In this episode of Little Wins, host Karen Borchert sits down with Samantha Sebestik, principal of Pleasant Acres Elementary in Rantoul, Illinois—a school where joy, equity, and student empowerment aren’t buzzwords, they’re everyday practices.
Sami shares how her team leads with connection, culture, and curiosity—from student-led school tours to jobs that give every child purpose and pride. You’ll hear how intentional hiring, high-fives in the hallway, and conscious discipline are shifting student behavior and building trust among teachers.
If you’re looking for practical, heart-filled leadership ideas that truly change the game, this episode is your blueprint.
💡 Little Wins in This Episode:
- Photos in the Hallways, Names in the Air: Sami’s team ensures every student is seen literally by displaying their photos and greeting them by name before they even reach the classroom.
- Jobs With Joy and Purpose: From watering office plants to leading assemblies, students apply for real jobs that give them leadership experience and a sense of ownership in their school.
- The Parachute Team: A cross-functional group quietly surrounds new or vulnerable students with extra care and connection from day one.
- Lead With Listening, Follow With Trust: Before officially stepping into her role, Sami met individually with every staff member to understand their hopes, ideas, and strengths.
- Positive Notes as a Leadership Habit: Every week, her leadership team handwrites notes to teachers—starting the feedback loop with appreciation, not critique.
Timestamps:
03:56 "Books as Windows and Mirrors"
07:29 Bilingual Community Celebration Leadership
10:44 Cultural Learning Event for Schools
15:13 Pre-Role Engagement Insights
17:21 Weekly Positive Feedback Meetings
20:10 Assume Positive Intent in Feedback
25:16 Transient Student Support Strategies
28:19 Youth Engagement Eases Staff Burdens
31:46 Parachute Team Welcomes New Students
33:43 Conscious Discipline: Importance of Connection
35:58 Teacher's Growth Leads to Best Year
39:19 Adapting and Sharing Ideas
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🧵 About the Podcast:
Little Wins is the podcast that digs into the small, deliberate actions school leaders are taking to build strong, human-centered cultures.
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What is Little Wins?
Little Wins is a podcast that shines a light on the small moments making a big impact in schools. Hosted by Karen Borchert, each episode features courageous conversations with principals, heads of school, and superintendents who are building trust, sparking belonging, and shaping culture—one hallway celebration, heartfelt gesture, or coffee-fueled conversation at a time.
Because in education, it’s the little things that often matter most—and they’re the reason people stay.