Leaders Coaching Leaders

In a fascinating interview on the Leaders Coaching Leaders Podcast, Marc Brackett, the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author of the bestselling book Permission to Feel, delves into the profound importance of emotional intelligence and self-regulation in both personal and professional realms. In this conversation with co-hosts Peter DeWitt and Michael Nelson, Brackett emphasizes the necessity of understanding and managing emotions to achieve goals and maintain well-being and discusses the challenges posed by political polarization and the misconceptions surrounding social-emotional learning, advocating for clear definitions and practical applications. Brackett’s insights are particularly relevant for leaders, highlighting the critical role of emotional intelligence in creating a positive school culture and climate. He shares compelling research findings, including the significant impact of emotionally intelligent leadership on teacher satisfaction and retention. Through engaging anecdotes and evidence-based strategies, Brackett provides actionable advice for educators and leaders to foster emotional intelligence, enhance communication, and build supportive environments. This interview is a must-listen for professionals seeking to understand the transformative power of emotions in education and leadership.

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In this compelling interview on the Leaders Coaching Leaders Podcast, David Sousa, a respected educational neuroscience consultant and author, delves into the profound impact of technology on the developing brain. Sousa, known for his groundbreaking work on brain plasticity and the rewired brain, highlights the alarming increase in technology use among preteens and teenagers over the past decade. He underscores the critical role of nurture in shaping the brain, challenging the theory that genetics predominantly determine brain development. Sousa articulates concerns about how excessive screen time affects memory, thinking skills, attention, and social skills, emphasizing that the brain’s plasticity makes it highly susceptible to environmental influences. He discusses the importance of educators and parents understanding these changes to better support children’s cognitive and social development. Sousa also addresses the potential dangers of artificial intelligence, stressing the need for discernment between real and fake information, especially for the young. His insights are a call to action for educators and administrators to balance technology use with activities that promote higher-order thinking and interpersonal skills. The interview is a thought-provoking exploration of how modern technology is reshaping the educational landscape and the urgent need for informed strategies to mitigate its negative effects while harnessing its benefits.

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Join hosts Peter DeWitt and Michael Nelson on the Leaders Coaching Leaders Podcast as they engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Kate Anderson Foley about her latest book, Radically Excellent School Improvement. In this episode, Dr. Foley draws from her extensive background in educational leadership to highlight the critical importance of strategic planning and maintaining a student-centered focus in decision-making. She emphasizes the interconnected nature of school departments and advocates for a strength-based approach to support all students effectively. The conversation delves into current challenges such as teacher shortages, the crucial role of professional development, dual certification for teachers, and the significant impact of coaching for both educators and principals. Dr. Foley also sheds new light on the role of the business office in supporting educational objectives and the importance of equity audits. This episode offers valuable insights for professionals dedicated to advancing educational excellence.

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In this interview, Keziah Featherstone, an executive head teacher in the West Midlands of England, discusses her leadership philosophy and experiences. She emphasizes the importance of authentic leadership, challenging the homogenized model of leadership that often excludes women and people of color. Featherstone advocates for “punk leadership,” which encourages leaders to stay true to their values and be adaptable. She highlights the significance of relationships and impact over rigid adherence to traditional leadership models. Featherstone also touches on the challenges of recruitment and retention in education, stressing the need for leaders to find joy and fulfillment in their roles. She shares insights on creating inclusive environments and the importance of being intentional in supporting diverse leadership. The conversation also explores the role of men in championing women in leadership and the universal challenges faced by educators worldwide.
Check out her book, Punk Leadership: Leading Schools Differently at Corwin.com.

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In this episode of Leaders Coaching Leaders, Principal of the Year honoree Washington Collado shares his personal and professional leadership journey. He underscores the significance of leading with intention and creating a safe environment for open communication among students, staff, and families, discussing how to achieve the respect and trust that are foundational to effective leadership. Reflecting on his upbringing in the Dominican Republic and the loss of his mother at a young age, Collado shares how these experiences shaped his commitment to education and advocacy for underrepresented groups. He highlights the importance of integrating diverse histories into curricula, explaining how this is essential for equity in education. Additionally, he previews his upcoming book, The Four Pillars to Guide Visionary Educators, which focuses on strategies for supporting students in high-poverty schools through collaborative leadership and community engagement. Collado's insights underscore the transformative power of education and the necessity of intentional leadership in fostering inclusive learning environments.

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Peter DeWitt and Michael Nelson interview Michael Hinojosa, a seasoned superintendent with 27 years of experience in large school districts. ​ Hinojosa shares his insights on maintaining a long-term superintendency, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with the school board, staff, and community to navigate the often complex politics of school districts and the larger education community. ​ He discusses his personal journey from to educational leadership, highlighting resilience and the impact of public education. Hinojosa also introduces his upcoming book, Superintendent-Wise: Critical Lessons for Leading Your District, which offers strategies and stories for effective district leadership. ​ The conversation underscores the significance of intentional leadership and navigating political challenges in education.

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In this episode of the Leaders Coaching Leaders Podcast, Viviane Robinson delves into the theme of Leading with Intention to discuss the core purposes of educational institutions, emphasizing the importance of serving students and the student-centered impact of strong instructional leadership. Robinson–a researcher who has studied educational leadership for years and shaped ed policy around the world–highlights the challenges leaders face in balancing their roles. Her insights on leading strategically for testable results and clear measures on impact provide valuable, real-world guidance for education leaders worldwide.

Author of Virtuous Educational Leadership

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As co-host Peter DeWitt says, a talk with Tom Guskey always feels like a master class. Legendary education leader Thomas R. “Tom” Guskey has written twenty-seven books, all widely used and acclaimed in his field. In this conversation, he discussed his newest one, Grading With Integrity. He’ll clarify pervasive mistaken assumptions about grading, what frustrates parents most, challenges teachers and school administrators face, and how to move toward toward effective, useful grading that tells schools, administrators, teachers, students, and parents alike what they need to know.

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What can a world-renowned children's book author and illustrator teach us about leadership? Loren Long is a New Tork Times bestselling picture book author and illustrator. In this episode,  he reveals the creative thought process behind his emotionally resonant illustrations for Amanda Gorman’s Change Sings and how he learned from Matt de la Pena, whose book Love he illustrated, that he was already an activist whether he knew it or not. Children’s books Long has both written and illustrated include the Otis series and The Yellow Bus. In this interview with our co-hosts, unabashed fans, Long opens up about his journey, his craft, and how he sees his role in inclusion.

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Zaretta Hammond draws on her book Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain, her upcoming new title Teaching for Instructional Equity and Cognitive Justice, and her decades of experience to discuss what impacts equity, from challenges to supports. In this eye-opening conversation, she encourages school leaders to find new framings and perspectives that create conscious intentions around equity and inclusion and take concrete action steps toward these goals. One constant throughout her message: put the student first.

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