234 - Terry Grier on Developing More than 80 System Leaders

This week, Tom is speaking with Terry Grier! Terry is known as America's Superintendent coach and was a big district superintendent for over 20 years in four different states. He made Houston the best big urban district in the country. And as Tom says, has done more to develop educational talent than anyone in history! But, his most important legacy is that, to-date, 81 women and men who have worked for him have gone on to lead school districts themselves. In this episode, Terry takes listeners through his journey in each of these large systems he led and recounts some of his biggest leadership lessons from each of them. Tom and Terry also discuss his hiring philosophy, the keys to developing talent, and some of his proudest moments during his time in education. Key Takeaways: [:14] About today's episode! [:42] Tom welcomes Terry on to the podcast! [:51] Terry speaks about where he went to high school. [1:19] When and why did Terry decide to become a biology teacher? [2:52] After teaching, when and why did Terry decide to lead a school and then a system? [5:52] Terry recounts his time as Superintendent of Williamson County Schools from '96 to 2000. [10:17] Tom and Terry speak...