Leaders Coaching Leaders

In this impactful episode of the Leaders Coaching Leaders Podcast, Dr. Latish Reed, a trailblazing equity specialist and author of the upcoming book, The Complexities of Equity: Navigating Shades of Gray in Schools and Organizations, shares her unique and deeply personal insights on equity in education, drawing from her tenure as Milwaukee Public Schools' first equity administrator. Through her “shades of gray” framework, she explores the complexities of addressing equity in schools and other organizations, highlighting the transformational power of leadership, moral courage, and intentional action. From her reflections on building shared understanding of key equity concepts to practical solutions for navigating challenging political and organizational contexts, Dr. Reed inspires leaders to leverage their spheres of influence for meaningful change. You’ll also hear heartfelt stories of her dedication to creating better educational outcomes for all students, as well as her personal motivation to make schools work for every child—including her own son. Whether you're leading a school, tackling DEI challenges, or interested in fostering equitable practices, this conversation with Dr. Reed is filled with actionable insights and hope for the future of education. Don’t miss this fascinating discussion, and prepare to think deeply about how we can all do better for our students, staff, and communities!Let us know what you think!

Join Jennifer Gonzalez, the creative force behind Cult of Pedagogy, as she shares her passion for empowering educators. She dives into the inspiring story behind her platform and offers innovative strategies for feedback and leadership. The conversation emphasizes the balance between high expectations and emotional support in schools. Discover how to leverage technology and effective communication to enhance educational resources. With humor and real-life examples, Jennifer inspires educators to create resilient school communities.

Jim Knight, an instructional coaching expert and author, shares insights from his bestselling book, The IC Toolkit, aimed at enhancing coaching practices. He discusses the importance of role clarity for coaches to focus on impactful strategies that improve student outcomes. Knight emphasizes the necessity of leadership support in the coaching process and advocates for treating teachers as professionals to foster a thriving educational environment. His global reach through partnerships highlights the transformative potential of effective coaching.

Disability rights activist Tim Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics, editor of The Call to Unite and author of Fully Alive, delves into the profound impact of unity and dignity in education and beyond. Shriver eloquently discusses the transformative power of inclusion, recounting personal anecdotes and professional experiences that highlight how bringing people together fosters empathy, resilience, and a sense of belonging. He emphasizes the critical role of educators in nurturing these values, advocating for the integration of programs like unified sports and Best Buddies in schools to bridge divides and promote mutual respect. Shriver also introduces the Dignity Index, a tool designed to measure and encourage respectful dialogue, which he believes is essential in combating the pervasive culture of contempt. His insights are not only a call to action for educational leaders but also a beacon of hope, underscoring the potential for societal change through compassionate leadership and community engagement. This interview is a must-listen for those committed to fostering inclusive environments and driving positive change in their communities.Let us know what you think!

Zaretta Hammond, an expert in culturally responsive teaching and educational equity, dives into the essential elements of effective teaching strategies. She emphasizes the need for school leaders to adopt intentional approaches that prioritize student needs and improve inclusivity. Discussing her books, she inspires educators to challenge implicit biases and foster environments conducive to growth. Personal anecdotes enhance her insights on collaboration in education, highlighting how crucial parental involvement and emotional resilience are for meaningful student engagement.

Co-hosts Peter DeWitt and Michael Nelson delve into the transformative power of collective leader efficacy for this premiere episode of the Leaders Coaching Leaders podcast’s 9th season. Sharing insights from their extensive collaboration with New Brunswick schools, they discuss the critical role of trust, clarity, and coherence in developing shared understanding among leaders, and how these elements foster effective joint work, emphasizing the importance of long-term partnerships and reciprocal learning. Through engaging anecdotes, such as a puzzle activity that underscored the necessity of collaboration, our co-hosts demonstrate how collective leader efficacy can break down silos and enhance both teacher and student outcomes. This interview is a must-listen for educational leaders seeking to deepen their understanding of collective efficacy and its practical applications in fostering a supportive and high-performing school culture.Let us know what you think!

Join Tiffany Anderson, a dedicated superintendent, as she shares a heartfelt student story that emphasizes the vital role of community in education. Sonja Hollins-Alexander and Nicole Law delve into the nuances of equity, advocating for tailored support for all students to thrive. Thomas Guskey brings insights on grading and assessment, drawing from his extensive research. Together, these education leaders explore the emotional connections and collaborative efforts that can transform schools and empower communities.

This bonus episode dives into the intricacies of leadership in education, featuring insights from John Hattie on aligning teaching methods with learning strategies. Viviane Robinson emphasizes leadership as an accessible influence for all teachers. Marc Brackett shares the wisdom of using emotions to enhance relationships and achieve goals. The hosts reflect on the importance of communication and connection, encouraging leaders to foster a culture of openness and emotional awareness in their professional environments.

Marc Brackett, the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author of Permission to Feel, shares fascinating insights on emotional intelligence in leadership and education. He highlights the essential role of understanding emotions in achieving both personal and professional success. Brackett discusses the challenges of political polarization and advocates for clear definitions in social-emotional learning. He provides evidence-based strategies for fostering emotional intelligence, enhancing communication, and building positive educational environments.

David Sousa, an educational neuroscience consultant and author, brings his expertise on brain plasticity to the fore. He discusses the alarming rise of technology use among youth and its implications for memory and social skills. Sousa emphasizes the importance of nurturing environments over genetics in shaping brain development. He warns about the dangers of excessive screen time and urges educators to balance tech with activities that enhance critical thinking. The conversation also highlights the necessity for discernment regarding AI's role in education.