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