In Episode 5 of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, we take a reflective ride into the heart of why this podcast exists. Dr. Spates opens up about her mission to spotlight innovation, bold leadership, and creative strategies that truly move the needle for students. She shares her personal journey in education, what keeps her committed to serving communities, and the pressing challenges educators are navigating today.

This episode reinforces the podcast’s purpose: elevating what’s working in schools, amplifying educator voices, and giving leaders practical, field-tested strategies they can bring back to their learning communities. If you’re committed to improving student outcomes and building thriving school cultures, this one is for you.

What You’ll Learn (Takeaways)

– Why educator collaboration is essential for student success

– How strong relationships drive engagement and learning

– The importance of transparency about what’s actually working in schools

– How personal experiences shape leadership decisions

– Why creativity and bold thinking are essential in today’s educational landscape

– The critical role of community and family engagement

– Why declining student performance requires urgent, innovative responses

– How this podcast serves as a platform for educator support and inspiration

Featured Topics

• Student success

• Innovative school practices

• Leadership in education

• Community engagement

• Teaching strategies

• Collaboration & educator support

• School culture and climate

Sound Bites

"I hope to tap into each guest's zone of genius."

"I believe there are levels to know."

"We cannot do this work alone. We need one another."

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction to Today’s Conversation

02:53 — The Mission of Educators

06:13 — Personal Background & Educational Philosophy

08:56 — Challenges in Education & Community Engagement

10:48 — A Call to Action for Educators

Keywords

education, school leadership, TK–12, teaching strategies, instructional leadership, student success, community engagement, educator support, collaboration, innovation in schools, school culture, principal podcast

Episode Description

In this episode Dr. Spates sits down with Ebony Wilson, MSW, LCSW, PPSC — founder and CEO of Ebony’s Safe Space. Based in Palmdale, California, her organization’s mission is to support and empower groups and communities through relatable mental health and emotional‑wellness services. Ebony and her team provide solution‑focused, strength‑based, anti‑oppressive therapy — including individual and group counseling, workshops and public‑speaking engagements — so that every client feels heard and understood. She brings decades of experience as a licensed clinical social worker and school‑based therapist to help educators build safe, affirming environments where students and staff can process emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, and thrive.

What You’ll Learn

• How to build authentic connections that strengthen trust and belonging in schools

• The role of restorative practices and mental‑health supports in helping students and staff

• Proactive strategies to reduce behavior incidents and create psychologically safe classrooms

• How to coach teachers through conflict, communication and trauma‑informed responses

• Why every school needs a culture plan — not just a discipline plan

• Tools to shift staff mindsets and align campus systems for student success

Key Takeaways for School Leaders

Relationships are the foundation of safe schools; consistency plus care creates culture; student behavior is communication, not defiance; staff need coaching, clarity and community to create belonging; and leaders must model empathy, accountability and presence daily.

About Ebony Wilson

Ebony founded Ebony's Safe Space LLC in 2022. Raised in Southern California’s Antelope Valley, she survived traumatic experiences in adolescence and, with the support of mentors and spiritual leaders, found purpose in serving her community. Her early work as a para‑educator in juvenile lockdown facilities ignited a passion for social justice, and she went on to earn an A.A. in Social and Behavioral Sciences, a B.A. in Sociology and an M.S.W. from California State University, Northridge, along with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential from UCLA. Ebony spent years providing psychotherapy to children, families and adults as a school‑based and wraparound therapist before founding Ebony’s Safe Space to create non‑judgmental spaces where children, adults and groups of all kinds can learn about mental health, process their feelings and develop healthy coping strategies to become the best versions of themselves. Her personal values of spirituality, empowerment, compassion, connection and respect continue to guide the organization.

Chapters

00:00 — Welcome & Episode Overview

02:40 — Ebony’s Journey & Why Safe Spaces Matter

08:15 — Building Trust and Relationships in Schools

15:20 — Restorative Practices & Mental‑Health Supports That Work

22:00 — Coaching Teachers Through Conflict & Communication

29:45 — Designing a School‑Wide Culture Plan

36:10 — Supporting Staff Wellness & Mindset Shifts

42:00 — Final Reflections for School Leaders

Connect with Ebony Wilson

Instagram: @ebonyssafespace

Website: https://www.ebonyssafespace.org

Email: ewilson@ebonyssafespace.org

Phone: 661‑522‑7255

Connect with Dr. Spates

Instagram / TikTok / YouTube: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates

Website: OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com

Subscribe & Follow

If this conversation resonates with you, please follow the show, leave a review and share it with a colleague. Together, we can reimagine what’s possible in TK–12 schools.

On the School Bus with Dr. Spates continues its mission of advancing creativity and innovation in education with a powerful conversation featuring educator and industry-connector Matthew Winheim. This episode dives deep into career pathways, teacher empowerment, and the urgent need for real-world relevance in today’s classrooms.

Winheim shares how his own educational journey led him into the world of aviation, where he now champions workforce development and helps schools create meaningful opportunities for students. His insights offer both inspiration and practical strategies for school leaders, teachers, and anyone committed to student success and school leadership.

Episode Summary

In this insightful conversation, Matthew Winheim explores how educators can innovate to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. From designing career-connected learning to strengthening AVID programs, he emphasizes the power of relevance, strong school leadership, and a growth mindset.

Winheim and Spates discuss:

• How to build safe, supportive learning environments
• Why empowerment matters for teachers and site leaders
• The role of equity in ensuring every student has access to high-quality learning
• How personal stories inform teaching practice
• What aviation can teach us about collaboration, urgency, and innovation in schools

At the heart of the episode is a simple truth Winheim embodies: “Every student has infinite value—and educators can change generations.”

Key Takeaways

• Matt Winheim is committed to connecting students with career opportunities, especially in aviation.
• Teachers should focus on their end goals and the practical steps to reach them.
• School leaders must empower teachers with support, coaching, and resources.
• Safe learning environments are essential for every student’s success.
• Relevance in instruction helps students understand the “why” behind what they’re learning.
• Every student has potential—educators must recognize and nurture it.
• AVID programs expand access to post-secondary pathways.
• Choosing a career in education is a way to serve the community and change lives.
• Educators can change generations by inspiring belief and confidence in students.
• A growth mindset fuels progress for both teachers and students.

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

03:05 — Matt Winheim’s Educational Journey

07:51 — Advice for Teachers and School Leaders

12:39 — Relevance in Math Education

17:14 — Impact of Personal Experiences on Teaching

22:05 — Belief Systems and Student Potential

26:57 — Growth Mindset and Student Engagement

28:50 — Authenticity in Teaching

31:24 — Service and Duty in Education

34:09 — Creating a Supportive Learning Environment

34:57 — Innovative Aviation Education

46:38 — Career Pathways in Aviation

53:35 — Ensuring Equity in Education

56:45 — Elevating Teacher Voice and Practice

59:51 — Supporting Teachers for Student Success

01:04:49 — Creating Real-World Relevance in Education

01:13:42 — The Urgency of Educational Innovation

Guest

Matthew Winheim | California's 2025 Teacher of The Year | Aviation Teacher

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