Episodes

Most educators are trained to teach content, but every day, they are leading people. In this episode of The Road to an Effective Classroom Environment, Dr. Lashawnte McCray-Sarvis breaks down why the classroom is one of the most powerful and overlooked leadership environments in education. If you’re an educator, instructional leader, or CTE teacher looking to improve classroom management, student engagement, and instructional effectiveness, this episode will shift your perspective. You’ll lea...

Are you truly burnt out or are you misaligned? In this powerful episode, Dr. Lashawnte McCray-Sarvis challenges the common narrative of burnout and reveals the deeper issue many educators and leaders face: misalignment. Learn the three critical shifts: clarity before capacity, purpose before pressure, and alignment before achievement—that will transform how you lead and live. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, this episode will help you realign and step into your next level ...

In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Lashawnte McCray-Sarvis sits down with Shellee Howard to discuss purpose, possibility, and the power of helping students and families think beyond limits. Together, they explore the importance of guidance, preparation, and believing in what is possible when the right support is in place. This episode offers encouragement, insight, and practical wisdom for educators, parents, and anyone committed to helping young people pursue brighter futures with confidence. ...

In this powerful episode of The Road to an Effective Classroom Environment, Dr. Lashawnte sits down with school counselor and mentor Renee Brown to discuss the life-changing impact of mentorship, perseverance, and student support. A proud first-generation college graduate, Renee shares how her journey from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to becoming an educator and counselor shaped her mission to guide and empower young people. With experience serving students in public schools, private institut...

We often talk about student achievement gaps. But how often do we examine instructional generational gaps? In this research-informed episode of The Road to an Effective Classroom Environment, Dr. Lashawnte McCray-Sarvis explores how different generations of teachers from the Silent Generation and Baby Boomers to Generation X, Millennials, and Gen Z influence student learning outcomes. This is not a conversation built on stereotypes. It is grounded in research. Studies consistently show that:...

In this compelling episode of The Road to an Effective Classroom Environment, Dr. Lashawnte McCray-Sarvis honors the brilliance, resilience, and transformative leadership of Influential Black Educators whose work continues to shape classrooms, communities, and culture. From pioneers who built schools against impossible odds to modern visionaries redefining equity, culturally responsive teaching, and academic excellence, this presentation explores the legacy, impact, and enduring lessons of Blac...

In this special follow-up episode of The Road to an Effective Classroom Environment, Dr. Lashawnte McCray-Sarvis reflects on the powerful themes woven throughout the last three conversations of the February series. From leadership and innovation with Robert C. Washington, to educator sustainability with Todd Scholl, to brain-based wellness with Dr. Lisa Riegel, one message has become clear: Career readiness must include emotional readiness. Leadership must include sustainability. And education ...

In this powerful episode of The Road to an Effective Classroom Environment, Dr. Lashawnte McCray-Sarvis sits down with educator, researcher, and author Dr. Lisa Riegel, whose groundbreaking work in NeuroWell brings neuroscience, mindfulness, and sustainable education into one transformative conversation. As schools navigate increasing demands, high-pressure environments, and educator fatigue, Dr. Riegel offers a research-based perspective on what is actually happening in the brain during chro...

In this powerful episode of The Road to an Effective Classroom Environment, Dr. Lashawnte what it truly means to lead with intention without sacrificing well-being in the process. As schools continue to navigate increasing demands, educators and leaders are searching for ways to sustain their passion, energy, and effectiveness without experiencing burnout. Joined by Todd Scholl, founder and Lead Learner of the Center for Educator Wellness and Learning (CEWL), this conversation highlights how ...

In this special CTE Month episode of The Road to an Effective Classroom Environment, Dr. Lashawnte McCray-Sarvis sits down with a high school career center director/principal to spotlight the transformative impact of Career and Technical Education (CTE) on students, schools, and communities. Together, they explore how modern career centers are bridging the gap between academics and real-world application through hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and work-based learning opportunities. ...

In this special CTE Month episode of The Road to an Effective Classroom Environment, Dr. Lashawnte introduces the guest lineup for February. This episode previews the conversations and also sets the stage for three upcoming guest features: • Robert C. Washington, Principal of Samuel A. Heyward Career Center, on leadership, innovation, and the future of CTE • Todd Scholl, Founder and Lead Learner of the Center for Educator Wellness and Learning (CEWL), on educator wellness and sustainable schoo...

Classroom culture is often discussed in terms of student behavior, but culture does nott begin with students. Culture begins with educators. In this reflective episode of The Road to an Effective Classroom Environment, Dr. Lashawnte invites educators to pause and examine the unspoken lessons students learn every day. Through tone, consistency, language, emotional regulation, and follow-through, teachers model what is valued, what feels safe, and what it means to belong in a learning space. Thi...

In this episode, Dr. Lashawnte bridges the gap between theory and practice by unpacking how well-known classroom management texts can be implemented effectively across grade levels. From establishing strong procedures and routines to building relationships, supporting emotional regulation, and using restorative practices, this episode offers practical guidance teachers can apply immediately. Listeners will explore key ideas from influential books such as The First Days of School, Classroom Mana...

In this episode of The Road to an Effective Classroom Environment, Dr. Lashawnte McCray-Sarvis sits down with Patty McGee, a nationally recognized literacy consultant, author, and educator, to explore how language-rich classrooms strengthen classroom culture, elevate student voice and engagement, and improve reading and writing instruction. This conversation highlights effective literacy instruction, grammar instruction that works, and culturally responsive literacy practices that support lan...

This episode focuses on what a learning intention is, identify key components, and start writing your own with clarity and purpose Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560728609349 https://leejanesconsultingllc.com/

This episode defines visible learning and the transformational impact that visible learning has in the CTE classrooms. The Road to an Effective Classroom Environment has been selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 70 Podcasts for Classrooms on the web! Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560728609349 https://leejanesconsultingllc.com/

In this episode, Dr. Lashawnte McCray-Sarvis explores the transformative power of positive talk in classrooms and schools. Discover how intentional language can boost student confidence, foster staff morale, and create a culture of encouragement. Send us Fan Mail Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show https://www.facebook.com/profil...

This episode aims to help school and organizational leaders, coaches, and aspiring leaders. The goal is to equip listeners with a practical, research-informed playbook for leading with clarity, character, and impact. Send us Fan Mail Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560728609349 https...

In this episode of The Road to an Effective Classroom Environment, Dr. Lashawnte McCray-Sarvis supports educators in preparing for the 2025–2026 school year with clarity, purpose, and vision. This conversation focuses on how educators can set the tone early to create a year grounded in growth, meaningful connection, and transformative practice. Listeners are guided to reflect on mindset, classroom culture, professional goals, and personal presence as essential foundations for the year ahead. Dr...

This episode is for school and district level administrators as they prepare for the 2025-2026 school year. This episode covers respect, re-thinking, and revision. In this episode, we explore The 3 R’s of effective school and district leadership: Respect, Rethinking, and Revision. Educational leaders today face complex challenges—from supporting teachers and students to navigating policy, accountability, and community expectations. This conversation highlights how respectful leadership builds ...

This episode identifies and addresses aversions and disengagement in chronic absenteeism as documented in attendanceworks.org. Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560728609349 https://leejanesconsultingllc.com/

Chronic absenteeism is one of the most significant challenges impacting student achievement, engagement, and school culture today. When students miss school, they miss more than instruction—they miss connection, consistency, and critical opportunities to learn and grow. In this episode of The Road to an Effective Classroom Environment, Dr. Lashawnte McCray-Sarvis examines the barriers contributing to chronic absenteeism as documented by Attendance Works. This conversation explores how factors s...

This episode addresses chronic absenteeism with parents and gives strategies for helping their students to attend school regularly. Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560728609349 https://leejanesconsultingllc.com/

The Role of the School Superintendent explores the leadership, responsibility, and impact of one of the most critical positions in public education. In this episode, we discuss how superintendents shape district vision, support student achievement, collaborate with school boards, and navigate challenges facing modern education. From managing budgets and policies to uplifting educators, families, and communities, the superintendent plays a vital role in building equitable and thriving school syst...