EPISODE 165: The Challenges and Rewards of Educational Leadership

February 14, 2024

In this episode, Kevin Stoller interviews Tom Murray, the Director of Innovation for Future Ready Schools.

Overview:

They discuss Tom’s journey in education, the challenges and rewards of educational leadership, and the importance of building trust and communication with the community. They also explore the power of relationships in education and the need to share the positive stories happening in schools. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for strong leadership and collaboration to create better learning experiences for students.

Meet Our Guest:

Learn more about Tom Murray:
fter serving at the elementary and secondary levels as both a teacher and a principal, and then at the district level, Tom now serves as the Director of Innovation for Future Ready SchoolsR, a project of All4Ed, located in Washington, D.C. He has testified before the United States Congress and has previously worked alongside that body and the US Senate, the White House, the US Department of Education and state departments of education, and school districts throughout the country to implement student-centered learning. Murray serves as a regular conference keynote, was named one of “20 to Watch” by NSBA, the “National/Global EdTech Leader of the Year” in 2018, the “Education Thought Leader of the Year” in 2017, and the “Education Policy Person of the Year” by the Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2015. His best-selling book, Learning Transformed, was released in 2017 with ASCD, and his most recent best-seller, Personal & Authentic was released in 2019. Connect with him at thomascmurray.com or @thomascmurray.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomascmurray/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thomascmurray
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thomascmurrayedu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThomasCMurrayEDU
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thomascmurray

Watch on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/HZaRezyw9no

Takeaways:

  • Educators should share their stories and be proud of the work they do.
  • Building trust and communication with the community is essential for the success of schools.
  • Public perception of education should be based on the positive stories and impact happening in schools.
  • Strong relationships are the foundation of effective education.

The Host:

While students may only be 20%-25% of our population today, they are 100% of our future. That is why education is one of the most important investments a country can make and the sole purpose for the existence of the Better Learning Podcast.

The Better Learning Podcast brings on valued guests that talk about ways we can improve education for our kids. Because after all, they are 100% of our future!

Kevin Stoller:
Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.

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If you are interested in being on the show or know someone who would be a great guest, please visit the Better Learning Podcast website.

Our Partners:

Who made this episode possible?
Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) – https://www.a4le.org/
Education Leaders’ Organization – https://www.ed-leaders.org/
Second Class Foundation – https://secondclassfoundation.org/

Be a Guest on the Better Learning Podcast!

Do you have a favorite school-related movie that left a lasting impact? Join us as a guest on the Better Learning Podcast, where we dive into iconic films, break down memorable moments, and hand out fun awards—all while connecting them to real-world education.

From standout teachers to unforgettable one-liners, we’ll explore how these movies reflect (or totally exaggerate!) school life. Plus, you’ll get to share your own insights and experiences in education.

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About the podcast

The Better Learning Podcast combines education and entertainment in a fresh, engaging format where guests share their favorite school-related movies. Host Kevin Stoller leads dynamic conversations, exploring memorable scenes, iconic characters, and timeless lessons through award-style categories like “The John Keating Award” for standout teachers and “Realistic or Ridiculous?” to dissect school life portrayals.

With humor, analysis, and reflection, each episode celebrates the fun, flaws, and impact of these films while sparking nostalgia and insights. Whether you’re an educator, student, or movie buff, join us to relive the movies that shaped how we see school life, and share your favorites.