Ana reflects on her first year leading South Haven Public Schools, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with the community, listening to students, and building relationships across the district. She discusses the district's strategic planning process, the role of student voice in shaping the future, and why creating a sense of belonging for every student remains a central priority.

The conversation also explores leadership development, teacher clarity, collective efficacy, curriculum implementation, and the importance of fostering healthy professional dialogue through cognitive dissonance. Ana shares how South Haven is strengthening instructional systems while remaining focused on supporting teachers, improving student outcomes, and ensuring every learner feels connected and valued.

Key Moments

00:45 Ana's Full-Circle Journey to Superintendent

01:52 How Education Changed Her Family's Future

03:41 Reconnecting with the South Haven Community

06:06 Building a New Strategic Plan

07:22 Student Agency and Student Voice

08:07 Creating a Sense of Belonging for Every Student

09:48 Leadership Teams Across the District

10:33 Strengthening MTSS Systems

12:18 Why Cognitive Dissonance Matters

14:51 Teacher Clarity and Collective Efficacy

16:42 Progress Over Perfection

18:01 Challenges with Teacher Housing and Retention

20:12 Addressing Resource Gaps in a Rural Community

21:26 Focusing on Curriculum Implementation

23:31 Supporting Teachers Through Professional Learning

24:26 Thriving Clubs and Student Opportunities

25:45 Ensuring Every Student Feels They Belong

26:14 Honoring a Teacher Who Made a Lasting Impact

Why You'll Love This Episode

Ana shares an authentic and inspiring leadership story rooted in service, community, and opportunity. Her focus on student voice, belonging, collaborative leadership, and instructional improvement offers valuable lessons for education leaders working to create schools where every student can thrive.

Connect with Ana Aleman-Putman

Website: https://www.shps.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-aleman-putman-789a6b27a
Email: aaleman-putman@shps.org

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About Unlock 360°
Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead.Teach.Learn.360, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.

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