Ep. 125: Transforming Schools with Positivity

<p><a href= "https://sunshine-parenting.com/transform-school-positivity-niki-spearsep-125" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Show notes & links available here.</a></p> <p>In this episode, I'm speaking with Niki Spears, the co-founder of the <a href="https://energybusschools.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener noreferrer">Energy Bus for Schools Leadership Journey</a>. She started this organization to bring the positive messages of <a href="https://www.theenergybus.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jon Gordon's book, The Energy Bus</a>, to schools everywhere. Niki has spent over 15 years working in education. Once an elementary school principal, she now works full time as a teacher educator and change leader.</p> <h2>Big Ideas</h2> <ul> <li>Educators have the power to transform the culture of their schools and create an environment kids love with amazing, positive energy.</li> <li>Research clearly shows that culture and leadership greatly influence a school’s learning environment and students’ academic success.</li> <li>Bringing the principles from <a href= "https://www.theenergybus.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener noreferrer">The Energy Bus</a> to life in schools has helped transform the culture in classrooms around the country.</li> <li>A key principle taught is that you're the driver of your bus. Your attitude will help you to control the outcome.</li> <li>Giving students the opportunity to understand the power of choice is important. Start early by offering them options so they get to practice making decisions.</li> <li>People can learn to choose their responses in difficult situations.</li> <li>Ask kids to think about what brings them joy or write down what they are grateful for so that they learn ways to overcome negative thinking.</li> <li>Parents and educators can read <a href= "http://www.energybuskids.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener noreferrer">The Energy Bus for Kids</a> with their children. It's a story about the importance of positivity and transforming your mindset.</li