Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast

Elevating Student Success, Community Schools, and Leadership Practices with Dr. Roberto Hernandez

Institute for Education Innovation — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:35:00 -0400

In this episode, host Iranetta Rayborn Wright sits down with Dr. Roberto Hernandez, Network Instructional Superintendent from San Antonio Independent School District, Texas.

You'll hear Dr. Roberto Hernandez reflect on his journey from a first-generation college student and bilingual classroom teacher to an influential district leader. He shares how those early experiences shaped his belief in the power of strong relationships, high expectations, and community partnerships. The conversation explores data-driven strategies for closing achievement gaps, the importance of student ownership, and innovative approaches like wraparound services and community schools.

They also talk candidly about the realities of school consolidations, the need for transparency, and how to keep equity and support for underserved students at the forefront, even in times of budget cuts and tough decisions. This episode highlights the central role public schools play in our communities and why continued support and conversation matter now more than ever. Join us for insights, inspiration, and practical wisdom from the field.

Key Moments
06:11 "Prioritizing Equity in Education"
08:47 Improving Math Through Data Analysis
13:43 Student Ownership Drives Success
14:42 "Student Ownership and Support Initiatives"
18:54 Parent Partnerships Enhance Community Support
24:33 "Balancing Support Amid School Closures"
27:13 Community Engagement During Transitions
29:28 "Power of Public Schools"

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Hear how Dr. Roberto Hernandez brings a deeply human-centered approach to leadership, shaped by his roots as a bilingual teacher. He shares how relationships, family engagement, and honoring students’ identities drive stronger outcomes across diverse communities.
Learn how he tackles persistent achievement gaps through data-driven systems and high-quality instruction. From supporting multilingual learners to ensuring access to grade-level content, this episode highlights practical strategies that move beyond intervention and toward real equity.
Gain insight into his work building community schools and wraparound supports that extend beyond the classroom. He reveals how strong partnerships, clear roles, and trust-centered communication help schools support both students and families—even in times of constraint and change.

Connect with Dr. Roberto Hernandez
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-hernandez-ed-d-837a96146
Website: https://www.saisd.net/

Follow Us On
Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iranetta-rayborn-wright-00053937
Company LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-education-innovation/
Company Website: https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/

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Building Trust and Excellence through Strategic Planning and Communication with Dr. Kelley Gallt

Institute for Education Innovation — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:30:00 -0400

In this episode, host Iranetta Rayborn Wright sits down with Dr. Kelley Gallt, superintendent of Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95, just outside Chicago. She shares her district’s journey with the Empower 95 strategic plan, detailing an inclusive visioning process that authentically elevates student, staff, family, and community voices. You’ll hear how student input directly shaped district direction, the steps taken to foster transparency and accountability, and the ways communication and recognition have transformed her staff culture.

We also explore how Dr. Kelley Gallt’s focus on clear, consistent communication built trust during the pandemic, the impact of celebrating staff legacies through innovative tools, and the district’s impressive achievement of multiple National Blue Ribbon School designations., including recognition for closing achievement gaps.

Tune in to get inspired by how one district is defining excellence, strengthening relationships, and creating opportunities for all learners, backed by the power of strong community partnerships and a supportive school board.

Key Moments
04:53 "Adaptive Strategic Planning Redesign"
08:26 "Strengthening Communication Through Connection"
09:31 Advisory Teams Enhance Communication
14:10 "Building Bonds in Education"
17:39 "Prioritizing Resources for Students"
20:27 "Improving Strategies for Success"

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Hear how Dr. Kelley Gallt is redefining strategic planning by putting students at the center of every decision. From co-creating Empower 95 with students, staff, and community members to building ongoing stakeholder engagement, she shares how authentic voice drives meaningful change.
Learn how she builds a culture of trust, transparency, and accountability through consistent communication and collaborative systems. This episode highlights how evolving strategies, clear goals, and shared ownership keep districts aligned—even in times of disruption.
Gain insight into her approach to staff culture and student success. From strengthening teacher-to-teacher trust to achieving Blue Ribbon recognition through continuous improvement, she shows how investing in people, partnerships, and data leads to lasting impact.

Connect with Dr. Kelley Gallt
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelley-gallt-693a13269
Website: https://www.lz95.org/

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From Crisis to Excellence: Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency’s Strategic Approach in Florida

Institute for Education Innovation — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:25:00 -0400

In today’s episode, host Iranetta Rayborn Wright talked to Dr. Rick Surrency, superintendent of Putnam County Schools in Florida, who takes us on a journey through the remarkable turnaround his district has achieved.

In this candid conversation, Dr. Rick Surrency shares how Putnam County, once facing the challenge of 11 schools labeled as D or F, transformed through a systematic approach, community engagement, and a focus on elevating both student outcomes and teacher retention. We hear about innovative programs in STEM and career pathways, including partnerships that give students access to emerging fields like aerospace, and even opportunities for them to earn pilot licenses. Dr. Rick Surrency dives into the unique perspective of being an elected superintendent, describing how sustained leadership has been critical to building trust and securing a $300 million investment for school revitalization.

Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or someone passionate about the future of public education, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories of progress, from improved graduation rates to meaningful community partnerships. Join us as we celebrate success from Putnam County and explore what it truly takes to achieve lasting change in our schools.

Key Moments
04:41 "Elected Leadership vs. Appointed"
06:53 "K-12 STEM Future Focus"
13:06 Teacher Retention Through Mentorship
16:50 "Florida Teacher Support Initiatives"
18:06 "Retaining High-Quality Teachers"
21:31 "Trust Drives Community Leadership"

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Hear how Dr. Rick Surrency led a dramatic district turnaround by focusing on systems, high expectations, and instructional consistency. He shares how Putnam County moved from widespread low-performing schools to one of the fastest-improving districts in the nation.
Learn how community trust and engagement became the foundation for sustainable change. From parent involvement to a $300M school investment, this episode shows how aligning schools with the community drives real results.
Gain insight into his practical approach to student relevance and teacher retention. From career pathways and STEM programs to a 93% teacher retention rate, he reveals how purpose, support, and real-world opportunities transform outcomes.

Connect with Dr. Rick Surrency
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-surrency-221a69a5
Website: https://www.putnamschools.org/

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From 35th to 2nd: Superintendent Russell Hughes Shares Keys to District Success

Institute for Education Innovation — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:20:00 -0400

In this episode, host Iranetta Rayborn Wright sits down with Russell Hughes, superintendent of Walton County School District, Florida. Together, they explore Russell's remarkable journey of moving his district from 35th in the state to an impressive number 2 ranking.

He opens up about the challenges he faced stepping into district leadership, from unifying diverse communities to radically improving graduation rates. He shares the inside story of EPIC, a cultural framework that has become a rallying call in his district and beyond, and discusses the power of visionary leadership, data-driven decision making, and the importance of staying centered on values like faith, family, and student opportunity.

Whether it’s navigating the realities of an elected superintendent, establishing innovative magnet programs that attract and retain students, or ensuring every child across wide-ranging communities finds their unique pathway to success, this episode is full of practical insights and inspiration for educators and leaders at every level.

Key Moments
04:26 "Data-Driven Decisions Matter"
09:06 "Serving Board and Community Goals"
13:13 "Building Futures Through Education"
15:32 "Creating Opportunities for All"
17:44 "Impacting God's Children"

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Hear how Russell Hughes transformed his district from 35th to 2nd in the state by building a unified vision and culture. He shares how the EPIC framework became a powerful driver for alignment, accountability, and continuous improvement across every school.
Learn how he uses data with precision to uncover hidden challenges and drive real outcomes. From fixing reporting systems to closing graduation gaps, this episode shows how disciplined, data-driven leadership leads to sustained growth year after year.
Gain insight into his people-centered leadership rooted in purpose, faith, and opportunity. From innovative programs like the Magnet Innovation Center to reclaiming students at risk, he demonstrates how strong values and bold action can transform outcomes for every student.

Connect with Russell Hughes
Website: https://www.walton.k12.fl.us/

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Transforming High School: Dr. Kara Casimiro’s Journey to Wall-to-Wall Academies in Danbury

Institute for Education Innovation — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:15:00 -0400

In today’s episode, host Iranetta Rayborn Wright sits down with Dr. Kara Casimiro from Danbury Public Schools, a leader who has spent nearly three decades transforming the educational experience for students in her district.

You'll hear how Dr. Casimiro and her team tackled declining student engagement and attendance by fundamentally rethinking the high school model, drawing inspiration from the Academies of Nashville and implementing a wall-to-wall academy approach. With a focus on equity, hands-on learning, and community involvement, Dr. Casimiro shares the strategies that have helped increase access to career pathways, prepare students for the workforce, and reconnect families with their schools, even amidst the challenges of the pandemic.

This episode is packed with insights on leadership, overcoming adversity, and building high-expectation, opportunity-rich environments for all students. If you're interested in creative approaches to attendance, student engagement, and ensuring every child has a path to success, you won’t want to miss this story from the field.

Key Moments
04:48 Building Opportunities Amid Overcrowding
09:30 Engaged Learning Through CLABs
12:50 Closing Attendance Gaps Post-COVID
15:31 Addressing Bilingual Education Challenges
17:18 Supporting Families in Survival Mode
21:23 Support Through Shared Stories

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Hear how Dr. Kara Casimiro is rethinking high school through real-world learning and student choice. She shares how early signs in attendance and engagement led to a bold shift toward a wall-to-wall academy model for all students.
Learn how her team turned the pandemic into a moment for innovation. From hands-on labs to career pathways and industry credentials, this episode shows how relevance drives engagement and motivation.
Gain insight into her equity-driven leadership approach. She highlights improving attendance through family outreach, supporting multilingual communities, and creating opportunities that prepare every student for what comes next.

Connect with Dr. Kara Casimiro
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kara-casimiro-ed-d-9ab836b
Website: https://www.danbury.k12.ct.us/

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Crafting Purpose and Student Success with Dr. Wayne Vickers

Institute for Education Innovation — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:10:00 -0400

Today, host Iranetta Rayborn Wright sits down with Dr. Wayne Vickers, the founding superintendent of Alabaster City Schools in Alabama. Together, they dive into Dr. Vickers’ journey of leading the district since 2013, building a culture of excellence, and establishing programs that ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.

From transforming academic performance and cultivating diversity, to launching the innovative Champions Craft Academy and supporting multilingual learners, Dr. Vickers shares candid insights and leadership lessons from his years of service. Whether you’re an educator, leader, or passionate about public education, this conversation offers inspiration, practical takeaways, and a celebration of what it means to truly serve every child, every day.

Key Moments
04:15 "Dream Big, Achieve Big"
08:34 "Champions Craft Academy Program"
12:33 "Education and Workforce Success"
15:40 "Diversity & Multilingual Excellence"
19:22 Robot Enhancing Adolescent Literacy
21:41 "Do Best by Every Child"
23:46 "Leadership Lessons in Education"

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Hear how Dr. Wayne Vickers built a school system from the ground up with a bold vision of “Champions of Our Future.” He shares how purpose-driven leadership, belief in every child, and a strong community foundation transformed Alabaster into a top-performing district.
Learn how he turned gaps into opportunities through innovative programs like the Champions Craft Academy. This episode highlights how listening to students and community needs led to real-world pathways, workforce partnerships, and life-changing outcomes for every learner.
Gain insight into his people-first leadership approach rooted in belonging, relationships, and high expectations. From supporting multilingual learners to building a culture where every student is seen and valued, he shows how purpose, trust, and consistency drive lasting success.

Connect with Dr. Wayne Vickers
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayne-vickers-79a619a9
Website: https://www.acsboe.org/

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Leading With Purpose: A Conversation With Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross on Equity and Innovation

Institute for Education Innovation — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:05:00 -0400

In this episode, host Iranetta Rayborn Wright sits down with Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross, Superintendent of Ypsilanti Community Schools, Michigan, and trailblazer in educational leadership. Together, they dive deep into the realities of mentoring future leaders, building intentional pathways for student and educator growth, and what it truly means to champion equity in education, especially as a Black woman leader.

Listen in as Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross shares her journey in creating impactful mentorship and leadership programs, her innovative approach to integrating AI into schools, and how she navigates the pressures of political challenges while staying grounded in her core values. It’s an episode full of practical wisdom, candid conversations, and a celebration of the magic that women of color bring to the field of education.

Whether you’re an aspiring leader, an advocate for equity, or curious about what it takes to drive meaningful change, this episode delivers valuable insights and motivation.

Key Moments
04:33 "Leadership Systems for Growth"
07:03 "Leadership Program Boosts Retention"
11:23 "Clarity in Mission Alignment"
15:49 "AI's Impact on Education"
19:23 "Teachers: The Magic Behind AI"

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Hear how Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross is building a legacy of leadership through mentorship and intentional talent development. She shares how investing in rising leaders at every level is transforming staff growth, retention, and long-term impact.
Learn how she stays grounded in mission and equity while navigating political pressure and complex district challenges. This episode highlights how clarity, communication, and strong values keep systems focused on what matters most.
Gain insight into her forward-thinking approach to AI and innovation. From student-led AI ambassador programs to preparing learners for future careers, she shows how districts can lead with access, ethics, and opportunity.

Connect with Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alenazacheryross/
Website: https://www.ycschools.us/

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Mike Miles on Houston School Reform: Urgency, Outcomes, and Tackling the Tyranny of the 5 Percent

Institute for Education Innovation — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Iranetta Rayborn Wright sits down with Mike Miles, Superintendent of Houston ISD, for an unfiltered conversation about wholesale school reform and bold leadership in urban education. Mike Miles shares what he’s most proud of record-setting gains in student achievement, and explains why he believes incremental, piecemeal change has failed American education.

Together, they dive into the nuts and bolts of the Houston ISD transformation: from building a new status quo bias to deploying the New Education System (NES), and how strong accountability, high expectations, and real-time feedback drive lasting results. Mike Miles addresses common criticisms, discusses lessons learned from Dallas ISD, and offers insight into the role of governance and the importance of working with urgency in today’s rapidly changing world.

Tune in for a candid look at what it takes to reimagine schools for student success, and why outcomes, not just improvement, must be the bar for every child.

Key Moments
06:22 "Poverty, Mobility, Enrollment Trends"
08:29 "Building Lasting Reform Systems"
13:17 "Elected School Boards' Challenges"
15:18 "The Tyranny of the 5%"
19:07 "Exploring NES Classroom Model"
24:43 Tracking Student Learning Effectively
25:59 "DOL Insights and Remediation"
30:29 "Feedback and Coaching Matters"
32:19 "Urgency for Future Action"

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Discover what it takes to lead one of the most ambitious school reform efforts in the country Mike Miles shares how bold, systemwide change—not incremental fixes—can dramatically improve student outcomes at scale
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the NES model and how consistent, high-quality instruction, real-time feedback, and daily data tracking are transforming classrooms. This episode breaks down what effective teaching and learning actually look like in practice.
Gain insight into leadership under pressure, from navigating criticism to driving change with urgency. If you care about results, accountability, and doing what’s best for students despite the noise, this conversation will challenge how you think about school transformation.

Connect with Mike Miles
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fmikemiles
Website: https://www.houstonisd.org/

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Belonging, Branding, and Big Changes: Dr. Deidre Parish Leadership Journey

Institute for Education Innovation — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Doug sits down with Dr. Deidre Parish, the new superintendent of Amarillo ISD, as she shares her incredible journey from a family steeped in education, to considering a career in medicine, and ultimately discovering her true calling in public education. Dr. Parish opens up about the influences that shaped her path from her grandfather’s role as a superintendent to her own experiences in science and education administration. She discusses the importance of collaboration, her passion for curriculum and instruction, and the challenges and opportunities of stepping into Amarillo ISD, a large district with a rich legacy and a small-town spirit.

Doug and Dr. Parish dive into key topics like district branding, navigating school closures, supporting staff well-being and mental health, and finding ways to keep both students and adults engaged and growing. Dr. Parish also offers advice on leadership, mentorship, and taking bold steps in your career, all while keeping her focus on building community and fostering a sense of belonging within Amarillo ISD.

Key Moments

05:37 Collaboration in Scientific Research

09:02 Promoting Public Education's Impact

12:01 "Tough Budget Decisions Ahead"

13:31 "Reallocate Savings for Investments"

18:08 Innovative Education and Learning Alignment

21:01 Expansive Extracurricular Opportunities

25:34 Preschool Program Implementation Challenges

26:14 Offering Fair Support to All Staff

30:20 Mentorship and Leadership Growth

34:37 Intentional Professional Learning Strategies

35:47 "Modeling Collaborative Career Planning"

41:01 "Leveraging Strengths for Career Growth"

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Hear how Dr. Deidre Parish went from cancer research to classrooms, following a powerful calling to public education. Her journey reveals a deep commitment to teaching, learning, and community impact.
Learn how she’s redefining leadership in Amarillo ISD through belonging, storytelling, and strategic curriculum alignment. From launching FanFest to bold district branding, Dr. Parish is focused on unity and academic growth.
Gain insight into her leadership approach grounded in collaboration, equity, and support. She shares candid insights on school closures, staff retention, mental health, and growing future leaders from within.

Connect with Dr. Deidre Parish

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deidre-parish-phd-edd-4b3bab10
Website: https://www.amaisd.org/

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Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougrobertsiei/

Company LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-education-innovation/

Company Website: https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/

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Supporting At-Risk Youth: How Pathways in Education Changes Lives in Chicago

Institute for Education Innovation — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Stories from the Field, host Doug sits down with Dr. Matthew Wienclawski, Superintendent of Pathways in Education in Chicago. Matthew shares insights into the unique model of alternative education that Pathways offers, supporting students aged 16 to 22 who are overage and under-credited, and often juggle life responsibilities, such as work or caregiving, alongside their education.

Discover how Pathways provides flexible programming,students attend just four hours per day, with options for one-on-one, small group, or online learning. Matthew discusses the challenges and benefits of partnering with Chicago Public Schools under a contract model, maintaining autonomy while meeting district metrics, and running four campuses spread across the city (all coincidentally on the same avenue!).

Listen as Matthew reveals the entrepreneurial spirit behind Pathways, from individualized student success plans and hands-on mentorship to building an active alumni network and hiring graduates. He also opens up about his leadership journey, the impact of mentorship, and his focus on leading with humanity and grace, encouraging staff to learn from mistakes and fostering a responsive, supportive school culture.

Tune in for practical lessons in alternative education, flexible pathways to graduation, and creating a caring environment that values both students and staff.

Key Moments

00:00 Flexible programming limits student tenure to prevent disservice; offers varied teaching modalities: 1-on-1 instruction and small group instruction.

05:48 Model for integrating young adult components in high schools, emphasizing hands-on training and trades over traditional college paths.

09:23 Early in my career, as a principal in Oakland, my mentor emphasized purpose using the proverb: "One generation plants the trees, another gets the shade." This taught me that our actions now may not show immediate results, but will eventually flourish, much like nurturing students despite their hardships.

12:24 Embrace imperfection and encourage mistakes for learning without fear of repercussions.

13:54 Guiding students to complete plans and hearing their success stories later is fulfilling and highlights the lasting impact of Pathways.

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Be inspired by Dr. Matthew Wienclawski's authentic leadership journey rooted in community, driven by equity, and focused on transforming educational outcomes through collaboration and clarity.
Discover how he is working to increase the retention of Black male educators, address the “invisible tax” many educators face, and build leadership pipelines grounded in mentorship, representation, and respect.

Gain insight into school turnaround strategy, leadership density, and how he leads with clarity, compassion, and cultural relevance, alongside a powerful vision for future superintendency rooted in impact, not ego.

Connect with Dr. Matthew Wienclawski

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-wienclawski-5869489

Website: https://pathwaysineducation.org/

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Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougrobertsiei/

Company LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-education-innovation/

Company Website: https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/

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Flying High in Scranton: Leadership Lessons from Tim Wolff

Institute for Education Innovation — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode, host Doug sits down with Tim Wolff, Director of Human Resources for Scranton Public Schools in Pennsylvania. Tim gives us a behind-the-scenes look at life in Scranton, the real electric city made famous by "The Office" and shares how the community has embraced its pop culture roots.

Tim also opens up about his journey from health and physical education teacher to HR director, and how strong mentorship and a passion for helping others have shaped his career. He dives into the district’s recent challenges and successes, including restoring programs, improving teacher retention, and fostering positive workplace culture under new leadership. Along the way, Tim offers honest insights into the joys and headaches of HR, the importance of professional networks, and why Scranton’s future is looking brighter than ever.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, leadership, and the power of embracing both change and community.

Key Moments

04:13 "Feedback and Recognition Initiatives"

09:25 Building Capacity and Knowledge Sharing

12:04 District Funding Challenges and Opportunities

13:54 Scranton's Growing Educational Capacity

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Be inspired by Tim Wolff’s authentic leadership journey rooted in community, driven by equity, and focused on transforming educational outcomes through collaboration and clarity.
Discover how he supports district leaders in aligning vision with execution, ensuring instructional strategies, community engagement, and resource planning all work together for long-term student success.
Learn how Tim champions inclusive decision-making and adaptive leadership, balancing urgency with sustainability, and helping systems stay student-centered even in times of rapid change.
Gain insight into the power of partnerships, professional learning networks, and shared leadership, alongside a hopeful vision of schools as hubs of innovation, inclusion, and impact.

Connect with Tim Wolff

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-wolff-3379b91b/

Website: https://www.scrsd.org/ssd/OurSchools/Whs/Wesths

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Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougrobertsiei/

Company LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-education-innovation/

Company Website: https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/

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Strengths-Based Coaching and Digital Innovation in Atlanta Public Schools.

Institute for Education Innovation — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode, host Doug Roberts sits down with Dr. Melissa Dandy Walker, a digital learning specialist with Atlanta Public Schools, to explore the power of community, mentorship, and innovation in education.

Melissa shares insights into her unique role supporting instructional technology bridging math education with digital tools and her creative approach to leadership. From launching initiatives like the district-wide Technology Innovation Competition to expanding opportunities for students and families through programs like Grow with Google, Melissa demonstrates what it means to be an “educreative” leader.

She reflects on her journey from classroom math teacher to district coach, highlighting the role of mentorship in her career, and pays tribute to the mentors who shaped her outlook, especially her lasting relationship with Pamela Benford. The conversation dives deep into building strengths-based communities, navigating the changing landscape of public education, and ensuring digital equity for all students. Plus, Melissa shares practical stories about how Atlanta schools use tools like Prodigy and Minecraft to make math engaging and accessible for diverse learners.

Key Moments

04:17 Early-Stage Teacher Mentorship Success

08:25 Superintendents Leaving Due to Politics

10:52 "Scaling Mentorship in Schools"

14:35 Prodigy Game Concerns Parent

18:13 "Discovering Hidden Potential in Others"

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Discover how she helped launch a districtwide Technology Innovation Competition and brought Grow with Google to not only students but also teachers, parents, and alumni across Atlanta Public Schools.
Learn how Melissa champions Gallup Strengths coaching to build capacity, culture, and community helping teachers discover talents they didn’t even know they had.
Be inspired by Melissa Dandy Walker’s journey from math teacher to digital learning specialist and how she brings creative spark and heartfelt mentorship to everything she touches.
Gain insight into how game-based platforms like Prodigy are shifting math mindsets so much so that parents think their kids are just having fun (they are… and they’re also learning deeply).

Connect with Dr. Melissa Dandy Walker

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-dandy-walker/

Website: https://www.atlantapublicschools.us/

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Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougrobertsiei/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-education-innovation/

Company Website: https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/

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S6:E4 Balancing Bold Leadership and Real Life: A Conversation with Dr. PJ Caposey

Institute for Education Innovation — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Stories from the Field, host Doug Roberts sits down with longtime II superintendent member and author Dr. PJ Caposey, superintendent of both Meridian and Oregon school districts in Illinois. This candid conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really means to lead boldly, mentor intentionally, and manage the complexities of public education without losing yourself in the process.

Caposey shares what it’s been like managing two very different districts at once, navigating rural school leadership, and scaling back a thriving speaking career to focus on what matters most. He discusses the importance of time management, the role of ego in leadership, and how self-awareness has shaped his evolution as a superintendent and mentor.

The conversation turns personal as Caposey reflects on key mentors, lessons from leading during crisis, and the flat nature of school district hierarchies that often limit upward mobility. His take? Great leaders “see more and before,” and their job is to speak potential into existence for students, teachers, and peers alike.

Key Moments

05:57 Forge Relationships Through Sincere Questions

09:25 "Visionary Leadership and Mentorship"

11:17 Rural Education Challenges and Opportunities

15:10 Illinois' Future Amid Uncertainty

16:54 Leadership Insights and Education Crisis

Why You’ll Love This Episode:
Dr. PJ Caposey doesn’t sugarcoat the work but he brings heart, humor, and hard-won wisdom to every challenge. Whether you’re leading a district, mentoring rising leaders, or trying to balance ambition with sustainability, PJ’s story will remind you that leadership is both art and endurance and that the best leaders lift others as they go.

Connect with Dr. PJ Caposey
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcusdsupe

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Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougrobertsiei/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-education-innovation/

Company Website: https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/

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S6:E3: School Turnaround and the Power of Empathy: Insights from Dr. Frankie Pollock Jr.

Institute for Education Innovation — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode, host Doug sits down with Dr. Frankie Pollock Jr., soon to earn his doctorate and currently serving as Senior Executive Director at Houston ISD in Texas. Together, they explore Dr. Frankie's groundbreaking research on the retention of Black male educators in urban school districts, the critical role of representation for all student groups, and what it takes to recruit and retain diverse talent in the classroom and beyond.

Dr. Frankie Pollock Jr. shares powerful stories from his career, including a bold experiment where he spent a day as a student in his own high school to better understand and empathize with the challenges kids face daily. He also lifts the curtain on the complex realities of educational leadership, from moving across cities for new roles to guiding schools through major turnarounds.

Doug and Frankie discuss mentorship, balancing politics, and why embracing side hustles can help keep talented leaders in the field.

Key Moments

06:31 "Shaping Perspective on Student Experience"

08:12 School Adjustment Challenges

11:28 Transformational Leadership in Education

14:58 Leadership Growth and Opportunities

18:06 Building Leaders Through Mentorship

19:43 Mentor's Impact on Student Growth

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Frankie Pollock Jr. shares his groundbreaking research on retaining Black male educators, the power of representation, and what it really takes to lead school turnarounds. From spending a day as a student in his own high school to mentoring future leaders, Frankie brings empathy, insight, and practical wisdom to the challenges of urban education. A must-listen for anyone passionate about equity, leadership, and impact.

Connect with Dr. Frankie Pollock Jr.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankiehpollockjr/

Website: https://www.scrsd.org/ssd/OurSchools/Whs/Wesths

Follow Us On

Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougrobertsiei/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-education-innovation/

Company Website: https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to IEI for more powerful conversations on educational leadership, innovation, and the stories shaping our schools.

S6:E2 The Power of Teachers and Mentorship in Dr. Jermaine Dawson’s Story

Institute for Education Innovation — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode, host Doug sits down with Dr. Jermaine Dawson, Deputy Superintendent for Academic Services at the School District of Philadelphia. Together, they dive into the remarkable progress happening in Philly’s public schools under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Tony B. Watlington, Sr. and the ambitious “Accelerate Philly” plan.

Dr. Dawson shares firsthand insights on rising enrollment numbers, improved graduation rates, and the innovative strategies being used to support all learners including initiatives around AI integration, pipelines for future educators, and increased access to advanced courses for every student.

Plus, Dr. Dawson reflects on his own inspiring journey from humble beginnings in Atlanta to educational leadership, and the powerful impact mentors have had along the way. Whether you’re an education leader, teacher, or advocate, this episode is filled with wisdom, hope, and actionable ideas for uplifting students and communities.

Key Moments

00:00 Deputy Superintendent Responsibilities Overview
05:29 Empowering Teachers: Inclusion and Input

09:02 Data-Driven Educational Success
11:53 "Accelerate Philly: Collaborative Vision"

15:16 Temple Program and School Partnerships
18:08 "Prioritize Grade-Level Learning"
21:20 Breakfast Sacrifice and Teacher Support
25:26 "Unexpected Journey: A Life Lesson"

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Be inspired by Dr. Jermaine Dawson’s remarkable journey from experiencing homelessness as a child in Atlanta to leading academic services for 350+ schools in the School District of Philadelphia.
Discover how his deeply personal mission to serve “every child, every day” is driving bold academic gains, from increased enrollment to historic proficiency rates in literacy and math.
Learn how his team is blending AI with humanity, building smart, supportive systems that protect teacher time without ever replacing the power of real relationships.
Explore how “Accelerate Philly” is transforming opportunity through expanded AP access, dual enrollment, and “best by 11th” Algebra goals making sure students graduate with options, not obstacles.

Connect with Dr. Jermaine Dawson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jermainedawsonedd/

Website: https://www.philasd.org/

Follow Us On

Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougrobertsiei/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-education-innovation/

Company Website: https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to IEI for more powerful conversations on educational leadership, innovation, and the stories shaping our schools.

S6:E1 Leadership With Outcomes and Empathy: A Conversation with Iranetta Wright

Institute for Education Innovation — Wed, 21 May 2025 13:15:47 -0400

In this episode of Stories from the Field, host Doug Roberts is joined by Iranetta Wright, Superintendent Emeritus of Cincinnati Public Schools and founder of The Wright Way Leadership Group. This no-fluff, all-substance conversation covers what it takes to drive student outcomes and sustain yourself as a leader in today’s educational landscape.

Wright shares how her tenure in Cincinnati defied the norms: leading the district to its best academic outcomes in over 15 years and outperforming peer districts and the state in both reading and math. She breaks down her action-based leadership model, grounded in strategic planning, coaching, and authentic assessment, and now used in school systems across the country.

Wright also speaks candidly about post-superintendency life: launching leadership cohorts, mentoring educators from multiple states, and staying deeply connected to classrooms. She reflects on the joy of student interaction, the power of mentorship, and the non-negotiable need for self-care. Her message is clear: you can’t pour from an empty pitcher, and outcomes follow when leaders lead with intention, balance, and heart.

Key Moments

05:56 From Good to Better Outcomes

10:20 "Prioritizing Self-Care for Productivity"

11:38 Lead by Example, Self-Care First

16:53 Support Systems Through Shared Experiences

17:58 Leading with Informed Decisions

Why You’ll Love This Episode:
Iranetta Wright doesn’t just talk about leadership—she lives it. From turning around student outcomes to building national leadership networks, her work is rooted in clarity, compassion, and real results. If you're navigating high-stakes roles in education, this episode will leave you energized to lead with purpose, invest in people, and protect your own well-being along the way.

Connect with Iranetta Wright
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iranetta-rayborn-wright-00053937
Website: https://www.cps-k12.org/

Follow Us On

Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougrobertsiei/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-education-innovation/

Company Website: https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/

Enjoyed this episode?
Subscribe to Stories from the Field and leave us a review!
Share this episode with education leaders, mentors, and anyone who believes in outcomes with heart.

S5:E9 Denver Public Schools – Maintaining a Sense of Community

Doug Roberts — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 16:50:49 -0500

In Season 5, Episode 9, of “Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast,” Doug Roberts, the CEO & Founder of Institute for Education Innovation visits Dr. Alex Marrero, Superintendent of Denver Public Schools, to discuss tough decisions and how community connections enhance the coming-together of Denver for addressing the Whole Child and Social Emotional Learning.

S5:E8 Denver Public Schools – Revisiting Equity Considering School Safety

Doug Roberts — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 16:47:01 -0500

In Season 5, Episode 8, of “Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast,” Doug Roberts, the CEO & Founder of Institute for Education Innovation visits Dr. Alex Marrero, Superintendent of Denver Public Schools, to have tough conversations about being a strong district leader looking out for his students and the Denver community, while maintaining equity and considering safety.

S5:E7 Denver Public Schools – Invoking Positive Change with Safety & Security

Doug Roberts — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 16:42:49 -0500

In Season 5, Episode 7, of “Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast,” Doug Roberts, the CEO & Founder of Institute for Education Innovation, visits Dr. Alex Marrero, Superintendent of Denver Public Schools, to discuss how safety and security are paramount in today’s school communities. Doug and Dr. Marrero review how difficult conversations must be had to invoke change while always considering equity.

S5:E6 Stories from the Field: Honoring our Retirees - Leaving an Impact–Honoring our Retirees

Doug Roberts — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 15:05:38 -0400

In this episode of, “Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast,” Melissa Crawl, Member Success Manager and Sara Croll, Vice President of Institute for Education Innovation, discuss the behind-the-scenes of being a superhero superintendent and leaving a legacy of change for their respective school districts. Melissa interviews Dr. April Grace, Superintendent Tom Burton, and Superintendent James Grossane, while Sara interviews Dr. Tim Mitchell about how leadership always matters, and all highlight their proudest moments during their long tenures of serving their communities and scholars.

S5:E5: Anne Arundel County Public Schools - Building Relationships

Doug Roberts — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 21:58:06 -0400

In this episode of Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast, Doug Roberts, Founder and CEO of the Institute for Education Innovation, visits Dr. Mark Bedell, Superintendent of Anne Arundel County Public Schools in Annapolis, Maryland, to hear how a Flag Policy turns into building better relationships in the district and community.

S5:E4: Anne Arundel County Public Schools - A Flag Policy

Doug Roberts — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 21:57:56 -0400

S5E3: Victoria Independent School District - Champions for Equity

Doug Roberts — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 21:57:10 -0400

In this episode of Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast, Sara Croll, Vice President of the Institute for Education, visits Dr. Quintin Shepherd, Superintendent of Victoria Independent School District in Victoria, Texas, to hear how a disaster and a meeting called the breakfast bunch created an opportunity for the school district to be champions of equity.

S5E2: Victoria Independent School District - The Breakfast Bunch

Doug Roberts — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 21:56:05 -0400

In this episode of Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast, Sara Croll, Vice President of the Institute for Education Innovation, visits Dr. Quintin Shepherd, Superintendent of Victoria Independent School District in Victoria, Texas, to hear how a disaster and a meeting called the breakfast bunch created an opportunity for the school district to be champions of equity.

S5E1: Victoria Independent School District - The Disaster

Doug Roberts — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 21:53:33 -0400

In this episode of Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast, Sara Croll, Vice President of the Institute for Education, visits Dr. Quintin Shepherd, Superintendent of Victoria Independent School District in Victoria, Texas, to hear how a disaster and the breakfast bunch created an opportunity for the school district to be champions of equity.

S4E3: Education Finance with Jess Gartner

Doug Roberts — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 10:09:40 -0400

Jess Gartner, CEO of Allovue, and Doug Roberts, CEO, and Founder of the Institute for Education Innovation, discuss Ed Finance.

S4E2: Back to School.

Doug Roberts — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 06:00:33 -0400

Dr. Gina Cinotti, Superintendent at Saddle River Public Schools, and James Tager, Superintendent at Bangor Public Schools, discuss returning to school in the 2022-2023 school with Doug Roberts, CEO of the Institute for Education Innovation.

S4E1: Fireside Chat with The Secretary of Education

Doug Roberts — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 06:00:43 -0400

US Secretary of Education, Dr. Miguel Cardona, sits down with Mark Benigni, Superintendent at Meriden Public Schools, on July 13th, 2022 for a fireside chat at the Institute for Education Innovation's Summer Symposium in Newport, RI. Doug Roberts, CEO and Founder of IEI, moderates a QA between IEI members and Dr. Cardona.

S3E29 Reflections on Retirement and the End of the School Year

Doug Roberts — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 10:48:25 -0400

Dwight Jones, former Superintendent of Clark County School District, and Stephen Murley, former Superintendent of Green Bay Area Public School District, sits down with IEI CEO/Founder Doug Roberts to reflect on the end of the 2022-2023 school year and their thoughts on retiring from the Superintendency. This episode is our last of Season 3; Season 4 will begin on August 2nd, 2022.

S3E28 Reconstruction with Kaya Henderson

Doug Roberts — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 14:19:40 -0400

Kaya Henderson, CEO of Reconstruction and former Chancellor of the District of Columbia Public Schools, joins IEI CEO/Founder Doug Roberts to discuss her tenure in the DC public school system and her new edtech company, Reconstruction. Reconstruction, a technology company offering K-12 supplemental curriculum, offers a selection of online courses in educational subjects that center on Black contributions to our national and global society.

S3E27 Dr. Luvelle Brown, Dr. Gustavo Balderas, and Traci Davis preview IEI Equity Summit Ithaca July 22-24

Doug Roberts — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 07:58:37 -0400

Dr. Luvelle Brown, superintendent of Ithaca CSD (NY) joins Doug with co-panelists Dr. Gustavo Balderas of Beaverton Public Schools (OR) and Traci Davis (Superintendent Emeritus from Nevada) to preview the discussions they will lead, along with their colleague, Dr. Mark Bedell of Anne Arundel County Public Schools (MD), at IEI's "Creating Leaders for Equity and Inclusion" summit in Ithaca, NY July 22-24.

Registration for educators is at capacity, but listeners can get on the waitlist for free. There are still spots open for partners who want to support and be allies for this discussion. Registration for all as well as more detailed information can be found at: https://instituteforedinnovation.hubspotpagebuilder.com/cultivatingleadersforequityandinclusionworkshop.

S3E26 Hooker, Hogan, and Phyall join Doug to reflect on a crazy year in Edtech

Doug Roberts — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 10:00:55 -0400

In this episode of Education Thought Leaders, IEI's CEO, Doug Roberts, is joined by Adam Phyall, Director of Technology and Media Services; Carl Hooker, CEO of Hooker Tech; and Kevin Hogan, host of The Hogan Report as they discuss the benefits of emerging technology due to the pandemic and more.

S3E25 Women in Leadership Workshop Preview

Doug Roberts — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 10:00:04 -0400

In this episode of Education Thought Leaders, IEI's Director of Partner Relations, Tiffany Law, speaks with the Superintendent at Port Chester Schools, Dr. Aurelia Henriquez, and the Assistant Superintendent at Cambridge Public Schools, Dr. Barbara Mullen to discuss the struggles and successes of women in leadership roles. This special episode is a preview of IEI's upcoming Women in Leadership Workshop on Long Island, New York. You don't have to be a woman to benefit from the conversation. Listen now for a unique insight into leadership.

S3E24 Spark Companies Share Their Experience As First-Time Attendees to an IEI Summit

Doug Roberts — Tue, 24 May 2022 11:59:22 -0400

In this episode of IEI Thought Leaders, CEOs, Toni Shub of QoreInsights, Linsey Covert of Teamology, and Kimberly Moore of Go Together, join Doug Roberts, CEO of IEI, and Jim McVety, founding member at Spark, to discuss their experience as first-time attendees at an IEI summit. Curious about what one of IEI's events is like? Listen to the episode to find out!

S3E23: A New Approach to Learning to Read with Jessica Reid Sliwerski

Doug Roberts — Mon, 09 May 2022 18:34:17 -0400

In this episode of Education Thought Leaders, Doug connects with his long-time friend and CEO of Open Up Resources and Ignite! Reading, Jessica Reid Sliwerski. Listen to the episode to find out how Jessica started and manages two highly successful companies and how she balances it all.

Learn more about Open Up Resources here.

Learn more about Ignite! Reading here.

S3E22 IEI:Lead

Doug Roberts — Tue, 03 May 2022 14:40:47 -0400

In this episode of Education Thought Leaders, Doug Roberts speaks with three current students of the IEI:Lead Aspiring Superintendent Institute and asks them about their experience as aspiring superintendents. Dr. Barbara Mullen, Lindsay Stewart, and Darian Byrd recently attended the Spring Cohort's culminating event on Coronado Island, San Diego where they met their instructors in person and participated in instructional sessions and mock interviews. Listen now to hear about their experience!

S3E21 5 Minutes of Fame Live from the Spring 2022 Summit

Doug Roberts — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 12:02:41 -0400

This is a special episode of our 5 Minutes of Fame segment during our Spring 2022 Summit on Coronado Island. Eight incredible superintendents take the stage to tell us about lessons they have learned and the achievements they are most proud of. Listen to hear what these superintendents have to say.

S3E20 ASU + GSV Recap

Doug Roberts — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 13:26:57 -0400

The IEI Family gets together to discuss their time at the ASU + GSV Summit in San Diego on April 4-6. Find out what the team has to say about their time at the summit, the trends they noticed, and Doug's excitement about Byrds.

2.20 IEI Superintendents: 5 Minutes of Fame

Doug Roberts — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 14:45:48 -0400

A round robin "group keynote" from IEI superintendents telling great stories about the work they've done this year to the assembled IEI Spring Superintendent Summit in Colorado Springs. In this episode, you'll hear from:

Dr. Dwight Jones, Denver Public Schools, CO

Mr. Ken Dyer, Dougherty County Schools, GA

Mr. Todd Dugan, Bunker Hill CUSD, IL

Dr. Shanna Downs, Gilmer County Schools, GA

Dr. Tim Mitchell, Riverside CUSD, IA

Mr. Mike Daria, Tuscaloosa Public Schools, AL

Mr. Dan Cox, Rochester Public Schools, IL

Moderated by Talk Supes Host Doug Roberts and Kevin Mitchell and Spencer Anderson of Audio Enhancement.

S3.E19 The Finnish Advantage: Implementing the Finnish Method in an American School District

Doug Roberts — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 13:37:52 -0400

IEI CEO, Doug Roberts is back on this episode of IEI Thought Leaders where he is joined by Dr. Danny Merck of Pickens County School District in South Carolina and Dr. Kari Kumpulainen of the University of Oulu in Finland. Listen here to learn more about the Finnish Method and how it found its way into the Pickens County School District.

S3.18 What Will Post-Pandemic Learning Look Like? with Dr. Shelly Viramontez and Tom Burton

Doug Roberts — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 13:11:29 -0400

In this week's episode, IEI's Vice President, Sara Croll, and new team member, Ana Garcia, are joined by Dr. Shelly Viramontez and Tom Burton. Dr. Viramontez currently serves as Superintendent of the Campbell Union School District in California. Mr. Burton serves as Superintendent of Princeton City Schools in Ohio. Listen as we discuss the hurdles and success over the past two years and what's to come in 2023 and beyond.

3.17 From Carpool Mom to CEO with Joanna McFarland

Doug Roberts — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 12:00:00 -0400

What better way to celebrate Women's History Month than by interviewing the CEO and Co-Founder of a female-lead company? Joanna McFarland and her Co-Founders, Janelle McGlothlin and Carolyn Yashari Becher, began HopSkipDrive at the dining room table during a kid's birthday party. These moms saw the need for a trustworthy, efficient transportation solution in their community and the rest is history. Joanna and her team at HopSkipDrive are impacting the lives of students and families in districts across the country in more ways than one. Listen in to hear how their "Mom DNA" has helped build a business where working parents are embraced and celebrated and kids are empowered to seize opportunities that would otherwise seem unfathomable. As Joanna said in the show, "The difference between struggle and success can sometimes be as simple as the ability to show up."

https://www.hopskipdrive.com/

3.16 Breaking the Mold with Josh Chernikoff

Doug Roberts — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 12:00:00 -0400

Josh is a self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur. He is the founder of three education companies: Ashley Tutors, Flex Academies, and Flex Tutors. He also began recording and hosting podcasts called “How I Broke That” and "Breaking the Grade" where, in his words, “each episode will simultaneously induce cringes and provide comfort in helping you realize you are not alone in breaking something on your path to innovation.” Beyond starting education companies, he also runs Cascade Communications, where he provides coaching to companies in the education space. Josh has much to share with his experiences of innovating and not just thinking outside of the box, but taking that box and breaking it wide open! As Josh says in our show, "Fear is a liar" and don't forget that oftentimes obstacles are just opportunities in disguise.

Cascade Communications: http://www.cascadego.co/

Josh Chernikoff: https://www.joshchernikoff.com/

Breaking the Grade Podcast: https://www.cascadego.co/breaking-the-grade

Breaking the Grade trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLU5fRs4vrM

3.15 But Why Supes' Choice? ft. Cynthia Barbera, Victor Karkar, and Alefiya Master

Doug Roberts — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 16:02:34 -0500

On this week's episode of IEI's #EducationThoughtLeaders #podcast Doug Roberts is joined by some of our very own #SupesChoice winners, Cynthia Harrison Barbera, CEO and Founder of STORYWORLD International, Victor Karkar, CEO and Cofounder of Scrible, and Alefiya Master, CEO and Founder of MAD-learn.

Listen in as they discuss how their companies have continued to grow and evolve during the past two years and how participating in Supes' Choice impacted their company's journey.

3.14 Dealing with Staff Shortages and Boosting Morale with Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross

Doug Roberts — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 11:00:00 -0500

Districts across the country are struggling with staff shortages and finding ways to continue pushing forward. Listen in to see how Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross, Superintendent of Ypsilanti Community Schools in Michigan, is working overtime to ensure her schools are operating as smoothly as possible. With Dr. Zachery-Ross's contagious optimism and boots-on-the-ground approach, find out how you can help keep the morale of your staff and students up when life and its circumstances can get you down.

3.13 How to Take on A Sea of Troubles with Authors Liz and Bill James

Doug Roberts — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 16:40:34 -0500

Elizabeth (Liz) and Bill James are public high school English teachers in Stockton, California. They are both accomplished authors and are promoting their most recent publication, A Sea of Troubles: Pairing Literary and Informational Texts to Address Social Inequality, which was published in May of 2021. At the beginning of 2020, Liz and Bill started writing A Sea of Troubles and wrote the bulk of this book while in quarantine as the world was changing drastically around us all. We are so fortunate to have Liz and Bill on with us to discuss how they aim to show educators at the secondary level, that fiction often reflects the real world and vice versa, and that the texts teachers are already using can be catalysts to dive into deeper discussions about social injustices that are happening today.

A Sea of Troubles is a practical and purposeful guide for secondary English teachers to be able to use literary work already present in their classrooms to address social issues. Liz and Bill masterfully orchestrate the units to demonstrate how to broach a current societal issue of injustice while keeping the focus directly on the novel/play/primary document that is being studied. The chapters are broken into themes and the texts that are implemented are just examples of what can be utilized, but Liz and Bill leave the unit outlines open enough for teachers to make it their own using whatever texts they see fit. Some of the themes include Syntactical Othering, Systemic Racial Injustice, Abuses of Power, Authoritarianism, Genocide and Ethnic Internment, and Gender Inequality. Buy their book here!

Bill James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-james-800b22a3/ and Liz James: https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.james.9022

3.12 Exploring Superintendency with IEI: Lead

Doug Roberts — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Fresh off of Winter Break and starting the 2022 year, Doug sits with four administrators from IEI: Lead's Fall Cohort. These guests were dedicated learners in our Aspiring Superintendents Institute. Over the course of 10 weeks, 14 cohort members gathered virtually with instructors that currently serve as a superintendent or have walked in the shoes of superintendency recently. Doug hears from Dr. Barbara Nesbitt, Assistant Superintendent for Technology Services at School District of Pickens County in South Carolina, Janet Ciarrocca, Acting Superintendent of North Brunswick Township Schools in New Jersey, George Guy Jr., Principal of Rosa International Middle School in Cherry Hill Public Schools in New Jersey, and Joe Mullikin, Principal & Director of Continuous Improvement, Data, and Assessment at Meridian School District #223 in Illinois. In this episode, we get to hear from the "student" perspective why IEI: Lead was beneficial and what they got out of the experience.

For any listener interested, we invite you to check out www.ieilead.com to learn more. Applications are currently being accepted for our Spring 2022 Cohort which will start in a few weeks.

3.11 Supes' Choice Awards' Red Carpet Recap

Doug Roberts — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 12:10:05 -0500

In case you missed the live stream of our Supes' Choice Gala, we have compiled a highlight reel of the red carpet interviews with some of the superintendent judges, participants, and IEI Team Members. Tiffany Law and Traci Davis were the ultimate hosts and we are so grateful to everyone that stopped in to chat with them before the event. You can check out the full event on our YouTube channel: SUPES Choice - YouTube and the second part of the Charity Event portion here: SUPES Choice - YouTube.

3.10 BEST OF Education Thought Leaders: Dr. PJ Caposey on Leadership and Time Management

Doug Roberts — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 14:45:02 -0500

We are gearing up for our first-ever Supes' Choice Awards Gala and in light of that, we have pulled an episode from the archives that rings as true today as it did in 2019. On this episode of Education Thought Leaders, we are bringing you the first of our BEST OF series where we share some of our favorite recordings with meaningful messages that are relevant and necessary to hear again.

In this BEST OF episode, Dr. PJ Caposey, superintendent of Meridien CUSD 223 (near Rockford, IL) discusses leadership, and the nuance and art to understanding when your leadership style needs to adapt to the changing needs of your team and your organization.

3.9 Solidifying Career & College Pathways in K-12 Schools with HERDI

Doug Roberts — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 12:00:00 -0500

In this unique gathering of education leaders, Doug and Dr. Toni Cleveland from HERDI* facilitate a discussion with K-12 superintendents, Mr. William Black from Paducah Public Schools, and Dr. Danny Merck from Pickens County School District, and college presidents, Dr. Merrill Irving Jr. from Hennepin Technical College, and Dr. Maureen Murphy from College of Southern Maryland. These leaders discuss the importance of establishing strong programs and curriculum for not only the college-bound student at the K-12 level but also offering career readiness opportunities for those entering various career fields right after graduation.

Having college presidents converse with K-12 superintendents opened a dialogue that rarely happens. They share ways in which schools can foster programs to elevate a student's options after graduation.

*HERDI - Higher Education Research and Development Institute

3.8 A Look into School Board Meetings with Dr. Bill Heath and Dr. Richard Cobb

Doug Roberts — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 12:24:55 -0400

In this episode, Doug Roberts has a chance to sit with Dr. Bill Heath, Superintendent at Lincoln County Schools, and Dr. Richard Cobb, Superintendent at Mid-Del School District, to find out what their experiences have been with school board meetings this year. Dr. Heath and Dr. Cobb share how their meetings have remained civil during this time where many other districts have experienced turmoil.

3.7 IEI Road Show Recap

Doug Roberts — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 20:32:24 -0400

Doug reflects on his time visiting IEI members and districts during the IEI Road Show. He shares some highlights and amazing things that are taking place in schools across the Southeast region and reminds us of the incredible work that is happening each day in classrooms everywhere.

3.6 Who Gets to Be Gifted in America with Marc Smolowitz

Doug Roberts — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 12:33:03 -0400

Doug has the opportunity to sit down with director and producer, Marc Smolowitz to discuss equity in education when it comes to gifted programs in America. This important yet rarely discussed aspect in education is the premise of Marc's upcoming documentary, THE G WORD.

Marc is currently in post-production on THE G WORD -- a feature-length documentary that aims to be the most comprehensive film ever made on the topics of gifted, talented, and neurodiverse education across the United States. The film asks the urgent equity question -- In the 21st century, who gets to be Gifted in America and Why? and is scheduled to premiere in late 2022.

Some links to check out:

THE G WORD Short Film Vimeo Gallery: https://vimeo.com/showcase/5341657
GTN Awareness Week (Oct. 25-29): https://www.thegwordfilm.com/gtn-awareness-week
Global Partnership Network: https://www.thegwordfilm.com/partnership-network
Impact Manifesto: https://www.thegwordfilm.com/impact-manifesto
#MyGiftedStory: https://www.thegwordfilm.com/my-gifted-story
How to Donate: https://www.thegwordfilm.com/donate

BIO: Marc Smolowitz is a multi-award-winning director, producer, and executive producer who has been significantly involved in 50+ independent films. The combined footprint of his works has touched 250+ film festivals & markets on 5 continents, yielding substantial worldwide sales to theatrical, television, and VOD outlets, notable box office receipts, and numerous awards and nominations. His credits include films that have screened at the world's top-tier festivals such as Sundance, Berlin, Venice, Tribeca, Chicago, Palm Springs, SF FILM, AFI Docs, IDFA, DOC NYC, CPH: DOX, Tokyo, Melbourne, Viennale, Jerusalem, among others. In 2009, Marc founded 13th Gen, a San Francisco-based boutique film and entertainment company (see: https://www.13thgenfilm.com/) that works with a dynamic range of independent film partners globally to oversee the financing, production, post-production, marketing, sales, and distribution efforts of a vibrant portfolio of films and filmmakers. The company has successfully advanced Marc's career-long focus on powerful social issue filmmaking across all genres. In 2016, he received one of the prestigious Gotham Media Fellowships to attend the Cannes Film Festival's Producers Network marking him as one of the USA's most influential independent film producers.

3.5 Cross-Pod with Dr. Matthew Joseph - All Things Supes

Doug Roberts — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 16:50:00 -0400

In this episode, Doug joins Dr. Matthew Joseph on his podcast "You Can't Make This Up" for a cross-pod interview. Doug shares how IEI came to be. Creating learning opportunities for partners and members, building foundational relationships, and establishing trust from the get-go are the pillars of the organization. Dr. Joseph and Doug continue the conversation with Supes' Choice where edtech companies with any budget can get feedback on their product directly from our superintendents. You can learn more at supeschoice.com! They also talk about the importance of supporting superintendents and district leaders. Doug shares a bit about bolstering educational leadership with IEI: Lead-Aspiring Superintendent Institute.

3.4 Supes' Choice Awards with Sarah Williamson

Doug Roberts — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 17:28:04 -0400

Doug sits down with Sarah Williamson, owner of SW/PR group, to talk about IEI's inaugural Supes' Choice Awards that is currently accepting submissions now through October 30, 2021. Supes' Choice is all about connecting great companies who want to get valuable feedback with forward-thinking IEI superintendent members. This is a low price point opportunity for a company of any size to put their idea in front of superintendents and receive thoughtful consideration and reviews. Go to supeschoice.com to enter!

3.3 Moving Forward with Eric Westendorf, Monica Brady-Myerov, and Mark Rothschild

Doug Roberts — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 15:19:58 -0400

In this episode, Doug Roberts sits down with Eric Westendorf, Co-Founder & CEO of Coursello, Monica Brady-Myerov, Founder & CEO of Listenwise, and Mark Rothschild, CEO of Right At School during the ASU+GSV event in San Diego. During this three-in-one interview, Doug discusses the challenges each of their companies has faced over the past eighteen months and how they are pushing forward toward a brighter future.

3.2 Equity & Anti-Racism with Colin Seale, Dr. Nataki Gregory, Lynne Inabnitt, and Jess Gartner

Doug Roberts — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 14:00:00 -0400

In Episode 2, Colin Seale, CEO of Think Law, facilitates a conversation with Dr. Nataki Gregory, CEO of CT3 (Virtual), Lynne Inabnitt, Co-Clinical Director at Global Teletherapy, and Jess Gartner, Founder/CEO of Allovue during our summer symposium at the Biltmore. These thought leaders take a deep dive into the importance of equity and anti-racism within a company, and how hard conversations are truly necessary for continued, sustainable growth.

3.1 Instructional Intervention Strategies

Doug Roberts — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 16:32:50 -0400

In Episode 1 of Season 3, Doug is sharing a panel discussion from the summer symposium in Asheville, NC with IEI members Mr. Todd Dugan, Superintendent in Bunker Hill, Illinois, Dr. Susan Enfield, Superintendent in Highline, Washington, Mr. Tom Burton, Superintendent from Princeton City School District in Ohio, and Dr. Joseph Davis, Superintendent from Ferguson-Florissant School District in Missouri. This panel was moderated by Mr. Philip Cutler, CEO of PAPER. Listen here for their thoughts on the upcoming school year and how to bring new ideas and innovations around instruction and intervention.

2.29 Season Finale! IEI Members Reflect on Their Years of Service Before Retirement

Doug Roberts — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 11:13:39 -0400

Doug Roberts sits down with Dr. Deborah Baker, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction from Brighton Central School District in New York, and Dr. John Jungmann, Superintendent of Springfield Public Schools in Missouri as they close out their careers as district leaders celebrate their retirement. Debby & John discuss how they started their careers, some lessons learned, and what they have planned for the future.

2.28 Celebrating Educators with Sara Croll

Doug Roberts — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 14:10:50 -0400

This week's podcast features three amazing teachers from across the country. Sara Croll, IEI's Director of Marketing & Communications is joined by Erin Leahy a middle school reading teacher in Omaha, NE, Katie Graham a 2nd-grade teacher from Pittsburg, PA, and Melissa Crawl a 4th-grade teacher from Chelsea, AL. Listen as these educators share their thoughts on instruction, school culture, and their overall reflection on one of the toughest yet rewarding school years.

2.27: Leadership Discussion with Dr. Robert Avossa & Doug Roberts

Doug Roberts — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 17:00:00 -0400

Join us this week with former superintendent, education thought leader, and IEI Senior Advisor, Dr. Robert Avossa. Dr. Avossa talks about the leadership of superintendents during Covid and advice he has for these leaders as they go back to "normal" next school year. Also, listen in to hear about some of the upcoming IEI events for K12 industry leaders.

2.26 Creating a Community of Supes & CEOs with Sarah Williamson & Doug Roberts

Doug Roberts — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 15:59:13 -0400

Sarah Williamson from "Build Momentum" chats with our CEO Doug Roberts on all things ed-tech, leadership, and building community. They also discuss how IEI handled the challenges of Covid and where we are headed for the 2021-2022 school year.

2.25 Finishing out the School Year Strong with Matt Miller

Doug Roberts — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 16:15:36 -0400

Matt Miller, Superintendent of Lakota Local Schools in Ohio (Follow him on Twitter @lakotasuper) discusses how he and his staff conquered the challenges of Covid this year and together organized memorable graduation ceremonies that celebrated that focused on the students and all they have accomplished. Matt talks about his new learning; what he will change, and what will stay the same moving forward with a positive outlook for next year.

2.24 Strategies for Anywhere, Anytime Instruction with Paper's Phil Cutler

Doug Roberts — Sat, 29 May 2021 08:53:10 -0400

An august panel of superintendents joins Phil Cutler of Paper for a discussion about the strategies they are deploying to make instruction available to all student anywhere, anytime. The panel includes:

Dr. Ann Levett, Superintendent, Savannah-Chatcham County Public Schools (GA)

Dr. Danny Merck, Superintendent, Pickens County Public Schools (SC)

Dr. Debby Baker, Assistant Superintendent, Brighton CSD (NY)

Mr. Todd Dugan, Superintendent, Bunker Hill CUSD (IL)

Dr. Adam Clark, Superintendent, Mt. Diablo USD (CA)

Dr. Susan Enfield, Superintendent, Highline Public Schools (WA)

Originally recorded at the IEI Spring Summit, Colorado Springs, CO

2.23 Dr. PJ Caposey- Do Not Wish It to be Easier!

Doug Roberts — Wed, 26 May 2021 16:09:58 -0400

Dr. PJ Caposey (@mcusdsupe), Superintendent of Meridian CUSD in IL, gives the IEI Spring Summit his talk, "Do Not Wish It to be Easier," plus some updates from @dougroberts_iei about how the K12 business is shifting and how IEI will be continuing to innovate to support its members and partners.

2.22 Micro-Credentials with MIDAS and Dr. Gustavo Balderas

Doug Roberts — Fri, 21 May 2021 06:09:27 -0400

IEI Member Superintendent, Dr. Gustavo Balderas of Edmonds Public Schools and Megan Harney and Patrick Leonard of MIDAS Education join Doug to discuss micro-credentials and the possibility of a shift in how large-scale and summative assessments will work. We also discuss the changing landscape of teacher professional development and the onset of micro-credentials to facilitate individualized learning paths.

2.21 ABCs of ESSER with Jess Gartner of Allovue

Doug Roberts — Fri, 14 May 2021 16:34:24 -0400

This session is a must-listen for anybody who cares about public schools: vendors, district leaders, parents, board members, voters in a school budget election.

Jess breaks down the funding from the CARES Act in plan English and offers advice from her deep expertise in ed finance for how districts can make a multi-year plan with these dollars that will best position them to deliver value to the students they serve.

This was a session at the IEI Spring Summit in Colorado Springs.

2.19 Fireside Chat with Dr. Dwight Jones + Governor Jared Polis Welcomes IEI to CO!

Doug Roberts — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 17:58:09 -0400

Dr. Dwight Jones, Interim Superintendent in Denver Public Schools, former Commissioner of Education for the state of Colorado and former superintendent of Clark County, NV, joins @dougroberts_iei at IEI's Spring Summit for a Fireside Chat about his experiences sitting in the hot seat over the years. We chat about leadership, success, learning opportunities, and the role race plays in how a superintendent is perceived and judged.

Also! Governor Jared Polis of Colorado shares a message of welcome to the IEI Family to kick off our Spring Summit in Colorado Springs!

S2 E18: Strategies for Pitching Clearly and Concisely with Jim McVety & Doug Roberts

Doug Roberts — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 11:05:50 -0400

Jim McVety, CEO of First Step Advisors and advisor to IEI, sits down with Doug to share strategies for K12 companies seeking to grow their business through district partnerships during this unique time in our business.

Doug takes his own medicine and does a 2-minute pitch of IEI's hybrid meeting software, @use_remo. Jim critiques.

2.17 Keeping kids safe with Steve Murley and Gretchen from Gaggle

Doug Roberts — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 15:52:25 -0400

In this episode, @dougroberts_iei has an in-depth discussion about the new ways districts are keeping kids safe online and offline with IEI Advisory Board Superintendent Mr. Stephen Murley of Green Bay Community School District in Wisconsin and Gretchen Thompson, RVP at Gaggle.

2.16 James Miles, Mike Kleba, Leigh Ann Putman

Doug Roberts — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 17:46:14 -0400

SXSW EDU presenters Mike Kleba and James Miles join IEI superintendent Leigh Ann Putman of the Metro Atlanta RESA to talk mentoring and morale in our schools with guest host Sara Croll!

2.15 Managing Screen Time with Steve Mesler and Todd Dugan

Doug Roberts — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 17:10:58 -0400

This week, Doug visits with Steve Mesler, Olympic Gold Medal BobSledder and CEO/Founder of Classroom Champions and Mr. Todd Dugan, Superintendent of Bunker Hill CUSD in IL, to discuss screen time management, social/emotional health, coaching, and instruction during this interesting school year.

2.14 The changing face of professional development with Dr. Johnnie Thomas

Doug Roberts — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 06:00:00 -0500

Dr. Johnnie Thomas, superintendent of Rich Township 227 School District in IL and Max Brooks, VP of District Partnerships at CT3 join Doug to talk about the changing nature of PD and some of the progressive decisions Rich Township began making a few years ago to address the achievement gap and how that early work will support their students and community through the post-pandemic recovery period.

2.13 Dr. Kristie Brooks and Donnie Whitten of Apptegy

Doug Roberts — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 12:00:00 -0500

IEI Director of Marketing, Sara Croll, hosts this episode! She visits with Dr. Kristie Brooks, superintendent of Chattahoochee County Schools in Georgia, and Donnie Whitten of Apptegy about how they've worked together over the years to engage district families and community members.

2.12 Dr. Quintin Shepherd, Katie Lash, co-pod with Sarah Williamson and Build Momentum Pod

Doug Roberts — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 10:54:44 -0500

Talk Supes teams up with Sarah Williamson of Build Momentum Pod to talk about entrepreneurialism and the superintendency. We are joined by IEI members Dr. Quintin Shepherd, Superintendent of Victoria ISD (TX) and Ms. Katie Lash, Director of the East Central ESD in Indiana.

2.11 Jeff Anderson and Colin Seale on the resilience of schools and rolling with the pandemic punches

Doug Roberts — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 17:03:04 -0500

Colin Seale, Founder/CEO of Thinklaw and Jeff Anderson, CEO of Audio Enhancement join Doug to talk about the resilience of schools and district leaders, changes to the way districts are doing business, and their own leadership journey through this crazy pandemic adventure.

2.10 Clayton Wilcox, Dallas Dance on leadership and supe self care

Doug Roberts — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 17:27:01 -0500

Dr. Wilcox and Dr. Dance, emeritus superintendents, join us to discuss leadership strategies in difficult times and preview the reflection and self-care program they are planning, along with emeritus superintendent Traci Davis, for IEI's Las Vegas Superintendent Retreat Feb 25-28.

2.9 Dr. Paul Gavoni and the power of relationships

Doug Roberts — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 16:24:44 -0500

Dr. Paul "Paulie" Gavoni joins Doug and two IEI member superintendents, Dr. Jason Andrews of Windsor CSD in NY and Dan Cox of Rochester 3a in IL, to talk about the power of relationships to get our schools through this pandemic challenge.

2.8 Looking back at the good in 2020, looking forward to 2021

Doug Roberts — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 17:06:30 -0500

The whole IEI team comes on to introduce this episode, which features Jeff Patterson of Gaggle, Jess Gartner of Allovue, Megan Harney of MIDAS, and Berj Akian of Classlink. We reflect on the good things that happened during an otherwise terrible year, and we look forward to 2021!

2.6 Equity and Curriculum: The fight and the opportunity ahead

Doug Roberts — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 17:03:09 -0500

This episode features a panel discussion from our final Fall 2020 IEI Retreat at Suncadia, WA, featuring:

Dr. Susan Enfield, Highline Public Schools

Ms. Heather Bybee, Director of Curriculum, Spokane Public Schools

Eric Westendorf, Founder, Learnzillion and former principal

Chris Blevins, iStation

This episode has some holiday cheer and a little bit of festive spice, as these talented educators talk about the challenges and opportunities we face in trying to attack the equity challenge in teaching and learning. These are practitioners and change agents who walk the walk.

Have a Merry Christmas if you're celebrating!

2.5 School Finance Challenges with Jess Gartner and Doug Mesecar

Doug Roberts — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0500

This panel from IEI's Fall 2020 Hybrid/Virtual Superintendent Retreat in Georgia examines the challenges of school finance during the pandemic, what we know and what we don't know. Doug Mesecar of Strategos Consulting and Jessica Gartner, Founder/CEO of Allovue, give insight on the federal funding landscape and advice to district leaders and vendors for how to best ride out the fiscal uncertainty and challenges.

IEI Member superintendent Leigh Ann Putman of Metro Atlanta RESA in GA co-moderates with IEI CEO Doug Roberts. Kevin Mitchell of Audio Enhancement also contributes to the discussion.

Andy Crozier, Sarena Shivers, Michael Munoz, and Tad Everett: Challenges we slayed, Lessons we learned

Doug Roberts — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 16:17:01 -0500

4 IEI superintendents discussed the challenges we slayed this year and the lessons we learned, originally recorded at our IL Fall Superintendent Retreat at Eagle Ride Resort in Galena, IL. The panel was moderated by Dr. Andy Crozier, Superintendent of Central Lee CSD, IA. The panel included:

Dr. Tad Everett, Sterling Public Schools, IL

Dr. Sarena Shivers, Superintendent Emeritus and Executive Director of Michigan Association of School Administrators

Mr. Michael Munoz, Superintendent of Rochester Public Schools, MN

2.3 Keeping kids in our schools physically and emotionally healthy during a pandemic

Doug Roberts — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 16:44:35 -0400

Panel discussion from IEI's Summer Symposium on social/emotional and physical health strategies being deployed in districts across the country, featuring:

Justin Jennings, CEO, Youngstown Public Schools, OH

Dr. Quintin Shepherd, Superintendent, Victoria ISD, TX

Dr. Shai Fuxman, EDC

Dr. Rob Darzienkiewicz, M.D., Hazel Health

Stephanie Taylor, Presence Learning

Alex Meis, Kinvolved

2.2 The Original Pandemic: A discussion on equity

Doug Roberts — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 13:07:35 -0400

This discussion from IEI's Summer Symposium at The Biltmore is moderated by Ms. Traci Davis, Superintendent Emeritus and advisor to IEI, and features 3 great superintendents, Dr. Mark Bedell of Kansas City (MO), Dr. Luvelle Brown of Ithaca (NY), and Dr. Gregory Hutchings of Alexandria (VA), as well as Dr. Brian Kingsley, CAO of Charlotte-Mecklenburg.

2.1 Dr. Jody Barrow, Fayette County Schools, GA

Doug Roberts — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 08:07:58 -0400

Dr. Jody Barrow, pioneer IEI member, sits down with Doug to kick off Season 2 of Talk Supes (and CEOs) with only 1 month left in the superintendent's chair. Dr. Barrow delayed his retirement 3 months to help his district through the pandemic and transition things to a new leader. We reflect back on a long successful career delivering results for students and their families.

S1E31 Dr. Howard Koenig, Central Islip UFSD, on 40+ years as a superintendent

Doug Roberts — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 09:37:38 -0400

Dr. Howard Koenig, superintendent of Central Islip UFSD on Long Island, NY, reflects back on his 40+ years as a superintendent. This is not Howard's first attempt to retire, but this time it may stick. Howard and Doug talk about Howard's long career as a champion for public school students and we reflect on the leadership challenge of a generation as Howard's colleagues carry into the fall with plans to respond to the pandemic. Thank you for your distinguished service to public school students, Dr. Koenig!

S1E30 Dr. Tim Mitchell, Superintendent of Riverside CSD, IA

Doug Roberts — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 17:17:03 -0400

Journey with Doug to Iowa, where schools had just begun resuming sports even though it as already summer break! Tim has been through many challenges in his career of superintendenting, and he shares how he is applying those lessons learned to this current situation. Tim also talks about how the Black Lives Matter and anti-racism discussions have made their way to his mostly white rural district.

S1E29 Health protocols with Hazel and School Finance during a pandemic with Allovue

Doug Roberts — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 15:47:15 -0400

2-fer!

Doug visits first with longtime friends and partners at Allovue with some thoughts to chew on related to the impending fiscal challenges facing schools due to COVID. Then he sits down with Dr. Rob Darzynkiewicz, Chief Medical Officer at Hazel Health, about the slippery slope involved with minimizing exposure to COVID when we bring kids back into buildings.

S1E28 Mitch Weisburgh talks VR/AR

Doug Roberts — Sun, 31 May 2020 09:10:40 -0400

Mitch Weisburgh, Founder/CEO of Academic Biz Advisors and co-Founder of EdChatInteractive.org joins Doug to talk about some ideas fur utilizing Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality during this new age of forced distance learning in our schools.

S1E27: David Irwin on making big changes with small steps

Doug Roberts — Fri, 22 May 2020 12:53:08 -0400

Consultant, former NYCDOE official and current NJ school board member David Irwin joins Doug to talk about his method for making big changes with tiny steps each day. Also: we explore how the talk of Blended Learning over the last 10-12 years failed to engage educators and educational leaders and why this should be a learning opportunity for everybody in the K12 ecosystem- you can't "reform" schools without involving the educators in the discussion!

S1E26: Taylor Hersom and Dominique Singer on CyberSecurity and distance learning

Doug Roberts — Sat, 16 May 2020 09:27:31 -0400

TelAdvance and IEI team up to bring two leading experts on cybersecurity on to the pod to chat about the kinds of things districts are wrestling with as they quickly ramp up distance learning plans while maintaining student security on devices.

S1E25 The Panel from Episode 17 reconvenes!

Doug Roberts — Wed, 06 May 2020 18:12:34 -0400

We gathered the panel from Episode 17, with a couple of new guests, and of course our IEI Advisor superintendent John Welch from the Puget Sound ESC in the Seattle area, to talk about what's been happening on the front lines in districts as they continue to deliver education and related services to students amidst the Coronavirus pandemic.

The panel includes:

Jennifer Money, Move This World

Alex Meis, Kinvolved

Josh Golomb, Hazel

Berj Akian, Classlink,

Kevin Mitchell, Audio Enhancement

S1E24 Dishing with Doug, Gretchen, and Paula

Doug Roberts — Fri, 01 May 2020 15:57:57 -0400

Just 3 people who've been at this a while in the education industry dishing on coping strategies, ideas for how partners can weather the storm, and discussing our ideas for positive changes that can come out of COVID, particularly for underserved kids in public schools.

S1E23 NY Superintendents on Home Instruction and School Finance Challenges

Doug Roberts — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 16:56:05 -0400

Doug sits down with IEI members from rural and suburban NY Districts to talk about how they are managing to deliver instruction and services during COVID-19, and the impending school finance challenges they expect to face in the 2020-2021 School Year. Panelists include:

Mr. Ryan Pacatte, Avon CSD

Mr. Matthew Cole, Livonia CSD

Mr. Kevin MacDonald, Gennessee Valley BOCES

Dr. Robert Molisani, Caledonia-Mumford CSD

Mr. Rich Calkins, Pocantico Hills CSD

S1E22 Eric Hirsch of Ed Reports talks curriculum decision-making

Doug Roberts — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 17:24:22 -0400

Eric Hirsch of Ed Reports joins Doug to nerd out on curriculum!

S1E21 Dr. Susan Enfield, Superintendent of Highline Public Schools (WA)- Equity Equity Equity

Doug Roberts — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 17:09:41 -0400

Doug visits with Dr. Susan Enfield, superintendent of Highline Public Schools (south of Seattle, WA) and we talk about Equity and what COVID-19 might be un-earthing in terms of the work ahead of us to ensure every student has access to education. We also talk about Susan's "Tweet heard round the world" about what vendors should NOT do as districts scramble to respond to a global pandemic.

S1E20 Dr. Clayton Wilcox and Ms. Traci Davis on Leadership during a crisis

Doug Roberts — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 17:44:47 -0400

Clayton Wilcox, former superintendent of a few places but most recently Charlotte-Mecklenburg in NC, and Traci Davis, former superintendent in Washoe County (Reno) NV, talk about leading a district during times of crisis, strategies for maintaining sanity, and advice to partners about how to work with districts during this difficult time.

S1E19 Larry Berger

Doug Roberts — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 08:05:53 -0400

Larry Berger, Founder/CEO of Amplify joins Doug to talk about school in the age of COVID-19, how things might change, and how parents who've suddenly become teachers can survive this! Hang in there, everyone!

S1E18 Dr. Danny Merck, Pickens County Public Schools, SC

Doug Roberts — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 17:26:40 -0400

IEI member Dr. Danny Merck talks with Doug about leadership and the mentor who identified his leadership skills early on and encouraged him to work toward becoming a superintendent. He also discusses the district's planning process for COVID-19.

S1E17 Panel: Helping District Partners during COVID-19

Doug Roberts — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 17:24:05 -0400

IEI pulled together a Zoom panel of some of its corporate partners and a member superintendent to talk about what is happening in school districts as they fight to continue to provide educational and related services to kids and families. Our corporate partners share some of the work they are doing to provide services at no cost and with light to no implementation lift, and IEI Advisory Board Member John Welch of Puget Sound ESD (Seattle area) shares some heroic stories from districts in the Seattle area.

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Panelists:

Mr. John Welch, IEI Member Superintendent, Puget Sound ESD, WA

Jennifer Money, Move This World

Alex Meis, Kinvolved

Josh Holcomb, Hazel

Dr. Kari Stubbs, BrainPOP

S1E16 We're Back! Dr. Art Fessler CCSD#59 (IL)

Doug Roberts — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 17:30:57 -0400

IEI Advisory Board Member and Superintendent of CCSD #59in IL, Dr. Art Fessler, joins us to talk about decision-making processes and how they were preparing to handle the COVID-19 situation. The episode was recorded a few days before schools were closed in Illinois. Please follow Art on Twitter @afess7.

S1 E16 Fireside Chat with K12 Investors Steve Kupfer and Jennifer Wu

Doug Roberts — Sat, 08 Feb 2020 07:26:29 -0500

This is the recording of a workshop at the IEI Palm Springs General Session in which @dougroberts_iei sits down for a "fireside chat" with two leading K12 investors, Jennifer Wu of @reachfund and @steve_kupfer of Red House Capital. Steve and Jen dish on the investments of which they are most proud in terms of their impact on kids and share their thoughts on the new ideas coming forward in the safety/security sector of K12.

S1E15 3 Supes live from Palm Springs IEI - Youngstown OH, Pocantico Hills NY, Meridian IL

Doug Roberts — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 09:01:31 -0500

Fresh off our Winter Superintendent Summit in Palm Springs, Talk Supes (and CEOs) presents three of our members sharing their thoughts about school safety and security. We are so glad to have Mr. Justin Jennings of Youngstown City Schools (OH), Dr. Rich Calkins of Pocantico Hills CSD (NY), and Mr. Joe Mullikin of Meridian CUSD (IL) as IEI members. Enjoy!

S1E14 New Years' Resolutions for the K12 industry

Doug Roberts — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 18:06:58 -0500

We're back from the holiday hiatus as we prep for our Winter 2020 Summit in Palm Springs! @dougroberts_iei dishes on New Years' Resolutions for those of us working to provide innovative solutions and services for K12 students.

Also note that there is an incentive for the upcoming Spring 2020 Summit in New Orleans! Listen to learn more. Next week we'll have a bunch of supe interviews from the IEI Summit!

And perhaps most importantly- new theme song!

#talksupes #supes #k12 #edtech #iei

S1E13 Jessica Herthel, Co-Author "I Am Jazz" on keeping LQBTQ kids safe in schools

Doug Roberts — Sat, 21 Dec 2019 07:40:24 -0500

The Suicide Prevention Resource Center estimates that between 5 and 10% of LGBT youth, depending on age and sex groups, have attempted suicide, a rate 1.5-3 times higher than heterosexual youth. There is no issue more critical to safety and security in our schools than making sure all kids feel loved and protected by our schools, something our IEI superintendents work very hard to do in the schools they run. Author and occasional Reality TV star Jessica Herthel returns to visit with @dougroberts_iei as a follow-up from her presentation at the IEI Summit in Suncadia, WA in the summer of 2018. You can catch her on @Iamjazz_tlc or at @jessicaherthel. We also want to congratulate @jazzjennings_ on graduating at the top of her class and wish her luck at Harvard next year!

S1E12 Dr. Tom Leonard and Dr. Jeff Arnett of Eanes ISD on safety and security

Doug Roberts — Sat, 14 Dec 2019 08:33:59 -0500

In this episode, we talk with the "1-2 punch" of Eanes ISD in Austin, TX- Tom Leonard, Superintendent, and Jeff Arnett, Deputy Superintendent, about their district's journey and conversations around safety and security. We also discuss Tom's musical passion and his performance with students at a jazz club in which he is a partner, and Jeff's previous life working at the Baseball Hall of Fame. Looking forward to having Jeff and Tom with us in January in Palm Springs! Perhaps we can get an IEI band together?

S1E11 Dr. Luvelle Brown, Supe of Ithaca City SD, on The Culture of Love

Doug Roberts — Sat, 07 Dec 2019 09:49:02 -0500

An interview with Dr. Luvelle Brown @luevelleb, author of the book "The Culture of Love," past NY Superintendent of the Year, who will be joining IEI for the first time this January in Palm Springs as a speaker. We talk about how to build a culture of love throughout an organization, we also talk snow day cancellations, Virginia Cavalier Football, and Luvelle schools us on how to write a book between sets at The Gym. This might be the most inspiring "morning routine" segment so far. The moral of the story is: Get to the gym in the morning and good things happen. #iei #k12 #edtech #supes

S1E10 Will Black, Deputy Supe of Paducah (KY) Public Schools on Teacher-Centered Curriculum

Doug Roberts — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 07:57:09 -0500

Hear from Will Black, Deputy Superintendent in Paducah Public Schools, which is led by IEI member Dr. Donald Shively, on their progressive curriculum decision-making processes. Teachers in Paducah have the ability to promote effective curriculum solutions for piloting and vetting via their PLC's. If you like Supes Talking Curriculum, this is the episode for you. Shout out to @edreports for their work along the same continuum!

S1E9 Dr. PJ Caposey of Meridian CUSD 223 (IL) on Leadership, Time Management

Doug Roberts — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 10:37:11 -0500

Dr. PJ Caposey, superintendent of Meridien CUSD 223 (near Rockford, IL) discusses leadership, and the nuance and art to understanding when your leadership style needs to adapt to the changing needs of your team and your organization.

Learn more about Dr. Caposey and his work at www.pjcaposey.com

And of course visit www.instituteforedinnovation.com to learn more about IEI, the publisher of Talk Supes!

S1E8 Eric Westendorf, Learnzillion, Curriculum, and A Cappella

Doug Roberts — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 16:16:04 -0500

Longtime friend of @dougroberts_iei, Eric Westendorf, CEO/Co-Founder of @learnzillion, dishes on curriculum and his journey from educator, to administrator, to entrepreneur. Learnzillion sits at the nexus of teaching/learning and scaling a business operation. And, since Eric and Doug met in college singing in the same a cappella group, you're going to be subjected to a dose of The Princeton @nassoons circa 1996. If you think real hard, you can guess who the soloist on this track is...

S1E7 Safety and security/Hank Grishman of Jericho UFSD

Doug Roberts — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 16:47:01 -0400

Hear @dougroberts_iei report from the #ieifall19roadshow between the Virginia Association of School Superintendents and The Council of Great City Schools, and reflect on all the discussions of school safety and student safety from around the country.

The interview this week is with Mr. Henry Grishman, superintendent of Jericho UFSD, one of the most decorated public school systems in the country. Hank is a past president of the NYS Council of School Superintendents and a former NY Superintendent of the year, in addition to being on the IEI Advisory board and a longtime friend and mentor to IEI CEO, Doug Roberts.

Enjoy!

S1E6 Steve Murley, superintendent of Iowa City CSD

Doug Roberts — Sat, 12 Oct 2019 08:40:31 -0400

Steve Murley is one of those superintendents who far outpaces the average tenure of a superintendent. Listen to him discuss what he's learned over the last 10 years in Iowa City. Also, I guarantee he's up earlier than you are each morning.

S1E4 Genevieve Collins, VP @istation on multi-tasking and transitioning from edtech to politics!

Doug Roberts — Sat, 28 Sep 2019 08:47:14 -0400

Genevieve has been a long-time friend and a partner to IEI, and she shares some of her secrets to success. She also talks about her decision to throw her hat in the ring for Congress in her hometown, Dallas, TX! We grabbed a few minutes with her before she headed off to a meet and greet and a day that would have her out at various events and activities until 11pm. Thanks for making some time for us, and don't forget us when you are in the White House!

S1E3 Dr. William Heidenreich of Valley Stream CHSD (NY) on how they purchase new tools/software

Doug Roberts — Sat, 28 Sep 2019 08:39:38 -0400

IEI Member, Dr. William Heidenreich of Valley Stream Central High School District on Long Island (NY) shares his district's process for vetting new solutions and services that come across their radar. He also shares insights on the process of working with a BOCES in New York so districts can get state aid back on funds they spend on products. Get a rare insider view on the district purchasing process and the unique relationship between BOCES and districts in New York. This is what IEI is about- orienting the K12 marketplace around how districts work. If you enjoy this podcast, you will love being part of our Palm Springs convening in January!

S1E2 Pat Sullivan-Kriss #ieifall19roadshow

Doug Roberts — Sun, 22 Sep 2019 08:34:36 -0400

Hear the update on the most recent leg of Doug's #ieifall19roadshow and hear an interview with IEI Board Director, former NY State Council of School Superindendents (NYSCOSS) president, and retired superintendent Patricia Sullivan-Kriss, who will be awarded NYSCOSS' distinguished career service award at their fall summit in Saratoga Springs this week! Pat shares some wisdom and stories about a long career as an administrator in public education in New York.

Season 1, Episode 1: Back to School

Doug Roberts — Sat, 14 Sep 2019 10:34:14 -0400

IEI Kicks off its Podcast series with Doug Roberts, CEO, laying the groundwork and introducing the podcasting world to the work and people of IEI.