In this episode of Little Wins, Karen Borchert sits down with Dr. Albert Lee Byrom, superintendent of Poth ISD in rural Texas. A former San Antonio police officer turned educator, Dr. Byrom brings a servant-leadership mindset to his district of fewer than 1,000 students. His journey from patrol car to principal to superintendent is grounded in one belief: visibility, empowerment, and trust are the keys to lasting culture.
Dr. Byrom shares insights from his doctoral research on teacher retention in rural schools, revealing six key drivers that keep educators rooted in their communities. He explains how situational leadership allows him to adapt his style to each staff member, why parent-led storytelling is the best branding a district can ask for, and how empowering teachers with autonomy, data, and growth opportunities fosters both pride and humanity in schools.
Whether you’re leading in a rural district, balancing tight budgets, or simply looking for ways to create a culture people want to be part of, this episode offers powerful lessons on how small, intentional acts of visibility and care can transform a district from the inside out.
💡 Little Wins in This Episode:
- From Police Beat to School Hallways: Dr. Byrom’s unique path from law enforcement to education instilled his belief in catching kids before you have to catch them—building trust through presence and consistency.
- Six Drivers of Retention: Pay may matter most, but Dr. Byrom’s research shows culture, administrative support, branding, flexibility, and strong district decisions are equally critical to keeping teachers.
- Branding Through Parents’ Voices: By celebrating wins on Facebook and inviting parents into classrooms, Poth ISD lets its community—not just the district—tell the story of pride and safety.
- Situational Leadership in Action: Knowing staff well enough to adjust how feedback is delivered (without changing the message) has transformed trust and approachability across the district.
- Promoting From Within: By identifying and encouraging leadership potential, Dr. Byrom builds a pipeline of principals and directors from his own teaching staff—proving that growth doesn’t always have to come from outside.
Key Moments
05:18 "From Fugitive to Mentor"
06:53 From Teacher to Education Leader
10:52 Teacher Retention Crisis in Texas
13:38 School Budget Challenges and Constraints
18:01 Inconsistent Educational Leadership Decisions
20:21 Boosting Branding Through Community Involvement
24:45 Memorable Interactions in Education
26:04 Adaptive Leadership Communication Strategies
30:39 Collaborative Peer Mentorship Approach
33:01 Empowering Teachers Through Manageable Class Sizes
41:00 Administrative Triumph and Contract Renewal
43:39 "Empowering Educators through Autonomy"
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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, one meaningful win at a time.
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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.