Leading Through Diversity: Education Challenges in Oakland with Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell

More Than a Test

In today's episode, our host Laura Glaab engages in an insightful conversation with Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell, the superintendent of Oakland Unified School District. Together, they navigate through the complexities of education and leadership, exploring the challenges and opportunities of serving a diverse student population in an ever-changing landscape.

Throughout the episode, Laura and Dr. Johnson-Trammell discuss the nuanced issues that arise within education, from addressing the needs of socioeconomically disadvantaged students and newcomers to advocating for inclusive leadership and fostering partnerships. Dr. Johnson-Trammell shares her perspective on the need to teach essential skills such as creativity and collaboration to prepare students for the competitive job market, while emphasizing the importance of retaining educators and continuously improving school systems.

The episode also delves into the personal experiences and challenges faced by Dr. Johnson-Trammell in her role as a superintendent, addressing the emotional toll of leadership, the complexities of financial management, and the necessity of setting boundaries while maintaining a balance between work and family.

Join us as we explore the thought-provoking insights, experiences, and vision of a dedicated leader who is committed to shaping the future of education in Oakland and beyond.

Timestamps

00:00 Diverse dataset influences leadership challenges in education.

04:35 Addressing costly per pupil needs with diverse support.

06:27 Partnership with Salesforce has focused on supporting the newcomer population in middle schools. The long-standing, meaningful partnership has allowed for vision development, infrastructure development, and strategic support.

11:22 Tension rising across the country, cultural impact and evidence of superintendent attrition post-pandemic.

15:19 Navigating politics in education for effective management.

17:59 Importance of literacy and numeracy for success.

22:46 Reconsidering partnership for diverse students’ needs support.

24:51 Teaching essential skills for future job success.

29:13 Leadership requires crisis management and continuous improvement.

31:50 Utilizing diverse advisers, emphasizing time boundaries.

34:54 Transitioning to CEO required unexpected financial expertise.

40:10 Multitasking to gather information from everyday conversations.

43:45 How to support teachers in implementing change.

45:37 Collaborating with prominent organizations, achieving meaningful community impact.

Connect with Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylajohnsontrammell/

Website: ousd.org

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