Season 3, Episode 14 | " Good Health and Well Being" with Dr. Andy Johnsen, Dr. Leighangela Brady, Dr. Karl Mueller
Update: 2025-05-09
Description
Welcome to Season 3, Episode 14 of "Future Pathways: Superintendents Unplugged."
Sponsored by a champion of schools, school leaders, teachers and employees - SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union - we have an excellent episode featuring three amazing Superintendents: Dr. Andy Johnsen (San Marcos Unified), Dr. Leighangela Brady (National School District), and Dr. Karl Mueller (Coronado Unified).
Introduction of Topic
Thank you for unplugging and listening to Future Pathways: Superintendents Unplugged. Be sure to subscribe to the show and share with your colleagues!
The Presenting Sponsor for Season 3 of Future Pathways: Superintendents Unplugged is Schools First Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California serving school employees and their families since 1934. Please learn more about Schools First Federal Credit Union by visiting https://www.schoolsfirstfcu.org/
Sponsored by a champion of schools, school leaders, teachers and employees - SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union - we have an excellent episode featuring three amazing Superintendents: Dr. Andy Johnsen (San Marcos Unified), Dr. Leighangela Brady (National School District), and Dr. Karl Mueller (Coronado Unified).
Introduction of Topic
- The topic of the discussion is the importance of good health and well-being in schools.
- Drew emphasizes the critical role of superintendents in addressing mental health issues for students, staff, and parents.
- The conversation is framed around the evolving responsibilities of public education and the need for mental health support.
- Dr. Andy Johnsen discusses the crisis level of mental health issues affecting students, staff, and offices.
- He reflects on the shift in focus from traditional education goals to the importance of mental health support.
- Andy highlights the necessity of having a full counseling and social work staff in schools.
- The conversation touches on the historical context of mental health support in schools, emphasizing its growing importance.
- Dr. Karl Mueller discusses the critical need for access to mental health services in schools.
- He explains the evolving role of public education, including providing before and after care and mental health support.
- Karl emphasizes the importance of feeling safe and comfortable for students to achieve academic success.
- The conversation shifts to the impact of the pandemic on mental health issues, exacerbating existing challenges.
- Dr. Karl Mueller elaborates on the pre-pandemic mental health issues and how the pandemic exacerbated them.
- He discusses the narrative shift during the pandemic, focusing on the academic and mental health crises.
- The conversation highlights the anxiety and stress caused by the pandemic and its impact on students and parents.
- Karl emphasizes the need for deliberate messaging to the community to mitigate the negative effects of the pandemic.
- Dr. Leighangela Brady discusses the importance of food and nutrition in mental health.
- She shares personal experiences with food sensitivities and their impact on her health and the health of her staff and students.
- Leighangela highlights the work of the National School District in sustainability and organic food initiatives.
- The conversation touches on the broader impact of food systems on mental health and the need for innovation in school food practices.
- Drew Schlosberg introduces the topic of the child obesity crisis and its impact on health systems.
- Dr. Andy Johnsen discusses the importance of communication and messaging in addressing mental health issues.
- The conversation explores the challenges of balancing personal and professional responsibilities as a superintendent.
- Andy emphasizes the need for humility and transparency in leadership to support staff and students.
- Dr. Karl Mueller discusses the wellness initiatives and support systems in the Coronado Unified School District.
- He highlights the importance of modeling healthy behaviors and providing resources for staff wellness.
- The conversation includes examples of wellness programs, such as teen mental health first aid training and community partnerships.
- Karl emphasizes the need for ongoing support and communication to address the evolving responsibilities of public education.
- Dr. Andy Johnsen discusses the importance of rest and renewal in leadership.
- He shares personal experiences with prioritizing sleep and daily renewal activities.
- The conversation explores the scientific difference between rest and renewal and its impact on mental health.
- Andy emphasizes the need for intentional rest and renewal to sustain leadership effectiveness.
- Dr. Leighangela Brady discusses the importance of building support networks among superintendents.
- She highlights the role of the San Diego superintendents group in providing mutual support and sharing best practices.
- The conversation touches on the challenges of balancing personal and professional responsibilities.
- Leighangela emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership.
- Dr. Andy Johnsen provides advice for new superintendents, emphasizing the importance of focusing on personal well-being.
- He highlights the value of staying connected to colleagues and seeking support when needed.
- Dr. Leighangela Brady adds that new superintendents should not be afraid to be vulnerable and seek advice from experienced colleagues.
- The conversation concludes with expressions of gratitude for the opportunity to discuss important issues and the importance of continuous improvement in education.
Thank you for unplugging and listening to Future Pathways: Superintendents Unplugged. Be sure to subscribe to the show and share with your colleagues!
The Presenting Sponsor for Season 3 of Future Pathways: Superintendents Unplugged is Schools First Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California serving school employees and their families since 1934. Please learn more about Schools First Federal Credit Union by visiting https://www.schoolsfirstfcu.org/
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