Summary

In this episode of the Blue Skies Leadership Podcast, hosts Dan Kerr and Daniel Mendes engage with Nancy Lhoest-Squicciarini, who shares her extensive experience in middle-level leadership within international schools. The conversation explores the importance of teacher efficacy, the need for intentional collaboration, and cultivating a healthy school culture. Nancy emphasizes the significance of psychological safety, trust-building, and the role of middle leaders in fostering a positive educational environment. The discussion also highlights practical advice for aspiring leaders and the key traits that effective middle-level leaders should possess.

Takeaways

• Teacher efficacy is the number one influencer of student learning.
• Intentional collaboration among teachers is crucial for success.
• Meetings should have clear outcomes and engage participants meaningfully.
• Psychological safety allows for healthy cognitive conflict in teams.
• Building trust is foundational for effective leadership.
• Middle leaders should model distributed leadership practices.
• Celebrating successes is essential for a positive school culture.
• Mentorship is vital for personal and professional growth.
• Effective leaders prioritize student learning above all else.
• Curiosity and inquiry are key traits of successful leaders.

Sound Bites

• "Culture is not always the best culture."
• "You have to build trust with intentionality."
• "You can still have fun and collaborate."
• "Jump on any opportunity to get involved."
• "It's about the community and the learners."
• "Learning leader puts learning first."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Blue Skies Leadership Podcast

01:59 The Importance of Middle-Level Leadership

03:27 Blue Sky Thinking in Education

08:59 Cultivating a Healthy School Culture

14:19 Promoting Collaboration and Distributed Leadership

20:57 Advice for Aspiring Leaders

25:16 Key Traits of Effective Middle-Level Leaders

30:50 Connecting with Nancy Lhoest-Squicciarini