Clear communication creates real transformation. In Episode 14 of Transformational Educators, we sit down with Dr. Rick Surrency, 2023 National Superintendent of the Year, to explore how intentional leadership lifted a struggling district’s graduation rate from 54% to 92%.

As a former principal turned district leader, Dr. Surrency shares the pivotal mindset shifts, communication strategies, and people-first practices that drove culture change across Putnam County Schools. From riding school buses to rebooting faculty meetings, this story-rich episode is packed with strategies you can apply immediately.

Dr. Surrency also shares proven student engagement strategies and teacher morale practices that build lasting culture from the inside out. Whether you’re leading a school or just getting started, this episode will inspire and equip.

In this episode

• How Dr. Surrency confronted a culture of low expectations
• The first strategy he implemented as principal to boost clarity
• Why student engagement is a key measure of instructional quality
• The power of teacher shout-outs in faculty meetings
• How riding a school bus transformed teacher empathy
• Navigating resistance from veteran staff
• The role of celebration in shifting school culture
• How leaders sustain impact through relationships and legacy
• YouTube Chapters
• 00:00:00 - Coming up...
• 00:01:25 - Below expectations and jumping in fast
• 00:03:17 - Growing from manager to instructional leader
• 00:04:52 - Challenging the “other side of the tracks” mindset
• 00:08:44 - Why student engagement was the focus
• 00:14:52 - Transforming faculty meetings with shout-outs
• 00:17:48 - Why happy teachers = thriving students
• 00:22:19 - The overhead projector fire story
• 00:24:44 - What makes a minute of leadership truly count
• 00:25:51 - Final thoughts and wrap-up