Faculty Leadership and Engagement Archives

Leader Chat: Leading from the Middle with Scott Mautz

Posted on March 27, 2024 (July 15, 2025) by Angela Comtois

As one can see and/or hear, Scott’s content specific to leading from the middle is something that needs to be heard by educational leaders. It may be one of the most relevant and pragmatic books that may not make it to the education space unless promoted and pushed. Scott’s description of the challenges leaders face is so accurate, and the advice and direction he gives are beyond insightful. There isn’t a leader in education who would not benefit from this conversation and the work of Scott Mautz….

Leader Chat: Khan Academy Making AI Work For Students & Teachers with Kristen Dicerbo

Posted on March 20, 2024 (July 15, 2025) by Angela Comtois

In education, like all disciplines, there are organizations we rely on to move forward and innovate and teach us along the way. The Khan Academy is one of them, especially when it comes to embedding technological advances to improve instructional support for students. In this Leader Chat, we are honored to have Kristen Dicerbo talk with us as we delve into the current and future impact of AI on educational opportunities….

Leader Chat: Overcoming Adversity: Leading and Innovating with Pearl Arredondo

Posted on March 13, 2024 (July 15, 2025) by Angela Comtois

Pearl Arredondo is an inspirational leader in many respects. She is fearless and strategic but ultimately empowered by doing what is best for those she serves. She has and continues to resist the trappings of politics and bureaucracy, and her story needs to be shared and heard by principals and district leaders. She and Jeff get real in this conversation, and we encourage all to learn via Pearl’s story and success….

Leader Chat: Pragmatic Leadership Advice, from Coaching to Time Management with PJ Caposey

Posted on December 20, 2023 (July 15, 2025) by Angela Comtois

PJ Caposey is impressive! He is an award-winning and working superintendent. His story of overcoming personal challenges is motivating, and he also supports leaders across the country as he coaches and speaks to the themes he has written about in his several published books. He and Jeff delve into Cracking the Coaching Code, one of his books, and Time Management issues, which he has also written about. PJ and Jeff get along great—enjoy their conversation!…

Leader Chat: The Artisan, Teacher, and Leader, with Mike Rutherford

Posted on October 4, 2023 (July 15, 2025) by Angela Comtois

Mike Rutherford supports teachers and leaders all over the country. His philosophy supports the art, creativity, and capacity of educators. As you listen to this Leader Chat, you will notice that Mike has his finger on the pulse of what was, is, and will be in schools. His perspective and advice for leaders is something we recommend you listen carefully to….

Leader Chat: A New Kind of Diversity with Tim Elmore

Posted on July 20, 2023 (July 15, 2025) by Angela Comtois

We are big fans of Dr. Tim Elmore. This is his second Leader Chat. Last time we discussed his impressive book, Eight Paradoxes of Great Leadership. We invited him back to talk through his newest book, A New Kind of Diversity. His research and insights are invaluable for us as leaders. Here, he and Jeff talk through strategies on how to recognize the challenges of generational diversity in the workplace and leverage them into opportunities. It’s an awesome discussion….

Leader Chat: Trust Between Superintendents and Principals with Justin Benna

Posted on July 12, 2023 (July 15, 2025) by Angela Comtois

What is one of the key ingredients for the health of any organization that starts with a ’T’? Likely you guessed it—it’s TRUST. In a school district, how is trust established between superintendents and principals? That’s what we asked Dr. Justin Benna, a professor in North Dakota who has studied and written on this very topic. Lean in, listen, and enjoy!…

Leader Chat: Time For Change with Anthony Muhammad and Luis Cruz

Posted on May 18, 2023 (July 15, 2025) by Angela Comtois

If you are an educator, a leader in schools, or in districts at any level, this is a must-listen. Anthony Muhammad and Luis Cruz brought so much practical and powerful advice that it was actually hard for me to get Jeff to stop talking with them. These authors are not just researchers- they are practitioners who have been on the front lines. They get it!…

Leader Chat: Leading with Your School Board and Keeping Focus on What’s Most Important with Pamela Swanson & Ken Ciancio

Posted on May 10, 2023 (July 15, 2025) by Angela Comtois

This is the second part of a two-part series. This week, Pamela Swanson had her board president, Ken Ciancio, join us. Jeff was so excited to compare and contrast what Pam had to say in episode one with what Ken might bring to light in our second chat. Bottom line, Ken and Pam are two peas in a pod- they are a team, and their mutual respect for each other and their roles shine through. If only all superintendent and board relationships were this strong….