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On the School Bus with Dr. Spates

On the School Bus with Dr. Spates

Von: Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates
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Welcome to the school leadership podcast dedicated to advancing creativity and innovation in education. No matter the seat you lead from, this podcast is your vehicle for creative ideas, bold school leadership, and field-tested strategies that work where it counts—in schools.

WARNING ⚠️ This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day with a relentless focus on improving student outcomes and transforming students’ TK-12 school experiences and the once-passionate leaders who may have lost a bit of their spark and just need a dose of inspiration to find their way back.

Each week, we invite innovators in education from across the country, doing the real work in schools to hop on the school bus with me -- Dr. Spates, the Proud Principal of a vibrant Los Angeles County Middle School Community. Together, we uncover what’s really working in schools—tapping into each guest’s “zone of genius” to give you one practical, school-tested strategy you can bring back to your learning community.

Because our children, families, and communities are counting on us to lead with urgency, care, and purpose.

Let’s reimagine what’s possible in education, together —one ride at a time.

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  • Ep 14 | Policy Isn’t Just for Politicians: Lived Experience Is the Real Credential with TaVia Wooley

    Ep 14 | Policy Isn’t Just for Politicians: Lived Experience Is the Real Credential with TaVia Wooley
    Feb 16 2026
    In this powerful episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, I sit down with TaVia Wooley, founder and Executive Director of Empower Them Collective, for a masterclass in advocacy, humility, and shared power.TaVia shares how her lived experience — as a mother, social worker, medical advocate, and community leader — shaped her belief that lived experience is more important than degrees. From navigating systems for her brother on the autism spectrum to advocating after the loss of her son, she transformed personal pain into policy literacy and leadership development for families.Through the Leadership & Policy Academy for Parents, AIM (African American Infant & Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative), and the 661 Creators Space, TaVia is building the collective capacity of the Antelope Valley community to engage in and create meaningful policy initiatives.This episode challenges educators to move beyond “family engagement” and toward shared ownership, humility, and she drops a creative-bomb: compensate parent expertise.If you believe policy shouldn’t happen to you — this episode is for you.✨ Episode TakeawaysLived experience is more important than degrees.Empowerment comes from understanding and addressing root causes.Advocacy should be informed by personal experiences.Creating safe spaces fosters open dialogue.Self-care is essential for effective advocacy.Community engagement requires valuing parents' voices.Policy should be shaped by those affected by it.Podcasting can amplify marginalized voices.Building relationships is key to successful advocacy.Compensating community members for their expertise is vital.⏱️ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Tavia Woolley and Empower Them Collective06:02 Lived Experiences and Leadership11:48 Empower Them Collective's Mission and Impact17:20 Advocacy Skills for Parents and Caregivers24:02 Navigating School Systems and Policy Literacy29:59 The Role of Podcasting in Community Engagement35:53 Concrete Actions for Educators to Partner with Families41:25 Self-Care and Personal Reflections47:40 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations🎧 Sound Bites"We need to ask the right questions.""We need to shift the narrative.""More is caught than taught."🔑 KeywordsTavia Woolley, Empower Them Collective, lived experience, advocacy, community engagement, education, podcasting, self-care, leadership, policy change🚌 About the PodcastSo here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene SpatesWebsite: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.comWebsite: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.comInstagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📬 Connect with TaVia WooleyWebsite: Empower Them CollectiveWebsite: JustTavia.comEmail: tavia@justtavia.comPodcast Studio: 661 Creators SpaceInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: 661CreatorsSpace.comInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com🎼 MusicTheme Song: “Call of Duty” — MutanixInstagram: @mutanixsEmail: mutanixmedia@gmail.comUsed with permission.💛 Support the WorkIf this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
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    1 Std. und 18 Min.
  • Ep 13 | Masterclass: Creating High School Culture from the Ground Up with Dr. Kathya Arriaran-Buono

    Ep 13 | Masterclass: Creating High School Culture from the Ground Up with Dr. Kathya Arriaran-Buono
    Feb 9 2026
    In this inspiring episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. Spates welcomes Dr. Kathya Arriaran-Buono, founding principal of Palmdale Academy Charter School in Palmdale, California. Dr. Buono shares how she built a high‑performing school‑of‑choice culture—during a pandemic—by centering servant leadership, restorative practices and data‑driven decision‑making. From hiring for heart over content knowledge and designing annual staff retreats, to expanding AP access, boosting graduation rates and modelling self‑care as a working mom, this conversation is loaded with practical wisdom for leaders at every level. Dr. Buono offers advice on navigating skepticism, creating joy‑filled traditions like “Peep Wars,” and ensuring families feel seen in a competitive educational landscape. Tune in for a master class on building culture, sustaining outcomes and leading with love.✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways)How to hire for culture by asking candidates what support they need from leadershipWhy servant leadership, restorative practices and data‑driven decisions are Dr. Buono’s non‑negotiablesThe power of annual retreats and restorative circles to foster belonging and accountabilityCreative strategies like “Lunch Bunch” that keep seniors on track to graduateHow open access to AP courses, including an AP African‑American Studies pathway, builds equityWhy silly traditions (like Peep Wars) can strengthen staff cultureHow to empower assistant principals through shared responsibility and leadership developmentPractical advice for aspiring leaders: lead outside your classroom and anchor yourself in purposeWhy “love the kids” is both simple and challenging—and why joy is a leadership strategyTips for balancing school leadership with motherhood and self‑care⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Meet Dr. Buono: Servant leader, restorative practitioner and data‑driven principal introduces herself and her “why.”02:30 – Hiring for Culture: The interview question that reveals mindset and why heart can’t be coached.05:00 – Learner Profile & Retreat: Defining the profile of a graduate and the role of themed retreats in building culture.08:30 – Restorative Practices: How restorative circles work, with examples of powerful prompts.11:00 – AP Access & Student Outcomes: From AP Silver School to plans for AP African‑American Studies and high college‑and‑career readiness.17:00 – Graduation & Interventions: Using “Lunch Bunch” and catered meals to prevent senioritis and boost A–G completion.21:00 – Enrollment Growth: Being a school of choice in a competitive district and serving families as clients.24:00 – Founding Principal Lessons: Challenges of launching a high school during COVID and the roller coaster of “firsts.”27:30 – Strengthening Culture in 90 Days: Peep Wars, potlucks and treating adults like professionals.31:00 – Leadership Development: Dividing work among APs, empowering them to lead MTSS and culture initiatives.34:00 – Love, Joy & Self‑Care: Anchoring leadership in love, finding joy as resistance, and balancing motherhood.38:00 – Career Advice: Why teachers should lead PD, mentor others and step into committees before moving into administration.🎧 Sound Bites“Our students choose us every single day.” – Dr. Buono on leading a school of choice“You can't teach heart; you can coach content, but not mindset.” – Dr. Buono on hiring for culture“Love the kids. They know when you care and when you don't.” – Dr. Buono on the core of leadership🔑 Keywordsschool culture, charter high school, servant leadership, restorative practices, data‑driven decision‑making, AP access, equity, student success, school choice, staff retreats, leadership development, teacher mentorship, student belonging, joy in leadership, self‑care🚌 About the PodcastSo here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene SpatesWebsite: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.comWebsite: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.comInstagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📬 Connect with Dr. Kathya Arriaran-BuonoPalmdale Academy Charter High SchoolEmail: Kathyaarriaran@gmail.com📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: 661CreatorsSpace.comInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com🎼 MusicTheme Song: “Call of Duty” — ...
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    43 Min.
  • Ep 12 | You Are Not Obligated to Set Yourself on Fire to Keep Others Warm: Leading with Purpose, Equity & Data with Dr. Patricia Brent-Sanco

    Ep 12 | You Are Not Obligated to Set Yourself on Fire to Keep Others Warm: Leading with Purpose, Equity & Data with Dr. Patricia Brent-Sanco
    Feb 2 2026
    In this powerful episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. Spates sits down with Dr. Patricia Brent-Sanco, a respected equity leader and advocate for inclusive educational systems. Dr. Brent-Sanco shares her lived experiences advancing equity through community partnerships, data-driven decision-making, and intentional leadership practices.She discusses the founding and impact of the Unity Women's Professional Networking Organization, highlighting the importance of mentorship, collective support, and professional spaces specifically designed for African-American women educators. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Brent-Sanco emphasizes discernment in leadership, anchoring oneself in purpose, and finding joy as an act of resistance and sustainability in challenging times.This episode is a must-listen for school leaders, educators, and anyone committed to fostering belonging, advancing equity, and supporting the whole educator.✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways)Community support is essential for sustainable equity initiatives.Unity Women’s Professional Networking Organization creates space for growth, connection, and leadership among African-American women educators.Data-driven decisions help leaders navigate skepticism and resistance around equity work.Embedding equity into policy requires intentional alignment with fiscal and organizational priorities.Innovative programs, such as Leadership Academies, can transform student outcomes and narratives.Effective leadership centers belonging, care, and high expectations for all students.Women of color in leadership benefit from anchoring themselves in purpose and building diverse support circles.Discernment is critical when navigating political climates and organizational dynamics.Joy is a leadership strategy that sustains hope and resilience.Self-care is not optional—it is essential for educator well-being and effectiveness.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Patricia Brent-Sanco02:47 – Unity Women’s Professional Networking Organization05:34 – Building Community Support for Equity Initiatives10:39 – Navigating Skepticism in Equity Work14:07 – Embedding Equity in Policy and Practice18:58 – Innovative Programs for Student Support24:19 – The Role of Leadership in Education28:27 – Advice for Women of Color in Leadership35:22 – The Importance of Discernment in Leadership39:35 – Finding Joy and Hope in Education49:42 – Consulting Services and Self-Care Practices🎧 Sound Bites“Data doesn’t lie.”“Finding joy brings hope.”“We want to transform environments.”🔑 Keywordseducation, equity, leadership, community support, women in leadership, mentorship, student success, professional development, diversity, inclusion🚌 About the PodcastSo here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene SpatesWebsite: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.comWebsite: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.comInstagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📬 Connect with Dr. Patricia Brent-SancoThe Lighthouse Educational Consulting Group - https://www.thelighthouseconsulting.com/Email: pbsanco@yahoo.comUnity: https://www.unityumoja.orgE-Book: Then and Now Understanding and Addressing White Supremacy byDr. Patricia Brent Sanco & Dr. Veronica BloomfieldPurchase E-book: hereLinkedIn: Patricia Brent-Sanco, EdD.📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: 661CreatorsSpace.comInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com🎼 MusicTheme Song: “Call of Duty” — MutanixInstagram: @mutanixsEmail: mutanixmedia@gmail.comUsed with permission.💛 Support the WorkIf this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
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    59 Min.
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