Key points:
Whether you're ready or not, the start of the new school year is right around the corner. As educators and administrators prepare to start the new year off strong, top district leaders, both former and current, share their go-to sources for advice, inspiration, and continued learning.
Below is a summary of their main recommendations:
If you want to feel inspired…
“I'm obsessed right now with a podcast called Founders“He's a gentleman who studies all of these very successful people, from Jay-Z to Estee Lauder to Elon Musk, and chronicles their lives and their habits in order to shape them into successful entrepreneurs. The moment we're in right now in education is startup mode in terms of really thinking about the evolution of the system. So I spend a lot of time in places that are probably not educational, but to influence and push my thinking.”
—Kyla Johnson-Trammell, superintendent of the Oakland Unified School District
“Obviously, there are many publications, articles and books available, but when I look for resources for support and inspiration, I turn to 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…
“I have recently investigated The work of Elena Aguilar “With an all-inclusive membership, you can attend all of their workshops for a year to become a better coach, more reflective, and a better listener. It gives me that kind of ‘me time.’”
–Shanie Keelean, Deputy Superintendent, Rush-Henrietta Central School District
“I have been very interested in Amy Edminson's work. I have just read her book entitled The organization without fearwhich is about how creating psychological safety can create the right conditions for innovation. I love his model because it’s all about distributing leadership. I’ve found his work very helpful in thinking about moving from a top-down leadership style to a shared one.”
–Kathleen Skaels, superintendent of the North Colonie Central School District
“One of the books I read this year that changed my life… is MultipliersIn education, we know that when you’re at the top, it’s a lonely place and we can’t do this work alone. Whether we’re looking to improve reading for all students, including students with special needs, the reality is that we can’t 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 that they do best. When everyone is doing their best work and being authentic and walking with power, everything will flourish.”
–Nerlande Anselme, assistant superintendent, Rush-Henrietta Central School District
If you want to expand your personal network…
“I would absolutely start with Women leaders in educationThe network is very large and has done an incredible job connecting women. I also think that… Educational Leadership Forum “It's an amazing place to start. It really just provides systems and support in a way that the network lives for you and that's the goal.”
–Margaret Crespo, former superintendent of the Laramie County School District
These interviews were conducted at the 2024 Women Leaders in Education Summit as part of Visionary Voices Video series. Edited for clarity and brevity.
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