Beyond the Bell - Leading with Purpose

Beyond the Bell - Leading with Purpose Episode #15_ Dr. Evans

How can schools move beyond outdated grading and assessment practices to better support student learning? In this episode of Beyond the Bell: Leading with Purpose, Jim Cummins and Dr. Nathan Manley welcome guest speaker Dr. Michael Evans — educator, consultant, and co-author of Assessment Literacy for Educators. Together, they explore assessment literacy, competency-based learning, grading reform, and how leaders can create systems that truly reflect student growth. Dr. Evans shares practical insights from more than 30 years in education, discussing how classroom assessment, large-scale testing, and meaningful feedback can work together to improve outcomes for students and schools. Explore Dr. Evans’ book here: Assessment Literacy for Educators by Dr. Evans [https://www.marzanoresources.com/assessment-literacy-for-educators.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

Beyond the Bell - Leading with Purpose Episode #14 Renee Cummins & Laura Watkins

In this episode of Beyond the Bell: Leading with Purpose, Nathan Manley and Jim Cummins welcome Renee Cummins and Laura Watkins, experienced educators, instructional coaches, and co-owners of Realtime PD. With over 60 years of combined experience, they share practical, proven strategies for transforming classrooms through strong management, high engagement, and clear expectations. Drawing from real classroom experiences, Renee and Laura break down common misconceptions about classroom management, emphasizing that it’s not a one-time lesson—but a continuous, intentional practice woven into daily instruction. They highlight powerful strategies such as SLANT, silent signals, structured expectations, and student ownership of learning, all designed to create safe, engaging environments where students thrive. The conversation also explores how culture, consistency, and teacher mindset directly impact student achievement and teacher wellness. Through real coaching stories, they demonstrate how the right systems can reduce chaos, restore confidence, and reignite joy in teaching. At its core, this episode is a reminder that great teaching starts with strong foundations—and when done well, it not only improves outcomes but transforms both classrooms and lives.

Beyond the Bell - Leading with Purpose Episode# 13 Hardin Bartley

Beyond the Bell (Leading with Purpose) features Dr. Hardin-Bartley, a passionate educational leader known for championing people-first leadership and meaningful school transformation. In this episode, Dr. Hardin-Bartley shares insights on leading with authenticity, building strong relationships, and creating systems that empower both educators and students to thrive. The conversation explores the importance of culture, trust, and communication, along with practical leadership strategies for navigating challenges while staying grounded in purpose. Dr. Hardin-Bartley emphasizes that true impact in education comes from valuing people, fostering connection, and leading with both courage and compassion—a message that resonates for leaders at every level.

Beyond the Bell - Leading with Purpose #12 - Josh Chastain

Beyond the Bell (Leading with Purpose) features Dr. Josh Chastain, superintendent of Harrisonville Schools, as he shares his journey from classroom teacher to district leadership and his passion for building strong academic systems. Dr. Chastain discusses the importance of professional learning communities (PLCs), developing instructional leadership in principals, and focusing on standards, pacing, and unit planning to create sustainable academic improvement. He emphasizes building leadership capacity, creating a clear long-term academic plan, and fostering meaningful collaboration that improves both student learning and teacher fulfillment.

Beyond the Bell - Leading with Purpose Episode#11_Pam Hedgpeth

Beyond the Bell (Leading with Purpose) features Dr. Pam Hedgpeth, a respected Missouri education leader and former superintendent, now serving as Director of the Greater Ozarks Cooperating School Districts. Dr. Hedgpeth shares why she continues the work with passion—championing real-world learning and competency-based education through the Success Ready Student Network—and offers practical wisdom for leaders on building trust, sustaining change, setting healthy boundaries, and “being where your feet are.” The episode closes with a hopeful reminder: educators’ work matters, even when the impact isn’t immediately visible.