There is a growing awareness that leaders who demonstrate empathy are not soft or nice; rather, they possess a highly refined skill that can, and data suggests should be cultivated.
Broward County Public Schools’ superintendent resigned suddenly last week but there won’t be a national search to replace him.
Two weeks ago, the District Administration Leadership Institute hosted its latest Superintendents Summit in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. And if you were to ask attendees about their experience—which we did—they’d tell you they left inspired and reignited, ready to return to their communities with the ideas and takeaways from conversations they had throughout the event.
“You survived it, tell your story,” is a quote that’s been resonating with Cincinnati Public Schools Superintendent Iranetta Rayborn Wright. She says when you finally understand and believe in that, then you must tell your story, because somebody needs to hear it.
In order for there to be more women involved in district leadership, it requires current and aspiring leaders to create a strong network of females who advocate for one another. And that’s the mission these two have sought out to do in their own communities.
“It doesn’t matter if you have the best teacher in the classroom and high-quality materials… if our students’ well-being is not taken care of, they’re not going to be able to receive all of that great instruction,” says Candice Castillo, executive officer of student support services at Houston ISD.
Carvalho, who will be giving a keynote speech at the District Administration Leadership Institute Executive Cabinet Retreat next week, says there’s one leadership trait that simply can’t be taught: “a huge personal chip on your shoulder.”
“Be so bold in your approach to work that you actually invite termination for being so passionate,” says Carvalho, superintendent at the Los Angeles Unified School District, the second-largest in the country.
A foundational goal for any new leader is building positive relationships. While there may be an inner struggle to fight the urge at times to roll up your sleeves and dig into the work, the true success of the leader and district needs to be built on a mutual level of trust and relationship.
End of content
End of content