How Self-Reflection Shapes Better School Leaders | Dean J. Fusto скачать в хорошем качестве

How Self-Reflection Shapes Better School Leaders | Dean J. Fusto

In this episode of the TomoClub Podcast, host Shreya Jaiswal sits down with Dean J. Fusto, education leader, author, and founder of Teach-Learn-Lead, for a deeply reflective conversation on leadership, personal growth, and what it truly means to develop human beings inside schools. Drawing from decades of experience across classrooms, boarding schools, global partnerships, and leadership roles, Dean explores how journaling, self-reflection, and service-driven purpose shape both personal and professional journeys. Dean shares how revisiting the mindset of his younger self keeps his leadership grounded, why professional and personal development are inseparable, and how meaningful growth happens when schools move beyond checklists toward cultures of connection. From rethinking professional development to building healthy relationships with AI in education, this conversation offers school leaders a human-centered lens on growth, balance, and long-term impact. If you’re an educator, school leader, or aspiring changemaker wondering how to grow without losing purpose—or how to lead others while staying aligned with your own values—this episode provides thoughtful, experience-shaped insight. Key Points Discussed: The Power of Looking Back to Move Forward – How revisiting your younger self’s mindset can clarify purpose and direction. Journaling as a Leadership Tool – Reflection as a lifelong practice for growth, clarity, and emotional grounding. Service as a Guiding Thread – How early experiences with community and service shaped a career in education. Personal vs. Professional Development – Why the two are interdependent, not separate tracks. What Meaningful Professional Development Looks Like – Moving beyond compliance toward passion, relevance, and mission alignment. When PD Fails – Why development without purpose or connection lacks impact. Building Cultures of Cohesion – Aligning individual growth with school mission and community history. AI in Schools: A Healthy Relationship – Using AI for research and support while protecting human collaboration. Goals Before Tools – Why clarity of purpose must guide technology use. Human Connection Still Leads – Why collaboration remains more powerful than any digital system. Feeling “Stuck” as a Signal – Using reflection to understand when change or growth is needed. Exploring New Models in Education – The value of researching alternative school designs and pathways. Making Decisions with Clarity, Not Emotion – Why timing and self-awareness matter in career shifts. Teach, Learn, Lead Origin Story – How one educator built a global, free resource library for professional growth. Curating Knowledge for Educators – The importance of accessible, evolving learning resources. Leadership Through Connection – The impact of co-journaling and one-on-one dialogue with teachers. Mentorship That Lasts – Lessons from Dr. Dennis Littky and the power of attention and trust. Growth as a Continuum – Seeing life and leadership as an evolving, connected journey. Time Stamps / Chapters 00:00 Looking back through the eyes of your younger self 00:24 Introduction to Dean J. Fusto 01:18 What would you tell your 10-year-old self? 02:18 Dreams, service, and long-term vision 04:10 The role of journaling in growth 04:53 Personal vs. professional development 06:53 Body, mind, and soul in leadership balance 07:52 When schools neglect one side of development 09:49 What Teach, Learn, Lead does 12:00 Why most professional development fails 12:56 What meaningful PD looks like 14:44 AI in education and healthy boundaries 17:12 Human connection in an AI world 17:55 Knowing when it’s time for change 19:24 Exploring new school models 20:40 Making career moves with clarity 22:22 Influential leaders and mentorship 24:40 Co-journaling with teachers 26:34 Leadership, connection, and legacy 27:11 Closing reflections #educationleadership #aiineducation #educationpodcast #k12education