
Lead With Humanity
From Everything But The Lesson Plan by Franchesca Thompson
May 20, 2026 · 18 min · Season 11 · Episode 124
About this episode
This episode explores the importance of understanding and supporting teachers through empathy and intentional listening in leadership.
Teacher leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about understanding the people you serve. In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan , Franchesca Thompson explores the powerful leadership principle of meeting teachers where they are . Whether supporting overwhelmed first-year teachers or seasoned educators navigating burnout, great leaders learn to listen before they lead. Through storytelling, practical strategies, and real-world reflection, this episode explores how empathy, curiosity, and intentional listening can transform school culture and teacher retention. If you're a department chair, instructional coach, administrator, mentor teacher — or simply someone who believes in supporting educators — this conversation is for you. Because sometimes the best leadership doesn’t start with solutions. It starts with understanding. https://wildsimplejoy.com/meet-them-where-they-are/ Podcast Legal Disclaimer The views, information, or opinions expressed during Everything But The Lesson Plan are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of any other organization or entity. This podcast is provided for informational and…
People in this episode
Host: Franchesca Thompson
Topics covered
- teacher leadership
- empathy
- curiosity
- listening
- school culture
- teacher retention
Keywords
- teacher leadership
- empathy
- burnout
- first-year teachers
- school culture
- listening
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- Yoga Outside the Mat: Living the Practice Daily · May 13, 2026 · 20 min
- What We Should Know About the Silent Stress Teachers Face · April 15, 2026 · 28 min
- Orchestrating Education: Where People, Process, and Technology Meet Purpose · April 8, 2026 · 30 min
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