Failing Well: Lauren Houser

I am so thrilled to introduce our latest episode featuring the incredible Lauren Houser, who brings seventeen years of experience as an assistant principal. Lauren shares her journey from unexpected twists, like taking a year off after graduation, to finding her true calling in education.
We also dive deep into topics like the power of building relationships through looping (did you know Finland does it for up to six years?), the importance of failing forward in education, and how to lead well even when values clash. Plus, we even explore Lauren's unique perspective on discipline as the "playground of life" and why creating a culture of trust is at the heart of overcoming challenges.
This is a candid conversation filled with incredible insights that will resonate with educators at all levels. You definitely won't want to miss this one!
To learn more, order Jon's book, Just Teaching: Feedback, Engagement, and Well-Being for Each Student.
The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Each week, we'll talk to catalytic educators who are doing amazing work.
Be encouraged.


Timestamps:
[0:37] - Hear an introduction providing some information about Lauren’s credentials.
[2:01] - Lauren's journey into education took an unexpected turn from traditional teaching to looping through grades.
[3:47] - Lauren shares how her educational journey continued as she transitioned from a teacher to an instructional coach.
[5:30] - I discuss the positive impact of looping in education, emphasizing the importance of deep student-teacher relationships.
[7:30] - Lauren highlights the significance of elementary teachers as experts in understanding and connecting with students.
[9:54] - Focusing on common values when working with diverse leadership styles is crucial.
[11:45] - Lauren emphasizes influential leadership, prioritizing relationships, and applies Leander's pillars—collaboration, ownership, improvement cycles, and resilience.
[13:20] - I underscore the importance of influence in leadership and explore the concept of strategic failure.
[15:04] - Lauren highlights the necessity of strategic failure in education, emphasizing the importance of reflection and growth.
[18:05] - How does Lauren lean into her core mission and calling in her role as an educational leader?
[20:23] - The role of sincerity in restoring community in education is discussed.
[22:00] - What is some good advice and bad advice that Lauren has received?
[25:08] - Lauren discusses the profound challenge of overcoming distrust and fear in education communities.
[26:12] - What makes Lauren most optimistic about the year ahead?


Connect on Social Media:
Baylor MA in School Leadership
Baylor Doctorate in Education
Jon Eckert: @eckertjon
Center for School Leadership at Baylor University: @baylorcsl


Books Mentioned:
Clay Scroggins - How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge: Leveraging Influence When You Lack Authority
Amy C. Edmondson - Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well