— About The Show

Elevating What Is Working in American K12 Schools

The Hard Work, the Heart Work

The profession I love also keeps me up at night. I’ll never forget texting a mentor during my very first month as Principal, tears in my eyes, saying, “Our children need so much help.” I’m always reflecting and asking myself, How can I do things better? But one thing I know for sure: we can’t do this alone. I’m inspired daily by colleagues doing incredible work, and I was craving deeper connection and conversation.

I love listening to podcasts on my drive to work each morning. Actually… let me be honest. I’m a full-blown podcast junkie. There’s just something magical about getting inspired, learning something new, and commuting all at the same time. One commute, two wins — multitasking at its finest! Being an educator means constantly innovating, creating, and taking risks because our children’s needs are great and always evolving. And even though we know change is necessary, actually creating change in education is hard. It takes courage, bold leadership, creativity, and—let’s be real—a little hope borrowed from people in the field who are out there doing or having done the work and refused to settle for the status quo.

The Aha Moment!

Fast forward to June as I wrapped up the 2024–25 school year. One of my mentors—Dr. Gregory Franklin, a USC professor and retired superintendent—invited me to do a video interview about student belonging and the brilliant work happening at my school, all led by an incredible faculty and staff. And during that interview… it clicked. A podcast!

That was the moment. I thought, Okay, that’s it—I’m starting a podcast. A space to sit down with brilliant minds, ask the burning questions we all share, tap into each guest’s “zone of genius,” and share everything I learn with other passionate educators who are relentlessly focused on giving students the school experiences they deserve. And, oddly enough—even though it sounds wild—it actually helps me “turn off” my brain from work. I know, don’t try to make too much sense of it… but it works!

So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates —a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. The school leadership podcast dedicated to advancing creativity and innovation in education. No matter the seat you lead from, this podcast is your vehicle for creative ideas, bold school leadership, and field-tested strategies that work where it counts—in schools.

Welcome Aboard -

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

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

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

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

As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.

— We do nothing great on our own

We're a team of movers and shakers who are innovative, who dream big and do our darndest to make things happen for children and the adults who support them.

We do nothing great on our own.

One Changed Child's Life Changes Generations.

Our passion is fueled by the idea that Educators are #GenerationChangers. No politics over here -- our focus is on children in American schools.

Substance on point! Aesthetics on point.

Dui Jarrod Emmy Nominated Filmmaker, Playwright and Director

Congratulations Dr. Spates. I loved it. Very inspiring!

@Dr. Nancy Villagomez Spotify Subscriber

On the School Bus with Dr. Spates offers a rare and refreshing look inside our education system. It’s a compelling watch for educators and non-educators alike, providing insight into the passion, innovation, and care that today’s educators bring to an ever-evolving learning landscape.

Tavia Wooley Founder/Executive Director of Empower Them Collective

An education podcast that challenges thinking, sparks creativity, and reimagines that learning can be-bold, innovative, and deeply thought-provoking.

Dr. Tobi Page Director, Student Programs at Sacramento County Office of Education

Let's Connect.

Feel free to contact us for collaborations that will positively impact school leaders and/or their communities.

All queries are replied within 24hrs.

On the School Bus with Dr Spates On the School Bus with Dr Spates