An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast

This week, Casey Hallgarth, Superintendent of the Baker School District in Baker City, Oregon, joins the podcast.

Here are a few key takeaways:

• Building relationships is paramount to successful leadership. Casey emphasizes the significance of authentic and genuine connections with staff, community members, and board members.
• Shared image of success. To promote a shared image of success, Casey believes in open communication and active listening. He suggests convening groups and "really listening to what they're saying."
• Walking the talk is crucial. Casey firmly believes in leading by example and aligning actions with words. This approach fosters trust and credibility within the school community.
• "Will it help the kids?" Casey uses this simple yet powerful question as a guiding principle for decision-making. He explains, "...kids are why we're here to make them better. period."
• Networking and support are essential. Casey encourages aspiring leaders to build a strong network of support and seek guidance from experienced administrators.

Casey Hallgarth's insights provide valuable lessons for educational leaders at all levels. His emphasis on relationships, action-oriented leadership, and a child-centered approach offers a roadmap for creating a positive and thriving school environment.

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An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr.

Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health.

Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal.

Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day.

MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL.

Go to overyondr.com to learn more.

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An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at www.imperfectleader.com.

Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley.

Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

Join me for a powerful conversation with Dr. Ronald Taylor, former superintendent and author of The Courage to Lead with Integrity for Equity, on the latest episode of An Imperfect Leader!

Dr. Taylor shares his remarkable journey in education, exploring the critical importance of equity, integrity, and courage in leadership. We discuss:

• The impact of the Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS) organization in providing equitable access to challenging high school courses for underserved students.
• Practical strategies for school leaders to identify and address equity gaps using data analysis and stakeholder engagement.
• Dr. Taylor's personal experiences navigating the complexities of school integration and construction projects during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The crucial role of honesty and transparency in building trust with the community, especially during times of crisis.
• The importance of courage in making difficult decisions and advocating for what is right, even when facing opposition.

Dr. Taylor's insights are invaluable for any leader seeking to create more equitable and just systems. Tune in to this episode of An Imperfect Leader to hear this inspiring conversation!

Also, check out Ron's book, The Courage to Lead with Integrity for Equity.

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An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr.

Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health.

Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal.

Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day.

MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL.

Go to overyondr.com to learn more.

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An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at www.imperfectleader.com.

Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley.

Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

🎙️Join us for this insightful conversation with Jerry Almendarez, Superintendent of Santa Ana Unified School District Jerry's leadership journey provided valuable takeaways, especially regarding school improvement initiatives:

• The Power of Student Voice 🗣️: Jerry emphasized the importance of incorporating student perspectives in decision-making processes. He shared a compelling anecdote about how pausing a graduate profile rollout to conduct student listening sessions led to crucial insights and ultimately, a more impactful outcome.
• Resisting Quick Decisions 🛑: Jerry learned the importance of thoughtful consideration over impulsive action. While the pressure to implement initiatives like No Child Left Behind was intense, he discovered the value of collaboration, especially with teachers and staff, to create sustainable and effective change.
• Building Strong Relationships 🤝: Open and honest communication is vital for successful leadership. By fostering a culture of trust and vulnerability, Jerry was able to address the anxieties and frustrations stemming from policies like No Child Left Behind and build stronger connections with his team.
• Embracing Imperfection 💫 : Leaders are continuously learning and growing. Acknowledging our imperfections allows us to adapt, iterate, and improve our practices for the benefit of our students and communities.

Listen to the full episode for more inspiring insights from Jerry Almendarez! 🎧 #leadership #education #studentvoice #collaboration #podcast

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An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr.

Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health.

Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal.

Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day.

MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL.

Go to overyondr.com to learn more.

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An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at www.imperfectleader.com.

Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley.

Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

INTRO:

It's Thanksgiving week, and what better time to reflect on the things we're grateful for? 🙏 This week, we're sharing an encore episode (with before and after commentary with Jamie Almanzán) that truly embodies the spirit of gratitude. 🍂

Join me as I speak with Samir Goel, co-founder and co-CEO of Esusu, a company dedicated to dismantling barriers to housing for working families.

What truly resonated with me was Samir's moral focus and his commitment to creating win-win solutions. 🙌 Whether it's through Esusu's mission to helps individuals build credit or the rent relief program, they are making a real difference in the lives of countless families. For that, we can all be grateful!✨

Tune in this week and be inspired! 🎧

❤️ We can all learn from Samir's dedication to equity, his unwavering optimism, and his commitment to making the system work for everyone. 💯

BIO: Samir Goel (along with his partner, Wemimo Abbey) is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Esusu, the leading financial technology company helping individuals save money and build credit.

• Esusu's rent reporting platform captures rental payment data and reports it to credit bureaus to boost credit scores.
• This allows renters to build and establish their credit scores while helping property owners mitigate against initiating evictions, powered by differentiated data and insights.
• Founded in 2018, Esusu reaches over 5 million rental units across all 50 states in the United States.
• Learn more at www.esusurent.com
• Follow them on Instagram: @myesusu and on Twitter: @getesusu.

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An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr.

Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health.

Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal.

Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day.

MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL.

Go to overyondr.com to learn more.

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An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at www.imperfectleader.com.

Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley.

Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, Dr. Larry Dake, Superintendent of the Chenango Valley Central School District, shares invaluable lessons learned throughout his leadership journey, emphasizing the importance of:

• Relationships: Building strong relationships with staff, students, and families is crucial for effective leadership. Dr. Dake highlights the power of visibility and accessibility, advocating for "management by walking around" to foster meaningful connections and gain valuable insights.
• Empathy: Leaders must approach challenging situations with empathy, understanding the perspectives of all involved, particularly families facing crises.
• Growth Mindset: Embracing imperfection and vulnerability is key to leadership growth. Dr. Dake encourages a willingness to learn, acknowledging that no one has all the answers. This humility fosters collaboration, allowing leaders to tap into the collective wisdom of their teams.

Tune in to learn from Dr. Dake's experiences and discover how embracing imperfection can lead to stronger, more human-centered leadership.

#leadership #education #podcast #relationships #empathy #growthmindset #imperfectleader

CURSING DISCLAIMER: I do curse at one point when we're discussing complicated vs complex. It's at minute marker 6:15. 😳

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An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr.

Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health.

Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal.

Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day.

MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL.

Go to overyondr.com to learn more.

------

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An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at www.imperfectleader.com.

Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley.

Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

It was an honor to have Vikas Pota as our guest on An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast 🎧 🎙️ We had a fantastic conversation about T4 Education, the World's Best School Prize, and the importance of recognizing and celebrating the amazing work happening in schools around the globe. Here are four key takeaways:

• Shining a Spotlight on Success: Prizes are a powerful way to recognize the achievements of entire school communities, not just individuals. This recognition can inspire others, attract resources, and drive systemic change. 🏆
• The Power of Connection: Schools that excel prioritize community collaboration and understand the importance of building strong relationships with stakeholders. These connections are essential for success and create a ripple effect that benefits everyone. 🤝
• Leading with Values: Authentic leadership is rooted in integrity, hard work, and a commitment to making a positive impact. By staying true to our values, we build trust, inspire others, and create lasting change. 🌟
• Navigating Professional Transitions: As leaders consider new opportunities (either by choice or due to circumstances out of their control), they aren't always sure how to approach the transition in a meaningful way. Vikas offers an approach he learned from others.🌟

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An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr.

Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health.

Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal.

Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day.

MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL.

Go to overyondr.com to learn more.

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At the end of every interview we have for teacher candidates, we say, "What questions do you have for us?" And they always ask, "What kind of support can I expect?" And we always say, "Don't worry, we'll give you a mentor."

That's where partners like EdConnective step in. They provide real coaching, observations and feedback with practice. EdConnective ensures that every student thrives by facilitating exceptional educator growth. If you're looking for support for your people, for your leaders, for science of reading efforts, for recruitment and retention initiatives, check out EdConnective.com.

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Imperfect Leaders! Are you facing challenges filling open Speech-Language Pathologist positions within your district? Empat Speech understands the critical need for qualified professionals and partners with school districts with a menu of options.

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An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at www.imperfectleader.com.

Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley.

Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

It's Election Day! Make sure you get out there and make your voice heard-- every vote counts!

🎧 In this encore episode of An Imperfect Leader, we feature Tony Aylsworth, Superintendent of Pleasantville Community Schools in Pleasantville, Iowa. Tony shares valuable insights from his leadership journey, including:

• The Power of Collective Aspiration: Tony discusses how he works with his school community to define shared images of success and create pathways for students to thrive. He highlights the importance of character education, emphasizing service and community engagement.
• Leading Through Uncertainty: Tony recounts the experience of leading two school districts simultaneously during a challenging time. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships, earning trust, and fostering collaboration.
• Lessons from a Bond Election: Tony shares a compelling story about a bond election that passed by just one vote, underscoring the importance of every individual's participation in the democratic process. He discusses the challenges of combating misinformation and the need for effective communication strategies.

Don't forget to vote today! 🇺🇸 Your vote makes a difference.

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An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr.

Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health.

Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal.

Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day.

MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL.

Go to overyondr.com to learn more.

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At the end of every interview we have for teacher candidates, we say, "What questions do you have for us?" And they always ask, "What kind of support can I expect?" And we always say, "Don't worry, we'll give you a mentor."

That's where partners like EdConnective step in. They provide real coaching, observations and feedback with practice. EdConnective ensures that every student thrives by facilitating exceptional educator growth. If you're looking for support for your people, for your leaders, for science of reading efforts, for recruitment and retention initiatives, check out EdConnective.com.

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Imperfect Leaders! Are you facing challenges filling open Speech-Language Pathologist positions within your district? Empat Speech understands the critical need for qualified professionals and partners with school districts with a menu of options.

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An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at www.imperfectleader.com.

Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley.

Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

Join us as we sit down with Dr. Kim Hartmann, CEO of KCH Solutions and former school board member, for a conversation about building trust, fostering collaboration, and navigating the complexities of school leadership.

Kim shares invaluable insights from her experience in both the corporate and education worlds, including:

• 🔑 The critical link between trust and outcomes: When trust is present, school boards focus on results. When trust is lacking, they get bogged down in process.
• 🤝 Strategies for building high-performing teams: Discover the power of team psychological safety, a key ingredient for successful collaboration, especially when tackling complex challenges.
• 🤔 Reframing challenges as opportunities: Kim breaks down a real-world scenario where initial setbacks led to an even more impactful outcome, highlighting the importance of reflection and mid-course correction.

This episode is packed with actionable takeaways for leaders at all levels. Tune in and discover how to cultivate a culture of trust, collaboration, and continuous learning in your district.

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An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr.

Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health.

Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal.

Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day.

MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL.

Go to overyondr.com to learn more.

------

At the end of every interview we have for teacher candidates, we say, "What questions do you have for us?" And they always ask, "What kind of support can I expect?" And we always say, "Don't worry, we'll give you a mentor."

That's where partners like EdConnective step in. They provide real coaching, observations and feedback with practice. EdConnective ensures that every student thrives by facilitating exceptional educator growth. If you're looking for support for your people, for your leaders, for science of reading efforts, for recruitment and retention initiatives, check out EdConnective.com.

------

Imperfect Leaders! Are you facing challenges filling open Speech-Language Pathologist positions within your district? Empat Speech understands the critical need for qualified professionals and partners with school districts with a menu of options.

--------

An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at www.human-centeredleaders.com.

Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley.

Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

Join Jamie Almanzán and me for an insightful conversation with Dr. Rachel White, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. White, a former school board member and policy analyst, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for equity to her research on the superintendency. In this episode, you'll learn: 💡 The importance of humanizing the superintendency. Dr. White discusses the need to see superintendents as individuals with feelings, families, and a deep commitment to their communities. 📊 The stark reality of gender and racial disparities in the superintendency. She reveals that only 28% of superintendents are women, with even lower numbers for leaders of color, and explores the systemic barriers contributing to this gap. 💪 How superintendents can effectively engage with policymakers. Dr. White offers practical advice on building relationships with legislators and advocating for policies that support students and schools. Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation!

-----

An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr.

Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health.

Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal.

Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day.

MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL.

Go to overyondr.com to learn more.

------

At the end of every interview we have for teacher candidates, we say, "What questions do you have for us?" And they always ask, "What kind of support can I expect?" And we always say, "Don't worry, we'll give you a mentor."

That's where partners like EdConnective step in. They provide real coaching, observations and feedback with practice. EdConnective ensures that every student thrives by facilitating exceptional educator growth. If you're looking for support for your people, for your leaders, for science of reading efforts, for recruitment and retention initiatives, check out EdConnective.com.

------

Imperfect Leaders! Are you facing challenges filling open Speech-Language Pathologist positions within your district? Empat Speech understands the critical need for qualified professionals and partners with school districts with a menu of options.

--------

An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at www.human-centeredleaders.com.

Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley.

Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

📣 Tune in to the latest episode of An Imperfect Leader 🎧 featuring Kurt A Schneider of TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804 in Highland Park, Illinois.

Dr. Schneider shares his insights on leading systemic transformation in education, emphasizing the importance of equity and inclusion for ALL learners.

Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:

*️⃣ Transformation requires a cultural shift, not just initiatives: Kurt highlights the need to move beyond temporary programs and embrace inclusive practices that benefit every student.

*️⃣ Meaningful change takes time and patience: Kurt emphasizes that dismantling long-standing inequities is a gradual process. He encourages leaders to prioritize building strong relationships and understanding diverse perspectives.

*️⃣ Every learner deserves to be valued and included: Kurt shares his district's journey of removing the label "special education" and embracing a mission of "every learner, every day."

Don't miss this inspiring conversation on creating equitable and transformative learning experiences for all! 🎉

TWO ADDITIONAL RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE CONVERSATION:

Rebranding Your School?

Practical Approaches to Facilitating Sustainable Systemic Change

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An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr.

Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health.

Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal.

Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day.

MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL.

Go to overyondr.com to learn more.

------

At the end of every interview we have for teacher candidates, we say, "What questions do you have for us?" And they always ask, "What kind of support can I expect?" And we always say, "Don't worry, we'll give you a mentor."

That's where partners like EdConnective step in. They provide real coaching, observations and feedback with practice. EdConnective ensures that every student thrives by facilitating exceptional educator growth. If you're looking for support for your people, for your leaders, for science of reading efforts, for recruitment and retention initiatives, check out EdConnective.com.

------

Imperfect Leaders! Are you facing challenges filling open Speech-Language Pathologist positions within your district? Empat Speech understands the critical need for qualified professionals and partners with school districts with a menu of options.

--------

An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at www.human-centeredleaders.com.

Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley.

Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.