The Interview Chair

Most educators feel overwhelmed by challenging behaviors — but what if changing the approach could turn chaos into connection? Dr. Bethany Bilidou, an expert in human behavior and creator of the "Ease the Pain in the Classroom" framework, shares surprising strategies that empower teachers to defuse crises in seconds and build resilience in even the most difficult students.

In this episode, Jimmy shares how educators are facing fatigue as they enter the final stretch of the school year. He reminds us that if we want students to stay focused and continue to work hard, then we, as educators, need to do the same. Jimmy shares specific steps that we can take to regain momentum and continue to move forward so we no longer feel like we are just hanging on. 

In this episode, Jimmy sits down with his wife, Kheila Casas, to reflect on her journey and passion for education. Together, they discuss the value of giving others permission, the importance of instructional clarity, and offer insights on balancing leadership and family life with intention and purpose.

In this thought-provoking episode, Will Parker shares his journey as an educator and leader, emphasizing the importance of reflection, asking for help, and building strong relationships within school communities. He highlights the significance of  small steps and how they can lead to significant changes in one’s life. 

In this engaging conversation, Jen Schwanke, an Ohio deputy superintendent, shares her insights on the challenges and rewards of leadership in education. The discussion covers her early failures, the role of principals, the need for instructional leadership, and the significance of empowering educators to foster a supportive environment for both teachers and students. 

In this episode, Jimmy highlights the impact of our words and actions, emphasizing the difference between intent and impact. He discusses how educators can make a profound impact on their students and colleagues by being intentional with words, particularly around the concepts of apologies and forgiveness.

Jimmy shares a personal experience where his approach to student behavior was rooted in a compliance mentality, focusing on punishment rather than understanding. This experience led him to realize the need for a shift from a culture of compliance to one of investment.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Kirsten Frankovich shares how she sat in the Interview Chair as a young, strong, and confident leader and left the chair feeling broken and wondering if she was truly ready for the role. She emphasizes the importance of women leaders embracing motherhood, knowing that it makes you stronger both at home and at work, and reminds us of how we can regain our confidence when someone believes in us. 

In this engaging conversation, David James shares his journey from substitute teacher to assistant principal, and back to classroom teacher, and his role in leading the Wolfpack Workshop Series professional development for staff. David also discusses his commitment to mentoring new teachers and creating a culture of learning by investing in both new and veteran educators to enhance student achievement.

In this episode of the Interview Chair, host Jimmy Casas shares insights from coaching leaders, emphasizing the need for personal connection to build trust with all members of the school community.

In this episode, Lynmara Colón opens up about her journey from self-doubt to self-empowerment. Through the guidance of key mentors, Lynmara discovered the power of bilingualism, the importance of owning her intelligence, and the courage to step fully into who she is. Today, she is dedicated to breaking down barriers for Latina women and others who are facing similar challenges, and encouraging them to reach for their dreams. 

In this episode, Jimmy highlights the power of student voice and shares insights directly from students themselves. He reveals the questions they believe every candidate should be ready to answer.

In this conversation, Todd Nesloney discusses the importance of embracing our vulnerability and the necessity of addressing negative self-talk to take control of our own thoughts. He emphasizes that while it's okay to feel broken at times, it's crucial not to dwell in that negativity, as it can shape our identity. 

How do you respond when you don’t feel supported? In this episode, Jimmy shares his thoughts on how we can move forward and more importantly, reflect on our own behaviors to ensure we don’t cause those same feelings for others.   

In episode 106, Jimmy describes the throughline from the boardroom to the classroom and how we all play a part in shaping the culture of an organization. Taking real examples from his coaching experiences across the country, he shares three ways that districts can impact the entire school system when we work together to support one another. 

In this episode, Dr. Maria Lewis discusses the challenges educators face and her current role in school performance and curriculum development, emphasizing the importance of mindset and communication.