Jennifer Schwanke on Building Trust in a System That Breaks It

The Ruckus Report

Quick take: The most dangerous myth in school leadership is that problems will eventually stop. Jennifer Schwanke reveals how embracing challenges and shifting from “trustworthy” to “trust willing” transforms toxic school cultures into thriving communities.

Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker

Jennifer Schwanke, Ed.D., brings nearly three decades of experience to the field of education, having served as both a teacher and leader across all levels. She is a published author with ASCD, including four current books and a forthcoming fifth title, “Trusted: Trust Pillars, Trust Killers, and the Secret to Successful Schools,” expected in the summer of 2025. In addition to her books, Jennifer has contributed hundreds of articles to numerous educational publications. She is actively involved in professional development, offering her expertise to school districts in areas such as school climate, personnel management, and instructional leadership. She is also a frequent presenter at major educational conferences, including those hosted by ASCD, NAESP, NASSP, AASA, and various state and national organizations. Jennifer shares her insights as the co-host of the widely listened-to “Principal Matters” podcast and as an instructor in educational administration at The Ohio State University. Currently, Dr. Schwanke serves as a Deputy Superintendent in Ohio.

Breaking Down the Old Rules

In this episode, Jennifer Schwanke challenges traditional education paradigms:

Key Insight #1: Problems Are Life, Not Obstacles

What’s broken: Leaders waiting for a stress-free summit where all problems disappear
The shift: Embrace problems as opportunities to do meaningful work and stay sharp
Impact: Leaders stop burning out waiting for calm seas and start building resilience through challenge

Key Insight #2: Trust Willing vs. Trustworthy Leadership

What’s broken: Focusing only on being trustworthy while micromanaging and speaking in deficit language about staff and students
The shift: Become “trust willing” by believing in your people, letting them do their trained work, and focusing on your zone of influence
Impact: Collective efficacy emerges as teams believe their daily work actually matters and makes a difference

Key Insight #3: Lead Around the 2%

What’s broken: Spending 98% of energy on the 2% of toxic people who will never change
The shift: Set clear boundaries professionally, then invest energy in the majority who want to do good work
Impact: The 98% gain respect and momentum while toxic behaviors lose their power to derail the mission

Quotable Ruckus

“When you run out of problems, you’re dead. You want problems to come because you want to solve them, because not only does that keep you alive and sharp, but it allows you to do the good you want in the world.”

– Jennifer Schwanke

Your Do School Different Challenge

Ready to implement these ideas? Start here:

Tomorrow: Identify one “emergency” you’re treating that could benefit from a 24-48 hour pause
This Month: Practice “trust willing” leadership by letting one capable team member handle something you usually micromanage
This Semester: Conduct your own “proflection” — identify which trust pillars you’re building vs. trust killers you need to eliminate

Connect & Continue

Get the full episode transcript: here

Follow Jennifer Schwanke: LinkedIn

Follow Jennifer Schwanke: Instagram

Jennifer’s Books: You’re the Principal! Now What? | The Principal Reboot | The Teacher’s Principal | The Principal’s Guide to Conflict Management

🎙️ Co-host of Principal Matters Podcast

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