An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast

Peter Stiepleman
  • 5.0 (97)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, a series of conversations with leaders who look back at decisions they made and consider: * What happened? * What got overlooked? * What did they learn about relationships or what new relationships were formed? * What frustrated them? * What could they have done differently? * And in the end, what was something good that came out of their experience – because it is through one's mistakes where the greatest learning takes place. I'm Peter Stiepleman. I'm your host AND I'm an imperfect leader. I spent more than 20 years teaching and leading, first in the Oakland Public Schools in Oakland, CA and then in the Midwest – Missouri, to be exact – where I was a teacher, a principal, an assistant superintendent and the superintendent of the 4th largest school district in a state of more than 500 districts. I am constantly striving to learn from my experiences and from the experiences of other leaders. The aim of this podcast is to lift the learning and lift the imperfect leaders up. That way, when you hear the term imperfect, you'll see strength, strength from the candor needed to recognize imperfection as a real advantage.

  1. 4d ago ·  Video

    (VIDEO) Emily Sargent-Beasley on Navigating Transition & Complexity: How Effective Leaders Get Out of the Way

    What does it truly take to lead an educational community through complex transitions without falling into the trap of linear quick fixes? 🏫✨ In the latest episode of An Imperfect Leader, Emily Sargent-Beasley (President of the American College of Sofia) shares profound insights from her career in international education and her doctoral research at the University of San Diego. Here are some leadership themes to listen for: 1️⃣ Navigating Transitions in Complex Systems: School transitions are deeply bounded by context, inherited conditions, and unseen relational dynamics. Rather than treating transition as a linear "A to B" technical formula, effective leaders recognize schools as complex network systems where quick fixes rarely yield simple outcomes. 2️⃣ Empowering Teacher Agency & Shared Leadership: Real instructional progress happens when leaders trust their educators to drive meaningful change. Leadership isn't about controlling every variable in a crisis. It's about setting up supportive conditions, stepping out of the way, and granting teachers the agency to execute. 3️⃣ Embracing Imperfection & Humility: True professional growth happens at points of tension and uncertainty. Moving away from over-packaged, rigid leadership models opens up space for vulnerability, curiosity, and continuous learning alongside your team. 🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode now to explore how to lead with intention, curiosity, and grace through organizational change! ----- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ 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 imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

  2. 4d ago

    (AUDIO) Emily Sargent-Beasley on Navigating Transition & Complexity: How Effective Leaders Get Out of the Way

    What does it truly take to lead an educational community through complex transitions without falling into the trap of linear quick fixes? 🏫✨ In the latest episode of An Imperfect Leader, Emily Sargent-Beasley (President of the American College of Sofia) shares profound insights from her career in international education and her doctoral research at the University of San Diego. Here are some leadership themes to listen for: 1️⃣ Navigating Transitions in Complex Systems: School transitions are deeply bounded by context, inherited conditions, and unseen relational dynamics. Rather than treating transition as a linear "A to B" technical formula, effective leaders recognize schools as complex network systems where quick fixes rarely yield simple outcomes. 2️⃣ Empowering Teacher Agency & Shared Leadership: Real instructional progress happens when leaders trust their educators to drive meaningful change. Leadership isn't about controlling every variable in a crisis. It's about setting up supportive conditions, stepping out of the way, and granting teachers the agency to execute. 3️⃣ Embracing Imperfection & Humility: True professional growth happens at points of tension and uncertainty. Moving away from over-packaged, rigid leadership models opens up space for vulnerability, curiosity, and continuous learning alongside your team. 🎧 Listen to the full episode now to explore how to lead with intention, curiosity, and grace through organizational change! ----- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ 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 imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

  3. Oct 13

    (AUDIO) "You Are the Strategy": Transforming Chronic Absenteeism Through Relational Invitation with Shelley Berman

    When a student stops showing up to school, our default instinct as a system is often to drop the hammer: automated warning letters, threats of fines, or referrals to juvenile court. Here's the truth: those compliance letters don't build enthusiasm. They alienate families and often worsen the problem. In this latest episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, we sit down with veteran superintendent and former CASEL CEO Dr. Shelley Berman to tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing education today: chronic absenteeism. Instead of treating attendance as an enforcement issue, Shelley challenges us to embrace an invitational, relationship-rich model grounded in belonging. As he reminds us: kids show up when the culture is positive and when they—and their families—feel genuinely known and valued. 💡 Key Takeaways & Practical Strategies from the Episode: The Attendance Paradox: Many educators believe attendance is entirely a family issue outside their control, but research shows school culture and engagement actually have a massive influence. In fact, students with growing social-emotional competencies are half as likely to be chronically absent. You Are the Strategy: Quoting Superintendent Kevin Wilson of Winston-Dillard, before searching for external programs, school communities must look at how adults interact with kids and families every day. The 2x10 Strategy: Pioneered in places like Oregon's Umatilla School District (shout-out to Superintendent Heidi Sipe!), pairing an at-risk student with a staff member for just two minutes of conversation a day for 10 consecutive days about life, not attendance or schoolwork. The Relationship Audit: Bringing school staff together to map out which students have a champion on campus and proactively ensuring no child falls through the cracks without an adult connection. 📚 Two Free Reports You Need to Read: Shelley and his colleagues have documented how real school systems cut chronic absenteeism by double digits without adding extra staffing. We invite you to dive into both resources: 📄 From Compliance to Invitation: Lessons in Improving Attendance in 11 Oregon School Districts (highlighting the real-world trials, errors, and successes of 11 districts). 📄 Connection That Keeps Students Coming Back: Improving Student Attendance Through Relationships, Community, and Engagement (co-authored by Dr. Shelley Berman and CASEL Director of Research Risa Plate). 🎧 Tune in to the episode wherever you get your podcasts, and let us know: What is your school or district doing to move from compliance to true relational invitation? ----- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ 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 imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

  4. Oct 13 ·  Video

    (VIDEO) "You Are the Strategy": Transforming Chronic Absenteeism Through Relational Invitation with Shelley Berman

    When a student stops showing up to school, our default instinct as a system is often to drop the hammer: automated warning letters, threats of fines, or referrals to juvenile court. Here's the truth: those compliance letters don't build enthusiasm. They alienate families and often worsen the problem. In this latest episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, we sit down with veteran superintendent and former CASEL CEO Dr. Shelley Berman to tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing education today: chronic absenteeism. Instead of treating attendance as an enforcement issue, Shelley challenges us to embrace an invitational, relationship-rich model grounded in belonging. As he reminds us: kids show up when the culture is positive and when they—and their families—feel genuinely known and valued. 💡 Key Takeaways & Practical Strategies from the Episode: The Attendance Paradox: Many educators believe attendance is entirely a family issue outside their control, but research shows school culture and engagement actually have a massive influence. In fact, students with growing social-emotional competencies are half as likely to be chronically absent. You Are the Strategy: Quoting Superintendent Kevin Wilson of Winston-Dillard, before searching for external programs, school communities must look at how adults interact with kids and families every day. The 2x10 Strategy: Pioneered in places like Oregon's Umatilla School District (shout-out to Superintendent Heidi Sipe!), pairing an at-risk student with a staff member for just two minutes of conversation a day for 10 consecutive days about life, not attendance or schoolwork. The Relationship Audit: Bringing school staff together to map out which students have a champion on campus and proactively ensuring no child falls through the cracks without an adult connection. 📚 Two Free Reports You Need to Read: Shelley and his colleagues have documented how real school systems cut chronic absenteeism by double digits without adding extra staffing. We invite you to dive into both resources: 📄 From Compliance to Invitation: Lessons in Improving Attendance in 11 Oregon School Districts (highlighting the real-world trials, errors, and successes of 11 districts). 📄 Connection That Keeps Students Coming Back: Improving Student Attendance Through Relationships, Community, and Engagement (co-authored by Dr. Shelley Berman and CASEL Director of Research Risa Plate). 🎧 Tune in to the episode wherever you get your podcasts, and let us know: What is your school or district doing to move from compliance to true relational invitation? ----- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ 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 imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

  5. Oct 6 ·  Video

    (VIDEO) From Blackouts to Belonging: Chris Lynn and Leading the International School of Havana

    In the latest episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Chris Lynn, Head of School at the International School of Havana. Leading an international school in Cuba amidst daily grid uncertainties, fuel shortages, and complex operational challenges requires incredible resilience, empathy, and community-first leadership. Chris Lynn approaches each challenge with a human-centered approach. 🌟 1. The Belonging Manifesto To ensure that every student, staff member, and family feels safe, known, and valued, Chris spearheaded the co-creation of the school's Belonging Manifesto. Inspired by Kellett School in Hong Kong, the manifesto was developed over six months with input from the entire school community. It rests on four foundational pillars: 🌿 Our Nature: We are diverse. 🎯 Our Choice: To make belonging intentional. 🤝 Our Action: The ordinary daily work of good community. 💙 Our Goal: A school where everyone feels accepted, included, and encouraged to be their true selves. This collective aspiration ties directly into their annual theme: #ShapedByUs. ⚡ 2. Imperfect Leadership in After Action (The Solar Project AAR) In the episode's After Action Review segment, Chris candidly deconstructs a high-stakes decision: attempting to implement a solar power, battery, and inverter system to secure energy resilience during Cuba's power and fuel crisis. Driven by urgency to protect learning, he pushed the technical plan forward quickly. However, new US banking restrictions, supply chain bottlenecks in Panama, and importation hurdles stalled progress. His powerful takeaway? "I had a strategy. I didn't have enough collective aspiration to make it work". In a moment of forward vulnerability, Chris admitted the oversight, made a mid-course correction, and leaned on the deep expertise of parents and local ambassadors to build a realistic, sustainable path forward. ----- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ 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 imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

  6. Oct 6

    (AUDIO) From Blackouts to Belonging: Chris Lynn and Leading the International School of Havana

    In the latest episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Chris Lynn, Head of School at the International School of Havana. Leading an international school in Cuba amidst daily grid uncertainties, fuel shortages, and complex operational challenges requires incredible resilience, empathy, and community-first leadership. Chris Lynn approaches each challenge with a human-centered approach. 🌟 1. The Belonging Manifesto To ensure that every student, staff member, and family feels safe, known, and valued, Chris spearheaded the co-creation of the school's Belonging Manifesto. Inspired by Kellett School in Hong Kong, the manifesto was developed over six months with input from the entire school community. It rests on four foundational pillars: 🌿 Our Nature: We are diverse. 🎯 Our Choice: To make belonging intentional. 🤝 Our Action: The ordinary daily work of good community. 💙 Our Goal: A school where everyone feels accepted, included, and encouraged to be their true selves. This collective aspiration ties directly into their annual theme: #ShapedByUs. ⚡ 2. Imperfect Leadership in After Action (The Solar Project AAR) In the episode's After Action Review segment, Chris candidly deconstructs a high-stakes decision: attempting to implement a solar power, battery, and inverter system to secure energy resilience during Cuba's power and fuel crisis. Driven by urgency to protect learning, he pushed the technical plan forward quickly. However, new US banking restrictions, supply chain bottlenecks in Panama, and importation hurdles stalled progress. His powerful takeaway? "I had a strategy. I didn't have enough collective aspiration to make it work". In a moment of forward vulnerability, Chris admitted the oversight, made a mid-course correction, and leaned on the deep expertise of parents and local ambassadors to build a realistic, sustainable path forward. ----- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ 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 imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

  7. Sep 29

    (AUDIO) Courage, Systems, and Conviction: A Lesson in Vulnerability with Supt. Michael Hayden with Supt. Michael Hayden

    This week on An Imperfect Leader, we sit down with Superintendent Michael Hayden of the Clyde-Savannah Central School District for a deeply moving conversation on leadership, literacy, and human-centered courage. Here are two key takeaways from this powerful conversation: 1. Thinking in Systems to Guarantee Middle School Literacy Michael shares how middle school serves as a crucial pivot point. Rather than leaving literacy to chance, Michael applied systems thinking across the district: Protecting Instructional Coaching: Even during state aid cutbacks, the district prioritized non-evaluative instructional/literacy coaches across all content areas. Master Scheduling for Collaboration: Restructuring schedules to guarantee dedicated joint planning time for teachers. Community-Wide Connections: Expanding literacy beyond school walls by partnering with local pediatrician offices, hospital maternity wards, and regional bookstores to get books directly into hands and homes. 2. An Unfiltered After Action Review: Leadership Conviction & Vulnerability In our after action review, Michael reflects on one of the most gut-wrenching moments of his administrative career: canceling a football season during a playoff run for a state championship. Prioritizing People Over Celebration: Despite intense backlash and public pressure, Michael stood firm in placing student well-being above athletic achievement. Confronting Adult Trauma: Michael openly shares how this crisis impacted him personally and a realization that school leaders must address adult mental health and trauma support so educators can show up fully for students. ----- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ 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 imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

  8. Sep 29 ·  Video

    (VIDEO) Courage, Systems, and Conviction: A Lesson in Vulnerability with Supt. Michael Hayden

    This week on An Imperfect Leader, we sit down with Superintendent Michael Hayden of the Clyde-Savannah Central School District for a deeply moving conversation on leadership, literacy, and human-centered courage. Here are two key takeaways from this powerful conversation: 1. Thinking in Systems to Guarantee Middle School Literacy Michael shares how middle school serves as a crucial pivot point. Rather than leaving literacy to chance, Michael applied systems thinking across the district: Protecting Instructional Coaching: Even during state aid cutbacks, the district prioritized non-evaluative instructional/literacy coaches across all content areas. Master Scheduling for Collaboration: Restructuring schedules to guarantee dedicated joint planning time for teachers. Community-Wide Connections: Expanding literacy beyond school walls by partnering with local pediatrician offices, hospital maternity wards, and regional bookstores to get books directly into hands and homes. 2. An Unfiltered After Action Review: Leadership Conviction & Vulnerability In our after action review, Michael reflects on one of the most gut-wrenching moments of his administrative career: canceling a football season during a playoff run for a state championship. Prioritizing People Over Celebration: Despite intense backlash and public pressure, Michael stood firm in placing student well-being above athletic achievement. Confronting Adult Trauma: Michael openly shares how this crisis impacted him personally and a realization that school leaders must address adult mental health and trauma support so educators can show up fully for students. ----- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ 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 imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

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About

Welcome to An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, a series of conversations with leaders who look back at decisions they made and consider: * What happened? * What got overlooked? * What did they learn about relationships or what new relationships were formed? * What frustrated them? * What could they have done differently? * And in the end, what was something good that came out of their experience – because it is through one's mistakes where the greatest learning takes place. I'm Peter Stiepleman. I'm your host AND I'm an imperfect leader. I spent more than 20 years teaching and leading, first in the Oakland Public Schools in Oakland, CA and then in the Midwest – Missouri, to be exact – where I was a teacher, a principal, an assistant superintendent and the superintendent of the 4th largest school district in a state of more than 500 districts. I am constantly striving to learn from my experiences and from the experiences of other leaders. The aim of this podcast is to lift the learning and lift the imperfect leaders up. That way, when you hear the term imperfect, you'll see strength, strength from the candor needed to recognize imperfection as a real advantage.

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