Christopher Hoffman: Building Future Through Educational Leadership

More Than a Test

In this episode, Christopher dives deep into the importance of seeing the humanity in everyone within the educational system, influenced heavily by key readings like Leadership and Self Deception by The Arbinger Institute. He'll share how these philosophies have transformed his leadership team and created a ripple effect throughout his community. With over 63,000 students and a plan to expand further, Christopher's leadership is steering the district through significant changes, including handling the pandemic's challenges and advancing educational practices.

We'll also touch on the hefty task of managing rapid district growth, the strategic long-term planning of facilities, and the critical decisions made during COVID-19, reflecting his commitment to prioritize the well-being of students and staff.

Join us and host Laura Glaab as we uncover the lessons and strategies from a leader who believes in continuous improvement not just for his students, but for all the big people responsible for nurturing them.

Timestamps

00:00 Northern California superintendent discusses expanding schools, relationships.

04:44 Managing operations while planning for a successful future.

08:06 Becoming a better leader, focusing on kids.

10:56 Outward mindset work transformed my personal leadership.

14:09 Discovered campus beauty, expanded connections, secured funding.

19:23 Family with COVID symptoms, schools affected, testing shortage.

21:39 Collaborative effort changes school calendar amidst crisis.

26:18 Leaders need time to make informed decisions.

28:37 Valley High School shaped my life's purpose.

32:15 Leadership came naturally, ensuring impact on kids.

35:35 Grateful for mentors who influenced his career.

38:06 Leading a large organization with astounding responsibility.

43:28 Book on leadership, self-deception, responsibility, and accountability.

45:26 Better to know and work on solutions.

47:40 Books impact leadership and family in history.

Connect with Christopher Hoffman

Website: https://www.egusd.net/

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About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology.

Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-a-test/id1685012543

Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/

About Amira Learning

Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency.

About your Host, Laura Glaab

Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management.

Everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems.

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmiraLearning

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Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD