The Interview Chair
Are you an educator who is currently feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or wondering if you can continue to do this work? Visualize yourself back in the interview chair. You were genuine, sincere and full of passion. You convinced a group of people that you were the best person for the job and you believed it. That is the real you. Join Jimmy Casas, educator, speaker, and best-selling author as he takes you back to the interview chair to remind you of why you wanted to become an educator. If you are ready to reflect on the role you play in impacting...
Mon, April 28, 2025
Episode 86: The Importance of Self-Care
In this conversation, Principal Sean Gaillard discusses the emotional toll of working in education and the importance of personal health and well-being. He shares how educators often face immense pressure and the necessity of carving out time for self-care and reflection, emphasizing the significance of seeking support from others to navigate the challenges of the profession.
Tue, April 22, 2025
Episode 85: Forgive Often and Forgive Quickly
In this episode, Jimmy sits down with Joy Kelly, a seasoned educator and leadership coach, who shares the challenges faced by many school leaders and the importance of leaning into your core values during difficult times.
Sun, April 13, 2025
Episode 84: Finding Clarity In Our Work
In this episode, Jimmy interviews former principal and Superintendent Darrin Peppard. They discuss the critical aspects of educational leadership, emphasizing the importance of clarity and intentionality and the need for educators to focus on positive reinforcement.
Sun, April 06, 2025
Episode 83: Be the Leader That Is Needed
In this episode of the Interview Chair, Dr. Sanée Bell reminds us to be excellent on purpose, emphasizing the need for educators to maintain high expectations for all students and staff in order to inspire, motivate and empower them to be their very best.
Mon, March 31, 2025
Episode 82: Cultivating a Thriving Community
In this episode, Texas Principal of the Year, David Arencibia shares his journey from humble beginnings, overcoming situational poverty and dyslexia to becoming a nationally recognized leader in education. David discusses the essential components that transformed his school campus into a thriving school community.
Mon, March 24, 2025
Episode 81: The Power of Mentorship
In this episode, Jennifer Womble shares her journey from a law school dropout to a leader in educational technology. Jimmy and Jen discuss the challenges and opportunities in education, focusing on the importance of understanding resistance to change, adapting professional development to meet the needs of adult learners, and the role of mentorship and modeling in teaching for all educators.
Tue, March 18, 2025
Episode 80: Finding Purpose Through Adversity
In this episode, Jimmy interviews Jordan Montgomery, a USA Today bestselling author and renowned performance coach. They discuss Jordan's journey from financial services to coaching, the challenges he faced during a difficult season in his life, and the importance of aligning values with goals. Jordan shares practical advice for navigating adversity, the power of vulnerability in leadership, and how to build meaningful relationships through thoughtful questioning. The conversation emphasizes the significance of personal growth and finding purpose in both professional and personal life.
Sun, March 09, 2025
Episode 79: The Power of Support Systems
In this episode, Beth Houf shares her journey as principal, discussing the challenges and triumphs she has faced in her career. She emphasizes the importance of support systems, personal growth, and leading authentically. The discussion serves as a reminder that even the most accomplished leaders can face struggles and that reaching out for help is crucial in navigating the complexities of educational leadership.
Mon, March 03, 2025
Episode 78: We All Need People to Lean On
In this episode, Illinois Superintendent Mike Lubelfeld, shares his experiences in dealing with the trauma of COVID-19, the impact of non-person vs. in-person learning, and the challenges of scaling e-learning with limited resources - all amid a mass shooting in his community. Mike opens up about how all of this took a toll on him both mentally and physically.
Sun, February 23, 2025
Episode 77: Every Teacher Is Great at Something
In this episode, Jimmy is joined by teacher Nick Ferroni, who reminds us that there is no such thing as a perfect teacher. However, every teacher is great at something—and even greater when they stop comparing themselves to others.
Sun, February 16, 2025
Episode 76: Making an Impact Beyond Your Walls
In this episode, Jimmy sits down with current practitioner and Teacher Librarian Shannon Miller. Shannon shares how she lost her sparkle after she felt boxed in and not given the opportunities to lead or contribute in meaningful ways.
Mon, February 10, 2025
Episode 75: Empathy is the Antidote to Burnout
In this episode, Dr. Jody Carrington reminds us that to best serve our students and families the biggest investment we can make is on ourselves first and that our job as educators and caretakers is to do the next best, right, kind thing.
Sun, February 02, 2025
Episode 74: ROI: Return on Impact
In episode 74, we sit down with Dr. Stephen Peters who reflects on his role as a leader as he shares what he did to honor and be faithful to the work in order to make the greatest impact possible.
Sun, January 26, 2025
Episode 73: You Can Change the Narrative
In this episode, Jimmy sits down with Salinas, CA Superintendent and 2023 ALAS National Superintendent of the Year Zandra Jo Galván who shares how educators can change the narrative and help break the cycle of generational poverty for all kids!
Sun, January 19, 2025
Episode 72: Loving Kids is Not Always Enough
In this episode Weston talks about “that one kid” who almost made him quit the profession.
Sun, January 12, 2025
Episode 71: I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now
In this episode, guest Shane Saeed owns up to the challenges she faced as a first-year teacher and how she almost left the teaching profession. However, these experiences helped her learn and grow and made her a better educator.
Sun, January 05, 2025
Episode 70: Stand on Purpose
In this episode, guest Baruti Kafele shares two things we can do in life as it relates to our work - We can go along to get along or stand on principle. Hear his story as it relates to his work.
Sat, December 28, 2024
Episode 69: 2024 Final Thoughts
In this final episode of 2024, Jimmy discusses his thoughts as we close out the year and shares some exciting news about changes coming to The Interview Chair in 2025!
Mon, December 02, 2024
Episode 68: Acknowledging the Contributions of Others
In this episode, Jimmy shares a recent conversation with a principal who felt his feedback was dismissed, leading to a missed opportunity by his director.
Sun, November 17, 2024
Episode 67: Normalizing Mistakes
In this week's episode, Jimmy shares an excerpt from Shane Saeed, ConnectEDD author of Be the Flame – Sparking Positive Classroom Communities. Learning can happen in a classroom when we not only make time to build connections and relationships among our students but also normalize mistakes.
Sun, November 03, 2024
Episode 66: I Am So Glad You Are Here Today
It is November and educators have a right to be tired. In this episode, Jimmy gives thanks to all the educators who continue to impact students by finding time to interact with them in meaningful ways. By doing so, we learn they often impact us in even greater ways.
Sun, October 27, 2024
Episode 65:Layering Change
In this Part 2 episode, Jimmy continues sharing his perspective on the change process from last week's episode and describes his Layering the Change process in order to avoid the favoritism undercurrent and achieve a better result.
Sun, October 20, 2024
Episode 64: Decreasing the Distance
In this Part 1 episode, Jimmy breaks down the change process and shares the disconnect between those who are driving it and those who are implementing it.
Mon, October 14, 2024
Episode 63: Making Classroom Learning Irresistible
In this week's episode, Jimmy shares how students may sometimes behave in less desirable ways that are outside of our control. However, we can examine the elements well within our control, such as our tasks, activities, and how we assess our students, which can directly impact how kids respond in our classrooms.
Sun, September 29, 2024
Episode 62: See the Best...Expect the Best
In this episode, Jimmy shares a personal story about a former student to remind us of the impact we can make when we see the best in others and expect the best from ourselves.
Sun, September 22, 2024
Episode 61: Leadership Is Not a Spectator Sport
In this episode, Jimmy discusses the school leader's role and the impact of leadership on student outcomes, both inside and outside the classroom.
Sun, September 15, 2024
Episode 60: We Cause the Culture
In this episode, Jimmy shares 3 Essential Elements in developing checkpoints that must occur for us to create a high-performing classroom and school culture.
Tue, September 10, 2024
Episode 59: Creating Culturize Checkpoints for Observable Impact In Your Classroom
In this episode, Jimmy shares valuable examples of Culturize Checkpoints to help bring clarity to what being a Champion for Students truly looks like in our classrooms, and more importantly, what it leads to when it comes to observable impact.
Mon, September 02, 2024
Episode 58: Culture Is Not a Fluke
In this episode, Jimmy shares his perspective on organizational culture. He believes that if we truly want to understand and impact the culture of our organizations, we must dive deeper below the surface to see what’s lurking. In other words, why do people behave the way they behave?
Sun, August 25, 2024
Episode 57: Redefining the Gotcha Game
In this week’s episode Jimmy encourages us to replace the word “gotcha” with “I've got you.”
Mon, August 05, 2024
Episode 56: 4 Ways to Capture and Hold Your Students' Attention
In this episode, Jimmy shares an excerpt from the best-selling book, The Educator's ATLAS by Weston Kieschnick, sharing 4 methods for engaging students in your classroom.
Sun, June 23, 2024
Episode 55: Am I a Literacy Leader?
In this episode, Jimmy shares an excerpt from The 6 Literacy Levers by Brad Gustafson, highlighting what it takes to overcome imposter syndrome and become a Literacy Leader in your classroom and school.
Mon, June 10, 2024
Episode 54: Embrace Your Vulnerability
In this episode, JImmy discusses the impact negative noise can have on us as educators and how we can confront these experiences and take back control by owning our own moments.
Sun, May 12, 2024
Episode 53: Managing Gossip in the Workplace
In this episode, Jimmy shares 10 ways to positively address negative chatter in our workplace to slow down the gossip train and create a healthier culture for everyone.
Mon, April 29, 2024
Episode 52: The Most Important Word in School Culture...Leadership.
In this episode, Jimmy shares an experience he had on social media where he was challenged to reflect on the impact leadership has on the overall culture of a school.
Sun, April 21, 2024
Episode 51: Effective Educators Tell the Truth
In this week's episode, Jimmy shares his views on why we must always provide honest feedback when students and staff are not meeting our expectations. As a bonus, he also shares a 4-step Framework to help listeners navigate a critical conversation with staff members who are underperforming.
Sun, April 14, 2024
Episode 50: The Six Drivers of Successful Change
In this latest episode, Jimmy discusses his thoughts on change. Although inevitable, we also should not change for the sake of change. Instead, implementing change should be strategic, transparent, and follow a clear framework - The Six Drivers of Successful Change is one you may want to consider.
Mon, April 01, 2024
Episode 49: Dress Code or No Dress Code? Time to Stop Complaining
Dress codes continue to be a topic of debate in schools across the country. In this episode, Jimmy shares his thoughts on how dress codes can impact a school's culture and why complaining about them won't solve the problem.
Mon, March 25, 2024
Episode 48: Five Benefits of Using Frameworks
In this episode, Jimmy challenges us to think about where we teach and lead from when we walk into our classrooms and schools and shares 5 Benefits of Using a Framework to guide us in our daily work.
Sun, March 17, 2024
Episode 47: It Will Rarely Be Easy, But It Will Always Be Worth It
In this episode, Jimmy shares his experiences where he believes he and his staff failed a student, even though they had the best of intentions; reminding us that our job as educators is rarely easy, but always worth it.
Sun, March 10, 2024
Episode 46: The Gifts of an Influencer
Jimmy reminds us that most of what we have learned we have learned from others, regardless of their roles or titles. In this episode, he shares 10 ways in which others have influenced his thinking throughout his career.
Sun, February 25, 2024
Episode 45: 13 Ways to Lead the Learning
School leaders often find themselves in management mode. In this episode, Jimmy shares 13 ways leaders can intentionally recalibrate themselves to lead the learning in their schools.
Sun, February 18, 2024
Episode 44: Looking For a Job? You're Hired!
Are you looking to land that first job, looking for a career change, or looking to advance in your career? In this episode, Jimmy offers his insights that just might give you a leg up on the competition.
Sun, February 11, 2024
Episode 43:Recalibrating Our Collective Commitments
Revisiting core values is one of the most critical components of any healthy culture, but one that we often neglect. In this episode, Jimmy challenges us to re-examine our collective commitments as a staff to ensure that our behaviors are aligned with our words.
Sun, January 28, 2024
Episode 42: 5 Ways to Inspire Staff to Stay Rather Than Leave
In this episode, Jimmy challenges leaders to go back to The Interview Chair and ask themselves what they can do differently to reduce staff turnover and inspire staff to stay rather than just wish staff didn't leave. Show Notes
Sun, January 14, 2024
Episode 41: Are We Listening to Our Students Who Struggle?
In this episode, Jimmy discusses his experiences working with students who struggle in school and shares his thoughts on how we can impact their learning in a positive way when we are more intentional in listening to them so we can understand why they struggle.
Mon, January 01, 2024
Episode 40: Is It Time For A Change
In this episode, Jimmy shares an excerpt from his best-selling book, Recalibrate the Culture, where he shares his thoughts for those who are considering leaving their current jobs.
Mon, December 11, 2023
Episode 39: Pushback Is Inevitable
Avoiding pushback in our role as school leaders is inevitable. In this episode, Jimmy touches on 5 common areas where leaders may face pushback and how we can respond to get a better result and avoid negative undercurrents in our culture.
Mon, November 20, 2023
Episode 38: A Fresh Mindset for New Students and Families
We get out of it what we put into it. In this episode, Jimmy shares his insight when it comes to new student and family tours.
Mon, November 06, 2023
Episode 37: A Season of Hope
It is November and this time of year can push you to the brink. In this episode, Jimmy reminds us that we must maintain hope that we can and are making a difference in the lives of our students.
Sun, October 22, 2023
Episode 36: What Do the Words on Your Wall Say?
In this episode, Jimmy challenges us to examine the words that adorn the walls of our campus buildings and ask ourselves if the words mirror the behaviors of the adults. Show Notes
Sun, October 01, 2023
Episode 35: Our Return on Rules
Most of what we give our attention to in school seems to have to do with school rules. In this episode, Jimmy challenges us to think about where we are putting in our time and energy and whether or not we are getting a profitable return on our investment.
Sun, September 24, 2023
Episode 34: Who Is Moving the Big Rocks?
In this episode, Jimmy encourages leaders at the classroom, building, and district levels to spend less time on the stage kicking the pebbles down the road and more time at the 30,000-foot balcony level in order to move the big rocks.
Wed, September 06, 2023
Episode 33: Avoiding Negative Undercurrents
Jimmy discusses how negative undercurrents impact morale and ultimately hurt our culture. But what are some of the more common undercurrents that exist? In this episode, Jimmy shares some of the more common undercurrents we create, and more importantly, how we can avoid them.
Sun, August 27, 2023
Episode 32: Own Your Morale
We all impact the morale of an organization, regardless of our role. But who is responsible for our morale? In this episode, Jimmy shares five ways that we can all own our morale and the positive impact we can have on others when we reflect on our own behavior and change ourselves. Show Notes
Sun, August 13, 2023
Episode 31: Positive Energy Equals Synergy
In Episode 31, Jimmy reminds us that it doesn’t cost a penny to reach out and jolt those who are in dire straits with a blast of positive energy to help them get through the rest of the day. By doing so, you may just change the trajectory of the day for a student or colleague. Show Notes
Sun, August 06, 2023
Episode 30: No Such Thing As Hard to Reach Parents
In this week's episode, Jimmy challenges us to reframe the way we look at parents who we label as "hard to reach" and ask ourselves, "What can we do differently in the way we communicate and connect with parents so we do not become the ones who are hard to reach?" Show Notes
Mon, July 31, 2023
Episode 29: Just Don’t Quit
In this episode, Jimmy reminds us all that it is not our job to save every student, but rather, to never quit on a student.
Sun, July 23, 2023
Episode 28: Learning From Staff and Colleagues
In this final episode of the 3 Part Summer Series on Learning, Jimmy shares 7 Steps to consider in order to Learn From Staff and Colleagues so we never have to fake it until we make it. Show Notes
Sun, July 16, 2023
Episode 27: Learning For Our Staff and Colleagues
This is Part 2 of the Summer Leadership Series on Learning. In this episode, Jimmy reminds listeners of the importance of Learning For Our Staff and Colleagues, especially if we want to avoid the pitfalls of professional isolation and resentment. Show Notes
Tue, July 11, 2023
Episode 26: Learning About Our Staff and Colleagues
This episode is the first of a 3-Part Summer Series and serves as a follow-up to last week's initial launch on the topic of Learning. I hope you enjoy this episode on Learning About Our Staff and Colleagues.
Sun, July 02, 2023
Episode 25: Learning For and With Others
This episode is the introduction to a 3 Part Summer Series on Learning. In this podcast series, Jimmy focuses on the importance of being a learner - specifically what it means to Learn About, Learn For and Learn From our staff and colleagues.
Sun, June 25, 2023
Episode 24: An Educator’s Golden Rule
What if we were to twist the Golden Rule just a bit, moving from treating others as we would want to be treated to treating others as they would want to be treated? In this episode, Jimmy reminds us to reflect on how we treat others in our organization so they learn to trust us rather than resent us.
Sun, June 18, 2023
Episode 23: Whose Banner Are You Carrying?
In this week's episode of the Interview Chair, Jimmy shares his insight into what it means to Carry the Banner for your students, staff, and school community and moreover, what are people saying about their experience from their interactions with us after they leave our classrooms, offices, and campuses.
Mon, June 12, 2023
Episode 22: How We Respond Is Our Choice
Too often we find ourselves frustrated with those who tend to complain more than others. In this episode, Jimmy shares 4 steps that he believes will help you avoid potential negative undercurrents and achieve a better result.
Sun, June 04, 2023
Episode 21: Responding to Student Behaviors
In this episode, Jimmy reminds us that student misbehavior is a form of communication and information. We know that layered beneath a story is always another story ready to be told and the information from these stories can help us determine what a student is feeling and what it is they are truly trying to communicate.
Sun, May 21, 2023
Episode 20: Ditch Those Anonymous Surveys
In this episode, I share my thoughts on what I believe to be one of the biggest culture killers on school campuses across the country - the Anonymous Survey. Listen to hear my thoughts on how we can get better results and cultivate a healthier culture through face-to-face interviews. Eyes On Culture Survey
Sun, May 14, 2023
Episode 19: Addressing Underperformance
May is often the month when summative evaluations are given to staff. This can be challenging when we must address staff not meeting our expectations. If you find these moments contentious, then maybe following a more effective process will help. In this episode, Jimmy shares 12 Ways to Address Underperformance.
Sun, May 07, 2023
Episode 18: Building Community
Every time we bring a group of people together, it is an opportunity to build community. Human connection is critical in our work as educators if we aspire to create a sense of belonging for every school community member. In this episode, I share my perspective on why building a community should be intentional and provide practical examples of how we can do this. 12 Ways To Build A Community
Sun, April 30, 2023
Episode 17: Are Parents Really Crazy?
In this episode, Jimmy shares his thoughts on how to deal with parents who are upset with a staff member, the school, or the system in general and challenges us to think differently so we don't label them as crazy.
Sun, April 23, 2023
Episode 16: It’s Okay to Say No
In this episode of The Interview Chair, Jimmy reminds us that we cannot say yes to everyone or every request and offers four things to consider that may help you if you are struggling to say no.
Sun, April 16, 2023
Episode 15: Are You Fixing or Teaching?
Are you a fixer? Do you try and fix everyone's problems? Do you stress over the pressures of needing to have all of the answers? In this episode, I share my thoughts on the importance of helping propel your team to become more independent and eventually more successful in resolving their own issues so they can help others resolve theirs. 10 Ways to Teach Rather than Fix
Sun, April 09, 2023
Episode 14: Elevating Student Voice in Our Schools
In Episode 14, Jimmy advocates for all students, not just some students, to have a seat at the table and more importantly, to have a voice at the table.
Sun, April 02, 2023
Episode 13: Everyone Is A Leader
Every one of us has the capacity to lead, however, whether or not we choose to lead is a different issue. In this episode, Jimmy reminds us that as leaders, we must accept the responsibility that the identity of a leader will become whatever we want it to become, and what others believe our work demands and how they see it, is also on us.
Sun, March 26, 2023
Episode 12: Onboarding New Staff and Students
One of the most essential roles of a school leader is to hire the right people. But what next? In this episode, Jimmy reminds us that onboarding new employees is just as important. And what about new students? Should we not replicate these same practices? Check out the latest episode of the Interview Chair to learn more.
Sun, March 19, 2023
Episode 11: No Student Wants to Be a Failure
Why do some students give us the impression that they don't care about their school work, whether they fail or not, or at times, choose not to come to school? In Episode 11, Jimmy reminds us through a student's eyes why we should never quit on a student.
Sun, March 12, 2023
Episode 10: 8 Ways to Improve Our Communication
When we fail to communicate effectively, it can create a plethora of undercurrents in our organization which ultimately impacts morale in a negative way. In this episode, Jimmy shares 8 ways he believes will help us improve communication and cultivate a healthier culture for our staff, students, and families.
Sun, March 05, 2023
Episode 9: Five Ways to Shift Your Thinking
We are all responsible for our own morale. In this episode, Jimmy shares 5 ways to move past your fears and find the courage to become the best version of yourself both in your daily work and daily life.
Sun, February 26, 2023
Episode 8:Why First Impressions Matter
What was the name of the class you took in principal school that taught you how to hire for excellence? My guess is it didn’t exist. In this episode, Jimmy shares his insight into Why First Impressions Matter and what it takes to shift your interview process from average to excellent.
Sun, February 19, 2023
Episode 7: Culture of Investment vs. Culture of Compliance
What we model is what we get. In this episode, Jimmy challenges us to reflect on our own behaviors and ask ourselves, "Are we fostering a culture of compliance through our actions or a culture of investment?"
Sun, February 12, 2023
Episode 6: Power of Why
The Power of Why by Simon Sinek continues to shape my coaching work today. In this week’s episode I share additional thoughts on the power of why that impact culture - behavior and change .
Sun, February 05, 2023
Episode 5: Not Everything is a Level Ten
February has arrived and the stress is beginning to elevate to level 10. In Episode 5, Jimmy helps us reframe our thinking by taking us back to the Interview Chair and lowering our stress to a healthier level. Level 10 Examples
Sun, January 29, 2023
Episode 4:Building Capacity
In Episode 4, Jimmy reminds us of the importance of building capacity from the heart of a teacher and more importantly, provides listeners with a 5 Step Framework to help you get better results.
Sun, January 22, 2023
Episode 3: Perimeter Leadership vs. Inner Leadership
In this episode, Jimmy shares how he found himself on the perimeter for many years, resulting in him pointing the finger and blaming others rather than reflecting on his inner self and recognizing his own shortcomings.
Wed, January 18, 2023
Episode 2: Who is In Your Inner Circle?
In this episode, Jimmy asks you to reflect on your inner circle and where you are investing your time. By re-framing who and what is at the center of your core, you can take a healthier version of yourself to school and bring a better version of yourself home to your family each night. Inner Circle Graphic
Mon, January 16, 2023
Episode 1: The Introduction
In Episode 1, Jimmy breaks down the 4 Core Principles of his best-selling book Culturize and shares how educators can use these principles as a framework to help them bring their best selves to school each day. The 4 Core Principles
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