All Episodes
Episode #10
David Olney: Without Educator Wellness, Student Wellness Isn’t Possible
What happens when we focus on educator wellness as the foundation for student success? In this episode of Superintendent Hot Seat, David Olney joins Michael McCormick to explore why taking care of educators is essential for fostering student wellness. Olney emphasizes the importance of relationships, open communication, and building a systemic approach to well-being that includes both students and staff. He shares his journey of prioritizing educator support, creating collaborative structures, and fostering a culture where teachers feel valued and heard. Olney also reflects on his long career, the power of building lasting relationships, and his philosophy of finishing strong as he approaches retirement. This episode challenges us to rethink how we approach wellness—not just for students but for the entire educational community. 🎧 Listen now to hear David Olney's insights on why adult wellness is the cornerstone of student wellness.
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Episode #9
Dr. Michael Lubelfeld: Bringing the Humanity Back Into Education
How can schools bring humanity back into education when students and staff are grappling with trauma and mental health challenges? In this episode of Superintendent Hot Seat, Dr. Michael Lubelfeld joins Michael McCormick to discuss the critical need for trauma-informed practices, community support, and a holistic approach to student wellness. From the cascading impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to dealing with community tragedies, Dr. Lubelfeld shares how his district is creating resilient environments that center on mental health, compassion, and connection. He also highlights how schools can rethink traditional systems to better support students, fostering agency and individual growth rather than batch processing. It’s a conversation about leadership, resilience, and keeping students at the heart of every decision. 🎧 Listen now to hear how Dr. Lubelfeld is bringing humanity back into education.
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Episode #8
Dr. Gunn Marie Hansen: When Schools Become the Culture Wars
In this episode, Dr. Gunn Marie Hansen shares what it means to stay focused on student health, connection, and long-term success while navigating public pressure and political noise. She discusses the critical role of student belonging, the growing urgency of educator wellness, and how her district is approaching artificial intelligence with intention and care.
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Episode #7
Dr. Julie Vitale: Walking the Leadership Tightrope in Uncertain Times
Leading a school district has never been more challenging. In this episode, Dr. Julie Vitale shares how superintendents are balancing constant change while creating stability for students, staff, and families. From post-pandemic challenges to the pressures of social media, she reveals how school leaders are stepping up as community anchors when everything feels uncertain. This is more than a conversation about leadership—it’s a look at how resilience, connection, and courage are helping leaders navigate today’s toughest challenges. 🎧 Listen now to hear how school leaders are finding balance without a safety net.
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Episode #6
Dr. Susan Enfield: Leading with Purpose
School leadership isn’t just about policy—it’s about people. In this episode, Dr. Susan Enfield explores how education leadership has changed, why superintendents need better support, and what it takes to build resilient schools where both students and educators thrive. From rebuilding trust to ensuring leaders feel valued, this conversation dives into what’s working, what’s not, and how we move forward together.
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