Summary: Join C.T. and guest Dr. Bryan Ballenger, Superintendent of Gustine Unified School District in California, as they explore the district’s journey to full inclusion for all students, K through 12th grade. This insightful conversation delves into Gustine’s innovative approach to special education, moving away from traditional pullout models to a co-teaching and full inclusion framework where special education staff support students directly in general education classrooms. Key Takeaways: Background and Leadership: Dr. Ballenger began his career as a special education teacher and has extensive experience as a principal and administrator, bringing a deep understanding of student discipline, instruction, and school governance to his role as superintendent1.Commitment to Inclusion: Gustine USD has transitioned from segregated special education settings to a full inclusion model, serving most students with disabilities in their home schools alongside general education peers3.Shared Vision and Collaboration: The district emphasizes building consensus around inclusive education, fostering collaboration among special and general education staff, and adopting a “servant to servant” approach to family engagement3.Student-Centered Decision Making: Gustine uses Instructional Support Teams (IST) and data-driven processes to tailor supports, focusing on academic achievement and social-emotional development, especially for English learners, students with disabilities, and socioeconomically disadvantaged students23.Professional Development and Capacity Building: The district invests in ongoing training for administrators and teachers to improve inclusive practices, clarify roles, and enhance instructional excellence3.Parent and Community Partnerships: Gustine prioritizes respectful, productive relationships with families through special needs PTAs, webinars, and increased opportunities for parent involvement and training3.Chapters: 00:00 Full Inclusion in Education00:29 Meet Dr. Bryan Ballenger01:06 Overview of Gustine Unified School District02:24 Dr. Ballinger's Journey in Special Education04:51 Implementing Full Inclusion at Gustine08:15 Benefits of Full Inclusion10:40 Challenges and Adaptations18:51 Mental Health and Emotional Support24:12 Personal Leadership Journey33:57 Advice for Aspiring LeadersConnect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Dr. Bryan Ballenger: linkedin.com/in/bryan-ballenger-79972647Music Credit: Shake it Up

Summary: Join C.T. and guest Nathen Ramezane, Principal of Ponderosa Elementary School in Santa Clara Unified School District, California, as they explore leadership rooted in community connection and growth. This insightful conversation delves into Nathen’s approach to serving a diverse student body with over 30% English language learners and 15-20% special education students.Key Takeaways: Empathy & Service: Nathen’s experience in the service industry and coaching informs his leadership style, emphasizing empathy, direction, motivation, and curiosity.Servant Leadership: He identifies as a community builder and servant leader, focusing on empowering and collaborating with staff, students, and families.Diverse Student Body: Ponderosa serves over 500 students, with 30% English language learners and 15–20% qualifying for special education.Inclusive Environment: The school prioritizes meeting the needs of the whole child through strong relationships and a collaborative staff culture.Multiple Feedback Channels: Nathen uses online surveys, advisory committees, principal chats, PTSA events, and classroom celebrations to gather input and foster community.Celebrating Diversity: Events like stay-and-play, reading/writing celebrations, and grade-level showcases bring families together and honor student achievements.Valuing All Voices: He believes collective intelligence leads to better solutions, ensuring all community voices are heard and considered.Continuous Listening: Feedback is used both to celebrate strengths and identify growth areas, with openness to constructive criticism.Embracing Challenges: Nathen encourages staff and students to see challenges and mistakes as opportunities for growth, fostering a culture of resilience and learning.Reflective Planning: School improvement goals are regularly reviewed and updated with input from leadership teams, site councils, and families.Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode00:26 Meet Nathen Ramezane: A Leader with Diverse Experience01:14 Ponderosa Elementary: A Vibrant and Diverse Community02:23 Leadership Challenges and Strategies03:51 Engaging the Community: Tactics and Approaches06:49 Vision and Goals for School Improvement08:29 The Importance of Challenges and Growth16:08 Data-Driven Success and Family Engagement21:31 Influence of Service Industry on Leadership23:11 Balancing Multiple Roles and Staying Motivated33:27 Advice for Aspiring LeadersConnect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Nathen Ramezane: linkedin.com/in/nate-ramezane-27125b57Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

Summary: Join C.T. and guest Deedy Camanera, Principal of Brownell Middle School in Gilroy, California, as they explore the power of human-centered leadership in a diverse school community. This insightful conversation delves into Deedy’s approach to leading with empathy and deep listening, recognizing the unique challenges and strengths each staff member and student brings every day. She shares practical strategies for balancing the demands of school leadership while holding space for the whole person—staff, students, and families alike. Key Takeaways: Human-Centered Leadership: Deedy emphasizes leading with empathy and deep listening, recognizing that every student, staff member, and family comes with unique challenges and strengths each day.Diverse Community: Brownell serves a diverse population including Latino, African American, Asian, immigrant, and foster youth, requiring culturally responsive and inclusive approaches.Balancing Demands: Despite a busy schedule and many responsibilities, Deedy prioritizes giving her full attention to individuals when they need support, creating systems to manage interruptions and maintain focus.Teamwork and Communication: Effective leadership relies on a well-informed and coordinated office and support staff who understand their roles and can anticipate needs, helping the school run smoothly.Self-Care and Boundaries: Deedy acknowledges the mental toll of constant demands and stresses the importance of setting boundaries, scheduling focused time, and taking mental breaks to recharge.Balancing Heart and Rules: While leading with compassion, she also navigates legal and policy constraints, balancing individual needs with broader school safety and regulations.Continuous Improvement: She embraces learning from challenges and adapting protocols to better support staff and students, especially during high-pressure times.Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Human-Centered Leadership00:31 Meet Didi Kana: Background and Experience01:06 Understanding Brownell Middle School04:39 Defining Human-Centered Leadership07:19 Practical Challenges and Approaches09:58 Balancing Leadership and Personal Wellbeing11:23 Building a Supportive School Environment14:36 The Importance of Individualized Leadership25:48 Clifton Strengths and Leadership Development31:15 Didi's Leadership Journey35:58 Advice for Aspiring LeadersConnect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Deedy Camanera: linkedin.com/in/deedy-camarena-32b4b271Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

Summary: Join Dr. Jim and Dr. Eric Byrne, superintendent of the Rye City School District, as they unpack the intricacies of crafting an effective entry plan for new superintendents. Discover how to balance focusing on community stakeholders, operational challenges, and strategic relationship building. Dr. Byrne shares valuable insights from his extensive experience, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, thorough research, and open communication with families and community members. Learn how to set yourself up for long-term success by building trust and continuously engaging with key community players.Key Takeaways: an effective entry plan involves an equal focus on both business operations and personal relationships within the district.Building trust within the community requires consistent presence, engagement, and transparency.New superintendents should seek mentorship and strategically engage with all stakeholders for comprehensive district insight.Continuous learning and feedback are crucial to adapt and refine strategies that address evolving educational landscapes.Chapters: 0:00Mentorship's Impact on Leadership Transition for New Superintendents4:39Intentional Mentorship Through Regular On-Site Meetings7:23Strategies for Leading a High-Performing and Stable School District11:16Superintendent Success Through Comprehensive Entry Planning and Community Engagement18:59Building Trust and Overcoming Resistance in School District Investments24:51Preparing for the Demands of a Superintendent Role29:56Effective Entry Plans for Successful School Superintendencies36:44Building Strong Cultures Through Feedback and Stakeholder EngagementConnect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Dr. Eric Byrne: linkedin.com/in/eric-byrne-b4135b46Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David RendaJoin us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

Summary: Join C.T. and guest Dr. Vern Caruz, Principal of Rancho Milpitas Middle School in California, as they explore how authentic leadership rooted in cultural identity can transform a diverse school community. This insightful conversation delves into Dr. Caruz’s personal journey as an immigrant and English learner returning to lead the very school where he once studied. He shares how embracing Filipino cultural values like kawa (shared identity) helps him build strong relationships with students, families, and staff. Discover how Dr. Caruz balances honoring cultural authenticity with navigating traditional educational leadership models to create an inclusive environment where every student can thrive.Key Takeaways: Leadership Rooted in Cultural Identity: Dr. Caruz draws on his Filipino heritage and immigrant experience to build authentic connections with students and families, fostering a strong sense of community.Embracing Kawa (Shared Identity): The concept of kawa guides his approach to leadership, emphasizing collective responsibility, belonging, and mutual support within the school.Returning to His Roots: Leading the school he once attended gives Dr. Caruz unique insight and motivation to create a nurturing and inclusive environment.Balancing Tradition and Authenticity: He navigates traditional educational leadership expectations while honoring cultural values, creating a leadership style that resonates with his diverse community.Focus on Relationships: Building trust and genuine relationships with students, staff, and families is central to fostering student success and well-being.Championing Diversity and Inclusion: Dr. Caruz advocates for culturally responsive practices that celebrate students’ backgrounds and promote equity.Chapters: 00:00 Introduction00:57 Meet Dr. Vern Caruz01:52 Vern's Journey and School Demographics03:27 Challenges and Experiences as an Immigrant05:17 Leadership in Education: The Triad08:06 The Role and Impact of a Principal11:43 Cultural Identity and Authentic Leadership26:47 Empowering Students and Staff31:14  Advice for Aspiring LeadersConnect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Dr. Vern Caruz: linkedin.com/in/vern-caruz-edd-5971922Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David RendaJoin us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

Summary: Join C.T. and guest Franklin Day, Director of Student Support Services for Cheney School District in Washington, as they explore the district’s inclusive and systematic approach to supporting all students. This insightful conversation delves into Cheney’s focus on building an effective Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), balancing inclusionary practices with targeted interventions, and fostering collaboration among general and special education staff.Key Takeaways: Inclusive Vision: Cheney School District aims for all students to graduate with skills for post-secondary education or work, and to be engaged, contributing community members.Balanced Inclusion: After moving to full inclusion, the district found some students needed more intensive, skill-based support before returning to general classrooms, leading to a more balanced approach.MTSS & Co-Teaching: The district is redeveloping its Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), focusing on tier one and two interventions delivered by classroom teachers, often in co-taught settings.Mindset Shift: A major challenge is moving staff from a “pass off” mentality to shared responsibility for all students, supported by regular professional development and collaborative planning.Targeted Professional Development: Ongoing, site-level PD and co-teaching training-often during lunch hours-have increased teacher participation and improved instructional collaboration.Leadership & Accountability: Principals are empowered as site leaders responsible for implementing PD and co-teaching practices, with district support and clear accountability.Community Diversity: Cheney serves a diverse population across three communities, including a college town, an Air Force base, and a higher-income area, requiring tailored approaches and resource allocation.Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode00:54 Meet Franklin Day: Director of Student Support Services01:21 Understanding the Cheney School District04:04 Challenges and Strategies for Inclusivity07:19 Implementing Inclusionary Practices and MTSS15:37 Leadership and Mindset Shifts22:10 Franklin Day's Leadership JourneyConnect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Franklin Day: cheneysd.org/services-support/student-support-services/department-directoryMusic Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David RendaJoin us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

Summary: Join C.T. and guest Dr. Rebecca Hutchinson, Superintendent of Concord Community Schools in Michigan, as they explore innovative approaches that are transforming learning in a small rural district. This insightful conversation delves into Concord’s personalized learning journey, including team-based teaching models that replace the traditional one-teacher classroom with collaborative educator teams. Dr. Hutchinson shares how this model empowers teachers with autonomy, leverages their strengths, and uses dynamic student grouping to meet individual needs. Key Takeaways: Personalized Learning Focus: Concord Community Schools emphasizes personalized learning, tailoring instruction to meet individual student needs through flexible, dynamic grouping.Team-Based Teaching Model: The district replaces traditional single-teacher classrooms with collaborative educator teams, allowing teachers to leverage their strengths and share responsibility for student success.Teacher Autonomy and Empowerment: Teachers are given greater autonomy to design and adapt instruction, fostering innovation and responsiveness within classrooms.Integration of Social-Emotional Learning: Social-emotional learning is woven into daily practices alongside academics, supporting the whole child’s development.Blended Instruction: Concord uses blended learning strategies to combine in-person and digital tools, enhancing engagement and personalized pathways.Student Agency: The district encourages students to take ownership of their learning, preparing them to be active, self-directed learners.Small Rural District Innovation: Despite its size and rural context, Concord demonstrates that thoughtful leadership and innovative practices can create vibrant, effective learning environments.Chapters: 00:00 Introduction00:35 Meet Dr. Rebecca "Becky" Hutchinson01:15 Overview of Concord Community Schools03:58 Creating Student-Centered Learning Environments07:31 Empowering Teachers and Building Self-Efficacy12:29 Innovative Team-Based Instructional Models15:02 Dynamic Grouping and Distributed Leadership18:54 Challenges and Successes in Implementation37:37 Leadership Insights and Personal GrowthConnect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Dr. Rebecca Hutchinson: linkedin.com/in/rebecca-hutchinson-1517b9234Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David RendaJoin us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

Summary: Join C.T. and guest Dr. Brett Geithman, Superintendent of Larkspur-Corte Madera School District in California, as they explore how intentional leadership and innovative professional development are shaping a model for student and staff success. This insightful conversation delves into Dr. Geithman’s commitment to personalized learning through inquiry-based instruction, such as Cognitively Guided Instruction in math and structured literacy, and his district’s multi-layered approach to professional developmentKey Takeaways: Community-Funded Stability: Larkspur-Corte Madera is a community-funded “basic aid” district, allowing greater focus on instructional quality rather than enrollment pressures.Leadership Pipeline: The “Leaders From Within” program develops both classified and certificated staff for leadership roles, benefiting the district and the wider region.Gradual Release Model: The district partners with outside experts (like UCLA for Cognitively Guided Instruction in math), but intentionally builds internal teacher leaders to sustain and personalize professional development.Four-Layer PD Framework:District-wide foundational knowledgeSite-specific PD tailored to each schoolGrade-level/department PD for subject/age needsIndividualized coaching for teachersPersonalized Support: PD is differentiated by teachers’ experience and needs, with ongoing coaching and lesson study models to embed new practices.Strategic Alignment: All PD and instructional initiatives are closely linked to the district’s strategic vision, with careful planning and timing to maintain momentum.Collaborative Culture: The district values risk-taking, collaboration, and reflection, and leverages strong community partnerships to support academic and social-emotional growth.Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Overcoming PD Challenges00:47 Meet Dr. Brett Geman: A Leader in Personalized Learning01:28 District Overview: Larksburg Jte Madera School District03:34 Leadership Development: Building the Next Generation08:30 Four Layers of Effective PD12:36 Strategic Planning for PD Implementation23:54 Funding Professional Development: Time and Money Solutions36:58 Brett Geman's Leadership Journey42:28 Final ThoughtsConnect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Dr. Brett Geithman: lcmschools.org/Page/2360Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David RendaJoin us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe