Are we settling for “belonging” in our schools while leaving student brainpower underdeveloped?
I recently had a deep, transformative conversation with Zaretta Hammond, author of Rebuilding Students’ Learning Power. We moved past the surface-level “equity talk” to discuss what it really takes to move a student from a dependent learner to a cognitively independent one. Zaretta’s insights on cognitive justice and intelligent failure are essential.
Here are 3 themes from our talk that will matter to leaders:
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Cognitive Justice is the True Moral Imperative: Equity isn’t just about celebrating flags or hosting potlucks. Zaretta challenges us to look deeper. True justice means ensuring every student has the “cognitive resources” to accelerate their own learning.
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Embrace the “First Pancake”: Learning requires a safe space for “intelligent failure.” Zaretta uses a brilliant metaphor for new initiatives: when making pancakes, that first one is not quite right. As leaders, we have to use that information to “adjust the batter” rather than abandoning the work when it gets messy.
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The Discipline of Assessing Current Reality: Don’t assume your systems (like PLCs) are functioning just because people nod their heads. Zaretta shared a powerful lesson on “due diligence” after realizing a school she was coaching called every meeting a PLC, but lacked true team continuity.
If you’re ready to stop “plugging and playing” strategies and start building real teacher capacity, this episode is a must-listen.
#CognitiveJustice #ZarettaHammond #InstructionalEquity #AnImperfectLeader #ScienceOfLearning #EducationLeadership #SuptChat #EdChat #Podcasserole
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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://youtu.be/VkKiXpczSEAhttps://www.youtube.com/@animperfectleaderleadershi5144/featured
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader
Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on:
Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com
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An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student.
Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most.
IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.
Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect
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An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr.
Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health.
Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal.
Learn why 3 Million Students use Yondr every day.
MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL.
Go to overyondr.com to learn more.
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The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!
The Project’s ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, “gametivities”, and real conversations. We’re proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount.
Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project.
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Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.
Homepage: http://www.waterscenterst.org
Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org
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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.