Season 4, Episode 24 | Leadership Is Temporary, Culture Is the Legacy: Dr. Leighangela Brady Unplugged

Welcome to Season 4, Episode 23 of "Future Pathways: Superintendents Unplugged" On this discussion on "Future Pathways:Superintendents Unplugged", Dr. Leighangela Brady, retiring superintendent of the National School District, reflects on her career, emphasizing the importance of creating a positive school culture and community engagement. She highlights her role in establishing outdoor learning and environmental literacy as essential components of education. Brady discusses the challenges and rewards of decision-making in her role, the significance of mentorship, and her future plans, including traveling and continuing her involvement with the Classroom of the Future Foundation. The conversation underscores the transformative impact of technology and community partnerships on education.Dr. Leighangela Brady's Retirement AnnouncementDrew Schlosberg announces that Dr. Leighangela Brady, superintendent of the National School District, will be retiring.Dr. Brady expresses her feelings about the transition and her long-term connection with San Diego schools.Drew reminisces about their past interactions and Dr. Brady's contributions to the Classroom of the Future Foundation.Dr. Brady's Career Highlights and Early ExperiencesDr. Brady shares her career journey, starting from her student teaching days in Connecticut to her various roles in San Diego.She recounts a memorable experience from her student teaching, where she created a space unit with her students.Dr. Brady reflects on a recent experience with Work Ed, which brought back memories of her early career.She emphasizes the importance of creating a positive educational environment for students.Establishing a Positive School CultureDr. Brady discusses the significance of establishing a positive school culture, which she describes as a feeling rather than something that can be told.She highlights the importance of attracting partners to schools and creating a supportive environment for students and staff.Dr. Brady shares advice from a mentor, Emily Andrade, about making decisions with children at the center.She recounts a heartwarming message from a former union president, Christina Benson, expressing gratitude for her leadership.Community Engagement and Partnerships in National CityDr. Brady talks about the interconnected community in National City and the importance of partnerships with nonprofits and the city government.She highlights the work of Olivewood Gardens, which focuses on community health and provides cooking classes for students and parents.Dr. Brady mentions the role of Arts a Reason in providing after-school programs and connecting different school districts.She emphasizes the importance of community engagement in the success of the National School District.Dr. Brady's Future Plans and Retirement ReflectionsDrew and Dr. Brady discuss her plans for retirement, including traveling in a van and exploring the country.Dr. Brady expresses her excitement about the freedom to help connect with schools in a broader capacity.She mentions her involvement with the Classroom of the Future Foundation and her role as the chair this year.Dr. Brady reflects on the importance of outdoor learning and environmental literacy, as supported by a new assembly bill in California.The Role of AI in Education and MentorshipDrew and Dr. Brady discuss the potential and challenges of integrating AI into education.Dr. Brady emphasizes the importance of mentorship and paying it forward, sharing her experiences as a mentor.She reflects on the joy of seeing students succeed and the impact of educational opportunities on their lives.Dr. Brady shares her thoughts on the dynamic nature of the superintendent's role and the importance of being adaptable.Challenges and Rewards of Being a SuperintendentDr. Brady discusses the unexpected challenges of making numerous decisions as a superintendent.She reflects on the stress associated with the role and the importance of compassion from those interacting with superintendents.Dr. Brady shares her appreciation for the people she has worked with and the positive impact they have had on her career.She emphasizes the importance of staying connected to the community and the work of the Classroom of the Future Foundation.Final Thoughts and Future of Public EducationDr. Brady expresses her optimism about the future of public education, citing the transformative impact of technology and the COVID-19 pandemic.She encourages students to see school as a gift and to raise their voices for better opportunities.Dr. Brady highlights the role of organizations like the Classroom of the Future Foundation in supporting and promoting educational excellence.She concludes by expressing her gratitude for the support and collaboration she has received throughout her career.Thank you for unplugging and listening to Future Pathways: Superintendents Unplugged.  Be sure to subscribe to the show and share with your colleagues! The Presenting Sponsor for Season 4 of Future Pathways: Superintendents Unplugged is Schools First Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California serving school employees and their families since 1934.  Please learn more about Schools First Federal Credit Union by visiting https://www.schoolsfirstfcu.org/About Cloudcast Media  "Future Pathways: Superintendents Unplugged" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.  For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. 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