Rethinking Icebreakers in Professional Learning

When Correction Feels Like Exclusion: Rethinking Pronunciation in Schools

For multilingual learners, correction is not just about pronunciation—it can shape confidence, identity, and belonging. In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto shares a personal reflection on growing up as an English learner and how public correction and peer reactions impacted his willingness to speak. He offers practical ways educators can support pronunciation without diminishing confidence. A powerful reminder that how we respond to students’ voices matters just as much as what we teach. Leading Before the Title Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/leading-before-the-title-7418283059575345152/ [https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/leading-before-the-title-7418283059575345152/]

Rethinking Icebreakers in Professional Learning

Icebreakers are meant to build connection—but too often, they feel like filler. In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto challenges educators and leaders to rethink how professional learning begins. He explores why traditional icebreakers can undermine purpose, and how small, intentional shifts can create openings that both build trust and move the work forward. A practical reflection on designing professional learning that respects time, expertise, and impact. Article Link: https://www.eschoolnews.com/educational-leadership/2025/11/28/rethinking-icebreakers-in-professional-learning/ [https://www.eschoolnews.com/educational-leadership/2025/11/28/rethinking-icebreakers-in-professional-learning/]

The Fit Test: 6-Step Interview Prep to Assess Your Next Role

An interview invitation can feel exciting—but strong leadership judgment starts before you say yes. In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto shares a practical framework for preparing for leadership interviews with clarity and intention. From evaluating school context to telling authentic leadership stories and asking questions that protect your future self, this episode reframes interviews as a two-way process. A short, thoughtful guide for educators navigating their next leadership move. Article Link: https://www.naesp.org/resource/the-fit-test-6-step-interview-prep-to-assess-your-next-role/ [https://www.naesp.org/resource/the-fit-test-6-step-interview-prep-to-assess-your-next-role/]

Doing Work that Matters Most

In schools, it is easy to mistake constant activity for meaningful progress. Meetings, emails, and daily demands can fill every hour of the day, leaving little space for the work that actually improves teaching and learning. In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto reflects on the discipline of focusing on what truly matters in educational leadership. He explores how leaders can resist reactive work, prioritize impact over activity, and align their time with the outcomes they care about most. A short reflection on clarity, purpose, and the leadership choices that shape school culture.

For Professional Ghosters Out There

In schools and leadership spaces, silence is rarely neutral. When direct work-related messages go unanswered, trust erodes, uncertainty grows, and professional culture begins to fray. In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto reflects on responsiveness as a leadership disposition. He explores why ghosting in professional contexts is more than a communication issue, how it creates friction across organizations, and what practical systems leaders can build to close communication loops more consistently. A direct and practical episode on professionalism, clarity, and the culture your response habits create. Full article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/6-professional-ghosters-out-dr-andy-szeto-k3ite/?trackingId=5C3Jt0t3SIOWomCKn5GBNw%3D%3D [https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/6-professional-ghosters-out-dr-andy-szeto-k3ite/?trackingId=5C3Jt0t3SIOWomCKn5GBNw%3D%3D]