Leadership in education means empowering every student to recognize their unique strengths and potential. When we shift our mindset from "special education" to "students with exceptionalities," we transform how we view, support, and include all learners in our schools.

In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham sits down with Kimberly Gardner, the first-ever Assistant Superintendent of Students with Exceptionalities and Federal Programs for St. Tammany Parish Public Schools. Kimberly shares her journey from gifted educator to district leader, her passion for student voice, and how she's implementing the Leader in Me process across 55 schools to build inclusive cultures where every student can thrive. From prioritizing early childhood intervention to transforming classroom paradigms, discover how Kimberly's student-first approach is reshaping education in Louisiana.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about authentic leadership, creating opportunities for all students, and the power of being the author of your own story.

If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/

Host and Guest:

Host: Dustin Odham, Managing Director at FranklinCovey Education

Guest: Kimberly Gardner, Assistant Superintendent of Students with Exceptionalities and Federal Programs for St. Tammany Parish Public Schools

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 01:50) Introduction

(01:50 - 03:40) Kimberly's Background and Journey

(03:40 - 05:20) "Students with Exceptionalities" vs. "Special Education"

(05:20 - 07:30) Personal Stories of Inclusion

(07:30 - 10:10) Kimberly's Path to Education

(10:10 - 12:00) Building Strong Foundations

(12:00 - 14:40) Key Paradigm Shifts Needed in Education

(14:40 - 17:30) Creating Space for Student Voice

(17:30 - 20:30) Student Lighthouse Teams and Leadership Opportunities

(20:30 - 23:00) Goal Setting and Empowering Students

(23:00 - 25:50) Going Slow to Go Fast with Implementation

(25:50 - 28:40) Addressing Pushback and Supporting Staff

(28:40 - 31:50) Supporting Individual Needs vs. Top-Down Approaches

(31:50 - 34:00) The Speedboat, Tugboat, and Row Boat Analogy

(34:00 - 38:10) Hopes for the Future of Education

(38:10 - 41:40) The Path to Purpose

(41:40 - 47:40) Rapid Fire Questions

(47:40 - 50:31) Closing Thoughts

Hashtags:

#EducationLeadership #StudentsWithExceptionalities #StudentVoice #InclusiveEducation #LeadershipDevelopment #LeaderInMe #PathToPurpose #SchoolCulture #EarlyIntervention #StudentLighthouseTeams