How Dr. Rex Booth Uses Empathy, Transparency, and Trust to Support Gen Z Teachers

Описание: In this TomoClub podcast episode, Shreya Jaiswal sits down with Dr. Rex Booth, Superintendent of Trigg County Public Schools (Kentucky), to explore how school leadership must evolve to attract, support, and retain Gen Z educators—a passionate yet fast-exiting generation reshaping the future of the teaching profession. Drawing from his journey as a teacher, coach, counselor, principal, and superintendent, Rex shares how lived experience across roles shapes more empathetic, transparent, and people-first leadership.

The conversation dives into Gen Z values such as purpose-driven work, work-life balance, authenticity, feedback, and growth. Rex unpacks transformational leadership, mentoring and induction systems, teacher voice, psychological safety, and creating a culture where educators feel supported—not punished—for innovation. A must-listen for school leaders rethinking how to lead the next generation of educators.

Key Points Discussed
Understanding the Gen Z Educator – Gen Z teachers are purpose-driven, value meaningful work, and expect leadership that explains the “why” behind decisions.

Why Gen Z Is Leaving Education Faster – Misaligned leadership styles, lack of support, and outdated systems—not lack of passion—are pushing young educators out.

Leadership Shaped by Lived Experience – Rex Booth’s journey from teacher, coach, counselor, and principal informs more empathetic, perspective-driven decision-making.

Returning to Lead a Familiar Community – Coming back to the district he once served helped build trust, strengthen relationships, and ease leadership transitions.

Transparency Builds Trust – Gen Z educators value honesty over perfection and respond better to difficult truths than vague or filtered communication.

Work–Life Balance Is Not Laziness – What’s often labeled as laziness is actually prioritization, boundaries, and a healthier approach to sustainability.

Transformational Leadership Over Transactional Models – Gen Z prefers inspiring, values-driven leaders who mentor, listen, and empower rather than command and control.

The Importance of Clear Structure – While they value flexibility, Gen Z educators still want clarity, goals, structure, and timely feedback.

Feedback as Coaching, Not Evaluation – Walkthroughs and observations are reframed as growth conversations focused on learning tasks, not judging teachers.

Task-Focused Instructional Feedback – Shifting feedback from teacher behavior to student tasks supports engagement, creativity, and rigor.

Mentorship From Day One – Strong induction programs and aligned mentors help new teachers feel supported, confident, and connected.

Creating Early Leadership Pathways – Young educators are identified early and encouraged to lead through mentoring, committees, and stretch opportunities.

Confidence Comes From Evidence – Leaders reduce Gen Z anxiety by pointing to real examples of past success and growth.

Permission to Fail Safely – A culture of “win or learn” allows teachers to experiment without fear, knowing leadership supports innovation.

Addressing Pay Without Ignoring Purpose – Compensation matters, but leadership, culture, and purpose play an equally critical role in retention.

Time Stamps / Chapters
00:00 Introduction: The Gen Z educator challenge
01:07 Meet Dr. Rex Booth, Superintendent of Trigg County Public Schools (KY)
02:22 Journey through roles: teacher, coach, counselor, principal, superintendent
03:09 Returning to lead the district where he once taught
04:56 Understanding Gen Z educators: values, priorities, expectations
05:24 Purpose-driven work, work-life balance, and transparency
07:58 Why Gen Z favors transformational leadership
09:39 Recognition, feedback, and making teachers feel seen
10:44 Shifting walkthroughs from evaluation to coaching
12:14 Mentorship, induction, and PLCs as support systems
12:51 Creating early leadership pathways for young educators
14:01 Identifying and developing leadership potential
15:15 Overcoming hesitation, anxiety, and fear of failure
18:57 Biggest challenges facing young educators today
19:05 Pay, cost of living, and retention realities
21:27 Transactional vs transformational leadership tension
22:51 Permission to fail and building a learning culture
24:24 Supporting educator mental health and wellbeing
25:10 Mentoring, visibility, and proactive check-ins
27:08 Why educators stay: culture, trust, and support
27:32 Gen Z and work-life balance misconceptions
28:14 Why Gen Z isn’t lazy—just intentional and prioritized