Thank you for your interest in participating in our podcast! Below, you’ll find the instructions on how to record and submit your segment, along with our planned topics for the year. Please select the topic you’d like to contribute to.
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My name’s Tyree Sterling and I’ve been empowering bystanders with empathy since 2001. From school speaker to crisis prevention specialist, I echo what caring adults say, I just put Rock Your Mic spice on it.
We invite you to share your insights! Here’s how you can participate:

1. Choose Your Topic:
• Review the topics listed below and select the one that aligns with your experience and expertise.

2. Record Your Segment:
- Simply use your phone to record your segment in a quiet place, such as your car. Keep it to about 3 minutes. Don’t worry about editing—I’ll handle that for you!
​- Recording intro: “Hello, my name is [Name], and I am a [Role] at [School Name] in [City, State]. Here’s how we [speak on the title and continue your submission].”
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3. Submit Your Recording:
- Use your phone to share the audio to us [[email protected]].
- Subject Line: Copy and paste the topic from the list below.
- Email Body: Please include your NAME, SCHOOL (optional), CITY & STATE (optional), and ROLE.
FALL
September: Building a Positive School Culture (Submit before August 15th)
  1. Principals: How do you establish a positive school culture at the beginning of the school year? What traditions or practices help set the tone?
  2. Educators: How do you create a positive and inclusive classroom environment from day one? What strategies do you use to build classroom community?
  3. Support Staff: What role do you play in fostering a positive school culture, especially during the first month back?

October: Engaging Families and the Community (Submit before September 15th)
  1. Principals: How do you engage with families and the community to support your school’s mission? Can you share a successful family engagement strategy?
  2. Educators: How do you involve parents and guardians in your students’ education? What communication strategies work best for you?
  3. Support Staff: How do you interact with families and the community, and what’s your role in supporting school-wide events and initiatives?

November: Gratitude and Recognition (Submit before October 15th)
  1. Principals: How do you show appreciation for your staff and students? What recognition programs or traditions do you have in place?
  2. Educators: How do you incorporate gratitude into your classroom practices? What activities help your students appreciate their learning community?
  3. Support Staff: How do you contribute to a culture of appreciation in your school? What’s your role in recognizing the efforts of students and staff?
WINTER
December: Celebrating Success and Setting Goals (Submit before November 15th)
  1. Principals: How do you celebrate your school’s successes as the calendar year ends, and what goals do you set for the second half of the school year?
  2. Educators: How do you recognize your students’ achievements before the winter break, and how do you prepare them for the challenges ahead?
  3. Support Staff: How do you contribute to end-of-year celebrations, and what are your goals for supporting the school community in the new year?

January: New Beginnings (Submit before December 15th)
  1. Principals: How do you set goals for your school at the start of the new calendar year? What strategies do you use to motivate staff and students to start the year strong?
  2. Educators: What are your favorite methods for re-engaging students after the winter break? How do you help them refocus on their academic goals?
  3. Support Staff: What’s the best piece of advice you received for starting the new year on the right foot? How do you contribute to a positive atmosphere in the school during January?

February: Building Relationships (Submit before January 15th)
  1. Principals: How do you foster strong relationships between staff and students in your school? Can you share a successful initiative or program?
  2. Educators: What are your go-to activities or strategies for building rapport with your students, especially during the winter months?
  3. Support Staff: How do you build connections with students and staff to create a supportive school environment?
SPRING
March: Assessments and Data (Submit before February 15th)
  1. Principals: How do you prepare your school for standardized testing and other assessments? What role does data play in your planning?
  2. Educators: How do you use data to guide your teaching and help your students succeed, particularly as you prepare for spring assessments?
  3. Support Staff: How do you assist with assessment preparation, and what’s your role in supporting students and teachers during this time?

April: Innovation and Creativity (Submit before March 15th)
  1. Principals: How do you encourage innovation and creativity within your school? Can you share an example of a creative initiative that’s made a difference?
  2. Educators: What are some creative projects or activities you’ve implemented in the classroom that have had a significant impact on student learning?
  3. Support Staff: How do you contribute to fostering a creative and innovative environment in your school?

May: Wrapping Up the School Year (Submit before April 15th)
  1. Principals: How do you ensure a smooth end to the school year? What strategies do you use to keep students and staff focused during the final months?
  2. Educators: How do you keep students motivated and engaged during the last few weeks of school? What end-of-year activities do you find most effective?
  3. Support Staff: What are your key responsibilities as the school year wraps up, and how do you ensure everything runs smoothly?

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SUMMER
June: Reflection and Planning (Submit before May 15th)
  1. Principals: How do you reflect on the past school year, and what steps do you take in June to prepare for the upcoming year?
  2. Educators: How do you reflect on your teaching practices over the summer, and what planning do you start in June for the next school year?
  3. Support Staff: How do you evaluate the past year’s successes and challenges, and what do you do in June to prepare for the next school year?

July: Professional Development (Submit before June 15th)
  1. Principals: What professional development opportunities do you prioritize for your staff during the summer? How do you select what’s most beneficial?
  2. Educators: How do you use the summer months for professional growth? What PD activities or learning experiences have been most valuable to you?
  3. Support Staff: How do you use the summer to enhance your skills and prepare for the next school year? Are there any workshops or training you recommend?

August: Back-to-School Preparation (Submit before July 15th)
  1. Principals: What’s your process for preparing the school for the new academic year? How do you set the tone for a successful start?
  2. Educators: How do you get ready for the new school year? What are your key steps for setting up your classroom and planning the first few weeks?
  3. Support Staff: What are your main responsibilities in preparing the school for the new year, and how do you ensure everything is ready for students’ return?