Leading Before the Title

What happens when a student needs protection but doesn't have the language to ask for it?

In this special episode of Leading Before the Title, I read “Hot Math Classroom,” an excerpt from my forthcoming book, A Life in English. I revisit a painful sixth-grade experience involving bullying, a school that failed to protect me, and my mother's struggle to advocate for me without an interpreter.

I also reflect on what this experience teaches us about language access, family engagement, student safety, and the responsibilities of school leaders.

A Life in English will be released on November 7 by The Worthy Educator Press. Available through The Worthy Educator website and Amazon. All proceeds support The Worthy Educator.

Learn more at drandyszeto.com.

What happens to leadership when the title is gone?

After years of talking about leadership before the title, Dr. Andy Szeto considers the other side of the journey: leadership after the title. A late-night conversation with a retiring district leader prompts a personal reflection on retirement, identity, purpose, and what remains when the meetings, deadlines, authority, and professional role eventually disappear.

The title may end. But does the leader?

Based on the article “Leadership After the Title.”

Read the full article: https://www.theworthyeducator.com/post/dr-andy-szeto-leadership-after-the-title

AI promises efficiency in schools—but faster does not always mean easier.

In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto explores the hidden cost of AI in education. As tasks become quicker to complete, expectations rise, workloads expand, and cognitive demands increase.

A practical reflection on how leaders can use AI intentionally—without allowing efficiency to quietly turn into overload.

Link to Article: https://www.techlearning.com/technology/ai/faster-isnt-lighter-the-hidden-cost-of-ai-in-schools

For multilingual learners, correction is not just about pronunciation—it can shape confidence, identity, and belonging.

In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto shares a personal reflection on growing up as an English learner and how public correction and peer reactions impacted his willingness to speak. He offers practical ways educators can support pronunciation without diminishing confidence.

A powerful reminder that how we respond to students’ voices matters just as much as what we teach.

Leading Before the Title Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/leading-before-the-title-7418283059575345152/

Icebreakers are meant to build connection—but too often, they feel like filler.

In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto challenges educators and leaders to rethink how professional learning begins. He explores why traditional icebreakers can undermine purpose, and how small, intentional shifts can create openings that both build trust and move the work forward.

A practical reflection on designing professional learning that respects time, expertise, and impact.

Article Link: https://www.eschoolnews.com/educational-leadership/2025/11/28/rethinking-icebreakers-in-professional-learning/

An interview invitation can feel exciting—but strong leadership judgment starts before you say yes.

In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto shares a practical framework for preparing for leadership interviews with clarity and intention. From evaluating school context to telling authentic leadership stories and asking questions that protect your future self, this episode reframes interviews as a two-way process.

A short, thoughtful guide for educators navigating their next leadership move.

Article Link: https://www.naesp.org/resource/the-fit-test-6-step-interview-prep-to-assess-your-next-role/

In schools, it is easy to mistake constant activity for meaningful progress. Meetings, emails, and daily demands can fill every hour of the day, leaving little space for the work that actually improves teaching and learning.

In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto reflects on the discipline of focusing on what truly matters in educational leadership. He explores how leaders can resist reactive work, prioritize impact over activity, and align their time with the outcomes they care about most.

A short reflection on clarity, purpose, and the leadership choices that shape school culture.

In schools and leadership spaces, silence is rarely neutral. When direct work-related messages go unanswered, trust erodes, uncertainty grows, and professional culture begins to fray.

In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto reflects on responsiveness as a leadership disposition. He explores why ghosting in professional contexts is more than a communication issue, how it creates friction across organizations, and what practical systems leaders can build to close communication loops more consistently.

A direct and practical episode on professionalism, clarity, and the culture your response habits create.

Full article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/6-professional-ghosters-out-dr-andy-szeto-k3ite/?trackingId=5C3Jt0t3SIOWomCKn5GBNw%3D%3D

Artificial intelligence is changing how teachers plan lessons, assess learning, and provide feedback. But as technology becomes more capable, the question becomes clearer: what skills remain uniquely human?

In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto introduces the C.A.R.E.S. framework—a model that highlights the human strengths educators must amplify in the age of AI: cultural competence, adaptability, relationships, ethical judgment, and scholarly discernment.

A short reflection on why the future of education will depend not on replacing human intelligence, but on strengthening it.

Full Article: https://www.techlearning.com/technology/ai/amplifying-human-skills-in-the-age-of-ai-using-the-c-a-r-e-s-framework

Every technology decision, from reply-all emails to slide design and shared links, communicates something about leadership — and not always what we intend.

In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto explores six digital habits that create friction in schools and offers simple leadership moves to reduce confusion, respect others’ time, and build a culture of clarity and efficiency.

A short, practical listen for leaders who want technology to reduce friction — not add to it.

Full article: https://www.techlearning.com/learning/leadership/6-digital-pet-peeves-i-notice-in-schools