Episode 358

full
Published on:

6th Feb 2025

Can you create a Disneyworld of Education? This Kentucky Superintendent tells us how.

Join CT as he discusses educational transformation with Dr. Buddy Berry, Superintendent of Eminence Independent Schools, and how his district embraces a “Disney World of Education” approach. Discover how Eminence creates magical learning experiences by prioritizing culture, engagement, and personalization. Dr. Berry shares how “Surprise and Delight” strategies, immersive classroom transformations, and a Disney-level commitment to excellence keep students excited to learn. From scenting the school to hiring educators with a passion for innovation, this conversation explores how to turn education into an unforgettable experience. Perfect for those interested in making learning as captivating as a theme park adventure.

Key Takeaways:

Creating the “Disney World of Education” – Eminence Independent Schools prioritize magical learning experiences, ensuring students are excited to return each day, just like visitors to a theme park.

"Surprise and Delight" Strategy – Educators use three levels of surprises, from fun classroom moments to full lesson-themed transformations, keeping learning engaging and memorable.

Everyone is Part of the Cast – From teachers to janitors, the entire school operates like a Disney team, ensuring a high-quality, immersive experience for students.

Personalized Learning – Innovative teaching methods like standards-based grading and customized learning plans help students succeed based on their individual needs.

Sensory Engagement Matters – Scenting the school with evergreen aromas fosters a mindset of possibility and creativity, contributing to a positive learning environment.

Hiring for Mindset, Not Just Skill – Educators are selected based on adaptability, passion for learning, and a deep love for teaching, ensuring they fit the school’s innovative culture.

Fixing What’s Broken – Eminence operates with a "consumer-friendly" mindset, actively improving systems to maintain a high level of service for students and families.

Post-COVID Engagement Challenges – By reinforcing discipline, expectations, and immersive experiences, the district successfully re-engaged students after pandemic disruptions.


Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

00:45 Disney of Education

03:14 Cast Members

04:44 Surprise and Delight

09:31 Three Levels

13:40 Polar Bears

16:49 Recreating Magic

21:11 Replicating Success

26:08 Leadership Journey

33:31 Career Advice


Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Dr. Buddy Berry: linkedin.com/in/buddy-berry-8963baa4

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



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About the Podcast

Principal Office Hours
Real principals. Real talk. No hall passes required.
Finally—a podcast that proves school principals have personalities (and killer insights, too). Every week, join us for candid conversations with K-12 principals who are navigating the beautiful chaos of educational leadership without losing their minds or sense of humor.

Each 40-minute episode features real principals sharing what actually works in school leadership—from handling helicopter parents and budget nightmares to building school culture that doesn't make everyone roll their eyes. Consider this your professional development that doesn't feel like professional development.

Our guests aren't afraid to share their epic fails alongside their victories. They'll tell you about the initiative that spectacularly bombed during assembly, right before revealing how they turned their school's reading scores around. It's educational leadership with the BS filter turned off.

Whether you're currently wearing the principal badge, aspiring to the big chair, or teaching while secretly taking notes on what you'd do differently, Principal Office Hours delivers actionable strategies you can implement faster than a student being sent to detention.

Subscribe now and join the faculty lounge conversation that's too real for the school board meeting. New episodes drop every week. Warning: May cause spontaneous leadership growth and occasional inappropriate laughter during staff meetings.

About your hosts

CheeTung Leong

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Jim Kanichirayil

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Your friendly neighborhood talent strategy nerd is the producer and co-host for The HR Impact Show. He's spent his career in sales and has been typically in startup b2b HRTech and TA-Tech organizations.

He's built high-performance sales teams throughout his career and is passionate about all things employee life cycle and especially employee retention and turnover.