Expectations in Action
Expectations in Action is a space for thoughtful conversations, reflections, and stories about leadership in education. Here, educators, school leaders, and advocates explore what it looks like to turn high expectations into meaningful, lasting impact—in classrooms, schools, and communities.
This collection includes podcast conversations, written reflections, letters, and video interviews from voices across the field. Whether you choose to listen, read, or watch, our hope is that each entry offers insight, encouragement, and practical perspective for the work ahead.
If you’d like to stay connected, you can subscribe to Expectations in Action in your favorite podcast app. New audio conversations are published as they become available, and subscribing ensures you won’t miss future episodes. You can also return here at any time to read reflections, explore related resources, or watch video conversations.
Expectations in Action Latest Episode
- Teaching Through Play: Pre-K Educators on the Power of GE Puppets
Teaching Through Play: Pre-K Educators on the Power of GE Puppets
This podcast interview features Dr. Linda Dzialo of Great Expectations speaking with a group of Pre-K educators who are using GE puppets as a powerful tool to support early childhood learning and development.
In this conversation, the teachers share how puppets help bring Great Expectations principles to life in the classroom by engaging young learners in meaningful and memorable ways. Through storytelling, role-playing, and interactive experiences, students are able to develop social skills, build confidence, and begin forming the foundations of strong character.
The discussion highlights how play-based learning can be both intentional and impactful, allowing even the youngest students to understand and practice concepts such as respect, responsibility, and positive communication. The teachers also reflect on how these strategies create a joyful and supportive classroom environment where students feel safe, seen, and encouraged to grow.
Ultimately, this episode demonstrates how the Great Expectations model can be effectively adapted for early learners, showing that it is never too early to begin shaping a culture of excellence in both learning and living.
Watch the GE Expectations Experts Puppets In Action
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It began with a letter – just a few heartfelt lines from one educator to another. Martha Nickels and Treva Madore When Principal Treva Madore of Creekside Forest Elementary in Tomball, Texas, opened a letter from Martha Nickels, a proud grandmother and retired teacher, she didn’t realize she was holding a bridge between generations of…
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