Joseph discusses his family, pastimes, and background including spending years as a gravedigger for his family’s business when he was a kid (1:45)
Joseph came in to education in a roundabout way, after graduating with a degree in radio broadcasting, and moving from Illinois to California to escape the harsh winters (3:44)
How and why he moved from teaching into school administration (8:11)
How being a school leader has helped Joseph grow personally and professionally (16:14)
The fine art of dealing with power hungry people in school leadership (18:57)
Being inspired by the tears of a student with intellectual disability at her graduation (21:28)
Some teachers worry that if they go into administration they’ll lose their connection with the students. Joseph knows the names of all 620 of his students. Here’s how he maintains his connection to his students (25:35)
Some of the best leadership advice Joseph has ever been given (30:02)
The importance of always getting the job done, no matter what it takes (31:28)
A few books and authors Joseph highly recommends for school leaders (32:32)
Never forget that kids are kids, and want to be valued and loved (33:09)
You win your teachers’ trust by serving them (36:07)
“If you’re remarkable, it’s likely that some people won’t like you.” – Seth Godin (37:15)
If Joseph had a time machine, here’s the advice he would go back and give his younger self when he was just starting out in administration (38:24)
Books and authors mentioned in this episode
How Full Is Your Bucket? by Tom Rath and Donald O. Clifton
Fires in the Middle School Bathroom: Advice for Teachers from Middle Schoolers by Kathleen Cushman and Laura Rogers
Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? by Seth Godin
Connect with Joseph Clark
About EducatorsLead:
Educators Lead is a podcast created to help launch educators into the next level of leadership. This show is for you if you are interested in educational leadership as an assistant principal, principal, superintendent, teacher or someone who hopes to be a school leader one day. Educators Lead offers inspiration and practical advice to help you lead more effectively. Jay Willis interviews school leaders three days a week to discuss why and when these educators made the decision to move into school leadership, challenges along the journey, and stories that made it all worthwhile. Educators Lead is a great resource for any educator looking to make a greater impact.
Educate. Inspire. Lead.
