Today I will be interviewing Michael Pogue. Director of Special Services at White Settlement ISD. In this episode, we will be having a powerful conversation about the culture and the climate in White Settlement, how he got there, and how the superintendent is an impactful component in the district. We will also talk about how he shapes the teachers in education and how we believe education continues to be reshaped even after all these years.

Let’s dig in and learn more about the importance of making a connection education process and the sense of belonging amongst educators.

[00:01 – 07:44] Opening Segment

• Let’s welcome Michael Pogue to the show. 
• The Flip 5! We take turns asking five GTKY questions.

[17:45 – 30:59]  Connect Before Content

• Michael talks about his current location and his current role in education.
• The common stereotype of the superintendent.
• Power and permission from leadership.
• Being yourself as an educator 
• Social-emotional learning.
• The importance of building relationships with your students 
• There is no magic in social-emotional learning; you just got to learn how to connect with the kids.
• If you can not connect, you can not help the kids.
• If you can build a good relationship with the kids, the learning will take care of itself.

[31:00 – 48:04] Strategy to make a connection with the students

• Michael shares his strategy to make a connection with his students
• Knowing what drives your students
• The struggle of some adult educators to make a genuine connection with their students
• Focus on the process, not only the outcome
• Michael talks about how relationships play a more pivotal role in special needs students than just the average student.
• The inclusive lifestyle
• Reading and relationships
• The arcade mindset of teacher in labeling their students
• The flaw in the education system in applying the same test standard.

[48:05 – 01:06:30] The Sense of Belonging as Educators 

• Michael shares some insights for those who want to get an education career.
• The guiding philosophy 
• The education system and personal values 
• The financial side of being educators
• Being a happy educator.
• The culture and sense of belonging.
• Michael talks about how his superintendent creates a positive culture for the educator.
• The appreciation for educator

[01:06:31 – 01:11:23] Closing Segment

• I talk about my takeaway from today’s discussion.
• Michael shares some of his final thought about today’s discussion. 
• Final thoughts and words of advice

Tweetable Quotes:

“It’s my job to let them be successful because when the team is successful, it is the best part.” – Michael Pogue.

”There is no magic in social-emotional learning; you just got to learn how to connect with the kids.” – Michael Pogue.

“Focus on the process, not only the outcome.” – Michael Pogue.

Email Michael at [email protected] or connect with him on LinkedIn.

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