The Power of Listening: Jerry Almendarez on Leadership, Collaboration, and Embracing Imperfection
An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast
Release Date: 12/03/2024
Innovation Lessons for School Leaders to Build Real Student Agency with Josh Reppun
An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast
In this episode of : The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, sits down with , host and Global Community Director of . Josh, a former history teacher turned educational innovator, shares his journey of challenging traditional education models. Through his work with the What School Could Be initiative, Josh is helping lead the conversation on student-driven learning and community involvement in education reform. Josh’s story is one of transformation, from teaching in Hawaii to curating conversations with educators worldwide. He explores how creative, real-world learning can redefine the...
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From Controversy to Collaboration: Co-designing Education in Anacortes with Dr. Justin Irish
An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast
In this episode of : The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I sit down with , Superintendent of the in Washington and a former principal at . Dr. Justin Irish shares how systems thinking, co-design, and meaningful partnerships have helped his district navigate mental health challenges, budget shortfalls, and equity conversations. We discuss his strategic approach to transparent budgeting, the importance of shared decision-making, and the lessons he learned through vulnerability and community engagement. From establishing mental health supports across schools to leading the redesign of...
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Cultural Frameworks for K-8 Leaders to Build Equity and Cut Suspensions with Dr. Lupita Ley Hightower
An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast
In this episode of : The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I sit down with , the 2023 Arizona Superintendent of the Year and the 2024 Voice for Equity Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Dr. Hightower, who recently retired from her role as the superintendent of the , shares insights from her 28 years in education, discussing the cultural framework she built to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background. We discuss her proudest achievements, including the creation of equitable access to arts, music, and counseling programs, and her focus on...
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How Student Leadership & Community Engagement Are Transformative for Schools with Michelle Caulfield
An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast
In this episode of : The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Michelle Caulfield, Superintendent of the in Corning, New York. Michelle shares how her district is expanding access to opportunities by centering student voice, investing in innovative programs, and building a culture of connection and belonging. We discuss how inclusive, student-led clubs are transforming school culture, how unique programs like drone soccer and unified sports are engaging students in new ways, and how Michelle is leading with empathy while navigating challenges like recruitment and budget...
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Unlocking Communication: Moises Morgenstern of Empat Speech on Bridging the Speech Therapy Gap
An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast
In this episode of : The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I sit down with , co-founder and CEO of , a leading platform that connects schools with experienced speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Moises shares how his company is improving access to speech therapy using technology, addressing the nationwide shortage of SLPs, and supporting schools in providing high-quality speech-language services. We discuss how telehealth speech therapy is transforming support for students, particularly in rural communities where access to in-person specialists is limited. Moises discusses the...
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Kim Armstrong and Sandy Husk and the Power of Clear Communication During Challenges
An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast
In this episode of : The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I sit down with , former interim superintendent of , and , the district’s current superintendent. These two remarkable leaders discuss the challenges and opportunities of transitioning leadership, navigating budget constraints, and the importance of fostering strong relationships within a school district. Dr. Kim Armstrong and Sandy Husk share their experiences managing large-scale budget reductions, engaging communities in advocacy, and leading with clarity and resilience. They offer key insights into being an imperfect leader...
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How Going Phone-Free 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...
info_outline🎙️Join us for this insightful conversation with Jerry Almendarez, Superintendent of Santa Ana Unified School District Jerry's leadership journey provided valuable takeaways, especially regarding school improvement initiatives:
- The Power of Student Voice 🗣️: Jerry emphasized the importance of incorporating student perspectives in decision-making processes. He shared a compelling anecdote about how pausing a graduate profile rollout to conduct student listening sessions led to crucial insights and ultimately, a more impactful outcome.
- Resisting Quick Decisions 🛑: Jerry learned the importance of thoughtful consideration over impulsive action. While the pressure to implement initiatives like No Child Left Behind was intense, he discovered the value of collaboration, especially with teachers and staff, to create sustainable and effective change.
- Building Strong Relationships 🤝: Open and honest communication is vital for successful leadership. By fostering a culture of trust and vulnerability, Jerry was able to address the anxieties and frustrations stemming from policies like No Child Left Behind and build stronger connections with his team.
- Embracing Imperfection 💫 : Leaders are continuously learning and growing. Acknowledging our imperfections allows us to adapt, iterate, and improve our practices for the benefit of our students and communities.
Listen to the full episode for more inspiring insights from Jerry Almendarez! 🎧 #leadership #education #studentvoice #collaboration #podcast
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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.
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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 www.imperfectleader.com.
Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley.
Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
