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PODCAST

System Shift: Leading Change So Students Thrive

Dr. Gail Angus, Dr. Leesa Huang, and Dr. Mary Beth Kropp

“System Shift: Leading Change So Students Thrive” is the go-to podcast for education leaders dedicated to building safe, inclusive learning environments through transformative, sustainable system-wide change. Hosted by Dr. Gail Angus, Dr. Leesa Huang, and Dr. Mary Beth Kropp— expert practitioners with implementing complex initiatives—this podcast blends cutting-edge research, actionable strategies, and authentic stories from education leaders who’ve navigated the challenges of system-wide

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All Episodes

16:05

58: Building a Stronger Communication System in...

System Shift: Leading Change So Students Thrive ·

2026/10/05

Communication is one of the biggest challenges in schools and districts, but the problem often isn't a lack of communication. It's a lack of clear, consistent, and purposeful communication.In this episode, Drs. Gail, Mary Beth, and Leesa revisit the 7 C’s of effective communication and explore how leaders can build a stronger communication system that keeps staff informed, aligned, and connected to the bigger purpose. In This Episode Why schools often over-communicate but

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17:56

57: The Impact of Decision Fatigue and “Superhero...

System Shift: Leading Change So Students Thrive ·

2026/09/21

What happens when educators are constantly making decisions, taking on more, and trying to be the person everyone can count on? In this episode, the System Shift team explores the depletion cycle and “superhero syndrome” and how they impact educator effectiveness, school culture, and the conditions for learning.They discuss how decision fatigue and competing priorities contribute to depletion, why self-care alone can't fix an unsustainable system, and what leaders can do to recognize and

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12:47

56: Is Your School Running a WTF Model?

System Shift: Leading Change So Students Thrive ·

2026/09/07

Are your systems identifying students early, or are they running on a WTF model where you wait for students to fail before providing support? In this episode, the System Shift team calls out the “WTF” model and explores how schools can shift from reactive intervention to proactive prevention by using early warning data, identifying student strengths, and responding sooner.In This Episode Why the “Wait to Fail” model is common in schools How early warning data can help identify students

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14:49

55: Leading vs. Lagging Indicators: The Key to...

System Shift: Leading Change So Students Thrive ·

2026/08/24

Setting school goals is only half the equation. In this episode, the System Shift team explores why the most successful schools don't wait until the end of the year to measure success. They identify leading indicators that help them monitor progress, adjust strategies, and continuously improve along the way. Learn how focusing on adult actions, collective ownership, and ongoing reflection creates stronger conditions for learning and better outcomes for students.In This Episode: What

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18:04

54: The Truth About School Safety: Why Relationships...

System Shift: Leading Change So Students Thrive ·

2026/08/10

School safety is more than locks, cameras, and physical security. In this episode, the System Shift team explores research from the Learning Policy Institute showing that the strongest foundations for safe schools are built through relationships, trust, positive school climate, and integrated systems. Learn how proactive Tier 1 practices can help create schools where students feel seen, supported, and safe every day.In this Episode: Why school safety is more than locks and cameras Four

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16:23

53: Is Your Tier 1 Strong: Building an Integrated...

System Shift: Leading Change So Students Thrive ·

2026/07/27

A strong school year begins with a strong Tier 1. In this episode, the System Shift team explores what it really means to have an effective Tier 1 within an integrated MTSS framework. They discuss why academics, behavior, and social-emotional learning must work together, how leaders can identify gaps in their systems, and the importance of auditing Tier 1 throughout the year to ensure all students and staff are supported.In This Episode: What makes a strong Tier 1 and why academics,

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17:05

52: Reset, Don’t Restart: How School Leaders Can...

System Shift: Leading Change So Students Thrive ·

2026/07/13

As a new school year approaches, many educators focus on restarting but what if schools need a reset instead? In this episode, Gail, Leesa, and Mary Beth explore the difference between restarting and resetting, why reflection matters for continuous improvement, and how leaders can carry forward what worked while making intentional adjustments for the year ahead. They share practical strategies for rest, reflection, and creating stronger, more sustainable systems for students and staff.In

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18:25

51: End-of-Year Transitions: How to Protect School...

System Shift: Leading Change So Students Thrive ·

2026/06/29

Every school experiences transitions—retirements, promotions, leadership changes, and staff departures. In this episode, Dr. Gail, Dr. Leesa, and Dr. Mary Beth discuss how leaders can protect school culture, preserve momentum, and sustain effective systems through change. Learn how collective efficacy, reflection, and intentional planning can help ensure your school remains strong, no matter who comes or goes. In This Episode: How staff and leadership transitions impact culture and

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16:09

50: Lessons on Leadership, MTSS, and Building Strong...

System Shift: Leading Change So Students Thrive ·

2026/06/15

In this special one-year anniversary episode, Drs. Gail, Mary Beth, and Leesa reflect on 50 episodes of System Shift and the biggest lessons they’ve learned about leadership, systems, and creating schools where students and adults can thrive.From proactive Tier 1 supports to collective efficacy and conditions for learning, the conversation highlights the power of aligned systems and shared purpose. In This Episode: Key takeaways from 50 episodes of System Shift Why supporting adults

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17:04

49: Are Your Systems Proactive or Reactive: Taking a...

System Shift: Leading Change So Students Thrive ·

2026/06/08

Report cards are out, but how did your systems perform this year? In this episode, the System Shift team discusses why schools must look beyond academics and examine behavior, SEL, and attendance data together to truly support the whole child. They explore how integrated data conversations help schools identify patterns, strengthen proactive systems, and plan more effectively for the year ahead. In This Episode: Why academic data alone doesn’t tell the full story How behavior, SEL, and

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18:46

48: Why School Leaders Need Reflection this Summer:...

System Shift: Leading Change So Students Thrive ·

2026/06/01

As the school year ends, many leaders jump straight into planning for next year without stopping to reflect on their own well-being.In this episode, the System Shift team explores why intentional pauses, reflection, and true restoration are essential for sustainable leadership. They discuss burnout, the difference between reflection and rumination, and how leaders can reset before returning for next school year. In This Episode: Why reflection matters before summer planning The

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21:54

47: Healing for Leadership with Dr. Antoinette...

System Shift: Leading Change So Students Thrive ·

2026/05/25

What if the biggest gap in education isn’t student support but adult development? In this episode, Dr. Antoinette Gutierrez shares how emotionally intelligent leadership is the key to building safe, resilient school cultures. Drawing from her journey as a teacher, principal, and district leader, plus her book Healing for Leadership, she unpacks why leaders must do the inner work first before expecting transformation from their teams. This conversation challenges leaders to move beyond

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15:34

46: Leading vs. Lagging Indicators: The Key to...

System Shift: Leading Change So Students Thrive ·

2026/05/18

Are you measuring what actually moves the needle?In this episode, we break down the difference between leading and lagging indicators and why too many schools rely on end-of-year data to drive decisions. Instead, we explore how focusing on real-time, actionable data can help leaders monitor progress, make adjustments, and build momentum throughout the year. If you want more control over outcomes (instead of waiting for them), this conversation is a must-listen. In This Episode: The

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12:47

45: MTSS Isn’t Interventions: Reframing MTSS to...

System Shift: Leading Change So Students Thrive ·

2026/05/11

What if MTSS isn’t about interventions at all?In this episode, we challenge a common misconception: that MTSS is primarily about Tier 2 and Tier 3 support. Instead, we reframe MTSS as a proactive, preventative framework—one that starts with strong Tier 1 systems and collective adult responsibility. Using the BRIDGE framework, we explore how mindset, clarity, and alignment can shift schools from reactive interventions to building the conditions all students need to succeed. In This

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16:55

44: Budget Cuts with Purpose: A Smarter Way to Align...

System Shift: Leading Change So Students Thrive ·

2026/05/04

Budget season brings tough decisions, but where should you start? In this episode, we share how to use the BRIDGE Framework to align spending with your purpose, evaluate initiatives, and make strategic decisions that actually support student success. In This Episode: Start with purpose and values—not the budget Audit initiatives for alignment and impact Use one-time funds to strengthen implementation Identify what’s working before cutting Visit us at navigatedu.com!

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34:12

43: From Compliance to Commitment: Using Brain...

System Shift: Leading Change So Students Thrive ·

2026/04/27

What if sustainable change in schools starts with the brain? In this episode, Dr. Lisa Riegel shares how neuroscience can transform leadership and system-wide change. Using her 8 C’s Framework, she explains why initiatives fail and how leaders can build safe, aligned systems that move from compliance to true commitment. In This Episode: The 8 C’s framework for sustainable change Why brain science matters for leadership and culture How to reduce resistance and improve implementation Simple,

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14:48

42: Interventions Happen Everywhere: Rethinking Tier...

System Shift: Leading Change So Students Thrive ·

2026/04/20

What if intervention isn’t a place or a person, but something everyone does?In this episode, the team challenges the traditional view of intervention and explores how schools can shift to a shared responsibility model. Using the BRIDGE framework, they highlight how empowering all staff to respond in the moment leads to stronger Tier 1 systems and better outcomes for students. In This Episode: Why intervention shouldn’t be limited to a program or specialist How to build shared

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17:36

41: Tier 1 Done right: How Shared Responsibility &...

System Shift: Leading Change So Students Thrive ·

2026/04/13

Why does Tier 1 feel overwhelming or like it falls on just a few people? This episode challenges the idea that “universal” means that everyone is doing everything the same, and instead reframes it as shared responsibility across all staff. The team explores how clear roles, consistent language, and aligned values can reduce burnout, improve consistency, and create the conditions for all students to thrive. In This Episode: How redefining “universal” creates shared ownership across

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18:50

40: Spring Burnout in Schools: How Reflection and...

System Shift: Leading Change So Students Thrive ·

2026/04/06

In this episode of System Shift, we explore the “push-pull” of spring in education—balancing the end of the year while planning for what’s next.Instead of pushing through, leaders are encouraged to pause, reflect, and refocus on conditions for learning. By taking time to listen to student and staff voices, schools can identify what’s working and take intentional next steps without blame or overwhelm. In This Episode: Why spring feels overwhelming for educators How student and staff voices

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30:36

39: Coaching Over Supervising: Dr. Anthony Rice on...

System Shift: Leading Change So Students Thrive ·

2026/03/30

In this episode of System Shifters, we sit down with Dr. Anthony Rice—high school principal, author of The Color of Leadership, podcast host, and recipient of the ACSA Region 19 Fred Kiesel Memorial Distinguished Service Award.Drawing on his experiences as a professional football player, coach, and educational leader, Dr. Rice shares why the most effective leaders focus on developing people, not just managing systems. Through coaching, mentorship, and authentic relationships, leaders can

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