Thought Leadership
Driving positive impacts with empathy
From new policies to shifting budgets, school decision-makers, like former superintendent Dr. Susan Enfield, are no strangers to guiding others through change. In this episode, we’ll dive into the people-centered advice, mantras, and mindsets that have helped Dr. Enfield empower students and educators.
“It’s a tremendous responsibility, but it’s also a tremendous opportunity to make sure that every child in public school gets the education that they need and deserve.”
Throughout her 20 years of district leadership, Dr. Enfield has watched the educational landscape evolve — along with new challenges. She shares three points of advice when finding solutions that help both students and educators thrive.
Explore Dr. Enfield’s insights on:
- The value of honest, empathetic communication during times of transition
- How technology provides personalized support
- The importance of self-care and balance
Empowering women in education
“We need as wide an array of leadership approaches to solving these challenges as possible. And that means broadening who we have in leadership.”
While 77% of educators are women, data shows that only 30% are school superintendents. Explore Dr. Enfield’s advocacy for diversified leadership and her “Believe in, Push, Support” philosophy for mentoring women educators. Plus, hear the servant mindset that inspires her for the future.
Introducing Today's Voice
Dr. Susan Enfield
Former superintendent of Highline Public Schools and Washoe County School District
A district leader of 20 years, Dr. Susan Enfield received her doctorate in Administration, Planning, and Social Policy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Urban Superintendents Program. Dr. Enfield was named Superintendent of the Year by the National School Foundation Association in 2018 and again in 2022 by Washington State.
About The Visionary Voices Series
Visionary Voices sheds light on both the challenges and opportunities facing schools today. Through conversations with veteran education leaders, we explore solutions that empower, enlighten, and enrich all those committed to serving students with diverse needs.
Join us for in-depth fireside chats with educators, experts, advocates, and more. In each one-on-one conversation, we delve into a wide range of themes—from driving innovation to leading through change and supporting school communities. Get inspired by the real-life experiences of each of our Visionary Voices special guests.
Visionary Voices: Up Close asks education leaders key questions of the day. In each short episode, you’ll hear from a diverse group of leaders in the #WomenLeadingEd community on what drives, inspires, and helps them—from recommended reads to podcasts and career-changing resources.
Listen to these thought-provoking interviews to learn, be inspired, and drive positive impacts. Together, we’re transforming obstacles into opportunities and reimagining a future where every student can thrive.
Sources
- 53% of district leaders indicated they would be forced to decrease staffing for specialist staff before the 2024-25 school year.
Source: AASA, The School Superintendents Association. “Districts Brace for Fiscal Cliff in Final Year of COVID Relief Funding.“ 23 August 2023. https://www.aasa.org/news-media/news/2023/08/23/districts-brace-for-fiscal-cliff-in-final-year-of-covid-relief-funding - Two-thirds of district and school leaders surveyed say the loss of that stimulus funding will have a negative impact on learning over the next two years.
Source: EdWeek Market Brief. “The End of K-12 Stimulus Funding: What Comes Next?” p. 21. December 2023.
https://pages.edweek.org/rs/283-RUA-555/images/Market_Brief_Stimulus_Special_Report_Dec2023.pdf - 68% of teachers are using edtech because it makes them more efficient.
Source: Clever. Classroom of the Future Report 2023. 14 August 2023.
https://www.clever.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/CLEVER_CLASSROOM_OF_THE_FUTURE_REPORT_2023.pdf - 70% of teachers want more edtech support for students with IEPs or 504 plans.
Source: Clever. Classroom of the Future Report 2023. 14 August 2023.
https://www.clever.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/CLEVER_CLASSROOM_OF_THE_FUTURE_REPORT_2023.pdf - 77% of public school educators are women, yet only ~30% of superintendents are women.
Source: Superville, Denisa R. “Women in the K-12 Workforce, by the Numbers.” EdWeek reporting, National Center for Education Statistics & The ILO Group data. 8 March 2023.
https://www.edweek.org/leadership/women-in-the-k-12-workforce-by-the-numbers/2023/03
