S3 E2: Designing Systems That Work: Leadership, Behavior, and the Future of Special Education

What does it take to design systems that truly support students, staff, and families? In this episode of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers, Dr. Esther C. Bubb sits down with Dr. Kevin T. Kane, Assistant to the Superintendent for Pupil Services and Special Education at Neshaminy School District, for a thought-provoking conversation about leadership, behavior, systems thinking, and the future of special education. With more than two decades of experience in education, Kevin shares lessons from his journey as a teacher of students who are blind or visually impaired, school psychologist, special education administrator, and district leader. Together, we explore how leaders move beyond managing systems to intentionally designing them for impact. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ Why effective leadership begins with behavior ✅ How trust becomes the foundation for influence ✅ The difference between compliance-focused leadership and capacity-building leadership ✅ How systems can either remove barriers or create them ✅ Why culture is built through repeated behaviors ✅ The role of belonging, kindness, and humility in leadership ✅ How districts are navigating attendance, engagement, and system redesign in a post-pandemic world ✅ Why leaders must become comfortable with being uncomfortable to create meaningful change Throughout the conversation, Kevin offers practical wisdom for current and aspiring leaders, including powerful reminders such as: "People will let you lead them if they trust you." "Culture is built by repeated behavior." "People don't want to follow a robot that's perfect. They want to follow a person." Whether you're an educator, administrator, behavior analyst, coach, consultant, nonprofit leader, or someone passionate about creating positive change, this episode offers practical insights for leading with purpose, humanity, and impact. Monday Morning Move This week, identify one barrier within a system you influence. Ask yourself: "What is one small change I can make to increase access, build trust, or strengthen belonging?" About Our Guest Kevin T. Kane, Ed. D, Assistant to the Superintendent for Pupil Services and Special Education Kevin Kane has spent more than 20 years in special education and pupil services. He currently serves as Assistant to the Superintendent for Pupil Services and Special Education at Neshaminy School District in southeastern Pennsylvania. He oversees special education, mental health services, school counseling, school health services, and compliance with federal and state requirements. He focuses on building systems that work for students and the people who support them, while helping staff and families navigate the day-to-day challenges of supporting students. He enjoys collaborating with teams to solve real problems. He began his career teaching students who are blind or visually impaired and was certified as an orientation and mobility specialist in central Pennsylvania. That early focus on independence continues to shape his work today. He later held leadership roles at Radnor Township School District and the Delaware County Intermediate Unit. He is known for a steady, practical leadership style and believes that a focus on belonging and kindness fosters a welcoming environment where all students are supported and challenged to learn. Connect 🌐 Esther C Bubb ABA Services: https://esthercbubbabaservices.com 📝 Behaviorally Speaking Blog: https://esthercbubbabaservices.com/blog Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers explores leadership through the lens of behavior science translated into everyday life and practical for everyone. Every episode delivers actionable insights to help you build trust, strengthen culture, and create meaningful change. Leadership is behavior. And behavior always tells a story.