Dr. Jim Van Allan- Energy Bus for Schools

President of @EnergyBusSchool, Working with @JonGordon11 & Co-Author of 'The Energy Bus for Schools' book, Speaker, Education Leader, and Podcaster

#GoGators

[Dr. Jim Van Allan- Energy Bus for Schools @JimVanAllan]

I’m dedicated to helping schools and teachers bring energy and passion to their work, no matter the challenges in education. Every person on campus adds value, and it’s all about building a culture of collective energy! @EnergyBusSchool @JonGordon11
#PositiveSchools #EnergyBus

[Julianne Inghilterra @TierneyBethpage]

Our first “You Rock” honoree of the school year is Mr. Matt! 🎉 Each month, students nominate the staff members who really rock as part of our Energy Bus for Schools program. Congratulations, Mr. Matt, and thank you for being such a positive passenger at CCS! 🚌💛 @EnergyBusSchool @BethpageUFSD @JimVanAllan @JonGordon11 @RicciPsychBUFSD #WeAreBethpage

[Dr. Jim Van Allan- Energy Bus for Schools @JimVanAllan]

Everybody's talking about why teachers are leaving.

But what about a school where 98% of teachers are staying?

I recently sat down with Dr. Amanda Austin, Louisiana's 2025 Principal of the Year, on The Energy Bus for Schools Podcast. @dr_amandaaustin

We had a great conversation about leadership, teacher retention, building trust, and creating a school culture where people genuinely want to be.

One thing I appreciated about Amanda is that she doesn't overcomplicate leadership. She focuses on relationships, supporting her teachers, and being intentional about the little things that make a big difference.

And it's working.

If you're a principal, superintendent, or educator looking for practical ways to strengthen your school culture, I think you'll get a lot out of this conversation.
@EnergyBusSchool
@JonGordon11

🎙️ Listen here:

Spotify: [https://t.co/cRW7eeUIa8

Apple Podcasts: [https://t.co/wJrVZgWtj6

Here's my question for school leaders:

What are you doing today that makes your best teachers want to come back tomorrow?

#EnergyBusForSchools #SchoolLeadership #TeacherRetention

[Dr. Jim Van Allan- Energy Bus for Schools @JimVanAllan]

Positive school culture doesn't happen by accident. 🚌

It's built in the hallways, classrooms, staff meetings, and everyday interactions that shape how people feel at school.

Every conversation matters.
Every relationship matters.
Every choice to bring positive energy matters.

The little things become the culture.

💬 Educators, what's ONE small thing your school does that makes a BIG difference in its culture?

#EnergyBusForSchools #PositiveSchoolCulture #SchoolLeadership #PositiveLeadership #EducatorLife #SchoolCulture

[EnergyBusSchools @EnergyBusSchool]

🚌❤️ TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK! ❤️🚌

Baggs Elementary brought the ENERGY with exciting team-building challenges! 🎈⚡️ Students and staff came together to build connections, encourage one another, and have FUN! 💛🙌

Stronger teams = Stronger school culture! 🌟

#EnergyBus

[Dr. Jim Van Allan- Energy Bus for Schools @JimVanAllan]

If I’m not sweating when I leave a student assembly, I didn’t do my job.

One of my favorite parts of being a speaker and making an impact on audiences nationwide is getting the opportunity to speak to students.

Whether it’s virtually or in person, I love sharing stories, making the presentation fun, and giving students a simple walk away message they can carry with them and think about AFTER the experience.

I never want to speak just to “check a box” and move on to the next one.

The most important event is the one I’m at.

And the most important audience is the unique group of students sitting in front of me.

Because for many of these students, school is their WHOLE WORLD.

Think about that.

What they experience during those hours matters. The environment their teachers and leaders create matters.

The messages they receive from the walls, the announcements, the conversations, the actions, and yes, even the guest speakers, can have a lasting impact on them.

That’s why I don’t want a student assembly to feel like just another presentation.

So whether it’s playing John Cena’s entrance music, hosting a game show, having a dance party, giving students a chance to compliment each other and their teachers, or getting hundreds of students doing power poses, we have meaningful fun. 

We laugh. We move. We connect.

But underneath all of that energy is a message I want them to remember.

And it legit brings me joy.

So if I walk out of a student assembly sweating, smiling, and exhausted, I know we probably did something right.

Let's Gooo!

[EnergyBusSchools @EnergyBusSchool]

🚌💛 Positive school culture in action! Students are leading, connecting, encouraging one another, and bringing positive energy along for the ride. 🌟

Drive your bus. Love your passengers. Enjoy the ride! ❤️

#EnergyBusForSchools #PositiveSchoolCulture #BeTheDriver

[Dr. Jim Van Allan- Energy Bus for Schools @JimVanAllan]

A little website refresh!

https://t.co/1JxUTBny5l has been around for a while, but it was time for an update and a better way to bring everything together.

The redesigned site now connects my work with Van Allan Communications and @EnergyBusSchool in one place.

Speaking. Communication. Leadership. School Culture. Positive Energy.

I’m really happy with how it came together. Take a look!

https://t.co/1JxUTBny5l

#Leadership #SchoolCulture #EnergyBusForSchools

[Dr. Jim Van Allan- Energy Bus for Schools @JimVanAllan]

Leadership means making decisions without always knowing what happens next.

Episode 65 of The Energy Bus for Schools Podcast: OWN YOUR RIDE.

Examine your options. Make the decision. Own the decision. Remember—your choices can create a domino effect that impacts others.

Plus, a heartwarming student story involving a school assembly, $50, and one difficult choice.

Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

#EnergyBusForSchools #SchoolCulture

[EnergyBusSchools @EnergyBusSchool]

✨📚 7 books for building a positive school culture! 🚌💛

From positivity and teamwork to leadership and kindness, these books help bring great energy into our schools. 🌟

Which is your favorite? What would you add? 👇📖

#EnergyBus #PositiveSchoolCulture #SchoolCulture

[Dr. Jim Van Allan- Energy Bus for Schools @JimVanAllan]

Evangel Christian School is taking positivity on the road!

We’re excited to welcome Evangel Christian School to the Energy Bus for Schools family! 🚌

Great culture grows through the way we encourage, serve, and care for the people around us. We can’t wait to see Evangel put Love Your Passengers into action and spread positive energy throughout the school community.

Evangel, the bus is rolling and we’re so glad you’re on it!

[Dr. Jim Van Allan- Energy Bus for Schools @JimVanAllan]

🦅 Eagle Pointe is ready to soar with positive energy!

We’re thrilled to welcome Eagle Pointe Elementary to the Energy Bus for Schools family! 🚌💛

This journey is about helping students and staff recognize the energy they bring, care for the people riding alongside them, and make each day a little brighter.

Eagle Pointe, wings up and positive energy on. Your journey begins! ✨

[Dr. Jim Van Allan- Energy Bus for Schools @JimVanAllan]

Compass Academy is charting a course for positivity!

We’re excited to welcome Compass Academy Charter School to the Energy Bus for Schools family! 💙💚

With a positive vision leading the way, every student and staff member has an opportunity to influence the direction of their school culture. We can’t wait to see where this journey takes the Compass Academy Cougars!

Destination: a positive culture that stands out. Let’s roll

[Dr. Jim Van Allan- Energy Bus for Schools @JimVanAllan]

Bellbrook Middle School is bringing positive energy aboard!

We’re excited to welcome Bellbrook Middle School to the Energy Bus for Schools family! 💜💛

A great school culture grows when people choose to lift each other up, build meaningful connections, and make positivity part of every day. We’re excited to see the Bellbrook community put that energy into motion!

Bellbrook, your seat is saved. Let’s enjoy the ride!

[Dr. Jim Van Allan- Energy Bus for Schools @JimVanAllan]

The Ravens are ready to rise!

We’re excited to welcome Riverdale Ridge High School to the Energy Bus for Schools family! 🚌💙

Positive culture takes flight when people choose to encourage one another, lead with purpose, and bring positive energy wherever they go. We can’t wait to watch the Ravens put those choices into action across their school community.

Riverdale Ridge, spread your wings and enjoy the ride!

[Dr. Jim Van Allan- Energy Bus for Schools @JimVanAllan]

Bulldog energy is hitting the road!

A big welcome to New Albany High School as they join the Energy Bus for Schools family! 🚌❤️

Every great journey needs people who are ready to lead, encourage others, and bring their best energy. We’re excited to see the Bulldogs take the wheel and make a positive impact throughout their school community.

New Albany, you’re the driver. Let’s roll!

[Dr. Jim Van Allan- Energy Bus for Schools @JimVanAllan]

The Titans are bringing the energy!

We’re proud to welcome Renaissance Charter School at Tapestry to the Energy Bus for Schools family! This journey is all about empowering people to lead with positivity, support one another, and make every day count.

Titans, your bus is ready. Bring the energy and enjoy the ride!

[Dr. Jim Van Allan- Energy Bus for Schools @JimVanAllan]

September is when the school year gets real.

The routines are taking shape. Relationships are being built. Challenges are showing up. How we manage our energy now can shape the months ahead.

The newest Energy Bus for Schools Podcast is all about The September Slump and being intentional about protecting your energy.

Don’t give a five minute problem five hours of your energy.

Know what fuels you. Recognize what drains you. Stop carrying what isn’t yours. Find someone who could use a little fuel from you today.

Your energy matters. The energy you bring to others matters too.

Listen to the newest episode of The Energy Bus for Schools Podcast: https://t.co/LSYEWcY1pH

#EnergyBusForSchools #SchoolCulture #Educators

[Dr. Jim Van Allan- Energy Bus for Schools @JimVanAllan]

Big things are rolling at Excelsior Classical Academy!

We’re excited to welcome Excelsior Classical Academy to the Energy Bus for Schools family. A positive culture is built one choice, one connection, and one day at a time, and we can’t wait to see how your school makes the Energy Bus principles your own.

Here’s to a journey filled with purpose, positivity, and powerful impact!

[Dr. Jim Van Allan- Energy Bus for Schools @JimVanAllan]

Stackhouse Elementary is ready to SHINE!

We’re thrilled to have Stackhouse Elementary joining the Energy Bus for Schools journey! Every school has the power to create something special when students and staff share a positive vision and bring great energy to the ride.

Here’s to shining bright, lifting others, and creating a school culture that stands out. Welcome, Stackhouse Elementary!