In this episode, Doug sits down with Dr. Deidre Parish, the new superintendent of Amarillo ISD, as she shares her incredible journey from a family steeped in education, to considering a career in medicine, and ultimately discovering her true calling in public education. Dr. Parish opens up about the influences that shaped her path from her grandfather’s role as a superintendent to her own experiences in science and education administration. She discusses the importance of collaboration, her passion for curriculum and instruction, and the challenges and opportunities of stepping into Amarillo ISD, a large district with a rich legacy and a small-town spirit.Doug and Dr. Parish dive into key topics like district branding, navigating school closures, supporting staff well-being and mental health, and finding ways to keep both students and adults engaged and growing. Dr. Parish also offers advice on leadership, mentorship, and taking bold steps in your career, all while keeping her focus on building community and fostering a sense of belonging within Amarillo ISD.Key Moments05:37 Collaboration in Scientific Research09:02 Promoting Public Education's Impact12:01 "Tough Budget Decisions Ahead"13:31 "Reallocate Savings for Investments"18:08 Innovative Education and Learning Alignment21:01 Expansive Extracurricular Opportunities25:34 Preschool Program Implementation Challenges26:14 Offering Fair Support to All Staff30:20 Mentorship and Leadership Growth34:37 Intentional Professional Learning Strategies35:47 "Modeling Collaborative Career Planning"41:01 "Leveraging Strengths for Career Growth"Why You’ll Love This Episode:Hear how Dr. Deidre Parish went from cancer research to classrooms, following a powerful calling to public education. Her journey reveals a deep commitment to teaching, learning, and community impact.Learn how she’s redefining leadership in Amarillo ISD through belonging, storytelling, and strategic curriculum alignment. From launching FanFest to bold district branding, Dr. Parish is focused on unity and academic growth.Gain insight into her leadership approach grounded in collaboration, equity, and support. She shares candid insights on school closures, staff retention, mental health, and growing future leaders from within.Connect with Dr. Deidre ParishLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deidre-parish-phd-edd-4b3bab10 Website: https://www.amaisd.org/ Follow Us OnHost LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougrobertsiei/ Company LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-education-innovation/ Company Website: https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to IEI for more powerful conversations on educational leadership, innovation, and the stories shaping our schools.