Superintendent Hot Seat with Michael McCormick

This episode of the Superintendent Hot Seat Podcast features a rare, candid conversation with U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona. Moving beyond high-level policy, Dr. Cardona shares a "from the trenches" perspective on the youth mental health crisis, where he describes schools as the "psychological emergency rooms" of our society. The discussion flows from the complex impact of technol...

In this episode, Mount Diablo Unified Superintendent Adam Clark discusses his student-centered leadership approach. He emphasizes that academic instruction is only effective when students feel safe and connected. Drawing on his experience across all school levels, Dr. Clark advocates for developmental support rather than a "one-size-fits-all" model. For middle schoolers, he focuses on fo...

In this insightful interview, Superintendent Sarah Stone shares her innovative approaches to student wellness, emphasizing the importance of understanding each child's unique needs, creating supportive spaces, and fostering resilience. Discover how her district promotes joy, inclusivity, and agency among students and staff to build a healthier, more engaged learning community.

In this insightful interview, Superintendent Terrence Davis shares innovative approaches to student wellness, the importance of community and connection, and personal strategies for maintaining well-being in educational leadership.

In this episode of the Superintendent Hot Seat, Dr. Ivan Duran, Superintendent of Highline Schools, discusses the importance of student wellness, the creation of a culture of belonging, and the innovative career and technical education programs in his district. He emphasizes the need for deeper connections with students, the role of community partnerships, and the significance of empowering studen...

In this episode of the Superintendent Hot Seat, Michael McCormick interviews Shannon Cox from the Montgomery County Educational Service Center. They discuss the evolving approaches to student wellness, emphasizing the importance of supporting adults in the educational system first. Shannon shares insights on building comprehensive support systems for schools, the significance of personal wellness...

The conversation highlights the crucial role of cafeteria workers in identifying and supporting students' emotional and social needs. It emphasizes the importance of building connections and advocacy within the school environment to ensure that every student receives the support they need.

In this episode of the Superintendent Hot Seat podcast, Michael McCormick engages with Dr. Gina Zietlow, Superintendent of ABC Unified School District, discussing the pressing challenges of student wellness, mental health, and the evolving role of educators in supporting students. They explore the importance of mental health resources in schools, the shift in student awareness regarding their own...

Dr. Rick Cobb (Mid-Del Public Schools) explains how his district creates “soft landings” for students and families at every transition point — from the first day of school to the move into middle and high school. He highlights programs that build connection and pride, including athletics, fine arts, CareerTech, e-sports, and upgraded facilities, while sharing how he keeps himself grounded by stayi...

How do you enter a large district mid-year and still set a clear path forward? Dr. Ben Churchill (Poway USD) shares his 90-day listen-and-learn plan, school visits across 41 campuses, and a leadership approach built on focus over frenzy: double down on what works, let go of what doesn’t, and align the organization around a few wildly important goals. He also lays out how Poway balances district di...

What happens when you free teachers from test score pressure and trust them to design for the whole child? In this inspiring conversation on Superintendent Hot Seat, Michael Matsuda shares how he transformed Anaheim Union High School District into a hub of innovation — from capstones and student TED Talks to AI-powered mentors that know each learner’s story. Discover how his team builds purpose-dr...

How do we build student wellness that truly lasts? In this episode of Superintendent Hot Seat, Dr. Barbara Mullen shares how she’s reshaping district culture by focusing on healing-centered leadership. From building communities of practice for staff to designing joyful “Level Up” kickoffs and creating schools where every student feels seen, her approach is rooted in connection, trust, and belongin...

What happens when a school leader faces the unimaginable — multiple student suicides in a single year? In this powerful episode of Superintendent Hot Seat, Dr. Martha Salazar Zamora, Superintendent of Tomball ISD and 2023 Texas Superintendent of the Year, shares one of the most vulnerable and courageous stories we’ve ever heard on the show. Dr. Z walks us through the heartbreaking moments that sho...

What happens when we focus on educator wellness as the foundation for student success? In this episode of Superintendent Hot Seat, David Olney joins Michael McCormick to explore why taking care of educators is essential for fostering student wellness. Olney emphasizes the importance of relationships, open communication, and building a systemic approach to well-being that includes both students and...

How can schools bring humanity back into education when students and staff are grappling with trauma and mental health challenges? In this episode of Superintendent Hot Seat, Dr. Michael Lubelfeld joins Michael McCormick to discuss the critical need for trauma-informed practices, community support, and a holistic approach to student wellness. From the cascading impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to...

What happens in schools now reaches far beyond the classroom. They’ve become the frontlines of broader societal tensions. In this episode, Dr. Gunn Marie Hansen shares what it means to stay focused on student health, connection, and long-term success while navigating public pressure and political noise. She discusses the critical role of student belonging, the growing urgency of educator wellness,...

Leading a school district has never been more challenging. In this episode, Dr. Julie Vitale shares how superintendents are balancing constant change while creating stability for students, staff, and families. From post-pandemic challenges to the pressures of social media, she reveals how school leaders are stepping up as community anchors when everything feels uncertain. This is more than a conve...

School leadership isn’t just about policy—it’s about people. In this episode, Dr. Susan Enfield explores how education leadership has changed, why superintendents need better support, and what it takes to build resilient schools where both students and educators thrive. From rebuilding trust to ensuring leaders feel valued, this conversation dives into what’s working, what’s not, and how we move f...

Think mental health isn’t an issue in high-performing, affluent districts? Think again. Terry Walker breaks down the hidden struggles kids face, even in the most privileged environments. From anxiety to terrifying realities like suicide ideation, the challenges are real—and often overlooked. This conversation is a wake-up call: every student, no matter where they come from, deserves access to ment...

How does a teacher evolve into a superintendent reshaping education? 💡 Superintendent at Desert Sands Unified School District, Dr. Kelly May-Vollmar’s inspiring journey from the classroom to district leadership is filled with bold moves, tough decisions, and a commitment to students and staff. Get ready to hear how she’s redefining what it means to lead in education. Tune in for the full episode...

Chronic absenteeism is a growing challenge in schools, but Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Root of Menifee Union School District is tackling it head-on—with creativity, connection, and community. In this episode of  Superintendent Hot Seat , Dr. Root shares innovative strategies like friendly competitions, engaging activities, and creating a sense of belonging to bring students back to the classroom....

In this insightful episode of Superintendent Hot Seat , host Michael McCormick speaks with Superintendent Jerry Almendarez about the essential shift toward human-centered connections in K12 education. Jerry shares stories of student and teacher challenges, post-pandemic behavioral issues, and the need to focus on emotional well-being across the education system. With candid reflections on leadersh...

In this important episode of Superintendent Hot Seat, Michael McCormick interviews Dr. Quintin Shepherd on the rise of chronic absenteeism, now at 30% nationwide, and its link to post-pandemic trauma and behavior issues in schools. As budgets tighten, especially in states like California, Dr. Shepherd stresses the need for immediate support systems for both students and staff. He highlights the im...