Episode 17 In Episode 17 of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, I sit down with Kat Shaw, widely known as The Tatted Principal and Executive Director of Howard Gardner Community School. Kat brings more than two decades of experience in education and a leadership style grounded in authenticity, restorative practices, and deep belief in the potential of every student.

Kat shares her remarkable journey from instructional aide to transformational school leader serving students who have often been pushed out of traditional systems. At Reach Academy, a school serving expelled students, she stepped into an environment marked by crisis and instability and helped transform it into a space centered on trust, belonging, and accountability. We talk about what happens when leaders refuse to code-switch and instead show up as their authentic selves.

Kat explains how that authenticity helped her connect with students who had learned not to trust adults in schools. She also shares practical strategies educators can implement immediately: community circles, daily check-ins, mental health partnerships, and empowering students to step into leadership roles within their school community. This conversation is a powerful reminder that relationships are the foundation of real school transformation.

Guest

Special thanks to Kat Shaw for joining me on the school bus.