The episode delves into significant themes such as the evolution of the Lakeside community, changes in student engagement with the community, and cultivating homey, inclusive environments for diverse student bodies. Dr. Taylor discusses the importance of empathy in leadership and leveraging teacher and community involvement. She shares insights into fostering a thriving educational environment, regardless of rapid changes or shifting demographics. The conversation also touches on leadership...

Summary: Dr. Jim chats about the importance of collaborative leadership and creating a leader-full organization with Dr. Alena Zachary-Ross, CEO of AZR Leads and superintendent of Ypsilanti Community Schools. Discover how Dr. Ross emphasizes listening, working with unions, and empowering educators. She shares her journey in building the "Rising Leaders" program, growing teacher leaders, and enhancing student support amidst a competitive landscape. Key takeaways include fostering agency,...

Summary: In this special edition of the Engaging Leadership Show, the focus shifts to financing in the K-14 educational space. The show features insights from Rachel Chang Kwei, Senior Vice President at Fieldman, Rolapp, and Associates, who delves into the complexities of securing funding for school districts. Key topics include Key Takeaways: Breakdown of funding sources for K-14 schools in California,Challenges of upgrading older school facilities, Importance of enrollment projections...

Summary: Dr. Jim and Dr. Willie Garrison, superintendent of the School District of Beloit, as they chat about the complexities of stabilizing leadership in K-12 education. Learn how Dr. Garrison's background and strategic initiatives have fostered a culture of academic growth, stable student enrollment, and financial stability. Discover the importance of building trust, consistent communication, and engaging the community effectively. This episode is a rich resource for educators and...

Denny Waters, superintendent of Battle Ground Public Schools, discusses the concept of coherence in educational leadership. Denny shares his experiences of transforming the district's strategic plan by focusing on high-quality instruction and social-emotional learning. He delves into the importance of building relationships, fostering community collaboration, and developing the next generation of leaders. Tune in to learn valuable insights on navigating challenges, especially during the...

Summary: School districts face severe talent shortages, particularly among educators. Dr. Jim and Dr. Nick Polyak, Superintendent for Leyden Community School District 212 in Illinois, discuss innovative solutions, emphasizing the "grow your own" strategy. This episode digs into the creation of educational pathways that begin at the high school level, fostering future educators and addressing diversity in hiring. Hear insights on structuring a supportive and inclusive environment, pioneering...

Summary: In this episode, CT engages in a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Daryl Camp, uncovering the essence of the San Lorenzo Unified School District and how its unique community-centric approach has made it a place "where leaders grow." Dr. Camp shares insights into the district's initiatives to include student voices in decision-making, noting impactful programs and policies established to foster leadership from an early age. Listeners also get a glimpse into Dr. Camp's personal journey...

Summary: Dr. Jim is joined by Dr. Michael Lubelfeld, superintendent of North Shore School District 112 in Illinois, to discuss transformative leadership in a struggling school district. They chat about Lubelfeld's strategic priorities: tackling infrastructural issues, enhancing communication, fostering community engagement, and prioritizing culture. Listeners will learn about his journey of balancing capital improvements with people development and his philosophy on adaptive leadership. This...

David Feliciano, Superintendent of La Mesa-Spring Valley School District, shares invaluable insights about educational leadership. David talks about managing a diverse school district, undertaking initiatives to support student mental health and community engagement, and his unique journey from IT professional to superintendent. This conversation delves into the heart of school district leadership, emphasizing the importance of trust, authentic communication, and strategic thinking. Key...

Summary: In this episode of the Engaging Leadership Show, host CT of Engage Rocket interviews Christopher Hoffman, Superintendent of Elk Grove Unified School District, to discuss the importance of investing in adult development to improve student outcomes. Hoffman shares insights on the district's growth, diversity, and the unique ways they maintain a small-town feel. He emphasizes the significance of developing leaders at all levels and adopting an outward mindset approach to leadership....

Summary: Dr. Jim chats with Dr. Bruce Law, a seasoned educator with over 30 years of experience, discussing key insights he wishes he had known before becoming a superintendent. Bruce reflects on pivotal moments, such as his unexpected transition to a superintendency in Hinsdale, and the critical importance of understanding operations and finances in education. He underscores the necessity of continual learning, effective team-building, and strong internal controls. Aspiring superintendents...

Summary: Dr. Jim discusses the complexities of navigating the budgeting process in challenging environments with Eric Russell, superintendent of Baldwin Woodville Area School District. Eric shares his insights on building relationships, earning community trust, and strategic communication to pass crucial referendums. Learn how he balanced community interests to foster support and drive successful initiatives that benefited both students and the larger community. Key themes include...

Summary: Dr. Jim interviews Dr. Camille Hibbler, superintendent of the Ferndale School District, on navigating leadership transitions amidst adversity. Camille shares her journey from teacher to superintendent, emphasizing the importance of building authentic relationships, using data-driven decision-making, and maintaining a focus on student and teacher welfare. She details her approach to handling sudden changes, the significance of transparent communication, and the need for sustainable...

CT Leong converses with Josh Plaskoff, founder of the Interhuman Group, on defining and driving the employee experience. Josh delves into contrasting management methods, the importance of relationships over systems, and how real leadership requires empathy, listening, and fostering community. Highlighting actionable insights and real-life examples, this episode explores the deep, often complex interplay between leadership, organization culture, and employee engagement. Listen to innovative...

Summary: Dr. Jim and Steve Wilder, Superintendent of Sycamore School District, discuss the power of reflection over action in leadership. Steve shares his transition from science teacher to superintendent, emphasizing the importance of building trust, coaching leaders, and fostering a reflective culture. They explore the challenges of leadership in education, strategies for impactful decision-making, and the value of patience and open communication. Tune in to learn how leaders can create...

Summary: Join Dr. Jim as he chats about turnaround strategies in K-12 education with Dr. Genevra Walters, former superintendent of Kankakee School District 111. Explore the importance of understanding community culture, prioritizing student engagement, and implementing competency-based education. Discover the critical questions that help pinpoint who benefits and who gets left behind in existing systems, and learn about the data-driven approach to drive effective change management. Tune in...

Summary: In this episode of 'The Engaging Leadership Show,' host CheeTung (CT), co-founder of EngageRocket, talks to Dr. Bret Champion, Superintendent of Medford School District in Southern Oregon. Bret discusses the district's unique characteristics, its commitment to student-centered learning, and the initiatives around school choice, including the launch of innovative programs like Medford Online Academy and the Innovation Academy. The conversation delves into the challenges and...

In this episode of the Engaging Leadership show, host CT Leong converses with Yolanda Valdez, the superintendent of the Cutler Orosi Joint Unified School District. Valdez, who grew up in the district she now oversees, shares her unique leadership journey, insights into community engagement, and the impactful changes she has spearheaded over the past decade. Central to the discussion is Valdez's philosophy of focusing on what can be controlled, implementing a community schools approach to...

In this engaging episode of the Engaging Leadership Show, host CT Leong delves into the unique and compelling leadership journey of Jim Shoemake, the superintendent of Rescue Union School District. Jim shares invaluable insights on the cultural and operational strategies that have led his district to thrive, despite national challenges in recruiting and retaining educators. His emphasis on creating a supportive, safe, and grateful work environment, combined with a commitment to continuous...

Summary: In this episode of the Engaging Leadership Show, host CheeTung (CT), co-founder of EngageRocket, interviews John Wright, Senior Director for Strategy at the National Education Association (NEA). They dive into the current state of education, focusing on the pressing issues of teacher attrition and recruitment, the impact of the political climate on the teaching profession, and strategies to build strong educational communities. Wright shares insights on the changing landscape...

Summary: Join Dr. Jim as he dives into an in-depth conversation with Dr. Jeffrey Fleig, Superintendent of the Fond du Lac School District, revealing the strategies behind their impressive transformation. Discover how executive commitment, leadership development, and a student-centric approach propelled the district from failure to success. Jeff shares insights on the importance of vulnerability, accountability, and including educators in leadership training. Perfect for leaders aiming to...

Join CT Leong on the Engaging Leadership Show as he sits down with Dr. Greg Baker, Superintendent of Bellingham Public Schools, to explore the district's strategic initiatives like the Bellingham Promise and innovative early childhood education. Dr. Baker shares insights from his 15-year tenure, discussing the importance of leadership development, integrating qualitative and quantitative data, and fostering a holistic educational environment. Hear about his unique journey in education and how...

Summary: On this episode of the Engaging Leadership Show, host CheeTung (CT), co-founder of EngageRocket, converses with Tim Winter, Superintendent of South Kitsap School District. They discuss what it means to belong, believe, and become, focusing on building schools from the inside out with the best people. Tim shares insights on the unique qualities of South Kitsap, their commitment to enhancing math and literacy education, and initiatives like multi-tiered support systems and professional...

Summary: Dr. Jim and Dr. Aaron Engel, Superintendent of La Crosse School District, discuss the importance of strategic leadership development in K-12 education. Dr. Engel shares insights from his military and educational careers, focusing on building cohesive leadership practices, supporting principals, and enhancing student outcomes. Key themes include the significance of mission alignment, fostering a collaborative culture, and managing change effectively. Highlighting practical...

Summary: Superintendent Michael Matsuda of Anaheim Union High School District shares his journey and insights into fostering whole-child education over test score-centric models. Exploring innovative strategies like project-based learning, longitudinal success data, and AI integration, Matsuda reveals transformative leadership practices. Host CT Leong delves into Matsuda's unique path from business to education leadership and how he spearheads change amidst growing diversity and shifting...