Episode 35: Discover the Secret to Leading with Purpose in 2024 with Frederick Buskey

In this episode of The Elemental Educator Podcast, host Tyler Comeau sits down with Dr. Frederick Buskey, an expert with over three decades of experience in K-12 and higher education. Dr. Buskey dives deep into transformative strategies for effective school leadership, highlighting the importance of prioritizing teacher development over administrative tasks. He shares his insights on the distinction between urgent and strategic leadership, practical approaches to navigating educational mandates like MTSS, and the benefits of focusing on incremental change. Listeners will gain valuable advice on effective time management tools, the significance of being present as a leader, and strategies for handling external pressures while upholding core values. Dr. Buskey also discusses the power of trust, engaging teachers in decision-making, and creating a supportive, growth-oriented environment in schools. The episode concludes with a look at his personal journey, the motivation behind his upcoming book Reclaiming Purpose, and how listeners can stay connected to his latest insights. Key Discussion Points: Prioritizing teacher growth over administrative tasks. Understanding the difference between urgent and strategic leadership. Practical approaches to educational mandates like MTSS. The power of incremental change in leadership. Effective time management tools for school leaders. The importance of presence, listening, and maintaining core values. Engaging teachers in decision-making and fostering a supportive environment. Dr. Buskey's personal journey and the inspiration behind his book Reclaiming Purpose. Call to Action: What's one strategy you can implement to become a more strategic leader in your school? Share your thoughts with us, and be sure to explore our free resources for educational leaders! Helpful Links: Free resources for educational leaders: https://www.elementaleducator.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elemental_educator Subscribe to the podcast: https://elementaleducator.podbean.com Engage With Us: How are you transforming leadership practices in your school? Share your insights in the comments! Support the Channel: Subscribe to the podcast: https://elementaleducator.podbean.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elemental_educator Visit our website: https://www.elementaleducator.com Connect with Dr. Frederick Buskey: Email: frederick@frederickbuskey.com Website: https://www.frederickbuskey.com LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/strategicleadershipconsulting Daily Email subscribe: https://adept-experimenter-3588.ck.page/fdf37cbf3a The Strategic Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWRS2F6N Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Elemental Educator Podcast 00:46 Meet Dr. Frederick Buskey 01:40 A Day in the Life of an Assistant Principal 03:39 The Importance of Reflective Practice 04:03 Dr. Buskey's Journey in Education 09:03 Strategic vs. Urgent Leadership 18:07 Navigating Mandates and Incremental Change 24:25 Teacher Recruitment and Growth 24:49 The Power of Incremental Change 25:23 Piloting New Practices 25:56 Leadership and Buy-In 27:37 Clarifying Expectations 29:40 Empowering Teachers 31:53 Observations and Teacher Growth 36:17 Supporting Teachers Through Personal Struggles 39:23 The Importance of Presence and Listening 41:36 Future Aspirations and Consistency 43:31 Conclusion and Contact Information