In this engaging conversation, Jen Schwanke, an Ohio deputy superintendent, shares her insights on the challenges and rewards of leadership in education. The discussion covers her early failures, the role of principals, the need for instructional leadership, and the significance of empowering educators to foster a supportive environment for both teachers and students.

In this episode, Jimmy highlights the impact of our words and actions, emphasizing the difference between intent and impact. He discusses how educators can make a profound impact on their students and colleagues by being intentional with words, particularly around the concepts of apologies and forgiveness.

Jimmy shares a personal experience where his approach to student behavior was rooted in a compliance mentality, focusing on punishment rather than understanding. This experience led him to realize the need for a shift from a culture of compliance to one of investment.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Kirsten Frankovich shares how she sat in the Interview Chair as a young, strong, and confident leader and left the chair feeling broken and wondering if she was truly ready for the role. She emphasizes the importance of women leaders embracing motherhood, knowing that it makes you stronger both at home and at work, and reminds us of how we can regain our confidence when someone believes in us.

In this engaging conversation, David James shares his journey from substitute teacher to assistant principal, and back to classroom teacher, and his role in leading the Wolfpack Workshop Series professional development for staff. David also discusses his commitment to mentoring new teachers and creating a culture of learning by investing in both new and veteran educators to enhance student achievement.