Accelerate Your Performance

Consistent practices keep the organizational flywheel spinning, and one practice is essential, especially during the holidays: gratitude. In this episode, Dr. Janet Pilcher explains how intentional appreciation connects people back to the core values of purpose and worthwhile work. Listen to learn how to connect an individual's specific behavior to its organizational impact, sending a clear m...

"Culture and strategic improvement—those are inseparable." This is a guiding philosophy of Dr. Jamie Burkhart, Director of Women in Leadership at the Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA) .  Joining Dr. Janet Pilcher, Dr. Burkhart discusses her leadership journey and demonstrates why "going slow to go fast" is the only sustainable path to strategic improvement. S...

"Education is truly the conduit to freedom." This powerful belief drives Superintendent Dr. Tremayne Clardy of the Verona Area School District . Joining Dr. Janet Pilcher, he discusses how the district is strategically establishing literacy as the driving force behind all its work. Dr. Clardy explains why, in today's complex world, strong literacy is the path to student freedom and...

Recurring problems demand a shift in focus. In this final rapid-fire episode, Dr. Janet Pilcher shares three essential steps to move away from blame and toward process improvement. Learn what it takes to reframe discussions, conduct a system audit, and hardwire new, standardized processes for better performance and desired outcomes. Recommended Resources:  Empower Your Team by Embracing Accountabi...

External noise is a constant, yet you can be a source of stability and trust. Dr. Janet Pilcher shares three actionable steps educational leaders can take to proactively share their story and build strong allies. In five minutes, learn how to anchor conversations to your scorecard, lead with what's right, and ensure message consistency across your system.  Recommended Resources:  Save Time wi...

October burnout is real, and the first 90 days are critical for new hires. Don't leave retention to chance. In this second rapid-fire episode, Dr. Janet Pilcher shares three intentional executive actions to help leaders secure their best people and create a culture where staff want to stay. Recommended Resources:  Retain New Hires with 30- and 90-Day Conversations , Studer Education 30/90-day...

In the first of four rapid-fire episodes, Dr. Janet Pilcher delivers three essential steps educational leaders can take right now to protect their mission and secure their future. Listen now and learn how to operationalize your budget with discipline and strategic focus. Recommended Resources:  Build Trust to Strengthen Culture , Measuring Progress and Fostering Excellence: The Power of Scorecards...

Join Dr. Janet Pilcher as she welcomes Joseph Murley, Director of Finance for Barren County School District , to discuss how a district-wide survey revealed a surprising breakdown in the district's online fundraising system. Joe explains how he then modeled a new survey to pinpoint the root cause of the problem. Finally, he shares the impact of leader rounding, demonstrating how showing care...

Visions in Education , a charter school serving nine counties across Northern California, is thriving—even as many districts face declining enrollment. Listen as Chief Operations Officer, Tom Tafoya, discusses their evolution to meet the changing needs of their students and families in their unique online environment.  Tom shares how his team approaches each day with a '1% better' philos...

In this final live episode from the Destination High Performance K-12 Leadership Conference, Dr. Janet Pilcher welcomes Dr. Heidi Eliopoulos, Superintendent of the School District of Altoona . With over two decades in education, Heidi shares her leadership journey—from an "accidental superintendent" to a high-performing leader. Tune in as Dr. Eliopoulos highlights the essential role of l...

In another live episode recorded at the Destination High Performance K-12 Leadership Conference, Dr. Janet Pilcher welcomes Superintendent Dr. Casey Nye of D.C. Everest Area School District . Listen as Dr. Nye shares his approach to building and sustaining a strong culture of caring and continuous improvement. He shares how his district:  intentionally gathers feedback from families through survey...

In this live episode, Dr. Janet Pilcher welcomes Dr. Cory Strasser, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for Rapid City Area Schools . In a special conversation recorded at the Destination High Performance K-12 Leadership Conference, Dr. Strasser shares his proven approach to building a "people first" culture. Listen as he reveals how his commitment to intentional, values-bas...

This week, we close our series celebrating the release of Quint Studer and Dr. Janet Pilcher's book, The Extraordinary Gift: Our Teachers . In this moving episode, Dr. Pilcher shares two more powerful stories about the educators who shape our lives.  First, hear from Dr. Pat Greco as she recalls how the simple moments of connection from caring educators helped her find belonging during a chil...

Dr. Janet Pilcher celebrates her new book, The Extraordinary Gift: Our Teachers , by sharing powerful stories from two Studer Education team members. Listen as Tiffany Latshaw shares how a fourth-grade teacher's belief transformed her life, and hear from Dr. Casey Blochowiak about the school community that became a safe haven during a difficult time. Their experiences reveal how a teacher&apo...

Join Dr. Janet Pilcher as she sits down with her co-author, Quint Studer , to discuss their new book, The Extraordinary Gift: Our Teachers . In this special episode, Quint shares his personal and emotional story of how three teachers changed the course of his life and inspired him to become a special education teacher. Listen as they explore the unique challenges and profound impact of the teachin...

Welcome to a truly special episode of Accelerate Your Performance! In this 400th episode, Dr. Janet Pilcher takes us back to the roots of the podcast, celebrating six and a half years of sharing extraordinary leadership stories and journeys of continuous improvement. This episode also kicks off a powerful month-long focus on our gratitude for teachers, introducing Janet's new book with Quint...

Continuing our series on Douglas School District 's successful recognition strategies, Dr. Janet Pilcher welcomes School Nutrition Coordinator Jennifer Garner. Jennifer shares her heartfelt approach to staff appreciation, from personalized notes and engaging team activities to transparent communication. Learn how her dedication creates a culture where every team member feels deeply valued, dr...

In the second part of a two-episode series, Dr. Janet Pilcher continues her conversation with Superintendent Rashon Hasan of Plainfield Public Schools . Drawing on his unique blend of education and business experience, Rashon shares advice on building powerful, transparent relationships between school boards and superintendents, emphasizing clarity, consistency, and communication. This episode add...

In the first part of a two-episode series, Dr. Janet Pilcher welcomes Superintendent Rashon Hasan of Plainfield Public Schools . With a unique background spanning education and business, Rashon shares how rounding has become a cornerstone of his leadership, building trust and continuous engagement across his district. Listen to hear how Plainfield leverages surveys to gather feedback from students...

Principal Jeannie Clark and second-grade teacher Ms. Laressa Finney share how Francis Case Elementary is taking gratitude to the next level. Listen as they join Dr. Janet Pilcher to explore the impact of recognition and appreciation on school culture, relationships, and morale. Learn how small, intentional gestures create powerful ripple effects that benefit students, parents, and the entire schoo...

It's one thing to acknowledge outcomes that miss the mark; it's quite another to intentionally transform them into rich learning opportunities. Listen as Dr. Peter Stiepleman , leadership coach and retired superintendent , shares with Dr. Janet Pilcher the foundational principle of his podcast : the importance of reflective practice.  This commitment to reflection is central to his podca...

What if two simple practices could significantly improve your district's culture? Tune in as Superintendent Kevin Case of Douglas School District joins Dr. Janet Pilcher to discuss the impact of intentional rounding and heartfelt recognition. They'll talk about how leaders going first in these practices creates a ripple effect, building an environment where employees, families, and stude...

What inspires the Glencoe School District to keep working toward excellence every day? For Superintendent Dr. Catherine Wang, it all comes back to the students. Tune in as she shares with Dr. Janet Pilcher how her commitment to organizational development is shaping a thriving school district where leaders are empowered to reflect, learn, and grow. You'll also hear how they've transformed...

How does a high-achieving district continue to elevate its performance? According to Dr. Kelly Tess , Superintendent of Winnetka Public Schools , the answer lies with leaders who never stop learning and who embrace simplicity in their strategic approach. Tune in as she joins host Dr. Janet Pilcher to share how she and her team are relentlessly pursuing consistent student growth. Learn how high-ach...

Behind every educator is a driving purpose. For Jill Robinson-Wolgamott, Director of Teaching and Learning for K-5 in Bethel School District , that "why" is a powerful story of overcoming obstacles and dedicating her career to literacy education. Join host Dr. Janet Pilcher as Jill shares her inspiring journey, prompting us to reflect on our own driving purpose. You'll also learn ho...