308. Finding Fulfillment in Leadership: Featuring Walter McKenzie
In this engaging episode of Aspire to Lead, we sit down with Walter McKenzie, author, ASCD leader, and co-creator of The Worthy Educator, to explore the complexities of leadership in education. Walter shares his thoughts on the temptation to say “yes” to roles because of titles, money, or pride, and the importance of staying where you are if you’re happy and mentally healthy. We also dive into the significance of staying connected with other educational leaders and how isolating the climb up the district ladder can be. If you’re navigating your own leadership journey or contemplating your next steps, this conversation offers invaluable insights for balancing ambition with personal well-being and meaningful connections.
About Walter McKenzie:
Walter McKenzie is the co-founder of The Worthy Educator, a thriving community of leaders in education supporting each other to have impact and build lasting legacies in their work. Since retiring from ASCD, he served 25 years in Massachusetts and Virginia public schools: 14 years as a classroom teacher and 11 years as a district director and assistant superintendent. He also served as a senior training specialist for the Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington, D.C., and its field offices around the nation.
In addition to his work in public schools in public education, Walter is an internationally known presenter and author. He has been instrumental in launching and leading online professional development programs and postgraduate professional education courses, and he has actively facilitated online educator communities and web-based interdisciplinary instructional projects over the past 30 years.
Walter lives in suburban Washington, DC with his wife and two children. Learn more at waltermckenzie.com.
Follow Walter McKenzie:
- Website: www.waltermckenzie.com
- Twitter (X): https://x.com/WalterinDC
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008265858213
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wmckenzie
Worthy Educator Community: https://www.theworthyeducator.com
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Need a Presenter for a conference or school PD?
Contact Joshua Stamper for presentations on Leadership Capacity, Mental Health Strategies, Alternative Behavior Practices, Leadership Development, and Innovative campus systems.
Joshua Stamper Keynote Presentation, Enhancing Your Capacity with Healthy Habits
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Aspire to Lead Won the FireBird Award!
I’m happy to announce that my book, “Aspire to Lead”, won the 2022 Leadership Book Award from Speak Up Talk Radio!
It is a great honor to get this kind of recognition and I really appreciate all your support!
The book is available for purchase on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1953852386/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1953852386&linkCode=as2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=0d9c336e3db6ab16cbb08421ef3e4175
Review the Podcast
I want to give a huge shout out to those who have taken the time to provide a review on Apple, Spotify or any other podcast platform. It truly means the world to me that you would take the 30- 90 seconds to share how the podcast has positively impacted you or why other educators should check out the show.
Teach Better Podcast Network, Aspire: The Leadership Development Podcast
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About the author, Joshua
Joshua Stamper is the Training and Development Specialist for the Teach Better Team and manages the Teach Better Podcast Network. Prior to Joshua's current position, he was a middle school Administrator, classroom art educator, and athletic coach.
In addition to being on the Teach Better Team, Joshua is the author of Aspire to Lead, podcaster, leadership coach, and education presenter.