An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast

📢 What an incredible conversation with Dr. Stephen Pruitt, President of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

🎧 In this encore episode, we dove deep into education, leadership, and driving real change. Here are the key takeaways:

🤝 Stakeholder vs. Shareholder: Dr. Pruitt made a powerful distinction: education needs fewer "stakeholders" and more "shareholders". What does that mean? Shareholders are people invested in a common vision who feel true ownership of the process.

✍️ Redefining Standards: Standards, he explained, are a contract between the State Department of Education and teachers. It's about shared agreement and collaboration, not top-down mandates.

🧠 Harvesting Wisdom: The development of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) was a masterclass in inclusive design: 26 lead states, 40 writers, and countless public reviews to make sure every voice was heard.

🤔 Unintended Consequences: As Kentucky's Commissioner of Education, Dr. Pruitt created an "Unintended Consequences Committee" to catch potential negative outcomes before they happened. Genius.

⚛️ Systems Thinking: Drawing on his background as a chemist, he emphasized viewing education (and the workforce pipeline) as one interconnected system. Real change requires addressing every part of it.

💔 The Three Phases of Crisis: From navigating a school shooting, Dr. Pruitt identified three critical phases: prevention, management, and recovery. The recovery phase (especially social, emotional, and mental health support) is too often overlooked.

🚧 Removing Barriers: After the tragedy at Marshall County High School, his focus was removing barriers to recovery: excusing students from state tests, prioritizing community needs, and asking the essential question: "Are you removing barriers to recovery, or are you creating more?"

📚 We also discussed the SREB Journal of Education Practices and Trends, a resource built to bridge research and practice. Find it by searching "journal" at sreb.org.

🌟 The biggest takeaway? True leadership means embracing imperfection, staying a lifelong learner, and empowering others. As Dr. Pruitt put it: "We need to treat education and our profession more like a Hallmark movie and less like a Lifetime movie." Let's choose to love this profession. ❤️

#Education #EducationLeadership #K12Education #SchoolLeadership #EdChat #NGSS #StandardsBasedEducation #CrisisManagement #SystemsThinking #TeacherLeadership #SREB #EducationPolicy #SchoolSafety #ResilientLeadership #LifelongLearning #EducationPodcast #Podcasserole

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Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader

Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on:

Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com

-------

An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student.

Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most.

IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.

Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect

-------

The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!

The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations. We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount.

Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project.

------

Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.

Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org

Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org

------

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 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.

I am thrilled to share an encore release of a very special crossover episode between our podcast, An Imperfect Leader, and Mason Pashia's Getting Smart Podcast (also a proud member of the Podcasserole Network!). Together, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Light, a professor at MIT, to explore the the history of Junior Republics and the cutting-edge work of Embodied Education.

Here are two key takeaways from our conversation:

🏙️ The Legacy of Junior Republics: Imagine a miniature city or nation run entirely by kids. Starting in 1895, Junior Republics gave children the power to act as senators, run businesses, and even debate major issues like women's suffrage (often reaching progressive conclusions long before adults did). This "radical student agency" reminds us that when we trust young people with real-world responsibility, they are capable of extraordinary things.

🏃‍♂️ The MIT Project on Embodied Education: We also took a deep dive into how movement and physical activity can be integrated into academic instruction to enhance learning, creativity, and executive function. Dr. Light shared how her team at MIT is designing "games" to teach complex subjects like Algebra.

Sometimes, the best ideas for the future are waiting for us in the past.

#EducationInnovation #StudentAgency #EmbodiedLearning #Leadership #JuniorRepublics #GettingSmart #MIT #AnImperfectLeader #EducationHistory #Podcasserole

-------

Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader

Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on:

Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com

-------

An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student.

Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most.

IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.

Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect

-------

The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!

The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations. We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount.

Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project.

------

Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.

Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org

Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org

------

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 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.

Some conversations stay with you long after the recording ends. My conversation with Dr. Nyah Hamlett is one of those.

In this encore episode, Dr. Hamlett, former superintendent of Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and now Chief Equity & Development Officer for Montgomery County Public Schools, offers a deeply honest reflection on leadership under pressure.

Here are three themes leaders should listen for:

1. "Don't Flinch" Leadership: Listen for how Nyah defines leadership as choosing courage over convenience, especially when decisions are uncomfortable or unpopular.

2. Student Voice as Shared Power (Not a Checkbox): Listen for how student voice can sharpen decisions, even when leaders don't ultimately go the students' way.

3. Imperfect Leadership, Vulnerability, and Accountability: Listen closely to Nyah's after-action reflection. It's a masterclass in humility, learning in real time, and leading as a human being, especially when systems and personal wellbeing collide.

This episode is a reminder that leadership is not about perfection. It's about integrity, reflection, and the willingness to stand firm without flinching.

#DontFlinch #CourageOverConvenience #AuthenticLeadership #VulnerabilityInLeadership #EducationalLeadership #Superintendents #PublicEducation #EdLeadership #EquityInEducation #StudentVoice #RestorativePractices #SystemsThinking #EquityAndEmpathy #ImperfectLeader #PodcastRoleNetwork #LeadLearner #Podcasserole

-------

Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/

Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on:

Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com

-------

An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student.

Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most.

IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.

Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect

-------

The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!

The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations. We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount.

Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project.

------

Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.

Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org

Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org

------

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 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.

What happens when you trade a massive suburban district for a rural community with only 1,200 students? According to my latest guest, it might just be the best career move you'll ever make.

I recently sat down with Dr. James F. Lane, former acting Assistant Secretary of the US Department of Education and author of Leading with Laser Focus. James shared how cutting his teeth in a small rural district forced him to do "every job"—from HR and finance to literally walking through the mud to assess construction sites.

We went deep on how that "boots on the ground" experience prepared him for state and national leadership, and why he believes the best leaders are simply "the best at getting better."

Three takeaways you won't want to miss:

1. Innovation = Newer AND Better: James challenges the educational platitude of being innovative. He notes, "We tend to get caught up in what's newer and forget to actually make sure it's better." If it's not improving outcomes for kids, it's just a "new shiny thing" contributing to initiative fatigue.

2. The Voice for Students Guardrail: Whether in a principal's office or the US Department of Ed, James's North Star was being a voice for students.

3. Humility as a Team Sport: No leader is perfect, and James embraces that. His advice? Surround yourself with people who fulfill your imperfections so you can be as close to perfect as a team as possible.

If you are a leader struggling with "initiative fatigue" or trying to navigate a career transition with grace, this conversation is for you.

#EducationLeadership #SuptChat #EdChat #RuralEducation #K12 #Innovation #LeadingWithLaserFocus #AnImperfectLeader #PublicEducation

-------

Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/

YouTube (video of conversation): https://youtu.be/VkKiXpczSEAhttps://www.youtube.com/@animperfectleaderleadershi5144/featured

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader

Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on:

Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com

-------

An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student.

Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most.

IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.

Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect

-------

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 3 Million Students use Yondr every day.

MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL.

Go to overyondr.com to learn more.

------

The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!

The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations. We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount.

Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project.

------

Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.

Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org

Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org

------

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 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.

What happens when you trade a massive suburban district for a rural community with only 1,200 students? According to my latest guest, it might just be the best career move you'll ever make.

I recently sat down with Dr. James F. Lane, former acting Assistant Secretary of the US Department of Education and author of Leading with Laser Focus. James shared how cutting his teeth in a small rural district forced him to do "every job"—from HR and finance to literally walking through the mud to assess construction sites.

We went deep on how that "boots on the ground" experience prepared him for state and national leadership, and why he believes the best leaders are simply "the best at getting better."

Three takeaways you won't want to miss:

1. Innovation = Newer AND Better: James challenges the educational platitude of being innovative. He notes, "We tend to get caught up in what's newer and forget to actually make sure it's better." If it's not improving outcomes for kids, it's just a "new shiny thing" contributing to initiative fatigue.

2. The Voice for Students Guardrail: Whether in a principal's office or the US Department of Ed, James's North Star was being a voice for students.

3. Humility as a Team Sport: No leader is perfect, and James embraces that. His advice? Surround yourself with people who fulfill your imperfections so you can be as close to perfect as a team as possible.

If you are a leader struggling with "initiative fatigue" or trying to navigate a career transition with grace, this conversation is for you.

#EducationLeadership #SuptChat #EdChat #RuralEducation #K12 #Innovation #LeadingWithLaserFocus #AnImperfectLeader #PublicEducation

-------

Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/

YouTube (video of conversation): https://youtu.be/VkKiXpczSEAhttps://www.youtube.com/@animperfectleaderleadershi5144/featured

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader

Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on:

Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com

-------

An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student.

Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most.

IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.

Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect

-------

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 3 Million Students use Yondr every day.

MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL.

Go to overyondr.com to learn more.

------

The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!

The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations. We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount.

Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project.

------

Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.

Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org

Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org

------

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 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.

If you feel like your "number one love"—instructional leadership—is constantly being pushed to the background by budget spreadsheets, you aren't alone.

I recently had a fantastic conversation with Dr. Anne LoBue (Columbia University's Teachers College) and Dr. Christopher Tienken (Seton Hall University) about the 2025 American Superintendent Study. We did some serious "myth-busting" that every school leader and board member needs to hear.

Here are 3 themes from our talk to keep on your radar:

1. The Money Matters Paradox: While most superintendents identify as instructional leaders, 54% reported that finance issues actually consume the bulk of their attention. In rural districts, that number jumps to nearly two-thirds. Curriculum and instruction? That ranked 10th on the list. As Anne put it, while instruction is the heart of the work, "it's money that matters" when it comes to daily time management.

2. Shattering the 3-Year Tenure Myth: We've all heard that the average superintendent only lasts three years. It turns out that's true in some contexts. The actual reported aggregate average is 5.4 years. In fact, nearly 25% of respondents have been in their positions for nine years or more. Stability is possible!

3. The Power of Complementary Associations: You don't have to be the perfect leader who knows everything. Chris emphasized that one of the most important skills for a leader is knowing who to surround yourself with to fill your own gaps in expertise. Leading is a systems approach, not a solo performance.

#SuptChat #EdLeadership #AASA #SchoolBoard #EducationFinance #AnImperfectLeader #K12Education #SuperintendentStudy

-------

Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/

YouTube (video of conversation): https://youtu.be/VkKiXpczSEAhttps://www.youtube.com/@animperfectleaderleadershi5144/featured

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader

Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on:

Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com

-------

An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student.

Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most.

IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.

Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect

-------

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 3 Million Students use Yondr every day.

MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL.

Go to overyondr.com to learn more.

------

The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!

The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations. We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount.

Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project.

------

Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.

Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org

Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org

------

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 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.

If you feel like your "number one love"—instructional leadership—is constantly being pushed to the background by budget spreadsheets, you aren't alone.

I recently had a fantastic conversation with Dr. Anne LoBue (Columbia University's Teachers College) and Dr. Christopher Tienken (Seton Hall University) about the 2025 American Superintendent Study. We did some serious "myth-busting" that every school leader and board member needs to hear.

Here are 3 themes from our talk to keep on your radar:

1. The Money Matters Paradox: While most superintendents identify as instructional leaders, 54% reported that finance issues actually consume the bulk of their attention. In rural districts, that number jumps to nearly two-thirds. Curriculum and instruction? That ranked 10th on the list. As Anne put it, while instruction is the heart of the work, "it's money that matters" when it comes to daily time management.

2. Shattering the 3-Year Tenure Myth: We've all heard that the average superintendent only lasts three years. It turns out that's true in some contexts. The actual reported aggregate average is 5.4 years. In fact, nearly 25% of respondents have been in their positions for nine years or more. Stability is possible!

3. The Power of Complementary Associations: You don't have to be the perfect leader who knows everything. Chris emphasized that one of the most important skills for a leader is knowing who to surround yourself with to fill your own gaps in expertise. Leading is a systems approach, not a solo performance.

#SuptChat #EdLeadership #AASA #SchoolBoard #EducationFinance #AnImperfectLeader #K12Education #SuperintendentStudy #Podcasserole

-------

Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/

YouTube (video of conversation): https://youtu.be/VkKiXpczSEAhttps://www.youtube.com/@animperfectleaderleadershi5144/featured

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader

Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on:

Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com

-------

An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student.

Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most.

IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.

Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect

-------

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 3 Million Students use Yondr every day.

MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL.

Go to overyondr.com to learn more.

------

The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!

The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations. We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount.

Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project.

------

Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.

Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org

Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org

------

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 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.

Is the era of the public school monopoly officially dead? According to my guest, Brian Stephens, the answer is a resounding yes. And if school leaders don't adapt, they risk becoming "dinosaurs."

Brian is a combat veteran, attorney, and the leader of CAISSA K-12, a firm that has helped return over 30,000 students to traditional public schools. In our conversation, we tackled the hard truth about declining enrollment and how districts can reclaim their narrative in a competitive market.

Here are themes from our talk that every educator and superintendent should hear:

1. Accepting the End of the Monopoly: Brian argues that leaders must stop acting like they are the only game in town. He notes, "The monopoly's over with." To thrive, schools must treat families like customers and understand that competition from charters, private schools, and unschooling is the new reality.

2. Leading with Emotion to Change the Narrative: While educators love data, Brian points out that data alone doesn't move people. To recruit families back, you have to win their hearts first. He explains, "We're not led with facts and data. We're led with emotion, and we use facts to support those decisions." Successful districts find their stories and use them to build an emotional connection with the community.

3. The Difference Between Being "Nice" and Being "Kind": In a powerful leadership lesson, Brian deconstructs a mistake he made early in his career: going along to get along. He realized that true support means telling the truth, even when it's uncomfortable. He advocates for clear-is-kind leadership: giving authentic feedback that actually helps a district improve rather than just making people feel good.

Public schools are doing incredible work, but as Brian reminds us, "they didn't understand how great they were." It's time to stop being the best-kept secret and start advocating for the programs we offer every day.

#PublicEducation #SchoolLeadership #EnrollmentMarketing #AnImperfectLeader #EducationReform #SuptChat #EdChat #ReclaimTheNarrative #Podcasserole

-------

Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/

YouTube (video of conversation): https://youtu.be/VkKiXpczSEAhttps://www.youtube.com/@animperfectleaderleadershi5144/featured

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader

Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on:

Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com

-------

An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student.

Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most.

IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.

Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect

-------

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 3 Million Students use Yondr every day.

MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL.

Go to overyondr.com to learn more.

------

The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!

The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations. We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount.

Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project.

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Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.

Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org

Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org

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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 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.

Is the era of the public school monopoly officially dead? According to my guest, Brian Stephens, the answer is a resounding yes. And if school leaders don't adapt, they risk becoming "dinosaurs."

Brian is a combat veteran, attorney, and the leader of CAISSA K-12, a firm that has helped return over 30,000 students to traditional public schools. In our conversation, we tackled the hard truth about declining enrollment and how districts can reclaim their narrative in a competitive market.

Here are themes from our talk that every educator and superintendent should hear:

1. Accepting the End of the Monopoly: Brian argues that leaders must stop acting like they are the only game in town. He notes, "The monopoly's over with." To thrive, schools must treat families like customers and understand that competition from charters, private schools, and unschooling is the new reality.

2. Leading with Emotion to Change the Narrative: While educators love data, Brian points out that data alone doesn't move people. To recruit families back, you have to win their hearts first. He explains, "We're not led with facts and data. We're led with emotion, and we use facts to support those decisions." Successful districts find their stories and use them to build an emotional connection with the community.

3. The Difference Between Being "Nice" and Being "Kind": In a powerful leadership lesson, Brian deconstructs a mistake he made early in his career: going along to get along. He realized that true support means telling the truth, even when it's uncomfortable. He advocates for clear-is-kind leadership: giving authentic feedback that actually helps a district improve rather than just making people feel good.

Public schools are doing incredible work, but as Brian reminds us, "they didn't understand how great they were." It's time to stop being the best-kept secret and start advocating for the programs we offer every day.

#PublicEducation #SchoolLeadership #EnrollmentMarketing #AnImperfectLeader #EducationReform #SuptChat #EdChat #ReclaimTheNarrative #Podcasserole

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Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/

YouTube (video of conversation): https://youtu.be/VkKiXpczSEAhttps://www.youtube.com/@animperfectleaderleadershi5144/featured

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader

Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on:

Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com

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An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student.

Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most.

IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.

Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect

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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 3 Million Students use Yondr every day.

MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL.

Go to overyondr.com to learn more.

------

The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!

The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations. We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount.

Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project.

------

Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.

Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org

Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org

------

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 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.

Are we settling for "belonging" in our schools while leaving student brainpower underdeveloped?

I recently had a deep, transformative conversation with Zaretta Hammond, author of Rebuilding Students' Learning Power. We moved past the surface-level "equity talk" to discuss what it really takes to move a student from a dependent learner to a cognitively independent one. Zaretta's insights on cognitive justice and intelligent failure are essential.

Here are 3 themes from our talk that will matter to leaders:

1. Cognitive Justice is the True Moral Imperative: Equity isn't just about celebrating flags or hosting potlucks. Zaretta challenges us to look deeper. True justice means ensuring every student has the "cognitive resources" to accelerate their own learning.

2. Embrace the "First Pancake": Learning requires a safe space for "intelligent failure." Zaretta uses a brilliant metaphor for new initiatives: when making pancakes, that first one is not quite right. As leaders, we have to use that information to "adjust the batter" rather than abandoning the work when it gets messy.

3. The Discipline of Assessing Current Reality: Don't assume your systems (like PLCs) are functioning just because people nod their heads. Zaretta shared a powerful lesson on "due diligence" after realizing a school she was coaching called every meeting a PLC, but lacked true team continuity.

If you're ready to stop "plugging and playing" strategies and start building real teacher capacity, this episode is a must-listen.

#CognitiveJustice #ZarettaHammond #InstructionalEquity #AnImperfectLeader #ScienceOfLearning #EducationLeadership #SuptChat #EdChat #Podcasserole

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Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/

YouTube (video of conversation): https://youtu.be/VkKiXpczSEAhttps://www.youtube.com/@animperfectleaderleadershi5144/featured

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader

Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on:

Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com

-------

An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student.

Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most.

IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.

Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect

-------

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 3 Million Students use Yondr every day.

MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL.

Go to overyondr.com to learn more.

------

The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!

The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations. We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount.

Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project.

------

Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.

Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org

Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org

------

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 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.