Why modern superintendents must master civic leadership
While superintendents historically focused on instructional and managerial duties to drive academic performance, today's educational climate demands strong political leadership.
"If you want to make things better for kids in an environment where people do not agree, you need to hone your political chops," says Jennifer Cheatham, senior lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
The former Madison Metropolitan School District superintendent joined the "DA Changemakers" podcast to discuss her new book, "Superintendent as Civic Leader: Stewarding the Future of Public Education."
She argues that public education stands at a generational crossroads shaped by student enrollment, district consolidations, rapidly evolving technology and heightened public scrutiny.
"The intensity and volatility have meant that superintendents have to be much more skilled in every area, but especially in the area of political leadership where they have often been less prepared," she explains.
To navigate these dynamics, Cheatham outlines five essential political traits every superintendent must develop: robust visioning, value-based communication, political mapping, constituent mobilization and relationship building across lines of difference.
She also recommends that leaders look beyond their internal cabinet to build broad civic coalitions with mayors, non-profits and community groups.
Listen to the full conversation down below:
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