Help Others Thrive Without Carrying It All with Dave Tebo

Standing Tall: Voices in Leadership | Season 3
Guest: Dave Tebo
 

About This Episode

What becomes possible for other people because of your leadership?

Dave Tebo, Director of Innovation Services at Ottawa Area ISD and former superintendent of Hamilton Community Schools, joins Standing Tall for a conversation about developing people, leading change, and expanding what is possible for students.

Drawing on his experience in district and regional leadership, Dave explains why meaningful innovation begins with empathy, why organizational decisions always affect relationships, and why leaders need to create space for others to experiment and grow. He also reflects candidly on burnout, the pressure to have every answer, and what he would tell his younger self about sharing responsibility.

What You’ll Walk Away With

• A broader definition of leadership success. Look at the people you help develop and whether the organization can flourish after you leave.
• A practical test for innovation. Ask what an idea improves for students, teachers, families, or the community—not simply whether it is new.
• A way to support experimentation. Pair clear strategic direction with permission to test ideas, learn from unexpected outcomes, and stop approaches that are not working.
• A more collaborative approach to questions. Make clear that you are helping colleagues think through possibilities, rather than questioning their competence or intentions.
• A stronger commitment to student agency. Build on the authentic problem-solving and purpose students often experience in the arts, career and technical education, athletics, and robotics.
• A human purpose for AI. Use time saved through technology to strengthen relationships and spend more time alongside students.
• Permission to stop carrying everything. Share responsibility, listen longer, and protect the balance that allows you to care for others.

People, Organizations, and Resources

Connect with Dave

• Dave Tebo on LinkedIn — Learn more about Dave’s professional background and work.
• Ottawa Area Intermediate School District — The regional education organization where Dave serves.
• OAISD Innovation Services — An overview of its approach to designing, prototyping, and reflecting with educational partners.
• Hamilton Community Schools — The district Dave discusses when reflecting on his superintendency and the teams he helped develop.

References from the Conversation

• Jamie Vollmer’s “Nostesia” essay — archived PDF — Dave references Vollmer’s term for the combination of nostalgia and amnesia that can shape how people remember school and respond to change.
• Dr. Dania Bazzi — Dave shares a story about recognizing her strengths during an interview and encouraging her to consider a different leadership role.
• Lost — Dave’s favorite television show comes up during the rapid-fire questions.

Questions to Take Back to Your Team

1. Are we creating the conditions for peo