Reflections of a Lead Learner: Engaging Researchers and Lessons from the Pandemic with Dr. Nathan Schilling

An Imperfect Leader

INTRO: In this episode of An Imperfect Leader, Dr. Nathan Schilling discusses so many common issues facing superintendents and district leaders. First, he describes his relationship to researchers studying school districts. He shares his approach to engaging the research community and emphasizes the role of superintendents as lead learners. He takes us through an insightful after-action review of the early days of the global pandemic. Tune in for practical insights into system thinking, delegation, collaboration, and trust—crucial lessons for imperfect leaders navigating evolving educational systems.

BIO: Dr. Nathan Schilling is the Superintendent of Schools for Lansing School District 158 in South Cook County, Illinois, a position he has held since 2018. Nathan has experience at every level of public education. He has been a high school principal as well as a middle school band and general music teacher. Additionally, he is a Continuing Adjunct Professor of Educational Leadership at Concordia University Chicago. Dr. Schilling has been recognized for his many leadership accomplishments, many of them were recently highlighted by the National Association of School Superintendents (NASS). Additionally, he wrote an article we discuss in our conversation: I’ve Benefited from Engaging with Educational Researchers.

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An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at www.human-centeredleaders.com.

Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley.

Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

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NEW EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE

"What do we want to create together?" So proud to have co-written the foreword with Zach Taylor to this essential book on Human-Centered School Transformation. If you're a school leader looking to make sense of what you know to be true about schools, check it out. If you're a corporate leader, you will find a pathway to better results in every page.

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AN IMPERFECT LEADER IS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

My book, An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is available at Amazon.com. If there is no hyperlink to follow, please go to Amazon.com or peterstiepleman.com to order a copy.