Educate U.S.

Most schools ask educators to do too much with too little. Pablo Cesar Villavicencio (CEO of Alliance College Ready Public Schools) is changing that. In this episode, he reveals how his network doubled teacher planning time—from 4.5 hours to over 8 hours a week—resulting in higher morale, better instruction, and dramatic gains in college persistence. Discover how to leverage AI, reimagine school schedules, and overcome systemic funding shortages to fiercely protect teacher time. If you are ready to move past burnout and implement practical, equitable strategies that help teachers and students thrive, this episode is your blueprint.

In this episode, Stacey and Patrice explore how embracing grief can transform educators and communities. They discuss insights from Brian's book, The Optimist, and share strategies for processing grief through art therapy, movement, and more. Discover how emotional health fosters empathy and resilience, reducing burnout and bias in educational settings. Perfect for educators, families, and leaders seeking growth through emotional awareness.

Uncover the profound resilience and optimism rooted in the act of teaching. This episode reveals how educators, from middle school teachers to life-long mentors, transform lives, even in the face of grief, exhaustion, and life's toughest transitions. Join us as Brian Platzer shares a deeply personal story inspired by his former teacher, Rod Keating, navigating the weight of grief, legacy, and the unbreakable bond between teachers and students. Discover how this relationship inspired his heartfelt novel, The Optimists, a story that celebrates the extraordinary impact of one mentor’s influence and the cycle of growth, loss, and renewal.Find links to purchase the book: https://www.brianplatzer.com/the-optimistsPeople Article mentioned: https://people.com/brian-platzer-the-optimists-exclusive-essay-11910548The Educate U.S. podcast is presented by our friends over at Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC. & Positively Tea.  Enjoy a cup of the best tasting coffee (and tea!) while listening to Stacey & Patrice break down the latest from the world of education & beyond! Visit this link - https://lddy.no/1k3n0 & use their promo code EDUCATEUS for 20% off your first purchase!

Stacey & Patrice are back with a discussion on changes in higher education and the public perception about whether a college degree is still the end goal for people, or are vocational schools and even enter the job field earlier, more valuable than the cost associated with getting that degree.The Educate U.S. podcast is presented by our friends over at Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC. & Positively Tea.  Enjoy a cup of the best tasting coffee (and tea!) while listening to Stacey & Patrice break down the latest from the world of education & beyond! Visit this link - https://lddy.no/1k3n0 & use their promo code EDUCATEUS for 20% off your first purchase!

We’re back to finish the conversation Lindsay Whorton started, but this time, we’re getting into the systemic "why" behind the burnout. Patrice and Stacey bridge the gap between theory and the classroom, tackling the frustrating reality that many teachers want to lead but feel trapped by outdated hierarchies. We’re deconstructing the "promotion-or-nothing" culture and looking at the real-world barriers that prevent true collaboration. This episode is a call to action for every educator who has ever felt overqualified and underutilized; it’s time to stop waiting for a hero at the top and start building a leadership architecture where power is shared and every voice has the agency to drive change.The Educate U.S. podcast is presented by our friends over at Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC. & Positively Tea.  Enjoy a cup of the best tasting coffee (and tea!) while listening to Stacey & Patrice break down the latest from the world of education & beyond! Visit this link - https://lddy.no/1k3n0 & use their promo code EDUCATEUS for 20% off your first purchase!

Is the "superhero" principal model actually destroying our schools? In this episode, we tear down the unsustainable expectation that one leader can do it all and introduce a game-changing blueprint for the future: shared leadership. Joining us is Lindsay Whorton, author of 'A New School Leadership Architecture', to explore why current structures are failing educators and how a collaborative approach can stop burnout, boost teacher retention, and transform student outcomes. If you're tired of the "do more with less" mantra and ready for a practical strategy to build a leadership ecosystem where everyone thrives, this conversation is your roadmap to a more resilient school culture.The Educate U.S. podcast is presented by our friends over at Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC. & Positively Tea.  Enjoy a cup of the best tasting coffee (and tea!) while listening to Stacey & Patrice break down the latest from the world of education & beyond! Visit this link - https://lddy.no/1k3n0 & use their promo code EDUCATEUS for 20% off your first purchase!