Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast
Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast
Podcast Description
Welcome to "Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast," where we explore education leadership with a focus on equity. Join us as we delve into inspiring narratives, challenges, and triumphs of diverse superintendents shaping the future of education. Each episode takes you to their districts, sharing unique stories and innovative strategies to ensure every student receives a quality education. Discover how they navigate challenges like achievement gaps, inclusivity, and cultural responsiveness in the evolving educational landscape.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores themes of educational equity, leadership strategies, community engagement, and student outcomes, with episodes delving into critical topics like the impact of social emotional learning, the role of mentorship, and innovative models of leadership. Specific examples include discussions on equity in school safety and strategic planning to improve academic performance.
Welcome to “Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast,” where we explore education leadership with a focus on equity. Join us as we delve into inspiring narratives, challenges, and triumphs of diverse superintendents shaping the future of education. Each episode takes you to their districts, sharing unique stories and innovative strategies to ensure every student receives a quality education. Discover how they navigate challenges like achievement gaps, inclusivity, and cultural responsiveness in the evolving educational landscape.
In this episode, Doug sits down with Dr. Deidre Parish, the new superintendent of Amarillo ISD, as she shares her incredible journey from a family steeped in education, to considering a career in medicine, and ultimately discovering her true calling in public education. Dr. Parish opens up about the influences that shaped her path from her grandfather’s role as a superintendent to her own experiences in science and education administration. She discusses the importance of collaboration, her passion for curriculum and instruction, and the challenges and opportunities of stepping into Amarillo ISD, a large district with a rich legacy and a small-town spirit.
Doug and Dr. Parish dive into key topics like district branding, navigating school closures, supporting staff well-being and mental health, and finding ways to keep both students and adults engaged and growing. Dr. Parish also offers advice on leadership, mentorship, and taking bold steps in your career, all while keeping her focus on building community and fostering a sense of belonging within Amarillo ISD.
Key Moments
05:37 Collaboration in Scientific Research
09:02 Promoting Public Education’s Impact
12:01 “Tough Budget Decisions Ahead”
13:31 “Reallocate Savings for Investments”
18:08 Innovative Education and Learning Alignment
21:01 Expansive Extracurricular Opportunities
25:34 Preschool Program Implementation Challenges
26:14 Offering Fair Support to All Staff
30:20 Mentorship and Leadership Growth
34:37 Intentional Professional Learning Strategies
35:47 “Modeling Collaborative Career Planning”
41:01 “Leveraging Strengths for Career Growth”
Why You’ll Love This Episode:
- Hear how Dr. Deidre Parish went from cancer research to classrooms, following a powerful calling to public education. Her journey reveals a deep commitment to teaching, learning, and community impact.
- Learn how she’s redefining leadership in Amarillo ISD through belonging, storytelling, and strategic curriculum alignment. From launching FanFest to bold district branding, Dr. Parish is focused on unity and academic growth.
- Gain insight into her leadership approach grounded in collaboration, equity, and support. She shares candid insights on school closures, staff retention, mental health, and growing future leaders from within.
Connect with Dr. Deidre Parish
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deidre-parish-phd-edd-4b3bab10
Website: https://www.amaisd.org/
Follow Us On
Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougrobertsiei/
Company LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-education-innovation/
Company Website: https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/
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