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: