In this episode of The Heart & Science of Leadership Podcast, Dr. Paulie Gavoni sits down with veteran educator Dr. Michael L. Cubbin for a spirited debate on classroom leadership. The conversation was sparked by Cubbin’s critique of Paulie’s article on establishing expectations during the first week of school, and by his own provocative piece, “Don’t Grade Student Work On-Time? Shame on You!”

What followed was an honest, challenging dialogue about:

Whether classroom systems support or drive teachers away
The role of values, culture, and reinforcement in shaping student behavior
The balance between accountability and compassion in teacher expectations
Why grading and timely feedback remain a flashpoint in education

At times direct and contentious, this discussion highlights both differences in philosophy and shared concern for improving outcomes for students and teachers. Listeners will hear two strong perspectives that push each other—and the audience—to think more critically about what true classroom leadership looks like.

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