This week, Jamie and Jerri are joined by veteran education leaders Dr. Susan Enfield and Dr. Kristi Wilson to unpack their new book, On Fire, Under Fire, or Fired: Superintendents Share Their Stories. This book and this conversation shine a light on the emotional toll, public pressure, and deep commitment it takes to lead a school system today.

Susan and Kristi share the inspiration behind the book and highlight some of the most memorable, raw, and impactful stories from their interviews with superintendents, and explain why these stories need to be heard by more than just other school leaders. Together, they underscore the urgency of fostering understanding and empathy for those in the superintendent's seat and advocate for systemic support to sustain leadership longevity. The conversation is both eye-opening and affirming, giving listeners a rare look behind the scenes of district leadership and the passion that drives it.

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ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Dr. Susan Enfield is the former Superintendent of the Washoe County School District in Reno, Nevada. Prior to this, she served as Superintendent for Highline Public Schools in Burien, WA, for ten years. A former high school English, journalism, and ELL teacher, Susan served as Chief Academic Officer and then as Interim Superintendent for Seattle Public Schools before joining Highline in 2012. She was named the Superintendent of the Year by the National School Foundation Association in 2018 and was the 2022 Washington State Superintendent of the Year.

Dr. Kristi Wilson served as superintendent of the Buckeye Elementary School District in Buckeye, Arizona, for eleven years, facilitating the delivery of an outstanding education for approximately 6,000 students and nine campuses. Prior to her superintendency, Wilson had a robust educational career as an assistant superintendent, executive director, special education director, school administrator, teacher, and adjunct professor. Her passion and transformational leadership have helped design new schools focused on the lens of the learner and overall systematic change. Dr. Wilson is one of the nation's top thought leaders in public education.

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Leading Through the Fire