S2E1 - Transforming School Culture with Heidi McGlashan

Positively Leading

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Ever wondered how one educator can transform the entire culture of a school? In this episode of Positively Leading the Podcast, we sit down with Heidi McGlashan, a dedicated educator and staunch advocate for often-overlooked students. Through stories, Heidi shares her evolution from a music teacher to an advocate for students for literacy She recounts pivotal moments that fueled her advocacy, including a personal story about her son's struggle with reading that will resonate deeply with any parent or teacher.
We also discuss the multifaceted challenges faced by teaching principals, exploring the difficult balance between administrative responsibilities and teaching duties. Heidi opens up about navigating these complexities, revealing how interruptions can detract from strategic work. Drawing from experience she describes the dramatic turnaround of a complacent school into a high-performing one by setting higher expectations and fostering intentional leadership. This discussion is packed with actionable insights for anyone involved in educational leadership.
Finally, we shift gears to focus on strategic improvement and staff well-being. Heidi delves into the importance of narrowing down improvement agendas, creating middle leadership layers, and providing essential support to educators. Hear her thoughtful advice for aspiring leaders, including the significance of mentorship and the challenges of transitioning from teaching to leadership roles. This episode is a treasure trove of valuable insights, culminating in practical tips for fostering a comfortable and supportive working environment for teachers. Whether you're an educator, school leader, or simply passionate about education, this episode promises to enrich your understanding and inspire action.

Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.

章

1. Passion for Advocacy in Education (00:00:00)

2. Leadership Transformations in Education (00:15:46)

3. Strategic Improvement and Middle Leadership (00:20:38)

4. Navigating Leadership Transition and Wellbeing (00:36:11)

5. Supporting Staff Wellbeing in Schools (00:48:51)