How Banning Phones Increased Student Focus and Improved School Culture with Damian McBeath
An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast
Release Date: 03/11/2025
How Banning Phones Increased Student Focus and Improved School Culture with Damian McBeath
An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast
In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I'm joined by , Principal of the . As an experienced school leader and author, Damian brings a wealth of knowledge on education reform, leadership, and the evolving role of schools in shaping students beyond academics. During our discussion, Damian and I discussed how schools can foster whole-child development through experiential learning and why reducing digital distractions has become essential for student engagement. We also discuss his experience testifying before the UK Parliament on phone-free policies...
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AI in education and navigating a school through crises with Dr. Curtis Cain
An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast
In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Curtis Cain, Superintendent of the Rockwood School District and 2022's National Superintendent of the Year. With decades of experience in educational leadership, Dr. Cain offers deep insights into navigating the complexities of leading a major school district through unprecedented times. During our discussion, Dr. Cain and I explored what constitutes effective leadership in the ever-evolving landscape of education. We explore the critical roles of trust and accountability in maintaining team...
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Lee Loving's Guide to Asking the Right Questions - Including What Might Happen if I Close the School's Library? 😬
An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast
In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, our guest is in Stayton, Oregon! In our conversation, Lee shares insightful perspectives on leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement. Listen in as we discuss: Connection: The importance of building trust and rapport with students, parents, and the community. 🤝 Strategic Planning: Creating a strategic plan with community input to prepare students for their next steps. 🧭 Imperfect Leadership: Embracing imperfection, learning from mistakes, and the importance of continuous discovery...
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Marcus Chambers on Community, Relationships, and Post-Pandemic Realities
An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast
In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, shares his insights on leadership, community, and navigating the challenges in education today. Here are three key takeaways: A+ School District: Superintendent Chambers explains Okaloosa County's focus on being an "A+ school district" ➕, emphasizing academic excellence as well as athletics and the arts. Community Engagement: Discover how Okaloosa County Schools actively engage with their community, understanding that a healthy school district contributes to a healthy community 🏘️. Marcus...
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Beyond Best Practices: Earl Franks on "Next Practices" and the Future of Elementary Education
An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast
In this episode of An Imperfect Leader, we had the pleasure of speaking with . We explored some critical themes for today's educational leaders: 🤝 The Power of Collaboration: Earl emphasizes how crucial it is for educational organizations to work together. Discover how collaboration can drive meaningful change in public education! 📣 Advocating for Our Schools: Earl urges school leaders to proactively share the great stories happening in their schools with political leaders at all levels. Learn how to effectively advocate for your students and schools! 🌱 Embracing Imperfect...
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Rethinking Grades: Joe Feldman on Creating Fair and Motivating Learning Environments
An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast
On this week's podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Joe Feldman, the founder and CEO of Crescendo Education Group, about equitable grading practices. 🍎 It was an insightful conversation, and here are three key things I'm taking away: Traditional grading often undermines learning: Many teachers receive little to no training on grading. As a result, they often replicate the practices they experienced, which may not be effective. Joe's work emphasizes that traditional grading can be inconsistent, unfair, and demotivating for students. Multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery are...
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A Walk in Their Kicks: Dr. Aaron Johnson and School Environments That Value All
An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast
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Beyond the Arena: Melissa Sonnek's Journey in Education and Equity
An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast
This powerful conversation dives deep into leadership, equity, and creating inclusive educational spaces. Melissa, Associate Superintendent at Roseville Area Schools, shared invaluable lessons that are a must for any leader. Here's a quick recap: 💪 Courageous Leadership: Melissa emphasizes the need to challenge inequity head-on. 🌱 Identity & Achievement: Melissa powerfully states, "I won't consider myself an effective educator until no identity marker predicts achievement." Her personal story of overcoming low expectations as a young mom is truly inspiring. ❤️ ...
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An Imperfect Leader: Michelle Osterhoudt on Connection, Community, and Courage
An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast
📢 Exciting new episode of An Imperfect Leader! 📢 I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Michelle Osterhoudt, Superintendent of Margaretville Central Schools, and it was an incredibly insightful conversation! Here are some of the key themes: Rethinking Traditional Education 🏫: Michelle shared her personal experience with her daughter's struggles in the traditional school system, which led her to advocate for diverse learning pathways. The Importance of Community and Connection 🤝: We discussed how crucial it is for schools to foster a sense of community and for...
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Stephen Pruitt on Removing Barriers and Leading with Compassion and Action
An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast
📢 We had an INCREDIBLE conversation with Dr. Stephen Pruitt, President of the Southern Regional Education Board. 🎧 We dove deep into education, leadership, and creating real change. Here are some of the key takeaways: 🤝 Stakeholder vs. Shareholder: Dr. Pruitt brilliantly explained that in education, we need to move beyond "stakeholders" and cultivate "shareholders"—those invested in a common vision and who feel ownership of the process! ✍️ Defining Standards: Standards are a "contract between the State Department of Ed and teachers". It's about shared agreements and...
info_outlineIn this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I'm joined by Damian McBeath, Principal of the John Wallis Church of England Academy. As an experienced school leader and author, Damian brings a wealth of knowledge on education reform, leadership, and the evolving role of schools in shaping students beyond academics.
During our discussion, Damian and I discussed how schools can foster whole-child development through experiential learning and why reducing digital distractions has become essential for student engagement. We also discuss his experience testifying before the UK Parliament on phone-free policies and the cultural transformation his school has undergone.
If you're a school leader, educator, or someone interested in shaping the future of education, don't miss this insightful conversation with Damian McBeath.
Here are the key takeaways:
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The Expanding Horizons Initiative – Damian explains how structured experiential learning opportunities help students develop life skills, emotional intelligence, and resilience.
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The Impact of Phone-Free Schools – Lessons from implementing a mobile phone ban, how students and teachers have responded, and the broader implications for education policy.
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Leadership & Cultural Shifts – The importance of building trust, engaging stakeholders, and leading change with transparency and empathy.
Listen to the full episode to hear my conversation with Damian McBeath about his leadership journey and the transformative policies shaping education today.
Listening Links:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26Y4nEEwL9mLzrxUh17NWf
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/an-imperfect-leader-the-superintendents/id1644897856
Podcast Site: https://imperfectleader.com/podcasts/
Follow Our Guest Damian McBeath on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damian-mcbeath-82903583/
Twitter: https://x.com/damianmcbeath
Website: https://uk.bettshow.com/speakers/damian-mcbeath
Follow the Host Peter Stiepleman on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/
Website: https://imperfectleader.com/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader
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An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr.
Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health.
Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal.
Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day.
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Go to https://www.overyondr.com/ to learn more.
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An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at https://imperfectleader.com/