Leading with Authenticity: Education Insights from Dr. Bret Schroder & Dr. Paul Gausman

More Than a Test

In this episode, Dr. Schroder opens up about the obstacles he encountered advocating for children and the personal wisdom he's gained along the way, including invaluable insights from Brene Brown's Daring to Lead. His journey from a minority-majority school district to his current position at Schuyler Community Schools highlights his commitment to diversity and ensuring every child has equal opportunities.

Dr. Gausman offers us two decades of experience as a superintendent, sharing the intricacies of education funding, school culture, and the external forces that impact our schools. Both superintendents discuss the hot topic of snow day decisions and the public's passionate responses, alongside the significance of serving the community's needs first and foremost.

As we explore the unexpected growth of Lincoln Public Schools in Nebraska and hear about their progressive work in incorporating AI into education, we recognize the tireless efforts of these leaders in adapting to challenges.

Join us as we tackle these issues head-on and share enlightening conversations from the AASA conference in San Diego. So, tune in and be challenged, be inspired, and go beyond the test with these educational leaders who are reshaping the landscape of our school districts.

Timestamps

00:00 The AASA conference featured heartfelt conversations among superintendents.

06:01 Superintendent discusses rural vs urban district experiences.

08:26 Calculators became popular; AI is essential now.

10:36 CEO Mark started Amira to help kids.

14:08 Occasional pushback but thankful for the engaged board.

16:04 District works to evaluate and prioritize initiatives.

21:01 Surprising lack of engagement in budget meetings.

24:15 Underrated leadership bible for leading change initiatives.

27:10 Nebraska is seen as a good life with opportunities.

30:28 Superintendent from Alaska to collaborate on safety.

34:21 Privileged to care for people's most prized possessions.

36:01 Positive experience only applied for this position.

38:36 Focusing on priorities and making good decisions.

Connect with Dr. Paul Gausman

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgausman/

Website: https://home.lps.org/superintendent/

Connect with Dr. Bret Schroder

Website: https://www.elmcreekschools.org/

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About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology.

Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-a-test/id1685012543

Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/

About Amira Learning

Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency.

About your Host, Laura Glaab

Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management.

Everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems.

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/

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Visit Amira Learning: https://www.amiralearning.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amira-learning

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amira-learning

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amira_learning/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Amira-Learning-App-100064672554061/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmiraLearning

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Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD