Leading with Joy: Reflections on Connection, Optimism, and Student Success
May 01, 2025
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Takeaways from AASA's Leadership for Well-Being & Learning Summit
Last month, I had the privilege of attending the Âܲ·AVĘÓƵLeadership and Well-Being Summit hosted by Schaumburg School District 54 (Ill.). It was a powerful experience—one that left me feeling deeply connected to the work we do as school leaders and reinvigorated with new strategies to bring back to my team in Round Lake Area School District 116 (Ill.).
Over the course of three days, I engaged with fellow superintendents and educational leaders from across the country. We reflected not only on what it means to lead during turbulent times, but also on the responsibility we carry in shaping school environments where students and staff alike can thrive. The content was exceptional—anchored in the belief that leadership well-being is inextricably tied to improving student outcomes.
As I reflect, three major themes stand out:
- The urgency of tying all efforts to student success.
- The fragile nature of social-emotional learning in times of fiscal strain.
- The reality that return on investment in education must focus on measurable growth in student achievement.
These principles underscored every session, interaction, and keynote.
Three speakers in particular—Devin Hughes, Shawn Achor and Andy DuRoss—offered compelling insights that left a lasting impression on me, both professionally and personally.
Devin Hughes: Human Connection is the Currency of Happiness
Devin’s session reminded us of something we often overlook in the grind of school leadership: our humanity.
He shared that the United States ranks shockingly low in global happiness—a trend that’s not just a statistic but a wake-up call. His research affirms that human beings need connection. Yet in today’s world, technology—particularly our smartphones—frequently robs us of meaningful interaction.
Hughes emphasized the power of presence. How we enter and leave a space often says more than what we do in between. And in our schools, we must be intentional about creating environments where people feel seen, heard, and valued. Unfortunately, too many workplaces—including schools—stifle authenticity. If we want staff and students to bring their best selves, we must first create the psychological safety to allow that to happen.
One idea that hit home was the power of storytelling. Our stories connect us. They create empathy, build bridges, and open doors to belonging. Instead of obsessing over what we lack, Hughes urged us to focus on what we do have. It’s a shift in perspective, yes—but one that can redefine our culture from scarcity to strength.
Shawn Achor: Rational Optimism and the Science of Joy
Shawn Achor’s keynote brought the science behind happiness to life. One of his most profound points was that our brains naturally scan for the negative first. This tendency often crowds out positive thinking—and when left unchecked, it creates a mental lens of deficit that distorts how we lead, connect, and problem-solve.
But here's the hopeful part: we can change that lens.
Through intentional habit-building—like expressing gratitude for new things each day—we can retrain the brain and reshape organizational culture. Achor calls this “rational optimism.” It’s not about ignoring reality, but about believing that positive change is possible, especially when we’re connected to the right people.
I was particularly struck by his reminder that happiness is not a luxury. It is a means to get the work done. A positive, engaged, and connected brain is our greatest tool in transforming schools. And it’s contagious. A smile, a nod, a small gesture of kindness—these are not trivial acts. They change the biochemistry of those around us and shift the emotional climate of our buildings.
Achor also debunked the myth of the “solo self-help” journey. Long-term happiness, he explained, is impossible without connection. As leaders, this challenges us to think beyond self-care. How are we fostering joy and gratitude in others? How are we modeling optimism in the face of challenge?
Mindset, Efficacy, and Culture: The Role of Leadership
Superintendent Andy DuRoss reminded us that mindset matters—and not just on a personal level. When collective efficacy is strong, when teams believe they can and will succeed together, school culture transforms. Optimism, in this sense, becomes a leadership strategy. Not wishful thinking, but an intentional force that shapes how we show up for our students and staff every day.
A Personal Reflection
As I return to Round Lake, I’m thinking about the spaces we create—physically and emotionally. Are we crafting environments where every student and staff member feels like they belong? Are we leading with a belief in what’s possible, or are we stuck in cycles of deficit thinking?
The summit reaffirmed what I’ve always believed: leadership is a human endeavor. It is about connection, culture, and outcomes. And in times of uncertainty, the most courageous thing we can do is to lead with joy—not because it’s easy, but because our students deserve nothing less.
Superintendent Donn P. Mendoza attended this event as part of his participation in AASA's Leadership for Well-Being & Learning Cohort. Learn more about the cohort here.
