Sep 13, 2023
Explore the vital role that a nurturing school community plays in fostering safe and effective learning environments. Warren Drake and Adam Smith discuss the importance of meeting students' basic needs and encouraging them to take active roles in shaping their school's culture. They delve into strategies for breaking the culture of silence, promoting open communication, and the critical role of school leaders in facilitating a safe and supportive atmosphere. Join us as we unpack the nuances of building a school community where every student feels valued, empowered, and ready to flourish.
Warren Drake is the Senior Business Development Executive at CSRS, Inc., focusing on facility resilience and student safety in K-12 education. His notable tenure as the Superintendent of East Baton Rouge Parish Schools saw significant strides in efficiency and academic enhancement, along with the successful passage of a substantial tax plan to modernize schools. Before that, he propelled Zachary Community School District to be the state's top-performing district during his 10-year leadership. Drake, an LSU alumni and recipient of several prestigious awards, is also recognized as the Magnet Schools of America Superintendent of the Year.
CSRS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/csrs/
Adam Smith presently holds the position of Associate Superintendent at the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, overseeing the Exceptional Student Services Department. With over 20 years of service in the EBR school system, he has held various significant positions, including Interim Superintendent and Executive Director for School Leadership. His leadership has seen a substantial number of schools under his supervision achieve high progress letter grades and notable improvements, particularly in the elementary sector. Throughout his career, Smith has exhibited a steadfast dedication to the East Baton Rouge Parish community.
EBR Schools Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EBRPschools
Other episodes that touch on similar topics:
Scott Muri (2/15/23):
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2m27SS3OBdNUwESpyRAmHO?si=e8fdc54077d74d5f
Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scott-muri-leading-change-through-passionate-leadership/id1300009573?i=1000599753490
Greg Hudnall (3/17/23):
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4yDhPO3lJqfAuu3edJjWy3?si=6f8ef291a20e47b7
Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/greg-hudnall-reduce-youth-suicide-through-peer-intervention/id1300009573?i=1000604637494
School Leaders - join the Education Leaders' Organization to hear from Kerri Brady's Together We Grow Event EduSafe Transforming Education:
https://members.ed-leaders.org/spaces/12193822/page
Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.
Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/
For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/
Who made this episode possible?
Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/
Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/
Second Class Foundation - https://www.secondclassfoundation.org/