Former superintendent Wade Stanford believes that inviting people into a meeting does not automatically make a decision collaborative. When leaders arrive with the answer already determined, they may be creating compliance, not genuine ownership.

In this episode of Z-Rated Success: The Decision Lab for Education Leaders, Wade draws from 43 years in education, including 10 years as a superintendent, to share practical lessons about listening, student voice, shared leadership, communication, and turning vision into execution.

Nick and Wade discuss:

• Why leaders must listen to understand
• How one parent caused Wade to reconsider a school rule
• Why leaders do not have time not to listen
• The difference between delegation and shared leadership
• How ego can prevent others from contributing
• Why every idea deserves to be heard and respected
• How leaders can protect educators’ personal time
• Why strong visions lose momentum during execution
• What superintendents carry that others may never see
• How to develop leaders who multiply leadership

Wade also explains how his advisory work with Matt Yeager and MJYC helps superintendents and leadership teams strengthen decision-making, build leadership capacity, and create sustainable systems for execution.

Connect with Wade Stanford:
wstanford@mjycgroup.com

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In this episode of Z-Rated Success: The Decision Lab for Education Leaders, Nick “The Zebra” Zizi sits down with Dr. Alana Simmons, an education leader with more than 20 years of experience across workforce development, correctional education, GEAR UP, and higher education.

Drawing from her leadership with GEAR UP Dougherty and her transition into a new chapter in higher education, Dr. Simmons shares how educators can help students see beyond their ZIP codes, advocate for themselves, ask better questions, and make informed decisions about college, careers, and life.

She also shares the powerful story of a student whose interest in cosmetic science began with one honest conversation. Because an educator listened, that student gained access to college visits, hands-on learning, industry exposure, in-state tuition, and a clear pathway toward her future.

In this conversation, Nick and Dr. Simmons discuss:

• Why access and exposure can change what students believe is possible
• How educators can help students overcome imposter syndrome
• What students may be carrying behind their behavior
• Why leaders should listen before assuming they have the answer
• What real college and career readiness looks like beyond applications and test scores
• Why students must learn to ask questions and advocate for themselves
• How adults can guide students through decisions without making every decision for them
• Why asking, “How do you want to serve your community?” may be more powerful than asking, “What do you want to be?”

Dr. Simmons leaves students with a message every young person needs to hear:

“You are here because you’ve been handpicked to be here.”

This episode is especially relevant for GEAR UP, TRIO, college-access, higher-education, student-affairs, advising, and education leaders committed to helping students see what is possible, prepare for what is next, and succeed once they enter the room. 

Connect

Connect with Dr. Alana Simmons on Facebook and Instagram.

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In this episode, Kimberly A. Freeman joins Z-Rated Success to discuss how educators can leverage AI without fear, reclaim time, and use technology in ways that support teaching and learning. Kimberly shares why AI literacy matters, especially for ESL and multilingual students, and why educators need clear systems instead of more overwhelm.

The conversation explores how AI can help with lesson planning, administrative tasks, multilingual learning, data privacy concerns, inclusive prompting, and teacher support. Kimberly also reminds education leaders that AI should not replace educators. It should help educators get time back to do the work only humans can do.

This episode is for educators, school leaders, instructional coaches, PD leaders, TESOL professionals, and anyone thinking about how AI can support teaching, equity, and student success.

In This Episode, We Discuss

• Why AI literacy matters for students and educators
• How AI can support ESL and multilingual learners
• Why many teachers feel overwhelmed by AI
• How educators can start with one AI skill instead of trying to learn everything
• The importance of clear AI policies and schoolwide systems
• How AI can help teachers reclaim time from administrative tasks
• Why human-centered prompting matters
• How bias can show up in AI-generated content
• Why education leaders need to address teacher fears around AI
• How support from leadership affects AI implementation
• Why AI should not replace educators

Key Takeaways

1. AI literacy is an equity issue.
Students should not be left behind because they do not have access to AI literacy or adults who can help them navigate it.

2. Educators need systems, not overload.
Kimberly reminds educators to start with one skill and build from there instead of trying to learn everything at once.

3. AI can help teachers reclaim time.
Lesson planning, documentation, reports, and administrative tasks can consume hours. AI can help reduce that workload when used wisely.

4. The human touch still matters.
AI can support teaching, but educators must remain the navigators.

5. Leadership support matters.
If teachers feel safe, supported, and heard, they are more likely to use AI with confidence and purpose.

Memorable Lines

“AI is very scary to teachers.”

“Let me focus on one skill, not 20 million skills.”

“You are the navigator of AI.”

“AI is not going to replace educators who are prepared and have a system in place.”

“Support means the whole world.”

Guest Contact

Kimberly A. Freeman
LinkedIn: Kimberly A. Freeman
Website: kimaiinstructionaleducation-educationalconsultant.com

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In this conversation, Hanan Allen, MPA, Assistant Director of Student Activities at the University of Rochester, shares what she has learned from advising student organizations and supporting student leaders. She discusses the behind-the-scenes work of student activities, the importance of cultural competence, how student organizations build belonging, and why educators must listen first before trying to fix everything.

Hanan also gives a powerful reminder for education leaders: first-generation students may be resilient, but even resilient students get tired. This episode is a valuable conversation for educators, student affairs professionals, TRIO/GEAR UP leaders, advisors, and anyone who wants to better support students as humans first.

In This Episode, We Discuss

• Hanan’s journey into student activities and higher education
• The behind-the-scenes work of advising student organizations
• Why student organizations teach leadership skills students may not learn in the classroom
• How cultural organizations help students find belonging
• What students are carrying that education leaders may not always see
• Why first-generation students need support beyond the “resilience” label
• Communication and conflict resolution among student leaders
• Why students need advisors who listen, care, and ask better questions
• The balance between compassion and accountability
• How leaders who develop leaders can change the world

Key Takeaways

1. Student activities are leadership labs.
Students learn budgeting, event planning, teamwork, communication, delegation, and conflict resolution through student organizations.

2. Belonging requires more than words.
Students feel belonging when they have spaces where their culture, voice, leadership, and lived experience are valued.

3. Educators must see the person behind the behavior.
Sometimes leaders see the behavior, but they miss the burden behind the behavior.

4. First-generation students are carrying more than academics.
They may be navigating family expectations, financial pressure, trauma, lack of support, and the responsibility of breaking generational cycles.

5. Compassion needs structure.
Hanan shares that compassion is important, but advisors also need boundaries, deadlines, and accountability.

Memorable Quotes

“Sometimes leaders see the behavior, but they may not always see the burden behind the behavior.”

“Even resilient people get tired.”

“Students are human too.”

“Leaders who develop leaders will ultimately change the world for the better.”

“Listen first and ask questions later.”

Guest Contact

Hanan Allen
Website: hanangosglobal.com

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In this episode of Z-Rated Success, Nick “The Zebra” Zizi sits down with Brittany Blackwell Broussard, Director of Culture and Climate and Psychology Instructor at Northwestern State University, to talk about culture, climate, belonging, empathy, and what it really means to help students feel safe, seen, supported, and valued.

Brittany shares how campus culture shows up in everyday student life, why empathy empowers students, and why education leaders must pay attention to what students are carrying before they assume laziness, attitude, or disinterest.

This conversation is for education leaders, student affairs professionals, faculty, advisors, and anyone committed to building campus environments where students can thrive.

In This Episode:

• What culture and climate mean in real life
• How empathy empowers students
• Why today’s college students are carrying more than many leaders realize
• How work, family responsibility, commuting, finances, and first-generation expectations affect students
• Why leaders should be careful not to misread overwhelm as laziness or disinterest
• How small moments help students feel seen and supported
• Why belonging must move beyond performative statements
• How educators can build trust through authenticity, personal outreach, and practical support
• Why students need to hear, “You belong here”

Key Takeaway:
Empathy empowers. When education leaders take time to understand what students are carrying, they are better equipped to build trust, create belonging, and support students before small challenges become bigger decisions.

Memorable Quote:
“Students want to be seen. They want to feel heard and actually feel valued.”

Knucklehead Decision Segment:
Brittany shares why a lack of communication and transparency can become a major leadership mistake. When something happens and leaders do not communicate clearly, students fill in the blanks, rumors grow, and trust can be damaged.

Best For:
Education leaders, student affairs professionals, faculty, academic advisors, culture and climate leaders, student support professionals, and anyone who wants to create stronger campus belonging.

Connect With Brittany Blackwell Broussard:
LinkedIn: Brittany Blackwell Broussard

Listen to more episodes:
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In this episode of Z-Rated Success, Nick “The Zebra” Zizi sits down with Dr. Tiffany Paige, Director of the McNair Scholars Community College Program at Jackson State University, to talk about helping students move from simply trying to finish a semester to seeing themselves as scholars, researchers, and future graduate students.

Dr. Paige shares her own educational journey as a first-generation college student, the importance of exposure and early intervention, and how education leaders can help students connect today’s decisions to tomorrow’s opportunities.

This conversation is especially valuable for TRIO professionals, GEAR UP leaders, advisors, faculty, student support professionals, and anyone committed to helping students see and pursue bigger possibilities.

In This Episode

• Why community college can be a powerful stepping stone
• How leaders can help students build scholar identity earlier
• Why exposure matters for first-generation and transfer students
• The role of McNair Scholars programs in preparing students for research and graduate school
• How advisors and program leaders can help students prepare for bigger academic opportunities
• The myth that research is only for science students
• Why students must communicate early and stop waiting until the last minute
• How listening helps leaders guide students without forcing their own lived experience onto them

Key Quote

“Community college is not the end of the road. For many students, it can be the beginning of a bigger academic journey.”

Knucklehead Decision Segment

Dr. Paige shares why lack of communication is one of the biggest decisions that can cost students opportunities. Waiting until the last minute for recommendations, applications, funding, or graduate school preparation can make it harder for advisors and mentors to help.

Best Takeaway

Students are capable, but they need exposure, preparation, support, and leaders who will listen closely enough to connect them with the right opportunities.

Call to Action

If this episode encouraged you, share it with an educator, advisor, TRIO professional, community college student, or future graduate student who needs to hear that bigger academic opportunities are possible.

Connect With Dr. Tiffany Paige

LinkedIn: Tiffany R. Paige

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Brittany shares why orientation is not just a checklist or a schedule of events. It is often the first real experience students and families have with a campus community, and it can shape how they feel about belonging, safety, support, and student success.

This conversation explores orientation, student transition, first-year experience, family engagement, belonging, leadership, and the early decisions that can shape a student’s semester.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why orientation is more than logistics
• How orientation sets the tone for student success
• Why parents and families are part of the transition process
• What students are often unprepared for when they arrive
• Why students need to decide who they want to be
• How leaders can help students learn to pivot
• Why belonging matters from day one
• How authenticity creates connection with students
• What leaders should pay attention to during orientation
• Practical advice for students before and during orientation

Connect with Brittany Jackson:
LinkedIn: Brittany Jackson

Remember: Better decisions lead to better outcomes.

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Bennie brings over 12 years of experience in higher education, student affairs, multicultural education, diversity, equity, and inclusion work, and now K–8 education as a third-grade ELA teacher. In this conversation, he shares lessons from his own journey, including the opportunities he missed because of fear and how that experience now shapes the way he encourages students to try, take risks, and keep going.

This episode is especially valuable for educators, school leaders, student affairs professionals, TRIO and GEAR UP teams, and anyone committed to helping students make better decisions and develop the confidence to grow.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why fear causes students and educators to miss opportunities
• How to help students become comfortable being uncomfortable
• Why trying matters, even when students do not know the answer
• How educators can use accountability language without discouraging students
• Why emotional regulation is critical before students get to college
• What actually sticks with students after a program, lesson, or experience
• How representation and real examples help students build identity
• Why educators also need to reignite their passion and take care of themselves

Memorable takeaway:
Fear should not be the thing that makes the decision. Students need educators who help them take risks, try, fail, learn, and keep moving forward.

About the Guest:
Bennie Williams has over 12 years of experience in higher education, particularly in student affairs, multicultural education, student leadership, and DEI work. He recently transitioned into K–8 education as a third-grade ELA teacher, where he continues helping students learn, grow, develop confidence, and prepare for real-life situations.

Connect with Bennie:
LinkedIn: Bennie Darnell Williams
Instagram: @theofficialmrcanisius

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In this episode of Z-Rated Success, Nick Zizi sits down with Robert Johnson, Executive Director of the Agape Center for Human Dignity at Sacred Heart University, for a powerful conversation on student belonging, leadership, campus culture, and what students need right now.

Robert shares why students need advocates and translators, how leaders can help students find their voice, and why small decisions like showing up, asking for help, and going to the source can shape a student’s future.

This episode is for educators, advisors, student affairs professionals, TRIO professionals, campus leaders, and anyone committed to helping students make better decisions and experience better outcomes.

Connect with Robert Johnson:
LinkedIn: Robert Johnson
Website: RSJ Inclusion Consulting

Remember: Better decisions lead to better outcomes.

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Dan shares one of the most practical leadership lessons from his career: too fast, too slow. Move too fast, and you may leave out important voices, feedback loops, and stakeholders. Move too slow, and you may miss the urgency of the moment.

This conversation also explores what students need most, how trauma can derail a student’s day, why relationships make accountability possible, how innovation must fit the local community, and why leaders must take care of themselves if they want to serve others well.

If you lead students, staff, programs, or school communities, this episode will help you think more clearly about the decisions that create better outcomes.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The leadership danger of moving too fast or too slow
• Why quality teaching still matters
• How trauma can impact a student’s ability to learn
• Why relationships make accountability possible
• How schools can build pathways that fit their community
• Why innovation must be adapted, not copied
• Why leaders must take care of themselves first
• Why a leader’s words can stay with students for years

Guest: Dan La Bar

Connect with Dan: Search Dan La Bar on LinkedIn

Host: Nick Zizi

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Amanda works closely with students, supervisors, and campus partners to help student employment become more than just a paycheck. In this conversation, she explains how on-campus jobs can become powerful real-world learning experiences when supervisors build in reflection, transferable skills, professional norms, and opportunities for students to connect what they are learning in class to what they are doing at work.

Amanda also discusses why students are often overwhelmed by career decisions, how early they should start working with career services, and why asking questions is not a weakness. It is a sign of intelligence and engagement.

This episode is for education leaders, student affairs professionals, career services teams, TRIO and GEAR UP professionals, supervisors of student employees, and anyone helping students turn experience into confidence, clarity, and better decisions.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why student employment can become a powerful learning experience
• How campus jobs help students build professional skills
• Why student employment is being viewed as experiential education
• How supervisors can design student jobs with learning in mind
• What students learn beyond earning a paycheck
• Why many students feel overwhelmed by career decisions
• How career services can help students make better decisions earlier
• Why asking clarifying questions matters in the workplace
• What students often overlook about communication and responsibility
• How educators can connect students with the right people and opportunities
• Amanda’s “knuckleheaded decision” lesson about training supervisors clearly

Memorable quote:
“You can do almost anything. But then it’s like, how do I decide?”

Connect with Amanda Jeppesen:
Amanda Jeppesen serves as the Student Employment Specialist in Career and Student Employment Services at Western Michigan University. She is active on LinkedIn and can be found by searching Amanda Jeppesen Western Michigan University.

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In this episode of Z-Rated Success: The Decision Lab for Education Leaders, Nick Zizi sits down with Dr. Angell Howard, Associate Director of Professional Development and Staff Recognition at Illinois State University and founder of Necessary Change Consulting.

This conversation kicks off Season 2 and continues the journey as Episode 37 overall.

Dr. Howard shares how community college, TRIO, motherhood, and perseverance shaped her path. She also opens up about what education professionals are carrying right now, from burnout and budget pressures to the emotional work of supporting students and staff.

Together, Nick and Dr. Howard discuss professional development, culture change, leadership, conflict, psychological safety, and what it really takes to create transformation in organizations. As Dr. Howard says, “shock is temporary,” but real change requires care, honesty, listening, and the courage to address what others avoid.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Dr. Howard’s journey from GED to doctorate
• The role of TRIO and community college in her life
• What education professionals are carrying right now
• Why self-care matters for leaders and educators
• What makes professional development actually change behavior
• Where leaders get culture change wrong
• Why conflict is one of the decisions leaders delay too long
• How psychological safety affects trust, creativity, and performance
• Why flexibility matters in a changing educational world

Memorable quote:
“Shock is temporary. True transformation and change takes work.”

Connect with Dr. Angell Howard:
Dr. Angell Howard is the Associate Director of Professional Development and Staff Recognition at Illinois State University and founder of Necessary Change Consulting.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/angell-howard-ncc
Website: necessarychangeconsulting.com

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Hunter Prinz has a national leadership role with the FCCLA, where he shines as the national president while allowing others to lead him. The Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America, or FCCLA, is the only student-led career and technical organization with family as its main focus. It has an underlying foundation of family Consumer Sciences.

Members enjoy the Competitive Events Program because it allows them to actively use what they learn in the classroom in the real world and also encompasses all of the organization’s elements. 

Hunter explains why it is important for educators to understand and relate with their teenage students to make them feel recognized and form mutual respect. Listen in to learn why it is important for you as a teenager to have integrity while being completely yourself. 

Key Moments:

·       [0:35] Hunter defines FCCLA and how he got involved with the organization. 

·       [1:21] Why the competitive events program is the most enjoyed in the FCCLA. 

·       [2:51] How to relate to teenagers and form mutual respect as an educator. 

·       [4:19] How to effectively make a difference as a team member as you allow leaders to take charge. 

·       [6:29] How to be your full self as a teenager, plus how Hunter became his true self. 

·       [8:22] The importance of finding people who resonate with you as a teenager.

Quote:

“Do the right thing when no one’s watching, and if you’re not able to do what you want to do when someone’s watching, then you’re not able to be yourself.”- Hunter [6:33]

Relevant Links:

Website: https://fcclainc.org

Contact Hunter: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunter.prinz/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FCCLAPresident

Contact Nick:

Website: https://nickzizi.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nickzizi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickzizi/?hl=en

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Bring Nick Zizi’s Decision Lab keynote or training to your campus, district, or conference:
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Website: https://nickzizi.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nickzizi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickzizi/?hl=en

Let’s continue the conversation in our Facebook group. Join our dazzle of educators from around the country here https://facebook.com/groups/zebraeducators

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“Understand this, you are a problem solver”

“Your credibility is developed through your competence”

“Your work will be evaluated with only you in mind”

“Honor the position, even if the person leading isn’t doing his/her job well”

TIMESTAMPS:

[00:40] How to lead when your boss won’t/can’t

[01:46] Lead ourselves first

[02:52] Leadership is about solving problems

[03:14] What are the expectations of your job?

[05:01] Your work will be evaluated with only you in mind

[06:05] Developing your influence 

[07:42] Do what you need to get the job done 

[09:00] What can you do without overstepping to get the job done?

[10:19] The Don’ts

[11:24] Check your motives

[12:54] What you should do

[14:17] What to do if change is not possible

[15:16] Recap

[15:51] Outro

Contact: 
info@nickzizi.com
www.zratedsuccess.com  

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How much is your time worth? 

[1:08] 

 They've said I don't like wasting time because time is money. The truth is time isn't money. We need to change our philosophy, our mindset, our understanding of time management that time isn't money; time is not equated to money. 

 What is time really worth?

 [1:35]

 It's worth everything. It is priceless. There's no price tag that you can put on your time. 

[2:56]

When you think about time, you've got to think about it more than just money. So managing your time is managing your life. 

What is really important for you?

[3:30]

Is it working two jobs? Is it working your main job, and you have two side hustles? Is it you spending hours and perhaps even countless hours and days away from your family where you don't have that quality time with your children, with your spouse? Is that what it is? Or is there more to it?

[4:11]

If we spend our entire lives work more hours, working hard, we'll never have time to spend or invest in the lives of the people we love. Just keep in mind that time management is life management. 

Strategies to help you manage your life and time better

[4:45]

The first strategy is to plan your day. It's been said that if you fail to plan, you're planning to fail. If you fail to plan your day, you're planning to have an unproductive day.

[7:20]

And when you're working on that plan, you have a list of tasks you have to do. These are things that you want to get done that day, and you work on it. You want to make sure that you work from top to bottom.

[8:02]

Time wasted is life wasted. If someone wants to waste their lives, the way you do it is by wasting your time.

[11:51]

Teach people how to treat you. 

[13:10]

The second strategy is to prioritize. Use the 80 20 principles. 20 principle is a popularized term for discovery by an Italian economist named Vilfredo Pareto. he Notice that 80% of the wealth and income was produced, possessed by 20% of the population, but he also noticed the rule in many other places, like 80% of his garden peas were produced by 20% of the plants. So what does this mean? Think about the 20% of the tasks that you do or the things you do, which account for 80% of the results you have in your life or the results you want to see in your life. 

[15:17]

Focus on those you prioritize. Focus on the 20% that accounts for the 80%. This will change the game for you as it relates to your time management.

 [19:02]

 The next strategy is to say no. You don't have to say yes to every request. Learn to say no to the things that you can't do. 

 For the complete show notes email info@nickzizi.com with the subject line "show notes"

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Culturally responsive teaching is using the cultural knowledge, prior experience, and performance styles of diverse students to make learning more effective and appropriate. It is essentially teaching to and through the student. The educator makes sure that the instructional strategies and methodologies that you’re using are going to help the student be successful- you make it about the student and not you. This method helps educators meet the needs of their students, which goes beyond instructions but building and maintaining relationships with them and their families.

Teachers need to identify the cultural background of their students and understand the processes that are going to work to meet their needs. You have to use different things to ensure all students’ needs are met and that they become successful. Learn the concept of meeting all your students where they are by engaging appropriate strategies that they understand. You have to look at your students’ cultural knowledge, the experiences they bring, and then add spice to it so they understand and perform at their highest level. 

Stop being afraid of your students so your strategies can work! Dr. Shonta explains how as an educator, you can get to know your students and effectively build and maintain relationships with them. She also gives some tips on how to approach lesson planning to give your student and yourself ownership of the time available. 

Key Moments:

 [1:54] Defining culturally responsive teaching and its effectiveness.  

 [3:14] The importance of culturally responsive teaching in building and maintaining relationships between students and teachers. 

[5:54] Dr. Shonta explains the importance of identifying and understanding your students. 

[7:55] How to use multiple different modalities to teach your students. 

[8:13] Just teach! How to employ engaging strategies that your students understand.

 [14:18] Why you should stop being fearful to be successful in teaching your students.

 [16:47] The ways you can get to know your students and maintain relationships with them. 

[20:19] She states a few things an educator should keep in mind when planning a lesson.

[23:55] Why Dr. Shonta chose a path in education over any other career. 

Quotes:

·       “What works for one student might not necessarily work for another student.”- Dr. Shonta [3:01]

·       “To be successful, you have to make sure you’re engaging in successful practices.”- Dr. Shonta [4:31]

·       “If you’re not experiencing success with the students, then what you’re doing is not effective and efficient.”- Dr. Shonta [12:49]

Relevant Links:

Website: https://www.drshontasmith.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrShontaSmithInternational

Book: The Essence of Education by Dr. Shonta Smith 

Contact Nick:

Website: https://nickzizi.com/

Linkend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-zizi-12a6aa8/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickzizi/?hl=en

Let's continue the conversation in our Facebook group. Join our dazzle of educators from around the country here https://facebook.com/groups/zebraeducators

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Bring Nick Zizi’s Decision Lab keynote or training to your campus, district, or conference:
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Learn more about Z-Rated Success:
Visit zratedsuccess.com

Bring Nick Zizi’s Decision Lab keynote or training to your campus, district, or conference:
Visit nickzizi.com

Business Professionals of America (BPA) is a career and technical student organization that’s been around for about 53 years. They focus on business, marketing, entrepreneurship, digital communications, and IT. 

BPA is a three-legged stool in the areas they focus which are; academic excellence, leadership development, and a community service component. Educators get to work with well-rounded and dedicated students preparing them for the future. 

It is important to know what people need by asking questions to make an impact. Learn to keep your eyes and ears in the trends and align them with what people want to see in their lives.  Be the educator that asks their students what they want and then strategically implement their answers. The method of asking questions helps you understand what your students want to be able to meet them where they are and to engage them in the classroom. 

Dr. Ross believes that leaders develop other leaders, which is her role as a servant leader. Leadership development at BPA is about those in leadership, developing others to be leaders. 

There’s a need for student equity right now which will be solved by having ongoing conversations intentionally at the national level. 

Key Moments:

·       [2:17] The lessons this pandemic has given us as teachers to continue being creative and committed.

·       [4:02] Dr. Ross defines BPA, what it does for students, and how to join.

·       [6:10] The benefits of the BPA program to educators. 

·       [5:48] Dr. Ross narrates how she came from executive leadership in nonprofits to finding a passion in education leadership at BPA.

·       [8:21] She explains how the idea of the ‘purpose to potential’ tagline at BPA came about. 

·       [10:36] How to bring change by raising questions to understand what’s affecting people. 

·       [12:17] Learn to ask your students to get their honest answers and to engage them. 

·       [15:47] Some of the events like conferences and summits they’ve had this year and the past years. 

·       [19:11] The meaning of true leadership in all areas of life. 

·       [21:17] How passion and resilience make educators stand out from others. 

·       [22:44] The importance of having intentional and continuous conversations about student equity to bring change. 

·       [24:48] Dr. Ross answers some random questions. 

Contact Dr. Ross:

Website: https://bpa.org

LinkedIn: 

 
Contact Nick:

Website: https://nickzizi.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nickzizi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickzizi/?hl=en

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Also, join our Facebook group for educators here: www.facebook.com/groups/zebraeducators

Learn more about Z-Rated Success:
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Bring Nick Zizi’s Decision Lab keynote or training to your campus, district, or conference:
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Learn more about Z-Rated Success:
Visit zratedsuccess.com

Bring Nick Zizi’s Decision Lab keynote or training to your campus, district, or conference:
Visit nickzizi.com

Learn more about Z-Rated Success:
Visit zratedsuccess.com

Bring Nick Zizi’s Decision Lab keynote or training to your campus, district, or conference:
Visit nickzizi.com

Learn more about Z-Rated Success:
Visit zratedsuccess.com

Bring Nick Zizi’s Decision Lab keynote or training to your campus, district, or conference:
Visit nickzizi.com

Learn more about Z-Rated Success:
Visit zratedsuccess.com

Bring Nick Zizi’s Decision Lab keynote or training to your campus, district, or conference:
Visit nickzizi.com

Learn more about Z-Rated Success:
Visit zratedsuccess.com

Bring Nick Zizi’s Decision Lab keynote or training to your campus, district, or conference:
Visit nickzizi.com

Learn more about Z-Rated Success:
Visit zratedsuccess.com

Bring Nick Zizi’s Decision Lab keynote or training to your campus, district, or conference:
Visit nickzizi.com

Can you emulate a juggler and do more? Remember that the more you have to juggle, the more difficult it will be.We often find ourselves busy being busy which does not mean success.  You have to learn how to manage your time doing what matters most in your life not what doesn’t.

Think of what matters most and focus on it.  The truth is that you cannot manage time, but you can manage your life to make it desirable to you. Time wasted is a life wasted!

The three 3 Ps of time management:

Plan and identify what you should work on and in this case, what matters most. The 80/20 rule: how 20 percent of what you do accounts to 80 percent of your results. 

Prioritize- this means identifying the tasks or goals to do now, next, or never. We as teachers love to help and serve others, but we have to learn to say no and focus on what is important because time is limited.

Perform: It is one thing to plan, but a completely different one to execute. Taking action will set you apart from other teachers and help you grow. 

Balancing your home and work life is a challenge and it is important to cherish the season where you spend more time in one over the other. 

Here are a few tips on how to create a home-work life balance:

Ø  Share the vision of what you do with your family.

Ø  Teach your children to work hard at school and at home. 

Ø  Teach your children to love work by taking them to your work and allowing them to see what you do.

Ø  Participate in career day in school.

Ø  Bring positive stories of work heroes’ home.

Ø  Be aware of what family members are doing and keep in touch.

Ø  Involve your family in your work projects. 

Key Moments:

·       [2:08] How to manage with concentration and effort like a juggler.

·       [4:41] The busy trap- being too busy for what is important in your life. 

·       [5:39] What matters most to you? How to manage your life, not time. 

·       [7:47] The importance of planning what you should work on.

·       [9:20] How to prioritize what you need to work on first, second, or never. 

·       [11:58] Learning to perform by focusing on what matters most. 

·       [14:37] Tips on how to create a home-work life balance. 

Quotes:

·       “Managing your time is about doing what matters most.”- [5:31]

·       “We have to learn to say no to many of the requests that are made of us so that we can focus on what matters most.” [10:42]

Let's continue the conversation with other zebra educators from around the nation. Join our Facebook group for educators today here: www.facebook.com/groups/zebraeducators

Contact Nick:

www.nickzizi.com

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FFA is a dynamic youth organization that changes lives and prepares members for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agriculture education at middle school and high school level. James Woodard is the national FFA advisor, board chair, and the former superintended of Morgan Charter School Systems in Madison, Georgia. His 7th and 10th-grade teachers plus his parent’s guidance led him to agriculture education when he was a troubled kid heading in the wrong direction. 

The role of the teacher is to engage students while helping them to realize and work towards their full potential. James has a philosophy of touching and motivating through the heart using the three Rs (rigor, relevance, and relationship). He believes that the educator has to first create a relationship with their students and then motivate them to be what they intend to be. He shares a story of how his teacher encouraged him to take on public speaking after noticing his speech impediment.

Students of agriculture education receive a basic certification. There is a network in the agriculture education program that educators can find competition through FFA. Friendships and mentorships can be formed through these networks.

There is a power in conducting servant leadership- leading your team with your support and guidance as opposed to assigning them tasks. James explains the qualities he believes make a power teacher- those that separate them from the crowd in dealing with students, colleagues, and their leaders.

Key Moments:

[1:51] He explains the role of FFA in preparing young people with their careers.

[3:13] How James’ troubled youth, his two teachers, and his parents’ guidance led him to FFA. 

[8:43] The role of the teacher in engaging students to reach their potential.

[11:34] How to build a relationship and engage with your students individually.

[16:35] James narrates a story of how his teacher encouraged him to participate in public speaking to improve his speech impediment. 

[19:06] He explains some of the initiatives that have expanded the academic aspect of the FFA program making it successful. 

[23:39] How educators can benefit from the FFA agriculture program.

[25:40] The clipboard leadership vs. towel leadership- the importance of servant leadership.
 
[29:56] James explains the qualities that make a powerful teacher. 

Quotes:
“It is the relationship that builds the heart for a servant type leadership.”- James Woodard [27:32]

“Improvement is a process. I don’t expect anyone to be perfect, but I do expect them to improve, and to reflect.”- James Woodard [32:18]

Find Dr. Woodard on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-woodard-543a1863/

Website: https://www.ffa.org/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NationalFFA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalffa/

Contact Nick:

Website: https://nickzizi.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nickzizi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickzizi/?hl=en

Learn more about Z-Rated Success:
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Technical skills are an important part of the workforce in America today. They equip students with more than just adaptability and flexibility skills which enable them to change with time.

Today we have Chelle Travis, the executive director of Skills USA, a leading a career and technical student organization. She has over 17 years of leadership experience in career and technical education and the fourth ever leader of Skills USA. Skills USA serves middle schools, high schools, and college plus secondary students that are preparing careers and trade technical and skills service occupations. 

Students need to be given tools they need to be successful and be provided with confidence and strength to achieve their dreams. Educators need to show students their value and give them the opportunities and tools and mentorship that is necessary for their success. As a student on the other side, you need to explore available career opportunities and find a mentor who will guide you through your career journey.

Key Moments:

·       [2:39] She explains the meaning of the skills gap and how the work as Skills USA to reduce it in the workforce. 

·       [4:20] The impact of technical education on a students’ life, their families, and the community.

·       [5:55] Dispelling the misconception that technical education is less than a four-year degree career.

·       [9:06] How to find more about Skills USA and join.

·       [10:44] Chelle explains the skills that are programmed into their teaching framework at Skills USA.

·       [12:24] How students and instructors have shifted their focus to help fight COVID-19 in 2020.

·       [17:33] She explains what led her to pursue a passion for technical education and student organization. 

·       [21:24] How her mother provided her with the confidence and tools to be successful.

·       [24:47] The steps that you need to take as a student when choosing the education path to your future career.

·       [27:09] How as a parent you can get involved in your child’s career exploration journey.

·       [29:53] Why passionate educators that invest in their students stand out from the rest. 

Quotes:

·       “Employers are desperate for field workers and so the jobs are there and they pay well.”- Chelle Travis [6:58]

·       “I do believe in providing students with opportunities and tools and the mentorship that they need to be successful.”- Chelle Travis [24:20]

·       “Many things that appear to be stumbling blocks upon first glance are often things that lead us to success.”- Chelle Travis [26:01]

Find Chelle on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelle-travis-97b14412

Website: https://www.skillsusa.org/

Contact Nick:

Website: https://nickzizi.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nickzizi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickzizi/?hl=en

Learn more about Z-Rated Success:
Visit zratedsuccess.com

Bring Nick Zizi’s Decision Lab keynote or training to your campus, district, or conference:
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Learn to make your students safe with you before they can get comfortable outside of it. You can achieve this by giving many assignments that will give you an opportunity for one on ones where you can talk to them about their dreams and goals. Use the pandemic and virtual education space as a good opportunity for you to connect with your students and be a more caring adult.

The teachers that stand out from the rest are not afraid to speak out and empower their students while allowing them to take on leadership opportunities. They are not stopped by hard circumstances like COVID-19 and find a way even when there’s no way. These are the game-changers in the classroom and the education system. 

Key Moments:

·       [0:25] She explains the meaning of FCCLA and the purpose behind it.

·       [2:50] Learn the importance of both students and teachers joining the FCCLA.

·       [6:24] She shares her journey from a classroom teacher to the executive director of the FCCLA.

·       [10:42] The opportunity to grow that the COVID-19 period is providing you as a teacher.

·       [12:19] How to add value to the lives of your students by learning and sharing what you learn.

·       [16:05] How to touch the lives of your students outside of the classroom by showing interest and care.

·       [19:30] She shares some of the programs the FCCLA has conducted that she believes have had immense success. 

·       [24:14] The advantages and disadvantages of the virtual world on organizations and the education system at large. 

·       [31:13] Learning to develop and embrace the spirit of servant leadership.

·       [33:33] The qualities of teachers who change the classroom and education game- the standouts.

·       [36:13] Sandy answers some random fun questions.

Quotes:

“Students have to feel safe with you first in the classroom before they’re going to work with you outside of the classroom.” - Sandy Spavone [16:05]

“If you’re asking anyone else to do something, you should be willing to do it yourself first.”- Sandy Spavone [31:26] 

Contact FCCLA:

Website: https://fcclainc.org/

Contact Nick:

Website: https://nickzizi.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nickzizi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickzizi/?hl=en

Learn more about Z-Rated Success:
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We have to admit that some teachers are engaging more than others. Let’s be honest, even back when you were a student, I’m sure there were classes that you looked forward to attending while you dreaded attending others, right? This is because students like to be engaged for them to perform better during a class lesson.

Nick shares the five ways he uses to engage his audience. When you incorporate at least three of these in your lessons, you are sure to start getting results. But keep in mind that you have always the end goal and these techniques are only tools.

Set clear lesson goals. This is where you start with the end in mind- look for the desired result that you want to achieve during the lesson. These are the two questions you should ask yourself:

1.     What will students accomplish during this lesson?

2.     What does success look like to me?

Make the lesson challenging enough but also achievable. 

Open strong and finish strong. We remember the beginnings and endings more than the middle. This applies to the start and finish of a lesson, which means you should try to engage your students as they’re entering the class. Make it an experience by starting strong with an interesting fact or a story and repeat it at the end of the lesson. You can also come up with a creative way like reciting a poem- this is to make sure you end just as strong as you started.

Turn lessons into stories. Storytelling has been proven to be the best way to captivate and engage an audience’s logical and emotional side of the brain.  Look for a way to include a short story during your lesson to pull your students in. Remember to keep the end goal in mind by keeping the story related to the topic of the lesson.

Get them to move. It is boring to just sit there and listen, even you would want to move around to break the monotony, right? Students tend to want to move so it is wise to keep them moving. You can get them moving around the class if it is an in-person class or send them to the breakroom or ask them to move their body parts if the lesson is virtual. Find other creative ways that you can keep your students engaged.

Gamify the educational process. This will keep them interested! You can even make it a fun competition. Students like games and will in fact ask for more instead of turning the idea down. 

Key Moments:

·       [2:22] How to set clear lesson goals by starting with the end in mind.

·       [3:55] Open strong and finish strong by making both the start and finish interesting and interactive.

·       [8:45] How to turn lessons into short interesting stories that keep the students wanting more.

·       [11:20] How to get your students to move, in both the in-person or virtual lesson settings.

·       [15:10] Learn to gamify the educational process to make it easier and fun.

·       [18:37] Nick narrates a story of how he kept his audience engaged during a speaking event.

Quotes:

“Setting clear lesson goals, knowing what that is, and working towards that in every part of your lesson.”  [7:57]

“We remember the beginnings and endings more than we do the middle.” [4:15]

If you receive value, subscribe and leave a review. Also, join our Facebook Group, Zebra Educators, to connect with other zebras across the country. 

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Learn more about Z-Rated Success:
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Do you feel overworked and underpaid as a teacher? Well, it is no secret that a teacher’s salary is not prioritized. 

But don’t worry anymore, because today, Nick shares ways you can create multiple streams of income that will supplement your teaching salary.

Every student needs a teacher who feels that teaching is a vocation, not the one who eventually leaves for something better.

You as a teacher can succeed in entrepreneurship even better than any other people which because of:

·       Your ability to communicate complex topics simply.

·       An engaging personality.

You have the advantage of having summer off and concentrating on your side hustle while the rest of the year you concentrate on your job.

Here are some of the side hustles you can engage yourself in:

Ride and sharing. You can make extra money driving if you don’t want people coming into your car where you make decent money delivering to people using companies like Postmates.

Tutoring. Nick has spoken to many educators who tutor during their free time to make extra income. They use an online community called Wyzant that matches students with tutors and you can earn somewhere between $30-$60 an hour. Another one is TutorMe. Keep in mind that there’s a high demand for English-speaking teachers from the US to teach Asian students online. 

Create a course. This is where you go to Udemy or Teachable and create a course on a topic you know well and sell it for years to come. Breakdown a complex topic you’re passionate about by creating videos or PDFs and make money off it for years to come.

Selling your teaching resources. You might have a unique way of creating and organizing your teaching resources that other teachers find valuable. Teachers Pay Teachers is a platform you can go to upload your resources, get it viewed, and if teachers like it, they’ll purchase it. Nick shares statics that shows that this strategy can be profitable.

Become a freelance proofreader. You may not realize it, but since you’re already grading papers, you qualify to be a proofreader. You can start at a platform like Upwork where you can earn up to $30 an hour in the beginning and continue rising as you go. 

Write and sell eBooks. You can write and self-publish your own eBook and sell on topics you’re passionate about and earn an income by doing so for the rest of the year. 

The side hustle money will help you support your dream of teaching assuming it is your passion, if not then maybe you should rethink your career. 

Key Moments:

·       [3:20] Why you can be a successful entrepreneur due to your ability to communicate complex topics simply and an engaging personality.

·       [4:38] The advantage of having summer off to concentrate on your side hustle. 

·       [5:11] How to do drive your car for people’s deliveries. 

·       [6:29] How to do tutoring online to teach both American and overseas students. 

·       [8:16] How to create a money-making course on Udemy or Teachable and ideas of what to create.

·       [30:37] How to profit from your teaching resources by selling them to other teachers.

·       [12:44] The steps to becoming a freelance proofreader at Upwork.

·       [15:08] How to write and self-publish eBooks and earn all year round. 

·       [18:13] Learn the proper time management strategy to allow you to work and hustle on the side. 

Quotes:

·   

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Nick Zizi conducted a Facebook poll on an educators’ group on whether schools should reopen and 181+ teachers responded. About 150 teachers answered online-only, about 23 answered the nature of both online and in-person, a few answered no with no one answering yes to in-person classes. These results reflect what is going on in the minds of teachers.

There are chances that if things do not change, we will have no option but to go 100% online. This mode of teaching has its challenges especially for younger students who do better with face to face learning and special needs students who also need the in-person teaching method. There are too many unknowns for all parties involved in the education system.

We’re not in a position to make decisions but there are things we can focus on instead to better our situation, they include: 

Be proactive. The only option right now is remote learning if things don’t change. We would be in a better place focusing on what we can achieve with it rather than what we cannot. 

Think of your experience with remote learning last school year and what you should be doing now to better your experience with it come fall. 

Make a list of what you need to work on. Think of all the things that did not work and the experience you had in overall. After that exercise, look for ways to prepare for the coming year and practice on them to get better. 

Master the basics. After preparing and practicing, master the basics so you have time to focus and help your students when it’s time for learning.

Some additional tips on how to be successful with remote learning:

Simplicity is key. Be simple and utilize methods like PDF files and recording and posting video lessons. Also, keep your instructions as simple as possible in everything you do.

Engagement. Utilize some ways to make sure everyone is mentally present to keep them engaged. Keep them involved in the lessons.

Be motivated and positively energetic. Due to the stress levels we’re all experiencing (teachers and students alike), show up motivated and optimistic to give each one of your students hope. 

Key Moments:

• [1:10] The results of a poll from educators’ Facebook group on whether schools should reopen.
• [2:41] The challenge of going 100% online especially for younger kids.
• [4:48] How to be proactive with the available options. 
• [8:11] Questions you should be asking yourself to better your experience with remote learning come next year. 
•  [10:10] How to better prepare for what is to come next year. 
•  [14:31] Additional tips on how to be successful with online remote learning. 

Quotes:

“Instead of us focusing on what we cannot change and what we don’t have power over, let’s focus on what we do have control over.”-Nick [7:44]

“The teachers who will be a stand out success this year are the ones who dared to prepare.”-Nick [11:36]

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Join our Zebra Educators Group on Facebook for additional support from educators from across the country. 
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Are you feeling stuck through this summer? This is without a doubt the most different summer and the year we’ve ever had especially as educators. 

In this episode of the Z-rated Success Podcast, Nick talks about three important ways you can utilize your time to the fullest through this summer.  

Listen in to learn how you can use the 3Rs (relax, reflect, and retool) effectively to become the best version of yourself even when in quarantine.

Top Takeaways:

• How to relax and take care of yourself.
• The value you will gain from writing/ journaling about your experiences and reflecting on them to see your growth.
• Ways in which you can retool by utilizing available free resources. 

Quotes:

“If your life is worth living, it’s worth recording.” Tony Robbins [4:33]

“Don’t let this time pass you by, this is a very important time and any time we waste time, we waste our lives and wasted time is life wasted.” Nick Zizi [14:05]

Key Moments:

• [0:25] Intro 
• [1:06] The importance of setting time alone and taking care of yourself to be comfortable and happy. 
• [3:27] Learning how to reflect on past experiences of the good, the bad, and the lessons you have learned along the way.  
• [4:19] The power of journaling about your life and your experiences, when, and how to do it. 
• [9:43] Turn your downtime into learning time by reflecting on things that you need to improve on and find free resources you can tap into.
• [11:47] How you can connect with other standout educators on social media.

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Learn more about Z-Rated Success:
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Bring Nick Zizi’s Decision Lab keynote or training to your campus, district, or conference:
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Dr. Steve Perry is America’s Educator. He is the educator Oprah Winfrey, Sean "P-Diddy" Combs, Bishop TD Jakes, and Steve Harvey call on to offer insight to parents and children. His powerful voice is respected and has been featured on MSNBC, Fox, CNN, and Oprah Winfrey show, to name a few.

Dr. Steve shares his inspirational story of growing up in poverty to making his way up as a top educator in the nation. They discuss the unpopular perspective of being an educator And how a teacher can make a sizable impact on students' life. 

Steve shares some tried and true strategies for educators to standout.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

●      What it takes a be a great teacher

●      How to maintain work-life balance 

●      Traits of a good teacher

●      How to effectively impact students life

●      Why it's important to spend less time complaining, more time enjoying

●      Setting up learning sequences that can help children

Key Moments:

[1:38] Steve's journey of coming from a humble beginning

[3:28] Teachers that impacted his life

[8:06] Top qualities of a good educator

[10:50] What makes a great teacher

[13:45] "The only way to make up time is to make time." - Work-Life Balance defined 

[18:05] How to help below grade level students how do we get these kids

[21:00] What a teacher can achieve in his capacity without administration support

[22:45] Best piece of advice for educators to be a standout success

Quotes:

"Educators' expectations in the student make a tremendous difference in what they do and how they perform in school."

"How about allying your life to your work, and it doesn't ever feel like you're working."

"If you have to consistently explain to the people around you what you do with your time, you're around wrong people."

"Those individuals who have the highest expectations, coupled with the highest accord, are the ones who get most out of our children."

"If you have children, you don't consider lying next to them when they are afraid because they have a fever. You don't know what to do; you just have to comfort them. You go the extra mile".

"So much of the conversation around Education is about how the teachers are overworked and underpaid. If you want to make, money go do something different. It's what you signed up for."

 "A great teacher has to come in understanding that she or he doesn't know everything. So approach children in that way. They also have a sense of confidence and excitement they bring to. Great teachers are great coaches".

"Anytime teachers start telling me how they are going above and beyond - I start to question whether they are going to be great." 

"I feel so blessed that I have the opportunity to spend an entire day doing what I love, why would I complain about that, who does that. Spend less time complaining, more time enjoying."

"We're on the right side of the dirt right now; we're going to spend the rest of eternity on the other side. All of us are grains of sand on a very large beach. We're stars of the infinite sky. Don't get so caught up on yourself. This is an awesome opportunity."

"You work your way up to the upper grades, and what you find is inevitably it boils down to the quality of instruction. it's that person's ability to take information that's in their head, or

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[2:32] About Frankie, a snippet of his Journey

[10:25] Traits of successful educators 

[15:04] How educators can relate with the students

[20:44] Importance of leveraging technology in teaching

[29:06] Being in the classroom now vs Pre-COVID

[37:44] Impact of COVID-19 on the education industry

[39:36] Best piece of advice for teachers

[42:46] Where to learn more from Frankie

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Links Mentioned:
Frankie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solofrankieb/?hl=en
Solofrankie.com
@solofrankieb
www.nickzizi.com

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Dr. Katsia Cadeau is an award-winning educator, community leader, author, researcher, and motivational speaker. She is passionate about the topic of educational policy and leadership. She is currently a professor and the director of the education department at St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida.

In this episode, of the Z-rated Success Podcast, Nick sits with Dr. Cadeau as she talks about the teacher’s certification process.

In this episode you will learn:

The basic requirement to be certified as a teacher is the general and professional knowledge and a bachelor’s degree in any field. Then you need to contact the department of education in the state you’re in. Dr. Cadeau explains the process that one goes through in Florida, where you can be approved after being reviewed or deemed illegible. What you could do to become eligible.

She shares her story from being a career changer to a teacher. She noticed the problem with career changer teachers was quitting too early on the journey and wanted to help them, so she took exams to go into administration. She then went into classroom teaching and walked the walk of being in the classroom to be able to facilitate that help.

She talks about her online program, which is in partnership with the Miami Dade Public County Schools and everyone else interested. In the program, a teacher can major in elementary ed but can also get a specialization in special ed or teaching English language learners. The best thing about it is that they will accept nine transfer credits which means you’ll finish early- in a year. 

If you fail the teacher’s certification tests, you can keep on trying to take them- there is an online company where they train you in your problem areas. 

The renewal program for certification and the renewal fee. You have to renew your certification, even for Dr. Cadeau does so even though she trains teachers and hasn’t been in a classroom in years. She explains what you will need for the renewal of your certification as a teacher. She also mentions the free teacher’s certification exam that Florida offers until July 31st.

Florida State added a new course requirement, which includes the strategies of teaching students with disabilities a few years back.

Teacher turnover. Stress and lack of classroom management are just some of the things that most new teachers experience. You have to be ready for the students and on top of your content area, have class rules, and be consistent. And also, make sure that you’re certified to protect your job.

Dr. Cadeau describes her passion for helping her students achieve their goals as what keeps as a teacher. She learns every day even from her students, she has a drive, and never gives up. She has just been made a full professor which is a first for an African American in St. Thomas University. She uses care towards her students to drive them to learn and do better. 

Relevant Links:

kcadeau@stu.edu

www.drkatsia.com

www.nickzizi.com

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Meet Webber Charles, the director of student’s achievements for Breakthrough Miami where he helps students from low-income under-resourced areas of Miami-Dade County overcome barriers to academic success.

In this episode of Z-rated Success Podcast, Nick sits with Webber Charles as he shares his desire to recognize and impact talented and gifted students from low-income backgrounds. 

Listen to hear how you as an educator can identify a gifted and talented student even without the gifted program in your school. You will also hear how as a parent you can contribute to the overall performance of your child in school by teaching them to be positively entitled.

“Equality and equity are not the same. Giving things out equally doesn’t mean you’re being equitable.”- Webber Charles [35:52]

Top Takeaways:

·       The process of recognizing a gifted and talented student from a low-income background.

·       Why social-economic status affects the ability of students in school either positively or negatively.

·       Teaching children how to be positively entitled while in school.

·       How to shift your mind and utilize the available curriculum to get your students to perform as those in gifted programs.

·       Giving students opportunities, not because of their IQ but because they perform at a certain standard.

·       How to curate your child to become a high impactful individual who works towards success. 

·       How your circumstances and chances affect whom you end up becoming.

Key Moments:

·       [0:28] Intro

·       [2:20] He describes how his experience with low-income students motivated him to do the work that he’s doing with students today. 

·       [6:11] Using a low-income student’s story to understand their gifts and talents as a teacher. 

·       [10:33] The factors to consider when identifying gifted and talented younger or older students.

·       [14:26] The meaning of concerted cultivation and its relations to parenting.  

·       [19:50] How teachers can import their higher expectations of students in gifted programs into schools without gifted programs. 

·       [24:28] Why you need to start early with students and how to show them, love, if they’re older.

·       [29:06] How to nurture your child both academically and socially.

·       [37:42] How to get in touch with Breakthrough Miami and the benefits they offer. 

·       [43:45] How to access the Breakthrough program if not in Miami plus other organizations that offer similar programs.  

Book Mentioned:

Our Kind of People: Inside America's Black Upper-Class by Lawrence Otis Graham

Relevant Links:

Webber’s Contact Info

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/webber.charles

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Charliblac

Breakthrough’s Contact Info

Website: https://breakthroughmiami.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BreakthroughMia/


Nick Zizi
https://www.nickzizi.com

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Meet Dr. Lashawn Lewis Gill, a biblical counselor, a licensed professional counselor specializing in helping people help themselves. She has the desire to help people find the desire within themselves to elevate to the next level. 

In this episode of the Z-rated Success Podcast, Nick sits with Dr. Gill as she explains the stigma surrounding mental health and the responsibility that lies with everyone to ensure they’re mentally healthy.

Listen in to learn how you can take care of your mental health as an educator as well as track that of your students’. You will also learn the importance of seeking the help of a professional counselor.

“We need to live in the moment, embrace what we have right now- the fact that we have life, we woke up this morning, and the activity of our lungs because somebody else doesn’t have that.”- Dr. Gill [21:40]

Top Takeaways:

·       How to use biblical teachings to deal with your mental health issues.

·       Steps to take towards mental health as an educator.

·       How to approach your students’ mental health issues and the best way to inform their parents. 

·       The power of having a mentor to guide in the same school building.

·       The purpose of seeing a professional counselor.

Key Moments:

·       [0:28] Intro

·       [1:52] She describes the stigmatization of mental disorders and its consequences.

·       [3:01] The importance of establishing your mental baseline to keep going.

·       [5:13] How she was led by God to be a counselor and help people who are hurting.

·       [6:42] The story of Job in the Bible, the mental issues he went through, and how you can relate.

·       [8:21] The importance of taking mental health days as an educator.

·       [9:38] What you can do on your mental health days to take care of yourself. 

·       [11:16] The importance of being there for your students one on one during this time even though remotely.

·       [12:40] How you can reach out to a parent and inform them of their children’s mental issues. 

·       [14:13] Learning to get along with other teachers for the good of the students and finding a mentor within the same school building. 

·       [15:37] She explains why you need the help of a neutral counselor with your mental health.

·       [16:56] When and where should you seek professional counseling?

·       [19:08] How to find a quality counselor who cares about your needs.

·       [20:49] How to stop stress by handling the situations as they come and embracing what you have during this time. 

Relevant Links:

Website: https://lashawnlewis.com/
https://nickzizi.com

Learn more about Z-Rated Success:
Visit zratedsuccess.com

Bring Nick Zizi’s Decision Lab keynote or training to your campus, district, or conference:
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In this episode of the Z-rated Success Podcast, Nick sits with him as he shares his journey in the education sector and his story before then.

Listen in to learn the importance of education and God’s teachings in building children’s foundation. You will also hear the possible changes that are going to happen in the education sector due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“No matter what the circumstances are, put God in your life first with education being second while having the spirit of resiliency, commitment, dedication, never giving up, and perseverance and you will bounce back.”- Dr. Steve Gallon [12:53]

Top Takeaways:

·       The importance of education in the lives of children.

·       The power of investing in what’s important in your life for a better future. 

·       Why you should create a Godly foundation for your children so they always bounce back after a fall.

·       Understanding the possibilities and opportunities in the education sector after Coronavirus in terms of technology.

Key Moments:

·       [0:30] Intro

·       [2:59] He shares his history, how education changed his life, and his career in the education sector.

·       [9:27] Why parents should create a Godly foundation filled with education for their children when they’re younger. 

·       [13:20] He explains how he believes the education sector is going to change after the COVID-19.

·       [15:25] Some little-known facts about Dr. Gallon.

Relevant Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drstevegallon/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/docstevegallon

YouTube: Dr. Steve Gallon III

https://nickzizi.com

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Meet Jhonson Napoleon, the president of Azure college, CEO of Azure group, and a brand developer. He started Azure college which is the first Haitian-accredited college in the USA. 

In this episode of Z-rated Success Podcast, Nick speaks with Jhonson as he shares his motivation towards entrepreneurship and his heart to serve and help people. 

Listen to hear the technological advancements going on in the world now and how it’s going to affect the education sector in the long run after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There are going to be a lot of businesses out of business after COVID-19, there are going to be a lot of people out of jobs- 26 million unemployed…there are going to be a lot of political ramifications. But those things are not going to touch you as far as we know.”- Jhonson Napoleon [7:53]

Top Takeaways:

·       The positive and negative impacts brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

·       The massive future of Artificial Intelligence and why you need to study at least the basics no matter your career path.

·       How the education sector is being changed by technology and what you need to do to keep up.

·       Why we need to deal with mental health issues especially in the black community.

Key Moments:

·   0:24 Intro 

·       [3:59] He shares when Azure college was started and later accredited and the starting of Azure high school. 

·       [5:28] How he started with a money motivation and is now led by leaving a legacy.

·       [7:00] Why you should focus on the after COVID-19 and not panic about the situation now.

·       [9:59] Why you need to study AI in college and focus on jobs that are hard to do away with humans.

·       [13:39] He talks about the changing face of education by technology and why degrees are not going to be as effective as they were years back.

·       [15:31] How to value yourself as a teacher and look for opportunities created by the COVID-19. 

·       [18:27] The apparent truths being revealed by the Coronavirus about the loopholes in the system and what can be done about it. 

·       [21:16] He explains how nursing school works online. 

·       [22:22] How the medical scene is going to be changed post-COVID-19.

·       [23:25] How he’s influencing Haitians to learn to deal with mental health issues.

Books Mentioned:

·       Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence Hardcover by Max Tegmark 

·       The Age of Surveillance Capitalism by Shoshana Zuboff

Relevant Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhonson-napoleon-2a28a729/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jhonson_napoleon/

https://www.nickzizi.com

Learn more about Z-Rated Success:
Visit zratedsuccess.com

Bring Nick Zizi’s Decision Lab keynote or training to your campus, district, or conference:
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Meet Nick Zizi, the host, he is a student success coach, motivational speaker, bestselling author, and an educator.

Here you get to know him personally and his passion for education which stems from support from a teacher in his childhood. Listen in to learn about the importance of motivation as an educator and the steps you can take to ensure you never lack it.

Top Takeaways:

·       The impactful difference an educator can have in a child’s life.

·       The steps you need to take to keep your motivation as a teacher. 

Key Moments:

·       [0:30] Intro 

·       [1:09] Who is Nick Zizi professionally and what has he done in the education sector?

·       [1:56] How he struggled with his grades in grade school and felt like a failure until his life was changed by an impactful teacher. 

·       [4:53] Why your work as an educator matters no matter the circumstances.

·       [5:25] Get to know Nick Zizi personally and his passion for education.

·       [8:07] The importance of motivation to keep your drive as an educator. 

·       [9:37] Why you need to write and post your reason(s) for becoming an educator.

·       [10:44] What to do when you forget your ‘why’ or it’s not strong enough.

·       [11:58] What to expect in the future of this podcast.

Learn more about Z-Rated Success:
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Bring Nick Zizi’s Decision Lab keynote or training to your campus, district, or conference:
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