Exceptionally Good: Leaders for a Better World
We bring you in-depth interviews with exceptional leaders who drive toward a different bottom line — leaders from health care, philanthropy, non-profits, education and rescue services who are doing exceptional work for the good of the world. Exploring their origin stories, their leadership journey and the lessons they learned on their path -- sometimes the hard way -- we bring you close to understand how exceptional leaders tick.
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Exceptionally Good: Leaders for a Better World
6. Derek Pierce - Decades of Innovative School Leadership
How do you go from a town hall lashing, go up for a vote of no confidence and turn it around?
What’s a leader to do when faced with a moment of crisis?
Have you ever wondered how to know it is the right time to step down?
In this transcript, Derek Pierce, the founding leader of Casco Bay High School, shares his extensive journey in educational leadership. Derek discusses his early influences, experience in the film industry, and the emotional challenges of starting a new school in a rural community. Highlighting key stories, such as handling a contentious Pledge of Allegiance issue and responding to hate crimes, he reflects on the importance of human-centered leadership. The conversation touches on Derek's leadership style characterized by humor, love, and a focus on student and faculty potential. As he transitions from his role after 19 years, Derek emphasizes the significance of listening, adapting, and continuously striving for improvement in education. This dialogue aims to inspire aspiring leaders committed to social good in educational settings.
“Keep tinkering towards better and to keep loving your people with intention relentlessly.”
Links:
Casco Bay High School
https://cbhs.portlandschools.org/
Derek’s Silverberg Leadership Award Speech - (bunny, bunny!)
Derek leaves Casco Bay after 19 years
https://www.pressherald.com/2024/02/21/principal-leaving-portlands-casco-bay-high-after-19-years/
Coalition of Essential Schools Design Principles
https://web.archive.org/web/20220121202607/http://essentialschools.org/common-principles/
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Producer, editor and host: Ryan Maxwell
Theme music: Ryan Raddatz
Guitar music: Adeline’s Guitar
The views shared on this podcast are those of my guests and the host(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of any employer.