In this special crossover episode with co-host Dr. Nashay Lowe of The Resolution Room podcast, we conducted on the spot interviews with education leaders at the 2026 AASA National Conference on Education. In this interview, Dr. Jen Schwanke, author of Trusted: Trust Pillars, Trust Killers, and the Secret to Successful Schools, discusses what it means to be trust-willing, the impact of trust on achievement, the challenges of building (or re-building) trust internally and externally, how to differentiate trust from approval and transparency, and advice for those entering leadership positions. Don't miss this important and timely topic!

Dr. Jen Schwanke is a longtime educator, teaching and leading at all levels. She is the author of five ASCD books, including The Principal’s Guide to Conflict Management. A frequent contributor to multiple educational publishers, Schwanke consults with districts and school leaders in the areas of school climate, personnel, and instructional leadership. She is a frequent presenter at national organizations including ASCD + ISTE, NASSP, and NAESP. An instructor in educational administration at The Ohio State University, Dr. Schwanke currently serves as a Deputy Superintendent in Ohio.

Visit https://jenschwanke.com/ to subscribe to her "Principal Problems" newsletter and learn more about her exciting work!

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