Episode 377

full
Published on:

6th Mar 2025

Kids Don’t Care How Much You Know, Until They Know How Much You Care

Summary: Join C.T. and guest Dr. Brad Hunt, Superintendent of Coppell ISD, as they explore connecting with over 13,000 students and fostering strong relationships. Explore strategies for staying close to students, hearing their voices, and building engagement through various communication channels. Discover how Dr. Hunt uses student advisory groups, Zoom calls, social media, and the "I Lead" leadership program to connect with students and gather valuable feedback. This insightful conversation offers practical guidance for leaders aiming to cultivate a sense of community, ensure students feel valued, and navigate tough budget decisions with student input.

Key Takeaways:

  • Importance of Presence: Being visible and present on campuses is crucial for understanding student needs and concerns.
  • Multiple Avenues for Communication: Dr. Hunt uses various channels to connect with students, including student advisory groups, Zoom calls, and social media (Instagram).
  • Student Voice Matters: Actively seeking and valuing student feedback is essential for a successful school district.
  • Intentionality: Creating structured opportunities for student input is necessary to ensure all voices are heard, not just the loudest or most easily accessible ones.
  • Reaching All Levels: It's important to engage with students at all grade levels, from elementary to high school, recognizing their unique perspectives.
  • Building Genuine Relationships: Attending school events, being authentic, and showing that you care are key to fostering trust and engagement.
  • Student Leadership Programs: Developing programs like "I Lead" empowers students and provides valuable leadership experience.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

1:20 About Coppell ISD

2:20 Staying Connected

3:05 Student Advisory

4:06 Elementary Input

5:55 Ensuring All Voices

7:25 Growing Up in the District

9:40 Broadening Representation

11:30 Translating Input to Action

12:04 Senior Cornhole

15:30 Budget Challenges

16:40 Demonstrating You Care

17:25 I Lead Program

18:30 Social Media Intern: Solomon


Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Dr. Brad Hunt: linkedin.com/in/brad-hunt

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



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About the Podcast

Engaging Leadership
Uncovering stories and strategies behind successful educational leadership
Each week we sit down with inspiring leaders who are transforming education and creating positive outcomes for students across the country.

In their own words, these leaders share their daily challenges, breakthrough moments, and the practical approaches they use to build and support student achievement.

Whether you're a principal, superintendent, or aspiring educational leader, you'll find actionable insights you can use right away.

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About your hosts

CheeTung Leong

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I'm committed to helping people live their best lives through work.

I'm one of the co-founders of EngageRocket, an HRTech SaaS startup and we are focused on helping organizations build empowered managers, engaged employees, and elite teams.

I'm a big nerd when it comes to economics and psychology and regularly use data and tech to help folks live their best lives.

I've been recognized by Prestige Magazine as one of the top 40 under 40 business leaders and have been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg, Business Insider, and Tech in Asia.

Jim Kanichirayil

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Your friendly neighborhood talent strategy nerd is the producer and co-host for The HR Impact Show. He's spent his career in sales and has been typically in startup b2b HRTech and TA-Tech organizations.

He's built high-performance sales teams throughout his career and is passionate about all things employee life cycle and especially employee retention and turnover.