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PODCAST

Empowered Educator: Leadership in Motion | Educational Leadership, Principal Leadership, Teachers as Leaders

Dr. Mel Vandevort - Educational Leadership, Educational Consultancy, Teacher Transition Coach, Educational Administration, Educational Entrepreneurship

Are you a passionate educator stepping into leadership—or thinking about making that leap?</p><p>Maybe you just accepted your first admin role and feel the weight of leading well.</p><p>Or you’re a classroom teacher who feels the calling to lead with purpose and impact.</p><p><strong>The Empowered Educator Show</strong> is your space to grow as a leader without losing who you are.</p><p>I’m Dr. Mel—former administrator turned leadership and

education entrepreneurship

All Episodes

9:33

🎙Engagement in Action — Episode 1: How to Build a...

Empowered Educator: Leadership in Motion |... ·

2025/10/31

Send us a textn this kickoff episode of Engagement in Action, Dr. Mel lays the groundwork for how school leaders can coach teachers toward authentic student engagement and effective classroom management. Using the frameworks from Get Better Faster (Bambrick-Santoyo) and Teach Like a Champion (Lemov), Mel breaks down how to define, model, and sustain engagement as a leadership practice — not just a teacher strategy.This episode is designed for principals, assistant principals, instructional coaches,

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8:14

Keep Showing Up 🔥 200 Episodes of Leading with...

Empowered Educator: Leadership in Motion |... ·

2025/10/29

Send us a textDr. Mel celebrates 200 episodes of The Empowered Educator Show—a milestone that mirrors the journey of building-level leadership. From starting small to staying consistent, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that the greatest results come when you keep showing up. Perfect for principals, assistant principals, and aspiring leaders who need a little encouragement to stay the course and celebrate the wins along the way. Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon

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14:45

What Do Great Principals Actually Do Daily?...

Empowered Educator: Leadership in Motion |... ·

2025/10/24

Send us a textEvery school says they want strong instructional leaders—but what does that really look like day to day? In this episode, Dr. Mel breaks down what instructional leadership actually means beyond walkthroughs and data meetings. You’ll learn how to be visible in classrooms, model great teaching, give real-time feedback, and protect time for the work that matters most: growing instruction and people.Whether you’re a new administrator or a seasoned principal trying to refocus your

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4:20

Power Surge⚡You Said It… But Did They Hear It? — The...

Empowered Educator: Leadership in Motion |... ·

2025/10/22

Send us a text In this Power Surge, Dr. Mel breaks down one of the biggest traps leaders fall into — thinking communication has happened just because words were spoken. Inspired by George Bernard Shaw’s famous quote, this episode challenges school leaders to go beyond talking at people and start ensuring their message is truly understood. Because clear communication isn’t about what you said — it’s about what they heard. Key Points: The biggest communication mistake leaders make is assuming

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21:59

Systematize: Calming Chaos with Purpose, People, and...

Empowered Educator: Leadership in Motion |... ·

2025/10/17

Send us a textIf your days feel like a never-ending game of whack-a-mole—emails, meetings, fires, and a to-do list that multiplies overnight—this episode is your deep breath.Dr. Mel breaks down how leaders can systematize the chaos without losing their people or their peace. Using her signature Purpose–People–Process Framework, she’ll walk you through how to build rhythms, routines, and structures that make your leadership lighter and more intentional.You’ll learn:✅ How to anchor every system in

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4:48

Power Surge⚡The Power of a New Perspective Seeing the...

Empowered Educator: Leadership in Motion |... ·

2025/10/15

Send us a textIn this Power Surge, Dr. Mel unpacks what happens when things look “fine” on the surface but really aren’t. Drawing inspiration from the Thatcher Effect illusion, she challenges leaders to flip their perspective and see what’s truly happening in their schools, teams, and systems. Because sometimes what looks normal is actually upside down — and leadership clarity starts with the courage to look again.Key Points:What looks “fine” from one angle might be distorted from another.Leaders

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10:43

The 3 Conversations Every Leader Should Have Every...

Empowered Educator: Leadership in Motion |... ·

2025/10/10

Send us a textIn this episode, Dr. Mel unpacks the three essential conversations every leader should be having weekly — with teachers, leadership teams, and themselves. Learn how to build connection, alignment, and reflection into your leadership rhythm. Key Takeaways:Connect with teachers through short, meaningful check-ins.Align your leadership team around clarity, focus, and accountability.Reflect with yourself to lead from purpose instead of pressure. Resources Mentioned:The Advantage by Patrick

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5:02

Power Surge⚡Get There When You Get There – Leadership...

Empowered Educator: Leadership in Motion |... ·

2025/10/08

Send us a textIn this Power Surge, Dr. Mel reminds you that leadership isn’t a race — it’s a rhythm. “Get there when you get there” isn’t about slowing down; it’s about trusting the pace of your purpose. When you lead with patience, presence, and persistence, you create lasting impact that doesn’t depend on speed.Key Points:Leadership growth isn’t linear — it’s layered and personal.The urge to rush “arrival” often comes from comparison, not calling.Sustainable leadership happens when you show up

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11:24

Why Great Leaders Embrace Conflict: Building Stronger...

Empowered Educator: Leadership in Motion |... ·

2025/10/03

Send us a text Conflict doesn’t have to divide your leadership team — in fact, when handled well, it can be the very thing that strengthens your culture, deepens trust, and drives innovation. In this episode, Dr. Mel unpacks why healthy conflict is essential for leadership teams and how you can start embracing it instead of avoiding it. Whether it’s pushing back respectfully, hearing out different perspectives, or separating the person from the problem, you’ll walk away with practical strateg...

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4:28

Power Surge⚡Roots and Wings — Balancing Stability and...

Empowered Educator: Leadership in Motion |... ·

2025/10/01

Send us a textGreat leaders provide both stability and opportunity. In this Power Surge, we explore what it means to give your staff and students roots—a strong foundation of clarity, consistency, and belonging—while also giving them wings—the freedom to innovate, take risks, and grow.This back-to-school season, your people need both the grounding of strong culture and the lift of new possibilities. How you balance them will define the year ahead.🔑 What You’ll Learn:Why staff and students need both

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16:06

Unlocking Hidden Leadership to Boost Student...

Empowered Educator: Leadership in Motion |... ·

2025/09/27

Send us a textIn this episode of The Empowered Educator Show, Dr. Mel explores the leadership strategy of aligning teachers with the right roles—both in their classrooms and in leadership opportunities across the school. When educators are empowered to use their unique gifts, talents, and passions, student achievement soars.You’ll learn why strengths-based leadership matters, the pitfalls to avoid, and one practical action step you can take this week to transform your school culture.What You’ll

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5:45

Power Surge⚡Why Great Leaders Understand the Power of...

Empowered Educator: Leadership in Motion |... ·

2025/09/24

Send us a textNot every leader has all the answers on day one—and that’s not a weakness, it’s wisdom. In this Power Surge episode, we’ll unpack the power of saying “not yet” as you head into the school year. From building trust to making tough decisions, “not yet” shifts the focus from instant perfection to steady growth.🔑 What You’ll Learn:Why “not yet” builds credibility and trustHow patience strengthens decisions and initiativesWhy courage comes before confidence in leadershipA simple action

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29:18

From Idea to Classroom: Inside the Curriculum...

Empowered Educator: Leadership in Motion |... ·

2025/09/19

Send us a textIn this episode of The Empowered Educator Show, Dr. Mel sits down with Alexia Jacoby, Chief Product Officer at Amplify, to break down what new and aspiring administrators need to know about curriculum selection and implementation. From her early days as a high school biology teacher outside New Orleans to leading product development for one of the nation’s top curriculum providers, Alexia brings a unique perspective on how high-quality instructional materials are created—and what it

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5:01

Power Surge⚡ Decisions in the Hallway: How Everyday...

Empowered Educator: Leadership in Motion |... ·

2025/09/17

Send us a textNot every leadership decision happens in the boardroom. In this episode of The Empowered Educator Show, Dr. Mel unpacks how the smallest, everyday interactions—like greeting a staff member in the hallway or redirecting a student—often carry more weight than major initiatives.These “hallway decisions” reveal your values, build credibility, and reinforce culture in ways that last far beyond the moment itself. Leadership is not just about the big moves—it’s about the way you show up

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9:06

Feedback Is a Gift — Coaching for Growth at Every...

Empowered Educator: Leadership in Motion |... ·

2025/09/12

Send us a textFeedback can feel uncomfortable, even discouraging—but the truth is, it’s one of the greatest tools for leadership growth. In this episode, Dr. Mel shares from her perspective as a superintendent, coaching principals to reframe feedback as a gift, not a judgment.Main Message: How you receive feedback shapes how your staff will receive feedback from you. Leaders who embrace feedback with humility build trust, credibility, and a culture of continuous growth in their schools.Key

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3:31

Power Surge⚡Grace Under Pressure — Leading Calm...

Empowered Educator: Leadership in Motion |... ·

2025/09/10

Send us a textThe first weeks of school bring excitement—but also stress, surprises, and a million moving parts. As a leader, your response in those moments sets the tone for everyone around you. In this episode, we’ll explore how to lead with calm, clarity, and grace, even when everything feels chaotic.Main Message: Your team looks to you for stability. If you lead with panic, they’ll panic. But if you lead with steadiness, they’ll anchor to your presence. Grace under pressure isn’t about ignoring

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12:09

Data with Direction: Turning Benchmarks into Better...

Empowered Educator: Leadership in Motion |... ·

2025/09/05

Send us a textIn this episode of The Empowered Educator Show, Dr. Mel breaks down how school leaders can use beginning-of-year benchmark assessments as more than just numbers on a spreadsheet. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by data, you’ll learn how to turn it into a clear roadmap for instructional decisions.From spotting trends and setting growth targets to leading meaningful data conversations with staff, Dr. Mel shares practical steps to move from analysis to action. You’ll also hear common

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5:26

Power Surge⚡You Set the Temperature — Leading the...

Empowered Educator: Leadership in Motion |... ·

2025/09/03

Send us a textDownload Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase! Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points. Calling All Educators! I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more. I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources. I would really appreciate your input as a teacher,

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30:12

Becoming Fearless in Leadership with Dr. Benjamin...

Empowered Educator: Leadership in Motion |... ·

2025/08/29

Send us a text In this episode of The Empowered Educator Show, Dr. Mel sits down with Dr. Benjamin Ritter—author of Becoming Fearless—to dive deep into what it means to lead with empathy, build trust, and move from self-doubt to self-mastery. Dr. Ritter shares his unique journey from aspiring professional soccer player to healthcare professional to leadership coach. Along the way, he encountered disengagement, toxic leadership, and personal setbacks that ultimately inspired his work in talent...

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4:36

Power Surge⚡Visible Leadership: Why They Need to See...

Empowered Educator: Leadership in Motion |... ·

2025/08/27

Send us a text Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase! Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points. Calling All Educators! I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more. I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources. I would really appreciate your input as a teac...

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206 results

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