LM Jan 2023_hi

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Dr. LisaLeali, superintendent of LakeBluff ESD

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Whatmadeyouwant towrite thisbook? I really wasn’t looking to write a book, and it actually started a little bit prior to the pandemic. It actually started out more as a journal. I think you can learn a lot by taking a little bit of time to journal and document what you’re going through. As we entered into pandemic times, I started to see patterns emerge in the things I was writing about. When those patterns started to emerge, it just kind of came together as maybe this is something that could help a new superintendent navigate some of these situations. I’ve heard the quote many times by other people. This is not me. I think you need to write the book that you wish you had or the book you need to read. This is definitely one that I’ve needed in my own life and hopefully will be helpful to others. Youmentioned journaling. Canyoushare some tipsabout your processand the importanceofmaking time todo it? Finding time is the biggest issue. My process has been a little bit varied over the years depending on my life circumstances and where things are in my home life with my children and the rest of my life.

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#65,wroteher first book, Leading through Chaos: TenStrategies for School LeadersDuring Crises. Thebookwaspublished inOctober and isavailable for purchasehere.

IASA recorded a podcast with Dr. Leali in December. Click here to listen to the podcast. The following story is a condensed and edited version of that conversation.

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Canyousharea littlebit about yourself and your school district? I’m in my third year as superintendent, but I’ve been a district level administrator since around 2008. I have worked primarily in the area of curriculum and instruction for three different school districts of varying sizes. I’m really proud of all that work and this book is kind of a reflection on some of those situations that I’ve encountered. It’s by no means a comprehensive guide to dealing with all chaos, but really the things that I’ve learned over my years and the things that I’ve dealt with.

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8 LM January 2023