Standing Tall: Voices in Leadership

What You'll Learn:The importance of servant leadership and why putting others first builds lasting trust.Strategies for effective community engagement and transparent communication.Practical tips on achieving intentional work-life balance as an educational leader.Insights on integrating technology, including AI, to enhance student learning and teacher-student relationships.The value of career-focused education initiatives and their role in preparing students for life after high school.Featured Quotes:"Leadership always has to come from a heart of service—it's always about everybody else.""You can't just tell people to take care of themselves. It has to be intentional.""Tightening the safety net means creating systems where no student falls through the cracks."Key Takeaways:Strong relationships and consistent, positive communication build lasting trust.Work-life balance requires intentional planning and boundaries.Effective technology use in schools enhances—not replaces—teacher-student connections.Transferable skills, like teamwork and critical thinking, are crucial for students' future success.Guest Bio:Dr. Adam Bayne is the Superintendent of Holton Public Schools, dedicated to student success, community engagement, and innovative education. A Holton graduate himself, Dr. Bayne's commitment drives his collaborative leadership style.

Episode NotesGuestDr. Jeffrey CollierMichigan’s 2024 Superintendent of the YearLearn more about the award at gomasa.orgEpisode SummaryJoin us as Dr. Collier reveals how focusing on systems over goals can help you build unstoppable momentum, all through the lens of three powerful words: Serve. Innovate. Empower. Discover how these principles can reshape your leadership approach and your organization’s future. Plus, learn how spotlighting everyday wins can transform staff morale and community perception in remarkable ways.Key Topics & TakeawaysSystems vs. GoalsDr. Collier highlights how “we do not rise to the level of our goals, we fall to the level of our systems.”Emphasizes building structures and processes that consistently yield success.Serve. Innovate. Empower.Three simple words that act as the guiding mission for Saginaw ISD.How clear, concise vision statements can unite and focus an entire organization.The “Our Story” InitiativeA daily storytelling platform that showcases positive wins in education.Improves staff morale and strengthens community perception by highlighting small, everyday moments of success.Early Childhood InnovationCollaboration with Central Michigan University to reimagine preschool facilities and curriculum.Introducing “Green STEM Overlays,” community gardens, and onsite medical clinics to support whole-child development.Positivity & Leadership MindsetWhy choosing optimism and maintaining work-life balance can enrich leadership.Strategies for leaders to stay motivated and encourage vulnerability in themselves and their teams.Family, Mentorship, and Personal PassionsDr. Collier’s personal rules at home: “Be the kindest person in the room” and “Never get outworked.”The value of mentorship: providing support and active listening rather than just solutions.Mentioned Resources & LinksSaginaw Intermediate School District (Saginaw ISD)https://www.sisd.ccExplore the district’s mission and wide-ranging educational programs.Our Story InitiativeFollow Saginaw ISD’s Our Story Initiative here or on any of their social media channels!Saginaw ISD on FacebookSaginaw ISD on TwitterJames Clear’s “Atomic Habits”https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habitsDr. Collier references the concept of incremental gains (1% better every day) and the power of habits in personal and organizational growth.Saginaw Public School Districthttps://www.spsd.netPartner in innovative early childhood programs and community-focused initiatives.Central Michigan Universityhttps://www.cmich.eduCollaborates with Saginaw ISD for curriculum development and teacher training.About the PodcastStanding Tall: Voices in LeadershipHear in-depth conversations with forward-thinking leaders who are making a real difference in education. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform for more inspiring stories and actionable insights.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with a colleague or friend who might find it valuable.

As the Vice President of Strategy and Innovation at Getting Smart, Nate has dedicated his career to helping schools rethink education to better serve students. In this conversation, Nate shares insights on:• The importance of place-based, project-based, and problem-based learning.• Why ‘soft skills’ should be reframed as ‘durable skills.’• How technology and AI can support teachers in creating more meaningful learning experiences.• The role of leadership in fostering an innovative school culture.Key Takeaways1. The Power of Place-Based Learning• Connecting learning to the local environment enhances student engagement and fosters a sense of belonging.• When students understand their communities, they’re more likely to contribute to them as adults.• Schools should integrate real-world learning opportunities into the curriculum. 2. Durable Skills: A New Way to Think About Learning• Traditional academic subjects are important, but collaboration, creativity, and leadership are the real drivers of success.• Calling them “soft skills” minimizes their importance—durable skills persist across industries and careers.• Schools should find ways to assess and credential these skills beyond traditional transcripts. 3. Moving From Compliance to Agency• Education systems often prioritize compliance (standardized tests, rigid curriculums) over student agency.• Empowering students to take ownership of their learning leads to deeper understanding and long-term retention.• School leaders should also foster agency in teachers by encouraging experimentation and innovation. 4. The Role of AI and Technology in the Future of Learning• AI can handle time-consuming planning tasks, giving teachers more time for hands-on learning experiences.• With AI managing lesson planning, educators can focus on field trips, projects, and deeper student interactions.• While content knowledge is essential, technology makes it easier to access, making durable skills even more critical. 5. Leadership Strategies for Innovation• Successful school leaders need high emotional intelligence, trust-building skills, and a willingness to adapt.• Leaders should create “innovation teams” to test new learning models before rolling them out widely.• Schools should invest in Research & Development (R&D) for education, just like businesses do. Resources Mentioned• The Power of Place by Nate McLennan, Emily Leptag, and Tom Vander Ark• Getting Smart’s work on future-focused education strategies• Future Learning Council

Key Topics Discussed:• Personalized, Competency-Based Learning: Dr. Steiner explains the district’s shift from traditional education models to personalized, competency-based learning, focusing on meeting each student’s unique needs and pacing.• Student and Community Engagement: The episode highlights the significance of involving students and the community in the transformation process, ensuring that changes reflect the values and expectations of all stakeholders.• Leadership and Innovation: Dr. Steiner emphasizes the role of leadership in fostering a culture of innovation, including embracing vulnerability, building trust, and navigating ambiguity to drive meaningful change.Resources Mentioned:• Northern Cass School District: Learn more about the district’s initiatives and approach to personalized learning.• The Innovator’s Mindset by George Couros: A book recommended by Dr. Steiner on fostering innovation in education. Call to Action:If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe to Standing Tall on your preferred podcast platform and leave a review. Your feedback helps us continue to bring valuable content to educational leaders.

David Richards, Executive Director of the Future of Learning Council, has a rich background in education, transitioning from classroom teacher to superintendent. He passionately discusses the shift to student-centered learning and the challenges schools face in moving away from traditional structures. Listeners will discover how collaboration with Michigan Virtual has fostered innovation, alongside inspiring success stories from schools embracing competency-based models. The importance of vulnerability and adaptive practices in leadership is also highlighted, making this a must-hear for educational reform advocates.

Rebecca Midles, Vice President of Learning Design at Getting Smart, is on a mission to transform education with personalized approaches. She shares her journey, highlighting the establishment of America's first competency-based high school and the power of community engagement in educational innovation. Midles discusses leadership's role in personalized learning, addressing challenges and growth opportunities. The conversation lightens up with rapid-fire questions on holiday treats and movies, including the classic 'Die Hard' debate, showcasing her approachable personality.

Naomi Norman, Superintendent of Washtenaw ISD, is committed to equity and community partnerships. She shares her insights on critical humility, emphasizing the need for leaders to embrace vulnerability and feedback. The conversation highlights innovative teacher recruitment initiatives transforming paraprofessionals into certified educators. Naomi also tackles equity in career and technical education and discusses the Reading Apprenticeship model for improving adolescent literacy, focusing on student agency and metacognition.

Leadership Journey: Tom shares his path to the superintendency, emphasizing the pivotal figures—“giants”—whose shoulders he stood on.• Athletics and Leadership: Lessons from sports shaped his understanding of teamwork, resilience, and effective systems.• Innovative Communication:Tom focuses on meeting the community where they are with creative outreach methods.The role of vertical video, focus groups, and quick response tools in engaging families and receiving feedback.• Tom weaves together 30+ funding sources to support district initiatives and sustain improvements.• Hands-On Leadership: Tom exemplifies a “lead from the front” mentality, taking on tasks from classroom cleaning to administrative problem-solving.• Building leadership teams at all levels, empowering teachers to co-create school improvement plans and allocate resources.• Balancing Work and Life: Tom discusses fitness, family adventures, and discovering joy through his daughter’s love of fine arts. Key Takeaways for Leaders:1. Transparent Communication: Build trust by clearly explaining decisions and inviting feedback.2. Hands-On Leadership: Be willing to step into any role, setting an example for others to follow.3. Resourceful Thinking: Navigate funding challenges creatively by blending multiple sources.4. Empowering Teams: Develop leadership at every level and encourage shared decision-making.5. Integrity as a Legacy: Focus on doing the right thing consistently, even when it’s challenging.Learn more about Oakridge Public Schools.Connect with Tom Livezey on LinkedIn Connect with Randy Lindquist on LinkedIn 

Dr. Selmon's Leadership Journey:• From elite college wrestler to higher education leader across three states.• Early leadership experiences as a wrestling team captain shaped his focus on accountability and teamwork.The Role of Community Colleges:• Gateway to higher education and career advancement.• MCC’s impact on economic mobility and talent development.• The importance of affordability, accessibility, and community relevance.• Removing Barriers to Student Success:• The creation of the Jayhawk Hub to address non-academic challenges like food insecurity and transportation.• Partnership with 26 community organizations to provide resources without duplication of effort.• Outcomes: Increased retention and persistence for students receiving support.Adapting to Change:• Staying relevant with advancements like AI and fostering professional development for staff.• Viewing challenges like AI as opportunities for innovation, akin to the introduction of calculators or the internet.Leadership Lessons:• The importance of mentorship at every stage of life and career.• Strategic planning as a collaborative and fluid process that drives long-term success.• Empowering leaders by encouraging ownership and personal goal-setting, including mental health priorities.Importance of Marketing:• Telling student success stories through billboards, podcasts (The J Talk), and other platforms.• Highlighting programs like nursing and athletics to attract students and showcase impact.Key Takeaways for Leaders:1. Leverage Early Leadership Opportunities: Skills developed in small roles can lay the foundation for larger leadership responsibilities.2. Focus on Removing Barriers: Addressing non-academic challenges enables students to focus on learning and achieve success.3. Collaborate Strategically: Engage community partners to maximize impact and avoid duplicating efforts.4. Stay Relevant: Embrace emerging technologies and foster adaptability within your team.5. Plan with Flexibility: Combine long-term vision with short-term action steps, involving stakeholders to build ownership.Learn More About Muskegon Community CollegeConnect with Dr. Selmon on LinkedInConnect with Randy Lindquist on LinkedIn

Tight Loose Leadership and PLC'sRichard DuFour on Tight Loose LeadershipClear, non-negotiable theory of action (tight) and then encouraging autonomy and creativity within its parameters (loose)