Leadership and Well-being: Working Together

In this episode, Dr. Jenny Weiner, an associate professor of educational leadership at the University of Connecticut, discusses her research and advocacy for more inclusive and equity-driven approaches in educational leadership. She emphasizes the need to shift leadership from a focus on individual charisma to creating supportive conditions that allow teachers and students to thrive. Dr. Weiner also touches on the interconnectedness of leadership, wellbeing, and equity, advocating for leaders to foster environments where staff feel safe to take risks, learn, and grow without fear of shame or judgment.

Her research delves into the challenges faced by leaders, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. She explains how the pandemic exposed existing inequities and forced school leaders to make rapid decisions under difficult circumstances, highlighting the importance of collective accountability and psychological safety in school environments. Dr. Weiner's work also explores gender and racial biases in leadership, emphasizing that the feminization of the teaching profession has often resulted in leadership structures that fail to prioritize learning and wellbeing.