School Culture By Design

During 30+ years of wandering the continent, visiting schools and listening to school people share their joys and frustrations, Phil Boyte has learned a lot about building great school culture. In this podcast you will hear examples Phil has seen work to enhance school culture, stories from some of his heroes in education and simple ideas to start implementing on your campus today! We invite you along on this listening journey. You will hear simple and transformative stories about building community, vulnerability, and trust on your campus. No matter what role you play, we believe everyone has a hand in creating a school no one will want to leave.

School Culture By Design is a education podcast hosted by Phil Boyte, with 100 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Phil Boyte hosts School Culture By Design, a education show with 100 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  School Culture By Design

  Episode #139 - How Great Districts Support Their Principals with David Rodriguez and Brandon Blom

  Aug 11, 202627 min

  In this episode, Phil Boyte sits down with Assistant Superintendents David Rodriguez and Brandon Blom from Natomas Unified School District to explore what it looks like to intentionally support the leaders who support everyone else. Together, they share how their district has built a culture where principals and assistant principals genuinely enjoy being together, trust one another, and never feel like they're leading alone. From purposeful leadership meetings and meaningful onboarding to walking alongside leaders through difficult seasons, David and Brandon offer practical ideas any district or school leader can begin implementing right away. Whether you're a superintendent, district leader, or principal, this conversation is full of simple, intentional practices that remind us one truth: when leaders feel known, valued, and supported, they are better equipped to create thriving schools for everyone they serve.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  School Culture By Design

  Episode #138 - No Ghosts

  Jul 30, 202622 min

  Every school has them. The people who quietly show up, do their job well, and somehow still feel unseen. In this episode, Phil and Shyana talk about how leaders can intentionally notice the people who may be on the edges of the culture, invite them in, learn from them, and help them know they matter. Along the way, they share stories, practical ideas, and simple ways to create a school where no one feels invisible. Because the strongest cultures aren't built by focusing on most people—they're built by making sure everyone belongs.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  School Culture By Design

  Episode #137 - Building an Infectious School Culture with Guest Paul Nitake

  Jul 21, 202626 min

  In this episode, Phil Boyte sits down with Paul Nitake, Principal of North High School in Torrance, California, to explore what it looks like to build a campus culture that is truly infectious. Paul shares how his team celebrates people in meaningful ways, partners with the local community to support students and staff, and why he believes storytelling is one of the most powerful tools school leaders have to shape culture, build pride, and help people experience the heart of a school.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #136

  The Pause at the End - Phil Boyte and Shyana Frost

  May 12, 202623 minS0

  <p >Whether you're wrapping up a school year, finishing a big project, or simply trying to catch your breath after a busy season… it takes intention to actually pause long enough to notice what mattered.</p> <p >In this episode, Phil Boyte and Shyana Frost share 3 simple, practical ideas teams can use to slow down and reflect on the little things that often get missed along the way. From honoring progress and celebrating people to creating moments of encouragement for staff, students, and yourself… this conversation is full of tangible ways to build more hope, connection, and meaning into the ever...

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  School Culture By Design

  Episode #135 - Noticing Matters: Fun Ideas to Start the Second Half Strong

  Jan 2, 202631 minS0

  <p>Looking for ways to honor the work your team has done and strengthen connections as the second half of the year begins? Phil and Shyana share simple, practical ideas—like photo reflections, a Souper Bowl party, and fun team activities—to celebrate wins, notice progress, and build gratitude. Slow down, connect, and start the next chapter of the year stronger—together.</p>

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on School Culture By Design. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.