I really hope that you will join me for this episode because I had a truly inspiring conversation with John Walker, the superintendent of Central Christian School in Kansas. John shares his nontraditional journey into education, emphasizing the importance of building a supportive community of leaders around him, and we delve into the challenges he faces as a school leader and how he leads with vulnerability, inviting others into messy conversations to solve problems and make decisions.
John's commitment to creating an affectionate school culture, where teachers, students, and parents flourish together, really stands out, and we also explore the idea that leadership doesn't have to be lonely; instead, it's about fostering collaboration and support!
Join us for insights into leadership, vulnerability, and the joy found in the lives of students. It's a conversation filled with wisdom and a refreshing perspective on the future of education!
To learn more, order Jon's book, Just Teaching: Feedback, Engagement, and Well-Being for Each Student.
The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Each week, we'll talk to catalytic educators who are doing amazing work.
Be encouraged.
Timestamps:
[0:37] - My guest today is John Walker, a humble education leader who exemplifies communal leadership.
[2:05] - John traces his path from public school to Bible college, discussing his higher education roles and being superintendent.
[5:30] - John humbly acknowledges his imperfections, sharing a recent parenting struggle and emphasizing vulnerability.
[8:12] - I humorously suggest that John became a school head to get parenting advice, highlighting vulnerability and humility.
[9:38] - John highlights the importance of team collaboration and seeking advice.
[11:56] - John emphasizes the value of seeking input from a supportive community when facing challenges.
[13:37] - We both agree that leadership does not need to be lonely.
[14:58] - John shares that he feels immense joy in witnessing the positive impact on students' lives at his school.
[17:46] - Learn what John's favorite book of 2023 is: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer.
[18:14] - Hear both the worst advice and best advice that John has ever heard about being an educator.
[20:18] - John characterizes his optimistic view of education in 2024 as being affectionate.
Connect on Social Media:
Baylor MA in School Leadership
Jon Eckert: @eckertjon
Center for School Leadership at Baylor University: @baylorcsl
Books Mentioned: