In this episode of Moves Leaders Make, Penny Kittle and Elaine Millen are joined by Elizabeth Rossini for a conversation about leadership rooted in joy, advocacy, and possibility. Elizabeth reflects on her educational journey and shares her belief that schools should be joyful places for both students and adults.
Elizabeth describes how meaningful change happens through small, intentional moves over time. She discusses piloting new initiatives, supporting teachers through change, and using accountability alongside trust. The conversation explores what it means to lead with clarity and courage, including having honest conversations when expectations are not optional.
This episode highlights leadership as a human practice — one built on belief, consistency, and the daily decisions that shape school culture.
GUEST
Elizabeth Rossini is an educator and school leader with 37 years of experience in public, international, independent, and university settings. She has served as a classroom teacher and administrator and shares insights from her work supporting teachers and students through long-term instructional change.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Schools should be joyful places for learning and leadership.
• Sustainable change is built through small moves made consistently over time.
• Leadership requires balancing support with clear expectations.
• Courageous conversations are a necessary part of leading change.
• Accountability works best when paired with trust and advocacy.
• Culture is shaped by what leaders choose to prioritize and reinforce.
BOOKS & REFERENCES
• Simon Sinek simonsinek.com
• The Missing Thread: A Women’s History of the Ancient World by Daisy Dunn
Moves Leaders Make — A Book Love Foundation Podcast; Hosted by Penny Kittle and Elaine Millen; Produced by Testwood Creative Studio; Music by ryanancona (Pond5); booklovefoundation.org
Click here to view the episode transcript.