An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast

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.

What does it actually mean to be a "resilient" leader? Is it just about weathering the storm, or is it about what you build while the storm is still raging?

I recently had a conversation with Dr. Melissa Sadorf, Executive Director of the National Rural Education Association and author of The Resilient Rural Leader. Melissa has spent over 30 years as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, and she deeply understands the unique, multiplex relationships that define rural education.

Whether you lead a small rural district or a large urban system, Melissa's insights on leading through loss and building authentic credibility are universal.

Here are 3 themes from our talk that you should pay attention to:

1. The "Multi-Hat" Generalist: In rural districts, the organizational chart is flat. A superintendent might also be the principal, the HR director, and even the backup bus driver. This makes them high-level generalists with a real understanding of how every part of a school system actually works.
2. The School as a Community Anchor: A rural school is often the largest employer and the primary gathering space in a town. Melissa reminds us that school closures aren't just administrative decision. They are the potential "erasure of a community's identity."
3. Vulnerability as the Currency of Credibility: Melissa argues that imperfection isn't a liability; it's a strength. Being transparent about mistakes and uncertainty is what builds the deepest trust with your staff and board.

As Melissa beautifully put it: "Resilience isn't because there's an absence of loss. It's really... what you build in the presence of loss."

Listen to the full episode of An Imperfect Leader here!

#RuralEducation #LeadershipResilience #AnImperfectLeader #SchoolBoard #SuptChat #EdChat #NREA #RuralSchools

-------

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 does it actually mean to be a resilient leader? Is it just about weathering the storm, or is it about what you build while the storm is still raging?

I recently had a conversation with Dr. Melissa Sadorf, Executive Director of the National Rural Education Association and author of The Resilient Rural Leader. Melissa has spent over 30 years as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, and she deeply understands the unique, multiplex relationships that define rural education.

Whether you lead a small rural district or a large urban system, Melissa's insights on leading through loss and building authentic credibility are universal.

Here are 3 themes from our talk that you should pay attention to:

1. The "Multi-Hat" Generalist: In rural districts, the organizational chart is flat. A superintendent might also be the principal, the HR director, and even the backup bus driver. This makes them high-level generalists with a real understanding of how every part of a school system actually works.
2. The School as a Community Anchor: A rural school is often the largest employer and the primary gathering space in a town. Melissa reminds us that school closures aren't just administrative decision. They are the potential "erasure of a community's identity."
3. Vulnerability as the Currency of Credibility: Melissa argues that imperfection isn't a liability; it's a strength. Being transparent about mistakes and uncertainty is what builds the deepest trust with your staff and board.

As Melissa beautifully put it: "Resilience isn't because there's an absence of loss. It's really... what you build in the presence of loss."

Listen to the full episode of An Imperfect Leader here!

#RuralEducation #LeadershipResilience #AnImperfectLeader #SchoolBoard #SuptChat #EdChat #NREA #RuralSchools

-------

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 does it mean to be a nationally recognized rural leader while navigating the messy, imperfect realities of the superintendency? In the latest episode of An Imperfect Leader, I sit down with Heidi Sipe, Superintendent of Umatilla School District, to discuss how she has led her district for 19 years through innovation and intense challenge.

Here are a few topics from our conversation that every education leader should hear:

• Empowering Teacher Agency with Structured Systems: Heidi shares how her district uses a color-coded intervention system (Green, Orange, Red) that authorizes teachers to make immediate decisions for students without waiting for administrative approval. It's a masterclass in building shared leadership that prioritizes child needs over bureaucracy.
• Solving Chronic Absenteeism through Radical Partnerships: When healthcare access became a barrier to attendance, Umatilla didn't just track data, they partnered with a local physician to provide well-child checks and treatment for minor illnesses directly through the school. It's a powerful example of looking outside the system to solve internal challenges.
• Leading with Transparency During a Crisis: Heidi reflects on her Grim Reaper nickname earned during the recession when she had to cut $1.9 million from a $13 million budget. She discusses the painful but right decision to deliver news of potential layoffs in person, looking every impacted staff member in the eye rather than sending a letter.

Heidi's story is a reminder that while the work is impossibly difficult, leading with a human heart and a clear system makes all the difference.

#SchoolLeadership #RuralEducation #SystemsThinking #AnImperfectLeader #TeacherAgency #SuperintendentLife #EducationInnovation #NREA #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 1 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 does it mean to be a nationally recognized rural leader while navigating the messy, imperfect realities of the superintendency? In the latest episode of An Imperfect Leader, I sit down with Heidi Sipe, Superintendent of Umatilla School District, to discuss how she has led her district for 19 years through innovation and intense challenge.

Here are a few topics from our conversation that every education leader should hear:

• Empowering Teacher Agency with Structured Systems: Heidi shares how her district uses a color-coded intervention system (Green, Orange, Red) that authorizes teachers to make immediate decisions for students without waiting for administrative approval. It's a masterclass in building shared leadership that prioritizes child needs over bureaucracy.
• Solving Chronic Absenteeism through Radical Partnerships: When healthcare access became a barrier to attendance, Umatilla didn't just track data, they partnered with a local physician to provide well-child checks and treatment for minor illnesses directly through the school. It's a powerful example of looking outside the system to solve internal challenges.
• Leading with Transparency During a Crisis: Heidi reflects on her Grim Reaper nickname earned during the recession when she had to cut $1.9 million from a $13 million budget. She discusses the painful but right decision to deliver news of potential layoffs in person, looking every impacted staff member in the eye rather than sending a letter.

Heidi's story is a reminder that while the work is impossibly difficult, leading with a human heart and a clear system makes all the difference.

#SchoolLeadership #RuralEducation #SystemsThinking #AnImperfectLeader #TeacherAgency #SuperintendentLife #EducationInnovation #NREA #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 1 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.

How do you keep a school transformation alive for 25 years when most initiatives fizzle out after three? Jamie Almanzán recently sat down with Jesse Boise, Assistant Principal at Hillsdale High School, to talk about the staying power of Small Learning Communities (SLCs) and what it truly means to lead with humility.

Hillsdale is a "living artifact" of what happens when a school commits to a collective vision rather than a collection of individual classrooms. Whether you are a superintendent or a site leader, Jesse's insights on coherence are a game-changer.

Here are some themes from his conversation that you won't want to miss:

1. The Power of Looping and "Kid Talk": At Hillsdale, students stay with the same cohort of 112 students and four core teachers for two years. This "looping" allows for deeper relationships and more flexible interventions. They even have a weekly ritual called "Kid Talk," where teachers, counselors, and specialists sit down to discuss every single student's needs and successes.
2. Leading by a Constitution: Hillsdale isn't run by command and control. Instead, they are guided by a formal Constitution that codifies shared decision-making. As Jesse notes, this means leaders must be "stewards" of the school's values rather than individual actors. It's about being "greater than the sum of [your] parts".
3. The Strength of the Imperfect Leader: Jesse shared a powerful story about a time he fell short by letting his own biases drive a committee meeting. He and Jamie discussed how humble leadership (admitting mistakes publicly and acting as a tool for staff support) is actually the strongest form of leadership.

If you're looking for a roadmap on how to align your school's structures with your deepest values, this episode is a must-listen.

Listen to the full episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast here!

#EducationLeadership #SmallLearningCommunities #AnImperfectLeader #SchoolCulture #TeacherRetention #EdChat #SuptChat #Podcasserole #Imperfect Leader

-------

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 1 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.

How do you keep a school transformation alive for 25 years when most initiatives fizzle out after three? Jamie Almanzán recently sat down with Jesse Boise, Assistant Principal at Hillsdale High School, to talk about the staying power of Small Learning Communities (SLCs) and what it truly means to lead with humility.

Hillsdale is a "living artifact" of what happens when a school commits to a collective vision rather than a collection of individual classrooms. Whether you are a superintendent or a site leader, Jesse's insights on coherence are a game-changer.

Here are some themes from his conversation that you won't want to miss:

1. The Power of Looping and "Kid Talk": At Hillsdale, students stay with the same cohort of 112 students and four core teachers for two years. This "looping" allows for deeper relationships and more flexible interventions. They even have a weekly ritual called "Kid Talk," where teachers, counselors, and specialists sit down to discuss every single student's needs and successes.
2. Leading by a Constitution: Hillsdale isn't run by command and control. Instead, they are guided by a formal Constitution that codifies shared decision-making. As Jesse notes, this means leaders must be "stewards" of the school's values rather than individual actors. It's about being "greater than the sum of [your] parts".
3. The Strength of the Imperfect Leader: Jesse shared a powerful story about a time he fell short by letting his own biases drive a committee meeting. He and Jamie discussed how humble leadership (admitting mistakes publicly and acting as a tool for staff support) is actually the strongest form of leadership.

If you're looking for a roadmap on how to align your school's structures with your deepest values (and most people who know me, know how important values!), this episode is a must-listen.

Listen to the full episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast here!

#EducationLeadership #SmallLearningCommunities #AnImperfectLeader #SchoolCulture #TeacherRetention #EdChat #SuptChat #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 1 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 your school board focused on the right things, or is it caught in a "dumpster fire" of adult drama? I recently had an terrific conversation with AJ Crabill, author of Great on Their Behalf, about how to move from dysfunctional governance to a system that actually serves children.

AJ has seen it all. From serving as a parent leader to becoming a state agency leader and a national governance director, we dove deep into why school boards often fail and, more importantly, how they can become effective.

Here are some themes from our conversation:

1. Student Outcomes vs. Adult Inputs: One of the biggest mistakes boards make is trying to "own" the strategic plan. AJ argues that the board's unique expertise is representing the vision and values of the community by defining student outcomes (the "what"). The superintendent then owns the "adult inputs" and the strategic plan (the "how") to get there.
2. Authority is Collective, Not Individual: It's a common trap: an individual board member tries to go "rogue" to fix a specific issue. AJ reminds us that state law affords zero authority to individual board members. True power only exists when the board acts collectively, ensuring the entire community has a voice in the system.
3. Mindset is the Ultimate Lever: We often try to "professional development" our way out of problems with more knowledge and skills. While those are necessary, mindset is the foundation because it's how a leader makes meaning of the world.

If you're ready to stop "pretending to govern" and start making a real impact on student achievement, this episode is for you. Some superintendents might not agree with the advice. If that's you, I want to know!

Listen to the full episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast.

#SchoolBoard #EducationLeadership #StudentOutcomes #AnImperfectLeader #Governance #EdChat #SuptChat #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

-------

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.

------

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 you leading in isolation? Education leadership can often feel like a lonely journey - navigating everything from systemic challenges to the day-to-day realities of school life.

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader, we sit down with veteran educators and co-authors Peter DeWitt and Michael Nelson to discuss their transformative framework for collective leadership.

In our conversation as well as in their work with the Instructional Leadership Collective, they challenge the traditional top-down approach, moving beyond mere good intentions to create lasting impact through collective efficacy. Drawing on their latest book, Lead Collectively, they share how leaders can dismantle silos and build a culture where every student and adult feels seen and heard.

Whether you are a principal, superintendent, or teacher leader, this episode offers a roadmap to move from shared belief to impactful action. It's so worth the listen!

Three Themes to Listen For:

• Leadership as an Invitation to Belong: Using the unexpected example of Bad Bunny's halftime performance, Peter and Michael explain how leadership should serve as an intentional invitation to widen the circle of who belongs.
• The Three-Legged Stool of Collective Action: Michael and Peter introduce a powerful framework for stability in leadership.
• Shifting the Focus from Fixing Teachers to Modeling Actions: A core takeaway is the moment when leaders stop asking how to fix others and start asking, "What leadership moves am I taking?"

#EducationLeadership #CollectiveEfficacy #AnImperfectLeader #LeadCollectively #InstructionalLeadership #SchoolCulture #SystemicThinking #K12Education

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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 1 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.

In the latest episode of An Imperfect Leader, we sit down with Mike Miles, Superintendent of Houston ISD, to discuss his career in driving high-performance cultures and rethinking how schools prepare students for the future. This conversation provides a deep look into what he describes as the largest and fastest transformation of a large urban district in the history of Texas.

Here are three important themes from the conversation, featuring word-for-word quotes from Superintendent Miles:

1. Rapid Transformation Through Organizational Coherence: Mike believes that significant school improvement does not have to be an incremental, multi-year process. He attributes the district's ability to move from 121 D and F-rated campuses to zero Fs in just two years to organizational coherence. 2. Preparing Students with Human Competitive Advantages: A major focus in Houston is cultivating human skills that AI cannot replicate, such as empathy, critical thinking, and team leadership. 3. Bold Leadership in a Fast-Moving World: Mike believes leaders need to be bold and willing to redesign entire systems rather than settling for the status quo. Mike warns that most districts are overcome by events (OBE) because the future is moving faster than traditional strategic plans can accommodate.

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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 1 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.