42: A Servant Leader Approach to Enhancing Well-being in Schools

“Being a servant leader, being a transformational leader, it's my job to teach the teachers and administrators some of the pedagogy that I've used that can make learning relevant and easy.” — Dr. Kelvin Butts

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Guest

Dr. Kelvin Butts is the Superintendent of Benton Harbor, MI, area schools and a lifelong educator, having served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal.

Summary

Our discussion touched upon trauma and mental health issues in the Benton Harbor Area Schools, emphasizing the need for mental health initiatives for both teachers and students. The importance of leadership philosophy and growing leaders within the district was highlighted, focusing on equity and addressing barriers through strategic planning and partnerships. The conversation also delved into education, neuroscience, and self-improvement through self-reflection and student feedback, ultimately emphasizing the significance of psychological safety, community engagement, and building alliances in education.

Key Topics

School leadership, trauma, and community support in Benton Harbor. (2:27)

Leadership, transparency, and building relationships in a school district. (9:26)

Mental health and wellness support for students and teachers in Benton Harbor. (14:25)

Addressing barriers to education and mental health support. (20:54)

Education, neuroscience, and teacher training. (27:39)

Self-reflection and improving teaching methods. (31:17)

Education, vulnerability, and agency in the classroom. (38:07)

Building alliances and addressing trauma in schools. (44:07)

Transformational leadership in education. (49:53)

Education reform with a focus on student involvement. (52:02)

In his own words – post-interview Q&A with Dr. Kelvin Butts

Connect with Dr. Butts

School website: https://www.bhas.org/


Are you looking to foster a more inclusive and compassionate school environment? Learn more about the Compassionate School Leadership Academy (CSLA)! The CSLA prepares school leaders in high-need districts to implement trauma-informed practices in the classroom to meet the urgent mental health needs of American children.

Gain insight into your school culture. The CSLA is supported by a customized assessment tool—the School Compassionate Culture Analytical Tool for Educators (S-CCATE)—designed to gauge and change school cultures to ensure more equitable and compassionate school practices.

 To learn more and complete the S-CCATE, click here:

https://yalesurvey.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3OAA0IZvvzWGkw6 

Jeff IklerSeason 2