Episode #11
UNSTUCK Podcast | From Detroit to the Doctorate — Leading Schools That Change Lives with Dr. Andraé Townsel | Episode 011
UNSTUCK Podcast | From Detroit to the Doctorate — Leading Schools That Change Lives with Dr. Andraé Townsel | Episode 011 Some people go to school to get a degree.Dr. Andraé Townsel went to school to save a future that almost expired.In Episode 011 of UNSTUCK, Tim Terrentine sits down with Dr. Andraé Townsel, Superintendent of Hartford Public Schools, for one of the most energetic and honest conversations about education, leadership, and what it really takes to change the trajectory of a young person's life.Townsel grew up in Detroit, Michigan — a student-athlete who almost missed his moment. A football coach saw something in him, got him into Cass Technical High School, and issued a warning that changed everything: your potential has an expiration date. That wake-up call launched a journey from the sidelines to the superintendent's office — all the way through a bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree from Howard University.He's served in almost every role education has to offer: teacher, coach, dean, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. Wherever he's gone, he's raised the bar — and then raised it again.In this episode, you'll hear: Why your potential has an expiration date — and what to do about it How a football scholarship from Howard turned into a doctoral degree and a life's mission Why ignorance isn't bliss — it's tragedy How to lead through loneliness and let your tribe find you Why you have to work harder on yourself than on the job What belonging really looks like at the system level Why your foundation determines everything you build on top of it What The Four Agreements has to do with running a school district Why education at its best evolves — and at its worst stays closed This conversation is direct, hopeful, and packed with real wisdom for educators, coaches, leaders, and anyone who works with young people — or used to be one.Learn more at https://www.translatorscg.com/podcast . About the Guest: Dr. Andraé Townsel is the Superintendent of Hartford Public Schools in Hartford, Connecticut — one of the oldest school districts in the country. A Detroit native and Howard University doctoral alumnus, he has served in virtually every level of education and is known for his contagious commitment to student achievement, dignity, and raising the bar in every environment he enters. Connect with Dr. Townsel: LinkedIn:@dr-andraé-townsel-8233335 Instagram: @draetown X: @draetown Facebook: @Draetown Hartford Public Schools: hartfordschools.org #UnstuckPodcast #EducationLeadership #UrbanEducation #StudentAchievement #Superintendent #LeadershipDevelopment #Somebodiness #BlackLeadership #HowardUniversity #Detroit #Hartford #CoachingLeadership #Dignity #GrowthMindset #SetTheBar
