Personalizing Learning and Supporting Teacher Growth

Better Learning Podcast

Changemakers Eric Sheninger and Nicki Slaugh take this episode into a deep dive into the transformative power of leadership in education. As seasoned change-makers, they discuss the critical importance of initiating and sustaining change that leads to real, tangible results in schools.

One of the most compelling parts of the discussion is their exploration of a student-centered approach. In an era where one-size-fits-all education is increasingly outdated, Eric and Nicki advocate for a system that prioritizes individual needs, fosters a culture of trust, and encourages collaboration. They share insights on how leaders can cultivate a culture where empathy and trust become the foundation for a positive school environment.

But the road to change isn’t always smooth. Eric and Nicki acknowledge the challenges of getting everyone on board with new initiatives and the tough decisions that sometimes need to be made. Yet, they offer practical advice for navigating these obstacles, stressing the importance of storytelling in showcasing the reality of what happens in schools.

Takeaways:

1. Leaders need to ask the right questions and challenge conventional wisdom to initiate and sustain change in education.

2. Change in education requires courage, risk-taking, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Empathy and trust are essential elements of effective leadership.

3. Not everyone will be on board with change, but it's important to create conditions that empower the majority.

4. Difficult decisions may need to be made to ensure the best outcomes for students.

5. Educators should tell their own stories and showcase the reality of what happens in schools.

Eric works with schools throughout the world, helping educators meet and exceed their potential to improve outcomes for learners. He is the founder and CEO of Aspire Change EDU, a collaborative consultancy designed to provide personalized support to all educational systems. Prior to this, he was a teacher and the award-winning Principal at New Milford High School. Under his leadership, his school became a globally recognized model for innovative practices. Eric oversaw the successful implementation of several sustainable change initiatives that radically transformed the learning culture at his school while increasing achievement.

Nicki Slaugh stands out as a trailblazer in the field of educational transformation. Through her efforts, she has established a school culture dedicated to customizing learning experiences for individual students, cultivating a positive atmosphere,highlighting the importance of STEM education, and purposefully integrating technology to unleash each student’s potential. As a secondary principal, Nicki’s forward-thinking leadership has transformed a conventionally structured school into one that advocates for personalized, competency-based learning, attracting nationwide attention.

Sound Bites to Ponder:

"Comfort is the enemy of progress."

"Empathy, trust, those are the intangible elements of leadership."

"You will not get everyone on the bus."

"How do you create the conditions to empower the majority?"

Follow on Eric Sheninger on Social Media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esheninger/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EricCSheninger

X: https://x.com/E_Sheninger

Website: https://ericsheninger.com/

Follow on Nicki Slaugh on Social Media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicki-slaugh-a396155b/

X: https://x.com/nickiatquest

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principal_nickislaugh/

Website: https://www.nickislaugh.com/

Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.

Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/.

For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/

Episode 191 of the Better Learning Podcast

Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.

For more information on our partners:

Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/

Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/

Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/

EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/

Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/