Cognia Leader Chat

Kristin McKeown helps hard-working educators manage their stress, integrate mindfulness and meditation into their lives, and find the balance that allows them to be at their best. Kristin discusses with me her "why" and her methods to support dedicated teachers and leaders.

Glenn E. Singleton has devoted over thirty years to constructing racial equity worldwide and developing leaders to do the same. He is the author of Courageous Conversations About Race: A Field Guide for Achieving Equity in Schools (2006 & 2014), a protocol for sustained, deep dialog, and the creator Beyond Diversity, the curriculum that has taught hundreds of thousands of people how to use it. As President and Founder of Pacific Educational Group, Singleton has created an agency that has developed racially conscious leaders in a variety of sectors: education, government, business, law enforcement, and community organizing among them.

Have you faced challenges leading people of various ages and generations through the emotional challenges of our COVID pandemic? Has supporting your students been tough? The answers to these questions are obviously, YES. As leaders, you are learners! So, join us! Dr. Tim Elmore is passionate about understanding the emerging generation and helping adults teach them how to become leaders in their schools, communities and careers. His new book, 'The Pandemic Population' is so helpful for us as leaders know how to support our students.

Dr. Clayton Wilcox is a proven leader with a demonstrated record of accomplishment in the private and public sectors. He has served as a superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Washington County Public Schools, Pinellas County Schools, and East Baton Rouge Parish School System. In this Leader Chat, Clayton talks to us about his new book, A Crisis in Leadership. His honest insights are helpful for School District Leaders to hear.

School District Leaders know first hand that political conflict impacts their leadership and those they serve whether it be local, statewide, or at the national level.  I invite you to listen to these Leading Ed members to hear their thoughts, ideas, and questions.

Maureen Downey a longtime reporter for the AJC where she has written editorials and opinion pieces about local, state and federal education policy for more than 20 years. She joins me to discuss the significance of our current educational challenges. You can contact her at maureen.downey@ajc.com with questions, comments, or to submit a guest article.

Morcease Beasley, the superintendent of Clayton County Schools, shines as a leader of his schools and community during this time of need. His message inspires and gives us hope.

Dan Gordon, Senior Legal and Policy Advisor for Ed Council in Washington DC, joins me to talk about our future challenges and opportunities in schools due to our growing COVID pandemic.

Part 1. The decision to reopen schools is a complex and political lose-lose situation.

Imagine the weight on the shoulders of leaders, as they are forced to decide on closing down schools as we know it. The impact of doing for students and communities can easily be misunderstood. Brian Hightower, Superintendent of Cherokee County Schools, joins me as we discuss the critical factors that lead and guide such a difficult decisions.