312: Embracing Change by Empowering Teachers: A Recipe for Educational Transformation
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Guest
Danelle Almaraz, an educational leader with over three decades of experience, is committed to advancing leadership in modern education. At InnovateED, she empowers middle-tier leaders, promoting collaboration, innovation, and growth. Danelle champions continuous improvement, student success, and curiosity, advocating for an inclusive educational experience that enables learners at all levels to drive positive change.
Summary
This episode dives into three key ingredients for educational systems that are curious about transformation: empowered students and teachers, overcoming resistance to change, and establishing the all-important share purpose.
Danelle argues for shifting the focus from top-down directives to cultivating student curiosity and creativity. Schools can better prepare students for the unpredictable future by granting teachers more autonomy.
The discussion also tackles overcoming resistance to new initiatives. Collaboration is key, with Danelle advocating for a "lead from the middle" approach that involves teachers and principals as partners in navigating change.
Finally, we emphasize the importance of a clear, shared purpose to guide decision-making and rally the school community.
Social Media
http://linkedin.com/in/danelle-almaraz
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100013505683057&mibextid=LQQJ4d
https://www.instagram.com/dalmaraz007?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Referenced
Uncertain, the Wisdom of Being Unsure by Maggie Jackson
About Jeff
Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.
Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.
Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.
Show Credits
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"Getting Unstuck" theme music: Original composition of "Allegro ben ritmato e deciso" by George Gershwin. Arrangement and recording courtesy of Bruno Lecoeur.