PMP505: A School Leader’s Playbook for Tough Conversations with Erika Bare & Tiffany Burns

PMP505: A School Leader’s Playbook for Tough Conversations with Erika Bare & Tiffany Burns

June 17, 2026 · 45 min

About this episode

This episode features a discussion on handling tough conversations in educational settings with insights from Erika Bare and Tiffany Burns.

A Quick Note to Listeners: Before this week’s interview, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke take some time to answer a listener question. This week’s question is: I want to say yes to new opportunities outside my building without neglecting my first commitments to my school. Is it possible to do both? Listen in to hear their response! Meet Erika Bare & Tiffany Burns: Tiffany Burns and Erika Bare are veteran educators and co-authors of Connecting Through Conversation: A Playbook for Talking with Students .  Tiffany brings more than two decades in education — from teaching at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, to instructional coaching and serving as an elementary principal before taking time to teach and support educators nationwide as part of the Connected Communicator movement.  Erika Bare has spent over 20 years in education as well, including roles as a special education teacher, administrator, and currently as a district leader committed to helping all students reach their potential. Together, they blend deep classroom and leadership experience with practical communication tools that help adults build stronger, more connected…

People in this episode

Host: William D. Parker

Guests: Erika Bare, Tiffany Burns

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Connecting Through Conversation: A Playbook for Talking with Students, A School Leader’s Playbook for Tough Conversations

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