One of the biggest barriers to school improvement isn’t strategy—it’s identity.

Our guest again this episode is Dr. Lisa Riegel, author of the book Aspirations to Operations. Dr. Riegel explains why teachers resist change when their beliefs and self-concept are tied to “how I’ve always taught.”We explore how leaders can separate behaviours from identity to reduce defensiveness and increase alignment. Lisa connects brain science to adult learning, stress, and psychological safety. AI has changed the game, and schools are at a real flashpoint.

Dr. Riegel challenges the idea that content is still king—and asks what the value-add of a teacher really is.We talk about engagement, absenteeism, and why students don’t always value what school is offering.She pushes leaders to define skills for a post-AI world and assess “thinking about content,” not just content.

What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff

Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca

#EducationalLeadership, #RestorativePractices, #DifficultConversations, #StudentWellBeing, #SchoolLeadership, #ListenToUnderstand#Education #Leadership,#teacher identity and change resistance,#brain-based leadership in school,#parent engagement strategies in education,#trauma-informed school practices,#post-AI education skills,#student engagement and absenteeism

Why do so many school improvement efforts fail—even when everyone is well intentioned?

Our guest this episode is Dr. Lisa Riegel, author of the book Aspirations to Operations. Dr. Riegel explains how stress, perception, and brain biology impact adult learning.

We explore why clarity, celebration, and psychological safety matter more than new programs.

The conversation highlights collective efficacy as the true driver of sustainable change. Using neuroscience, she explains how stress shuts down thinking and fuels resistance.

We discuss what leaders can do to create cultures where adults feel safe to try, fail, and grow.

This episode reframes school improvement as a human process, not a compliance exercise.

What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff

Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca

#EducationalLeadership, #RestorativePractices, #DifficultConversations, #StudentWellBeing, #SchoolLeadership, #ListenToUnderstand#Education #Leadership,#collective efficacy in schools,#brain-based leadership,#school change management,#professional development implementation,#psychological safety in schools,#educational leadership strategies

Aspirations to Operations by Dr. Lisa Riegel

https://www.amazon.com/Aspirations-Operations-leaders-making-transformative/dp/B0GHF3P15G/ref=sr_1_1?crid=152TKMXNO90B6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xOQPF1B8MGVMlMYIf495ag.GLS1pk10GzGrqujWZM8I1rW7lBG9upGofo4DgRRoLAE&dib_tag=se&keywords=riegel+aspirations+to+operations+book&qid=1768851706&sprefix=riegel+aspirations+to+operations+boo%2Caps%2C229&sr=8-1

Some of the hardest conversations in schools involve substance use, stigma, and family complexity.

In this episode our returning guests this episode are Dr. Emily Jenkins, Associate Professor & Canada Research Chair, University of British Columbia I Scientific Director, Wellstream/Bienamont: The Canadian Centre for Innovation in Child and Youth Mental Health and Substance Use in Vancouver British Columbia and Dr. Nathan Ngieng Deputy Superintendent of Abby Schools in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Nathan and Emily explore how educators can approach these moments with empathy, clarity, and care.

We discuss why punitive responses often deepen harm rather than reduce risk.

Through powerful real-life stories, the conversation highlights the life-changing impact of connection and trust.

This episode dives into the importance of restorative, relationship-based responses to substance use in schools and we explore why knowing a student’s name, checking in daily, and staying connected can change life trajectories.

What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff

Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca

#EducationalLeadership, #RestorativePractices, #DifficultConversations, #StudentWellBeing, #SchoolLeadership, #ListenToUnderstand#Education #Leadership #SchoolLeadership #EdLeaders #MentalHealth#RestorativePractices#restorativejustice#traumainformedpractice#emotionalintelligenceinschools