The Ed Essentials Podcast
Episodes
Applying Deming's Principles to Transform Schools with John Dues
24 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
John A. Dues serves as the Chief Learning Officer and Chief Operating Officer at United Schools in Columbus, Ohio. He is an accomplished systems leade...
Unlocking a Catalyst Mindset with Becca Silver
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Becca Silver helps school leaders and coaches do one of the hardest things in education—lead people through resistance and into real commitment. Wit...
The Power of Collaborative Response with Kurtis Hewson
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kurtis Hewson is a former teacher and administrator, an award-winning educator, and the co-founder of Jigsaw Learning. He’s also the co-author of th...
Putting AI to Work in Education with William Grube
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Hunter Flesch sits down with William Grube, founder of Gruvy Education, to explore how educators can use AI effectively in their role...
Teaching Through Tragedy: Katlyn Godwin’s Story of Loss and Resilience
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Ed Essentials Podcast, Hunter Flesch talks with educator and podcaster Katlyn Godwin about her journey through grief after the ...
Hiring Insights to Help you Land your Dream School Leadership Role with Trent Grundmeyer
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Trent Grundmeyer is an Associate Professor at Buena Vista University & Owner of Grundmeyer Leader Services. In this episode of the Ed Essentia...
Crafting Clarity with Casey Watts
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Casey Watts, founder of Casey Watts Coaching & Consulting, LLC, is a Team Leadership Expert with 20+ years in education. She helps leaders break s...
Teachers Deserve It, Educator Wellbeing, and More with Rae Hughart
02 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rae Hughart is a dynamic innovator and the CEO and founder of TDI, where she seamlessly integrates design and technology to drive transformative proje...
Why Protocols, Systems, and Data are Crucial for Leaders (Dr. Jana Lee)
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Jana Lee has worked in the education field as a teacher, administrator, adjunct instructor, literacy specialist, and consultant. If you're interes...
*SUMMER SERIES* Foundations for Building Student Relationships (Jacob Santos)
17 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jacob Santos is a middle school teacher and multi-sport coach located in Des Moines, Iowa. Connect with Jacob -Email: [email protected] Connect...
*SUMMER SERIES* Cracking the Coaching Code (PJ Caposey & Bryan Wills)
26 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
PJ Caposey is the Illinois Superintendent of the Year and is a best-selling author having written nine books for various publishers. His work and comm...
*SUMMER SERIES* Pairing Relationships and Practices for Powerful Literacy Results (Eva Mireles)
19 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Eva Mireles is a K-12 Reading specialist, K-5 Reading Coach, Staff Developer and TPT Creator who help teachers find a realistic approach to teaching r...
*SUMMER SERIES* Burning IN to Education by Tackling BurnOUT (Amber Harper)
12 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Amber Harper is a classroom teacher, speaker, and teacher burnout coach located in Indiana. Connect with Amber: Instagram: @burnedinteacher Twitter...
How to Succeed as an Instructional Coach (Nicole Benson)
27 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Nicole Benson is a full-time high school instructional coach. In this episode, Nicole provides us with mindsets, strategies, and tips to succeed as a ...
Transformational School Leadership (Dr. Anthony Muhammad)
30 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Anthony Muhammad, PhD, is a much sought-after educational speaker and presenter. A practitioner for nearly 20 years, he has served as a middle school ...
How to Have Hard Conversations (Jennifer Abrams)
19 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jennifer Abrams is an international educational and communications consultant for public and independent schools, universities and non-profits. Jennif...
How to Use EdTech for Student Success (Alfonso Mendoza)
12 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We live in time where we have the most technology available to us than ever before. So how do we use it? It goes BEYOND just the tools. It requires a ...
How to Lead Effectively as a First Year Principal (Matt Lakis)
29 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wonder what it would be like if you took charge of your school building, what would that be like? How would you know you're making the right d...
Kicking off the 2022-23 School Year!
22 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The 2022-2023 school year is HERE, and I have a few words of wisdom as we dive headfirst into this upcoming year. . Check out The Ed Essentials Group ...
5 Ed Leadership Insights (Tristan Bernhard)
08 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Looking for leadership advice that will help you have a greater impact this upcoming school year? Harvard graduate and current High School Social Stud...
Transforming School Culture (Heather Buckley)
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What would a school be capable of if they could truly have a culture where everyone LOVES coming to work each day? Is the culture in your building lac...
Coaching for School Leaders (Erinn Cottman)
18 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ever been a part of a leadership team or committee that goes nowhere? Does your school continue to beat around the bush and not address root problems?...
Systems Leadership (Dr. Doug Stilwell)
27 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Doug Stilwell is a professor of Educational Leadership at Drake University where he specifically focuses on the use of systems thinking as a tool ...
The Best Questions for Reflective Educators
20 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is episode 58 of The Ed Essentials Podcast, and today I have a quick episode where I am going to tackle something you might not think of when you...
THROWBACK: Improving our Impact (Dr. John Hattie)
13 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. John Hattie is a world-renowned researcher and author of Visible Learning: A Synthesis of Over 800 Meta-analyses Relating to Achievement. . Please...
Unlocking Unlimited Potential (Dr. Brandon Beck)
10 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Brandon Beck is a Nationally Board Certified teacher with over 18 years of experience and is the author of Unlocking Unlimited Potential. Connect ...
Systems Thinking in Education
20 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
David Langford is the founder and CEO of Langford International, Inc. He is an international consultant, author and educator whose focus is to create ...
Transforming Our Schools (Dr. Maisha Otway)
13 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Maisha Otway is a turnaround principal in Georgia. We discuss handling principal responsibilities, turnaround leadership, building school partners...
Principal Leadership (Adam Welcome)
06 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Adam Welcome is a keynote speaker, author of Kids Deserve It, and is also a former teacher, principal, and director of innovation and technology. . Co...
Holiday Special - The BEST Reasons to Go into Education (Tristan Bernhard)
25 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
One of the most amazing qualities of teachers is that we go 100 mph in order to meet the needs of our students. Because we are working so hard throu...
Teach Your Class Off (CJ Reynolds)
08 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
CJ Reynolds is a high school literature teacher in West Philadelphia, speaker, podcast host, and author of Teach your Class Off: A Real Rap Guide to T...
The Complete Guide to Effective Mentorship (Lauren Kaufman)
07 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Lauren Kaufman is currently an Assistant Principal and has formerly served as a classroom teacher and K-12 Mentor Program Coordinator. She is a contri...
Meeting the Needs of Emergent Bilingual Students (Samantha Nolte)
30 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Samantha Nolte is a 5-12 Emergent Bilingual teacher whom I have worked with my entire career thus far. She provides readily available strategies and s...
The Blueprint for Differentiation (Rick Wormeli)
22 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Rick Wormeli is a National Board Certified Teacher, is an author of highly regarded books such as Fair Isn't Always Equal: Assessment and Grading in t...
From Finance to Leadership: the Role of a Superintendent
16 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Dani Trimble is the current superintendent of the Alburnett Community School District. . Connect with Dr. Trimble: [email protected] . For...
Prioritizing Teacher Health (Bryan Holyfield)
09 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Bryan Holyfield is a history teacher and health consultant. Bryan helps busy teachers take control of their health with easy-to-follow nutrition and s...
Shifting Educational Paradigms (Ken Williams)
19 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ken Williams is a nationally recognized speaker, consultant, author, former principal, and founder of Unfold the Soul. . Connect with Ken: https://unf...
Using Teacher Capital (Tristan Bernhard)
28 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How do we CAPITALIZE on the relationships we build with students? What are effective and ineffective ways to spend that relationship capital? These ar...
Improving our Impact (Dr. John Hattie)
07 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. John Hattie is a world-renowned researcher and author of Visible Learning: A Synthesis of Over 800 Meta-analyses Relating to Achievement. . Please...
3 Thoughts as the 2021 School Year Ends (Mini-Lesson)
24 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Hunter discusses 3 thoughts as we all approach the end of the school year! . THANK YOU for listening to The Ed Essentials Podcast. Be sure to rate, re...
Establishing Effective PLCs (Dr. Chad Dumas)
17 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Chad Dumas is a presenter, researcher, former principal, and author of Let's Put the C in PLC: A Practical Guide for School Leaders. . Discuss...
[PART ONE] How to STAND OUT During New Teacher Interviews [with Rebecca]
03 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to PART ONE of the two-part collaboration on how to STAND OUT as a New Teacher with Rebecca from the Ready, Set, TEACH podcast. Be sure to lis...
Preparing Future Teachers
19 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Samantha Fecich is a professor of education at Grove City College. - Connect with us: Sam: https://www.sfecich.com/ Hunter: https://linktr.ee/edes...
Happy Birthday, Dad
09 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
My dad, Bill Flesch, turns 55 on April 9! He is a longtime teacher and I wanted to use this platform to sneakily gather some colleagues and family to ...
Creating Change Through Feedback and Risk-Taking (Dave Schmittou)
29 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I am honored to host the legendary Dave Schmittou. Dave is the Director of Leadership & Development for the Teach Better Team. He...
Life as Principals (Amanda and Caleb Bonjour)
22 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Amanda and Caleb Bonjour join The Ed Essentials Podcast to talk about life as married principals, how they learn from each other, ways to empower staf...
Embracing "The Sub"
08 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Hunter brings on longtime friend and substitute teacher, Dustin Eubanks, to talk about the life of a substitute, what subs really need, what potential...
Leadership & Effectiveness (Dr. Todd Whitaker)
22 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Todd Whitaker, author of What Great Principals Do Differently, What Great Teachers Do Differently, Shift the Monkey, and dozens of other education...
Strategies for Talkative Students (Mini-Lesson)
15 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In our very first mini-lesson we tackle the issue of student interruptions. We know the traditional practices, but I have one strategy (shoutout mento...
Take Messy Action (Lisa Toebben)
08 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Lisa Toebben, Special Education teacher, joins the podcast to discuss: -Dealing with people who try to dull your positivity -Habits to improve our phy...
Relationships, Risks, and Reality (Jason Lampe)
01 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Jason Lampe, assistant principal and my colleague, comes on the podcast to catch up about ALL KINDS of things. Mainly, we discuss the following: -How ...
Meaningful Tools for Coaching Teachers
25 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Gretchen Bridgers, founder of "Always A Lesson" and full-time teacher coach/consultant, joins Schools of Thought to discuss tools for more effectively...
Staying Creative & Motivated (Evan Sanchez)
18 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
5th grade science teacher Evan Sanchez joins "Schools of Thought" to discuss: -How to make content accessible to students -Ways to stay creative and m...
What it Takes to Be Principals (Christy & Karen @themodernprincipal)
11 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Christy and Karen of @themodernprincipal shed a little light on the principal lifestyle. We dive into leadership, how to overcome challenges and confl...
Take Your Teaching Further (Rae Hughart)
04 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Rae Hughart (Author, Dir. of Training & Development for the Teach Better Team, MS Math Teacher) comes on the podcast to discuss: -The Teach Furthe...
The President's Ed Priorities (Tristan Bernhard)
28 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Tristan and Hunter talk about the potential education priorities for President Biden and his staff: Universal Pre-K and the likelih...
Effective Principal Leadership (Kim Tierney)
14 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Kim Tierney (Elementary Principal and 2014 Iowa Elementary Principal of the Year) joins the podcast to talk about Becoming a principal after only 4 ...
Student Teaching Insights (April @academicallyapril)
07 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
April (@academicallyapril on Instagram) comes on the show to talk about her student teaching experience this semester, how to embrace challenges, ad...
Keys to Effective Learning (Trevor Ragan)
16 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Trevor Ragan is the founder of The Learner Lab, critically renowned speaker, and workshop creator. Hunter tag teams with his friend, Taylor, to talk ...
Teacher Talk (Erin Myres)
02 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Hunter catches up with Erin Myres about how her year is going so far, her biggest victory teaching in a pandemic, and we dive into what teaching pract...
Next Level Teaching (Jonathan Alsheimer)
05 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Hunter talks with 7th grade teacher, speaker/presenter, and author of "Next Level Teaching: Empowering Students, Transforming School Culture" -Jonatha...
Behind the Scenes of School Counseling (Angela Wittmer)
28 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Hunter talks with junior high counselor Angela Wittmer. They dive into the role of the school counselor, all of the things counselors ...
Embracing Diversity Districtwide (Stacey Cole)
24 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Hunter and Jason bring on Superintendent Stacey Cole. Stacey has vocalized the importance of diversity, inclusion, and equity within h...
Advice from a Veteran Teacher (Mike Dennis)
17 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Hunter talks with longtime teacher Mike Dennis about his challenges when he first began teaching, how his mindset has shifted over his career, and adv...
Discussing Equity (Erin Myres, Tristan Bernhard)
10 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Hunter talks with Erin Myres and Tristan Bernhard. They discuss equity, how to practice it consistently, and why it is so important to...
Empathy & Authentic Instructional Leadership (Kate Panek)
03 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Hunter and Jason talk with Principal Kate Panek. We ask Kate about the role empathy plays as a building leader, the balance between pressure and suppo...
Teacher Mindset (Erin Myres)
27 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Hunter talks with Erin Myres, a middle school ELA teacher and host of The Educator's Mindset podcast, about Erin's passion for mindset, strategies for...
Dynamic Leadership (Caleb Bonjour)
13 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Hunter and Jason talk with Principal Caleb Bonjour about dynamic leadership, what it means to have a "shark" mindset, and ways to stay highly motivate...
Summer Goals
06 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After a quick surprise guest, Hunter and Jason talk about new state guidelines for re-opening schools and then dive into their reflection of the 2019-...
Teacher Recruitment & Retention (Tristan Bernhard)
02 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Hunter talks with his friend and colleague, Tristan Bernhard, about the struggles to retain teachers in the profession, recruiting students to become ...
Mindfulness Strategies (Katie of "The Calm Classroom")
16 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Hunter and Jason talk with Katie, the creator of "The Calm Classroom" about her passion for mindfulness, mindfulness strategies for teachers and stude...
Return to Learn Opportunities
12 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Hunter and Jason tackle the topic every teacher has their mind on: RETURN TO LEARN IN THE FALL. They map out 3 scenarios, details of each, and ultimat...
Teacher Fitness & Health (Nicole Kudrna)
08 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Hunter sits down with 2nd grade teacher Nicole Kudrna to talk about why teachers struggle with incorporating fitness and health into their busy schedu...
Trauma-Informed Care (Tre' Lathan)
04 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Hunter talks with 2nd grade teacher, Tre'Chiondria Lathan, about the importance of implementing trauma-informed care in classrooms, its impact on stud...
COVID Chronicles Continued
01 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Hunter and Jason discuss takeaways from the 19-20 school year, logistical nightmares for schools for Fall, national events impacting our students, and...
Embracing Failure (Zach Lillquist)
23 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Hunter brings on fellow 7th grade science teacher, Zach Lillquist, to discuss why embracing failure is so important as an educator. They also dive int...
March Corona Madness
19 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Hunter and Jason discuss the Coronavirus and its effects on schools and education as we know it!
Challenges for New Teachers (Ashley Schooley)
12 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ashley Schooley, a second year 5-8 FCS teacher and rockstar of a teacher, joins Hunter to talk about her challenges in 2018-19 as a first year teacher...
Our Inspiration, Mentor, and Hunter’s Mom (Cindy Flesch)
01 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Cindy taught high school business for over 20 years and served in an array of middle school and high school administrative roles. Today she brings us ...