AI in education and navigating a school through crises with Dr. Curtis Cain
An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast
Release Date: 03/04/2025
The Power of Wholehearted Leadership with Dr. Kathryn Fishman-Weaver
An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast
🌟 The Power of Wholehearted Leadership: 4 Key Insights from Dr. Kathryn Fishman-Weaver 🌟 In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, we have an incredible conversation with , the Executive Director of Mizzou Academy. Some key takeaways from our conversation include: 📖 1. Stories Are the Shortest Distance Between People "Stories are the connective tissue that holds us all together. The space to share who we are - being fully human - doesn't happen by accident." 🤝 2. Wisdom Is Everywhere - Embrace Shared Leadership "The most important ideas for...
info_outline
Dr. Laura Chávez-Moreno and How Schools Make Race: What They Miss by Staying in "Sesame Street"
An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast
This week on An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, we talk with UCLA's , author of "". Dr. Chavez Moreno's work challenges us to think beyond superficial approaches to racial identity in schools. Here are three key themes and insights from our conversation: Schools implicitly make race through practices and policies. Beyond explicit lessons on race, schools reinforce racial ideas through their structures. As Dr. Chávez Moreno explains, "Schools make race through implicit ways also... through the policies and the practices that they engage in". This includes...
info_outline
Beyond the Checklist: Jill Molli and Leading School Culture with a Conscious Bullseye
An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast
🚀 New episode alert! 🎧 Tune into the latest episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast featuring . We had a truly insightful conversation about how conscious leadership can drive significant culture shifts in education! Here are a few key takeaways from our discussion: 🎯 Transforming Culture: Shifting culture isn't about checklists and compliance. Jill suggests leaders "shift from your checklist in your brain and move to a bullseye." This means focusing on building internal skills at the core of the system. 🧘♀️ Leading with Self-Regulation:...
info_outline
Restorative Practices for School Leaders to Embed Systems & Shift Adult Culture with Nicholas Bradford
An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast
In this episode of : The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, sits down with , Founder and Executive Director of the . Nicholas is also the co-author of . He shares how building authentic relationships and embedding restorative systems, rather than isolated programs, is critical for cultivating trust, accountability, and resilience in schools. Nicholas Bradford discusses how restorative practices are proactive efforts to build culture and reduce burnout among school leaders. He explains how schools can move beyond punitive models and create environments that empower students, staff, and...
info_outline
How This Principal Fixed a Failing School Culture to Hit the Top 5% - Amy Galloway
An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast
In this episode of : The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, Peter Stiepleman sits down with , former principal, state education leader, and co-founder of . As a school leader, Amy led one of Tennessee’s most dramatic school turnarounds, moving a in Nashville from the bottom 5% to the top 5% in just four years. She later served at the , where she supported principals, assistant principals, and supervisors across the state. Dr. Amy Galloway reflects on the challenges leaders face in times of transition, from navigating isolation and accountability to rebuilding school culture with...
info_outline
Speaking the Same Language: Communication Strategies for Bridging Divides with Lori Weigel and Jonathan Voss
An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast
In this episode of : The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I sit down with , Principal at , and , Former-Partner at and Founder of . Two leaders from opposite ends of the political spectrum who are united by a common mission: to help educational leaders communicate more effectively in deeply divided times. Lori Weigel and Jonathan Voss discuss how superintendents can use shared values and thoughtful language to build consensus, especially when facing complex issues like equity, trust in public schools, and community engagement. Drawing on decades of public opinion research, they...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outlineIn 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 cohesion and morale during crises.
If you're an educator or leader seeking insights into resilience and community trust, don't miss this essential conversation with Dr. Curtis Cain!
Here are the key takeaways:
👉🏼 Adaptive Leadership in Challenging Times: Dr. Cain highlights the importance of flexibility and resilience in adapting to new educational technologies during the pandemic.
👉🏼 The Human Side of Education: Emphasizing emotional and community support, Dr. Cain discusses the need for educators to connect deeply with students' well-being.
👉🏼 Cultivating Leadership and Emotional Intelligence: Dr. Cain underscores the critical role of empathy and responsiveness required in effective leadership.
👉🏼 Embracing Technological Advancements: We discuss the rapid integration of digital tools in education, likening it to historic innovations and enhancing learning for digital fluency.
🎧 Listen to the full episode to hear my conversation with Dr. Curtis Cain about his journey and strategic insights on transformative leadership and technology in education.
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 Dr. Curtis Cain on:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-cain-9b757441/
Twitter: https://x.com/rockwoodsupt
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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL.
Go to https://www.overyondr.com/ to learn more.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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/