Best Peter Stiepleman Podcasts (2025)

1
Michael Nelson Sees the Good: How Proximity and Relationships Lead to Student Success 41:10

6h ago41:10

41:10

Dive into the latest episode of "An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast" featuring the incredible Michael Nelson, former Superintendent of Enumclaw School District and former Assistant Executive Director for professional learning for the Washington Association of School Administrators. This conversation offers profound insi…

1
Nothing for Them, Without Them: Dr. Monique Darrisaw-Akil's Humble, Reflective Leadership 56:33

7d ago56:33

56:33

📢 Encore Episode: A Must-Listen for School Leaders! 🎧 As educators across the country gear up for a new school year, we’re bringing back one of our most powerful conversations featuring Dr. Monique Darrisaw-Akil, Superintendent of the Uniondale School District in New York. 🙌 Dr. Darrisaw Akil led a massive cultural and educational shift in a distri…

1
The Heart of the School with Matt Hornbeck 58:56

14d ago58:56

58:56

Hello Imperfect Leaders! It's summer!! And for leaders, that means reflection. And it means planning for the coming year. It is for that reason that this week's episode is an encore episode specifically picked with your upcoming year in mind. INTRO: This week, Matt Hornbeck is my guest. He is the principal of Hampstead Hill Academy in Baltimore, M…

1
What Community Really Means: Lessons from the Bronx with Dr. Meisha Porter 54:28

21d ago54:28

54:28

The most unexpected thing happened the other day. My car was on the fritz, and to my surprise, the mechanic offered to swing by my house. That alone was generous. He popped the hood, diagnosed the issue, and had it fixed in no time. Now, just when I thought the day couldn’t get any more unusual, he spotted a ukulele sitting on my table. Without mis…

1
Dr. Adam Swinyard on Public Education as a Promise and Relationships at the Core (Encore Episode) 53:10

28d ago53:10

53:10

This past week has seen many of us in education trying to make sense of what the future holds. It's for that reason, I wanted to bring back my conversation with Dr. Adam Swinyard, Superintendent of Spokane Public Schools and the 2023 Washington State Superintendent of the Year 🏆 Here are 🔑 highlights from this inspiring episode: 💡 Organizational Le…

1
Imperfect by Design: What Michael Lubelfeld and Nick Polyak Learned from Crisis and Innovation 54:37

1M ago54:37

54:37

📢 New Episode Alert! 🎧 We're thrilled to share a powerful new episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast! This week, we sit down with two incredible Illinois Superintendents: Dr. Nick Polyak and Dr. Michael Lubelfeld. This conversation is packed with wisdom, vulnerability, and practical insights for anyone in leaders…

1
Authentic Leadership in Action: Marlon Styles Brags About What’s Right in Public Education 55:16

1M ago55:16

55:16

🎙️Join us on An Imperfect Leader with trailblazing Marlon Styles!🎙️ This week on An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, we get to feature Marlon Styles, former Superintendent of Middletown City School District (OH) and current Partner at the Learner Center Collaborative. 🏫💼 🏆 Named K12 Dive’s Superintendent of the Year in …

1
Crisis to Clarity: Essential Lessons for Superintendents from Communications Expert Veronica Sopher 57:39

2M ago57:39

57:39

This week, we had an incredibly conversation with Veronica Sopher, an award-winning media-trained public information officer and founder of Veronica Sopher K12 Communications Consulting. With 25+ years of experience counseling school leaders, Veronica shared invaluable wisdom on navigating the complexities of educational leadership. 🏫💡 We delved in…

1
What 30+ Years in the Superintendency Taught Dr. Dennis Peterson About Leadership Today 53:54

2M ago53:54

53:54

In this week’s episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, we sit down with veteran superintendent Dr. Dennis Peterson to explore the shifting landscape of school leadership over the decades. 👇 💡 Key Insights: 🔄 Leadership Has Evolved: From autocratic to inclusive, with school boards now at the center of decision-mak…

1
The Power of Wholehearted Leadership with Dr. Kathryn Fishman-Weaver 55:29

2M ago55:29

55:29

🌟 The Power of Wholehearted Leadership: 4 Key Insights from Dr. Kathryn Fishman-Weaver 🌟 In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, we have an incredible conversation with Dr. Kathryn Fishman-Weaver, the Executive Director of Mizzou Academy. Some key takeaways from our conversation include: 📖 1. Stories Are …

1
Dr. Laura Chávez-Moreno and How Schools Make Race: What They Miss by Staying in "Sesame Street" 48:53

2M ago48:53

48:53

This week on An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, we talk with UCLA's Dr. Laura Chavez Moreno, author of "How Schools Make Race: Teaching Latinx Racialization in America". Dr. Chavez Moreno's work challenges us to think beyond superficial approaches to racial identity in schools. Here are three key themes and insights fr…

1
Beyond the Checklist: Jill Molli and Leading School Culture with a Conscious Bullseye 51:21

3M ago51:21

51:21

🚀 New episode alert! 🎧 Tune into the latest episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast featuring Jill Molli, Chief Growth Officer for Conscious Discipline. We had a truly insightful conversation about how conscious leadership can drive significant culture shifts in education! Here are a few key takeaways from our dis…

1
Restorative Practices for School Leaders to Embed Systems & Shift Adult Culture with Nicholas Bradford 59:57

3M ago59:57

59:57

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, Peter Stiepleman sits down with Nicholas Bradford, Founder and Executive Director of the National Center for Restorative Justice. Nicholas is also the co-author of A Real-World Guide to Restorative Justice in Schools: Practical Philosophy, Useful Tools, and True Sto…

1
How This Principal Fixed a Failing School Culture to Hit the Top 5% - Amy Galloway 53:44

3M ago53:44

53:44

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, Peter Stiepleman sits down with Dr. Amy Galloway, former principal, state education leader, and co-founder of Pivot School Improvement Leaders. As a school leader, Amy led one of Tennessee’s most dramatic school turnarounds, moving a neighborhood school in Nashville…

1
Speaking the Same Language: Communication Strategies for Bridging Divides with Lori Weigel and Jonathan Voss 1:08:43

3M ago1:08:43

1:08:43

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Lori Weigel, Principal at New Bridge Strategy, and Jonathan Voss, Former-Partner at Lake Research Partners and Founder of Voss Research and Strategy. Two leaders from opposite ends of the political spectrum who are united by a common mission: to help…

1
Innovation Lessons for School Leaders to Build Real Student Agency with Josh Reppun 1:06:03

4M ago1:06:03

1:06:03

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, Peter Stiepleman sits down with Josh Reppun, host and Global Community Director of What School Could Be. Josh, a former history teacher turned educational innovator, shares his journey of challenging traditional education models. Through his work with the What Schoo…

1
From Controversy to Collaboration: Co-designing Education in Anacortes with Dr. Justin Irish 57:15

4M ago57:15

57:15

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Justin Irish, Superintendent of the Anacortes School District in Washington and a former principal at Edmonds School District. Dr. Justin Irish shares how systems thinking, co-design, and meaningful partnerships have helped his district navigate …

1
Cultural Frameworks for K-8 Leaders to Build Equity and Cut Suspensions with Dr. Lupita Ley Hightower 46:55

4M ago46:55

46:55

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Lupita Ley Hightower, the 2023 Arizona Superintendent of the Year and the 2024 Voice for Equity Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Dr. Hightower, who recently retired from her role as the superintendent of the Tolleson Elementary School Distri…

1
How Student Leadership & Community Engagement Are Transformative for Schools with Michelle Caulfield 52:13

4M ago52:13

52:13

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Michelle Caulfield, Superintendent of the Corning-Painted Post Area School District in Corning, New York. Michelle shares how her district is expanding access to opportunities by centering student voice, investing in innovative programs, and building…

1
Unlocking Communication: Moises Morgenstern of Empat Speech on Bridging the Speech Therapy Gap 42:56

4M ago42:56

42:56

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Moises Morgenstern, co-founder and CEO of Empat Speech, a leading platform that connects schools with experienced speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Moises shares how his company is improving access to speech therapy using technology, addressing th…

1
Kim Armstrong and Sandy Husk and the Power of Clear Communication During Challenges 1:04:30

5M ago1:04:30

1:04:30

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Sandy Husk, former interim superintendent of Portland Public Schools, and Dr. Kim Armstrong, the district’s current superintendent. These two remarkable leaders discuss the challenges and opportunities of transitioning leadership, navigating budg…

1
How Going Phone-Free Increased Student Focus and Improved School Culture with Damian McBeath 50:44

5M ago50:44

50:44

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I'm joined by Damian McBeath, Principal of the John Wallis Church of England Academy. As an experienced school leader and author, Damian brings a wealth of knowledge on education reform, leadership, and the evolving role of schools in shaping students beyond academi…

1
AI in education and navigating a school through crises with Dr. Curtis Cain 51:42

5M ago51:42

51:42

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Curtis Cain, Superintendent of the Rockwood School District and 2022's National Superintendent of the Year. With decades of experience in educational leadership, Dr. Cain offers deep insights into navigating the complexities of leading a major scho…

1
Lee Loving's Guide to Asking the Right Questions - Including What Might Happen if I Close the School's Library? 😬 48:29

5M ago48:29

48:29

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, our guest is Lee Loving, Superintendent of the North Santiam School District in Stayton, Oregon! In our conversation, Lee shares insightful perspectives on leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement. Listen in as we discuss: Connection: The importance …

1
Marcus Chambers on Community, Relationships, and Post-Pandemic Realities 55:53

6M ago55:53

55:53

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, Marcus Chambers shares his insights on leadership, community, and navigating the challenges in education today. Here are three key takeaways: A+ School District: Superintendent Chambers explains Okaloosa County's focus on being an "A+ school district" ➕, emphasizing…

1
Beyond Best Practices: Earl Franks on "Next Practices" and the Future of Elementary Education 55:23

6M ago55:23

55:23

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader, we had the pleasure of speaking with Earl Franks, the Executive Director of the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). We explored some critical themes for today's educational leaders: 🤝 The Power of Collaboration: Earl emphasizes how crucial it is for educational organizations to work …

1
Rethinking Grades: Joe Feldman on Creating Fair and Motivating Learning Environments 54:30

6M ago54:30

54:30

On this week's podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Joe Feldman, the founder and CEO of Crescendo Education Group, about equitable grading practices. 🍎 It was an insightful conversation, and here are three key things I'm taking away: Traditional grading often undermines learning: Many teachers receive little to no training on grading. As a…

1
A Walk in Their Kicks: Dr. Aaron Johnson and School Environments That Value All 56:53

6M ago56:53

56:53

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, we get to sit down with Dr. Aaron Johnson, leader, author, and professor. Here are some takeaways from our conversation: 🗣️ Humanizing Students: It's so crucial to allow students to be themselves, express their opinions, and share what they like and dislike about sc…

1
Beyond the Arena: Melissa Sonnek's Journey in Education and Equity 58:22

7M ago58:22

58:22

This powerful conversation dives deep into leadership, equity, and creating inclusive educational spaces. Melissa, Associate Superintendent at Roseville Area Schools, shared invaluable lessons that are a must for any leader. Here's a quick recap: 💪 Courageous Leadership: Melissa emphasizes the need to challenge inequity head-on. 🌱 Identity & Achiev…

1
An Imperfect Leader: Michelle Osterhoudt on Connection, Community, and Courage 57:42

7M ago57:42

57:42

📢 Exciting new episode of An Imperfect Leader! 📢 I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Michelle Osterhoudt, Superintendent of Margaretville Central Schools, and it was an incredibly insightful conversation! Here are some of the key themes: Rethinking Traditional Education 🏫: Michelle shared her personal experience with her daughter's struggl…

1
Stephen Pruitt on Removing Barriers and Leading with Compassion and Action 1:01:42

7M ago1:01:42

1:01:42

📢 We had an INCREDIBLE conversation with Dr. Stephen Pruitt, President of the Southern Regional Education Board. 🎧 We dove deep into education, leadership, and creating real change. Here are some of the key takeaways: 🤝 Stakeholder vs. Shareholder: Dr. Pruitt brilliantly explained that in education, we need to move beyond "stakeholders" and cultiva…

1
Quintin Shepherd: Owning the Complexity of Leadership 39:11

7M ago39:11

39:11

Have you ever felt like the traditional leadership models just don't fit? 🤔 Then you NEED to listen to our latest episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast with the incredible Dr. Quintin Shepherd. 🎧 We dive deep into #transformational #leadership, the power of language, and how to truly connect with your #community…

1
An Imperfect Leader with Doug Reeves: Coaching, Courage, and Classroom Connections 47:56

7M ago47:56

47:56

📢 The tree is lit and the cookies have been set out for Santa. It's the perfect time to tune in to an amazing remastered encore episode with Douglas Reeves on An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast! 🎧 We dive deep into crucial topics for today's education leaders. Here are some key takeaways: 1️⃣ Theme 1: The Urgent Need fo…

1
Small Town, Big Decisions: Casey Hallgarth Leads with Heart in Rural Oregon 47:25

8M ago47:25

47:25

This week, Casey Hallgarth, Superintendent of the Baker School District in Baker City, Oregon, joins the podcast. Here are a few key takeaways: Building relationships is paramount to successful leadership. Casey emphasizes the significance of authentic and genuine connections with staff, community members, and board members. Shared image of success…

1
Dr. Ron Taylor's Imperfect Leader's Playbook: Integrity, Grace, and Trust 56:23

8M ago56:23

56:23

Join me for a powerful conversation with Dr. Ronald Taylor, former superintendent and author of The Courage to Lead with Integrity for Equity, on the latest episode of An Imperfect Leader! Dr. Taylor shares his remarkable journey in education, exploring the critical importance of equity, integrity, and courage in leadership. We discuss: The impact …

1
The Power of Listening: Jerry Almendarez on Leadership, Collaboration, and Embracing Imperfection 53:10

8M ago53:10

53:10

🎙️Join us for this insightful conversation with Jerry Almendarez, Superintendent of Santa Ana Unified School District Jerry's leadership journey provided valuable takeaways, especially regarding school improvement initiatives: The Power of Student Voice 🗣️: Jerry emphasized the importance of incorporating student perspectives in decision-making pro…

1
Be Caught Trying with Samir Goel: A Conversation on Leadership and Gratitude (Encore +) 41:49

8M ago41:49

41:49

INTRO: It's Thanksgiving week, and what better time to reflect on the things we're grateful for? 🙏 This week, we're sharing an encore episode (with before and after commentary with Jamie Almanzán) that truly embodies the spirit of gratitude. 🍂 Join me as I speak with Samir Goel, co-founder and co-CEO of Esusu, a company dedicated to dismantling bar…

1
Beyond the Default Setting: Larry Dake on Embracing Imperfection, Cultivating Growth 51:54

9M ago51:54

51:54

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, Dr. Larry Dake, Superintendent of the Chenango Valley Central School District, shares invaluable lessons learned throughout his leadership journey, emphasizing the importance of: Relationships: Building strong relationships with staff, students, and families is cruc…

1
When Education Wins, We All Win: A Conversation with Vikas Pota 43:35

9M ago43:35

43:35

It was an honor to have Vikas Pota as our guest on An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast 🎧 🎙️ We had a fantastic conversation about T4 Education, the World's Best School Prize, and the importance of recognizing and celebrating the amazing work happening in schools around the globe. Here are four key takeaways: Shining a Sp…

1
Tony Aylsworth Builds Trust and Teaches Us How Every Vote Counts 33:12

9M ago33:12

33:12

It's Election Day! Make sure you get out there and make your voice heard-- every vote counts! 🎧 In this encore episode of An Imperfect Leader, we feature Tony Aylsworth, Superintendent of Pleasantville Community Schools in Pleasantville, Iowa. Tony shares valuable insights from his leadership journey, including: The Power of Collective Aspiration: …

1
Dr. Kim Hartmann's Recipe for Outcome-Focused School Boards: Trust 50:05

9M ago50:05

50:05

Join us as we sit down with Dr. Kim Hartmann, CEO of KCH Solutions and former school board member, for a conversation about building trust, fostering collaboration, and navigating the complexities of school leadership. Kim shares invaluable insights from her experience in both the corporate and education worlds, including: 🔑 The critical link betwe…

1
Dr. Rachel White Talks Mirrors, Windows, and Data in the Superintendency 56:48

10M ago56:48

56:48

Join Jamie Almanzán and me for an insightful conversation with Dr. Rachel White, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. White, a former school board member and policy analyst, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for equity to her research on the superintendency. In this epi…

1
Beyond the Label: Kurt Schneider Transforms Education for Every Learner 1:00:34

10M ago1:00:34

1:00:34

📣 Tune in to the latest episode of An Imperfect Leader 🎧 featuring Kurt A Schneider of TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804 in Highland Park, Illinois. Dr. Schneider shares his insights on leading systemic transformation in education, emphasizing the importance of equity and inclusion for ALL learners. Here are three key takeaways from our convers…

1
Unpacking the Science of Reading (and More!) with Kim Marshall and The Marshall Memo 55:37

10M ago55:37

55:37

Join us for this week's episode of An Imperfect Leader featuring Kim Marshall, author and creator of The Marshall Memo. Kim has spent over 20 years curating the best research and ideas in education and distilling them into easily digestible summaries that have empowered countless educators. In this conversation, we discuss: The five levels of engag…

1
In Cape (Girardeau), They're Leading Like a Buffalo 44:09

10M ago44:09

44:09

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Dr. Howard Benyon, Superintendent of Cape Girardeau Public Schools in Missouri, and Dr. Brice Beck, Deputy Superintendent. These inspiring leaders share insights on: ✅ Making fearless, student-first decisions, especially when it comes to go…

1
Leading with Purpose: A Superintendent's Journey on the Wind River Reservation 48:05

11M ago48:05

48:05

Jamie Almanzán and I are thrilled to announce today's guest on An Imperfect Leader is Superintendent Deb Smith of Fort Washakie Schools in Fremont District 21 on the Wind River Reservation, Wyoming. A proud member of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe and descendant of the NORTHERN ARAPAHO TRIBE INC, Deb has been recognized for her leadership, including be…

1
The Call to Courage: Shelley Berman Navigates Divisive Forces in Public Education 42:14

11M ago42:14

42:14

Jamie Almanzán and I are thrilled to announce our guest, Dr. Shelley Berman, a veteran superintendent with over 28 years of experience across Massachusetts, Kentucky, and Oregon. He’s also the co-author of The Call to Courage, a timely book co-written with Dr. Luvelle Brown, Superintendent of Ithaca. In this episode, Shelley delves into the growing…

1
From Hartford to Hawaii: Dr. Christina Kishimoto's Voice 4 Equity in Leadership 46:02

11M ago46:02

46:02

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, Jamie Almanzán (of The Equity Collaborative) and I took a journey with Dr. Christina Kishimoto, who shared her remarkable leadership experiences from Connecticut to Arizona to Hawaii to Voice4Equity LLC. We dove into the unique challenges of leading Hawaii’s only st…

1
Leading with Love: Dr. Luvelle Brown on Equity, Courage, and Compassion in Education 43:45

11M ago43:45

43:45

Welcome to Season Three of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast. We’re beginning this season with something truly special—we have a co-host! Jamie Almanzán, a partner and equity coach at The Equity Collaborative, will be joining me this season. Jamie brings a wealth of experience in equity work and leadership coaching, an…

1
Breaking the Rules: A Ruckus Maker's Guide to Leadership with Danny Bauer 37:08

11M ago37:08

37:08

INTRO: In this episode of An Imperfect Leader, we have a very special guest. The Chief Ruckus Maker of Better Leaders Better Schools, Danny Bauer, is here. You might be asking yourself what makes a Ruckus Maker. I assure you, I ask Danny that in the episode. Let me set the stage a little bit about why today is exciting. Danny describes himself as: …

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