October burnout is real, and the first 90 days are critical for new hires. Don't leave retention to chance. In this second rapid-fire episode, Dr. Janet Pilcher shares three intentional executive actions to help leaders secure their best people and create a culture where staff want to stay.
Recommended Resources: Retain New Hires with 30- and 90-Day Conversations, Studer Education 30/90-day Conversation Guide, Create Connections Through Rounding
Learn more about and register for DHP Hemet: https://studereducation.com/dhp-hemet-2025/
Follow Host Dr. Janet Pilcher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetpilcher/
In the first of four rapid-fire episodes, Dr. Janet Pilcher delivers three essential steps educational leaders can take right now to protect their mission and secure their future. Listen now and learn how to operationalize your budget with discipline and strategic focus.
Recommended Resources: Build Trust to Strengthen Culture, Measuring Progress and Fostering Excellence: The Power of Scorecards
Learn more about and register for DHP Hemet: https://studereducation.com/dhp-hemet-2025/
Follow Host Dr. Janet Pilcher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetpilcher/
Join Dr. Janet Pilcher as she welcomes Joseph Murley, Director of Finance for Barren County School District, to discuss how a district-wide survey revealed a surprising breakdown in the district's online fundraising system. Joe explains how he then modeled a new survey to pinpoint the root cause of the problem. Finally, he shares the impact of leader rounding, demonstrating how showing care for your people is the foundation for driving connection.
This episode answers questions such as:
Recommended Resources: Getting 1% Better Every Day, Alignment and Accountability in Operations, Excellence in Operations
Learn more about and register for DHP Hemet: https://studereducation.com/dhp-hemet-2025/
Follow Host Dr. Janet Pilcher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetpilcher/
Visions in Education, a charter school serving nine counties across Northern California, is thriving—even as many districts face declining enrollment. Listen as Chief Operations Officer, Tom Tafoya, discusses their evolution to meet the changing needs of their students and families in their unique online environment.
Tom shares how his team approaches each day with a '1% better' philosophy to drive massive efficiencies, grow enrollment, and even catch the eye of Amazon. Listen now and learn how he built a high-performing operations team dedicated to student success.
This episode addresses questions such as:
Recommended Resources: Alignment and Accountability in Operations, Excellence in Operations, Connecting Operations to Student Success
Learn more about and register for DHP Hemet: https://studereducation.com/dhp-hemet-2025/
Follow Host Dr. Janet Pilcher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetpilcher/
In this final live episode from the Destination High Performance K-12 Leadership Conference, Dr. Janet Pilcher welcomes Dr. Heidi Eliopoulos, Superintendent of the School District of Altoona. With over two decades in education, Heidi shares her leadership journey—from an "accidental superintendent" to a high-performing leader.
Tune in as Dr. Eliopoulos highlights the essential role of leadership coaching. She also discusses how she has successfully hardwired personal connections through practices like rounding and recognition, and why a relentless pursuit of improvement has been central to her district's success.
This episode addresses questions such as:
Recommended Resources: Leadership Development is a Must-Have, Strengthen Your District with Rounding and Recognition, Create Connections Through Rounding
Learn more about and register for DHP Hemet: https://studereducation.com/dhp-hemet-2025/
In another live episode recorded at the Destination High Performance K-12 Leadership Conference, Dr. Janet Pilcher welcomes Superintendent Dr. Casey Nye of D.C. Everest Area School District. Listen as Dr. Nye shares his approach to building and sustaining a strong culture of caring and continuous improvement. He shares how his district:
He also discusses the importance of creating a supported, resilient leadership team and the role of gratitude in combating loneliness and creating joy.
This episode addresses questions such as:
Recommended Resources: Lead People with Purpose, Achieve Sustainable Impact with Rounding and Surveys, How Gratitude Builds Great Teams
Learn more about and register for DHP Hemet: https://studereducation.com/dhp-hemet-2025/
In this live episode, Dr. Janet Pilcher welcomes Dr. Cory Strasser, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for Rapid City Area Schools. In a special conversation recorded at the Destination High Performance K-12 Leadership Conference, Dr. Strasser shares his proven approach to building a "people first" culture. Listen as he reveals how his commitment to intentional, values-based leadership, including strategies like feedback loops and rounding, has led to significant gains in student, parent, and employee experience.
This episode addresses questions such as:
Recommended Resources: Transform District Culture with People-First Strategies, Grow Your People, What K-12 Leaders Need to Know for Real, Lasting Improvement
This week, we close our series celebrating the release of Quint Studer and Dr. Janet Pilcher's book, The Extraordinary Gift: Our Teachers. In this moving episode, Dr. Pilcher shares two more powerful stories about the educators who shape our lives.
First, hear from Dr. Pat Greco as she recalls how the simple moments of connection from caring educators helped her find belonging during a childhood of frequent moves. Then, a story from chapter 3 of the book, as Dr. Charlotte Boling shares her personal experience with a fifth-grade teacher who went above and beyond to meet both her academic and emotional needs after a family tragedy.
This episode addresses questions such as:
Recommended Resources: Beyond the Ordinary: A 400th Episode Reflection, The Extraordinary Gift: Our Teachers, The Lasting Impact of a Caring Educator
Purchase The Extraordinary Gift: Our Teachers at https://studereducation.com/books.
Dr. Janet Pilcher celebrates her new book, The Extraordinary Gift: Our Teachers, by sharing powerful stories from two Studer Education team members. Listen as Tiffany Latshaw shares how a fourth-grade teacher's belief transformed her life, and hear from Dr. Casey Blochowiak about the school community that became a safe haven during a difficult time. Their experiences reveal how a teacher's simple act of kindness can change a child's life and how a school can become a vital source of security and hope.
This episode addresses questions such as:
Recommended Resources: Beyond the Ordinary: A 400th Episode Reflection, The Extraordinary Gift: Our Teachers
Purchase The Extraordinary Gift: Our Teachers at https://studereducation.com/books.
Join Dr. Janet Pilcher as she sits down with her co-author, Quint Studer, to discuss their new book, The Extraordinary Gift: Our Teachers. In this special episode, Quint shares his personal and emotional story of how three teachers changed the course of his life and inspired him to become a special education teacher.
Listen as they explore the unique challenges and profound impact of the teaching profession, highlighting the importance of gratitude and creating a culture where educators feel seen, appreciated, and supported.
This episode addresses questions such as:
Recommended Resources:
Welcome to a truly special episode of Accelerate Your Performance! In this 400th episode, Dr. Janet Pilcher takes us back to the roots of the podcast, celebrating six and a half years of sharing extraordinary leadership stories and journeys of continuous improvement. This episode also kicks off a powerful month-long focus on our gratitude for teachers, introducing Janet's new book with Quint Studer, The Extraordinary Gift: Our Teachers. Tune in to rediscover how what seems ordinary in education is truly extraordinary and why recognizing our educators is more important now than ever.
Recommended Resources: The Extraordinary Gift: Our Teachers, Start the School Year with Appreciation, Strengthen Your Team by Hardwiring Gratitude
Continuing our series on Douglas School District's successful recognition strategies, Dr. Janet Pilcher welcomes School Nutrition Coordinator Jennifer Garner. Jennifer shares her heartfelt approach to staff appreciation, from personalized notes and engaging team activities to transparent communication. Learn how her dedication creates a culture where every team member feels deeply valued, driving remarkable results like 100% staff retention.
This episode addresses questions such as:
Recommended Resources: Elevate School Culture Through Appreciation, Strengthen Your District with Rounding and Recognition
In the second part of a two-episode series, Dr. Janet Pilcher continues her conversation with Superintendent Rashon Hasan of Plainfield Public Schools. Drawing on his unique blend of education and business experience, Rashon shares advice on building powerful, transparent relationships between school boards and superintendents, emphasizing clarity, consistency, and communication.
This episode addresses questions such as:
Recommended Resources: Achieve Sustainable Impact with Rounding and Surveys (Part 1), Working with the School Board, Strengthening School Board Collaboration to Drive District Success
Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.
Order book here.
Sign up for book study here.
In the first part of a two-episode series, Dr. Janet Pilcher welcomes Superintendent Rashon Hasan of Plainfield Public Schools. With a unique background spanning education and business, Rashon shares how rounding has become a cornerstone of his leadership, building trust and continuous engagement across his district. Listen to hear how Plainfield leverages surveys to gather feedback from students, parents, and staff, directly informing district actions and sharpening alignment. Finally, Rashon emphasizes the importance of hearing from every voice in the district, ensuring community perspectives are at the heart of every decision.
This episode addresses questions such as:
Destination High Performance K12 Leadership Conference: Go here to learn more and register.
Recommended Resources: Fuel Success with a Feedback Loop, Convert Surveys to Solutions, Amplify Student Voice
Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.
Order book here.
Sign up for book study here.
Principal Jeannie Clark and second-grade teacher Ms. Laressa Finney share how Francis Case Elementary is taking gratitude to the next level. Listen as they join Dr. Janet Pilcher to explore the impact of recognition and appreciation on school culture, relationships, and morale. Learn how small, intentional gestures create powerful ripple effects that benefit students, parents, and the entire school community.
This episode addresses questions such as:
Destination High Performance K12 Leadership Conference: Go here to learn more and register.
Recommended Resources: Strengthen Your District with Rounding and Recognition, How Gratitude Anchors Organizations, Strengthen Your Team by Hardwiring Gratitude
Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.
Order book here.
Sign up for book study here.
It's one thing to acknowledge outcomes that miss the mark; it's quite another to intentionally transform them into rich learning opportunities. Listen as Dr. Peter Stiepleman, leadership coach and retired superintendent , shares with Dr. Janet Pilcher the foundational principle of his podcast: the importance of reflective practice.
This commitment to reflection is central to his podcast, An Imperfect Leader, where Peter interviews leaders weekly about decisions they made and what they learned from them. He and Janet then close with a discussion on the evolving landscape of education, including the integration of AI and the enduring value of connection and empathy in leadership.
This episode addresses questions such as:
More about Dr. Peter Stiepleman: Visit his website to purchase his books and stream his podcast.
Destination High Performance K12 Leadership Conference: Go here to learn more and register.
Recommended Resources: Transform District Culture with People-First Strategies, Empower Your Team: Using Plus/Delta as a Template for Making Improvement Decisions
Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.
Order book here.
Sign up for book study here.
What if two simple practices could significantly improve your district's culture? Tune in as Superintendent Kevin Case of Douglas School District joins Dr. Janet Pilcher to discuss the impact of intentional rounding and heartfelt recognition. They'll talk about how leaders going first in these practices creates a ripple effect, building an environment where employees, families, and students feel valued and supported. Learn how these essential tactics can strengthen your district from within.
This episode addresses questions such as:
Destination High Performance K12 Leadership Conference: Go here to learn more and register.
Recommended Resources: Transform Culture with Reward and Recognition, Fuel Success with a Feedback Loop
Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.
Order book here.
Sign up for book study here.
What inspires the Glencoe School District to keep working toward excellence every day? For Superintendent Dr. Catherine Wang, it all comes back to the students. Tune in as she shares with Dr. Janet Pilcher how her commitment to organizational development is shaping a thriving school district where leaders are empowered to reflect, learn, and grow. You'll also hear how they've transformed new staff onboarding to build a foundation of support and belonging for all new hires.
This episode addresses questions such as:
Destination High Performance K12 Leadership Conference: Go here to learn more and register.
Recommended Resources: The Relentless Pursuit of Consistent Growth, Leadership Development is a Must-Have, Pause, Reflect, and Plan for Progress
Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.
Order book here.
Sign up for book study here.
How does a high-achieving district continue to elevate its performance? According to Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent of Winnetka Public Schools, the answer lies with leaders who never stop learning and who embrace simplicity in their strategic approach. Tune in as she joins host Dr. Janet Pilcher to share how she and her team are relentlessly pursuing consistent student growth. Learn how high-achieving school district strategies and practices like comprehensive coaching, instructional consistency, and leadership vulnerability drive excellence and help everyone find meaning in their work.
This episode addresses questions such as:
Recommended Resources: From a System of Schools to a School System, Leadership Development is a Must-Have
Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.
Order book here.
Sign up for book study here.
Behind every educator is a driving purpose. For Jill Robinson-Wolgamott, Director of Teaching and Learning for K-5 in Bethel School District, that "why" is a powerful story of overcoming obstacles and dedicating her career to literacy education. Join host Dr. Janet Pilcher as Jill shares her inspiring journey, prompting us to reflect on our own driving purpose. You'll also learn how Bethel is achieving impressive literacy results and creating a strong culture of collective responsibility.
This episode addresses questions such as:
Recommended Resources: Strengthen Your Team by Hardwiring Gratitude, Connecting to Purpose Gives us Courage
Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.
Order book here.
Sign up for book study here.
It's one thing to talk about service excellence, another to define it collaboratively and actually put it into practice. Join Dr. Janet Pilcher and Superintendent Dr. Derek Bub to learn how West Ada School District actively engages diverse voices to define shared service standards and uses a feedback process to build understanding and drive improvement.
This episode addresses questions such as:
Recommended Resources: Focus on Service Excellence, Fuel Success with a Feedback Loop, Develop and Apply Standards of Excellence
Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.
Order book here.
Sign up for book study here.
Why should educational leaders consider adopting a startup mentality? Dr. Janet Pilcher answers this question and guides you through the essential leadership and mindset shifts needed to thrive in today's evolving educational landscape. Tune in and learn which behaviors to embrace and which foundational principles to uphold.
This episode addresses questions such as:
Recommended Resources: Four Focus Areas for Coaching Great Teams, The ABCs of Effective Goals
Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.
Order book here.
Sign up for book study here.
In Martin County School District, if it's important enough to measure, it's important enough to improve. Join Superintendent Michael Maine as he sits down with Dr. Janet Pilcher to discuss his data-driven approach to continuous improvement. Listen now to hear how the district strategically gathers and shares feedback, transforming it into action plans that drive lasting change.
This episode addresses questions such as:
Recommended Resources: Fuel Success with a Feedback Loop, Feedback is a Gift…or is it?, Cascade and Execute Your Strategic Plan
Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.
Order book here.
Sign up for book study here.
Join Dr. Janet Pilcher as she thoughtfully revisits the highlights and key takeaways from Studer Education's recent virtual Destination High Performance conference. Listen as she describes the four essentials elements at the core of leadership and emphasizes what it means to do work that is purposeful, worthwhile, and makes a positive impact.
This episode addresses questions such as:
Recommended Resources: The Culture-Strategy Equation: Reflections from the AASA Conference, Stomp Out We/They Culture, Fuel Success with a Feedback Loop
Destination High Performance K12 Leadership Conference: Go here to access the conference sessions on demand.
Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.
Order book here.
Sign up for book study here.
Don't miss this special cross-over episode with our partners at Escambia County Public Schools and their Voices United in Education podcast. Meredith Hackwith Edwards interviews Dr. Robin Largue, a retired Leader Coach from Studer Education. Dr. Largue shares how the strategic use of data and goals, combined with strong leadership and relationships, build thriving and high-performing schools.
This episode addresses questions such as:
Recommended Resources: Transform District Culture with People-First Strategies, How Three School Districts Are Solving Problems and Driving Student Excellence, Grow Your People
Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.
Order book here.
Sign up for book study here.