School Success Podcast

Mitchell Slater

The journey to becoming a school leader is not an easy one. There are many challenges along the way, but it becomes manageable when you have the correct information and tools to help you. In this podcast, you will hear from excellent school leaders who share their stories of successes and failures to inspire and motivate us. We want you to be able to find one takeaway that will help you best in your leadership journey. We are excited you are here! Welcome to the "School Success" Podcast. read less

#060, Maximizing Leadership Success with Matthew Peavyhouse
3d ago
#060, Maximizing Leadership Success with Matthew Peavyhouse
Unlock the secrets to successful leadership with Matthew Peavyhouse, Head of School at Tampa Bay Christian Academy! Join us for an insightful conversation on navigating the changing landscape of education, the power of coaching and guidance, and much more. Listen now to take your leadership to the next level! Listen Now! #SchoolSuccess #SchoolSuccessMakers -- Today's episode is sponsored by America's Christian Credit Union. With over 65 years of experience serving Christians across the country, they offer banking services and tuition financing programs for schools. If you're a private school looking to reduce your risk and administrative burden, America's Christian Credit Union offers tuition financing plans for families. Visit ⁠americaschristiancu.com⁠ to learn more. Every week on The School Success Podcast, digital marketing agency owner Mitchell Slater interviews school leaders and game-changers in the education sector. Never miss an episode and follow The School Success Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you enjoy podcasts. This podcast is powered by Slater Strategies, a marketing agency committed to helping schools grow their enrollment and connect better with the families in their communities. Find out more at ⁠https://schoolsuccessmakers.com⁠. Highlights of the Episode: [02:14] Matt Peavyhouse, and he is the head of school at Tampa Bay Christian Academy [06:02] it was called Tampa Baptist Academy at the time [09:57] So right now, I'm at 93% re enrollment for next year [10:22] we focus on schools that are students that are from academically disenfranchised, culturally diverse, and economically disempowered neighborhoods [12:16] But that had created a problem in who we were as a school [16:12]They don't make it easy. It is possible [19:29]Yeah, we're growing like crazy. [21:03]So branching out to other cities, and creating kind of hubs that students can go to [24:41]It's a workable and fixable logistical nightmare. [25:11] a one stop shop for for families [27:25]my job is to figure out who the who's who needs to be working in this [32:37]This is who we are, this is what we're going to live by YouTube Video Podcast Link: https://youtu.be/ypQ7oQtexas
#059, Mimosa Jones Tunney on Innovating Education: The Emergent Curriculum Approach of The School House
Mar 20 2023
#059, Mimosa Jones Tunney on Innovating Education: The Emergent Curriculum Approach of The School House
"One of our goals at the School House was to solve all the problems of traditional education. And so a lot of those things have fallen by the wayside because we made a choice to be totally transparent." - Mimosa Jones Tunney Are you ready to revolutionize education? Don't miss our exclusive #SchoolSuccess episode today with Mimosa Jones Tunney, founder, and president of The School House. Learn about their innovative approach to education and groundbreaking American emergent curriculum, along with the launch of the School House Anywhere program offering closer to zero-tuition education. Discover how they're creating a more sustainable model for education fueled by real change. Join us for this insightful dialogue! #SchoolSuccess #SchoolSuccessMakers -- Every week on The School Success Podcast, digital marketing agency owner Mitchell Slater interviews school leaders and game-changers in the education sector. Never miss an episode and follow The School Success Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you enjoy podcasts. This podcast is powered by Slater Strategies, a marketing agency committed to helping schools grow their enrollment and connect better with the families in their communities. Find out more at https://schoolsuccessmakers.com. Highlights of the Episode: [01:58] And we're on a mission to revolutionize education in the United States. [02:30] I started to deep dive into Montessori's work from a historical perspective... [03:30] "... how is it that we aren't progressing as a country?" [03:59] "we have these very segmented school systems." [04:29] "decided to embark on this journey to create a model of what a school should be." [06:08] "But America is a different beast." [07:21] "We've just fallen so far from what the original intent was." [07:57] "Well, let's start with Dr. Montessori." [11:02] "It was no small task to put them all into one American emergent curriculum." [12:07] "I think it starts with community." [14:39] "I'm a huge proponent of school choice..." [15:22] "For the last decade..." [15:49] "You do have the power to take the American emergent curriculum..." [18:59] "We're doing a huge fundraising push in May..." [20:38] "One of the things I'm very proud of in terms of the American emergent curriculum..." [23:56] "One of the goals at the Schoolhouse..." [27:21] "You want your parents to be ambassadors for what you're doing." [29:57] "We work really hard." [33:06] "In terms if changing education..." [34:27] "zero to 12..." [36:23] "Our middle school curriculum is already written." [37:39] "I would say go to the theschoolhouse.org..." YouTube Video Podcast Link:https://youtu.be/nJMtm-hexK4
#056, Travis Crutchfield on Tips for Effective School Administration: Leading with Love
Feb 26 2023
#056, Travis Crutchfield on Tips for Effective School Administration: Leading with Love
Uncover the powerful connection between faith and education success. Join us for our school success podcast featuring Mr. Travis Crutchfield, administrator at Central Baptist School. Hear his inspiring story of love and dedication to education and learn how his passion for teaching has molded him into a successful administrator. Get ready to be motivated and uplifted by education. Listen Now! #SchoolSuccess #SchoolSuccessMakers --   Every week on The School Success Podcast, digital marketing agency owner Mitchell Slater interviews school leaders and game-changers in the education sector. Never miss an episode and follow The School Success Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you enjoy podcasts. This podcast is powered by Slater Strategies, a marketing agency committed to helping schools grow their enrollment and connect better with the families in their communities. Find out more at https://schoolsuccessmakers.com.       Highlights of the Episode [2:41]  the most exciting was to discover that I'm a teacher [4:36]  God has revitalized our school [5:34]  our school is not, does not require people to be Christians, [6:36]  the biggest challenge is finances for those families [10:07] But we have a mission. And that mission is to make sure we can get  kids in the school [16:12]  the administrator must absolutely love his or her school. [18:06]  I've made it clear to them that I just need to get good feedback. [19:36]  the best advice I have in a nutshell is to love your school [24:30]  in order to get everybody in, we just have to adapt YouTube Video Podcast Link: https://youtu.be/0SfLaEePzL8
Special Episode #23, Michael Zavada on ChatGPT and AI in Education: Opportunities and Challenges
Feb 3 2023
Special Episode #23, Michael Zavada on ChatGPT and AI in Education: Opportunities and Challenges
Hey, School Success Makers! How do you integrate AI tools into your school? Tune in now as Michael Zavada of RoundTable Education shares his insights about the use and impact of AI tools like ChatGPT on education and his take on what should be considered when allowing their use in schools. #SchoolSuccess #SchoolSuccessMakers -- Every week on The School Success Podcast, digital marketing agency owner Mitchell Slater interviews school leaders and game-changers in the education sector. Never miss an episode and follow The School Success Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you enjoy podcasts. This podcast is powered by Slater Strategies, a marketing agency committed to helping schools grow their enrollment and connect better with the families in their communities. Find out more at https://schoolsuccessmakers.com.   Highlights of the Episode [4:15] "We had to be a step ahead of the game. [4:53] "decision on whether to use or not use..." [5:15] "either you believe the knowledge is transferred..." [6:09] "And so if you took something like ChatGPT..." [06:49] "Is AI making a more just world or a less just world..." [09:26] "So if you're a writer and you have to have citations..." [09:54] "if I'm in an English department at a school..." [10:22] "15 years ago, it would not have been..." [10:40] "Microsoft just invested or bought it for $10 billion." [11:54] "... that obviously would be a tremendous loss of learning opportunity." [12:13] "it would depend on the kind of school you're at..." [14:17] "Because of artificial intelligence..." [16:31] "Is that unethical use, then..." [18:30] "I think humans have an innate ability to understand... authenticity." [19:26] "Aleks.com is a math site that can take diagnostics..." [20:17] "it was really good because the student didn't have to be stuck..." [20:43] "there's other use cases to AI... helpful in education." [25:58] "a game plan on how to use it." [29:22] "I think this is a perfect situation..." [30:15] "as a school leader, you should be looking onto the horizon." YouTube Video Podcast Link: https://youtu.be/mdyL_I7F-Pc
#50, Kathryn Jones on Partnering with Like-Minded Families: Insights from Legacy Academy
Jan 16 2023
#50, Kathryn Jones on Partnering with Like-Minded Families: Insights from Legacy Academy
The keys to a thriving school community are well established. We know that successful schools have strong relationships with parents, teachers, and students; they build lasting bonds; and they encourage the development of an environment where all students feel safe, respected, and welcome. But sometimes it's hard to see exactly how we're doing it—or even what we're doing. That's why you should tune in and listen to Ms. Kathryn Jones, Director of Administration at Legacy Academy, share her school's story with us. They've done it by working hard to form partnerships with like-minded families, establishing a clear mission for their school community, and encouraging individual initiative from every student in the building. Tune in now—we'll talk about how they achieved success through these simple yet powerful actions! #SchoolSuccess #SchoolSuccessMakers -- Every week on The School Success Podcast, digital marketing agency owner Mitchell Slater interviews school leaders and game-changers in the education sector. Never miss an episode and follow The School Success Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you enjoy podcasts. This podcast is powered by Slater Strategies, a marketing agency committed to helping schools grow their enrollment and connect better with the families in their communities. Find out more at https://schoolsuccessmakers.com.     Highlights of the Episode [14:46] Elvis impersonators and all kinds of things [16:14] our board is committed to a K through 12 [17:54] Keter Center or something [19:32] Specialized classical education [21:05] Our founder, Dr. Taylor [22:19] teaching and their goals are quite different [23:45] So our tuition is $4,000 a year [25:22] peers have been there for 10 years [27:12] we are partnering with families [28:10] Champions group come in [29:35] sustain that growth till 12th grade [31:26] First Baptist Branson in town [34:11]  raised about $50,000 [35:23] Ed Harden and Walter [36:25] City of Branson Chamber YouTube Video Podcast Link: https://youtu.be/iytH7EkP4Iw
#049, Greg Forrest on the Importance of School Leadership in Upholding the Mission and Vision
Jan 9 2023
#049, Greg Forrest on the Importance of School Leadership in Upholding the Mission and Vision
A Latin phrase the school goes by is "Multum non-Multa," meaning Not Many, But Much (or Less is More). In this episode of the School Success Podcast, Greg Forrest, EdD of the Summit Classical Christian School in Bellevue, Washington, is here to share his insights about classical Christian schools and discuss the significance of selecting the right leadership team to support the organization's mission and vision. We are excited for you to hear about the exchange! #SchoolSuccess #SchoolSuccessMake -- Every week on The School Success Podcast, digital marketing agency owner Mitchell Slater interviews school leaders and game-changers in the education sector. Never miss an episode and follow The School Success Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you enjoy podcasts. This podcast is powered by Slater Strategies, a marketing agency committed to helping schools grow their enrollment and connect better with the families in their communities. Find out more at https://schoolsuccessmakers.com.     Highlights of the Episode [02:58] I wanted to be a children's dentist [05:45] another 20 minutes further east [06:47] 1500, 1800 years [09:33] a guy named CS Lewis [11:23] medieval timeline jingle in fourth grade [13:18] we'll graduate 13 and 20 and so on [15:50] God has given these children to a family [17:47] public schools like Virginia to Washington [21:38] Education is still this redemptive act [24:07] 40 or 50 schools churches [28:10] high school kids giving them ownership YouTube Video Podcast Link: https://youtu.be/Vp0c9cpim0E
#048, Thomas Argersinger on Why Standards Matter to Our Vision
Jan 2 2023
#048, Thomas Argersinger on Why Standards Matter to Our Vision
In a world where it's harder than ever to build a culture—but maintaining it is even more difficult—what does it take to build a great culture that reflects God's calling? In this episode, we're excited to talk with Thomas Argersinger, Head of School at Veritas Christian Academy. He'll be sharing his insights on why we should choose our standards carefully and how they can have a positive impact on our communities. We'll also talk about how marketing and branding can be a challenge for schools like Veritas, and how they can demonstrate their distinctiveness. Listen in and be inspired! #SchoolSuccess #SchoolSuccessMakers -- Every week on The School Success Podcast, digital marketing agency owner Mitchell Slater interviews school leaders and game-changers in the education sector. Never miss an episode and follow The School Success Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you enjoy podcasts. This podcast is powered by Slater Strategies, a marketing agency committed to helping schools grow their enrollment and connect better with the families in their communities. Find out more at https://schoolsuccessmakers.com.     Highlights of the Episode [01:34] New Jersey or Sparta, New Jersey [03:40] 30 plus almost 38 years [07:02] Our own facility is really an issue for us [08:10] so you have 50 something students [09:21] I have talked about fundraising [11:29] This UPS guy comes [12:37] You need money to buy food and stuff [14:48] it's normal life in the kingdom of God [16:05] we're increasingly building partnerships [17:36] you got say 50 easy math [18:58] having high expectations of the young people [20:59] I think you're 34, 35 [22:59] I personally feel businesses as well [24:02] Christian school up there in New Jersey YouTube Video Podcast Link: https://youtu.be/OdbKWCqGyE8
Special Episode #22, Brad Layland on The Relational Approach to Fundraising
Dec 30 2022
Special Episode #22, Brad Layland on The Relational Approach to Fundraising
Hey Success School Makers! Are you having a hard time hitting your fundraising goal? Tune in now as Mr. Brad Layland, CEO of The Focus Group, shares how a  relational approach to fundraising helps grow your school's funding and build long-term relationships with donors. #SchoolSuccess #SchoolSuccessMakers -- Every week on The School Success Podcast, digital marketing agency owner Mitchell Slater interviews school leaders and game-changers in the education sector. Never miss an episode and follow The School Success Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you enjoy podcasts. This podcast is powered by Slater Strategies, a marketing agency committed to helping schools grow their enrollment and connect better with the families in their communities. Find out more at https://schoolsuccessmakers.com.   Highlights of the Episode [02:10] I'm the CEO of the focus [04:21] Christian Ministry called Young Life [06:11] 250 million campaign that we launched [08:34] you need to raise 275 million [09:37] Or to start a STEM program or Dubai campus [14:19] potential to give a few hundred dollars [15:17] We have to raise $350,000 [18:12] donor who was giving you 10,000 a year [20:46] Catholic school had 90% of its students [23:13] divided the football field into a hundred different squares [24:51] That's like $3,000 [27:28] January or February of $25,000 [32:30] cow crapping on a football field [34:47] we raised 60, $70,000 a year [36:41] Veritas Classical School in St. Augustine [40:11] I was to ask Oprah to give a modest gift to something YouTube Video Podcast Link: https://youtu.be/26o75EKhI8g
#047, Chris Wester on The Importance of Branding & Marketing in School Growth
Dec 26 2022
#047, Chris Wester on The Importance of Branding & Marketing in School Growth
"While we want to celebrate our diversity, we also look to see how we can be more appealing to a broader audience." In this podcast episode, we talk to Chris Wester, the school director at The International School of Minnesota. He shares how he and his team worked on marketing the school effectively as they see branding playing a vital role in their school's growth. #SchoolSuccess #SchoolSuccessMakers -- Every week on The School Success Podcast, digital marketing agency owner Mitchell Slater interviews school leaders and game-changers in the education sector. Never miss an episode and follow The School Success Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you enjoy podcasts. This podcast is powered by Slater Strategies, a marketing agency committed to helping schools grow their enrollment and connect better with the families in their communities. Find out more at https://schoolsuccessmakers.com.     Highlights of the Episode [01:59] I was to come visit Eden Prairie, Minnesota [03:27] you guys have crazy winters [04:43] Thought that I was gonna be on E S P [06:18] we have 40 different nations represented at our school [08:24] school really took on borders in 1994 [10:51] 170 students and the school world is going kind of crazy [12:15] we have 55 beautiful acres [14:08] We're anticipating 40% growth for next year [16:11] They were here 15 years [19:10] our building can accommodate up to 700 students [23:43] the number one ECE program [26:04] you heard the 40% growth [29:05] we make a lot of decisions in our boarding program YouTube Video Podcast Link: https://youtu.be/o_NRWyYO4cU
Special Episode #21, Keith Castello on Managing Change and Transition
Dec 23 2022
Special Episode #21, Keith Castello on Managing Change and Transition
Hey School Success Makers! Is your school in a situation that requires transitioning to a new head of school? Tune in now as Mr. Keith Castello of Kyrie Christian Education Services talks about the roles and functions of an Interim Head of School and how it can help you transition, funding challenges and solutions, and so much more! #SchoolSuccess #SchoolSuccessMakers -- Every week on The School Success Podcast, digital marketing agency owner Mitchell Slater interviews school leaders and game-changers in the education sector. Never miss an episode and follow The School Success Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you enjoy podcasts. This podcast is powered by Slater Strategies, a marketing agency committed to helping schools grow their enrollment and connect better with the families in their communities. Find out more at https://schoolsuccessmakers.com.   Highlights of the Episode [02:18] 20 years plus of head of school experience [04:55] 3,500 years old because it begins in Sinai [06:42] we married up the tradition of God's people [08:23] the same school as head of school for 15 years [10:46] I'm gonna address the elephant in the room [12:05] It's just wonderful to meet God's people [15:24] people's family circumstances can be very different [18:46] strident stream of ideology that has to be fought against [22:53] government funds should pay for that EDU [25:47] I was interim head of school in Georgia [28:01] Christendom wants to have an impact [32:53] revitalization of that whole sort of culture [35:03] be creative and think outside the box YouTube Video Podcast Link: https://youtu.be/CPstxWRmg7E
#046, Rick Calloway On How To Address The Needs Of 21st-Century Learners
Dec 19 2022
#046, Rick Calloway On How To Address The Needs Of 21st-Century Learners
What are the most important skills a student can learn today? How do you prepare them for the future? I'm so excited because we're talking about how to make sure your students are learning more than just the basics of reading and writing—but also how to live! That's right, Rick Calloway, head of school at Metrolina Christian Academy, will be joining us to talk about how we can help our students prepare for their future. And why it is important that educators embody the curriculum: classroom leadership and fostering positive relationships with parents, the community, and other stakeholders are essential for success. #SchoolSuccess #SchoolSuccessMakers -- Every week on The School Success Podcast, digital marketing agency owner Mitchell Slater interviews school leaders and game-changers in the education sector. Never miss an episode and follow The School Success Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you enjoy podcasts. This podcast is powered by Slater Strategies, a marketing agency committed to helping schools grow their enrollment and connect better with the families in their communities. Find out more at https://schoolsuccessmakers.com.     Highlights of the Episode [02:01] a fledgling school in 1998 of about 140 kids [03:56] I'm a diehard, uh, Chicago Bears fan [05:59] here to serve the Lord with 1400 kids [08:27] Christian education is, is a great thing for people [10:12] Cincinnati Hills Christian School [11:24] I was homeschooled my whole life [12:47] start a process of planning toward 2030 [14:20] probably spent $12 million in the last 10 years [15:49] Mitchell God's just opened the windows of heaven [16:59] 3,040 kids a year give their heart and life to Jesus Christ [18:42] I probably have 60 to 70 teacher applicants [21:18] whether you got 150 kids or 5,000 kids YouTube Video Podcast Link: https://youtu.be/O-UuSia3F98
#045, Tim Wong on Creating a Healthy Culture Through Transparency in Leadership
Dec 12 2022
#045, Tim Wong on Creating a Healthy Culture Through Transparency in Leadership
What's up, School Success Makers? As a school administrator, how can you influence culture and transparency to guarantee a productive and secure learning environment? Listen here as Mr. Tim Wong of Los Gatos Christian School in California tells how he managed the school's development to adapt and thrive in a changing environment, focusing on culture and openness. #SchoolSuccess #SchoolSuccessMakers -- Every week on The School Success Podcast, digital marketing agency owner Mitchell Slater interviews school leaders and game-changers in the education sector. Never miss an episode and follow The School Success Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you enjoy podcasts. This podcast is powered by Slater Strategies, a marketing agency committed to helping schools grow their enrollment and connect better with the families in their communities. Find out more at https://schoolsuccessmakers.com.     Highlights of the Episode [02:30] if you're in the hiking, biking [04:58] California and served at Trinity Christian High School [06:51] everything comes with its strengths and weaknesses [08:57] transformed by the love and grace [11:10] our need to increase our compensation package [12:14] Private education overall has definitely seen an uptick a bit [16:21] Building a very healthy culture [18:57] I would shout out to Patrick Len [22:41] we're doing life together with our students [26:37] Change from being head of school [29:05] Trust is such an important thing to have [31:24] I look at the great leadership of Jesus [34:09] we just have to be more real and transparent [35:29] opportunity to share my heart with all the great educators YouTube Video Podcast Link: https://youtu.be/7hJ0UnaN3R4
Special Episode #20, Scott McElvain on Minimizing Cost, Maximizing Education Opportunities
Dec 9 2022
Special Episode #20, Scott McElvain on Minimizing Cost, Maximizing Education Opportunities
Hey, Success School Makers! Have you ever thought walking out of college with zero debt was possible? Tune in now as Mr. Scott McElvain from the College of the Ozarks in Missouri shares their unique approach to offset costs, keep fees low, and offer zero tuition while maximizing education opportunities and setting their students up for life. #SchoolSuccess #SchoolSuccessMakers -- Every week on The School Success Podcast, digital marketing agency owner Mitchell Slater interviews school leaders and game-changers in the education sector. Never miss an episode and follow The School Success Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you enjoy podcasts. This podcast is powered by Slater Strategies, a marketing agency committed to helping schools grow their enrollment and connect better with the families in their communities. Find out more at https://schoolsuccessmakers.com.   Highlights of the Episode [02:03] next in 2023, Granson, Missouri [04:03] Now we had 75 degree [05:50] Dr. Sue head, came to visit Valor [07:41] The Ozarks is a department of College of the Ozarks [09:43] The college was founded in 1906 by a Presbyterian preacher [11:52] there's just always room to improve [13:20] partnership needs to be on the same page [15:39] we can place on ourselves this heavy responsibility [18:01] Effectively what classical Christian is in a quick pitch [23:24] We have a lot of graduates of College of the Ozarks [26:25] He's just coming back to the Lord's sovereignty [27:25] it is just raising up great future leaders of America YouTube Video Podcast Link: https://youtu.be/eZM0IjYH0QY