Leading the Change: Lindsay Whorton on Educational Leadership

We're thrilled to bring you another engaging episode recorded live at SXSW EDU in Austin, Texas! Join Trending in Ed host Mike Palmer as he sits down with Lindsay Whorton, President of the Holdsworth Center, to explore innovative approaches to educational leadership, innovation, and the future of K-12.  

Lindsay shares her inspiring journey from college hoops to teaching to leading a cutting-edge organization that's transforming how we develop and support educational leaders. We discuss the critical need to invest in people, move beyond traditional professional development, and reimagine the roles of principals and superintendents.  

Key takeaways include:

• The importance of generational investments in educators to achieve high levels of student success.  
• A deep dive into innovative leadership development models that move beyond traditional methods.  
• A fresh perspective on the evolving role of the superintendent, from "chief teacher" to a community-focused "mayor" figure focused on civic engagement.  
• Strategies for restructuring school leadership to better support teachers and foster a more collaborative environment.  
• An insightful exploration of how lessons from the private sector and other industries can inform and improve educational practices.  
• A candid discussion on the potential and challenges of AI in education, with a focus on preserving the importance of human connection.  
• An urgent call to address the changing landscape of the teaching profession and provide robust support for new educators.  

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about educational leadership, innovation, and creating sustainable change in our schools. We tackle the tough questions and offer actionable insights for educators, administrators, and policymakers alike.

Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on:

• How to cultivate effective leadership at all levels of the education system.  
• Strategies for building resilient and supportive school communities.  
• The future of teaching and learning in an evolving world.  

Don't miss this engaging conversation! Subscribe to Trending in Education for more thought-provoking discussions on the forces shaping the future of education.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:34 Lindsay Whorton's Origin Story

01:23 International Education Insights

03:11 The Role of Sports in Education

04:21 Leadership Development at Holdsworth

05:23 Challenges in K-12 Education

08:09 Superintendent and Principal Roles

09:36 Future Directions for Holdsworth

12:21 Adapting to Modern Educational Needs

16:52 The Role of Nonprofits in Education

19:28 AI in Education

25:12 Conclusion and Key Takeaways