PMP419: Energy Bus for Schools with Dr. Jim Van Allan and Will Parker

Principal Matters: The School Leader's Podcast with William D. Parker

A quick note to listeners:

Before this week’s interview, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker answered a listener question in a 5-minute response.

The question is: How do you create schedules for observing teachers in advance?

Listen in for our response and thank you for doing what matters!

Meet Dr. Jim Van Allan

Dr. Jim Van Allan is President of The Energy Bus for Schools. He runs The Energy Bus for Schools program which gives schools the blueprint and framework to create a positive school culture. He coaches school leaders and superintendents on mindset, teamwork, communication, and culture-building. Additionally, Jim speaks to schools and districts across the country with keynotes, trainings, workshops, and student assemblies. He is the co-author of the book, The Energy Bus for Schools: 7 Ways to Improve Your School Culture, Remove Negativity, Energize Your Teachers, and Empower Your Students, with bestselling author Jon Gordon.

Jim is also a Professor of Communication Studies and Lead Speech Instructor at Keiser University, which is based in Florida. He teaches Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, and Business Communication.

Jim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations from the University of Florida and a Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies from Florida Atlantic University.

He also earned his Ph.D. in Education Leadership from Keiser University. Jim studied the impact of an early version of The Energy Bus for Schools program on a model school in Ohio. Much of his research centered around the impact of sustainable professional development for schools.

He lives in Palm City, Florida, with his wife and three children, Brady, Brenden, and Brinley.

Throughout the episode, Jim discussed his collaboration with Jon Gordon, noting that Jon has authored 30 books, 16 of which are bestsellers. The latest edition of The Energy Bus details how to spread positive energy throughout a school. Jim’s Ph.D. research initially involved five model schools and examined the lasting impacts of the program. He observed a strong desire among schools for continuous, year-long professional development to reinforce and extend the lessons learned.

The latest “Energy Bus” book is a practical guide, sharing strategies gleaned from a decade of implementation across U.S. schools. It outlines seven key strategies for enhancing school culture:

• Inviting staff on board
• Building a positive foundation
• Energizing the environment
• Appreciating community members
• Transforming negativity
• Rejuvenating the team
• Creating a network of supportive leaders

Notable Research Findings:

Jim shared stories illustrating these principles, such as a school leader in Texas who transformed a failing school into a high-performing institution, greatly supported by the community through a significant bond issuance. Another example from Northern Iowa showcased a school district that integrates lessons from The Energy Bus into an annual theme park visit, reinforcing the principles through engaging activities.

Jim also discussed the distinction between genuine positivity and toxic positivity, emphasizing the importance of addressing challenges constructively and fostering a healthy, positive environment. He concluded the interview by stressing the need for visionary leaders to spearhead positive changes.

For further details or inquiries, Jim can be contacted at his email address: [e-mail].

Resources:

The Energy Bus for Schools Book

The Energy Bus for Schools Program

The Energy Bus for Schools on You Tube

Follow him on all social media @JimVanAllan

Email him: [e-mail]

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