Leading Through Civil Discourse, One Conversation at a Time

Episode Description: In this episode, Patience LeBlanc, Sarah Lane and Kobi Nelson discuss ways that school leaders can be set up for success by approaching conversations with positive intent and having a goal of listening to learn. We explore how leaders shape school communities that foster civil discourse and viewpoint diversity, and how that work happens when they intentionally show up every day to support the teachers they work with.

Guest: Patience LeBlanc

Timestamps:

04:37 - The importance of building relationships as a foundation for safe dialogue

09:21 - Small moments that build trust

12:02 - Keeping professional spaces free from evaluation pressures

13:24 - Leaders as lead learners: modeling and engaging alongside teachers

18:58 - Building authentic relationships with teachers over time

20:26 - Using hallway conversations to establish approachability

24:07 - Preparing students for jobs that don’t yet exist

26:02 - Practical steps for leaders to get started with fostering civil discourse

28:15 - Future hopes for civil discourse in education and ongoing organizational efforts