Join eSchool News for 12 Days of edtech with the most read and loved stories of 2024. On day three of edtech, our story focuses on women in district leadership.
Key points:
Ready or not, the start of the new school year is just around the corner. As educators and administrators prepare to start the new year strong, former and current top district leaders share their go-to sources for advice, inspiration, and continued learning.
Here's a summary of their top recommendations:
If you want to feel inspired…
“I'm obsessed right now with a podcast called Founders. He's a gentleman who studies all these super successful people, from Jay-Z to Estee Lauder to Elon Musk, and chronicles their lives and habits to make them successful entrepreneurs. The moment we are in in education is a starting mode in terms of really thinking about the evolution of the system. “That's why I spend a lot of time in places that probably aren't education, but to influence and push my thinking.”
—Kyla Johnson-Trammell, Superintendent Oakland Unified School District
“There are obviously many publications, articles and books available. But when I look for resources for support, for inspiration, I look for them in the people I know, love and respect. “They really help me keep going.”
—Susan Enfield, former superintendent of the Washoe County School District
If you want to improve your leadership…
“More recently I have delved into The work of Elena Aguilar. with an all-inclusive membership. You can attend all their workshops for a year to become a better coach, to be more reflective and a better listener. “It gives me that sort of ‘fill my cup,’ ‘me time.’”
–Shanie Keelean, Deputy Superintendent, Rush-Henrietta Central School District
“I have been very interested in Amy Edminson's work. I just read your book called The fearless organizationwhich is about how creating psychological safety can create the right conditions for innovation. I love their model because it's about distributing your leadership. His work has been fundamental for me when thinking about moving from a very top-down leadership style to a shared one.”
–Kathleen Skaels, Superintendent, North Colonie Central School District
“One of the books I read this year that has changed my life… is Multipliers. In education, we know that when you are at the top you feel very alone and we cannot do this work alone. Whether we are looking to improve reading for all students, including students with special needs, the reality is that we cannot do it alone. So what we have to do is multiply that leadership, see the strength in people and encourage and empower them to do the work they do best. When everyone does their best work, is authentic, and walks in their power, everything will flourish.”
–Nerlande Anselme, Deputy Superintendent, Rush-Henrietta Central School District
If you want to expand your personal network…
“I would absolutely start with Women leading education. The network is very large and has done an incredible job connecting women. I also believe that the Educational Leadership Forum It's an amazing place to start. “It really just provides systems and support so that the network works for you and that's the goal.”
–Margaret Crespo, former superintendent, Laramie County School District
These interviews were conducted at the 2024 Women Leading Ed Summit as part of the visionary voices video series. It has been edited for clarity and brevity.
See the previous 12 days of edtech:
1st edtech Day
2nd day of edtech
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