Principal Office Hours

Dr. Fred Rundle, superintendent of Mercer Island School District, discusses the district's unique position between Seattle and Bellevue, emphasizing the community's commitment to quality education. Explore how public schools are adapting to competitive pressures from private and charter schools, with insights into recent initiatives like cell phone policies. Gain valuable leadership perspectives on building and nurturing effective teams, and learn how to foster a culture of continuous growth in educational settings.

Key Takeaways:

• Public education faces increasing competitive pressure from private, charter, and cyber schools, necessitating innovation and community engagement.
• Dr. Fred Rundle emphasizes the power of storytelling in amplifying the success and progress of public schools to ensure community investment and relevance.
• Key initiatives like reducing cell phone usage in schools aim to enhance students' learning experiences and social interactions, embodying proactive leadership.
• Leadership transitions are significant, with each role offering unique challenges and opportunities for growth and impact within the educational landscape.
• Aspiring leaders should harness opportunities for influence without waiting for formal titles, focusing on developing self-efficacy and fostering meaningful relationships.

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Dr. Fred: linkedin.com/in/dr-fred-rundle-58169235

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

Summary:

Join host CT as he chats with Dr. Susan Elliott, Superintendent of Upper Moreland Township School District, to discuss leadership and community engagement in education. Delve into Susan's unique journey to superintendency, the importance of active listening, and the value of nurturing relationships. Discover the strategies she employs to foster leadership within her district, ensuring every voice is heard. This episode offers listeners insights into aligning educational leadership with community needs to enhance student success. Tune in to explore effective leadership practices in the ever-evolving educational landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• Active Listening and Leadership: Susan stresses the significance of active listening as crucial to effective leadership—understanding not just what is spoken, but what is unsaid.
• Community Integration in Schools: Upper Moreland thrives on its strong community connection—schools and the wider township work hand-in-hand, unifying efforts for holistic educational success.
• Balancing Competing Priorities: Throughout the strategic planning process, Susan illustrates the necessity of balancing different voices, prioritizing needs while ensuring representation.
• Mentorship and Growth: Susan’s leadership path underscores the impact of mentors and the significance of seeking diverse perspectives for holistic development.

Chapters:

00:00

Building Community and Engagement in Upper Mooreland School District

04:56

Balancing Diverse Voices in Educational Leadership

13:48

Susan Elliott's Non-Traditional Path to Superintendency

18:05

Mentorship, Vulnerability, and Leadership Development in Education

29:53

Building Capacity and Agency Through Feedback and Action

34:07

The Importance of Active Listening and Building Relationships

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Dr. Susan Elliott: [email protected], https://www.umtsd.org/

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

Summary: Join us on a journey of educational transformation with Michael Horn, as we explore innovative strategies to reimagine learning in the 21st century. Discover practical insights on embracing innovation, personalized learning, and empowering educators to create dynamic classrooms. Engage in discussions on community involvement, future readiness, and the path to preparing students for a rapidly evolving world. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on reshaping education for the future success of every learner.

Key Takeaways:

• Educational Innovation: Emphasizing the need to move beyond traditional education models post-pandemic by adopting innovative frameworks like "Jobs to Be Done" to better meet student needs.
• Personalized Learning: Highlighting the benefits of personalized learning paths that cater to individual student needs, facilitated by technology, to enhance engagement and mastery.
• Empowering Educators: The importance of designing teaching roles that motivate and satisfy educators, which can be achieved through autonomy and team teaching models.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Recognizing the complexity of aligning diverse stakeholder needs in education and the potential of micro-schools and alternative models to offer more tailored educational experiences.
• Leadership and Change: The crucial role of leadership in balancing autonomy and accountability, and the need for clear vision and empowerment to drive meaningful and lasting educational change.

Chapters:

00:00

Introduction and Guest Overview

01:00

Reimagining Education Post-Pandemic

02:11

Frameworks for Educational Innovation

05:50

Teacher Satisfaction and Motivation

09:25

Navigating Multiple Stakeholders in Education

15:00

Personalized Learning and Its Benefits

21:00

Future of Education: Skills and Pathways

30:00

Leadership in Education: Autonomy and Accountability

35:00

Implementing Change in Education

40:00

Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Michael Horn: https://michaelbhorn.com/

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

Summary:

Dr. Jim welcomes Pat Wallace, superintendent of Danville Community School District, to discuss strategies for fostering an innovative, fail-forward culture in educational settings. Pat shares insights from his successful record of improving schools and underscores the importance of building community, rediscovering educational purpose, and developing leadership. They explore the transformative impact of focusing on small, incremental improvements and long-term growth over standardized scores. Gain actionable insights from Pat's journey to drive cultural shifts and elevate team performance in challenging environments.

Key Takeaways:

• Building Belief and Community: Creating a supportive and purpose-driven environment for educators is crucial to fostering meaningful change and innovation.
• Fail-Forward Culture: Encouraging an educational setting where educators are allowed to learn and improve through failures is central to Wallace's leadership approach.
• Incremental Growth over Time: Wallace stresses the importance of focusing on small, continuous improvements, using data and assessment-driven strategies to track growth.
• Leadership Development: Identifying and supporting emerging leaders within educational settings can lead to broader positive impacts, both for individuals and the organization.

Chapters:

00:00

Building Innovation Culture in Education Through Failure Tolerance

02:15

Empowering Educators Through Shared Leadership and Fail Forward Culture

07:09

Transforming School Culture Through Purpose and Community Building

11:17

Transformative Leadership and Building a Roadmap to Success

15:39

Innovative Education and Building a Tolerance for Failure

16:58

Long-Term Growth Strategies in Education for Students and Teachers

24:47

Overcoming Fear of Failure in Educational Settings

28:13

Building Community and Improving School Standards

30:43

Building a Fail Forward Culture in Education

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Pat Wallace: https://www.danville.k12.in.us/

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

Summary:

Dr. Jim explores strategies for building leadership depth and capability within organizations through relationship-building. Joined by Dr. Christine Tucci Osorio, Superintendent of District 622, they discuss how understanding team members' strengths and fostering connections lead to a positive work culture. Christine shares her approach to engaging educators and non-licensed staff, emphasizing the importance of knowing employees personally and professionally. This episode offers practical insights on structuring career path conversations and leveraging relationships to enhance talent retention and drive cultural transformation in diverse educational settings.

Key Takeaways:

• Building strong relationships within your team is crucial for fostering a thriving organizational culture.
• Understanding employees' personal and professional aspirations enables leaders to develop effective career pathways.
• Open communication and feedback loops are essential in aligning team goals and mitigating potential conflicts.
• Proactively managing talent pipelines through a structured career development approach can aid in attracting and retaining top talent.
• Maintaining a balance between quantitative and qualitative measures helps in effectively assessing organizational culture and performance.

Chapters:

00:00

Building Leadership Depth Through Relationship Culture in Schools0

02:45

Rethinking Talent Strategies in Urban Public Education

07:00

Building Connections Between Educators and Students Reduces Referrals

10:02

Leveraging Team Skills and Interests for Operational Success

14:12

Empowering Principals Through Finance Training and Collaboration

15:13

Building Stronger Teams Through Connection and Leadership Development

19:07

Building Connections Between Bus Drivers and School Communities

20:55

Measuring Organizational Culture Through Diverse Perspectives and Data

24:33

Building Leadership Through Empowerment and Relationship-Driven Culture

30:17

Building Compassionate Feedback Structures for Effective Communication

35:06

Building Relationship-Rich Cultures for Leadership and Growth

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Dr. Christine Tucci Osorio: linkedin.com/in/christine-tucci-osorio-80349b33

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

Summary:

Join CT co-founder of EngageRocket, as he sits down with Dr. Mary Catherine Reljac, superintendent of Fox Chapel Area School District. Dive into the world of educational leadership and explore Dr. Reljac's approach to fostering collaboration, student voice, and community integration within her district. Discover insights on leadership development, strategic planning, and the district's remarkable post-COVID academic achievements. Emphasizing people-first leadership, Dr. Reljac shares advice for aspiring leaders, the importance of humility, collaboration, and being a 'student of the game' in the educational landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• People-Centric Leadership: Dr. Reljac emphasizes a leadership style that focuses on supporting students, staff, and community, highlighting the success of the Fox Chapel Area School District in achieving academic excellence.
• Student Voice and Participation: The district prioritizes incorporating student input in decisions, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement among students through practical initiatives.
• Regional Collaboration: Collaborating with neighboring school districts as well as higher education institutions creates enriching opportunities for students and teachers alike.
• Strategic Vision and Alignment: The district's strategic vision, guided by four pillars — purpose, passion, care, and community — ensures every initiative aligns with core educational values and student well-being.
• Nurturing Future Leaders: By encouraging collaboration, networking, and meaningful leadership experience, Dr. Reljac supports the growth of future educational leaders from within the district.

Chapters:

00:00

Leadership and Community Values in Fox Chapel Area Schools

03:12

Pittsburgh's Educational and Economic Growth Attracts Young Families

08:03

Empowering Student Voice and Innovation in Education

15:27

People-Centric Leadership and Crisis Management in Education

25:19

Legacy of Education and Servant Leadership

29:37

Empowering Education Through Purpose, Passion, Care, and Community

35:35

Fostering Collaborative Leadership and Regional Educational Partnerships

40:17

Aspiring Leaders: Embrace Opportunities and Learn from Others

44:56

Insights and Stories from Mary Catherine Reljac

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Dr. Mary Catherine Reljac: linkedin.com/in/mary-catherine-reljac

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

In this episode, CT sits down with Toni Presta, the dynamic superintendent of Jefferson Union High School District, to uncover her strategic approach to enhancing equity in education. Together, they explore the unique attributes of the Jefferson Union school district, Toni's commitment to equity, and the journey behind her impactful leadership style. This conversation delves into how authentic leadership and student-focused initiatives have shaped an educational environment that strives for inclusivity and excellence.

Key Takeaways:

• Student-Centered Focus: Emphasizing the importance of student voice in educational practices to tailor a more inclusive and effective learning environment.
• Equity in Action: Jefferson Union High School District's commitment to equity through specific programs and the support of organizations like the National Equity Project.
• Leadership Journey: Toni Presta's unique career path, exemplifying the value of stepping back to refresh and re-engage with leadership from a reinvigorated perspective.
• Changing Grading Practices: Innovative approaches such as allowing test retakes to focus on mastery and promote a more equitable grading system.
• Advocacy for Authentic Leadership: The impact of authentic and courageous leadership, inspired by visionaries like Brené Brown, in fostering change and equity.

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Toni: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toni-presta-59434512

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

Summary:

Join Dr. Jim and Dr. Nate Perry as they explore the power of mentorship in K-12 education. They discuss strategies for developing successful mentorship programs that enhance teacher retention and development. Discover how a sense of community and effective onboarding can support educators from diverse backgrounds and experience levels. Learn from Dr. Perry’s approach, which seeks to build connections and reduce burnout, emphasizing both instructional and social elements. Ideal for educational leaders looking to implement meaningful talent strategies in their districts.

Key Takeaways:

• Successful mentorship programs in education should extend beyond mere buddy systems, focusing on strategic, long-term teacher retention and development.
• Tailored mentorship initiatives are vital for creating strong interpersonal connections, addressing practical challenges, and fostering lifelong careers in education.
• Retention efforts must include paying attention to the unique landscape and community culture, offering competitive compensation, and supporting work-life balance.
• A structured mentorship initiative should incorporate feedback mechanisms, instructional components, and opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

Chapters:

00:00

Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:34

Leadership Philosophy and District Background

05:16

Key Practices for Teacher Success

09:57

Dynamics of the District and Talent Strategy

14:14

Onboarding and Mentorship Program Development

21:27

Building Capacity and Addressing Burnout

25:21

Senior Teacher Engagement and Leadership Pathways

30:16

Overcoming Implementation Roadblocks

32:26

Evaluating Program Success and Results

35:00

Key Takeaways and Conclusion

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Dr. Nate Perry: linkedin.com/in/nate-perry-386139124

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

Summary:

Dr. Jim welcomes Dr. Dan Butler, superintendent of the Western Dubuque County Community School District, to discuss effective leadership transitions and building a cohesive leadership playbook. Dr. Butler shares insights from his 21-year career journey from teacher to superintendent, emphasizing clarity, feedback, and trust as pillars of successful transitions. Learn about the strategies and frameworks Dr. Butler implemented to foster clarity, inclusive feedback, and leadership capacity, transforming educational leadership across a geographically diverse district. Discover how these principles can be tailored to enhance leadership in any setting.

Key Takeaways:

• Clarity and Feedback: Dr. Dan Butler underscores the importance of providing clear expectations and actionable feedback to build a coherent and effective leadership culture.
• Building Trust and Credibility: Ensuring transparency and integrity while taking on new leadership roles, and leveraging these to earn the trust of peers and direct reports.
• Navigating Transitions: Essential strategies for moving from peer to leader and maintaining professional relationships through honest and clear communication.
• Creating a Common Leadership Language: Utilizing strategies like regular one-on-one meetings and professional learning grounded in shared reading materials to ensure alignment and capacity building across large school districts.
• Empowerment through Professional Development: Encouraging leaders at all levels to lead with influence and empowerment, creating a ripple effect of positive leadership practices throughout the organization.

Chapters:

00:00

Navigating Leadership Transitions in Education

03:45

Challenges and Uniqueness of Western Dubuque County School District

05:09

Leadership Lessons from Coaching in Education

11:29

Navigating Leadership Transitions from Educator to Superintendent

19:53

Building Trust and Executive Capability in School Leadership

25:51

Building Leadership and Communication Structures in School Districts

28:12

Building Leadership Capacity Through Literature and Common Language

33:35

Building School Culture Through Clarity and Feedback

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Dan Butler: https://www.danpbutler.com/

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

Host CT Leong sits down with Dr. Kory Kalahar, superintendent of the Wenatchee School District in Washington state. Dr. Kalahar shares insights from his 27-year journey in the district, highlighting both the community's transformation and the strategic initiatives that have been implemented under his leadership. From a focus on diversity and inclusion to preparing students for contemporary job markets, this conversation delves deeply into the heart of educational leadership and the importance of evolving with community needs.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in creating future-ready educational environments.
• Strategic implementation of district-wide priorities to ensure aligned curriculum development and student engagement.
• Dr. Kalahar’s journey from a classroom teacher to a district superintendent, emphasizing continuous learning and adaptation.
• The role of mentorship and leadership that cultivates new generations of educational leaders.
• Addressing community transformation by aligning educational goals with regional economic and industrial shifts.

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Dr. Kory: linkedin.com/in/kory-kalahar-ed-d-885b7631/

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.

Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe