Safe and Innovative Schools

By: Dr. Joe Phillips
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  • Summary

  • Welcome to Safe and Innovative Schools, the ultimate podcast for educators, school leaders, and change makers passionate about transforming education. Hosted by Dr. Joe Phillips—a retired, decorated U.S. Army officer who now serves as a Chief Information Officer, adjunct professor, and doctoral mentor—this show delivers bold ideas, actionable strategies, and inspiring stories to empower you in leading the future of education. Dr. Phillips brings unparalleled expertise to the mic. His career spans military leadership, educational transformation, and cutting-edge technology. As a Commander, Chief of Staff, Chief of Human Resources, and Chief Information Officer in the Army, he led operations in artillery, intelligence, and counterterrorism across high-stakes environments like Afghanistan and Iraq. Along the way, he built some of the Army's most innovative programs and units. Applying that same strategic mindset and precision to education, Dr. Phillips has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives in some of the largest school districts in the U.S., setting new standards in safety, innovation, and learning. With a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and a Master’s in Business and Organizational Security Management, Dr. Phillips has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to create schools that are safe, inspiring, and ready for the challenges of the 21st century. His expertise spans physical security, data intelligence, EdTech, instructional technology, AI-powered tools, and leadership strategies, all aimed at improving student outcomes and empowering educators. Each episode of Safe and Innovative Schools offers fresh insights and practical takeaways you can apply immediately. From navigating trends in AI and data-driven education to creating safer, more connected campuses, to rethinking leadership strategies, this podcast provides the tools needed to make meaningful change. You’ll hear real-world success stories from schools and leaders redefining what’s possible in education, actionable leadership advice from someone who’s led on the battlefield and in the boardroom, and strategies to integrate emerging technologies like AI to personalize learning and foster creativity. Inside every episode, you’ll find visionary ideas exploring transformative concepts, leadership lessons designed to inspire teams and improve systems, expert insights from innovators in education and beyond, and practical guidance for tackling challenges and seizing opportunities. Stay connected with Safe and Innovative Schools. Visit our website at https://www.safeandinnovativeschools.com/ for additional resources and updates. Follow Dr. Joe Phillips on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjoephillips/ for exclusive insights. Join the conversation on Twitter/X by following @DrJoeCIO and sharing your thoughts on the latest episodes. For questions, feedback, or collaboration inquiries, reach out to us via email at joe.phillips@safeandinnovativeschools.com. Don’t miss an episode of Safe and Innovative Schools. Whether you’re reimagining the classroom, leading a district, or advocating for better schools, this podcast provides the inspiration and tools to think boldly, lead with purpose, and create lasting impact. Subscribe today on your favorite podcast app and join the movement reshaping the future of education.
    Copyright 2025 Dr. Joe Phillips
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Episodes
  • Quick Byte - The Swiss Cheese Approach to School Safety

    Quick Byte - The Swiss Cheese Approach to School Safety
    Jan 25 2025

    The Swiss Cheese Model: A Layered Approach to School Safety

    In this episode of Safe and Innovative Schools, Dr. Joe introduces and explains the Swiss Cheese approach to school safety. Dr. Joe discusses his diverse background in innovation, technology, and physical safety, and defines the concepts of safety and security. Using the metaphor of Swiss Cheese slices, he illustrates how multiple layers of security measures, despite individual weaknesses, can collectively create a more secure school environment. Dr. Joe emphasizes the importance of viewing these measures as an interoperable system rather than isolated components, and concludes by encouraging continuous improvement of safety practices to protect students and enhance learning environments.

    00:00 Introduction to Safe and Innovative Schools

    00:09

    00:18 Dr. Joe's Background in Safety and Security

    01:04 Understanding Safety and Security

    05:19

    05:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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    6 mins
  • Building Robust AI Ecosystems in Education with the PLANT-AI Framework

    Building Robust AI Ecosystems in Education with the PLANT-AI Framework
    Jan 25 2025

    Episode Summary:

    In this episode of the Safe and Innovative Schools Podcast, Dr. Joe Phillips introduces the PLANT-AI Framework, a practical and strategic approach to incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into schools and educational organizations. By using the analogy of gardening, Dr. Phillips explains how schools can cultivate a thriving AI ecosystem by planning, learning, assembling resources, and innovating boldly—all while avoiding common pitfalls.

    Discover actionable steps to bring AI into your school system in a way that is sustainable, impactful, and aligned with your goals.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
    • How to use the PLANT-AI Framework for structured AI adoption:
    • P: Plan and Align Vision
    • L: Learn AI Literacy
    • A: Assemble Data and Infrastructure
    • N: Start with New Automations
    • T: Team Up for Human-AI Collaboration
    • I: Innovate Boldly
    • Practical examples of AI use cases, like automating repetitive tasks, creating immersive learning experiences, and optimizing school operations.
    • Why building a strong foundation (data and infrastructure) is critical for successful AI implementation.
    • The importance of "going slow to go fast" when adopting AI in education.

    Resources and Links:
    • Explore the PLANT-AI Framework: [Link to additional resources or PDF if available]
    • Stay compliant with security and privacy laws: FERPA, COPA, HIPAA, GDPR.
    • Tools mentioned: Chatbots, AI for adaptive lesson planning, AI-driven energy optimization, and more.

    Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review. Let’s work together to build safer, more innovative schools.

    Get in touch:

    • Email: info@safeandinnovativeschools.com
    • Share your thoughts with #SafeAndInnovativeSchools
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    22 mins

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