Leading Before the Title

Andy Szeto

Leading Before the Title is a short-form leadership podcast created by Dr. Andy Szeto — educator, district leader, professor, and author of Leading Before the Title. In each 3–5 minute episode, Dr. Szeto shares practical, reflective insights drawn from his published articles and leadership writing. Designed for educators and school leaders at every level, the podcast explores instructional leadership, AI in education, systems thinking, equity, and professional growth — with a focus on actionable moves you can use immediately. This podcast is for those who believe leadership is not defined by position, but by practice.

  1. When Correction Feels Like Exclusion: Rethinking Pronunciation in Schools

    May 30

    When Correction Feels Like Exclusion: Rethinking Pronunciation in Schools

    For multilingual learners, correction is not just about pronunciation—it can shape confidence, identity, and belonging. In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto shares a personal reflection on growing up as an English learner and how public correction and peer reactions impacted his willingness to speak. He offers practical ways educators can support pronunciation without diminishing confidence. A powerful reminder that how we respond to students’ voices matters just as much as what we teach. Leading Before the Title Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/leading-before-the-title-7418283059575345152/

    5 min
  2. Rethinking Icebreakers in Professional Learning

    May 23

    Rethinking Icebreakers in Professional Learning

    Icebreakers are meant to build connection—but too often, they feel like filler. In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto challenges educators and leaders to rethink how professional learning begins. He explores why traditional icebreakers can undermine purpose, and how small, intentional shifts can create openings that both build trust and move the work forward. A practical reflection on designing professional learning that respects time, expertise, and impact. Article Link: https://www.eschoolnews.com/educational-leadership/2025/11/28/rethinking-icebreakers-in-professional-learning/

    4 min
  3. The Fit Test: 6-Step Interview Prep to Assess Your Next Role

    May 9

    The Fit Test: 6-Step Interview Prep to Assess Your Next Role

    An interview invitation can feel exciting—but strong leadership judgment starts before you say yes. In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto shares a practical framework for preparing for leadership interviews with clarity and intention. From evaluating school context to telling authentic leadership stories and asking questions that protect your future self, this episode reframes interviews as a two-way process. A short, thoughtful guide for educators navigating their next leadership move. Article Link: https://www.naesp.org/resource/the-fit-test-6-step-interview-prep-to-assess-your-next-role/

    5 min
  4. Doing Work that Matters Most

    Apr 25

    Doing Work that Matters Most

    In schools, it is easy to mistake constant activity for meaningful progress. Meetings, emails, and daily demands can fill every hour of the day, leaving little space for the work that actually improves teaching and learning. In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto reflects on the discipline of focusing on what truly matters in educational leadership. He explores how leaders can resist reactive work, prioritize impact over activity, and align their time with the outcomes they care about most. A short reflection on clarity, purpose, and the leadership choices that shape school culture.

    5 min
  5. For Professional Ghosters Out There

    Apr 12

    For Professional Ghosters Out There

    In schools and leadership spaces, silence is rarely neutral. When direct work-related messages go unanswered, trust erodes, uncertainty grows, and professional culture begins to fray. In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto reflects on responsiveness as a leadership disposition. He explores why ghosting in professional contexts is more than a communication issue, how it creates friction across organizations, and what practical systems leaders can build to close communication loops more consistently. A direct and practical episode on professionalism, clarity, and the culture your response habits create. Full article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/6-professional-ghosters-out-dr-andy-szeto-k3ite/?trackingId=5C3Jt0t3SIOWomCKn5GBNw%3D%3D

    6 min
  6. Amplifying Human Skills in the Age of AI: Using the C.A.R.E.S. Framework

    Apr 2

    Amplifying Human Skills in the Age of AI: Using the C.A.R.E.S. Framework

    Artificial intelligence is changing how teachers plan lessons, assess learning, and provide feedback. But as technology becomes more capable, the question becomes clearer: what skills remain uniquely human? In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto introduces the C.A.R.E.S. framework—a model that highlights the human strengths educators must amplify in the age of AI: cultural competence, adaptability, relationships, ethical judgment, and scholarly discernment. A short reflection on why the future of education will depend not on replacing human intelligence, but on strengthening it. Full Article: https://www.techlearning.com/technology/ai/amplifying-human-skills-in-the-age-of-ai-using-the-c-a-r-e-s-framework

    5 min
  7. 6 Digital Pet Peeves I Notice in Schools

    Mar 28

    6 Digital Pet Peeves I Notice in Schools

    Every technology decision, from reply-all emails to slide design and shared links, communicates something about leadership — and not always what we intend. In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto explores six digital habits that create friction in schools and offers simple leadership moves to reduce confusion, respect others’ time, and build a culture of clarity and efficiency. A short, practical listen for leaders who want technology to reduce friction — not add to it. Full article: https://www.techlearning.com/learning/leadership/6-digital-pet-peeves-i-notice-in-schools

    4 min
  8. Designing AI-Resistant Assignments in Educational Leadership Courses

    Mar 21

    Designing AI-Resistant Assignments in Educational Leadership Courses

    AI tools can generate polished writing in seconds. But leadership education is not about polished writing — it is about judgment, ethics, and contextual decision-making. In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto explores how to design AI-resistant assignments in educational leadership courses. Rather than banning AI, this episode focuses on redesigning assessment to emphasize process, situated dilemmas, oral defense, and reflective reasoning. If you are a professor, instructional leader, or school administrator thinking about how AI is changing academic integrity and authentic learning, this short episode offers practical design moves that protect what matters most: human judgment. Full article: https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/educational-assessment/designing-ai-resistant-assignments-in-educational-leadership-courses/

    4 min
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Leading Before the Title is a short-form leadership podcast created by Dr. Andy Szeto — educator, district leader, professor, and author of Leading Before the Title. In each 3–5 minute episode, Dr. Szeto shares practical, reflective insights drawn from his published articles and leadership writing. Designed for educators and school leaders at every level, the podcast explores instructional leadership, AI in education, systems thinking, equity, and professional growth — with a focus on actionable moves you can use immediately. This podcast is for those who believe leadership is not defined by position, but by practice.

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