On the School Bus with Dr. Spates copertina

On the School Bus with Dr. Spates

On the School Bus with Dr. Spates

Di: Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates
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Welcome to the school leadership podcast dedicated to advancing creativity and innovation in education. No matter the seat you lead from, this podcast is your vehicle for creative ideas, bold school leadership, and field-tested strategies that work where it counts—in schools.

WARNING ⚠️ This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day with a relentless focus on improving student outcomes and transforming students’ TK-12 school experiences and the once-passionate leaders who may have lost a bit of their spark and just need a dose of inspiration to find their way back.

Each week, we invite innovators in education from across the country, doing the real work in schools to hop on the school bus with me -- Dr. Spates, the Proud Principal of a vibrant Los Angeles County Middle School Community. Together, we uncover what’s really working in schools—tapping into each guest’s “zone of genius” to give you one practical, school-tested strategy you can bring back to your learning community.

Because our children, families, and communities are counting on us to lead with urgency, care, and purpose.

Let’s reimagine what’s possible in education, together —one ride at a time.

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Episodi
  • Ep 10 | The Hope Dealer: Restorative Leadership, Digital Voice, and Running Toward the Roar with Dr. J.R. Rucker

    Ep 10 | The Hope Dealer: Restorative Leadership, Digital Voice, and Running Toward the Roar with Dr. J.R. Rucker
    Jan 19 2026
    In this powerful episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. J.R. Rucker hops on the bus to share a deeply personal and purpose-driven leadership journey—one shaped by adversity, restored by education, and fueled by hope.From navigating a challenging childhood to serving as a high school principal, Dr. Rucker describes himself as a “hope dealer”—a leader committed to giving students what he did not always receive: belief, advocacy, and opportunity. He reflects on his roots as a special education teacher, emphasizing that every child is different and that effective educators must be willing to find at least one door of engagement for every student.Throughout the conversation, Dr. Rucker unpacks what restorative leadership looks like in real schools—centering relationships, accountability, and healing over punishment. He challenges school leaders to run toward the roar, confront hard truths, and create safe spaces where students, staff, and families can engage in honest conversations.The episode also explores the evolving role of digital media and social platforms in school leadership. Dr. Rucker makes a compelling case for why schools can no longer afford to be silent online—and how social media, when used with intention, becomes a tool for transparency, connection, and community pride.Grounded in wisdom, humility, and hope, this episode is a reminder that education is not transactional—it is transformational for students, families, and entire communities.✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways)Why being a hope dealer is a leadership responsibility—not a sloganHow restorative practices change culture, not just behaviorWhy every student deserves at least one door of engagementHow weekly career exploration can reshape student motivation and agencyWhat it means to run toward the roar as a school leaderWhy schools must embrace digital media to tell their own storiesHow educators can sustain themselves through self-care and balance⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Dr. J.R. Rucker01:20 – Becoming a Hope Dealer04:26 – Experiences That Shaped His Educational Philosophy06:47 – The Power of Restorative Practices10:26 – Leading a High School Community with Intention12:12 – Run Toward the Roar: A Leadership Mantra14:11 – Motivating Students and Staff16:17 – Leveraging Social Media for School Engagement25:35 – The Educational Truth Podcast and Conference29:36 – Advice for New Educators35:01 – Writing Books to Empower Others40:02 – Work-Life Balance and Self-Care45:16 – Innovations That Improve Student Outcomes🎧 Sound Bites“I want to be a hope dealer.”“Run toward the roar.”“We should literally be exploring careers on a weekly basis.”“Education is a transformational event for families.”🔑 Keywordssocial media in schools, career exploration, self-care for educators, instructional leadership, On the School Bus with Dr. Spates🚌 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: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.comInstagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📬 Connect with Dr. J.R. RuckerWebsite: drjrrucker.comEmail: info@drjrrucker.comListen to the Podcast: The Educational Truth PodcastLinkedIn: Jerome (J.R.) Rucker Ed.D.📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: 661CreatorsSpace.comInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com🎼 MusicTheme Song: “Call of Duty” — MutanixInstagram: @mutanixsEmail: mutanixmedia@gmail.comUsed 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.
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    50 min
  • Ep 9 | Equity in Schools: Why Seeing Students and Teachers as Whole Humans Changes Everything with Jazmine Morales Rodriguez

    Ep 9 | Equity in Schools: Why Seeing Students and Teachers as Whole Humans Changes Everything with Jazmine Morales Rodriguez
    Jan 12 2026
    In this episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Jazmine Morales Rodriguez takes a seat on the bus to share her powerful journey as an educator and equity-centered leader. She reflects on her educational pathway, including the financial and systemic barriers she navigated, and how those experiences shaped her commitment to student advocacy and inclusion.Jazmine underscores the importance of seeing students holistically and building reciprocal, human-centered relationships in schools. The conversation explores the impact of ethnic studies curriculum on student engagement, the realities of teacher burnout, and the critical role of community support in sustaining educators doing this work. Throughout the episode, Jazmine offers affirming insights, honest reflections, and actionable strategies for educators committed to equity, growth, and collective care.✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways)Jazmine emphasizes the importance of seeing students as whole individuals—not just academic performers.She shares her personal journey of navigating and overcoming financial barriers to higher education.The episode highlights the power of reciprocal relationships between educators and students.Jazmine discusses how ethnic studies curriculum increases relevance, belonging, and student engagement.She addresses teacher burnout and the emotional toll of doing equity-centered work.The importance of community support and shared responsibility in education is stressed.Jazmine advocates for honoring each student’s unique lived experience and needs.She shares practical strategies for responding to racial comments among young students.Collaboration among educators is positioned as essential, not optional.Educators are encouraged to embrace imperfection, reflection, and growth over performative “perfection.”⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Jazmine Morales Rodriguez02:46 – Jazmine’s Educational Journey05:43 – Overcoming Financial Barriers to Education09:17 – Transitioning from Education to Nonprofit Work12:48 – The Role of Community in Education17:56 – Navigating Burnout in Education20:34 – The Importance of Teacher Well-Being22:58 – Taking a Holistic View of Education26:20 – Building Authentic Relationships in Schools28:37 – Implementing Ethnic Studies Frameworks35:03 – Collaborative Curriculum Development35:36 – Coaching Through Role Play37:30 – Empowering Educators Through Curriculum Design38:43 – Humanizing the Educator Experience39:18 – Building Reciprocal Relationships44:38 – Addressing Racial Comments in Early Education50:55 – Navigating Teacher Pushback in a Changing Climate52:30 – Embracing Mistakes & Finding Your Educator Voice🎧 Sound Bites“We need to see each other holistically.”“It’s never too early to talk about race.”🔑 Keywordseducation, equity, instructional coaching, ethnic studies, student empowerment, teacher burnout, community support, relationship building, financial aid, diversity🚌 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: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.comInstagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📬 Connect with Jazmine Morales RodriguezEmail: Jazzmorales40@gmail.com📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: 661CreatorsSpace.comInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com🎼 MusicTheme Song: “Call of Duty” — MutanixInstagram: @mutanixsEmail: mutanixmedia@gmail.comUsed 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.
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    54 min
  • Ep 8 | Don’t Waste Our Kids’ Time: Principal, Coach Fred Gatlin on Empathy, Relevance, and School Leadership

    Ep 8 | Don’t Waste Our Kids’ Time: Principal, Coach Fred Gatlin on Empathy, Relevance, and School Leadership
    Jan 5 2026
    In this episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Principal and Coach Fred Gatlin hops on the bus to share his powerful journey as an educator, principal, coach, and author. Grounded in empathy and shaped by lived experience, Coach Gatlin reflects on what it truly means to lead schools that honor students’ time, humanity, and potential.The conversation explores how relevant, relationship-centered leadership can transform school culture—particularly for students navigating trauma, adversity, and disengagement. Coach Gatlin shares innovative programs he has implemented to build trust, inspire resilience, and help students develop a strong, “no-excuse” mindset rooted in purpose rather than pressure.Throughout the episode, Dr. Spates and Coach Gatlin discuss the importance of empathy in leadership, the power of positive affirmations, and why self-care, delegation, and trust are essential for sustaining educators in demanding roles. This episode offers practical strategies and affirming reminders for school leaders committed to building environments where both students and staff can thrive.✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways)Empathy is a non-negotiable leadership skill in today’s schoolsDiverse life and professional experiences strengthen leadership capacityRelationships are the foundation of student engagement and trustInnovative, student-centered programs can radically shift school cultureRelevance in education matters—students must see themselves in the workPositive affirmations can set the tone for productive school daysEmbracing pain and adversity can build resilience and purposeDelegation and trust are essential to prevent leadership burnoutSelf-care is critical for educators who want longevity and impactSupportive environments accelerate both student and staff success⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Coach Fred Gatlin01:28 – How Diverse Roles Shape Leadership04:03 – Why Empathy Matters in Education07:26 – The Inspiration Behind Train Your Mindset10:34 – Designing Innovative Programs for Engagement11:55 – Understanding Student Demographics14:14 – Building Comprehensive Support Systems16:34 – Relationship-Driven Leadership18:50 – Daily Motivational Practices20:38 – Developing a No-Excuse Mindset24:53 – Turning Adversity into Advantage27:26 – Supporting Trauma-Impacted Students29:45 – Creating a Caring School Culture31:08 – Cultivating a Supportive Leadership Team34:00 – Integrating Life Skills into Education36:29 – Making Learning Relevant39:58 – Balancing Multiple Roles as an Educator42:21 – Sustainable Self-Care Practices44:39 – Advice for School Leaders🎧 Sound Bites“Don’t waste our kids’ time.”“I was born to do this.”“You can’t count down the days.”🔑 Keywordseducational leadership, empathy in leadership, school culture, student engagement, resilient mindset, trauma-informed schools, principal leadership, educator self-care, relevant education, relationship-centered leadership🚌 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: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.comInstagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📬 Connect with Community Day School Principal, Coach Fred GatlinEmail: CoachGatlinMindset@gmail.com📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: 661CreatorsSpace.comInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com🎼 MusicTheme Song: “Call of Duty” — MutanixInstagram: @mutanixsEmail: mutanixmedia@gmail.comUsed with permission.💛 Support the WorkIf this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
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    48 min
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