocate for student agency and teacher growth, Starr Sackstein continues to inspire and catalyze transformation, challenging educators to rethink their roles and create dynamic environments that prepare students for an ever-evolving world.Info about the book:Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LnduCZRoutledge info: *  U S E  D I S C O U N T C O D E  A F L Y 0 2  F O R 2 0 % O F F  O N  R O U T L E D G E . C O MT H R O U G H 9 / 3 0 / 2 0 2 4 While you're getting your copy of Making An Impact Outside the Classroom, check out my book, The Edupreneur: Your Blueprint To Jumpstart And Scale Your Education Business. The book goes beyond the conventional business literature, providing a comprehensive roadmap from the initial idea to the successful launch and expansion of an education business.

Before I get into who Breana Jacques and Shannon Finnegan are, I want to introduce you to a life-changing course from Dr. Akilah Willery.The Midlife Educator's Job Search Blueprint is your personalized roadmap to navigating career transitions confidently. Whether you're seeking a leadership role in K12 education or exploring new paths beyond the classroom, this beginner-friendly, 6-module support program equips you with the actionable steps you need to shine.You can learn more about the course here:  https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/a/2147852369/pCgXU4WdMeet Breana and ShannonBreana Jacques and Shannon Finnegan are innovative and award-winning educators with over 25 years of classroom teaching experience across multiple contexts. Their shared passion and commitment for disrupting and reimagining the education system for and with learners drives their work. Together, they founded The Loop Consulting Collective to disrupt harmful practices, reimagine possibilities, and build pathways for sustainable change in schools and organizations. TakeawaysMindset and confidence are key when starting a business as an educational consultant.Doing your homework and talking to others in the field can help you navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.The Loop Consulting Collective focuses on disrupting and reimagining the education system by working with schools and organizations to create student-centered and humane learning environments.Their services include curriculum review and development, instructional coaching, and training on restorative culture and engagement strategies.They have an adjustable fee structure to accommodate schools with different financial situations.Misconceptions about education consulting include the belief that consultants are only in it for the money and that they have nothing of value to add if they are not currently in the classroom.Sound Bites"We're going to be talking about how they got into education, what made them launch their company, and we're going to get into the work that they're doing and get some other gems from them as well.""What do you know to be true about yourself? What do you know to be true about your field? And so I think it's really important to really understand your why, what fuels your passion.""We knew we wanted to make an impact on the education system. And so it was really about how can we maximize our impact? What position are we gonna put ourselves in to be able to really like push at systems and walk alongside people who are ready to do some disruptive, some necessary disruption in educational spaces."Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Dr. Will Show and the Loop Consulting Collective08:18 Mindset and Confidence: Keys to Starting a Successful Consulting Business11:35 Customization and Collaboration: The Approach of the Loop Consulting Collective15:34 Services Offered: Curriculum Review, Instructional Coaching, and More27:31 Challenging Misconceptions: The Value of Education ConsultantsDon't forget to get your copy of my book, The Edupreneur on Amazon.What sets this book apart is its authenticity, featuring firsthand narratives from real educators who have successfully monetized their talents beyond traditional classrooms. Their stories serve as inspiring examples, offering valuable insights and practical advice. If you're ready to transform your educational expertise into a flourishing business, The Edupreneur is your go-to resource. Don't miss out —grab your copy now and embark on a journey towards building a successful education business. Purchase the book today and unlock the blueprint for your edupreneurial success.

Before I get into who Dr. Will is, I want to introduce you to a life-changing course from Dr. Akilah Willery.The Midlife Educator's Job Search Blueprint is your personalized roadmap to navigating career transitions confidently. Whether you're seeking a leadership role in K12 education or exploring new paths beyond the classroom, this beginner-friendly, 6-module support program equips you with the actionable steps you need to shine.You can learn more about the course here:  https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/a/2147852369/pCgXU4WdMeet Dr. WillAs seen on Forbes.com, Schoology Exchange, District Administration, EdSurge, iNACOL, and TechEdge magazine, Will Deyamport, III, Ed.D. is a District Instructional Technologist for a K12 school district. Dr. Will, as he is better known as, specializes in assisting educators in going digital. In this role, he delivers in-person and virtual training, coaching, and designs and delivers online professional development courses and live webinars for teachers in grades K-12.  Additionally, Dr. Will is the creator and host of The Dr. Will Show Podcast, freelance writer, author, and educational consultant. On March 19th of this year, EduMatch Publishing released Dr. Will’s first book, The Edupreneur: Your Blueprint To Jumpstart And Scale Your Education Business. The book goes beyond the conventional business literature, providing a comprehensive roadmap from the initial idea to the successful launch and expansion of an education business.In addition, this is the fifth year anniversary of Dr. Will’s documentary, The Edupreneur: Making the Impact and the Income was released. The movie takes you on a journey into the successes and challenges of some of the most recognized names in K-12 education consulting. The interviews feature eight edupreneurs discussing their lives and careers as educators and entrepreneurs.You can get your digital copy of The Edupreneur on Vimeo OnDemand. 

Before I get into who Dr. Andrea is, I want to introduce you to a life-changing course from Dr. Akilah Willery.The Midlife Educator's Job Search Blueprint is your personalized roadmap to navigating career transitions confidently. Whether you're seeking a leadership role in K12 education or exploring new paths beyond the classroom, this beginner-friendly, 6-module support program equips you with the actionable steps you need to shine.You can learn more about the course here:  https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/a/2147852369/pCgXU4WdMeet Dr. Andrea Terrero GabbadonDr. Andrea Terrero Gabbadon (she/her/ella) is an author, scholar, and the founder/lead principal consultant of ILM Consulting Group. Dr. Gabbadon's work touches on culturally responsive and sustaining education, school racial climate, and educator diversity. Previously, she served as a high school teacher, teacher leader, instructional coach, and assistant principal/director of curriculum and instruction in both traditional public and charter schools. Dr. Gabbadon has also served as an instructor of undergraduate and graduate education at numerous institutions of higher education, including Temple University and Swarthmore College. Dr. Gabbadon's scholarship has been published in leading academic journals such as Urban Education, The Urban Review, and Educational Leadership Magazine. She is also the author of "Support and Retain Educators of Color: 6 Principles for Culturally Affirming Leadership" in publication with the Association for Supervision, and Curriculum Development (ASCD). Book link: https://www.amazon.com/Support-Retain-Educators-Color-Principles/dp/1416632123?dplnkId=21091ef0-6744-4f67-a2d6-5536c556c7af&nodl=1Link tree: https://linktr.ee/Atgabbadon