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: 

1. intentionally gathers feedback from families through surveys,
2. uses that data to drive meaningful action,
3. and communicates with empathy and transparency, especially during difficult moments. 

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:

• How can a school district effectively use parent surveys to build stronger relationships with families?
• What does it mean to be a leader who is both empathetic and effective during challenging times?
• Why is it crucial to create a culture of support for district leaders?

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:

• What does it mean to be a leader who puts people first?
• How are intentional, follow-up conversations more impactful than data alone?
• Why is gratitude a key driver of positive culture and organizational excellence?

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:

• Why are a teacher's "little moments" often the ones that leave the most lasting impression?
• How can educators create a sense of security and belonging for students during times of change?

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:

• How does the simple act of a teacher "seeing" a student create a lasting sense of security and belonging?
• Why is a school so much more than a place for academics?
• What is the incredible power of one educator to change the trajectory of a child's life?

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:

• Why is teaching a "lonely" job, and how can we support new teachers?
• What is the power of a teacher's influence, even when it goes unrecognized?
• How can we create a culture of appreciation and positivity for teachers in our communities?

Recommended Resources:

• Watch this episode: https://studereducation.com/the-extraordinary-gift-our-teachers-ayp
• Purchase The Extraordinary Gift: Our Teachers at https://studereducation.com/books.
• Learn more about Quint Studer and his work at https://quintstuder.com.

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: 

• How can leaders communicate effectively with their teams, especially when they are spread across different locations?
• Why is it important to tailor recognition to individual staff preferences?
• How does showing staff appreciation ultimately benefit students as well as district goals?

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: 

• How does a background in operations and finance influence an approach to leadership?
• What unique insights can be gained from serving as both a board president and a district superintendent?
• What strategies can superintendents and school boards use to intentionally foster collaborative and trusting relationships?

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: 

• How does rounding contribute to developing leadership capacity?
• How can leaders "make the complex simple" when implementing improvement strategies like rounding and surveys?
• Why is it crucial for leaders to be vulnerable and reflective when receiving feedback during rounding?

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: 

• What role does recognition play in retaining employees and creating a positive work environment?
• How can leaders effectively build relationships with their staff and stay focused on positive aspects within their schools and districts?
• How does attending a school with a strong culture of gratitude positively affect students?

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: 

• How do we prepare for the future of education? What challenges might be ahead, and how can we plan for them?
• When decision-making, what does it mean to “engage those closest to the work,” and why is it necessary?
• How can after-action reviews equip leaders to improve decision-making and create a culture of continuous learning?

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: 

• What are some tangible results of prioritizing a people-first approach in education?
• How do districts use intentional rounding and recognition to strengthen their culture?

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: 

• How does a district build highly aligned leaders?
• What is the importance of having those directly involved in the work contribute to problem-solving?

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: 

• Why is it important for a high-performing district to continue to focus on improvement?
• What are the benefits of a simplified strategic plan for the team and community?
• How does a coaching model support the development and growth of leaders' skills to deliver on the strategic plan?

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: 

• How do strategic tools drive widespread instructional improvement, specifically in literacy education?
• What impact does rounding have in fostering a culture of connection, trust, and gratitude?
• What's the essential fuel that drives and sustains all meaningful change?

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: 

• Why is it beneficial to involve a cross-functional team in defining service standards?
• How can a school district use its defined service excellence standards in practical ways, such as hiring and employee expectations?
• Why is closing the feedback loop by following up on survey results critical, and how can it be done effectively?

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: 

• What's the difference between leading with a legacy mentality and leading with a startup mentality?
• How can educational systems move from good to great?
• What are some characteristics of a startup that educational systems need to incorporate into their business model?

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: 

• How can organizations create a continuous improvement cycle using data and feedback effectively?
• In what ways do feedback loops improve communication and understanding across departments?
• How can leaders create a culture where feedback is welcomed?

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: 

• What are some foundational tactics that develop trust between leaders and their employees?
• What are the four leadership essentials?
• What comes first: culture or strategy?

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:

• How does coaching bring together parents, students, and school staff to support every child's success?
• How does leadership extend beyond a title?
• What are specific daily actions leaders can take to positively impact the culture? 

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.

"An organization with a hero is a sign of weakness,” begins Dr. Heidi Eliopoulous, Superintendent of the School District of Altoona. Join her and Dr. Janet Pilcher as they dismantle the myth of the lone-ranger leader, focusing on the impact of collective growth. Discover why investing in leadership development, particularly developing leadership teams in school systems, is a "must-have," not a "nice-to-have." Listen as Heidi shares tactics that drive improvements in student well-being and academic performance, empowering you to create meaningful change in your district.

This episode addresses questions such as: 

• What impact does leadership development have on students and families?
• What are some tools and tactics used for leadership development?
• How does a focus on leader development translate into the creation of a more positive and supportive culture within the school district?

Recommended Resources: Stomp Out We/They Culture, Boost Employee Retention Through Leadership Development, Leadership Development is a Lifeline

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.

Whether you're building a championship team or a successful organization, consistent effort and a structured approach will get you to the finish line. At El Dorado County Office of Education, short cycles of improvement are a core part of their winning strategy. Tune in as Dr. Janet Pilcher sits down with Dr. Ed Manansala, Superintendent of Schools, to hear how he leads short cycles of improvement to drive real change. He’ll also share specific examples of how these cycles are applied to improve processes in multiple departments, from transportation to IT. Listen now as Dr. Manansala highlights how this focus on improvement fuels his team's success, and learn how you can apply it with your own teams.

 This episode addresses questions such as: 

• How do short cycles of improvement provide accountability and focus?
• How do you know when to scale improvements? 
• Why is it important to honor the voice of students and staff in the improvement process? 

Destination High Performance K12 Leadership Conference: Go here to learn more and register.

Recommended Resources: Create Momentum with Short Cycles of Improvement, Becoming an Improvement Organization, Bridging Community Divides

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.

Strong cultures empower winning strategies, and well-executed strategies reinforce strong and healthy cultures. But how do you actually begin the work of transforming a school district's culture? Join Dr. Adam Leckie, Superintendent of Casa Grande Elementary School District, as he discusses with Dr. Janet Pilcher how centering his faculty, staff, and students is the core of driving substantial improvement. Listen as he unpacks strategies that build this culture, empowering his team to execute with excellence. 

 This episode addresses questions such as: 

• How can a people-first approach be practically implemented to empower those leading daily improvement initiatives?
• What are practical ways to show gratitude and service to the people within a school district? 
• How can data-driven insights be used to accurately measure improvement and guide strategic decisions?

Destination High Performance K12 Leadership Conference: Go here to learn more and register.

Recommended Resources: People-First Leadership in Classrooms and Communities, The Culture-Strategy Equation: Reflections from the AASA Conference, Cultivating a Culture of Gratitude and Continuous Improvement in the Casa Grande Elementary School District

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.

Are you seeing the impact you want from your organization's efforts? Tune in now and discover strategies to enhance operational efficiency with Dr. Janet Pilcher and Dr. Pat Greco. Gain insights on improving processes, maximizing outcomes, and identifying hidden inefficiencies. If you’re committed to better serving your employees, students, and families, listen now to learn how to drive peak operational efficiency.

This episode addresses questions such as:

• How does a focus on operational excellence contribute to an organization’s financial health?
• How does the rounding process contribute to process improvement and employee engagement?
• How can leaders harness the expertise of their employees to identify and eliminate process barriers?

Destination High Performance K12 Leadership Conference: Go here to learn more and register.

Recommended Resources: The Culture-Strategy Equation: Reflections from the AASA Conference, Lean In, Stay Curious, and Other Leadership Lessons, 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.

Do you want to see your district’s strategy thrive? Start with your culture. Dr. Janet Pilcher and Dr. Pat Greco unpack the crucial link between school district culture and strategic execution, sharing inspiring examples from superintendents and partners at AASA‘s NCE conference. Listen now to learn how to build a foundation for lasting impact and uncover the essential area that many leaders overlook.

Destination High Performance K12 Leadership Conference: Go here to learn more and register.

Recommended Resources: Fuel Success with a Feedback Loop, Lean In, Stay Curious, and Other Leadership Lessons, 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.