Redefining Classroom Culture

    .   Kwame Sarfo-Mensah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Temple University. For nine years, he served as a middle school math teacher in Philadelphia, PA and Boston, MA. Currently, he is the founder of Identity Talk Consulting, a global educational consulting firm that specializes in developing K-12 teachers into identity-affirming educators. Throughout his 17-year career as a classroom teacher, author, and consultant, Kwame has earned numerous accolades for this work, which include being honored as the 2019 National Member of the Year by Black Educators Rock, Inc. and being recognized as a Top Education Influencer by brightbeam, Inc. in 2021 and 2022. His newest book, "Learning to Relearn: Supporting Identity in a Culturally Affirming Classroom", will be coming out Fall 2024.   Show Highlights   Evolving teaching practices and rejecting educational premises. Hesitation towards AI in education. Democratizing education by centering student voices. Co-create with student input in shaping classroom culture instead of preset rules. Example of pushing back a test based on student readiness. Balancing pacing with student understanding to create moments that students will remember. Acknowledging the existence of racism and centered whiteness in schools. Importance of calling in vs. calling out when addressing harm.       Episodes’s Resources & Contact Info: Instagram Twitter/X Linkedin PATREON- Kwame Sarfo-Mensah | creating multimedia content & ABAR community spaces for teachers | YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@kwamesarfo-mensah5785 WEBSITE - Identity Talk For Educators PODCAST - Identity Talk 4 Educators LIVE Podcast Read my latest book! Learn why the ABCs of powerful professional development™ work – Grow your skills by integrating more Authenticity, Belonging, and Challenge into your life and leadership.   Read Mastermind: Unlocking Talent Within Every School Leader today! Apply to the Mastermind The mastermind is changing the landscape of professional development for school leaders.    100% of our members agree that the mastermind is the #1 way they grow their leadership skills.   Apply to the mastermind today!   How We Serve Leaders   The School Leadership Scorecard™ Identify your highest leverage areas for growth this year in 10 -minutes or less.    https://betterleadersbetterschools.com/scorecard   Month-to-Month Principal Checklist As a principal with so much to do, you might be thinking, where do I even start?   When you download The Principal Checklist you’ll get 12-months of general tasks that every campus need to do Space to write your campus specific items. Space to reflect and not what worked as well as a space of what didn’t work Go to https://betterleadersbetterschools.com/principal-checklist to download now.   Ruckus Maker Mindset Tool™ The “secret” to peak performance is ot complicated.  It’s a plan on how to optimize the five fundamentals found in The Ruckus Maker Mindset Tool™. https://betterleadersbetterschools.com/mindset   The Positive Spotlight Tool™ Energy flows to where attention goes! If you want to get more of what you want, when you want it as a school leader I have a tool for you…   Download The Positive Spotlight Tool™ for free here: https://betterleadersbetterschools.com/positive   The Ruckus Maker 8-Step Goal Setting Tool™ Are you ready to accomplish more? With less effort and in less time? When you download The Ruckus Maker 8-Step Goal Setting Tool™  I’ll send you the tool and a short 8-minute coaching video that shows you how to work smarter, not harder…and create more value for your school campus.   Download The Ruckus Maker 8-Step Goal Setting Tool™  for free at https://betterleadersbetterschools.com/goals   Quest Food Management Services   Quest Food Management Services provides high-quality, scratch-made food in K-12 schools and universities across the country, prioritizing the health and wellness of students and elevating the cafeteria dining experience.  Quest offers a full-service approach to their school partners, bringing 40 years of expertise through every stage of program development and nurturing a true sense of community through interactive events such as student food committees. For more information about Quest Food Management Services, www.questfms.com     IXL IXL is the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. Over 1 million teachers use IXL in their classrooms every day for one reason: They love it. Visit IXL.com to lead your school towards data-driven excellence today.   Copyright © 2024 Twelve Practices LLC      

      Dr. Derrick Gay is a globally recognized intercultural competency strategist, dedicated to fostering cultures of dignity and respect. With multifaceted expertise as an international speaker, author, researcher, educator, and university lecturer, Dr. Gay empowers individuals and organizations to deepen belonging and empathy by cultivating shared language, raising awareness, and fostering inclusive personal behaviors and organizational practices and policies.   Drawing from his extensive international experience, Dr. Gay designs meaningful strategies that resonate across a broad range of industries and cultures. His approach, informed by research and practitioner experiences in over 50 countries, facilitates meaningful connections and promotes belonging on a global scale.   Fluent in five languages, Dr. Gay has supported a broad clientele spanning the globe, including over 800 organizations in education, financial services, beauty and fashion, non-profits, and the arts. His clients range from Sesame Street to Oberlin Conservatory, Phantom of the Opera to Tom Ford, The International School of Panama to GCM Grosvenor, and The Business of Fashion to Barilla. He has also served as adjunct faculty/lecturer at Parsons Paris, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia Business School, International Fashion Academy, and Teachers College at Columbia University.   Dr. Gay's work has been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Huffington Post, NPR, TEDx, and The Business of Fashion, and other national and international publications. A global citizen, Dr. Gay delivers content in English, French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.       Show Highlights   Teach your students to have choice-filled lives and be good people. Complexities in implementing diversity initiatives within schools. Reframe diversity to encompass a broader definition. The problem of diversity being seen as a proxy for historically marginalized groups. Schools need to address how events like George Floyd's death changed the conversation about diversity globally. Outlined steps for leaders to create spaces of belonging. Emphasizes the importance of taking action to make the world better. A framework that aligns with every school and every mission. Discusses the challenges of politicization of diversity work.   “You are seen, you are heard, you matter. All the research is clear around this belief that one has about oneself, about their inherent value and how that can help in times of adversity, resilience. Life is going to throw challenges at you. If you have this fundamental sense of your worth, then there's a higher possibility that you're going to get through it. And it's our, certainly our job as educators and curators of a learning environment that everyone that walks to that building feels that way.” -Dr Derrick Gay   Get the episode transcript here!     Episodes’s Resources & Contact Info: Linkedin Website: Dr. Derrick Gay Dr. Derrick Gay Read my latest book! Learn why the ABCs of powerful professional development™ work – Grow your skills by integrating more Authenticity, Belonging, and Challenge into your life and leadership.   Read Mastermind: Unlocking Talent Within Every School Leader today! Apply to the Mastermind The mastermind is changing the landscape of professional development for school leaders.    100% of our members agree that the mastermind is the #1 way they grow their leadership skills.   Apply to the mastermind today!   How We Serve Leaders   The School Leadership Scorecard™ Identify your highest leverage areas for growth this year in 10 -minutes or less.    https://betterleadersbetterschools.com/scorecard   Month-to-Month Principal Checklist As a principal with so much to do, you might be thinking, where do I even start?   When you download The Principal Checklist you’ll get 12-months of general tasks that every campus need to do Space to write your campus specific items. Space to reflect and not what worked as well as a space of what didn’t work Go to https://betterleadersbetterschools.com/principal-checklist to download now.   Ruckus Maker Mindset Tool™ The “secret” to peak performance is ot complicated.  It’s a plan on how to optimize the five fundamentals found in The Ruckus Maker Mindset Tool™. https://betterleadersbetterschools.com/mindset   The Positive Spotlight Tool™ Energy flows to where attention goes! If you want to get more of what you want, when you want it as a school leader I have a tool for you…   Download The Positive Spotlight Tool™ for free here: https://betterleadersbetterschools.com/positive   The Ruckus Maker 8-Step Goal Setting Tool™ Are you ready to accomplish more? With less effort and in less time? When you download The Ruckus Maker 8-Step Goal Setting Tool™  I’ll send you the tool and a short 8-minute coaching video that shows you how to work smarter, not harder…and create more value for your school campus.   Download The Ruckus Maker 8-Step Goal Setting Tool™  for free at https://betterleadersbetterschools.com/goals   Quest Food Management Services   Quest Food Management Services provides high-quality, scratch-made food in K-12 schools and universities across the country, prioritizing the health and wellness of students and elevating the cafeteria dining experience.  Quest offers a full-service approach to their school partners, bringing 40 years of expertise through every stage of program development and nurturing a true sense of community through interactive events such as student food committees. For more information about Quest Food Management Services, www.questfms.com     IXL IXL is the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. Over 1 million teachers use IXL in their classrooms every day for one reason: They love it. Visit IXL.com to lead your school towards data-driven excellence today.   Copyright © 2024 Twelve Practices LLC        

      Every principal deserves high quality coaching and mentorship.   Who is your coach or mentor? What would you be able to accomplish with help figuring out how to accomplish your biggest goals?   At Ruckus Maker HQ we have two great options for you:   Option 1: Join the BRAND NEW Ruckus Maker Club. Learn more here   Option 2: Join The Ruckus Maker Mastermind™ our flagship program. Learn more here.   Show Highlights   Set clear goals for both personal and professional growth to drive success and balance in life. Explore powerful takeaways from books and tools that are shaping and enhancing leadership skills. Key insights that inspire personal development and authentic self-expression for impactful leadership. Discover one key strategy to boost team efficiency. Leverage mastermind tools in a safe, practical learning environment to strengthen leadership abilities. Master difficult conversations with confidence and apply these skills immediately for better outcomes. Strengthen communication, community building, and research skills for a more effective, cohesive team environment. Sticky Core Values leverage leadership momentum for lasting impact.       .         SHOW SPONSORS:   Quest Food Management Services   Quest Food Management Services provides high-quality, scratch-made food in K-12 schools and universities across the country, prioritizing the health and wellness of students and elevating the cafeteria dining experience.  Quest offers a full-service approach to their school partners, bringing 40 years of expertise through every stage of program development and nurturing a true sense of community through interactive events such as student food committees. For more information about Quest Food Management Services, www.questfms.com     IXL IXL is the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. Over 1 million teachers use IXL in their classrooms every day for one reason: They love it. Visit IXL.com to lead your school towards data-driven excellence today.   Copyright © 2024 Twelve Practices LLC      

      Every principal deserves high quality coaching and mentorship.   Who is your coach or mentor? What would you be able to accomplish with help figuring out how to accomplish your biggest goals?   At Ruckus Maker HQ we have two great options for you:   Option 1: Join the BRAND NEW Ruckus Maker Club. Learn more here   Option 2: Join The Ruckus Maker Mastermind™ our flagship program. Learn more here.   Show Highlights   Why you need the  90-day planning and the 'Ruckus Maker Mindset.'   'Playing with the Lead' for proactive planning and organization to stay ahead of challenges throughout the school year. Key initiatives and maintain momentum in leadership efforts. Challenges in scheduling planning time with assistant principal. Importance of celebrating staff efforts and improvements. Discussion of the 'Electric Papaya' concept: focusing on one project yields better results. Challenges of over-planning, the need to prioritize, and delegate to avoid burnout. Plans for addressing math and language arts gaps.             SHOW SPONSORS:   Quest Food Management Services   Quest Food Management Services provides high-quality, scratch-made food in K-12 schools and universities across the country, prioritizing the health and wellness of students and elevating the cafeteria dining experience.  Quest offers a full-service approach to their school partners, bringing 40 years of expertise through every stage of program development and nurturing a true sense of community through interactive events such as student food committees. For more information about Quest Food Management Services, www.questfms.com     IXL IXL is the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. Over 1 million teachers use IXL in their classrooms every day for one reason: They love it. Visit IXL.com to lead your school towards data-driven excellence today.   Copyright © 2024 Twelve Practices LLC      

    Frederick Buskey leverages 33 years of k-12 and higher education leadership experience. He provides simple frameworks and practical tools to help leaders make immediate incremental improvements. Frederick hosts The Assistant Principal Podcast, and is the author of A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. He works with school and non-profit leaders to help them live and lead better.     Show Highlights   The challenges faced by colleagues helps leaders provide tailored support and guidance. The journey to Reclaiming Purpose involves recognizing the impact of small, mindful moments in leadership. Introduction of the 'good enough' concept for assistant principals. Analysis of teacher-related issues vs. student-related issues in discipline. The importance of supporting teachers and improving their skills. The difference between urgent leadership and strategic leadership. Exploration of managing priorities vs. managing time. Three epiphanies from Frederick's book. Get the episode transcript here! Fredrick’s Resources & Contact Info: Frederick Buskey-Website Blog The Assistant Principal Podcast LinkedIn 1/30-minute-coaching-call Free:Book Give Away: Stage 1   Every principal deserves high quality coaching and mentorship.   Who is your coach or mentor? What would you be able to accomplish with help figuring out how to accomplish your biggest goals?   At Ruckus Maker HQ we have two great options for you:   Option 1: Join the BRAND NEW Ruckus Maker Club. Learn more here   Option 2: Join The Ruckus Maker Mastermind™ our flagship program. Learn more here.   SHOW SPONSORS:   Quest Food Management Services   Quest Food Management Services provides high-quality, scratch-made food in K-12 schools and universities across the country, prioritizing the health and wellness of students and elevating the cafeteria dining experience.  Quest offers a full-service approach to their school partners, bringing 40 years of expertise through every stage of program development and nurturing a true sense of community through interactive events such as student food committees. For more information about Quest Food Management Services, www.questfms.com     IXL IXL is the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. Over 1 million teachers use IXL in their classrooms every day for one reason: They love it. Visit IXL.com to lead your school towards data-driven excellence today.   Copyright © 2024 Twelve Practices LLC      

      Every principal deserves high quality coaching and mentorship.   Who is your coach or mentor? What would you be able to accomplish with help figuring out how to accomplish your biggest goals?   At Ruckus Maker HQ we have two great options for you:   Option 1: Join the BRAND NEW Ruckus Maker Club. Learn more here   Option 2: Join The Ruckus Maker Mastermind™ our flagship program. Learn more here.   Show Highlights   Prioritize Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) amid challenges. Focus on scheduling, intervention strategies and enrichment. 7-period day versus a rotating block schedule to better address the educational needs of students. Tips to overcome significant learning gaps through targeted interventions. Discussion on implementing intervention and enrichment within regular classes. Importance of data analysis and targeted mini-lessons. Implementing essential standards and co-teaching approaches.       Get the episode transcript here!   SHOW SPONSORS:   Quest Food Management Services   Quest Food Management Services provides high-quality, scratch-made food in K-12 schools and universities across the country, prioritizing the health and wellness of students and elevating the cafeteria dining experience.  Quest offers a full-service approach to their school partners, bringing 40 years of expertise through every stage of program development and nurturing a true sense of community through interactive events such as student food committees. For more information about Quest Food Management Services, www.questfms.com     IXL IXL is the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. Over 1 million teachers use IXL in their classrooms every day for one reason: They love it. Visit IXL.com to lead your school towards data-driven excellence today.   Copyright © 2024 Twelve Practices LLC      

      Every principal deserves high quality coaching and mentorship.   Who is your coach or mentor? What would you be able to accomplish with help figuring out how to accomplish your biggest goals?   At Ruckus Maker HQ we have two great options for you:   Option 1: Join the BRAND NEW Ruckus Maker Club. Learn more here   Option 2: Join The Ruckus Maker Mastermind™ our flagship program. Learn more here.   Show Highlights   effective email management and communication strategies to alleviate overload. The need for ongoing learning and collaboration with others to enhance leadership skills.  AI-powered coaching tool for teachers for reflection and personal growth. School Initiatives and Challenges  Planning for the next academic year Discussion on redesigning the bell schedule Introduction of WIN (What I Need) time for student support Identifying non-negotiable skills for middle school students Overcome the struggle with managing a high volume of emails. Create the ideal day and work-life balance. Establishing healthy habits through meal planning to increase energy levels, and better mental well-being. Get the episode transcript here!       SHOW SPONSORS:   Quest Food Management Services   Quest Food Management Services provides high-quality, scratch-made food in K-12 schools and universities across the country, prioritizing the health and wellness of students and elevating the cafeteria dining experience.  Quest offers a full-service approach to their school partners, bringing 40 years of expertise through every stage of program development and nurturing a true sense of community through interactive events such as student food committees. For more information about Quest Food Management Services, www.questfms.com     IXL IXL is the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. Over 1 million teachers use IXL in their classrooms every day for one reason: They love it. Visit IXL.com to lead your school towards data-driven excellence today.   Copyright © 2024 Twelve Practices LLC      

      Every principal deserves high quality coaching and mentorship.   Who is your coach or mentor? What would you be able to accomplish with help figuring out how to accomplish your biggest goals?   At Ruckus Maker HQ we have two great options for you:   Option 1: Join the BRAND NEW Ruckus Maker Club. Learn more here   Option 2: Join The Ruckus Maker Mastermind™ our flagship program. Learn more here.   Show Highlights   Challenges in school culture can lead to a lack of trust and effectiveness. Student discipline concerns often reflect broader cultural issues within the school.  Tips to overcome a divisive incident regarding school policy. Effective resolutions with union involvement and petitions. Impact of emotional decisions about safety and fairness. Foster a culture of "gracious assumptions" for thoughtful communication and reduce snap judgments. Tackle potential conflicts early, reducing anxiety among staff and students.       Get the episode transcript here!     SHOW SPONSORS:   Quest Food Management Services   Quest Food Management Services provides high-quality, scratch-made food in K-12 schools and universities across the country, prioritizing the health and wellness of students and elevating the cafeteria dining experience.  Quest offers a full-service approach to their school partners, bringing 40 years of expertise through every stage of program development and nurturing a true sense of community through interactive events such as student food committees. For more information about Quest Food Management Services, www.questfms.com     IXL IXL is the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. Over 1 million teachers use IXL in their classrooms every day for one reason: They love it. Visit IXL.com to lead your school towards data-driven excellence today.   Copyright © 2024 Twelve Practices LLC      

      Every principal deserves high quality coaching and mentorship.   Who is your coach or mentor? What would you be able to accomplish with help figuring out how to accomplish your biggest goals?   At Ruckus Maker HQ we have two great options for you:   Option 1: Join the BRAND NEW Ruckus Maker Club. Learn more here   Option 2: Join The Ruckus Maker Mastermind™ our flagship program. Learn more here.   Show Highlights   Shifting from accomplishment-focused education to learning and community contribution. Balancing community values with educational objectives. Strategies for engaging family and community input in education. Tips to celebrate hard conversations about bias on campus. Challenges of high-performing school environments and pressure on students. Balancing traditional educational values with new workplace demands. Engaging families in conversations about their aspirations for their children. Find your “square squad’, mode vulnerability and seek support.         SHOW SPONSORS:   Quest Food Management Services   Quest Food Management Services provides high-quality, scratch-made food in K-12 schools and universities across the country, prioritizing the health and wellness of students and elevating the cafeteria dining experience.  Quest offers a full-service approach to their school partners, bringing 40 years of expertise through every stage of program development and nurturing a true sense of community through interactive events such as student food committees. For more information about Quest Food Management Services, www.questfms.com     IXL IXL is the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. Over 1 million teachers use IXL in their classrooms every day for one reason: They love it. Visit IXL.com to lead your school towards data-driven excellence today.   Copyright © 2024 Twelve Practices LLC      

    Every principal deserves high quality coaching and mentorship.   Who is your coach or mentor? What would you be able to accomplish with help figuring out how to accomplish your biggest goals?   At Ruckus Maker HQ we have two great options for you:   Option 1: Join the BRAND NEW Ruckus Maker Club. Learn more here   Option 2: Join The Ruckus Maker Mastermind™ our flagship program. Learn more here.   Show Highlights   Boosting Leadership Effectiveness in a Post-Pandemic World. Aligning professional development with collective beliefs relevant for all. Delivering effective, equitable support for every student.  Balancing staff readiness and innovation with potential risks. Strategic resource allocation: Maximizing human capital. Empowering top teachers to impact students who need it the most. Aligning practices with beliefs (individual vs. collective). Achieving clarity in advancing organizational and staff goals. SHOW SPONSORS:   Quest Food Management Services   Quest Food Management Services provides high-quality, scratch-made food in K-12 schools and universities across the country, prioritizing the health and wellness of students and elevating the cafeteria dining experience.  Quest offers a full-service approach to their school partners, bringing 40 years of expertise through every stage of program development and nurturing a true sense of community through interactive events such as student food committees. For more information about Quest Food Management Services, www.questfms.com     IXL IXL is the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. Over 1 million teachers use IXL in their classrooms every day for one reason: They love it. Visit IXL.com to lead your school towards data-driven excellence today.   Copyright © 2024 Twelve Practices LLC