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Bret Anderson
This podcast is based upon lessons learned in my 31 years of experience in education--21 as a principal. I spent 10 years turning around a high poverty school, and left to start Nebraska's first focus school--a year-round extended day program centered on leadership, technology and communication. It was named by Harvard's One Nation, Indivisible publication as one of the most innovative and successful schools in the country.
Total 253 episodes
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Push The Positives

Push The Positives

This episode talks about the dip in morale that usually occurs this time of year. As a leader it is important to keep pushing the positives to get through the hard months.
12:3618/11/2024
Up The Ladder

Up The Ladder

This episode talks about moving up the career ladder and making sure they are the right moves for you.
14:5211/11/2024
Your Legacy Pt. II

Your Legacy Pt. II

This episode continues our discussion on the legacy you leave as a leader. Leaders have the ability to influence others, let’s make it a positive!
14:5604/11/2024
Legacy of a Leader

Legacy of a Leader

What legacy will you leave as a leader? How will people remember you? This episode looks at the legacy of a leader and the difference you can make in the lives of others.
12:1828/10/2024
Loneliness of Leadership

Loneliness of Leadership

This episode talks about the loneliness of leadership and how easy it is to be misunderstood. You can rebuild with mindfulness, hope and compassion.
21:0521/10/2024
High Expectations

High Expectations

This episode looks at the effect high expectations can have on students. Encouragement and belief in others can make the difference in students and staff.
09:3814/10/2024
The Principal Factor

The Principal Factor

This episode looks at the principal factor and effective principals. Using Kafele, Whitaker, Gordon and Decker for insight.
14:3407/10/2024
PDK Poll on Public Education

PDK Poll on Public Education

This episode looks at a quick review of the 56th annual Poll of the Public’s Attitudes Toward the Public Schools (formerly the Gallup/PDK Poll).
10:1730/09/2024
Stronger Together

Stronger Together

This episode talks about building your strength as a team and also summarizes some of the principles in Stick Together by Jon Gordon and Kate Leavell.
13:3923/09/2024
Leadership Takes Grit

Leadership Takes Grit

This episode discusses the need for leaders to have grit in order to become the best they can can be. It is imperative to move forward and continue to be resilient, positive leader.
12:1716/09/2024
Tribute to an Amazing Principal

Tribute to an Amazing Principal

This episode pays tribute to a fellow colleague and principal, Cara Riggs. She recently passed away from cancer. Her caring leadership will be remembered and her strong belief in the success of all kids.
19:4209/09/2024
Supporting New Teachers

Supporting New Teachers

This episode looks at a recent ASCD interview with Baruti Kafele on coaching and supporting new teachers. What are things leaders can do to provide needed support?
17:3202/09/2024
Promoting Your School

Promoting Your School

Branding and marketing are an important aspect to promoting your organization. As a leader, not only are you building a positive culture you are pushing it out to others.
13:3026/08/2024
Take Care of Yourself!

Take Care of Yourself!

The episode reminds every leaders to make sure we are taking care of ourselves, staying healthy and maintaining a positive perspective. It so important to keep your life in order and your priorities where they need to be!
09:5619/08/2024
New Year Drive

New Year Drive

This episode talks about preparing for the new school year with drive, desire and determination. I had the opportunity to join in this excitement with an empowered staff.
09:0913/08/2024
Making Connections with Students

Making Connections with Students

This episode hits on the importance of making connections and the difference relationship building can make in the success of a student.
15:5505/08/2024
Team is Family

Team is Family

This episode underscores the importance of developing strong staff relationships while creating collaborative teams. A staff can become like a family as they navigate the ups and downs and downs of a culture.
13:2329/07/2024
Boosting Attendance Pt. II

Boosting Attendance Pt. II

This episode continues our discussion on school attendance. What is the best way to impact student attendance and help them succeed. what strategies can increase your attendance rate?
17:4623/07/2024
Boosting Attendance Pt. I

Boosting Attendance Pt. I

This episode discusses the importance of school attendance for student success. We review the aspects of chronic absenteeism and what strategies can be done to increase school attendance.
19:2315/07/2024
Positive Progress

Positive Progress

This episode talks about using positive psychology in the workplace to improve your culture.
16:2308/07/2024
Culture Matters Pt. II

Culture Matters Pt. II

This episode continues our discussion on culture and the impact creating a positive work environment has on staff. Great leaders involve staff in the achievement of a vision. If you empower, value, celebrate and create a sense of belonging your culture will thrive!
17:4401/07/2024
Culture Matters Pt. I

Culture Matters Pt. I

The culture is a major factor in an organization’s success. Build the right culture and everyone will flourish and excel.
11:5124/06/2024
What is your vision?

What is your vision?

A vision is a powerful tool for an organization. It can also be a motivator for a leader. What is your personal vision? What drives you and keeps you going as a leader?
10:3317/06/2024
What Schools Need

What Schools Need

This episode recaps a presentation I recently did at a conference on “What Schools Need” and the marks of effective schools.
17:1910/06/2024
The Empowerment Network

The Empowerment Network

This episode talks about The Empowerment Network and the upcoming rebuilding the village conference. It highlights the school we started that has become a model for the Cradle to Career initiative.
13:4003/06/2024
Connections Elevate Pt. II

Connections Elevate Pt. II

This episode continues the discussion around relationships and making strong connections with students. This can in turn, increase engagement and interest in school.
19:5427/05/2024
Connections Elevate Pt. I

Connections Elevate Pt. I

This episode discusses the key factor of relationships with students and the role strong connections make. Staff can build, maintain and restore relationships to keep school engagement high.
12:3520/05/2024
Compliments Make A Difference

Compliments Make A Difference

This episode stresses the power of a leader’s words and how compliments can help your positive culture.
11:2514/05/2024
I need to meet with who?

I need to meet with who?

This episode discusses the importance of having difficult conversations and addressing issues at the onset. Leaders can make these situations as opportunities to make connections.
20:2106/05/2024
A Leader’s Resiliency

A Leader’s Resiliency

The episode talks about having the power to bounce back after setbacks. Being able to see a positive path and seeing obstacles as growth opportunities can make the difference!
13:1129/04/2024
Look to the Skies!

Look to the Skies!

This episode is a quick reminder about our resilience and ability to stay positive as we get into the final stretch of the school year.
09:5123/04/2024
Schools as Change Agents

Schools as Change Agents

This episode talks about the changes schools may need to make to reach all students and create an atmosphere conducive to growth.
12:4415/04/2024
Leading The Emotional Intelligent Way

Leading The Emotional Intelligent Way

This episode discusses how leading with emotional intelligence can bring more joy and positivity to your culture.
16:0108/04/2024
The Book is Out!

The Book is Out!

This episode announces the new release of my book, Urban Principal Leadership Lessons. It gives a quick review of the chapters and information provided to inspire leaders.
16:5802/04/2024
Leadership Improvement

Leadership Improvement

Principals can improve their leadership with these four skills identified by GALLUP in a study on what employees need.
17:1425/03/2024
Principals Inspiring Leadership Pt. III

Principals Inspiring Leadership Pt. III

This episode wraps up our insights from Don Shula and Ken Blanchard ‘s book “Everyone’s a Coach: You Can Inspire Anyone to be a Winner.” Principals can apply these techniques to motivate staff.
15:3919/03/2024
Principals Inspiring Leadership Pt. II

Principals Inspiring Leadership Pt. II

This episode continues to look at tips from Don Shula and Ken Blanchard’s book a “Everyone’s A Coach.” Principals can apply these leadership principles to inspire staff!
16:2811/03/2024
Principals Inspiring Leadership Pt. 1

Principals Inspiring Leadership Pt. 1

This episode looks at tips from Don Shula and Ken Blanchard in “Everyone’s A Coach.” Principals can apply these leadership principles to inspire their staff.
15:4104/03/2024
The Principal Effect Part II

The Principal Effect Part II

This episode continues our quick look at the summary of research done by the Wallace Foundation on “How Principals Affect Students and Schools.” There are many implications for principals,
10:2826/02/2024
The Principal Effect Part I

The Principal Effect Part I

This episode does a quick summary of the research done by the Wallace Foundation on “How Principals Affect Students and Schools…” What are the implications for principals.
13:0120/02/2024
Autonomy For Success

Autonomy For Success

This episode sites the recent evidence showing the need for students to feel connected to school. Autonomy is one way to empower not only adults, but students and help mental health.
16:5712/02/2024
Positive Ratios For Leaders

Positive Ratios For Leaders

This episode looks at the impact of positivity ratios on teams and your culture. Leaders can push for the ideal mix!
13:4706/02/2024
Positivity Power

Positivity Power

This episode looks at the power of positivity and various aspects of promoting positivity as a leader.
17:2329/01/2024
The Approachable Leader

The Approachable Leader

This episode discusses the importance of being approachable as a leader while supporting a positive collaborative culture.
11:4222/01/2024
Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership

Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership

This episode highlights some of the leadership principles of MLK, Jr. looking at the book by Donald T. Phillips on MLK, Jr. on Leadership: Inspiration and Wisdom for Challenging Times.
16:3516/01/2024
Reality Principal Training

Reality Principal Training

This episode highlights the importance of getting real experience in leadership. The role of the principal is rigorous and requires ongoing training and mentoring in the realities of the job.
19:3508/01/2024
A New Year of Promise!

A New Year of Promise!

This episode is about getting ready for the new year with hope and purpose. Leaders continue to follow dreams and live with courage as they impact others.
09:5301/01/2024
The AI Dilemma

The AI Dilemma

This episode talks about the use of artificial intelligence and changing our ways for students to demonstrate knowledge,
11:3225/12/2023
Education Recap of 2023

Education Recap of 2023

This episode looks at Edutopia’s ten biggest educational research studies of 2023.
22:4718/12/2023
Thank You Leaders!

Thank You Leaders!

This episode reviews our past year of sharing effective leadership skills. We review some of our wrap up statistics and reflect on our purpose as we thank listeners.
14:2811/12/2023