What does it really mean to lead for democracy in our schools today?
This week on An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Dr. John Rogers of UCLA’s School of Education and Information Studies for a powerful conversation on one of the biggest drains on schools today: culturally divisive conflict.
Dr. Rogers makes a clear distinction between healthy political debate and the anti-democratic conflict fueled by violent rhetoric and misinformation. His research reveals both the financial and human toll:
💸 One midsize district spent $1M in staff time grappling with divisive conflicts. 🕰️ Another saw public records requests quadruple, eating up thousands of wasted hours. 💔 In high-conflict districts, 94% of superintendents said staff health (mental and physical) was negatively impacted.
So what can school leaders do when the attacks often come from outside their circle of influence?
Dr. Rogers points to three essential moves: ✨ Reclaim the Narrative: Reinforce the mission of public education as fostering a diverse, multiracial democracy. 🤝 Build Bridges: Create schools as “social centers” that bring communities together to solve problems. 🧩 Embrace Imperfect Leadership: Engage in shared inquiry and lean on the collective wisdom of your team and community.
🎙️ This is a must-listen episode for every superintendent, principal, and educational leader navigating today’s challenges.
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Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/
YouTube (video of conversation):
https://www.youtube.com/@animperfectleaderleadershi5144/featured
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader
Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on:
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Superintendent Support Reimagined!
Zach Taylor and I are creating a reflective, virtual Community of Practice designed exclusively for Superintendents and Senior District Leaders. While calling it An Imperfect Leadership Community of Practice makes sense, I keep advocating for Talk Supt 🙂. Want to learn more? Check out our video here 👇 or visit:
https://imperfectleader.com/imperfect-leadership-community-of-practice/
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An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr.
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An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com.
Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley.
Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.