The Brighter Side of Education: Research, Innovation & Resources

Resonant Leadership in Education: Creating School Leaders Who Lead with Heart and Mind with Dr. Carla Sparks


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What makes a great educational leader? In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Lisa Hassler sits down with her mentor and dissertation chair, Dr. Carla Sparks, to explore how professors shape the next generation of school leaders through resonant, research-driven mentorship.

Dr. Sparks, Program Director of Educational Leadership at National Louis University, shares insights from her work in emotional intelligence, neuroscience, and systems leadership. She also reflects on her experiences launching single-gender public middle schools in Florida, and discusses her inspirational book, Be the Manatee—a guide to leading with calm, strength, and authenticity.

🔎 Topics covered:

  • The power of resonant leadership in shaping educational practice
  • How mentorship and modeling influence future school principals and superintendents
  • Lessons learned from single-gender education initiatives
  • How Be the Manatee encourages leaders to stay grounded, wise, and authentic
  • The importance of staying a learner as a leader

If you believe in leading with both heart and mind, this conversation will inspire and energize you.

To learn more about Be the Manatee and Dr. Carla Sparks' leadership philosophy, visit https://a.co/d/9rKRMc4 or ask for the book at your favorite bookseller.

đź’ˇ This episode is CPD accredited!
 Educators can now earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) minutes by listening. To claim your certificate:

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  3. Enter code 800116 to check in and download your certificate

Continue your professional growth—one episode at a time.

Great News! The Brighter Side of Education is now CPD Accredited! 

Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.

Head to the show notes to find if this episode is CPD eligible and details on how to claim your CPD certification!

Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.

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If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at [email protected] or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support.

The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.

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The Brighter Side of Education: Research, Innovation & ResourcesBy Dr. Lisa Hassler