The Superintendent That Principals Want to Work For

Welcome, and Happy New Year!

As we step into 2025, I want to extend warm wishes for a year filled with inspiration, success, and meaningful connections. It’s a privilege to collaborate with such dedicated leaders working to shape the future of education for our students and communities.

Thank you, Danny Steele!

During our January meeting, motivational speaker, leadership coach, and author Danny Steele. 

After more than 30 years in education as a principal, assistant principal, teacher, coach, and assistant professor of instructional leadership, Steele has taught and led in very diverse settings, ranging from urban to suburban and rural, and has developed an uncanny ability to connect with all stakeholders.

During the Collaborative meeting, he delivered an inspiring and insightful presentation on “The Superintendent That Principals Want to Work For!” focusing on the essential leadership traits that superintendents should embody to support and empower their principals effectively. Key highlights included:

Authentic Leadership Themes

Steele masterfully outlined the critical qualities of effective superintendents: being Empathetic, Focused, Trusting, Connected, Gracious, Curious, Transparent, and Visionary. Each trait was tied to real-life leadership scenarios, offering practical insights into how these characteristics can shape a positive school culture.

Relatable and Engaging Storytelling:

Steele’s use of personal anecdotes and reflective questions, such as “Does your principal hat still fit?” and “Danny, is this the hill you want to die on?” captivated the audience. His storytelling approach made leadership challenges feel relatable and encouraged reflection among attendees.

Focus on Building Trust and Relationships:

A recurring theme in Steele’s presentation was the importance of trust. He emphasized how empowering principals through trust leads to stronger, more resilient school leadership. His insights on staying connected and being gracious reminded superintendents that meaningful relationships are at the core of effective leadership.

It was a timely and powerful reminder of the profound impact that effective and compassionate leadership can have on school communities.

Danny Steele
SteeleThoughts101@gmail.com
205-960-2624
LeadershipLearningAndCulture.com

Reminders and Announcements

Superintendent Collaborative In-Person Summit in Scottsdale

Last month, the Superintendent Collaborative hosted an incredibly successful in-person summit in Scottsdale, Arizona. Educational leaders from across the nation gathered for impactful discussions on pressing topics like generative AI, equity, and community engagement.

The summit was widely praised for fostering authentic relationships and providing actionable insights that superintendents can bring back to their districts. There’s still a very robust buzz surrounding our speakers and attendees.

Look for me at FETC this Coming Week

On behalf of Finalsite, I’ll be presenting three times at FETC. Let’s connect in person. Email me at matt.miller@finalsite.com or text/call at 513-713-4328

Join Us at AASA in New Orleans!

We’re excited to continue building connections at the AASA National Conference on Education in New Orleans! Visit us at Booth 855 to learn more about the Superintendent Collaborative and how we’re supporting superintendents nationwide.

Additionally, we’re hosting a Superintendent Collaborative Social at:

Tatlo Speakeasy
240 Bourbon Street, New Orleans
Thursday, March 6 | 6:30–8:00 PM

This is a great opportunity to relax, connect, and network with fellow education leaders in a casual setting. Registration link coming soon!

About the Superintendent Collaborative

The Superintendent Collaborative is a national network dedicated to supporting superintendents in leading with confidence and vision. Through virtual meetings, in-person events, and a strong professional community, we provide a platform for superintendents to exchange ideas, explore innovative solutions, and collaborate on the most critical issues facing education today.