WEP 259: Lifted to Lead: Resilience and Advocacy with Dr. Stefan Bean Hosted by Kelly Croy

WEP 259: Lifted to Lead: Resilience and Advocacy with Dr. Stefan Bean Hosted by Kelly Croy

Episode Description:

In this episode of the Wired Educator Podcast, Kelly Croy sits down with Dr. Stefan Bean, Superintendent of Orange County, California, to discuss a journey of resilience that is unlike anything you’ve ever heard.
Dr. Bean oversees the education of over 450,000 students, but his story begins as a refugee of the Vietnam War. Stricken with polio and brought to the U.S. during Operation Babylift, Dr. Bean shares how a single teacher’s belief in his potential transformed his life. This is a powerful conversation about moving from a "deficit mindset" to an "asset mindset," leading with empathy, and the profound impact of lifting others so they can lead. Dr. Bean's new book Lifted to Lead is available now. Click HERE!
You are going to love this episode.

About Dr. Stefan Bean:
Dr. Stefan Bean has dedicated the past 28 years to serving Southern California communities and students as a teacher, principal, and school administrator. In June 2024, the Orange County Board of Education unanimously appointed him as Orange County’s 12th superintendent of schools—a position that dates back to 1889.
Dr. Bean’s personal experiences as an English language learner and a student with a disability have deeply influenced his educational philosophy. He is a passionate advocate for English learners and marginalized students, using his own story as a living example of what is possible when a community rallies around a child.

Lifted to Lead
Dr. Bean’s new book, Lifted to Lead, explores his journey from a Saigon orphanage to the superintendent’s office. It details his "Lifted Leadership" framework, showing how leaders can cultivate hope and unlock the potential in others through authentic relationship-building and support.

Key Takeaways
 * The Power of Asset-Based Thinking: Educators must stop measuring what is "lacking" and start looking for what is "locked inside."
 * Relationships are the Key: You cannot unlock a student's potential without first building a relationship with them.
 * Resilience and Agency: How to overcome trauma and physical challenges through the support of a "lifting" community.
 * The LIFTED Framework: A sneak peek into the L and I: Listen and Inspire.
 * The Trades and Career Readiness: Why meeting students where they are means valuing the trades and technical education as much as college tracks.
 * Artificial Intelligence as an Assistant: How we can lead the way in using AI ethically and responsibly to support student creativity.
Words of Wisdom for Educators

Dr. Bean reminds us:
"Education will unlock the potential in you, but more powerful, education will unlock the potential of others through you."

No matter what challenges your students face—disability, language barriers, or trauma—they need to know you have their back. Just like Mr. Geisinger did for Dr. Bean, you have the power to whisper potential into a student's ear and change their life forever.

Books Mentioned
Lifted to Lead by Dr. Stefan Bean (Connected with CASA and Associates)

Episode Chapters
 * 00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Stefan Bean and his 450,000 students
 * 01:11 – The incredible story of Operation Babylift and surviving the crash
 * 03:20 – How Dr. Bean’s father influenced his path into education
 * 04:58 – The "Gift of Gab": How Mr. Geisinger changed everything
 * 08:16 – Overcoming bullying and finding a voice in Washington, D.C.
 * 11:04 – Advice for educators: Finding potential in non-verbal students
 * 14:02 – Addressing chronic absenteeism and literacy challenges
 * 18:15 – The LIFTED Leadership Framework
 * 23:03 – Re-examining learning in the age of Artificial Intelligence

Connect and Learn More
To learn more about Dr. Stefan Bean and his work in Orange County, visit:
OCDE.us

If you would like your book, product, service, conference, or website mentioned or highlighted in the pre-roll of the Wired Educator Podcast, email Kelly at [e-mail].

About the Host
Kelly Croy is the host of the Wired Educator Podcast, a speaker, author, and Director of Innovation and Instruction. Kelly works with schools and districts across the country on leadership, culture, and growth.

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