Sustaining Joy and Leadership in Education: In-Depth Insights from Ross Braun at Get Your Teach On
If you’re searching for actionable strategies to sustain joy, foster positivity, and lead with intention in your school, you’re in the right place. In this special episode of The Flip Side podcast, recorded live at the 10th anniversary of the Get Your Teach On National Conference in Orlando, Ross Braun a lifelong educator and Vice President of Positive Education at School Life, shares transformative insights on leadership, daily habits, and the power of connection in education.
Let’s dive deep into the main themes and practical takeaways from this inspiring conversation, breaking down each tip with expert advice and actionable steps you can implement right away.
The Heartbeat of Schools: Why Principals Matter
Ross Braun emphasizes a truth often overlooked: Principals are the heartbeat of schools. While great teachers are essential, it’s strong, intentional leadership that sustains them. Without effective leaders, even the best teachers can become burnt out and leave the profession.
Key Insights:
Leadership sustains excellence: Teachers thrive when supported by visionary, empathetic leaders.
Leadership transitions are inevitable: Change is no longer rare; it’s the norm. Schools must be prepared for leadership and staff transitions to ensure continuity and stability.
Intentional leadership development is critical: Investing in leaders is investing in the entire school community.
Actionable Advice:
Prioritize leadership development: Attend conferences, seek mentorship, and create spaces for leaders to learn and grow together.
Plan for transitions: Develop systems and cultures that can withstand changes in personnel, ensuring the school’s mission and values endure.
Building Sustainable Leadership Practices
At the conference, Ross leads the “Lead On” space—a dedicated area for nearly 600 school leaders. The energy is palpable, reflecting a growing recognition that empowering leaders is essential for school success.
Strategies for Sustainable Leadership:
Balance urgency with intentionality: Leaders must juggle daily demands while proactively planning for the future.
Slow down to reflect: Taking time to reflect and build intentional habits is crucial for long-term effectiveness.
Support for leaders: Leadership can be isolating. Seek out communities, coaching, and peer support to avoid burnout.
Expert Recommendations:
Schedule regular reflection time: Block out time weekly to assess what’s working, what’s not, and where you need support.
Create a leadership support network: Connect with other principals and leaders, both locally and nationally, to share ideas and encouragement.
The Power of Daily Habits and Consistency
A central theme of the episode is that positivity and joy in education don’t happen by accident; they require daily, deliberate effort.
Ross Braun’s Daily Habits for Joy:
Celebrate small wins: Notice and appreciate the little victories, whether it’s a student showing up, a child tying their shoes, or a pencil not being lost.
Practice gratitude: Make it a habit to reflect on what you’re thankful for each day.
Train your brain for positivity: Like the “Jeep effect” (noticing Jeeps everywhere after buying one), intentionally look for positive moments to shift your mindset.
Actionable Steps:
Start a gratitude journal: Each day, write down three things you’re grateful for in your school or classroom.
Share small wins with your team: Begin meetings by celebrating recent successes, no matter how minor.
Model positivity: As a leader, your attitude sets the tone. Be intentional about sharing joy and optimism.
Being Present and Recognizing Impact
Both Ross and the host stress the importance of being present and intentional about recognizing your impact—whether through instructional growth or meaningful connections with students.
How to Be More Present:
Focus on the moment: Avoid getting lost in the endless to-do list. Take time to notice and appreciate what’s happening right now.
Acknowledge your influence: Recognize the difference you make, even if it’s not always immediately visible.
Expert Advice:
Practice mindful leadership: Use techniques like deep breathing or short meditations to center yourself before the school day.
Reflect on your “why”: Regularly revisit your core motivations for being an educator or leader.
Prioritizing Well-Being and Happiness
Ross candidly shares that he wasn’t always positive—early leadership years were isolating and difficult. It was only after intentionally adopting habits of joy and gratitude that he found balance and happiness, both professionally and personally.
Key Takeaways:
Self-care is non-negotiable: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritize your own well-being so you can be your best for others.
It’s okay to seek change: If you’re not finding joy or fulfillment in your current role, it’s acceptable—and sometimes necessary—to seek a different environment or career.
Actionable Advice:
Set boundaries: Protect your time outside of work to recharge and spend time with loved ones.
Explore new opportunities: Don’t be afraid to look for roles or schools that better align with your values and passions.
The Transformative Power of Connection
Ross’s closing advice is simple yet profound: Connect.
Connection—with students, colleagues, and the broader school community—is the foundation of joy and sustainability in education.
Ways to Build Connection:
Greet students at the door: Use a handshake, high five, or fist bump to start the day with positivity.
Reach out to colleagues: Build relationships even with those who have different educational philosophies.
Foster a supportive community: Encourage collaboration, empathy, and mutual support among staff.
Expert Recommendations:
Implement daily check-ins: Start each day or class with a quick emotional check-in to build trust and rapport.
Celebrate together: Organize regular team-building activities or informal gatherings to strengthen bonds.
Final Encouragement: Better Together
The episode’s theme, “Better Together,” is a powerful reminder that connection, intentional habits, and shared joy are what truly matter in education. As Ross and the host agree, these practices can transform not only your professional experience but also the lives of your students and colleagues.
Your Next Steps:
Focus on daily habits: Start small—celebrate wins, practice gratitude, and be present.
Prioritize connection: Make time for meaningful interactions with students and peers.
Invest in your well-being: Remember, your happiness and fulfillment are essential for sustained impact.
For ongoing inspiration and support, follow Ross Braun’s work at MrBraun.com.
