Conversations
Great ideas often begin with great conversations. Explore discussions with leaders, authors, and innovators as we share practical insights, challenge assumptions, and learn what helps organizations create lasting impact.
Hosted by Andy:
Exploring practical leadership through conversations with educators, authors, and organizational leaders.
Discipline Win is a podcast on school an self-discipline that helps us improve ourselves and better support others. School discipline needs to be inclusive, relationship-focused, and strategic if we want students to be invested in their progress and make real improvements. Share this journey of discovery as Andy breaks down best practices in school discipline, inclusive practices, learning, and leading!
Featured On:
Listen to Andy's conversations as a featured guest on leadership and education podcasts.
Rewriting the Narrative
In this episode of Rewriting the Narrative, host Ben Tillotson explores how strong principal–teacher relationships can transform a school community. Joining the conversation are Ellis Elementary School principal Dr. Andy Jacks and special education teacher Denise Zervoudis, who share their experiences navigating high staff turnover while building a culture of trust and collaboration. Together, they reflect on the power of open communication, inclusivity, and even humor in shaping a positive learning environment. Their insights reveal how supportive leadership and teamwork not only strengthen educators but also create lasting benefits for students and families.
How to Help a Student Who is Always in the Principal's Office
Some students just seem to “live” in the principal's office. How do we help those students change their behavior and connect with their classmates and teachers? Today, award-winning principal, Andy Jacks, says that he spent most of his younger years in the principal's office. Some reached him and some did not, but it has shaped the discipline practices in his school. Certainly, Andy's “non-negotiables” when it comes to discipline may challenge the status quo in many schools. As you discuss discipline and reaching children, however, he has some important points to help all educators be more empathetic to the student who just can't seem to stay out of trouble.
Questioning Your Assumptions
Andy and Brad Shreffler talk about change at schools and how to lead change, his no suspension philosophy for his students, how one-size-fits-all discipline is negatively affecting our students, how we still don’t know the goal of education, how we need to stop assuming the things our kids know, especially in relation to self-regulation and working skills, and the importance of learning from the teachers around us now, especially as a school leader.
New School, Veteran Principal: Leading with Trust from Day One
Principal Andy Jacks talks with leaders Jessica Quinter and Kenny Newby about what it takes to enter a new school as an experienced principal. From building trust fast to aligning with supervisors and protecting your own well-being, this conversation offers practical strategies you can put to work right away.
Discipline Win
Why did we become school leaders and teachers? To educate, uplift, and inspire all students. So when things go wrong, why do schools seem to use exclusion as a first reaction, especially for kids that need to be in class the most? This week’s guest, Dr. Andy Jacks, shares ideas and practical suggestions that will actually make a difference to achieve the behavior balance we all want in schools.