Leading Before the Title is a short-form leadership podcast created by Dr. Andy Szeto — educator, district leader, professor, and author of Leading Before the Title.
In each 3–5 minute episode, Dr. Szeto shares practical, reflective insights drawn from his published articles and leadership writing. Designed for educators and school leaders at every level, the podcast explores instructional leadership, AI in education, systems thinking, equity, and professional growth — with a focus on actionable moves you can use immediately.
This podcast is for those who believe leadership is not defined by position, but by practice.
Faster Isn’t Lighter: The Hidden Cost of AI in Schools
AI promises efficiency in schools—but faster does not always mean easier.
In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto explores the hidden cost of AI in education. As tasks become quicker to complete, expectations rise, workloads expand, and cognitive demands increase.
A practical reflection on how leaders can use AI intentionally—without allowing efficiency to quietly turn into overload.
Link to Article: https://www.techlearning.com/technology/ai/faster-isnt-lighter-the-hidden-cost-of-ai-in-schools (https://www.techlearning.com/technology/ai/faster-isnt-lighter-the-hidden-cost-of-ai-in-schools)
30 May 2026
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/)
23 May 2026
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/)
9 May 2026
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/)
25 Apr 2026
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.
12 Apr 2026
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)
2 Apr 2026
Amplifying Human Skills in the Age of AI: Using the C.A.R.E.S. Framework
Artificial intelligence is changing how teachers plan lessons, assess learning, and provide feedback. But as technology becomes more capable, the question becomes clearer: what skills remain uniquely human?
In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto introduces the C.A.R.E.S. framework—a model that highlights the human strengths educators must amplify in the age of AI: cultural competence, adaptability, relationships, ethical judgment, and scholarly discernment.
A short reflection on why the future of education will depend not on replacing human intelligence, but on strengthening it.
Full Article: https://www.techlearning.com/technology/ai/amplifying-human-skills-in-the-age-of-ai-using-the-c-a-r-e-s-framework (https://www.techlearning.com/technology/ai/amplifying-human-skills-in-the-age-of-ai-using-the-c-a-r-e-s-framework)
28 Mar 2026
6 Digital Pet Peeves I Notice in Schools
Every technology decision, from reply-all emails to slide design and shared links, communicates something about leadership — and not always what we intend.
In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto explores six digital habits that create friction in schools and offers simple leadership moves to reduce confusion, respect others’ time, and build a culture of clarity and efficiency.
A short, practical listen for leaders who want technology to reduce friction — not add to it.
Full article: https://www.techlearning.com/learning/leadership/6-digital-pet-peeves-i-notice-in-schools (https://www.techlearning.com/learning/leadership/6-digital-pet-peeves-i-notice-in-schools)
21 Mar 2026
Designing AI-Resistant Assignments in Educational Leadership Courses
AI tools can generate polished writing in seconds. But leadership education is not about polished writing — it is about judgment, ethics, and contextual decision-making.
In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto explores how to design AI-resistant assignments in educational leadership courses. Rather than banning AI, this episode focuses on redesigning assessment to emphasize process, situated dilemmas, oral defense, and reflective reasoning.
If you are a professor, instructional leader, or school administrator thinking about how AI is changing academic integrity and authentic learning, this short episode offers practical design moves that protect what matters most: human judgment.
Full article: https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/educational-assessment/designing-ai-resistant-assignments-in-educational-leadership-courses/ (https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/educational-assessment/designing-ai-resistant-assignments-in-educational-leadership-courses/)
14 Mar 2026
Borrowing from the Past: Productive Friction in the Age of AI
AI promises speed, efficiency, and instant answers. But what happens when learning becomes too frictionless?
In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto explores the idea of productive friction in the age of AI. Drawing on classroom examples and leadership reflections, he examines why certain forms of struggle, effort, and cognitive challenge are not obstacles to learning — they are essential to it.
From retrieval practice to oral defenses to slowing down the writing process, this episode challenges leaders to design systems that balance innovation with intentional resistance. Because in a world optimized for speed, thoughtful friction may be one of our most powerful leadership tools.
Full Article: https://www.gettingsmart.com/2026/02/12/borrowing-from-the-past-productive-friction-in-the-age-of-ai/ (https://www.gettingsmart.com/2026/02/12/borrowing-from-the-past-productive-friction-in-the-age-of-ai/)
1 Mar 2026
How AI Can Fix PD for Teachers
Professional development is often well-intentioned but poorly designed — generic sessions, limited follow-up, and little differentiation for teachers’ real needs.
In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto explores how AI can help redesign professional learning so it becomes more personalized, responsive, and actionable. From streamlining planning to supporting continuous coaching and data-informed reflection, this episode examines how leaders can use AI not as a shortcut, but as a strategic partner in building stronger systems for teacher growth.
A practical listen for school leaders ready to rethink PD in the age of AI.
Full article: https://www.eschoolnews.com/educational-leadership/2025/12/10/how-ai-can-fix-pd-for-teachers/ (https://www.eschoolnews.com/educational-leadership/2025/12/10/how-ai-can-fix-pd-for-teachers/)
1 Mar 2026
When Digital Silence Speaks: Email Responsiveness as a Leadership Disposition
Silence is never neutral in leadership. In schools, an unanswered email can quickly turn into hesitation, second-guessing, and stalled momentum.
In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto explores email responsiveness as a leadership disposition — not a productivity hack. You will hear why digital silence shapes trust and culture, and what practical moves leaders can use to stay present without being online all day.
A short episode for school leaders who want to communicate with clarity, consistency, and purpose.
Full article: https://www.techlearning.com/learning/leadership/when-digital-silence-speaks-email-responsiveness-as-a-leadership-disposition (https://www.techlearning.com/learning/leadership/when-digital-silence-speaks-email-responsiveness-as-a-leadership-disposition)
1 Mar 2026
5 Questions Every School Leader Should Ask Before Buying AI Tools
AI tools are everywhere in education right now. But before signing a contract, school leaders need to slow down and ask better questions.
In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto unpacks five critical questions every school leader should ask before purchasing AI tools. From clarifying the real problem you are trying to solve, to ensuring usability, adoption, pilot testing, and alignment with your school’s instructional vision, this episode offers a practical decision-making lens grounded in leadership, not hype.
If you are navigating vendor pitches, AI proposals, or district-level conversations about emerging technologies, this episode will help you lead with clarity and purpose.
Full article: https://www.naesp.org/resource/5-questions-every-school-leader-should-ask-before-buying-ai-tools/ (https://www.naesp.org/resource/5-questions-every-school-leader-should-ask-before-buying-ai-tools/)
28 Feb 2026
Six Steps to Turning Qualitative Data into Actionable Insights
In this episode of Leading Before the Title, Dr. Andy Szeto unpacks how school leaders can turn qualitative data — open-ended survey responses, reflections, and narrative feedback — into clear, actionable decisions. Instead of skimming comments or reducing them to a few quotes, he shares a practical six-step process to move from voice to strategy. If you collect feedback but struggle to translate it into leadership moves, this episode offers a simple framework you can use immediately.
Full article: https://www.ascd.org/blogs/six-steps-to-turning-qualitative-data-into-actionable-insights (https://www.ascd.org/blogs/six-steps-to-turning-qualitative-data-into-actionable-insights)
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