Listen first, act better: why listening matters in schools

In this episode, Liz Worthen explores what happens when we listen first – and how it can actually save time and lead to better outcomes in schools.

Aldaine Wynter, Director of International Mindedness, Diversity and Inclusion at Washington International School, reflects on spending his first year listening – meeting parents, staff and community groups before launching major initiatives, so he could “meet the community where they are.”

Sean Harris from Tees Valley Education shares how social listening transformed a glossy school newsletter into a termly community magazine, co-produced with families, children and local partners.

Leadership mentor Nickii Messer explores what it means to listen to understand in honest conversations – allowing space, avoiding assumptions, and using more collaborative language.

Wendy Litherland describes how asking a homeless charity what was really needed led pupils to create support for dogs as well as people – deepening empathy and impact.

Together, these examples show how listening first can build trust, strengthen collaboration, and lead to better outcomes in schools.

Liz Worthen is an educator, researcher, podcaster and writer. Her career in education spans teaching, training, commissioning and programme development, creating resources which enable leaders to flourish in their roles. Creating Value in Schools is about the exploration of sustainable working in education, to secure better outcomes for learners and communities.

• Download top tips for an honest conversation: https://createvalueschools.com/media/79-Honest-conversation-checklist-guide.pdf
• More from Sean Harris on social listening in practice: https://createvalueschools.com/blog/social-listening-in-practice-books-beds-and-curious-myth-busting/
• Fishbone analysis and five whys strategy: https://www.sec-ed.co.uk/content/best-practice/school-leadership-how-to-respond-to-and-solve-problems 
• Join the Creating Value in Schools community: https://createvalueschools.com/subscribe/

Podcasts featured in this episode

• Listening to the community: diversity and inclusion strategies for lasting impact, with Aldaine Wynter
• Know your place: how to tackle inequality in education, with Sean Harris
• Call them honest: conversations to empower, understand and resolve, with Nickii Messer
• From prom shop to polytunnel: sustaining eco-activity in school, with Wendy Litherland

00:00 Why listening matters

00:45 Aldaine listening tour

01:40 Drop In Sessions

03:13 Sean social listening

03:48 Newsletter feedback

06:12 Trust and coproduction

07:06 Nickii honest conversations

10:10 Assumptions and truth

10:53 Wendy unexpected needs

11:55 Dog bags breakthrough

12:45 Key takeaways and wrap

#education #sustainableschools #leadership