In this episode of Leaders Coaching Leaders, Sylvie Arseneau turns the tables and hosts a rich conversation with Peter DeWitt and Michael Nelson about their upcoming book, Lead Collectively: From Belief to Action to Impact. Drawing on 15 months of collaborative work with over 50 school leaders in New Brunswick, the discussion explores how collective leader efficacy can be broken down into shared understanding, joint work, and evidence of impact. Sylvie brings a unique lens as a former vice principal and New Brunswick Lead co-chair, asking incisive questions that reflect the real challenges and aspirations of today’s education leaders. The episode dives into how leaders can use formative and summative data to guide their practice, build coherence across systems, and foster meaningful professional learning. Listeners will gain insight into how to move beyond belief to action, how to create space for reflection and growth, and how to lead learning with confidence—even when the answers aren’t clear. This episode is a must-listen for educators committed to building capacity and driving student outcomes through intentional leadership.

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What happens when schools focus on the right kind of data? Elaine Allensworth joins the Leaders Coaching Leaders podcast to discuss the transformative power of meaningful metrics in education. Drawing from her groundbreaking work in Chicago Public Schools, Elaine shares how identifying critical data points, like ninth-grade course failures, can create a ripple effect of dramatic improvements in student outcomes. With decades of experience in education research, Elaine highlights the role of ninth-grade success as a foundation for long-term achievement and explains why data is best used as a tool for communication and collaboration. Unraveling the complexities of data overload, she outlines ways for educators and district leaders to prioritize actionable insights that lead to meaningful impact. Inspiring, insightful, and packed with strategies, this conversation will leave you rethinking how data can fuel positive change in education.

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What does it take to turn classrooms into spaces of healing, empowerment, and belonging? What if education prioritized love, courage, and community over compliance? Educators and authors Shane Safir and Sawsan Jaber join Leaders Coaching Leaders to explore these questions in an eye-opening discussion about dismantling inequities and championing radical love in education. Drawing from their collaborative forthcoming book, Pedagogies of Voice, published by Corwin, they share strategies to elevate teacher and student agency while humanizing learning spaces. Through the lens of their personal stories and decades of experience, Safir and Jaber uncover how micro-communities, inquiry, and authentic leadership can reignite the spark for teaching. This conversation will leave you inspired to transform your classroom into a sanctuary where every learner feels seen, valued, and heard.

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What does it truly mean to build resilience in education? Lindsay Prendergast and Piper Lee share insights from their groundbreaking book Habits of Resilient Educators and offer a passionate look into how habits can transform the personal and professional lives of educators. Having observed thousands of instructional rounds and professional learning sessions, they’ve identified key practices that help educators not just survive but thrive in challenging times. From grounding your work in purpose to setting healthy boundaries, Lindsay and Piper discuss how resilience is more than a buzzword; it’s a science. They also preview their upcoming book, Habits of Resilient Leaders, which explores how leaders can foster environments where wellbeing and balance are truly achievable. Whether you’re a teacher, leader, or lifelong learner, this conversation will leave you feeling empowered and better equipped to take on the challenges of education.

*Piper Nichols now goes by Piper Lee

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Leadership isn’t just about guiding others; it’s about growing yourself. On this episode of the Leaders Coaching Leaders Podcast, cohosts Peter DeWitt and Michael Nelson talk with Jennifer Abrams, renowned educator and author of Stretching Your Learning Edges: Growing Up at Work. Jennifer dives into the essential skills leaders need to succeed, including building resilience, managing challenging conversations, and cultivating professional cultures rooted in trust and collaboration. Drawing on her extensive experience working with schools and organizations, Jennifer offers advice on fostering self-awareness and navigating interpersonal dynamics with confidence and care. Don’t miss this empowering conversation packed with practical wisdom for leaders looking to grow their impact.

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In this impactful episode of the Leaders Coaching Leaders Podcast, Dr. Latish Reed, a trailblazing equity specialist and author of the upcoming book, The Complexities of Equity: Navigating Shades of Gray in Schools and Organizations, shares her unique and deeply personal insights on equity in education, drawing from her tenure as Milwaukee Public Schools' first equity administrator. Through her “shades of gray” framework, she explores the complexities of addressing equity in schools and other organizations, highlighting the transformational power of leadership, moral courage, and intentional action. From her reflections on building shared understanding of key equity concepts to practical solutions for navigating challenging political and organizational contexts, Dr. Reed inspires leaders to leverage their spheres of influence for meaningful change. You’ll also hear heartfelt stories of her dedication to creating better educational outcomes for all students, as well as her personal motivation to make schools work for every child—including her own son. Whether you're leading a school, tackling DEI challenges, or interested in fostering equitable practices, this conversation with Dr. Reed is filled with actionable insights and hope for the future of education. Don’t miss this fascinating discussion, and prepare to think deeply about how we can all do better for our students, staff, and communities!

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Step into the inspiring world of Jennifer Gonzalez, the creative force behind the Cult of Pedagogy, with this episode of the Leaders Coaching Leaders Podcast. Our co-hosts Peter DeWitt and Michael Nelson sit down with Jennifer to explore her groundbreaking ideas on empowering educators and fostering growth in schools. From the inspiring story behind the Cult of Pedagogy’s name to actionable strategies for feedback, leadership, and teacher support, Jennifer offers a treasure trove of insights. The discussion dives into how education leaders can balance high expectations with emotional and professional support for their teams, seamlessly blending innovation and practicality. Discover how Jennifer repurposes content to drive learning and how leaders can leverage similar techniques to build stronger, more resilient school communities. Packed with humor, real-world examples, and tools for slowing down to focus on what matters most, this conversation delivers an empowering perspective for educators, principals, and district leaders alike. Don’t miss this chance to harness Jennifer’s wisdom and take your leadership practice to new heights!

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Jim Knight delves into the remarkable success of his latest book, The IC Toolkit, which became a bestseller within two weeks of its release. This comprehensive toolkit is designed for instructional coaches and those who support them, o organized around seven critical success factors for coaching, encompassing personal attributes, professional practices, and systemic support. Knight emphasizes the importance of role clarity for coaches, highlighting that without it, coaches may engage in low-impact activities rather than focusing on strategies that significantly enhance student achievement and wellbeing. He also underscores the necessity of leadership in coaching, noting that effective coaches are supported by leaders who understand and value the coaching process. The reach of Knight’s work is global, facilitated by partnerships with organizations like Growth Coaching International, which allows for a broader impact on educational practices worldwide. He passionately advocates for treating teachers as professionals, arguing that this respect is crucial for fostering an environment where both teachers and students can thrive. Knight's insights are not only a testament to his extensive experience and research but also a call to action for educational leaders to invest in meaningful professional development and support systems that empower coaches and, ultimately, benefit students.

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Disability rights activist Tim Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics, editor of The Call to Unite and author of Fully Alive, delves into the profound impact of unity and dignity in education and beyond. Shriver eloquently discusses the transformative power of inclusion, recounting personal anecdotes and professional experiences that highlight how bringing people together fosters empathy, resilience, and a sense of belonging. He emphasizes the critical role of educators in nurturing these values, advocating for the integration of programs like unified sports and Best Buddies in schools to bridge divides and promote mutual respect. Shriver also introduces the Dignity Index, a tool designed to measure and encourage respectful dialogue, which he believes is essential in combating the pervasive culture of contempt. His insights are not only a call to action for educational leaders but also a beacon of hope, underscoring the potential for societal change through compassionate leadership and community engagement. This interview is a must-listen for those committed to fostering inclusive environments and driving positive change in their communities.

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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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