The superintendency has only grown in complexity in recent years, and it’s forced some leaders to make difficult decisions about their careers. Others, however, are reminding themselves constantly of the spark that caused them to fall in love with the profession in the first place.
In this episode of the “Talking Out of School” podcast, we’re joined by Sean Bulson, superintendent of Harford Couty Public Schools in Maryland, to discuss why it’s important for district leaders to stay resilient when times get tough.
Although Bulson is in his 11th year as a superintendent, he says he’s always having to learn the ropes. “There are definitely days when I still feel like a rookie,” he says. “It’s like golf. You never fully get this down.”
The best way to describe it, he adds, is, “You learn how much to worry.” Superintendents are bombarded with a million things a day. It’s up to you as a leader to discern which are “the fire drills” and which aren’t.
Like many leaders in K12 education, Bulson grew up in schools. His mother was a teacher and retired as a principal, but she never pressured him to pursue a similar career. Still he says it’s in his DNA.
“After college, it just seemed like the right move,” he explains. “I got into it and loved it.”
Now in his sixth year with the district, Bulson shares his advice for newer superintendents on being effective leaders in 2024 and beyond without running on empty.
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