How Eric Hudspith’s Empathetic Leadership is Driving Growth in Rural Schools

Education is not just about what students know, but about who they become  

Dr. Eric Hudspith, the superintendent of Waseca Public Schools in Minnesota, and author of two books:  Culture Driven Leadership and Creating a Culture of Success, has a career that spans from classroom teacher to district leader, He brings a deep understanding of the challenges facing small and rural school districts.  

Dr. Hudspith talks about his deep passion for literacy and the innovative teaching strategies he’s implemented in his district. He also opens up about the importance of teacher retention and the steps being taken to support educators. Throughout the conversation, he highlights the critical role community partnerships play in closing resource gaps and ensuring all students have the support they need to succeed. He also touches on the future of vocational training and shares his thoughts on how empathy-driven leadership can make a real difference in education.


Key Moments

05:29 Ensuring life options for students.
12:30 Interest-based course expansion.
22:27 Improving teacher retention.
32:22 Empathy in leadership.
39:40 Implementing AI tools.


Connect with Eric Hudspith
How Eric Hudspith’s Empathetic Leadership is Driving Growth in Rural Schools
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