Dr. Josha Talison: Educational Leadership Rooted in Faith and Community

More Than a Test

In today's episode, we are thrilled to have Dr. Josha Talison, the superintendent of Ecorse, Michigan, join us. Dr. Talison shares how his unwavering faith has guided his career, emphasizing that true leadership is about earning respect and loyalty. We'll explore the unique challenges of working in an inner-city school district with limited resources and how Dr. Talison leverages creativity and community support to provide exceptional educational opportunities for his students.

From navigating the complexities of COVID-19 to redefining success beyond college degrees, Dr. Talison's insights are both inspiring and practical. Hear about his journey from a history educator to a superintendent, his innovative approaches to funding, and the profound impact of positive actions within his tight-knit community.

Whether you're an educator, a leader, or just passionate about making a difference, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration.

Timestamps

00:00 High expectations for students, offering diverse opportunities.

04:48 Neighboring district faces financial challenges for projects.

10:03 Door-to-door meal deliveries meet philanthropic needs.

13:04 Superintendents should lead in alignment with boards.

15:12 In-person learning requirement due to COVID.

17:34 Valuing community needs and balancing realism.

23:55 Apple program in Detroit empowers tech careers.

26:57 Reconsider focus on college completion, and embrace alternatives.

28:45 From Detroit to CEO through education passion.

32:37 Focusing on purpose and challenges in education.

35:27 Moved back to Detroit to be near my parents.

38:48 Navigating gray areas requires grace and grit.

41:30 God's promotion and faith guiding life path.

47:03 Building respect, leadership, and loyalty in education.

48:30 Education is more than a test, track growth.

Connect with Dr. Josha Talison

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josha-talison-7785aa1b7

Website: https://www.ecorse.education/

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About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology.

Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-a-test/id1685012543

Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/

About Amira Learning

Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency.

About your Host, Laura Glaab

Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management.

Everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems.

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/

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Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD