The Superintendent Effect

The Superintendent Effect

5.0 (2)
Non-Profit
Daily

Welcome to The Superintendent Effect -- where we hear stories of strong leaders building strong communities. Each week, tune in to hear from school superintendents around the country as they work to support the various needs in their community.

2d ago

When Students Speak, Schools Change with Dr. Jonathan Cooper

Dr. Jonathan Cooper, Superintendent of Mason City Schools in Mason, Ohio, joins The Superintendent Effect to discuss how listening to students transformed his district's approach to education, mental health, and student well-being. After students challenged district leaders to address a troubling pattern of student suicides, Mason City Schools began making significant changes, from later high school start times and a renewed focus on belonging to expanded prevention programs and student-led initiatives. In this episode, Dr. Cooper shares how the district empowers students through real-world learning experiences, including a student-run investment class, career exploration, and hands-on leadership opportunities. He also explores the emerging challenge of a potential “purpose crisis” in an AI-driven world and explains why helping students discover their purpose and potential matters more than ever. In this episode: Building a culture of belonging in a large, diverse school district Prioritizing student mental health and suicide prevention Giving students a meaningful voice in school decisions Connecting classroom learning to real-world careers and financial literacy Preparing students for a changing world through purpose, character, and critical thinking Practical leadership advice on listening, learning, and staying connected to students Listen today to learn how intentional leadership and student-centered systems can help schools build healthier communities. #TheSuperintendentEffect #StudentWellbeing #MasonCitySchoolDistrict #Ohio
Oct 21

Beyond Academics: Preparing Students for Life with Dave Means

What does it take to build a school community where students, families, and educators can thrive? David Means, former superintendent of Whitefish School District in Whitefish, Montana, joins Anne Brown on The Superintendent Effect to discuss collaborative leadership, student mental health, family support, and the future of education. Listen today! #TheSuperintendentEffect #EducationalLeadership #StudentMentalHealth #SchoolLeadership #Whitefish #Montana #Retirement
Oct 13

Every Student Deserves to Belong with Dr. Dan Linford

What does it look like to put students at the center of school district leadership? On this episode of The Superintendent Effect, host Anne Brown sits down with Dr. Dan Linford, superintendent of Davis School District in Utah, to explore how schools can create meaningful opportunities for every student. In this episode, we discuss: Dan’s journey from high school English teacher to superintendentHow Davis School District is expanding career and technical education through its Catalyst CenterWhy student belonging matters, including support for students experiencing homelessness and housing insecurityWhy communication, collaboration, and other human skills remain essential in a changing world Hear how the 2026 Utah Superintendent of the Year is leading with a student-centered approach, strengthening schools, supporting families, and helping young people discover their potential. Listen today! #TheSuperintendentEffect #EducationalLeadership #StudentMentalHealth #StudentSuccess #DavisSchoolDistrict #Utah
Sep 30

The Ripple Effect of Leadership with Dr. Dan Bittman

Dr. Daniel Bittman, Superintendent of Edina Public Schools in Minnesota, joins Anne Brown for a great conversation about leadership, community partnerships, student opportunities, and the lasting impact of a superintendent. With 17 years of experience as a superintendent and a career that has taken him from Minnesota to the Clark County School District in Las Vegas and the Minnesota Department of Education, Dr. Bittman shares lessons he has learned from leading school communities of vastly different sizes. Listen today! #TheSuperintendentEffect #SchoolLeadership #EdinaPublicSchools #Superintendent
Sep 16

Becoming the Reason the World Moves with Aaron Bayer

Aaron Bayer, Superintendent of the Oregon Trail School District in Oregon, joins The Superintendent Effect to share his remarkable journey into education leadership and his vision for preparing students for the future. Located east of Portland and at the base of Mount Hood, Oregon Trail serves nearly 4,000 students across a unique community that includes Sandy, Boring, Welches, Government Camp, and surrounding areas. Aaron shares his personal journey from a difficult childhood and early struggles in school to becoming a superintendent who has spent 16 years serving the same district. He discusses the importance of resilience, building trust within a community, and focusing on the long-term impact educators can have on students. Aaron's message is ultimately about helping students recognize the potential within themselves — and giving them the confidence and opportunities to turn that potential into their future. #TheSuperintendentEffect #EducationLeadership #Superintendent #Oregon
Sep 9

The Future of Barrow County with Dr. Dallas LeDuff

Dr. Dallas LeDuff, Superintendent of the Barrow County School System in Georgia, joins The Superintendent Effect to share his journey from special education teacher to district leader and superintendent. With a commitment to students, educators, and the community he serves, Dr. LeDuff discusses what it takes to build a school system that supports every learner and prepares students for a successful future.Dr. LeDuff talks about mental health partnerships, supporting families, innovative CTE programs, and preparing students for the workforce of tomorrow. He also shares advice for new superintendents, including the importance of authenticity, collaboration, and remembering that education is a team sport.A few highlights from the conversation:• How Barrow County is investing in educator salaries to recruit and retain great teachers• The district’s growing mental health resources and partnership with the Cook Center• Hands-on CTE opportunities including drones, EVs, construction, culinary arts, and welding• How community employers can help shape the skills students need for the future• Dr. LeDuff’s advice for new superintendentsListen today! 🎧 #TheSuperintendentEffect #EducationLeadership #BarrowCounty #Georgia #CTE #strategicplan #BarrowCountySchoolSystem
Sep 1

"I Got You": The Power of Culture in Newaygo with Ben Gilpin

In this episode of The Superintendent Effect, Ben Gilpin, Superintendent of Newaygo Public Schools in Michigan, shares his journey from classroom teacher to principal to superintendent and the lessons he’s learned along the way about leadership, culture, community, and supporting every student. Ben discusses his first three years leading Newaygo Public Schools, including the work of bringing three buildings together as one district, strengthening professional learning communities, balancing a $1.3 million budget, improving systems and processes, and building a stronger school culture. One of Ben’s central leadership philosophies is simple: “I got you.” He explains why healthy culture comes down to supporting one another and why leaders need to be willing to be vulnerable and let people see the person behind the title. Listen today! #TheSuperintendentEffect #EducationalLeadership #Newaygo #Michigan
Aug 26

Taking Grand Forks to New Heights with Dr. Terry Brenner

Dr. Terry Brenner — Grand Forks, North Dakota | Grand Forks Public Schools In this episode of The Superintendent Effect, Dr. Terry Brenner shares how Grand Forks Public Schools is creating new pathways for students through STEM, drone and aeronautics programs, career education, mental health supports, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Dr. Brenner discusses the district’s new Career Impact Academy, its partnership with Grand Forks Air Force Base, strategies for connecting every student with a caring adult, and how the district is working to make it “almost impossible to fail.” Listen today! #NorthDakota #GrandForks #Superintendent #EducationalLeadership #STEM #Drones #ASL

Trailer

The Superintendent Effect Trailer: Highlighting Strong School Superintendents

The Superintendent Effect highlights strong leaders building strong communities. Hosted by Anne Brown, President & CEO of the Cook Center for Human Connection, this new podcast shines a spotlight on the often-unsung heroes of education—school superintendents. In this trailer episode, Anne shares why now is the moment to launch a podcast dedicated to telling the inspiring stories of superintendents nationwide. Discover how these leaders shape entire communities, drive student success, and foster the connections that help families thrive. Whether you’re an educator, parent, policymaker, or community advocate, you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of the powerful impact a superintendent has on the lives of students, families, and future leaders. Follow now to hear weekly conversations with superintendents from rural, suburban, and urban districts across the country, sharing best practices, challenges overcome, and the “magic” happening in schools every day. Keywords: school superintendent leadership, education leadership podcast, community building in schools, inspiring superintendent stories, Cook Center for Human Connection

5

out of 5

2 Ratings

Welcome to The Superintendent Effect -- where we hear stories of strong leaders building strong communities. Each week, tune in to hear from school superintendents around the country as they work to support the various needs in their community.

Creator

The Superintendent Effect
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

47
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© The Superintendent Effect
Show Website

The Superintendent Effect