Episode 410

full
Published on:

13th Jun 2025

From Small to Big: Unlocking Innovation in Large Schools with Agile Leadership Strategies

Summary: Join C.T. and guest Beth Silbergeld, principal of Branham High School in San Jose, California, as they explore the challenges and opportunities of leading a large, diverse high school within the Campbell Union High School District. This insightful conversation delves into Beth’s experience transitioning from small to large schools and how she applies universal leadership principles—such as clear communication, vulnerability, and being human—to drive innovation and foster community in a school of nearly 1,850 students.

Key Takeaways:

  • Leadership in Large Schools: Leading a large high school requires balancing innovation with respect for existing structures and agreements, as change tends to move more slowly due to the complexity and scale of the organization.
  • Community of Communities: In large schools, fostering a sense of community involves linking together many smaller communities, such as departments, clubs, and student groups, to create a cohesive school culture.
  • Every Student Known by an Adult: While small schools can more easily ensure each student is known well by at least one adult through advisory programs, large schools use structures like counseling teams and student life activities to build connections, though the scale makes this more challenging.
  • Diversity and Student Engagement: Branham High serves a diverse student body with a wide range of clubs (over 99), athletics, and arts programs, providing multiple avenues for students to connect, find their passions, and feel part of the school community.
  • Experience Across Different School Sizes and Regions: Beth’s leadership is informed by her experience in various school sizes and regions, helping her apply universal leadership principles such as clear communication, vulnerability, and being human to bring her team along.
  • Innovative Scheduling: Branham recently implemented a new bell schedule that includes a mandatory 30-minute tutorial period, providing targeted academic support as part of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).
  • Balancing Tradition and Innovation: Change in large schools requires navigating contractual agreements and established processes, making leadership a balancing act between honoring what works and introducing new ideas thoughtfully.


Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

00:43 Beth Silbergeld's Background and Achievements

01:20 Overview of Brandham High School

01:49 School Culture and Student Life at Brandham

04:35 Beth's Transition from Small to Large Schools

14:27 Innovative Practices and Challenges in Large Schools

18:16 Decision Making and Leadership in Education

29:55 Future Plans and Vision for Brandham High


Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Beth Silbergeld: linkedin.com/in/beth-silbergeld-37934238



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About the Podcast

Principal Office Hours
Real principals. Real talk. No hall passes required.
Finally—a podcast that proves school principals have personalities (and killer insights, too). Every week, join us for candid conversations with K-12 principals who are navigating the beautiful chaos of educational leadership without losing their minds or sense of humor.

Each 40-minute episode features real principals sharing what actually works in school leadership—from handling helicopter parents and budget nightmares to building school culture that doesn't make everyone roll their eyes. Consider this your professional development that doesn't feel like professional development.

Our guests aren't afraid to share their epic fails alongside their victories. They'll tell you about the initiative that spectacularly bombed during assembly, right before revealing how they turned their school's reading scores around. It's educational leadership with the BS filter turned off.

Whether you're currently wearing the principal badge, aspiring to the big chair, or teaching while secretly taking notes on what you'd do differently, Principal Office Hours delivers actionable strategies you can implement faster than a student being sent to detention.

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About your hosts

CheeTung Leong

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Jim Kanichirayil

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Your friendly neighborhood talent strategy nerd is the producer and co-host for The HR Impact Show. He's spent his career in sales and has been typically in startup b2b HRTech and TA-Tech organizations.

He's built high-performance sales teams throughout his career and is passionate about all things employee life cycle and especially employee retention and turnover.