Consistent practices keep the organizational flywheel spinning, and one practice is essential, especially during the holidays: gratitude.

In this episode, Dr. Janet Pilcher explains how intentional appreciation connects people back to the core values of purpose and worthwhile work. Listen to learn how to connect an individual's specific behavior to its organizational impact, sending a clear message of "what right looks like" and strengthening the bond with your school community.

Recommended Resources:  Creating the Momentum to Achieve Organizational Excellence in Education Systems, How Gratitude Builds Great Teams

Follow Host Dr. Janet Pilcher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetpilcher/

"Culture and strategic improvement—those are inseparable." This is a guiding philosophy of Dr. Jamie Burkhart, Director of Women in Leadership at the Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA). 

Joining Dr. Janet Pilcher, Dr. Burkhart discusses her leadership journey and demonstrates why "going slow to go fast" is the only sustainable path to strategic improvement. She also details how MASA's Women in Leadership Initiative has grown from a group of five women to a statewide cohort focused on multiplying leadership, building capacity, and intentionally growing the next generation of female leaders across the state. 

Listen to hear how focusing on people and purpose helps leaders tackle current challenges like recruitment, retention, and political pressures.

This episode addresses questions such as:

1. What are the most pressing and significant trends facing educational leaders today, and how can professional organizations effectively support them?
2. What is the critical relationship between organizational culture and strategic improvement?
3. How does a leader build a foundation for lasting positive change?

Recommended Resources:  The Culture-Strategy Equation: Reflections from the AASA Conference, Empowered Leaders and Aligned Values, Go Slow to Go Fast

Follow Host Dr. Janet Pilcher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetpilcher/

"Education is truly the conduit to freedom."

This powerful belief drives Superintendent Dr. Tremayne Clardy of the Verona Area School District. Joining Dr. Janet Pilcher, he discusses how the district is strategically establishing literacy as the driving force behind all its work. Dr. Clardy explains why, in today's complex world, strong literacy is the path to student freedom and the one way to ensure every child gains the critical thinking skills necessary to thrive. Listen to hear how this singular focus fuels a disciplined, systemic practice that ensures consistency across the organization.

This episode addresses questions such as:

• What is the strategic role of literacy in a district's overall mission?
• How does systems alignment ensure that all students have equitable access to opportunities?

Recommended Resources:  Listen Humbly and Learn Continuously, Transform Communities by Transforming Schools, Remember Your Why: From Struggle to Purpose

Follow Host Dr. Janet Pilcher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetpilcher/

Recurring problems demand a shift in focus. In this final rapid-fire episode, Dr. Janet Pilcher shares three essential steps to move away from blame and toward process improvement. Learn what it takes to reframe discussions, conduct a system audit, and hardwire new, standardized processes for better performance and desired outcomes.

Recommended Resources:  Empower Your Team by Embracing Accountability, Achieve Operational Efficiency with Process Improvement, Process Improvement Tool: Stoplight Report

Follow Host Dr. Janet Pilcher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetpilcher/

External noise is a constant, yet you can be a source of stability and trust. Dr. Janet Pilcher shares three actionable steps educational leaders can take to proactively share their story and build strong allies. In five minutes, learn how to anchor conversations to your scorecard, lead with what's right, and ensure message consistency across your system. 

Recommended Resources:  Save Time with Proactive Communication, Communicate at All Levels, Communicate Clearly, With Simplicity

Follow Host Dr. Janet Pilcher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetpilcher/

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:

• How can operations leaders use internal surveys and data to pinpoint system inefficiencies?
• What are the benefits of leading with service and explaining the "why" to internal teams instead of just mandating compliance?
• What is the "Lone Wolf" problem, and why is eliminating it essential for building a high-performing team culture?

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:

• How does a '1% Better' philosophy translate into high-performing leadership actions?
• How can operations departments move toward innovative systems that accelerate student success?

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:

• How does leadership coaching provide personalized support and drive continuous improvement?
• Why is it important for leaders to actively seek out mentors?
• How can you effectively hardwire practices like rounding and recognition for genuine, lasting connections?

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: 

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.