Accelerate Your Performance

How does a high-achieving district continue to elevate its performance? According to Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent of Winnetka Public Schools, the answer lies with leaders who never stop learning and who embrace simplicity in their strategic approach. Tune in as she joins host Dr. Janet Pilcher to share how she and her team are relentlessly pursuing consistent student growth. Learn how high-achieving school district strategies and practices like comprehensive coaching, instructional consistency, and leadership vulnerability drive excellence and help everyone find meaning in their work.

This episode addresses questions such as: 

• Why is it important for a high-performing district to continue to focus on improvement?
• What are the benefits of a simplified strategic plan for the team and community?
• How does a coaching model support the development and growth of leaders' skills to deliver on the strategic plan?

Recommended Resources: From a System of Schools to a School System, Leadership Development is a Must-Have

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

Behind every educator is a driving purpose. For Jill Robinson-Wolgamott, Director of Teaching and Learning for K-5 in Bethel School District, that "why" is a powerful story of overcoming obstacles and dedicating her career to literacy education. Join host Dr. Janet Pilcher as Jill shares her inspiring journey, prompting us to reflect on our own driving purpose. You'll also learn how Bethel is achieving impressive literacy results and creating a strong culture of collective responsibility.

This episode addresses questions such as: 

• How do strategic tools drive widespread instructional improvement, specifically in literacy education?
• What impact does rounding have in fostering a culture of connection, trust, and gratitude?
• What's the essential fuel that drives and sustains all meaningful change?

Recommended Resources: Strengthen Your Team by Hardwiring Gratitude, Connecting to Purpose Gives us Courage

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

It's one thing to talk about service excellence, another to define it collaboratively and actually put it into practice. Join Dr. Janet Pilcher and Superintendent Dr. Derek Bub to learn how West Ada School District actively engages diverse voices to define shared service standards and uses a feedback process to build understanding and drive improvement.

This episode addresses questions such as: 

• Why is it beneficial to involve a cross-functional team in defining service standards?
• How can a school district use its defined service excellence standards in practical ways, such as hiring and employee expectations?
• Why is closing the feedback loop by following up on survey results critical, and how can it be done effectively?

Recommended Resources: Focus on Service Excellence, Fuel Success with a Feedback Loop, Develop and Apply Standards of Excellence

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

Why should educational leaders consider adopting a startup mentality? Dr. Janet Pilcher answers this question and guides you through the essential leadership and mindset shifts needed to thrive in today's evolving educational landscape. Tune in and learn which behaviors to embrace and which foundational principles to uphold.

This episode addresses questions such as: 

• What's the difference between leading with a legacy mentality and leading with a startup mentality?
• How can educational systems move from good to great?
• What are some characteristics of a startup that educational systems need to incorporate into their business model?

Recommended Resources: Four Focus Areas for Coaching Great Teams, The ABCs of Effective Goals

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

In Martin County School District, if it's important enough to measure, it's important enough to improve. Join Superintendent Michael Maine as he sits down with Dr. Janet Pilcher to discuss his data-driven approach to continuous improvement. Listen now to hear how the district strategically gathers and shares feedback, transforming it into action plans that drive lasting change.

This episode addresses questions such as: 

• How can organizations create a continuous improvement cycle using data and feedback effectively?
• In what ways do feedback loops improve communication and understanding across departments?
• How can leaders create a culture where feedback is welcomed?

Recommended Resources: Fuel Success with a Feedback Loop, Feedback is a Gift…or is it?, Cascade and Execute Your Strategic Plan 

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

Join Dr. Janet Pilcher as she thoughtfully revisits the highlights and key takeaways from Studer Education's recent virtual Destination High Performance conference. Listen as she describes the four essentials elements at the core of leadership and emphasizes what it means to do work that is purposeful, worthwhile, and makes a positive impact.

This episode addresses questions such as: 

• What are some foundational tactics that develop trust between leaders and their employees?
• What are the four leadership essentials?
• What comes first: culture or strategy?

Recommended Resources: The Culture-Strategy Equation: Reflections from the AASA Conference, Stomp Out We/They Culture, Fuel Success with a Feedback Loop

Destination High Performance K12 Leadership Conference: Go here to access the conference sessions on demand.

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

Don't miss this special cross-over episode with our partners at Escambia County Public Schools and their Voices United in Education podcast. Meredith Hackwith Edwards interviews Dr. Robin Largue, a retired Leader Coach from Studer Education. Dr. Largue shares how the strategic use of data and goals, combined with strong leadership and relationships, build thriving and high-performing schools.

This episode addresses questions such as:

• How does coaching bring together parents, students, and school staff to support every child's success?
• How does leadership extend beyond a title?
• What are specific daily actions leaders can take to positively impact the culture? 

Recommended Resources: Transform District Culture with People-First Strategies, How Three School Districts Are Solving Problems and Driving Student Excellence, Grow Your People

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

"An organization with a hero is a sign of weakness,” begins Dr. Heidi Eliopoulous, Superintendent of the School District of Altoona. Join her and Dr. Janet Pilcher as they dismantle the myth of the lone-ranger leader, focusing on the impact of collective growth. Discover why investing in leadership development, particularly developing leadership teams in school systems, is a "must-have," not a "nice-to-have." Listen as Heidi shares tactics that drive improvements in student well-being and academic performance, empowering you to create meaningful change in your district.

This episode addresses questions such as: 

• What impact does leadership development have on students and families?
• What are some tools and tactics used for leadership development?
• How does a focus on leader development translate into the creation of a more positive and supportive culture within the school district?

Recommended Resources: Stomp Out We/They Culture, Boost Employee Retention Through Leadership Development, Leadership Development is a Lifeline

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

Whether you're building a championship team or a successful organization, consistent effort and a structured approach will get you to the finish line. At El Dorado County Office of Education, short cycles of improvement are a core part of their winning strategy. Tune in as Dr. Janet Pilcher sits down with Dr. Ed Manansala, Superintendent of Schools, to hear how he leads short cycles of improvement to drive real change. He’ll also share specific examples of how these cycles are applied to improve processes in multiple departments, from transportation to IT. Listen now as Dr. Manansala highlights how this focus on improvement fuels his team's success, and learn how you can apply it with your own teams.

 This episode addresses questions such as: 

• How do short cycles of improvement provide accountability and focus?
• How do you know when to scale improvements? 
• Why is it important to honor the voice of students and staff in the improvement process? 

Destination High Performance K12 Leadership Conference: Go here to learn more and register.

Recommended Resources: Create Momentum with Short Cycles of Improvement, Becoming an Improvement Organization, Bridging Community Divides

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

Strong cultures empower winning strategies, and well-executed strategies reinforce strong and healthy cultures. But how do you actually begin the work of transforming a school district's culture? Join Dr. Adam Leckie, Superintendent of Casa Grande Elementary School District, as he discusses with Dr. Janet Pilcher how centering his faculty, staff, and students is the core of driving substantial improvement. Listen as he unpacks strategies that build this culture, empowering his team to execute with excellence. 

 This episode addresses questions such as: 

• How can a people-first approach be practically implemented to empower those leading daily improvement initiatives?
• What are practical ways to show gratitude and service to the people within a school district? 
• How can data-driven insights be used to accurately measure improvement and guide strategic decisions?

Destination High Performance K12 Leadership Conference: Go here to learn more and register.

Recommended Resources: People-First Leadership in Classrooms and Communities, The Culture-Strategy Equation: Reflections from the AASA Conference, Cultivating a Culture of Gratitude and Continuous Improvement in the Casa Grande Elementary School District

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.