Human-Centered Leadership, Equity & Belonging & Imperfect Leadership | Dr. Peter Stiepelman

In this episode of Learning Can’t Wait, host Hayley Spira-Bauer speaks with Dr. Peter Stiepelman—former superintendent, author, and host of An Imperfect Leader—about human-centered leadership, equity, and the courage to lead without pretending to be perfect. Drawing on his journey from Long Island to Oakland, Missouri, and now Colombia, Dr. Stiepelman reflects on what leadership looks like across vastly different contexts and why vulnerability, reflection, and inclusive decision-making are essential. The conversation explores teacher retention, rural education challenges, equity work during the Black Lives Matter movement, and the power of learning from mistakes to build more just, resilient school systems.