An Unexpected Leader in a Rural District: A Conversation with Alexander Brittain

In this episode of an Imperfect Leader, we’ve invited Alexander Brittain to be my guest. The title of this episode is An Unexpected Leader because Alex didn't necessarily plan to be a superintendent. It sorta just happened. Alex has been a principal and a superintendent, and is currently working in a different capacity.

BIO: Alexander has been a California educator for more than 20 years. In 2022, he completed his term as the superintendent of the Manchester Union Elementary School District. Alexander describes himself as someone who "leads with empathy, kindness and humor, is passionate about the success of others, and is a creative problem solver.

NOTE: This interview is actually the very first interview I ever conducted. I was learning how to record and edit, so it has taken me a little time to bring it back to being in a presentable state. This interview is interesting. I didn’t know my guest previously. His journey to becoming a superintendent, from a philosophy, theology and religion major to teacher caught my attention. His experiences in rural schools was important to me. It also happens to be an episode where I share my experiences going through the hiring process.