Education Perspectives

Amanda "Mandy" RalstonFounder of NonBinary Solutions CEO of KidsChoice TherapyQuotes of the Podcast: “Wisdom is like frequent-flyer miles and scar tissue; if it does accumulate, that happens by accident while you're trying to do something else.” Barbara Kingsolver Introduction of Guest BIO – Amanda “Mandy” Ralston, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, is a CEO, behavior analyst, and serial founder with more than 25 years of experience at the intersection of autism services, applied behavior analysis, and technology-driven innovation. She currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of KidsChoice Therapy, leading multi-site pediatric therapy and autism service operations with a focus on clinical excellence, scalable systems, and equity-centered care. Known for her signature nonbinary thinking framework, Ralston speaks nationally on compassionate care, cognitive flexibility, and the future of behavioral health, bringing a pragmatic yet creative voice to conversations about ethics, outcomes, and neurodiversity-affirming practice.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators. 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?How nonbinary thinking can help educators move beyond “compliant vs. noncompliant” and really understand student behavior in context. What truly neurodiversity-affirming classrooms look like and how schools, families, and clinicians can partner so kids don’t have to be three different people in three different settings. Using nonbinary thinking to rethink “behavior problems” in schools  What neurodiversity-affirming practice actually looks like in real classrooms  How schools, families, and clinicians can work together instead of in silos How we move past binaries like “good/bad kid” or “compliant/noncompliant” and into more flexible, compassionate ways of understanding behavior. That ties into neurodiversity-affirming classrooms and better partnerships between educators, families, and therapy providers.What are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?” Podcast/ website/ book shoutoutsThanks to Dr. Karly Kordvoa and the RBT Textbook that I was recently asked to contribute to. We also just talked about it on her podcast The Grey Area. Dr. Genevieve Leonard Series by Estelle RyanSupport the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

David CookLead Strategist, Learning Ecosystems Design ConsultingQuotes of the Podcast: "The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn." — Alvin TofflerIntroduction of Guest BIO – With three decades working with schools, school systems, regional and state agencies and national education organizations David Cook, Principal Strategist at Learning Ecosystems Design, is an expert on what it takes to make change happen in education systems. David is a nationally respected voice in the transformation conversation. He retired in 2024 from the state agency level after 27 years at the Kentucky Department of Education, the last 15 as Director of Innovative Learning. During his tenure he has:· Oversaw a statewide initiative to shift assessment, accountability and the credentialing of learning from a one size fits all state level approach, to one where communities design Local Accountability Models that measure the competencies found in a Portrait of a Learner/Graduate and provide a public facing dashboard for those local indicators. (2021-2024).  ·   Directed Kentucky's development of a competency-based education system including the initial efforts in developing a Portrait of a Learner· Co-authored and implemented the first district level innovation zone program in the country, Kentucky's Districts of Innovation Program (2013). · Designed and implemented the longest continuously operating statewide remote learning system in the country, Kentucky's Non-Traditional Instruction Program (2011).· Authored Kentucky's award-winning Education Recovery Program (2010).· Has authored and co-authored numerous pieces of legislation and Kentucky Board of Education administrative regulation. InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators.30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?The Driving Test,The Need for A NEW Education SystemThe AI TelescopeWhat are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?”Podcast/ website/ book shoutoutsWhat School Could Be - DintersmithThe End of Average - RoseSupport the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

Bradley Scheel Imagination ProjectQuotes of the Podcast: All failures of the future will be failures of the imagination. Introduction of Guest BIO – Wylde Scott is a Sultan, Matador, and Knight through and through, who has lived in Shanghai, Bangkok, and Timbuktu and still keeps a house on the bright side of the moon… When not living in his imagination, Wylde is an award-winning children’s author and founder of The Imagination Project and Wylde Scott Entertainment. In addition to dreaming up fantastic tales for young readers, Wylde spends his time in elementary schools, bookstores, and libraries creating fun-filled events for children, parents, and teachers alike. His mission is to ignite imaginations worldwide and empower children with the mindset that anything is possible. On his YouTube channel for kids, Wylde is committed to creating safe, educational, and exciting content for young children based on imagination and play. His many years spent studying storytelling, the imagination, and creativity, combined with his extensive experience applying those lessons in live environments, are the foundations of this book.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators. 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?Why is Imagination the most important skill for the age of Artificial Intelligence. Imagination is not a mystery. It is a very buildable skill set everyone can utilize. - we just need time and attention. Our current scaffolding for education will not work in the 21st Century. We must adjust to meet the circumstance. Those who don't will be left behind. We can reframe and rework education so that both Children AND teachers come to school excited, energized and ready to learn and build. Should we have AI in Education? Why are the years of 5-10 so important to develop these skills? What should a typical day look like for a developing child?What are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?”Podcast/ website/ book shoutoutsJonathan Haidt's book The Anxious Generation is the first to seriously discuss what technology is doing to our youth. Biggest Fan of Sir Ken Robinson- can't believe twenty years later little has changed.Support the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

Michael CrawfordVP of Strategic Initiatives, America SucceedsQuotes of the Podcast: "We know more than we can tell" - Michael PolanyiIntroduction of Guest BIO – Michael Crawford is the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at America Succeeds, where he leads efforts to advance durable skills. Prior to this role, Michael held positions in research, strategy, and partnerships at organizations including VELA, WGU, Real World Scholars, and the Kauffman Foundation. He is a frequent speaker, mentor, and facilitator on topics like human development, entrepreneurship, and the future of learning. Michael holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan, an MS in Sport Psychology from Michigan State University, and a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Kansas. Outside of work, he enjoys time with loved ones, traveling, and reading voraciously across a wide range of topics.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators.30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?Speaker on the Future of LearningDurable skills  - Pathsmithimplications of AI on Durable Skills Research Practice Collaborative [high school research])What are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?” Podcast/ website/ book shoutouts(podcast) 'Your Undivided Attention' by The Center for Humane Technology Support the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

Jessica Hiler, VP, Kentucky Education AssociationQuote of the Podcast: "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not" -The Lorax, Dr. SeussIntroduction of Guest BIO – Taught Kindergarten at Deep Springs Elementary in Fayette County from 1999 - 2010. Served as the President of the Fayette County Education Association from 2010 - 2025. Began the term as the Vice President of Kentucky Education Association in June of 2025. Was appointed to the Early Childhood Task Force in 2008 by Governor Steve Beshear.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators. 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?Upcoming 2026 Legislative session and need for additional funding for public schools.What are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?”Support the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

Angelo BiasiIntroduction of Guest BIO – Angelo Biasi is a senior level business executive and transformational leader with a strong track record of developing high-growth, innovative, lifelong learning businesses, and initiatives. His proven ability to disrupt, create, and execute on successful GoTo Market - through to exit – strategies, plans and processes has involved operations, fundraising, product management, business development, human capital, market positioning and segmentation, lead generation and revenue / profitability growth. Mr. Biasi is a motivational manager / coach and influential member of high-performing executive leadership teams. Over the past fifteen years, Angelo has acted on a passion to transform education at a global scale and his experience in starting and leading high tech, mobile, and media businesses, to pioneer award-winning integrated education solutions that have changed the way we teach and learn. This led to a recent exit for MassiveU, Inc. a company he founded in 2013.  As a lifelong learner, recently completing an MIT Sloan leadership program and executive ScalingUp coaching certification, Angelo continues to seek and implement the most advanced and effective tools, processes and methodologies necessary for high-velocity, people-centric growth, transformation, and shareholder return.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators.30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?What do you love about what you do?Tell us about your journey in tech and educationWhat are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?”Support the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

Dr. Brian CreasmanSuperintendent and author, Flemming County Schools Quotes of the Podcast: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” — Robert Frost.Introduction of Guest BIO – Brian K. Creasman, Ed.D., currently serves as Superintendent of Fleming County Schools in Kentucky, a position he has held since 2014. As the recipient of the 2020 Kentucky Superintendent of the Year award, Dr. Creasman proudly proclaims on his social media accounts that he has "the best job in Kentucky," reflecting his deep passion for education and leadership. Dr. Creasman brings a diverse and extensive background in education, spanning rural, suburban, and urban settings. Throughout his career, he has served in various roles, including assistant superintendent, high school and middle school principal, assistant principal, instructional technologist, and classroom teacher. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Creasman is a respected author, contributing to several notable publications: - "The Leader Within: Understanding and Empowering Teacher Leaders" - "Growing Leaders Within: A Process toward Teacher Leadership" - "Can Every School Succeed? Bending Constructs to Transform an American Icon" - "ConnectED Leaders: Network and Amplify Your Superintendency" - "Maximum Impact: Boards of Education and Superintendents Communicating as a Team" - "Prioritizing Health and Well-being: Self-care As a Leadership Strategy for School Leaders" Dr. Creasman is frequently sought after to contribute his expertise to articles, books, and blogs within the field of education. His weekly blog, "Measures of Quality," is widely read by educators, principals, practitioners, researchers, and educational leaders worldwide. This blog is dedicated to exploring next-generation accountability models, specifically local accountability, demonstrating his commitment to advancing education through innovative and effective practices.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators.30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?Your journey in Local AccountabilityWhat are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?”Podcast/ website/ book shoutoutsAuthor of multiple books, including “Can Every School Succeed?” Author pageMeasures of Quality LinkedIn NewsletterSupport the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

Dr. Beth Rabbitt and Virgil HammondsFullscale Learning Quote of the Podcast: If you come upon a wall, throw your hat over it and go get your hat. Introduction of Guest BIO – Virgel HammondsVirgel Hammonds, a nationally recognized leader in education innovation, joined the Aurora Institute as CEO in 2024. He brings more than two decades of experience working with young people, educators, districts, and policymakers to advance learner-centered systems. Most recently, Virgel served as Chief Learning Officer at KnowledgeWorks, where he built partnerships with national leaders and local communities to redesign learning systems. Previously, he was superintendent of Maine’s RSU 2, leading five communities in implementing a mastery-based curriculum, and earlier served as a high school principal at California’s Lindsay Unified School District, helping implement a personalized, mastery-based learning model.Virgel serves on the boards of PBLWorks, Learner-Centered Collaborative, and Jobs for Maine Graduates, and is Board Chair Emeritus of the Aurora Institute. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and a Master of Education from Fresno Pacific University.Beth RabbittBeth Rabbitt is Chief Executive Officer of The Learning Accelerator (TLA) and a nationally recognized expert in education innovation, with more than 20 years of experience across the K–12 nonprofit, philanthropic, and private sectors.Before becoming CEO in 2016, Beth was a founding Partner at TLA, leading work on educator training systems and research on emerging learning models. Her prior roles include Director of Human Capital at a start-up school system in Newark, Associate Partner at NewSchools Venture Fund, consultant with Education Resource Strategies, and founding Doctoral Fellow at the Harvard Innovation Lab.Beth is a Pahara-Aspen Education Fellow and serves on nonprofit boards including Catalyst:Ed, GiveThx, and Portland Parks Conservancy. She earned a B.A. from Dartmouth College and an Ed.L.D. from Harvard University. Beth lives in Portland, Maine, with her husband and two daughters and is deeply motivated to create better learning experiences for every child.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators.30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?Merger to Full ScaleMultiple Ps Policy, Practice, Progress, People.Time as a resourceBuilding community to change togehterWhat are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?”Podcast/ website/ book shoutoutsFixable- Podcasthttps://symposium2025.fullscalelearning.org/Support the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

Tinsley GayleanAuthor REFRAME & Co-Founder Curious LearningQuotes of the Podcast: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Introduction of Guest BIO – TINSLEY GALYEAN, author of REFRAME, is a technologist, designer, and co-founder of Curious Learning, a global nonprofit dedicated to eradicating illiteracy. He holds a PhD from the MIT Media Lab and works at the intersection of education, storytelling, and digital innovation, creating interactive experiences for museums and programing for networks like Discovery Kids, Disney, and Warner Bros. Under Galyean’s leadership, Curious Learning has made its literacy apps available in 60 languages, reaching children in diverse communities worldwide, many with little or no access to formal schooling. By partnering with parents, educators, NGOs, and governments, the organization has helped children in some of the most resource-constrained settings begin their reading journey. Curious Learning’s work is recognized for its commitment to mother-tongue instruction and its focus on data-driven evaluation to ensure real, lasting impact. To learn more, visit: www.curiouslearning.orgInterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators.30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?Why curiosity is not a “soft skill,” but a core learning strategy for the 21st century How infrastructure, not mindset, gets in the way of learning Deploying technology effectively in low-resource environments The neuroscience of reading and what it reveals about how children learn best Why top-down education reform often fails — and what grassroots, community-based innovation gets right Why overcoming self-limiting beliefs is key to success for leaders of any organization.What are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?” Podcast/ website/ book shoutoutsReframe: How Curiosity and Literacy Can Redefine Uswww.curiouslearning.orgSupport the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

Yajaira Aich WestVP Client and Community Relations Director, PNC BankQuote of the Podcast:  “"It’s not so much what we have in this life that matters. It’s what we do with what we have." Fred RogersIntroduction of Guest BIO – Yajaira Aich West is a Vice President at PNC Bank and serves as the Director of Client and Community Relations. In this role she manages the philanthropic investments in the fifteen counties where PNC has a presence in the central and eastern half of the state of Kentucky and southeast portion of Ohio, coordinates the client events produced by the bank and leads employee initiatives around health and wellness. Yajaira graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Transylvania University in 2004 and earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Kentucky's Gatton College of Business and Economics in 2011.  Yajaira is an active member of the community via volunteerism and board service. She is currently a Lexington Public Library Trustee, on the board of directors at the Kentucky Chamber Foundation, Commerce Lexington Foundation, Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County, Child Care Council of Kentucky and on the Policy Council for Bluegrass Community Action Partnership. She is a graduate of the Commerce Lexington’s Leadership Lexington and Leadership Central Kentucky and the Leadership Kentucky programs.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators.·      30,000 Ft. View -Why should we as a society invest in education?·      How did you come to be involved with the support of education at PNC?·      What do you love about what you do, specifically in the education space?·      PNC’s philanthropic efforts in educational initiatives (early childhood education, financial education, grants to economic empowerment etc).·      What are the biggest challenges to you?·      What would you like decision makers to know? Podcast/ website/ book shoutoutswww.PNCgrowupgreat.comwww.pnc.com I’d recommend a relatively new podcast called “Good Hang with Amy Poehler” because she does something different before each interview, she chooses someone close to the guest and records a conversation where they talk “Good behind their back.” It is an uplifting and joyful podcast and a reminder that we can always talk good behind someone’s back.  Support the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

Dr. Lisa HammondsFounder, Dove Training & Innovations Quote of the Podcast: Your heart has to be able to handle the weight of your divine calling - bell hookIntroduction of Guest BIO – Dr. Lisa Hammonds is the founder of Dove Training & Innovations and a passionate, results-driven Learning Experience & Development Consultant with a proven track record of helping professionals reimagine training design and facilitation. She has partnered with clients across various industries, equipping them with strategies to create meaningful learning experiences that inspire action. Her signature Train the Trainer program empowers trainers, coaches, educators, and speakers to confidently design and facilitate engaging experiences that connect with learners, build lasting impact, and drive transformation. Prior to her work in training and development, Dr. Hammonds built a successful career in software development and continues to integrate technology solutions into her training design and development initiatives. Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Hammonds is a dedicated community advocate. She actively supports adult literacy programs and other community initiatives, using her expertise to expand access to learning and help individuals gain the skills they need to thrive.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators.30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?What do you love about what you do?Ways to designing training to inspire action, build confidence and empower. Experiential learning, AI and training and development.What are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?” Podcast/ website/ book shoutouts Think Again by Adam Grant The Accidental Instructional Designer by Cammy BeanSupport the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

Darcy BakkegardCo-Founder & Change Consultant, The Educators' Lab Quotes of the Podcast: “Think of what you want to be different and start from there.” Priya Parker, The Art of Gathering “While individual curiosity can produce incredible feats, our collective curiosity is the motor behind humanity’s biggest innovations. Conversations feed our imagination, and collaboration enables us to dream bigger. In fact, we are wired to function at our best when tapping into shared knowledge and the support of a community.” Anne-Laure Le Cunff, Tiny ExperimentsIntroduction of Guest BIO – Darcy believes in the power of education to change lives and the power of TEACHERS to lead that change. To help teachers do this work, she co-founded The Educators' Lab USA and is a board member of The Educators’ Lab Global. She designed and facilitated The Teacher Empowerment Incubator, a pilot program that supports rural teachers as community collaborators and problem-solvers. A classroom teacher for over a decade, Darcy creates the type of PD she always wanted, driving change in education and empowering teachers as changemakers. Through her work, teachers reconnect with their purpose, rekindle their spark for teaching, and reignite the JOY of teaching and learning. In addition to her joy work, Darcy is the co-author of The Startup Teacher Playbook, a frequent contributor to Edutopia, holds a Master’s of Secondary Education, is an ISTE Certified Educator, and is an experienced international presenter and keynote speaker. She's ALWAYS up to brainstorm and collaborate. She lives in Fargo, ND, with her husband and their triplets.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators. 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?The lessons Education CAN learn from business Why Joy & How Joy helps spark ACTION The importance of play (playing with ideas, playing in the classroom, PLAY!)What are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?” Podcast/ website/ book shoutoutsBook I Wrote: The Startup Teacher Playbook Books I recommend: Wintering, The Art of Gathering, Tiny Experiments- ALL GREAT reads Website: TheEducatorsLab.comSupport the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

 Marj AtkinsonCEOThe Research Sage Quotes of the Podcast: Make yourself an example of good works with integrity, dignity and incorruptibility in your teaching. Titus 2:7 CSB What a school thinks about its library is a measure of what it feels about education. -Harold Howe.Introduction of Guest BIO – Marj Atkinson received her Master of Library Science from Texas Woman's University in 2012 (as a true nontraditional grad student). She is an academic success coach specializing in personalized support for nontraditional graduate students and research solutions for authors, faculty, small businesses, and nonprofits. She leads engaging workshops including resource organization, literature reviews, AI best practices, and market research tools. With a background spanning libraries, financial services, IT, and nonprofits, Marj is known for helping people find exactly what they need—so if you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, ask Marj!InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators.30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?Challenges of nontraditional Grad students in online programs and the lack of resources they receive, especially at but not exclusive to under-resourced schools such as HBCUs. Also discussions on AI and academic integrity. And the lack of "pipelines" in so many professions from K12 to Higher Ed.What are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?”Podcast/ website/ book shoutoutsI'm featured in Careers in Library and Information Services, by Priscilla K. Shontz, editor https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/careers-in-library-and-information-services-9798216185772/  Podcasts: A Way with Words, an upbeat and lively public radio show and podcast about language examined through culture, history, and family. https://waywordradio.org/ Code Sw!tch (while NPR is still a thing). It's the fearless conversations about race that you've been waiting for. https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510312/codeswitch Support the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST Season 5 EPISODE 3 Dr. Cassidy SugimotoSchool Chair, Tom and Marie Patton Chair, Professor Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy Georgia Institute of TechnologyQuote of the Podcast: Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”Introduction of Guest BIO – Dr. Cassidy R. Sugimoto holds multiple roles at Georgia Tech. She is School Chair, the Tom and Marie Patton Chair, and Professor of the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy. Her research explores how knowledge is created, shared, and supported—with a strong focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion in science and academia. She holds three degrees from UNC Chapel Hill, including a Ph.D. in Information and Library Science. A recognized leader in her field, Dr. Sugimoto has earned multiple teaching, leadership, and service awards and is known for her thought leadership at the intersection of policy, research, and inclusion.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators. 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?What do you love about what you do?Information disseminationImportance of Higher EducationWhat are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?”Support the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST Season 5 EPISODE 2Will RichardsonFounderFuture Serious School Quote of the Podcast: "The end of the world as we know it is not the end of the world, full stop." ~Dougald HineIntroduction of Guest BIO – Will is a lifelong educator who, after 22 years in the classroom, has worked with educators in over 25 countries to push their thinking about the purpose and practice of schooling in a time of deepening challenges and emerging opportunities for change. He is a parent, an author of six books, and the founder of Future Serious Schools. His recent manifesto "Confronting Education in a Time of Complexity, Chaos, and Collapse" is a provocation for a new "why" of schooling and the foundation for a seven-week workshop of the same title which is now entering its third cohort.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators.30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?Tell us about Future Serious SchoolsShare the essence of your ManifestoShare what people will gain from participating in your next cohortWhat are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?”Podcast/ website/ book shoutouts Website: https://futureserious.school/Manifesto: https://futureserious.school/manifestoedu/Books: Hospicing Modernity, Education in a Time Between Worlds, At Work in the Ruins, Pedagogies of Collapse. Podcasts: The Great Turning, The Great Simplification, Future Learning Design. Support the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST Season 5 EPISODE 1Dr. Demetrus LigginsFayette County Public SchoolsSuperintendentQuote of the Podcast: "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit" -AristotleIntroduction of Guest BIO – Today’s guest is Dr. Demetrus Liggins, superintendent of Fayette County Public Schools since 2021. A former English and ESL teacher, Dr. Liggins has served in nearly every role in education—from classroom teacher to high school principal to area superintendent—across California and Texas. Before coming to Lexington, he led Greenville ISD near Dallas, where he transformed a struggling district into one with significantly improved academic and financial ratings, earning state recognition.Bilingual and deeply committed to equity, Dr. Liggins launched innovative programs like a citywide literacy initiative, a dual-language track, a STEM academy, and an Early College High School. His leadership has earned him national accolades, including being named a Superintendent to Watch and Kentucky’s 2026 Superintendent of the Year. With advanced degrees in education and policy and a passion for student success, Dr. Liggins is widely respected for his results-driven leadership and deep investment in mentoring the next generation of educators.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators. 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?What do you love about what you do?Portrait of a Graduate and Deeper LearningLocal AccountabilityWhat are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?” Podcast/ website/ book shoutoutshttps://www.fcps.net/about/superintendent-s-office/strategic-plan/portrait-of-a-graduateSupport the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

Sen Reggie ThomasKY State Senator Introduction of Guest BIO – Reggie Thomas graduated from Bryan Station High School in 1971. He earned a bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College in 1975 and a Juris Doctor from Harvard University in 1978. His career experience includes working as an assistant professor at Kentucky State University.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators 30,000 Ft. View – Why do we, as a society invest in education?You are on the Senate Education Committee, What drew you to education?Role of Government in EducationChanging role of education for our new economyWhat are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision-makers to know?Podcast/ website/ book shoutouts  Support the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

Ayo JonesEducator| Author |CreatorQuote of the Podcast: “Forward ever, backward never.” – Kwame NkrumahIntroduction of Guest BIO –  Ayo Jones is an educator, instructional designer, and the author of Teaching with AI: The PEACE Framework. She’s all about helping teachers integrate AI into their classrooms to build the critical skills students need for the future. With years of experience working with students who have complex access needs, Ayo is passionate about making learning more engaging, accessible, and relevant for every student. Her goal? To help educators rethink what's possible and create classrooms that prepare students for a rapidly changing world.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators 30,000 Ft. View – Why do we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?AI in education and rethinking instructional pedagogy.AI as assistive tech for those with disabilitiesChanging role of education for our new economyWhat are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision-makers to know?Podcast/ website/ book shoutouts Teaching with AI: The PEACE Framework NoodleNook  www.peaceframework.com/ Support the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

Will PowersAdult Policy PartnerKentucky Student Voice TeamQuote of the Podcast: “I believe in angels, something good in everything I see”Introduction of Guest BIO – Will Powers is a graduate of Occidental College, where he studied diplomacy and world affairs and graduated as an Obama Scholar. He has worked for the Brookings Institution, Blue Haven Initiative, and the House Foreign Affairs Committee advancing social impact through policy making. Will is currently the policy and public engagement partner for the Kentucky Student Voice Team helping lead the Rose Revival campaign and supporting high school students to facilitate a series of public hearings related to issues raised in KSVT's recently-filed legal complaint, Kentucky Student Voice Team v. The Commonwealth of Kentucky.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators 30,000 Ft. View – Why do we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?KSVT LegislationAddressing skepticism about the KSVT litigation (learned pessimism about systematic reform)What are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision-makers to know?Podcast/book shoutoutsBooks: The Places in Between by Rory StewartMobilizing Citizens for Better Schools Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank PIntro and Outro by Dynamix ProductionsSupport the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

Kalimah Fergus AyeleHead of CampusThe Winchendon School Quote of the Podcast: "Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it." --- Marian Wright Edelman, Former president and the Children's Defense FundIntroduction of Guest BIO – Kalimah Fergus Ayele is the Head of NYC Campus for The Winchendon School, an oasis in the heart of Manhattan where students are guided through real-world learning to connect with their passion through a unique city-wide field study program. Her experience in schools started as a Peace Corps Volunteer where she taught Chemistry in East Africa and over her 30 year career, she has taught in 5 countries. She earned her bachelor's degree in Chemistry at Stanford University and masters degrees at Teachers College Columbia University, including an Ed M in Organization Leadership through the Klingenstein program. A native of Brooklyn, NY, Kalimah Fergus Ayele has always been committed to building thriving, inclusive communities where participants experience a sense of belonging and have the opportunity to build the necessary tools to design and create a more equitable world.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators 30,000 Ft. View – Why do we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?innovative schools and using design thinking techniques to "design for belonging" in school communities.What are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision-makers to know?Podcast/book shoutoutsShout out to "The Management Center" a training program that helps organization design and implement equitable management systems; "The Landscape Model for Learning""What School Could Be" for their commitment to moving the conversation about innovation in education forward.Support the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

Adam SmithFounder and Lead Education Consultant Smith Education ConsultantsQuote of the Podcast: We all do better, when we all do better - Senator Paul WellstoneIntroduction of Guest BIO – Adam A. Smith is a first-generation college graduate who has dedicated his almost three-decade career to ensuring college access and success for all Americans. He served as the founding Director of the TRIO Upward Bound program at Rock Valley College and later as the college’s Dean of Students. He taught both undergraduate and graduate level courses at Judson University in Elgin, Illinois, and was appointed to serve as the City of Rockford’s (IL) “Education Czar” to former mayor Lawrence J. Morrissey. Adam worked at Metropolitan State University as Director of Multicultural, American Indian and Retention Services, The University of Alabama as Director of Undergraduate Academic Advising and Student Success and at The University of Akron as Assistant Vice President of Student Success. He also has undergraduate admissions experience from his time at The University of Tennessee. Smith currently works at the University of Kentucky as Executive Director for University Academic Advising and has a vibrant public speaking and educational consulting firm, Smith Education Associates, LLC and is the host of The Get Uncomfortable podcast and is represented by the Institute of Democratic Education & Culture, “SpeakOut”, the nation’s only social justice speaker agency. Adam has built successful coalitions and initiatives that have transformed high school graduation rates, college enrollment and success for students throughout the nation.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators 30,000 Ft. View – Why do we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?Higher education. College students since the return for lock down, Student success, student mental health and well-being, The impact of anti-DEI legislation on student success and belongingWhat are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision-makers to know?Podcast/book shoutoutsThe Get Uncomfortable Podcast, Smith Education Associates, LLC,SpeakOut - The Institute for Democratic Education and Culture Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank PIntro and Outro by Dynamix ProductionsSupport the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

Mariam Lee Interventionist Specialist/MTSS LeadQuote of the Podcast:  Education is a passport to freedom and the means to unlock the globe.- Oprah WinfreyIntroduction of Guest BIO –  Mariam Lee has been making an impact in education for the past 15 years. She has taught K-5 for 10 years in a title 1 school and made the switch during the 2020 pandemic into intervention. The past 5 years, her focus has been as a reading and math K-5 interventionist as well as MTSS Lead. She knew that she was called to teach, inspire, and attempt to close the academic and social and emotional learning gap even more so in both the all girls and all boys STEM schools.Interview Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators ●        30,000 Ft. View – Why do we, as a society invest in education? ●       What drew you to education? ●       mental health of teachers/mentoring●       What are the biggest challenges to you? ●       What would you like decision-makers to know? Podcast/book shoutouts  Abbott Elementary Fierce Conversations by Susan ScottSupport the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

Barbara SmithAuthor, ConsultantQuote of the Podcast:   "Show me your budget and I'll tell you what you value" Joe Biden, pre-VP Introduction of Guest BIO –  Barbara Smith is a passionate educator who challenges the boundaries of "sameness" in schools. Smith's background includes over forty years in public, charter, independent and international schools. Barbara has started three schools and has been a teacher, principal, consultant, trustee, and teacher educator at OISE, McGill and the University of Saskatchewan teaching faculties and graduate schools. She has published many books through Rowman & Littlefield and Brill Publishers.Interview Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators ●        30,000 Ft. View – Why do we, as a society invest in education? ●       What drew you to education? ●       students in responsible roles - ●       and how such experiences can help shape positive school cultures●       What are the biggest challenges to you? ●       What would you like decision-makers to know? Podcast/book shoutouts Urgent Care for Schools: Situating Responsibility as an Engaging Way to Transform School Culture by Barbara SmithSupport the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST Season 4 EPISODE 1 Jose Moreno CEO Neulight Quote of the Podcast: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” - Wayne Gretzky  Introduction of Guest BIO –  Jose Moreno graduated from Harvey Mudd College and began his tech career at Microsoft, working on services for over 500 million users. At Netflix, he contributed to features like "skip credits" and led the Account Sharing initiative, adding over 40 million new subscribers. As founder and CEO of Neulight, Jose now focuses on transforming education through technology. His company’s product, IntelliTier, leverages AI to empower educators to provide personalized student support, aiming to make a positive impact in education. Interview Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators  30,000 Ft. View – Why do we, as a society invest in education? What drew you to education? - The transformative potential of AI in personalizing education - Applying big tech insights to solve educational challenges - Innovative approaches to student support systems - Balancing technology integration with soft skills development What are the biggest challenges to you? What would you like decision-makers to know? Podcast/book shoutouts Also, can you use this link for our website: https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=educationperspectives&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcasttour&utm_id=11   Other relevant links are: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-neulight/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/Neulight  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559694274342  https://www.instagram.com/neulight.io/ Support the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

S3 Ep8 Leonard Cassuto,               Professor, Fordham University Intro Guest BioLeonard Cassuto wears many hats.  He's a professor of American literature at Fordham University, a well-known voice of reform in the graduate school world, and--encompassing all of these--he's a writer.  He has written or edited ten books on subjects such as race and slavery, detective stories, and of course graduate education. As a scholar and journalist, Len has written about science, music, and even sports.  In more than a decade as a columnist on graduate education for The Chronicle of Higher Education ("The Graduate Adviser"), he has helped graduate schools think about how to change to meet the needs of changing students during exigent times.  Len's newest book, Academic Writing as if Readers Matter, takes in all of these pursuits.  It's a pithy and witty handbook filled with advice and examples from across the arts and sciences--and it's also a hortatory call for academic writing that will build community with different kinds of readers, to serve the public good. Support the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST Season 3 EPISODE 7Kristi BairdExecutive DirectorCompass Community Schools Quote of the Podcast:  "Each one of us can make a difference. Together we can make change." Barbara MikulskiIntroduction of Guest BIO – Kristi Baird has more than 25 years of experience molding young minds in Memphis. She has remained a pillar in the local education community, serving in various roles throughout her career, including teacher, guidance counselor, vice principal, principal, assistant superintendent, superintendent, and executive director. She is now the founder and executive director of Compass Community Schools, a network of charter schools in Memphis, Tennessee. Prior to forming Compass Community Schools, Kristi held several positions within the Catholic Diocese of Memphis. She began her work in Catholic schools in the Jubilee Catholic Schools network, known as the Miracle in Memphis, where she was a teacher and then moved into leadership roles. She was serving as superintendent of Jubilee when then Bishop Martin Holly announced the closing of Jubilee. Kristi went on to found and lead Compass Community Schools, which opened to serve students displaced by the closing of Jubilee. Kristi holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Memphis and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Christian Brothers University. Kristi is a mother and educator and approaches her work in education from both perspectives. InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators 30,000 Ft. View – Why do we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?Compass's work to reduce chronic absenteeism across our network of six schools (reducing our rate from 33% in 22-23 school year to 20% in the 23-24 school year) Compass Community Schools’ service learning model -Compass serves a high Multi Language Learners (MLL) population. About 68% of Compass students have a home language other than English.What are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision-makers to know?Podcast/book shoutoutsBooks I read this summer: The Way of the Shepherd and The Classroom Management Secret: and 45 Other Keys to a Well Behaved Class Currently Rereading: Walk the Walk Currently Reading: Good to Great and The Devil at His ElbowSupport the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST Season 3 EPISODE 3 Kevin Dahill-Fuchel Executive Director Counseling In Schools  Quote of the Podcast:   Hope lies in dreams, in imagination, and in the courage of those who dare to make dreams into reality. – Jonas Salk  Introduction of Guest BIO –  A leader in school-based social work programming, Kevin has more than 30 years of experience in working with children, families and school staff. Kevin joined Counseling in Schools (CIS), in 1993 as a Counselor and advanced to become a Supervisor, Trainer & Manager. Through his 31-year career at CIS, Kevin has led the process to evolve CIS’ service reach beyond counseling services to include a multi-dimensional and strength-based menu of services that support an entire school community. As a result, he became the first Executive Director of Counseling In Schools succeeding the Founder, Cindy Jurow in 2012. In his current role, Kevin is committed to developing a team leadership model within the organization that embodies the non-oppressive, collaborative systems that are needed to effectively take on the complex challenges routinely faced in schools by children, families, teachers and administrators. Kevin’s outstanding work has been acknowledged through accolades including the Commitment to Hope Award, Massachusetts Commonwealth Award, the West Side Chamber of Commerce Award, and Hunter College’s Jacob Goldfiend Award. Prior to joining CIS, he worked at the Sojourner House Family Shelter in Roxbury, Massachusetts. Kevin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned his degree from the Hunter College School of Social Work. Interview Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators  30, a 000 Ft. View – Why so we, as society invest in education? What drew you to education? School's as centers of healing Defining types of crisis that impact schools, and levels of preparedness for each  NYC's Community Schools Initiative as critical education reform What are the biggest challenges to you? What would you like decision makers to know? Podcast/book shoutouts Shawn Ginwright, author of Hope and Healing in Urban Education - member of the CIS Advisory Council Support the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST Season 3 EPISODE 5 Tom Haggard VP Educate NKY Quote of the Podcast:  "Fill your mind with truth, your heart with love and your life with service." Introduction of Guest BIO –  From working with youth in Covington as a teen to his new position as vice president of EducateNKY, Tom Haggard has assumed increasing responsibility in collective impact, advocacy and community engagement. EducateNKY was launched by the OneNKY Alliance to address systemic change in education in Northern Kentucky, with an initial focus on communities with high socioeconomic needs. Recently, Haggard successfully led five community leader stakeholder groups to a consensus on key priorities in the education pipeline. Previously, Haggard served as director of the Kentucky Out-of-School Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness/advocacy organization focused on quality after-school and summer learning programs. He is a graduate of Leadership Northern Kentucky and a recipient of the Next Generation Leader Award in Education/Workforce, in addition to being recognized as a Forty Under 40 honoree. In 2020, Haggard was elected to the Covington Board of Education where he serves as chair.  Interview Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators  30, a 000 Ft. View – Why so we, as society invest in education? What drew you to education? Collective Impact  Community Engagement in Education What are the biggest challenges to you? What would you like decision makers to know? Podcast/book shoutouts  Abbott Elementary Support the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

Cindy Lawrence Executive Director MoMath Quote of the Podcast:  A lot things seem impossible…until you do them. Introduction of Guest BIO –  Cindy Lawrence is the Executive Director and CEO of the National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath). She began her career as a CPA before transitioning to education, where she developed curriculum and taught students globally. Lawrence has been instrumental in creating and directing a math program for gifted students and played a key role in establishing MoMath. Since becoming CEO in 2015, she has focused on changing public perceptions of math, enhancing math education, and overseeing museum operations. Under her leadership, MoMath has attracted over a million visitors and engaged audiences worldwide. Lawrence is also a sought-after speaker and consultant in math education. Interview Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators 30, a 000 Ft. View – Why so we, as society invest in education? What drew you to education? Everyone can enjoy math MoMath Museum What are the biggest challenges to you? What would you like decision makers to know? Podcast/book shoutouts https://momath.org/Support the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST Season 3 EPISODE 7 Pam McGorryC-SPAN's Education Program Senior SpecialistZach LoweC-SPAN's Education Resource SpecialistQuotes of the Podcast: Pam: “The child's own instincts and powers furnish the material and give the starting point for all education.” John Dewey, philosopher and psychologist Zach: “If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special.” Jim Valvano, former NC State basketball coachIntroduction of Guest BIO – Pam McGorry was born and raised in Queens, NY. She earned her B.S.Ed. and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Long Island University and then went on to receive a M.S.Ed at the university. After spending several years teaching in the classroom on Long Island, McGorry joined C-SPAN Television Network's Education Relations team in 2010 where she continues to contribute content to the website and connects with educators and students nationwide to share C-SPAN Classroom resources and programs as the Education Program Senior Specialist. McGorry is a member of the National Council for the Social Studies and The WICT Network. A native of Cortland, OH, Zach Lowe is a 2014 graduate of the University of Akron, having studied social studies education. Beginning his teaching career in Sumter, SC, Lowe was named a top-five finalist for South Carolina State Teacher of the Year in 2018, representing the state's 50,000+ public school educators. After spending six years in the classroom, Lowe served as his school's curriculum coach before assuming his current role as the Education Resource Specialist at C-SPAN. At C-SPAN, Lowe uses the network's video coverage of public affairs to design instructional materials for use in classrooms across the country. A National Board Certified Teacher, Lowe also holds an MEd in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina and a PhD in Global Leadership and Change from Tiffin University. Outside of his professional endeavors, Lowe is an avid runner, serves in multiple community-oriented roles in the D.C. area, and is happily married to his husband, Erick.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators 30,000 Ft. View – Why do we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?StudentCam - https://www.studentcam.org/ C-SPAN Classroom - https://www.c-span.org/classroom/What are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision-makers to know?Support the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST Season 3 EPISODE 2Corey MohnQuote of the Podcast: "Be excellent, not perfect."Introduction of Guest BIO – Corey is the President and Executive Director of CAPS Network, empowering high school students to fast-forward into their future through real-world business projects and the development of professional skills. Prior to CAPS, Corey served as Director of Statewide Programs for the Kansas Center for Entrepreneurship. In July 2015, CAPS launched CAPS Network, a consortium of school programs committed to this model of profession-based education. CAPS Network has grown to include 114 affiliate programs, including over 180 school districts across 23 states and four countries.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?Profession Based LearningWhat are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?Podcast/book shoutouts"The Network" podcast by CAPS Network - https://yourcapsnetwork.org/podcast/Support the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST Season 3 EPISODE 1Dr. Kapono Ciotti Quote of the Podcast –  Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself. -J. DeweyIntroduction of Guest BIO – Kapono Ciotti attributes his educational philosophy to his own schooling experience in a progressive, social-constructivist school during his early years in Honolulu, Hawaii. He taught in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Dakar, Senegal, for over a decade before moving into school leadership. Kapono has led schools in the United States and Egypt, where he put into practice the philosophy of "students making the world a better place," shifting school culture to impact-based education practice. His strong belief in education being an act of social justice drives his work. Kapono has worked internationally in educational change organizations, leading the work of Deeper Learning and place and culture-based pedagogy, and he is currently the Executive Director for What School Could Be. In these roles, he has trained teachers in over 100 schools and school districts over four continents, impacting hundreds of thousands of students. In addition, Kapono spent 15 years as National Faculty for the National Association of Independent Schools in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice, facilitating national and international learning experiences. As a curriculum writer, he has authored multiple curricula for federal and non-profit programs. His work has significantly contributed to the organizations What School Could Be, The Buck Institute, EdLeader21, The Pacific American Foundation, and many others. Kapono holds a Ph.D. in International Education Leadership from Northcentral University, a Masters degree in Social Change and Development from the University of Newcastle, and a Bachelors of Language and Culture from the Evergreen State College. He currently lives between Hawaii, Cairo, Egypt, and Dakar Senegal.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?Let’s talk about the impact of What School Could Be and its approach to change America's education systemTell us about the book "The Landscape Model of Learning" which is an essential guide offers the landscape model and its three elements: understanding what students bring to the ecosystem, defining the horizon, and charting the pathway.I hear you are doing a survey – tell me more about itWhat are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?Podcast/book shoutoutsLandscape Model of Learning book, WSCB Distinguished School processWSCB Podcast Support the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST Season 2 EPISODE 16Dr. Lyn SharrattQuote of the Podcast – Hope is NOT a strategy in TeachingIntroduction of Guest BIO – Lyn Sharratt is a highly sought-after expert in the field of education. A distinguished practitioner, researcher, author, and presenter, she has dedicated her career to turning cutting-edge research into practical guidance for system and school leaders. With her extensive experience and expertise, she has developed a unique roadmap for education leaders to utilize ongoing assessment to inform instruction and drive equity at all levels of the education system. Lyn has a Social Work undergrad degree from the University of Waterloo; an Education degree from University of Western Ontario; a Masters Degree from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education and a Doctorate in Theory and Policy Studies from University of Toronto, Canada. Her work has been recognized nationally and internationally, and her insights and strategies have transformed countless classrooms, schools, districts, and even entire education systems. Her notable publications include Clarity: What Matters MOST in Learning, Teaching & Leading (Corwin, 2019); Putting Faces on The Data (10th Anniversary Edition, with Dr. Michael Fullan, Corwin, 2022); and is currently writing her seventh book with Dr. John Hattie (Corwin, 2025, in Press). InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?You host a podcast Sustaining System and School Improvement – what made you begin?How do you ensure System and School Improvement?Tell us about your perspectives on education Internationally?Tell me about the Clarity Learning SuiteWhat are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?Podcast/book shoutoutsCLARITY Learning Suite (CLS) 24/7 online Platform - PL for Teachers and LeadersSustaining System and School Improvement PodcastSupport the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST Season 2 EPISODE 15Tyler MurphyChair of the Fayette County Board of EducationQuote of the Podcast: "Education is not preparation for life, but life itself." - John DeweyIntroduction of Guest BIO – Tyler Murphy serves as Chair of the Fayette County Board of Education. He is a National Board Certified Teacher at Boyle County High School, where he teaches AP U.S. Government, AP World History, and AP Human Geography. Murphy was first elected to the Board in 2018 and is the only current classroom educator on the Board. Murphy coaches Academic Team; serves on the Board of Directors for the National Education Association; and is active in advocacy advancing public education at various levels. He spends his summers as an Associate Campus Director with the Kentucky Governor's Scholars Program. Murphy graduated from Transylvania University in 2010 with a Bachelor's in Political Science and from Morehead State University with a Master of Arts in Teaching.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?What inspired you to run for school board?How has your perspective evolved since taking on this role?Favorite memory in education?What are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?Podcast/book shoutoutsBook--Democracy Awakening by Heather Cox RichardsonPodcast--A Way with Words Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix ProductionsSupport the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST Season 2 EPISODE 14Kiauna Browning ColemanQuote of the Podcast: "Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed." Maria MontessoriIntroduction of Guest BIO – Kiauna Browning Coleman is an educator, coach, and innovator who believes in creating spaces that are safe, comfortable, and conducive to learning and growth in all aspects of life for all people no matter their age. She is a mom of three kids and currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education Instruction & Administration at the University of Kentucky focusing on how systems and structures kill innovation in education. She has experience as a mentor to new and experience teachers and has worked in Fayette County Public Schools since 2012 as a teacher. She is currently also working as a district Deeper Learning Initiative Coach helping to help create change in educational practices in FCPS. She has helped design curriculum frameworks, managed and trained teams of educators, and developed professional development programs. She is also a business owner for Oh, Look... Cookies! which was founded in 2022. In addition to managing the social media presence and operations, she also leads a team of youth entrepreneurs "The Kentucky Kids". InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?Teacher AgencySystems and StructuresWhat are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix ProductionsSupport the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST Season 2 EPISODE 13Claudett EdieLibrary Media Specialist, Leestown Middle SchoolIntroduction of Guest BIO – Claudett Edie, a former High School English and Science teacher, is not just an educator, but a passionate advocate for Project-Based Learning (PBL). With over a decade of experience in PBL, she brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her role as a Leestown Middle School Library Media Specialist and a member of Fayette County School's Deeper Learning Team. Her primary focus is to support PBL projects and experiences for the students of Leestown Middle, as well as team-teaching, supporting, and coaching teachers as they design PBL experiences in their classrooms. Claudett's commitment to deeper learning and PBL is not just a belief but a proven strategy for empowering students. She has seen firsthand how PBL can transform students, equipping them with critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Her approach to creating engaging learning experiences that connect classroom content to real-world issues has not only fostered equity and access to high-quality education for all students but has also made a significant impact on the Leestown Middle School community. Claudett's innovative contributions have not gone unnoticed. Her achievements include being a 2024 PBL Champion Nominee, winning the 2023 PBLWorksKY Innovator Contest, and being Leestown Middle School's 2023 Teacher of the Year. Recently, she accepted a part-time position as a PBLworks National Faculty member, where she will facilitate PBL 101 workshops for educators. As a dynamic presenter, Claudett not only facilitates professional development sessions on PBL classroom integration at local, district, and state-wide conferences but also ignites a spark of innovation in every participant. Her master’s degree in Instructional Leadership and Middle School Science and English Education is a testament to her dedication to empowering educators through innovative learning methodologies, leaving a lasting impact on the education landscape.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?What are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?Podcast/book shoutoutsShoutouts to CKEC Deeper Learning Amanda Burrows, Erin McIver, Holly Lawrence, and Heather Brown PBLWorks workshops provided by the KDE Professional Development Grant Current Podcast - The Balance, by Dr. Catlin Tucker Books that make me a better teacher: Dive Into Deep Learning: Tools for Engagement First Edition by Joanne Quinn, Joanne J. McEachen, & 3 more The Handbook for the New Art and Science of Teaching (Your Guide to the Marzano Framework for Competency-Based Education and Teaching Methods) Making Thinking Visible: How to Promote Engagement, Understanding, and Independence for All Learners 1st Edition PBL Handbook for Middle & High School by PBLWorks The Power of Making Thinking Visible: Practices to Engage and Empower All Learners Teaching for Deeper Learning: Tools to Engage Students in Meaning Making The Shift to Student-Led: Reimagining Classroom Workflows with UDL and Blended Learning Support the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST Season 2 EPISODE 12 Alicia SellsCEO, We Lead CS, IncQuote of the Podcast – "Nothing is impossible. The word itself says I'm possible" - Audrey HepburnIntroduction of Guest BIO – Alicia Sells is the CEO of We Lead CS, Inc. She worked with the Kentucky General Assembly to establish the We Lead CS Virtual Computer Science Career Academy to increase Kentucky’s competitiveness in the tech economy and significantly expand Kentucky’s capacity to prepare high school students for the tech workforce. We Lead CS offers Kentucky high school students a jumpstart on computer science degrees and opportunity to prepare for the workforce with some of America’s leading tech employers. In 2014, Alicia founded iLEAD Academy - Kentucky's first regional high school serving students from five rural counties. iLEAD prepares students for careers in America’s highest demand STEM jobs. More than 75% of iLEAD’s graduates have earned an associate degree in high school and headed out into the world with industry certifications and the skills needed to succeed in the workplace. Alicia is a 36-year public policy veteran. She has served as the Vice President of Government Relations at the University of Louisville and the lead lobbyist for the Kentucky School Boards Association. She was the Press Secretary and Communications Director for the Mayor in Louisville, Kentucky. She is an alum of Stanford University's Design Thinking for Social Systems Fellowship Program and a proud graduate of Western Kentucky University.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?Why Kentucky should prepare students for the tech workforce.How virtual learning can increase access to Career and Technical Education and employers in students' areas of interest.What are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?Support the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST Season 2 EPISODE 11Robert Earl GunnMetro United Way Quotes of the Podcast – 1. Until lions have historians, hunters will never cease to be heroes. 2. I'd rather be hated for who I am than loved for who I am not.Introduction of Guest BIO – Robert Earl Gunn Jr. was born in South Bend, Indiana and has served the community for the past two decades. He is married to Dr. Lacey Gunn and has two wonderful children. Robert graduated college from Earlham College and joined Teach for America in 2002 where he began his teaching career in St. Louis, Missouri. During his time in education, he served as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, and founding principal of the W.E.B. DuBois Academy in Louisville, KY. Currently, he serves as Chief Equity and Impact Officer at Metro United Way where he leads transformative work across the greater Louisville region. In his new role, he works to provide solutions to root cause challenges that have led to disparate outcomes that negatively impact members of our community. The goal is to ensure our community has thriving kids, strong households, and an equitable community.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?Tell us about your education journeyWhat drew you to moving to Metro United Way?As you moved from education to non-profit, how has your perspective changed on what we need to provide students?What do you love about what you do?Tell us a story or favorite memory about your work?What are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?Podcast/book shoutoutsFollow the work of Metro United Way (locally) and United Way's across the country and worldwide for ways to Give, Volunteer, and Advocate.Support the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST Season 2 EPISODE 10 Luisa SanchezKSVT – Kentucky Student Voice Team Quotes of the Podcast – "Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our Nation.” -JFK 1961 Introduction of Guest BIO – Luisa Sanchez is a current Sophomore at Boyle County High School and a member of the Kentucky Student Voice Team.  She has been active in the Rose Campaign since it began in hopes of advancing educational justice efforts in our commonwealth. InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to the KSVT?Rose Revival CampaignHarvard PresentationWhat do you love about what you do?Tell us a story or favorite memory about your work?What are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?Podcast/book shoutouts KSVT Podcast: Get Schooled https://www.ksvt.org/podcast Support the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST Season 2 EPISODE 9  Dr. Joe LockavitchFounder, President, Author Failure Free Reading Introduction of Guest BIO – With a remarkable background as a former teacher, school psychologist, professor, and special education director, Dr. Joe Lockavitch is a true pioneer in the field of literacy education. He’s not just an educator; he’s the author and developer of groundbreaking programs like The Failure Free Reading Program, Joseph’s Readers Talking Software for Non-Readers, and Verbal Master-An Accelerated Vocabulary Program.Dr. Joe’s passion for empowering students with chronic reading challenges has led him to train countless teachers, parents, and administrators nationwide. His innovative approach has been featured on PBS NewsHour and national radio shows, and he’s been recognized in Who’s Who in American Education. Join us as we explore Dr. Joe’s journey, insights, and his unwavering belief that changing instructional approaches can unlock the hidden reading potential in every student. InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?Tell us about your solutions for reading successOptions for reading successWhat are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?Podcast/book shoutoutshttps://failurefreereadingonline.com/  Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions Support the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST Season 2 EPISODE 8  Lauren HillELA Teacher Leestown Middle SchoolCEPS Facilitator Quotes of the Podcast – “All learning is worthwhile” - Anonymous“Do one thing every day that scares you.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt Introduction of Guest BIO – Lauren Hill (NBCT): Lauren (she/her) teaches middle school ELA at Leestown Middle School in Lexington, KY. She has also taught high school and in a correctional setting, served as an instructional coach, and worked as the Teacher Leadership Coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Education. Lauren directs Classroom Teachers Enacting Positive Solutions (CTEPS), which provides coaching and action research-based learning to emerging teacher leaders in Kentucky. She also serves as Associate Director of the University of Kentucky - Jewish Heritage Fund Holocaust Initiative, which supports Kentucky teachers in meeting the mandate for effective Holocaust education. Lauren graduated from Barnard College with a BA in History, Vanderbilt University with an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Supervision, and The University of Kentucky with a Rank 1 in English Education. Lauren focuses on elevating teachers as experts and leaders who facilitate deeper learning for their students. InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?What do you love about what you do?Teacher leadership, deeper learning, action research, school re-design, the teaching professionTell us a story or favorite memory about your work in education.What are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?Podcast/book shoutoutsTeaching 2030: What We Must Do for Our Students and Our Public Schools--Now and in the Future - Barnett Berry and the crewSupport the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST Season 2 EPISODE 7  Rachel BelinManaging Partner Kentucky Student Voice Team Quote of the Podcast – “Democracy must be learned by each generation.” This is an adaptation of a John Dewey quote by Earle T. Hawkins, the founder of the Maryland Youth and Government program. Introduction of Guest BIO – Rachel Burg Belin (she/her) is the Managing Partner and, with young people, a co-founder of the Kentucky Student Voice Team. She has decades of experience supporting young people as research, policy, and storytelling partners, acting by turns as a social studies teacher, media literacy nonprofit innovator, education policy aide, development consultant, and commercial radio news director. In the course of this work, she has spearheaded nine different ventures specifically to amplify and elevate the voices of young people as full partners in civic life. With young people as collaborators, she has been the recipient of the Citizen's and Scholars Civic Spring Award, the Kentucky Nonprofit Network Excellence in Public Policy Award, the Pathway 2 Tomorrow Breakthrough in Education Innovation Award, and a George Foster Peabody Award. Rachel holds a BA from Harvard University and an MAT from the University of Rochester.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?What do you love about what you do?Tell us about What we mean by meaningful student voice; Schools as engines for democracy; the value of out-of-school time in supporting young people to do democracy; students as research, policy, and storytelling partners; the benefits and pitfalls of youth and adult power sharing and more!Tell us a story or favorite memory about your work in education.What are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?Podcast/book shoutoutsBest youth podcast: The Bell's "Missing Voices" series, produced by students in NYC Especially Topical Read: "High Conflict" by Amanda Ripley Oddly amazing show: "Wrestlers" on NetflixSupport the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST Season 2 EPISODE 6  Amanda BurrowsDeeper Learning Director, CKEC Quote of the Podcast – Our job, as teachers, is not to "prepare" kids for something; our job is to help kids learn to prepare themselves for anything. - AJ Juliani Introduction of Guest BIO – Amanda Burrows is the Deeper Learning Director at Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative, where she leads and supports more than twenty school districts in their deeper learning initiatives. Burrows has been an educator since 2005, serving as a classroom teacher, college and career coach, educational consultant, and assistant principal. Burrows received her Bachelor of Arts in English Teaching and Master of Arts in Education from Eastern Kentucky University. She earned her Education Specialist Degree and principal certification from the University of Kentucky. In 2011, Burrows was selected as Elkhorn Crossing School’s first ever teacher of the year and was recognized as the High School Teacher of the Year for Scott County Schools. Additionally, she was a recipient of the Campbellsville Excellence in Teaching Award and the University of Kentucky Teacher Who Made a Difference Award. Burrows is passionate about transformational education, innovative instructional models, engaging teaching strategies, and personalized systems of deeper learning. She is an avid supporter of students and the continuous growth and professional learning of educators in Kentucky. InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?What do you love about what you do?Tell us About the Deeper Learning InitiativeExplain what the Co-Ops are and what they offerTell us a story or favorite memory about your work in educationWhat are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?Podcast/book shoutoutsI would love for people to be able to check out our CKEC Deeper Learning Google Site. There are a lot of free resources there. bit.ly/CKECDLSupport the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST Season 2  EPISODE 5  Greg SchloemerThreat Intelligence Analyst at Microsoft  Vice-President/Co-Founder of KC7 Foundation Quote of the Podcast – "Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn." - Benjamin Franklin Introduction of Guest BIO – Greg is a threat intelligence analyst at Microsoft who focuses on tracking North Korean state-sponsored cyber threat actors. Greg also co-founded and is the Vice President of the KC7 Foundation, a cybersecurity education nonprofit whose mission is to empower a more diverse cybersecurity workforce. Greg is passionate about creating opportunities in cyber and tech for students in underserved communities, like those in Rural Appalachia.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education side of training in Cyber?What do you love about what you do?KC7gamification in educationmaking STEM education more accessible/approachableTell us a story or favorite memory about your work in educationWhat are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?Podcast/book shoutoutsI'll shout out to everyone to go play KC7 - even if you "aren't technical" or have no interest in cyber, you may surprise yourself with how fun it can be :) Support the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST Season 2 EPISODE 4 Nema BrewerOrganizerAccidental ActivistQuote of the Podcast – “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”- James Baldwin Introduction of Guest BIO – A working mom and wife, Nema became an accidental activist for public education in 2017 and hasn’t shut up since InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?What do you love about what you do?Teacher & public school staff retentionUnited We Stand 120Tell us a story or favorite memory about your work in educationWhat are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?Podcast/book shoutoutsSupport the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST Season 2 EPISODE 3 Barnett BerrySenior Advisor, What School Could BeSenior Research Fellow, Learning Policy InstituteQuote of the Podcast – “Getting to scale with deeper, student-led learning requires teachers who “increasingly to think of themselves as operating in a web of professional relations that influence their daily decisions, rather than as solo practitioners.”  Dick Elmore (1996)Introduction of Guest BIO – Barnett Berry currently serves as a Senior Research Fellow at the Learning Policy Institute and a Senior Advisor for What School Could Be while also supporting efforts to ignite student-led learning. He especially supports the empowerment of the teaching profession required for it. Barnett’s work with the National Commission on Teaching and America's Future led to his founding of the Center for Teaching Quality (CTQ) in 2000, and for 19 years, the nonprofit focused on igniting a bold brand of teacher leadership essential for an effective and equitable system of public education. His two books, TEACHING 2030 and Teacherpreneurs: Innovative Teachers Who Lead But Don't Leave, frame a bold vision for the profession's future. In 2021, Barnett was honored by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards with the James A. Kelly Award for Advancing Accomplished Teaching. He currently serves on several advisory boards dedicated to transforming education systems, including the University of Kansas’ Center for Reimagining Education, the Digital Promise Global Cities Education Network, and Next Education Workforce Initiative of Arizona State University.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?What do you love about what you do?Tell us about Why schools have be do difficult to change; and how they can do so now! Teacher roles: When it comes to school "reform" teachers have never been the problem; they have always been the solution.Tell us a story or favorite memory about your work in educationWhat are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?Podcast/book shoutoutsTEACHING 2030 Teacherpreneurs: Innovative Teachers Who Lead But Don't LeaveLearning Policy Institute for applying science of learning and development to school design Ted Dintersmith and Kapono Ciotti for advancing teacher-led innovation for student-led learning; Carole Basile and Brent Madden of ASU and their growing efforts to redesign the job of the teacher.Support the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST Season 2 EPISODE 2 Adam WatsonDeeper Learning Design Specialist, OVECQuote of the Podcast – “Follow your bliss.” -- Joseph CampbellIntroduction of Guest BIO – ADAM WATSON (@watsonedtech) is a Kentucky educator with a passion for edtech. Starting as an English teacher in 2005, he was named Teacher of the Year at South Oldham High School in 2009 and became National Board Certified in 2013. Adam's journey into educational technology began with a student podcast project, gaining recognition in Kentucky Teacher and other publications. In 2014, his "Shakespeare and Star Wars" unit garnered attention, featuring a Skype Q&A with a best-selling author and a mention in Star Wars Insider. Adam later became Shelby County Public School’s first Technology Integration Coach, contributing to the district's 1:1 initiative and pioneering the Profile of a Graduate.Among his achievements, Adam developed a digital citizenship curriculum featured in a 2019 ISTE book. Named the 2018-2019 Outstanding Leader of the Year by the Kentucky Society for Technology in Education, Adam is a sought-after speaker at national conferences. He shares insights through his blog "Edtech Elixirs" and YouTube channel, and currently serves as a Deeper Learning Design Specialist for the Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?What do you love about what you do?Tell us about Game Based LearningTell us a story or favorite memory about your work in educationWhat are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?Podcast/book shoutoutsBooks: Play (Stuart Brown)Running with Robots (Greg Toppo and Jim Tracy)Adam’s You Tube ChannelPodcasts: Teachers in the Dungeon. Websites: Kentucky Educators for Role Playing Games (kyedrpg.com)Edtech Elixirs (watsonedtech.blogspot.com)Support the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST EPISODE Season 2 Episode 1Gregg BehrExecutive Director, The Grable FoundationChair, Remake LearningCo-Author, When You Wonder, You're LearningQuote of the Podcast – "Everyone longs to be loved. And the greatest thing we can do is to let people know that they are loved and capable of loving.” Fred RogersIntroduction of Guest BIO – Gregg Behr, executive director of The Grable Foundation, is a father and children’s advocate whose work is inspired by the legacy of his hero, Fred Rogers. For more than a decade, he has helped to lead Remake Learning—a network of educators, scientists, artists, and makers he founded in 2007—to international renown. Formed in Rogers’ real-life neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Remake Learning has turned heads everywhere from Forbes to the World Economic Forum for its efforts to ignite children’s curiosity, encourage creativity, and foster justice and belonging in schools, libraries, museums, and more.In 2016, President Obama recognized Gregg as a Champion of Change for his efforts to advance making and learning; in 2015, he was recognized as one of America’s Top 30 Technologists, Transformers, and Trailblazers by the Center for Digital Education; and in 2014, Gregg accepted the Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Award on behalf of Remake Learning and Kidsburgh.org. Recognized for his deep and determined commitment to his hometown, Allegheny County once declared “Gregg Behr Day” in celebration of his advocacy for kids, their educators, and their families. He is Co-Author of the book When You Wonder, You're Learning.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?What do you love about what you do?Tell us about The Grable FoundationTell us about Remake Education·       Tell us about your book:  When You Wonder, You're LearningTell us a story or favorite memory about your work in education?What are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?Podcast/book shoutouts• Book – When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids • Remake Learning • Remake Learning Days • Podcast – Remaking Tomorrow Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix ProductionsSupport the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

Dr. Joseph GoinsCEO, NS4edQuote of the Podcast – “To find what one is fitted to do and secure the opportunity to do it is the key to happiness”. John DeweyIntroduction of Guest BIO – Dr. Joseph L. Goins’s career began as a vocational educator in Tennessee, where he had the opportunity to develop the foundational skills program for learners with the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) System.  He was nominated for “Teacher of the Year” within the TBR system in 1995 and helped develop the first occupational profiles for the work-ready credential for 26 Technical and 14 Community Colleges.  For much of Joseph’s 30+ year career, he has focused on education and custom solutions in the ED TECH industry.  His career has brought him a deep understanding of integrating technology into the classroom through resources that promote student achievement, teacher effectiveness, and leadership strategies for administrators. He has led sales, marketing, and professional development efforts in all US and international markets. Dr. Goins is the CEO of an action-based research company, NS4ed, which works closely with policy leaders, companies, schools, teachers, and educators alike to understand applying best practices and research into practice. NS4ed is committed to excellence in education, research, equity, and inclusion because Joseph practices and lives by those same principles. This is also evident in that NS4ed is devoted to giving back to the communities it serves. Joseph works with schools across the country, helping them identify the best solution that fits their culture, region, needs, and, ultimately, valuable solutions that allow learners to be successful.  NS4ed developed the Pathway2Careers model that embodies the Career-Connected Learning approach.Podcast/book shoutoutsSavage InequalitiesExperience and EducationFoxfire ExperienceFive Miles AwayAllure of OrderUnreasonable HospitalitySupport the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST EPISODE 23Amy Breeding McVeyVice President Improvement Services, Cognia, Inc.Quote of the Podcast – "Learning and growth have no finish line" - John MaxwellIntroduction of Guest BIO – Amy McVey currently serves as Vice President of Improvement Services with Cognia, a nonprofit supporting institutions, teachers, leaders, and learners in all areas of continuous school improvement and professional learning across the globe. A 35-year veteran in education, Amy has experience as a primary and intermediate teacher, curriculum coach, and principal. Before joining Cognia, she was the principal of Veterans Park Elementary, an NCLB Blue Ribbon School, and Dixie Elementary School, both in Lexington, Kentucky. She also served on and chaired the AdvancED/SACS CASI Kentucky Council, as well as participated as a voting member on the AdvancED National Accreditation Commission. Amy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education from Eastern Kentucky University, a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Georgetown College, and a School Leadership Certification from the University of Kentucky. As a lifelong learner, she is currently a student in the Education Systems Improvement Doctoral Program at the University of South Carolina. With her work at Cognia, Amy now gets the privilege of supporting teachers and educational leaders with strategic thinking and planning, leadership development, student engagement, and other professional learning opportunities.InterviewAgents of Change: Leaders/Innovators30,000 ft. view – Why do we, as a society invest in education?Tell us about your education journey?How would you like to see school change?Tell us a story or favorite memory about your time in school?What are the biggest challenges or obstacles you face?What would you like decision makers to know?Podcast/book shoutoutsThe Marshall Memo - https://marshallmemo.com/ A great way for school leaders and educators to keep up with the current researchI don't even know where to start with books. Reading is one of my favorite things to do! My goal is to read 75 books this year, and I finished number 73 on Saturday (October 28), so I think I will make it! You can follow my reading on Instagram @abmlikesthis I usually have at least two books going at the same time... one audio and at least one 'real' book... one just for fun and one for learning. So for this list I will stick with some of my favorite non-fiction reads: Developing the Leader Within You - By John Maxwell The Four Agreements - By Peter Coyote The Alchemist - By Paulo Coelho Make Your Bed - By Admiral William H. McRaven The Betrayal Of Anne Frank - By Rosemary Sullivan Boone - By Robert Morgan Upstream - By Dan Heath The Power of Moments - By Chip Heath & Dan Heath Good to Great - By Jim Collins If You Don't Feed the Teachers They Eat the Students! Guide to Success for Administrators and Teachers - By Neila A. Conners The Coaching Habit Say Less, Ask More, & Change the Way You Lead Forever - By Michael Bungay StanierSupport the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inboxIntro and Outro by Dynamix Productions