Three superintendents recently shared their expertise and wisdom with new doctoral students during the University of La Verne’s Educational Leadership Doctoral Program Summer Intensive Fireside Chat with Educational Leaders.

During this superintendent leadership panel, the discussion focused on challenges and opportunities in P-12 leadership. The superintendents shared their experiences, insights, and perspectives on leading today’s schools and districts with the newest group of students entering the two-year, doctoral program that focuses on dissertation in practice.

The panel featured ACSA 2026 Superintendent of the Year Dr. Jennifer Root, superintendent, Menifee Union School District; Dr. Gudiel Crosthwaite, superintendent, Sunnyvale Unified School District; and Dr. Bryon Schaefer, superintendent (retired), Kern High School District. The panel was moderated by Dr. Renae Bryant, University of La Verne adjunct professor and alumna (2017).

These are just a few of the words of wisdom shared during the fireside chat from the superintendents based on the over 80 questions generated by the students:

• Prioritize relationships.
• Build your networks. The most effective leaders have a wide circle of people.
• Seek mentors and sponsors.
• Look back at the good you have done.
• Share your story.
• Remember not to take things personally. It’s not about us.
• Learn about budgets.
• Be honest and transparent about the budget.
• Be visible and accessible.
• Be consistent and model expectations.
• Know your audience.
• Remember the “no surprise rule.”
• Elevate the voices of your students and families.

All three panelists also serve as adjunct faculty at the University of La Verne’s LaFetra College of Education, helping prepare and mentor the next generation of educational leaders.

“It is such a privilege to give back to the next generation of leaders. I am deeply grateful for the mentors and colleagues who invested in me and helped shape the leader I am today,” Root shared. “I cherish the opportunity to pay that generosity forward by supporting and inspiring the next generation of leaders.”