Episodes

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. John Almarode, an internationally recognized expert in student engagement, visible learning, and the science of how the brain learns best. With years of research, countless publications, and extensive work alongside districts across the globe, John brings a grounded, evidence-based perspective to the challenges schools are facing today. Few people are more qualified—or more courageous—when it comes to asking the hard questions about teaching, learning, and w...

Emotions are complex. For leaders, they’re even more so. Left unfiltered, they can become dangerous—for both the leader and the people they lead. Over-filtered, they create distance—leaders risk becoming hollow, disconnected versions of themselves. In this episode, with the wisdom and clarity of Jennifer Abrams, we explore a framework that helps leaders navigate that tension with intention. Together, we examine what it looks like to show up emotionally in ways that are authentic and responsible...

Public education is living in a strange moment. Polls show trust and confidence in our K–12 system at an all-time low — a record 26% of Americans believe schools are headed in the right direction. And yet every day, inside classrooms across the country, teachers are pouring themselves into kids with everything they’ve got. In this episode, we sit inside that tension: why the public perception has dipped so sharply, what stories are being told about schools, and what realities are actually unfol...

Most of our go-to strategies work because—well—they work for most kids. But every educator knows the moment when a trusted approach suddenly falls flat. So what do we do when the strategy that helps 90% of students leaves the other 10% untouched? In this Schurtz Short, Brian and Kasey dive into that exact dilemma. In just twenty minutes, they unpack why even our most proven practices don’t work for everyone, explore how to rethink and modify support, and offer real, practical ways to reach the ...

In this follow-up conversation with international consultant and author Jennifer Abrams, we go deeper than strategies and surface-level “tips” for conflict resolution. This episode is about the inner work—the courage, humility, and self-awareness required to engage in the hard conversations we’d often rather avoid. Building on our earlier episode (Ep. 102, “Successfully Navigating Hard Conversations”), Jennifer pushes us to look inward before we look outward. Together, we explore: The role of ...

Welcome to the first Schurtz Short — a behind-the-scenes look at how Brian and Kasey actually do the work. These mini episodes pull back the curtain on real-time problem solving, where ideas are messy, honest, and alive. In this short, the two tackle a familiar challenge: how to make professional development meaningful, efficient, and energizing for staff. No scripts. No perfect answers. Just two educators thinking out loud — pushing, questioning, and refining as they go. Because sometimes the...

Is it a skill issue—or a will issue? And should we treat every behavior like it’s a skill that can be taught? In this episode, Brian and Kasey dive into the heart of classroom management and motivation—exploring why so many conflicts stem from responding too quickly, how pacing guides can get in the way of meaningful teaching, and whether reward charts actually help or just distract from the real work. Together, they unpack what it means to truly understand behavior, slow down our reactions, a...

In 1969, psychologist Philip Zimbardo left two identical cars in two very different neighborhoods—one in the Bronx, one in Palo Alto. Both looked abandoned. Within hours, one was destroyed. The other sat untouched—until Zimbardo himself broke a single window. Then, predictably, the destruction began there too. It became known as the Broken Window Theory—the idea that when we let small signs of disorder go unchecked, bigger problems follow. It’s a study that’s often been used to justify zero-tol...

Why does it sometimes feel like teachers and administrators are on opposite sides of the same mission? Why is there friction when we all want the same thing? To do what's best for kids - for people - and to do it well! Because we're human. Because we're complicated. In this episode, Brian and Kasey dig into the roots of that divide—the misunderstandings, pressures, and assumptions that quietly build walls between the front office and the classroom. Through honest conversation and personal stor...

Education, like the NFL Combine, is flooded with data. Numbers, charts, metrics, and measures. And too often, we focus on the wrong ones. Somewhere along the way, our obsession with data turned into overcomplication—wasted time, poor decisions, and distraction from what matters most. Can your students think deeply? Can they communicate clearly? If so, they’ll be okay. It’s that simple. The same goes for us. Are you above or below the line of healthy, productive thinking? Call it what it is. N...

Sometimes, it’s not the big decisions that break a school’s culture — it’s the quiet ones. The rolled eyes in the hallway. The half-hearted “sure” in a staff meeting. The slow erosion that happens when we stop believing the best about each other. In this episode, we sit down with Darron Pepperd — educator, author, and founder of Road to Awesome — to talk about the subtle, often invisible ways school culture can start to slip. If you’ve ever wondered why morale feels low even when everyone “agr...

What can the rules of improv teach us about life and education? Tons. In this conversation with Bob Kulhan—improv veteran, executive educator, and founder of Business Improv—we take “Yes, and…” off the stage and into real life, where the stakes are higher and the lessons cut deeper. Bob shows how improv fuels trust, sparks creativity, and equips teachers and leaders to face the unexpected with courage and grace. Bob’s stories remind us that adaptability isn’t just a skill for the stage; it’s ...

On April 20, 1999, Columbine shattered America’s sense of safety in schools. Since then, more than 400 school shootings have followed — each new number added to a grim tally, each headline fading too quickly. But behind every statistic is a story, a family, a wound that never fully heals. In this episode, we sit down with survivors of the Evergreen High School shooting — mother and son, Vivian and Keegan Cox. Together, we turn statistics back into tragedy: to remember, to listen, and to learn....

Bullies get things done—but do they create lasting value? Most often, no. So why do they still attract followers? Because they often embody the Six Traits of Being Cool: extraverted, hedonistic, powerful, adventurous, open, and autonomous. In this episode, Kasey and Brian unpack these six traits—why they’re so attractive, how they can be both magnetic and destructive, and what we can do about it in our schools, our homes, and in our personal lives. References: - The 6-Traits of Being Cool - At ...

Today, we're honored to host a distinguished guest—someone who navigates the crossroads of leadership, culture, and transformation with both strategy and soul. Please welcome Sydney Jacques, a Next Level Leadership Strategist who knows that great cultures aren’t accidental—they’re built by design. With over 25 years of leadership experience and a background as a professional engineer turned keynote speaker, Sydne has partnered with more than 600 teams—across industries—to reduce turnover, build...

Bullies can get things done. But humble leaders? They’re the ones who inspire lasting change—and the ones we actually remember. In this conversation, John Dickson pulls us back to the heartbeat of life and leadership: humility. He’s not just speaking from theory, either. John’s a professional singer-songwriter, author of more than 20 books, a historian, speaker, and media presenter. He’s spent his life weaving words, music, and history into stories that shape how we see the world—and ourselves....

Welcome to Season 4 of Schurtz and Ties! Each season, we’ve tried to dig a little deeper into the stories, voices, and questions that shape education, leadership, and life. And we are thrilled to get back after it again! Whether you’re a teacher in the classroom, a parent at home, or a leader guiding others, these stories are for you. Thank you for joining us! Show Sponsors: Schurtz and Ties is a proud partner with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TeachBetter.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: "The Teach Better Podcast Network...

As Season 3 of Schurtz and Ties comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the powerful conversations, unexpected insights, and inspiring guests that have shaped this season. From bold truths about leadership to heartfelt stories from the frontlines of education, this finale is a celebration of the year. The growth, grit, and moments of humanity that keep us grounded and showing up, day after day. Join us as we look back on the highlights, share what we’ve learned, and celebrate all ...

If you want to talk about education and culture, the conversation must include Jimmy Casas. Mr Casas served twenty-two years as a school leader, is a best-selling author, speaker, leadership coach, and a state and national award-winning principal. And in this episode, he brings all of his wisdom and expertise in a way only Jimmy Casas can: directly, tangibly, and full of humanity. You can find more about Jimmy Casas and building culture at Jimmycasas.com and find his book Culturize: Every S...

Spring is (mostly) here! Which means students and teachers need to get outside. This week, we head to Alberta, Canada to talk with outdoor enthusiast Court Rustemeyer about something every educator should hear: how just five minutes outside can transform a student’s day. From boosting focus to calming anxiety, Court shares the science and stories behind the outdoors as a classroom for holistic health. Whether it's a hike or a breath of fresh air between classes, this episode is a reminder t...

Mr. Whitaker is a familiar voice in education. The author of bestsellers such as What Great Teachers Do Differently, What Great Principals Do Differently, and, most recently, How to Get All Teachers to Become Like the Best Teachers, Mr. Whitaker brings tangible systems and actions that can impact our classrooms and schools, today. And this episode is no different. From teaching the basics to ensuring the best teachers are doing the best work, Mr. Whitaker brings his wisdom, sense of humor, and...

When Josh Tovar prepares for the day, most everyone is still asleep. When he pulls into the parking lot, he enters a school packed full of cultures, differences, and diverse learning needs. He also has a school full of similarities: students and teachers who need to be seen. And he meets them all where they're at. In this episode, Mr Tovar brings his wisdom and experience into the discussion and shares with us how to connect with all students, support and encourage staff, and celebrate the bes...

March Madness may be over, but on the Schurtz and Ties show, the chaos continues! In this episode, Brian and Kasey invite Mr. Jedd Hefer back on to help them work through what impacts our classrooms and student behaviors the most. - Ep 81: "Stay a teacher." Wisdom on Behavior Engagement with Jedd Hefer- Ep. 94: We're in the dark ages of behavior management. Scott Ervin brings the light.You can discover more about Scott, Jeff, and all that they are doing at Ervin Educational Consulting. Show Sp...

Time alone does not build culture. Cancelling PD does not support teachers. It may make teachers happy, but in the long run, canceling PD does not encourage teachers or ensure student success. In this episode, Brian and Kasey work through a set of criteria for purposeful professional development. Namely, Does it point us to better instruction? Does it move us closer to our school/district goals? Does it build community? If the answer is no, don't cancel PD! Make it better. Here's how:Dos a...