Administrator's Approach: Empowerment & Innovation with Dr. Leslie Sparcello

In this episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams sits down with Dr. Leslie Sparcello, superintendent of Cedars International Schools, to reflect on lessons from her 35-year career in education. Dr. Sparcello shares how servant leadership, empowerment, and adaptability have shaped her approach to building cultures where innovation is possible and people feel safe to try, learn, and iterate.The conversation explores how pilots can create low-risk spaces for change, what it really takes to sustain creativity in schools, and how pivotal leaders and mentors influenced her own trajectory. Dr. Sparcello also tackles challenges such as teacher turnover and the overreliance on pre-made systems, making the case for a more balanced, thoughtful use of curriculum and tools that still honors educator expertise.Key takeaways:Why pilots and small tests of change are powerful vehicles for innovation without overwhelming staff.How servant leadership and empowerment can create psychologically safe environments where educators are willing to experiment.The impact of pivotal leaders and mentors across a long career—and how they model consistent principles in times of change.Risks of overusing pre-made systems and the importance of preserving teacher creativity, judgment, and professional autonomy.How reflective practice and strategic thinking help leaders address turnover, organizational stressors, and long-term system design.