Engaging Leadership

CT Leong, Dr. Jim Kanichirayil
  • 5.0 (18)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Each week we sit down with inspiring leaders who are transforming education and creating positive outcomes for students across the country. In their own words, these leaders share their daily challenges, breakthrough moments, and the practical approaches they use to build and support student achievement. Whether you're a principal, superintendent, or aspiring educational leader, you'll find actionable insights you can use right away. Want to stay connected with more stories from innovative education leaders? Visit engagingleadershipshow.com and subscribe to our weekly updates.

  1. 3D AGO

    Authentic Leadership and Mental Health - Demonstrating Support for Students and the Community

    Summary: Join C.T. and guest Dr. Kimberly Headrick, Superintendent of Medical Lake School District in Washington, as they explore the district's innovative approaches to supporting students and the community. This insightful conversation delves into Medical Lake's interconnected systems framework, which addresses the whole child through mental health services, social-emotional learning, and physical wellness. Dr. Headrick shares her journey as a lifelong member of the community and how her authentic leadership has fostered meaningful partnerships, transformed the district's approach to education, and established a community wellness center that serves students, families, and staff. Key Takeaways: Authentic Leadership: Dr. Headrick emphasizes the importance of authentic leadership and how it influences her leadership style.Community-Grown Leader: Dr. Headrick's deep roots in the Medical Lake School District (growing up there, family of educators) significantly shape her commitment and understanding of the community's needs."Every Student, Every Day": The district's motto reflects a commitment to identifying and addressing the unique needs of each student.Interconnected Systems Framework: Recognizing that academics are just one part of a child's well-being, the district uses a holistic framework addressing safety, belonging, social-emotional learning, and physical health.Mental Health Emphasis: The district has made a conscious effort to expand mental health supports for students, families, and staff, especially since before Covid.Mental Health Internship Program: The district partners with local universities to provide mental health internships, supervised by a district-employed therapist, offering crucial support in school buildings.Wellness Center: A repurposed building serves as a wellness center, offering resources to students, families, and the community, including a hub for social worker interns. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:04 Community and District Overview 4:24 "Every Student, Every Day" Motto 9:09 Interconnected Systems Framework 14:58 Mental Health Internship Program 20:43 Community Wellness Center 25:00 Community Partnerships 30:00 Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) 35:00 Evolution of Education Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Dr. Kimberly Headrick: linkedin.com/in/kimberly-headrick-48b70048 Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda  Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future. Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

    32 min

  2. 4D AGO

    The Secret to Leading a District You Grew Up In

    Summary: Join Dr. Jim as he chats with Dr. Shaun McAlpin, superintendent of Orange Field ISD, about navigating leadership transitions. Drawing on 25 years of experience in the district, Dr. McAlpin shares insights on effective team alignment, gaining trust, and refining communication strategies within a close-knit educational community. Discover how to avoid the pitfalls of autopilot leadership and the importance of reflecting on personal leadership dynamics to drive transformation. Perfect for education leaders eager to optimize their teams and adapt to new challenges. Key Takeaways: Leadership Transition: Dr. McAlpin highlights the challenges and rewards of stepping into leadership roles within familiar environments and the essential mindset shifts required.People over Processes: Initially a process-focused leader, Dr. McAlpin stresses the importance of relationship-building for successful administration and district management.Role Optimization: Aligning roles to leverage individual strengths is crucial for district optimization. Dr. McAlpin discusses separating roles to enhance efficiency in curriculum delivery.Communication is Key: Regular, clear communication is vital in fostering trust and transparency, facilitating smoother transitions and improved district operations.Continuous Improvement: Dr. McAlpin advocates for adopting a marathon mindset, encouraging ongoing adjustments and authentic evaluations of progress and district initiatives Chapters: 0:00 Optimizing K-12 Leadership with Superintendent Sean McAlpin 2:30 Leadership Lessons and Trust Building in Educational Administration 5:19 Building Trust by Shifting Focus from Tasks to Relationships 7:41 Innovating Education by Adapting and Enhancing Traditions 9:34 Community Engagement and Leadership in Orangeville Schools 12:05 Navigating Leadership Challenges and Communication in a New Role 17:55 Building Trust Through Consistency and Authentic Leadership 19:47 Balancing Relationships and Role Assignments in District Operations 20:41 Optimizing School District Roles for Efficiency and Success 26:51 Empowering Teams Through Delegation and Self-Reflection 28:55 Leadership, Trust, and Optimizing School Districts 31:17 Leadership Transition: Building Trust and Avoiding Assumptions Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Dr. Shaun McAlpin: smcalpin@orangefieldisd.net Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda  Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future. Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

    36 min

  3. APR 3

    Is the Traditional School Model Enough? One CEO's Bold Move.

    Summary: Join C.T. and guest Dr. Jill Gildea, CEO of Colorado Early Colleges, as they explore the transition from a traditional public school system to a charter network and the unique challenges and opportunities of leading a state-wide charter network. This insightful conversation delves into the network's focus on rigorous academics, personalized pathways, and student success stories, enabling students to graduate with industry credentials, associate degrees, and even bachelor's degrees—all at no cost to families. Key Takeaways: CEO vs. Superintendent: The CEO role in a charter network has a stronger focus on operational and business aspects, including marketing, expansion, and distributed decision-making.Site-Based Autonomy: Charter networks often grant more autonomy to individual school sites, shifting some responsibilities (like snow day decisions) away from a central authority.Learning & Unlearning: Effective leadership requires a willingness to learn new strategies, adapt to changing environments, and unlearn practices that may no longer be relevant.Marketing in Education: Telling compelling student success stories is crucial for attracting families and stakeholders to a public charter network.Deliberate Choice: Families who choose charter schools are often highly engaged and have specific expectations for a rigorous academic experience.Different Model, Same Kids: While charter schools may offer a different model (e.g., fewer athletics, more focus on early college), students still seek social connections and a vibrant school community.Rotating Roles: Dr. Gilday's career path, alternating between teaching and administrative roles, provided valuable insights and a well-rounded perspective. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:04 Background on Colorado Early Colleges 4:24 CEO vs. Superintendent 9:09 Site-Based Autonomy & Leadership 14:58 Marketing in Education 20:43 Student Experience 25:00 Family Engagement 30:00 Career Journey & Influences 35:00 Rotating Between Roles & Leadership Insights Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Dr. Jill Gildea: www.linkedin.com/in/jillgildea Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda  Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future. Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

    37 min

  4. MAR 27

    Four-day School Week, No Grades K-8 and Over 95% Graduation Rates: This Superintendent Shows How

    Summary: Join C.T. and guest Dr. Derek Fialkiewicz Superintendent of Corbett School District in Oregon, as they explore the innovative approaches that have made Corbett a model for educational excellence. This insightful conversation delves into the district's use of multi-age classrooms, a four-day school week, and a no-grades policy for K-8 students. Key Takeaways: Multi-Age Classrooms: Corbett uses multi-age classrooms, where students of different ages learn together. This fosters mentorship and helps teachers build strong relationships over multiple years. Four-Day School Week: Implemented 20 years ago to save resources, the four-day week allows for longer school days and Fridays for catch-up sessions, contributing to a graduation rate consistently above 95%. No Grades Policy (K-8): The district uses narrative-based assessments instead of traditional grades, focusing on feedback rather than numerical scores. Project-Based Learning: Teachers use project-based learning units that infuse standards into cross-curricular topics, ensuring students learn differently each year. Teacher Support: Many teachers are homegrown, and new hires are supported by a strong mentorship system, helping them adapt to Corbett's unique educational model. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:04 Background on Corbett School District: Location and Unique Features 4:24 Multi-Age Classrooms: Philosophy and Implementation 9:09 Benefits of Multi-Age Classrooms: Academic Performance and Student Mentorship 14:58 Project-Based Learning and Cross-Curricular Topics 20:43 Teacher Support and Onboarding in a Unique Educational Environment 25:00 The Four-Day School Week: History, Benefits, and Community Impact 30:00 No Grades Policy in K-8: Narrative-Based Assessments and Feedback 35:00 Implementing a No Grades System: Challenges and Successes Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Dr. Derek Fialkiewicz: linkedin.com/in/derek-fialkiewicz Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda  Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future. Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

    41 min

  5. MAR 21

    Mentally Sound Before Academically Sound: Hard Talk About Social-Emotional Learning

    Summary: Join C.T. and guest Dr. Michael Cardona, Superintendent of San Marcos CISD, as they delve into the critical importance of social-emotional learning and mental health in schools. This insightful conversation explores how San Marcos CISD addresses these challenges, particularly in the context of a rapidly growing and mobile community. Key Takeaways: Prioritizing Mental Health: Dr. Cardona emphasizes that students need to be mentally sound before they can be academically sound. This approach underlines the district's focus on social-emotional learning (SEL) and mental health support for both students and teachers.Addressing Teacher Shortages: San Marcos CISD employs innovative partnerships with Texas State University to address teacher shortages. This includes a year-long teacher residency program that helps recruit and retain teachers by reducing college debt and providing hands-on experience.Managing Student Mobility: The district faces high student mobility due to its location between Austin and San Antonio, impacting attendance and academic continuity. Dr. Cardona highlights the importance of understanding this mobility as a technical issue tied to attendance.Teacher Retention Strategies: Dr. Cardona discusses how the district supports teachers through benefits like enhanced insurance coverage and technology-rich classrooms. These efforts aim to offset the challenges of competing with larger districts for talent.Navigating Growth and Challenges: The district's growth is influenced by urbanization and gentrification, which impacts housing costs and student demographics. Dr. Cardona's involvement in local economic development committees helps anticipate these changes and plan accordingly. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction to Dr. Michael Cardona and San Marcos CISD 1:04 Overview of San Marcos CISD: Location and Community 4:24 Challenges of Student Mobility and Attendance 9:09 Impact of Urbanization and Gentrification on Student Mobility 14:58 Addressing Teacher Shortages and Retention Strategies 20:43 Innovative Partnerships with Texas State University 25:00 Teacher Residency Program and Its Impact on Retention 30:00 Expanding Partnerships for Teacher Development and Support Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Dr. Michael Cardona: linkedin.com/in/dr-michael-cardona-21a51420 Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda  Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future. Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

    40 min

  6. MAR 18

    How Clarity and Process Drive Educational Success

    Summary: Join Dr. Jim and Michael Ben-David, superintendent of Tenafly Public Schools, as they unpack the journey from good to great in K-12 education through systematized approaches. Discover how a focus on organizational clarity, role definition, and accountability can transform educational outcomes. With insights drawn from Michael's transition from law to education, the discussion delves into managing technology spend, aligning district priorities, and fostering an environment of engagement and respect to drive student achievement. Listen to learn how to craft high-performing educational systems. Key Takeaways: Systems and processes are essential for educational success, helping streamline operations and reduce redundancies.A district's mission should be plainly articulated, emphasizing student growth and achievement as primary objectives.Transformational change in schools involves meticulous planning, clarity in roles, and a relentless focus on both people and programs.Clear organizational structures and accountability frameworks foster efficiency and transparency, crucial for meeting community expectations. Chapters: 0:00 Unlocking School Potential Through Systematized Processes 2:21 From Law to Education: A Journey of Passion and Problem Solving 8:11 Challenges and Strategies in Education Leadership and Resource Management 13:20 Implementing Effective Technology Governance in School Districts 18:16 Establishing Organizational Clarity and Accountability in Education 20:34 Key Elements for Improving Student Growth and Achievement 22:54 Strategies for Addressing Funding Challenges in School Districts 26:44 Prioritizing Respect Over Being Liked in Educational Leadership 28:42 Optimizing Education Budgets Through Personnel and Technology Analysis 31:36 Building Clear Systems for Effective School District Governance Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Michael Ben-David: linkedin.com/in/michael-ben-david-j-d-m-ed-4372281a Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda  Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future. Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

    39 min

  7. MAR 13

    Solving the Rural Educator Talent Crunch

    Summary: Dr. Jim chats with Adam Bisenius, superintendent of Galva Holstein and Shaylor Cressland Community School Districts in Iowa, to explore strategies for building a talent pipeline in rural education. They discuss the unique challenges faced by rural districts, emphasizing early recruitment from local colleges, leveraging community ties, and fostering a supportive school culture. Adam shares insights from his career in educational leadership and college coaching, underscoring the importance of adaptability and relationship-building in attracting and retaining quality educators in remote areas. Key Takeaways: Rural school districts face unique challenges in recruiting educators due to limited local populations and competition with urban areas.Engaging potential educators early, such as college sophomores and juniors, can position rural districts advantageously in the recruiting process.Networking among local superintendents and creating pathways for community members and students to transition into teaching roles can effectively build a talent pipeline.Offering teachers flexibility, creativity, and community support within rural schools can be key attractions for prospective candidates. Chapters: 0:00 Building Talent Pipelines in Extremely Rural School Districts 2:14 Recruiting Challenges and Leadership in Small Rural School Districts 6:42 Balancing Contracts and Benefits Across Two School Districts 7:09 Recruitment Challenges in a Geographically Dispersed School District 9:00 Strategies for Recruiting Educators in Rural School Districts 12:15 Empowering Teachers with Creative Freedom in Small School Districts 14:22 Overcoming Student Teacher Placement Challenges in Rural Areas 16:21 Superintendents Collaborate to Fill Teaching Positions 17:37 Strategies for Building a Talent Funnel in Education 21:56 Building Community Connections in Small School Districts 23:32 Building a Talent Pipeline in Rural School Districts Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Adam Bisenius: https://www.rvraptors.org/o/rv/page/district-superintendent Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda  Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future. Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

    30 min

  8. MAR 13

    Engaging Young Minds for Limitless Futures

    Summary: Join CT and guest Dr. Jennifer Root, Superintendent of Menifee Union School District, as they explore how her district is living up to its vision of "engaging young minds for limitless futures." This insightful conversation delves into building job-specific pathways for TK-8 students and developing soft skills (or core skills) to prepare them for high school, college, and beyond. Key Takeaways: "Engaging Young Minds": The district focuses on engaging students and preparing them for an uncertain future.Core Skills (Not Soft!): Menifee USD emphasizes six core attributes (e.g., responsibility, integrity) to help students adapt and succeed.Attribute Integration: Core skills are woven into the curriculum through modeling, literature, SEL programs, and praise.Job Pathways in TK-8: Dr. Root is implementing job-specific pathways by backward-mapping from high school/college to align with industry needs.Community Support: These job skills taught in school are augmented through parent support. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction: Engaging Young Minds 1:04 About Dr. Jennifer Root 2:13 About Menifee Union School District 4:24 Vision: Engaging Young Minds for Limitless Futures 9:09 Student Success Attributes (Core Skills) 14:58 Integrating Attributes & Addressing Concerns 20:43 Challenges in Deployment 23:37 Job-Specific Pathways in TK-8 Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Dr. Jennifer Root: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-root-ed-d-63b2aa46 Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda  Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future. Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

    39 min
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    5
    out of 5
    18 Ratings

    About

    Each week we sit down with inspiring leaders who are transforming education and creating positive outcomes for students across the country. In their own words, these leaders share their daily challenges, breakthrough moments, and the practical approaches they use to build and support student achievement. Whether you're a principal, superintendent, or aspiring educational leader, you'll find actionable insights you can use right away. Want to stay connected with more stories from innovative education leaders? Visit engagingleadershipshow.com and subscribe to our weekly updates.

    Information

    • Creator
      CT Leong, Dr. Jim Kanichirayil
    • Years Active
      2023 - 2025
    • Episodes
      200
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © Copyright 2025 CT Leong, Dr. Jim Kanichirayil
    • Show Website
      Engaging Leadership

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