Summary:

Join C.T. and guest Heidi Fagerness, principal of Chehalis Middle School in Washington State, as they discuss building positive school culture through heart, head, and hands leadership. Heidi shares her daily rituals of gratitude, commitment, and forgiveness that keep her centered and inspired to lead with love and care. Drawing from over 30 years of experience, she emphasizes the power of intentional themes to unify staff and students, fostering hope, perspective, and connection. This episode highlights practical strategies for creating psychological safety, strengthening relationships, and leading with empathy to build a supportive, resilient school community where everyone can thrive.

Key Takeaways:

• Heart, Head, and Hands Leadership: Effective school culture is built through emotional connection (heart), clear thinking and planning (head), and practical action (hands), all infused with love and care.
• Daily Rituals for Mindset: Practicing gratitude, commitment, and forgiveness daily helps Heidi maintain balance, center herself, and lead with positive energy even on challenging days.
• Intentional Themes: Setting a meaningful theme each year creates focus, unity, and motivation among staff and students, influencing behavior, mindset, and school climate.
• Building Trust through Listening: Active listening and creating psychological safety support authentic relationships and empower staff and students to grow and thrive.
• Restorative Practices: Emphasizing reflection, accountability, and learning from mistakes fosters a supportive discipline approach that prioritizes growth over punishment.
• Personal Growth and Reflection: Continuous self-awareness and openness to feedback are vital for effective leadership and navigating difficult moments with grace.
• Community Engagement: Strong partnerships with families, staff, and local organizations contribute to a vibrant, supportive school environment.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Building Culture

00:44 Meet Our Inspiring Guest: Heidi Frans

01:27 Heidi's Journey and Leadership Philosophy

06:45 The Role of Gratitude in Leadership

07:18 Daily Rituals for Success

11:19 The Power of Themes in School Culture

17:09 Instilling Hope in Education

17:37 Recognizing and Celebrating Educators

18:16 Empowering Students Through Movement and Voice

18:58 Developing Themes and Collaborative Planning

20:40 Supporting Individual Students

22:24 Creating a Positive Environment for Discipline

26:31 Teaching Behavior and Accountability

27:35 Seeking Inspiration Beyond Borders

30:58 Reflecting on Global Educational Experiences

33:40 Leading with Love and Gratitude

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Heidi Fagerness: linkedin.com/heidi-fagerness



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