24 Conversations Later: What This Season Taught Me About LeadershipMonday was my last day on calendar for the school year. A few days later, my family and I headed to Lake Arrowhead for some much-needed rest and reflection. If you know me, you know I love being outside. There is something about the trees, the mountains, and the water that soothes my soul.Sitting in an Airbnb cabin overlooking beautiful Lake Arrowhead, I decided to record the Season One finale of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates.After 24 conversations with educators, leaders, parents, advocates, and changemakers, I decided to take one final ride before summer break and reflect on the lessons that challenged, affirmed, and changed me as a school leader. What began as a desire to learn quickly became something much more meaningful. These conversations stretched my thinking, reinforced my beliefs, challenged my assumptions, and ultimately shaped the way I lead.In this special season finale, I share five key leadership lessons that emerged from this season of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates and how those lessons continue to shape my work as a principal.In This Episode, We Discuss:🚌 Why relationships remain the foundation of every great school🚌 What students taught me about belonging, challenge, and possibility🚌 The importance of viewing parents and caregivers as true partners🚌 Why courage is a requirement for leadership🚌 The role hope plays in creating meaningful change in schools🚌 Why care may be the most underrated superpower in education🚌 Reflections on closing one chapter and preparing for a new opportunity as a high school principalThought"You can never outwork or outperform somebody who cares."Thank You for Riding AlongAs we close Season One, I want to thank every guest who shared their wisdom, every listener who spent time with us each week, and every educator, caregiver, and student who inspires this work.We have already begun recording Season Two and will return September 1, 2026, with new conversations, new ideas, and new opportunities to learn together.Until then, enjoy a well-deserved summer of rest, reflection, and renewal.Thank you for riding on the school bus with me.We have already begun recording Season Two and will return September 1, 2026, with new conversations, new ideas, and new opportunities to learn together.Connect with Dr. Spates🌐 Website: KrishnaSpates.com🎙️ Podcast Website: OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com📧 Email: [email protected]📱 Follow: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates

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 strategies, professional growth, and hope-filled inspiration, this episode is a must-listen.💡 Key TakeawaysFocus leadership on children, parents, and communities.Listen deeply—especially in politically charged climates.Real change starts with community collaboration and understanding.Small wins can lead to larger systemic shifts.Support and empower informal leaders in your team.Transparency builds trust during bold change.Hope isn’t a strategy—focus on doing the work well.Stay relentless in pursuing equity and innovation.Take quiet reflection time to lead with clarity.🕒 Chapters00:00 – Navigating Political and Social Challenges in Education07:46 – Creative Strategies for Addressing Inequities13:36 – Empowering Leaders at All Levels17:09 – Engaging the Community for Student Success20:23 – Balancing Boldness with Strategy in Leadership27:22 – The Importance of Hope and Courage in Education32:33 – Taking Risks for Positive Impact36:37 – Personal Reflections and Leadership Strategies🎧 Memorable Sound Bites“Hope is essential, but not a strategy.”“It’s about the kids.”“You have to be relentless in change.”🔑 Keywordsleadership, education, equity, innovation, community engagement, risk-taking, school leadership, strategies, mentorship, professional development, teacher leadership, courageous leadership, K–12 education, educational change, superintendent insights, school transformation👤 GuestDr. David CashClinical Professor, University of Southern California Rossier School of Education (USC) | Retired Superintendent | Trial Lawyer📧 Email: [email protected]🚌 On the School Bus with Dr. SpatesSo 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, andThe 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 SpatesWebsite: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: [email protected] • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators Space — a creative studio dedicated to amplifying local voices through high-quality audio and visual production.Website: 661CreatorsSpace.comInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: [email protected]🎼 MusicTheme Song: “Call of Duty”Artist: MutanixInstagram: @mutanixsEmail: [email protected] with permission. All rights reserved.💛 Support the WorkIf this episode inspired you, please follow, rate, and share with another school leader. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.

In Episode 23 of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, I had the opportunity to sit down with George Couros to talk about what it really means to move from conflict to community in today’s schools.This conversation pushed my thinking as a leader. We talked about how shifting from “buy-in” to true ownership can transform a school community, and how creating space for people to contribute their ideas leads to stronger, more sustainable change.We also explored the role of AI in education—how it can create tension, but also opportunity when approached with intentionality and a focus on learning. George reminded me that innovation isn’t about the tools we use, but about the mindset we bring and the relationships we build.If you’re leading through change, resistance, or uncertainty, this episode will challenge you to reflect, listen, and lead in a way that moves your community forward while honoring relationships and staying grounded in what matters most—our students.Episode TakeawaysOwnership over buy-in leads to stronger, more sustainable changeThe best ideas in a school can come from anyone—leaders must create space for themAI should be introduced through experience and value, not mandates or fearLeadership starts with self-reflection—point at yourself firstInviting challenge builds trust and strengthens communitySpend time developing those who are ready to grow—the 80/80 mindsetListening to even one voice can move an entire organization forwardGrowth requires courage—don’t get used to environments that limit your potentialCelebrate your growth—clap for yourself and recognize progressPractical Leadership MovesReplace “buy-in” with co-creation and ownershipInvite dissent in the room, not in the parking lotStart AI conversations with concerns first, then possibilitiesModel learning—don’t mandate itCreate systems that elevate all voices, not just the loudestFocus your energy on those ready to grow—they will influence othersBe transparent when decisions are non-negotiable🚌 About the PodcastSo 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 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.📬 Connect with George Couros Website & Blog: https://georgecouros.comPurchase the Books on AmazonBlog Post On Becoming a Writer: hhttps://georgecouros.com/want-to-write-a-book-start-a-blog/Email: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgecourosim/The Innovators Mindset Podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-innovators-mindset-podcast/id1155968930Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3UU0vQeUPnCEhZVUoZT76vSoundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-427776484📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene SpatesWebsite: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.comWebsite: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: [email protected] • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: 661CreatorsSpace.comInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: [email protected]🎼 MusicTheme Song: “Call of Duty” — MutanixInstagram: @mutanixsEmail: [email protected] with permission.💛 Support the WorkIf this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.

In Episode 22 of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, I sit down with Arby Jean Wolkov, an American Sign Language teacher and one of California’s 2025 Teachers of the Year. Arby shares her journey from being an English language learner to becoming a statewide leader in Deaf education.We explore what high-quality ASL instruction looks like, why language access is critical for Deaf and hard of hearing students, and how schools can create environments where all students feel connected and included. Arby also breaks down common misconceptions about the Deaf community and shares how her classroom builds real-world communication through immersive learning experiences—including interpreting live performances.This episode is a powerful reminder that when we center communication, access, and belonging, we open doors for students and communities in transformative ways. Episode TakeawaysLanguage access is foundational; many Deaf students are born to hearing parents and may not have early access to languageASL is a complete language with its own grammar and structure—not simply English translated into signsHigh-quality ASL programs include culture, history, and real-world application—not just vocabularyImmersive experiences like “Silent Weekend” allow students to truly live the language beyond the classroomStudents build empathy and deeper connections when they can directly communicate across differencesSchools must invest in interpreters, trained teachers, and inclusive practices to support Deaf and hard of hearing studentsASL should be treated as a world language and career pathway—not just an elective 🚌 About the PodcastSo 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 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.📬 Connect with Arby Jean WolkovGo Fund Me (Silent Weekend): https://www.gofundme.com/f/silentweekend2026Donor's Choose (Silent Weekend): https://www.donorschoose.org/classroom/aslwithmstacubEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arby-jean-tacubw/📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene SpatesWebsite: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.comWebsite: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: [email protected] • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: 661CreatorsSpace.comInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: [email protected]🎼 MusicTheme Song: “Call of Duty” — MutanixInstagram: @mutanixsEmail: [email protected] with permission.💛 Support the WorkIf this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.

In this powerful and deeply human conversation, I sit down with Jacqueline A. Diaz-Fontana, founder of the Erick A. Garcia You Are Enough Foundation, to explore how personal tragedy can transform into purpose that impacts entire communities and save lives.After losing her son Eric to suicide, Jacqueline made the courageous decision to share her story—not only to heal, but to help other families recognize the importance of mental health, connection, and conversation.Together, we discuss what young people are silently carrying, what parents and educators often miss, and how we can create environments where students feel safe enough to say, “I’m not okay.” This episode is both a wake-up call and a guide—filled with practical advice, hope, and a reminder that every child needs to know: they are enough.Episode TakeawaysJacqueline shares how the loss of her son led her to create the You Are Enough Foundation to save livesParents must look beyond behavior and start deeper conversations with their childrenListening without judgment is one of the most powerful tools adults haveMental health support should be viewed as prevention, not just crisis responseStudents today are carrying anxiety, pressure, and uncertainty about their futureEducators must lead with empathy and avoid labeling studentsCommunity partnerships with nonprofits can provide critical support for schoolsStarting a nonprofit requires heart, consistency, and the courage to “do it afraid”One conversation can change—and even save—a lifeIf you are a school leader, educator, or community partner looking to bring this work to your students—this is an organization to connect with.🚨 Resources Mentioned988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Call or text 988)Local Department of Mental Health services🚌 About the PodcastSo 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 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene SpatesWebsite: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.comWebsite: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: [email protected] • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📬 Connect with Jacqueline Diaz-Fontana & The FoundationWebsite: https://youareenoughfoundation.orgEmail: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/youareenoughfoundation📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: 661CreatorsSpace.comInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: [email protected]🎼 MusicTheme Song: “Call of Duty” — MutanixInstagram: @mutanixsEmail: [email protected] with permission.💛 Support the WorkIf this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.

In this powerful episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. Spates sits down with Todd Davis Sr.—father of a Super Bowl champion and a dynamic motivational speaker—to explore what it truly means to raise resilient, purpose-driven children.Todd shares deeply personal insights about raising two children with different paths—his son, Todd Davis, and his daughter, whom he calls his “princessy”—while ensuring both felt equally valued, seen, and supported.The conversation dives into transparent parenting, avoiding comparison, and the importance of affirming children for who they are—not just what they achieve. Todd also challenges parents and educators to rethink how they support young people, especially those not “shining the brightest.”With powerful metaphors—from chandeliers to slinkies to setbacks—Todd delivers a message rooted in purpose: we are not raising children, we are raising future adults.This episode is a must-listen for educators, caregivers, and anyone committed to helping every child find their light.✨ What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeEvery child must be raised as an individual, not in comparison to othersAffirm children for who they are, not just what they achieveAvoid projecting your own dreams onto your child’s journeySetbacks are opportunities to assess, adjust, and advanceParents must balance protection with preparation for independenceStudent-athletes should prioritize academics and life skills beyond sportsEducators must focus on all students—not just the ones who shine the brightestTrue success is about becoming a whole, grounded human being🚌 About the PodcastSo 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 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene SpatesWebsite: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.comWebsite: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: [email protected] • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📬 Connect with Todd Davis SeniorEmail: [email protected]:https://www.instagram.com/thisiscoachtodd📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: 661CreatorsSpace.comInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: [email protected]🎼 MusicTheme Song: “Call of Duty” — MutanixInstagram: @mutanixsEmail: [email protected] with permission.💛 Support the WorkIf this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.

In this powerful episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, I sit down with Dr. Luke Wood, President of California State University Sacramento, for a deeply personal and purpose-driven conversation about leadership, equity, and systems transformation.Dr. Wood takes us on a journey through his lived experiences—from navigating foster care and systemic barriers to becoming a national voice in higher education leadership. He shares how those experiences shaped his unwavering commitment to ensuring students are not blamed for inequitable outcomes—and why leaders must instead redesign the systems that serve them.We explore the bold work happening at Sacramento State, including initiatives like the Black Honors College, culturally responsive supports for students, and a strong focus on meeting students’ basic needs. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Wood reminds us that leadership rooted in love and accountability is not soft—it is strategic, courageous, and necessary.This episode is a call to action for leaders to stay focused, lead with purpose, and build systems where every student has the opportunity to thrive.✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode• How Dr. Luke Wood’s personal journey informs his leadership and commitment to equity• Why systems—not students—must be the focus of change in education• The vision and purpose behind Sacramento State’s Black Honors College• How addressing students’ basic needs directly impacts academic success• What it means to lead with both love and accountability in high-stakes environments• Strategies for creating cultures of belonging at scale• How leaders can remain grounded, focused, and resilient in challenging times🎧 Episode Chapters00:00 – Introduction and welcome01:14 – Early life experiences and commitment to equity02:40 – Navigating foster care and systemic barriers05:32 – The vision behind the Black Honors College08:40 – Supporting Black students and Native communities10:27 – Addressing student needs through basic support systems12:14 – Leading through political and social challenges14:36 – Shifting from fixing students to fixing systems19:33 – Creating belonging and student-centered environments23:24 – Leadership lessons rooted in purpose and focus26:53 – Self-care, sustainability, and resilience📚 Resources MentionedBlack Minds Matter Initiativehttps://blackmindsmatter.net/California State University Sacramento – Black Honors College: https://www.csus.edu/student-affairs/black-honors-college/California State University Sacramento – Basic Needs Center: https://www.csus.edu/student-life/health-counseling/basic-needs-resource-center/🚌 About the PodcastSo 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 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene SpatesWebsite: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.comWebsite: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: [email protected] • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📬 Connect with Dr. Luke WoodWebsite: https://www.csus.edu/president/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drlukewoodLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukewood/X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/DrLukeWoodResearch: https://blackmindsmatter.net/📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: 661CreatorsSpace.comInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: [email protected]🎼 MusicTheme Song: “Call of Duty” — MutanixInstagram: @mutanixsEmail: [email protected] with permission.💛 Support the WorkIf this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.

In this powerful episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. Spates sits down with Allyson (Wright) Taylor, educator and program specialist with the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Allyson shares her deeply personal story and her mission to help educators reimagine schools as places where marginalized students do more than survive—they experience belonging, brilliance, and joy.Drawing from her own life journey, including experiencing homelessness as a teenager and being supported by a teacher who changed the trajectory of her life, Allyson speaks candidly about the transformative power of education. She challenges educators to rethink traditional systems and create learning environments that affirm student identity, center cultural responsiveness, and expand what young people believe is possible for themselves.Throughout the conversation, Allyson offers practical strategies for educators and school leaders to shift their mindset, redesign systems, and build authentic partnerships with students and families. This episode is a powerful reminder that when schools intentionally honor identity, culture, and voice, they become places where students can truly thrive.✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode• How Allyson’s personal journey shaped her commitment to equity and belonging in schools• Why schools must move beyond survival toward belonging, brilliance, and joy for Black students• Practical strategies for educators to shift their thinking around identity, culture, and power in the classroom• How culturally responsive behavior systems can transform school culture• The role of apology, repair, and student voice in building trust with students• Why educators must begin equity work with self-awareness and reflection• Strategies for partnering with families and caregivers through humility and trust-building• How intentional learning environments can affirm student identity and expand opportunity• The importance of hiring educators whose values align with equity-centered leadership• Why supporting educator well-being is critical for sustaining transformational work🎧 Episode Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Allyson (Wright) Taylor and her background01:26 – How education changed Allyson’s life after experiencing homelessness02:29 – Reimagining schools where Black students experience safety, belonging, and joy04:10 – Practical steps educators can take to better support Black girls in school05:59 – The power of apology, repair, and elevating student voice07:25 – Rethinking behavior systems through culturally responsive practices08:42 – Addressing racial slurs and inequitable discipline through systemic change10:04 – Persisting in advocacy work despite resistance and challenges13:01 – Designing learning environments that affirm diverse identities14:30 – Recruiting staff who align with equity-centered school values16:34 – Leadership insights: charter schools vs. traditional public schools21:48 – How educators influence how students understand their identity and story23:12 – New approaches to family engagement and community partnership27:40 – Building trust through vulnerability and authentic relationships29:17 – Current initiatives supporting Black learners, including the GENIUS Initiative32:50 – Professional learning that shifts educator mindsets35:36 – Culturally relevant practices that amplify student stories36:26 – Building community through relational practices and shared storytelling37:40 – The power of collaboration among educators working toward equity38:47 – A call to action for school leaders advocating for marginalized students39:33 – Sustaining the work through educator wellness and self-care41:49 – Final reflections and gratitude for the shared journey in education📚 Resources Mentioned• Supporting the African American Learner Guide – Dr. Katherine Edwards• The GENIUS Initiative• Brown University Teacher Education Program🚌 About the PodcastSo 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 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene SpatesWebsite: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.comWebsite: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: [email protected] • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📬 Connect with Allyson (Wright) TaylorEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allysonwright/📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: 661CreatorsSpace.comInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: [email protected]🎼 MusicTheme Song: “Call of Duty” — MutanixInstagram: @mutanixsEmail: [email protected] with permission.💛 Support the WorkIf this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.

In this episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, I sit down with Kat Shaw, widely known as The Tatted Principal and Executive Director of Howard Gardner Community School. Kat brings more than two decades of experience in education and a leadership style grounded in authenticity, restorative practices, and deep belief in the potential of every student.Kat shares her remarkable journey from instructional aide to transformational school leader serving students who have often been pushed out of traditional systems. At Reach Academy, a school serving expelled students, she stepped into an environment marked by crisis and instability and helped transform it into a space centered on trust, belonging, and accountability.We talk about what happens when leaders refuse to code-switch and instead show up as their authentic selves. Kat explains how that authenticity helped her connect with students who had learned not to trust adults in schools.She also shares practical strategies educators can implement immediately: community circles, daily check-ins, mental health partnerships, and empowering students to step into leadership roles within their school community.This conversation is a powerful reminder that relationships are the foundation of real school transformation.If you care about belonging, restorative practices, and leadership that meets students where they are, this episode is for you.✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode• Why authentic leadership builds trust with students who feel disconnected from school• How restorative practices shift school culture from punishment to accountability• The power of daily community circles and student voice• Why mental health support must be integrated into school systems• How empowering students can transform school culture🎧 Keywordseducation leadership, restorative practices, school transformation, student engagement, authentic leadership, student belonging, school culture, behavior intervention, alternative education, Kat Shaw, Howard Gardner Community School, student empowerment, teacher collaboration🚌 About the PodcastSo 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 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene SpatesWebsite: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.comWebsite: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: [email protected] • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📬 Connect with Principal, Kat ShawEmail: [email protected] Counseling Founder: www.recommittedconsulting.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katshaw1227/📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: 661CreatorsSpace.comInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: [email protected]🎼 MusicTheme Song: “Call of Duty” — MutanixInstagram: @mutanixsEmail: [email protected] with permission.💛 Support the WorkIf this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.

In this energizing episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, I sit down with California Teacher of the Year Nicholas Westfall, a passionate and innovative physical educator who is redefining what physical education can look and feel like for students.Nicholas shares how his journey into physical education began at just 13 years old, inspired by his father’s advice, and how that calling eventually led him to statewide recognition as California Teacher of the Year. What impacted me most was how intentionally he designs learning experiences for students who traditionally feel disconnected from PE. We talk about his yoga-based PE class created specifically for students who once dreaded PE and unpack how he integrates mindfulness, social emotional learning, growth mindset, and standards-based grading into a curriculum that honors both rigor and belonging.We also dive into his powerful “speed-friending” protocol, a strategy that builds authentic peer connections and teaches students how to ask meaningful questions. As Nicholas reminds us, “People are so interesting.” That line stayed with me. If you care about innovative teaching, student engagement, wellness, and building deeper relationships in schools, this episode will challenge and inspire you.✨ What I Took Away From This ConversationNicholas’s passion for physical education started early and never wavered.Being named California Teacher of the Year reflects the deep impact of innovative PE instruction.A yoga-based PE class can re-engage students who previously disliked physical education.Mindfulness and social emotional learning belong in PE spaces.Student enjoyment of PE declines from elementary to middle school and we must respond intentionally.Standards-based grading strengthens the integrity of physical education.Speed friending builds authentic friendships and communication skills.Teaching students how to ask good questions changes the quality of conversations.Professional development should mirror the engagement we want in classrooms.The quality of friendships has declined and schools must intentionally rebuild connection.Excellent PE instruction is rigorous, standards-based, and relevant.Growth mindset projects help students redefine what is “impossible.”Teacher collaboration amplifies student outcomes.Community events like 5Ks build wellness and engagement beyond campus.Educational policy must protect creativity and flexibility in teaching.🎧 Sound Bites That Stuck With Me“People are so interesting.”“Impossible is just an opinion.”“Education is not Starbucks.”🔑 Keywordsphysical education, California Teacher of the Year, innovative teaching, student engagement, yoga, mindfulness, speed friending, social emotional learning, conversation skills, education friendship quality, teacher collaboration, physical education, growth mindset, wellness, community engagement, educational policy, professional development, student relationships, teaching standards🚌 About the PodcastSo 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 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene SpatesWebsite: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.comWebsite: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: [email protected] • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📬 Connect with Nicholas WestfallPhysical Education Teacher & California Teacher Of The Year 2025Email: [email protected] Newsletter: https://nicholaswestfall.substack.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-westfall-a75b49131/📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: 661CreatorsSpace.comInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: [email protected]🎼 MusicTheme Song: “Call of Duty” — MutanixInstagram: @mutanixsEmail: [email protected] with permission.💛 Support the WorkIf this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.