Standing Tall: Voices in Leadership

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.

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

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 

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)