Principal Office Hours

Summary: Join C.T. and guest Dr. Derek Fialkiewicz Superintendent of Corbett School District in Oregon, as they explore the innovative approaches that have made Corbett a model for educational excellence. This insightful conversation delves into the district's use of multi-age classrooms, a four-day school week, and a no-grades policy for K-8 students.

Key Takeaways:

Multi-Age Classrooms: Corbett uses multi-age classrooms, where students of different ages learn together. This fosters mentorship and helps teachers build strong relationships over multiple years.

Four-Day School Week: Implemented 20 years ago to save resources, the four-day week allows for longer school days and Fridays for catch-up sessions, contributing to a graduation rate consistently above 95%.

No Grades Policy (K-8): The district uses narrative-based assessments instead of traditional grades, focusing on feedback rather than numerical scores.

Project-Based Learning: Teachers use project-based learning units that infuse standards into cross-curricular topics, ensuring students learn differently each year.

Teacher Support: Many teachers are homegrown, and new hires are supported by a strong mentorship system, helping them adapt to Corbett's unique educational model.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

1:04 Background on Corbett School District: Location and Unique Features

4:24 Multi-Age Classrooms: Philosophy and Implementation

9:09 Benefits of Multi-Age Classrooms: Academic Performance and Student Mentorship

14:58 Project-Based Learning and Cross-Curricular Topics

20:43 Teacher Support and Onboarding in a Unique Educational Environment

25:00 The Four-Day School Week: History, Benefits, and Community Impact

30:00 No Grades Policy in K-8: Narrative-Based Assessments and Feedback

35:00 Implementing a No Grades System: Challenges and Successes

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Dr. Derek Fialkiewicz: linkedin.com/in/derek-fialkiewicz

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



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Summary: Join C.T. and guest Dr. Michael Cardona, Superintendent of San Marcos CISD, as they delve into the critical importance of social-emotional learning and mental health in schools. This insightful conversation explores how San Marcos CISD addresses these challenges, particularly in the context of a rapidly growing and mobile community.

Key Takeaways:

• Prioritizing Mental Health: Dr. Cardona emphasizes that students need to be mentally sound before they can be academically sound. This approach underlines the district's focus on social-emotional learning (SEL) and mental health support for both students and teachers.
• Addressing Teacher Shortages: San Marcos CISD employs innovative partnerships with Texas State University to address teacher shortages. This includes a year-long teacher residency program that helps recruit and retain teachers by reducing college debt and providing hands-on experience.
• Managing Student Mobility: The district faces high student mobility due to its location between Austin and San Antonio, impacting attendance and academic continuity. Dr. Cardona highlights the importance of understanding this mobility as a technical issue tied to attendance.
• Teacher Retention Strategies: Dr. Cardona discusses how the district supports teachers through benefits like enhanced insurance coverage and technology-rich classrooms. These efforts aim to offset the challenges of competing with larger districts for talent.
• Navigating Growth and Challenges: The district's growth is influenced by urbanization and gentrification, which impacts housing costs and student demographics. Dr. Cardona's involvement in local economic development committees helps anticipate these changes and plan accordingly.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction to Dr. Michael Cardona and San Marcos CISD

1:04 Overview of San Marcos CISD: Location and Community

4:24 Challenges of Student Mobility and Attendance

9:09 Impact of Urbanization and Gentrification on Student Mobility

14:58 Addressing Teacher Shortages and Retention Strategies

20:43 Innovative Partnerships with Texas State University

25:00 Teacher Residency Program and Its Impact on Retention

30:00 Expanding Partnerships for Teacher Development and Support

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Dr. Michael Cardona: linkedin.com/in/dr-michael-cardona-21a51420

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 Michael Ben-David, superintendent of Tenafly Public Schools, as they unpack the journey from good to great in K-12 education through systematized approaches. Discover how a focus on organizational clarity, role definition, and accountability can transform educational outcomes. With insights drawn from Michael's transition from law to education, the discussion delves into managing technology spend, aligning district priorities, and fostering an environment of engagement and respect to drive student achievement. Listen to learn how to craft high-performing educational systems.

Key Takeaways:

• Systems and processes are essential for educational success, helping streamline operations and reduce redundancies.
• A district's mission should be plainly articulated, emphasizing student growth and achievement as primary objectives.
• Transformational change in schools involves meticulous planning, clarity in roles, and a relentless focus on both people and programs.
• Clear organizational structures and accountability frameworks foster efficiency and transparency, crucial for meeting community expectations.

Chapters:

0:00

Unlocking School Potential Through Systematized Processes

2:21

From Law to Education: A Journey of Passion and Problem Solving

8:11

Challenges and Strategies in Education Leadership and Resource Management

13:20

Implementing Effective Technology Governance in School Districts

18:16

Establishing Organizational Clarity and Accountability in Education

20:34

Key Elements for Improving Student Growth and Achievement

22:54

Strategies for Addressing Funding Challenges in School Districts

26:44

Prioritizing Respect Over Being Liked in Educational Leadership

28:42

Optimizing Education Budgets Through Personnel and Technology Analysis

31:36

Building Clear Systems for Effective School District Governance

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

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Michael Ben-David: linkedin.com/in/michael-ben-david-j-d-m-ed-4372281a

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 chats with Adam Bisenius, superintendent of Galva Holstein and Shaylor Cressland Community School Districts in Iowa, to explore strategies for building a talent pipeline in rural education. They discuss the unique challenges faced by rural districts, emphasizing early recruitment from local colleges, leveraging community ties, and fostering a supportive school culture. Adam shares insights from his career in educational leadership and college coaching, underscoring the importance of adaptability and relationship-building in attracting and retaining quality educators in remote areas.

Key Takeaways:

• Rural school districts face unique challenges in recruiting educators due to limited local populations and competition with urban areas.
• Engaging potential educators early, such as college sophomores and juniors, can position rural districts advantageously in the recruiting process.
• Networking among local superintendents and creating pathways for community members and students to transition into teaching roles can effectively build a talent pipeline.
• Offering teachers flexibility, creativity, and community support within rural schools can be key attractions for prospective candidates.

Chapters:

0:00 Building Talent Pipelines in Extremely Rural School Districts

2:14 Recruiting Challenges and Leadership in Small Rural School Districts

6:42 Balancing Contracts and Benefits Across Two School Districts

7:09 Recruitment Challenges in a Geographically Dispersed School District

9:00 Strategies for Recruiting Educators in Rural School Districts

12:15 Empowering Teachers with Creative Freedom in Small School Districts

14:22 Overcoming Student Teacher Placement Challenges in Rural Areas

16:21 Superintendents Collaborate to Fill Teaching Positions

17:37 Strategies for Building a Talent Funnel in Education

21:56 Building Community Connections in Small School Districts

23:32 Building a Talent Pipeline in Rural School Districts

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

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Adam Bisenius: https://www.rvraptors.org/o/rv/page/district-superintendent

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 and guest Dr. Jennifer Root, Superintendent of Menifee Union School District, as they explore how her district is living up to its vision of "engaging young minds for limitless futures." This insightful conversation delves into building job-specific pathways for TK-8 students and developing soft skills (or core skills) to prepare them for high school, college, and beyond.

Key Takeaways:

• "Engaging Young Minds": The district focuses on engaging students and preparing them for an uncertain future.
• Core Skills (Not Soft!): Menifee USD emphasizes six core attributes (e.g., responsibility, integrity) to help students adapt and succeed.
• Attribute Integration: Core skills are woven into the curriculum through modeling, literature, SEL programs, and praise.
• Job Pathways in TK-8: Dr. Root is implementing job-specific pathways by backward-mapping from high school/college to align with industry needs.
• Community Support: These job skills taught in school are augmented through parent support.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction: Engaging Young Minds

1:04 About Dr. Jennifer Root

2:13 About Menifee Union School District

4:24 Vision: Engaging Young Minds for Limitless Futures

9:09 Student Success Attributes (Core Skills)

14:58 Integrating Attributes & Addressing Concerns

20:43 Challenges in Deployment

23:37 Job-Specific Pathways in TK-8

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Dr. Jennifer Root: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-root-ed-d-63b2aa46

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 C.T. and guest Michael Lamb, Superintendent of Little Elm Independent School District in Texas, as they explore the strategies behind running a school district with "straight A's." In this engaging conversation, Michael shares insights into managing growth, fostering relationships, and balancing quantitative rigor with human connection.

Key Takeaways:

• "Straight A's" Philosophy (Simplified): Focus on Athletics, Arts, Academics, and Acquired Skills (CTE).
• Data-Driven (Concise): 50 metrics tracked with a "heat map" (green, yellow, red) to monitor progress and identify areas for improvement across the "A's."
• Team Delegation: Lamb delegates metric oversight to his leadership team (athletic director, etc.) for efficient management.
• Data Enhances Relationships (Core Message): Lamb, a former math teacher, emphasizes using student data to enhance relationships. He states, "I know you when I know your data," meaning data informs personalized teaching. It's about insight, not just numbers.
• Transparency: Presents metrics quarterly to the board for feedback and alignment.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction and Little Elm ISD Overview

4:30 The Four A's Framework

8:30 Quantifying Progress: The 50 Metrics

13:00 Managing the Metrics: Delegation and Heat Maps

18:00 Evaluation Cycle and Board Engagement

21:00 Balancing Quantitative Rigor with Human Connection

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Michael Lamb: www.littleelmisd.net

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:

Explore the inspiring story of transforming a struggling K-12 district with Dr. Jim and his guest, Justin Wagner, superintendent of the Woodbine Community School District. Discover how Justin's innovative and disruptive strategies, grounded in military structure and community engagement, led to a dramatic turnaround. Learn about the pivotal roles of public-private partnerships, community involvement, and adaptive education models in fostering personalized learning experiences. This episode offers valuable insights for superintendents and educational leaders facing challenging environments.

Key Takeaways:

• Community Readiness and Engagement: Wagner emphasized the importance of engaging the local community and businesses from the outset to gain support for transformational educational endeavors.
• Military-Inspired Structure: He applied military principles of structured idea flow and chain of command to foster innovation and efficiency in education.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Successful funding for innovative projects was achieved through strong public-private partnerships and focused philanthropic efforts.
• Personalized and Unparalleled Education: Wagner's district has transformed to provide personalized learning experiences, significantly improving student engagement and learning outcomes.
• Rapid Action and Adaptation: The strategy of acting with urgency, akin to a startup, allowed for dynamic changes and improvements without the delays typical in traditional educational settings.

Chapters:

0:00

Turning Around a Failing School District

2:33

From Middle Student to Educator Through Military and Mentorship

5:51

Integrating Military Structure to Enhance Public Education Efficiency

8:49

Revitalizing Woodbine Through Community and Educational Transformation

11:33

Transforming Education Through Personalized Learning and Community Engagement

14:20

Revamping Education: Addressing Discipline and Expanding Opportunities

16:59

Building Community Trust Through Public Private Partnerships

20:50

Transformational Education Funding Through Philanthropy and Metrics

25:10

Balancing Business Involvement and Broad Education in Iowa Schools

27:46

Transformative School Change Through Action-Oriented Leadership

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

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Justin Wagner: [email protected]

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 as he chats with Dr. Aaron Pena, Superintendent of Burnett Consolidated Independent School District. Explore the challenges and insights involved in transitioning to a superintendent role, emphasizing the necessity of delegating responsibilities for organizational growth. Dr. Pena shares his experiences of aligning district priorities with board and community interests while mentoring his cabinet for future success. Gain invaluable perspectives on maintaining strategic focus, letting go of past roles, and fostering leadership within K-12 education to build a high-performing team.

Key Takeaways:

• Delegation for Growth: New superintendents should actively delegate responsibilities to create opportunities for growth within their team and free themselves to focus on higher-level tasks.
• Mentorship Over Management: Transitioning from a hands-on role to one that prioritizes mentoring is crucial; ask questions and guide rather than direct.
• Aligning with Community and Board: Understanding and aligning with the community's needs is essential. The board's priorities should guide the district's direction.
• Professional Development: Continuously build capacity within your team to ensure that everyone is prepared for their responsibilities and potential growth.

Chapters:

0:00

The Importance of Building a Strong Educational Foundation

9:10

Balancing Rural Charm and Urban Growth in Burnett, Texas

12:46

Transitioning Leadership Roles and Embracing New Responsibilities

21:31

Aligning School Leadership with Community and Board Priorities

28:00

Advice for New Superintendents on Building Supportive Networks

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

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Dr. Aaron Pena: linkedin.com/in/aaronjpena

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 chats with Dr. Marc Baiocco, superintendent at Clarkstown Central School District, to explore innovative education strategies for the 21st century. They dig into building learning ecosystems emphasizing global perspectives, financial literacy, and technology integration. Dr. Baiocco shares insights on overcoming technology challenges, fostering global connections, and preparing students for future work environments. Learn about creating programs that adapt over time and aligning educators with forward-thinking goals, all while ensuring balanced technology use and student safety. Discover how Clarkstown schools are shaping future-ready learners.

Key Takeaways:

• Dr. Marc Baiocco stresses the necessity of a clear, articulated plan focusing on a future-ready educational model that includes global perspectives, technology, and financial literacy.
• The implementation of innovative pedagogy and cross-school district alignment is crucial for preparing students for 21st-century challenges.
• Challenges such as balancing technology use and implementing cybersecurity measures are crucial hurdles that need addressing to create a conducive learning environment.
• Financial literacy programs teaching personal finance, economics, and responsible investment are essential for student development and understanding in real-world scenarios.
• Constructing a living and breathing curriculum requires continuous assessment and adjustment, fostering a culture of improvement and adaptation to evolving educational needs.

Chapters:

0:00

Building 21st Century Learning Ecosystems for Future-Ready Students

2:01

Innovative Leadership and Educational Excellence in K-12 Schools

9:56

Innovative Education for 21st Century Global Citizenship

18:16

Balancing Technology and Education in a Rapidly Evolving World

24:59

Building Future-Ready Learners Through Financial Literacy and Global Competence

35:58

Creating Momentum Through Action in Transformational Leadership

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

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Dr. Marc Baiocco: linkedin.com/in/dr-marc-p-baiocco-549a591a

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 C.T. and guest Dr. Brad Hunt, Superintendent of Coppell ISD, as they explore connecting with over 13,000 students and fostering strong relationships. Explore strategies for staying close to students, hearing their voices, and building engagement through various communication channels. Discover how Dr. Hunt uses student advisory groups, Zoom calls, social media, and the "I Lead" leadership program to connect with students and gather valuable feedback. This insightful conversation offers practical guidance for leaders aiming to cultivate a sense of community, ensure students feel valued, and navigate tough budget decisions with student input.

Key Takeaways:

• Importance of Presence: Being visible and present on campuses is crucial for understanding student needs and concerns.
• Multiple Avenues for Communication: Dr. Hunt uses various channels to connect with students, including student advisory groups, Zoom calls, and social media (Instagram).
• Student Voice Matters: Actively seeking and valuing student feedback is essential for a successful school district.
• Intentionality: Creating structured opportunities for student input is necessary to ensure all voices are heard, not just the loudest or most easily accessible ones.
• Reaching All Levels: It's important to engage with students at all grade levels, from elementary to high school, recognizing their unique perspectives.
• Building Genuine Relationships: Attending school events, being authentic, and showing that you care are key to fostering trust and engagement.
• Student Leadership Programs: Developing programs like "I Lead" empowers students and provides valuable leadership experience.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

1:20 About Coppell ISD

2:20 Staying Connected

3:05 Student Advisory

4:06 Elementary Input

5:55 Ensuring All Voices

7:25 Growing Up in the District

9:40 Broadening Representation

11:30 Translating Input to Action

12:04 Senior Cornhole

15:30 Budget Challenges

16:40 Demonstrating You Care

17:25 I Lead Program

18:30 Social Media Intern: Solomon

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

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Dr. Brad Hunt: linkedin.com/in/brad-hunt

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