Dr. Ron Taylor's Imperfect Leader's Playbook: Integrity, Grace, and Trust
An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast
Release Date: 12/10/2024
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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_outlineJoin me for a powerful conversation with Dr. Ronald Taylor, former superintendent and author of The Courage to Lead with Integrity for Equity, on the latest episode of An Imperfect Leader!
Dr. Taylor shares his remarkable journey in education, exploring the critical importance of equity, integrity, and courage in leadership. We discuss:
- The impact of the Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS) organization in providing equitable access to challenging high school courses for underserved students.
- Practical strategies for school leaders to identify and address equity gaps using data analysis and stakeholder engagement.
- Dr. Taylor's personal experiences navigating the complexities of school integration and construction projects during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The crucial role of honesty and transparency in building trust with the community, especially during times of crisis.
- The importance of courage in making difficult decisions and advocating for what is right, even when facing opposition.
Dr. Taylor's insights are invaluable for any leader seeking to create more equitable and just systems. Tune in to this episode of An Imperfect Leader to hear this inspiring conversation!
Also, check out Ron's book, The Courage to Lead with Integrity for Equity.
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An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr.
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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.