Welcome to Transformative Principal! In this thought-provoking solo episode, host Jethro Jones explores how artificial intelligence has revealed the weaknesses in our current education system—and why it’s time to refocus on real learning.Episode Highlights:Jethro shares candid reflections from his AI Leader Office Hours, challenging the status quo in education.He explains how schools have been designed for adult convenience, making them easy targets for AI automation, and why this approach fails students.The episode critiques formulaic assignments, standardized tests, and grading systems that prioritize efficiency over genuine learning.Jethro advocates for a shift toward student-centered learning, emphasizing the importance of real audiences, authentic work, and developing “organic skills” like critical thinking, collaboration, and relationship-building.He shares personal stories from his teaching career, illustrating the power of giving students agency and meaningful projects.The discussion covers the limitations of AI—what it can and can’t do—and why human skills and empathy remain irreplaceable.Jethro calls for educators to rethink assignments, assessments, and the very purpose of school, urging a move away from compliance and toward relevance and flourishing for every student.Key Takeaways:Schools must prioritize learning and personal growth over convenience and test scores.Assignments should have real audiences and authentic purposes, not just serve as boxes to check.AI can handle repetitive, formulaic tasks, but human connection, empathy, and creativity are essential for true education.Educators should focus on helping students become flourishing human beings, not just good test-takers.

Your Child’s Confidence Begins in the Crib |  Guest: Deborah Carlisle Solomon - Ex Executive Director of RIE & author “Baby Knows Best” What would change if home was every child’s first experience of dignity, respect, and belonging? In this powerful conversation with Deborah Carlisle Solomon, we explore how the earliest moments of life shape a child’s sense of agency, trust, and confidence in themselves and the world. Drawing from the RIE® (Resources for Infant Educarers) approach, Deborah shares how simple, mindful parenting practices—rooted in empathy, autonomy, and reciprocal relationships—can transform our homes into spaces where children feel seen, heard, and valued from the very beginning. Because the way we nurture our babies isn’t just parenting—it’s culture-building, laying the foundation for how future generations will lead, relate, and create.Why this matters: Because simple, conscious caregiving choices can shift generations; from raising children who comply to raising humans who contribute.When parents nurture autonomy instead of control, they raise future leaders who think, feel, and act with empathy. The way we parent today shapes the communities and workplaces of tomorrow.Because the way we nurture our children in the earliest moments shapes not only who they become, but the kind of world they help create.Get in Touch with Nancy: @nancygiordano.com

Catholic School Leaders PodcastHost: John MihalyoIn this episode, John talks about an often–overlooked part of fundraising events: what happens after the gala, dinner, or major celebration ends. He walks advancement directors and school leaders through the importance of gathering your team soon after the event to reflect, celebrate, and identify opportunities for improvement.In This EpisodeWhy every major event needs a post-event auditThe key questions to guide your reflection:What worked—and why?What didn’t work—and why not?What should we keep, stop, or change for next year?How honest feedback builds stronger events and stronger cultureWhy involving event chairs, committee members, and parent volunteers leads to better insightsHow reflection helps refresh stale traditions and spark new energyConnect With JohnWant help reviewing your recent event or planning for the next one?Visit www.elementaryadvancement.comClick here to set up a time to meet with John Mihalyo!

Ranan Lachman is a transformation expert with a BA in Computer Science and an MBA who has reinvented himself across radically different worlds — jet-fighter co-pilot, management consultant, Wall Street investment banker, and CEO of multiple technology companies.He lives what he teaches, having relocated to four countries across four continents and even circled the globe for a year with his family while managing a startup.Ranan is currently founder and CEO of Better Speech. We discuss his work with Better Speech and his book, Comfort Override: Future-Proof Your Life as AI Flips Your World.Topics include:How AI can help schools address special education goalsPrinciples for implementing AI responsibly in special educationHow can professionals proactively prepare for AI disruption in their industry?Daily practices to develop the adaptability “muscle”Evolving intentionally as an individual and an organizationLearn more about today’s guest:www.comfortoverride.comwww.betterspeech.com About the hostRoss Romano is a co-founder of the Be Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Connect on Bluesky or LinkedIn I also host Sideline Sessions, a podcast for coaches and parents of student-athletes. The show features conversations with coaches and performance experts in the NFL, NBA, NCAA, Olympics, and more. Listen here: https://bit.ly/3Rp0QGt 

In this episode of "In Search of Catholic School Excellence," Thomas Boles interviews Theresa Rothstein, principal of Sacred Heart School in Patterson, California. Theresa shares her journey from parent to principal, the school’s unique legacy of multi-generational families, and the intentional community-building that has driven significant enrollment growth. The conversation highlights innovative programs, strong relationships with families and the local community, and practical advice for school leaders seeking to foster a thriving, mission-driven Catholic school environment.Theresa reminds us to first focus on developing the vision, getting the “balcony view” to see where we want to take our schools, taking care of some early easy wins, and then really “anchoring yourself in the mission.” That mission has to not just be some pretty words but something that we are willing to chase everyday. She also encourages us to surround ourselves with “leaders that can affirm and support you”  since some days will be tougher than others but it is important to “remind yourself that you are making a difference and you made an impact today.” The rest will come into play.To get a copy of the Building a Mission Worth Chasing Worksheet visit us here. If you need help really diving into your mission or making those dreams a reality please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-TogetherSacred Heart Catholic School in Patterson, California, serves students in Preschool through Grade 8, with comprehensive, rigorous academic programs in all curricular areas along with a strong Catholic setting and instruction in Catholic tradition.  We have been teaching children for decades.  Students, teachers, and parents alike contribute to developing and maintaining our strong sense of community.  There are many opportunities for students to experience and develop their faith during the school day, including but not limited to daily morning prayer, leading a decade of the Rosary, daily Religion classes with sacramental preparation, chapel masses, monthly First Friday Mass and celebrations of the holy days of obligation and feast days.  Parents are our partners in faith development and serve as the first teachers.  Parents are also an integral factor in the success of the school and devote much time and energy to fund development and community building activities.  At the core of Sacred Heart Catholic School is a staff made up of people who truly care about the students, who are dedicated teachers, and who are strong role models.  We celebrate our Catholic heritage, and invite families of all faiths to join us, all are welcome, and every student will receive and education that stresses Christ-like conduct, family, values and community service.We are intensely proud of our graduates, who leave us well prepared to face the challenges of high school and beyond.  Please visit our school and experience our family.  See for yourself why Sacred Heart Catholic School helps children to grow into truly good humans. Theresa Rothstein has had every role at Sacred Heart Catholic School from pre-school parent to school volunteer, then classroom teacher, to now principal. She has seen first-hand how welcoming the school was, she was compelled to get-involved and called to serve in leadership long after seeing her own graduate move on from the school.  Throughout her time, she has embraced, encouraged and empowered the community to become part of the family and the school has grown considerably as a result of their combined efforts. You can see it on her face and hear it in her voice, just how much this place means to everyone involved.  It truly is a wonder to feel how different the school is from the moment you walk in.  We are grateful she has shared a piece of it with us. The In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team. When technology doesn’t work, Catholic school leaders lose time, trust, and momentum. We partner with schools to restore reliable systems, empower teachers, and create the foundation for innovative learning centered on students.Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team.Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible.Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com