In this can't-miss episode of The Community Connection, I sit down with Mike Mattos, a nationally recognized educator, best-selling author, and one of the foremost voices in the Professional Learning Community (PLC) movement. From his early days as a classroom teacher to his transformative work as a principal and now a highly sought-after speaker and consultant, Mike has spent his career helping schools shift from isolation to collaboration—and from intention to impact.
Together, we explore three powerful pillars that define transformative schools: Leadership, Learning, and Legacy.
Mike shares rich insights into the kind of leadership today’s schools need—leadership that is bold, compassionate, and unshakably student-centered. We talk about how great leaders don't just manage—they inspire, cultivate capacity, and build cultures where collaboration thrives, even amidst challenges like staffing shortages, low morale, and top-down mandates.
We also dig deep into learning—not just for students, but for educators and leaders themselves. Mike reminds us that the most effective leaders model a relentless commitment to learning, using curiosity and continuous improvement as fuel for driving real change within their schools.
And when it comes to legacy, we explore what it means to leave behind more than just results or accolades. Mike makes the case that a leader’s true legacy is found in the systems they create, the people they empower, and the learning communities they sustain long after they're gone.
Reflection Questions for School Leaders:
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What kind of legacy am I building in my school—and will it outlast my leadership?
Consider the systems, relationships, and culture you're shaping. Are they sustainable and empowering for others to carry forward?
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How am I modeling a commitment to learning—for myself and for my team?
Reflect on whether your leadership promotes curiosity, growth, and continuous improvement, not just for students but across your entire staff.
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In the face of today’s educational challenges, am I leading with intention or reaction?
Think about how you're navigating issues like staffing, morale, and mandates. Are you being driven by your values and vision, or pulled by external pressures?
