Leading Through Unprecedented Times

May 16 2024 11
Leading Through Unprecedented Times Podcast artwork

Leading Through Unprecedented Times, hosted by Thomas C. Murray of Future Ready Schools, looks at how today’s leaders are working to maximize student learning experiences and break down traditional barriers, all while facing the adversity that comes their way. Each week guests share powerful stories of resilience, vulnerability, equity, and the importance of collaborative leadership. These stories provide inspiration, hope, and support for your professional practices, regardless of position. Start listening today!

RSS feed Share
Copy RSS


Subscribe on Podcast Addict


Don't Confuse Access with Belonging (with Dr. Dennis Williams)

May 16 2024 25 mins  
Creating a sense of belonging for students is critical, as it can impact their leadership skills, academics, and overall school experience. Principals should actively seek student voice, embrace diversity, and go beyond just providing access to truly engage the school community. Join PA High School Principal, Dr. Dennis Williams as he wrestles with: - How can principals foster a se

Ensuring Access & Opportunity (with Dr. Robin Avelar La Salle)

May 09 2024 33 mins  
Establishing a universal floor of academic excellence for all students, while addressing systemic inequities through data-driven, evidence-based practices, is crucial to ensuring equitable access and opportunity. You won't want to miss Dr. Robin Avelar La Salle, CEO of Orenda Education, dive deep into equity-related practices! Check out Episode 5 of Season 6 to understand: - What a

Life Changing Learning (with Dr. David Law)

May 02 2024 28 mins  
Superintendent Dr. David Law emphasizes the importance of creating a child-centered, empowering, and innovative learning environment that celebrates excellence, fosters experiential learning, and empowers both students and staff. Check out Episode 4 of Season 6 to learn: - How does Minnetonka Public Schools promote experiential learning and prepare students for the real world? - Wh

Behind the Mission of Serving Students (with Dr. Julie Mitchell)

Apr 25 2024 26 mins  
In Episode 3 of Season 6 of Future Ready's Leading Through Unprecedented Times, Dr. Julie Mitchell (@_JulieMitchell_) superintendent of Rowland Unified School District in California, discusses effective leadership, student voice, empathy interviews, family engagement, and shares incredible advice for aspiring school leaders. She emphasizes the importance of being vulnerable, caring

Championing Kids at the Middle Level (with Dr. Carmen Maring)

Apr 18 2024 35 mins  
Episode 2 of Season 6 of Future Ready's Leading Through Unprecedented Times kicks off as Michigan Middle School Principal Dr. Carmen Maring (@Dr_Maring) discusses the importance of championing kids at the middle level. Dr. Polyak highlights various leadership lessons learned and shares valuable insights for school and district leaders. Listen/Subscribe: https://FutureReady.org/lead

Cultivating Trust in the School System (with Dr. Nick Polyak)

Apr 11 2024 23 mins  
Season 6 of Future Ready's Leading Through Unprecedented Times kicks off as Illinois Superintendent Dr. Nick Polyak (@NCPolyak) discusses cultivating trust in the school system, sharing insights on innovation, student voice, and creating a culture of empowerment. Dr. Polyak highlights various learner-centered programs happening in his district, emphasizing the importance of investi

The Exciting Future of Education (with Dr. Calvin Watts)

Aug 02 2023 36 mins  
In the final episode of Season 5 of Leading Through Unprecedented Times, Dr. Calvin Watts, Superintendent of Gwinnett County SD (GA), one of the largest districts in the US, discusses the exciting future of education. Dr. Watts shares his "look, listen, and learn" strategy and how he's leading to best prepare his kids for their future. Don't miss this final episode with this incred

A Crash Course on School Social Media (with Andrea Gribble)

Jul 26 2023 30 mins  
Andrea Gribble is on the front lines of seeing the latest trends in school communication. As schools and districts gear up for the next year, how can they best communicate? How can schools share their story at a time of such divisiveness and negativity? In this episode, Andrea shares best practices in social media use, how "not everything needs to be on social media," and practical

Leaving a Legacy (with Tom Burton)

Jul 19 2023 29 mins  
With only a handful of days left in his educational career, long-time Ohio Superintendent Tom Burton reflects on the leadership lessons learned throughout his career. You won't want to miss this inspirational leader as he reminds us, "It's not about you," and how, "It takes a village," and building team capacity is essential. Listen/Subscribe: https://FutureReady.org/leading #Futur

A Culture of Character (with Stephen Mackey)

Jul 12 2023 32 mins  
Stephen Mackey has built his career on creating a culture of character. The best-selling author of The Locker Room, Mackey uncovers leadership lessons from the sports field to the locker room, highlighting how teams want to see differences and how the diversity in our lenses and skillsets makes us stronger. Mackey shares practical ways that school and district leaders can be intent