The Leaders Lounge - AASPA Podcast

In this episode of The Leader Lounge, we sit down with Gita Patel of 27J Schools to discuss how a district-created, job-embedded alternative teacher licensure program is transforming recruitment, retention and workforce development. Learn how 27J attracts career changers, creates meaningful pathways for current employees and builds sustainable teacher pipelines through innovative partnerships and grow-your-own strategies. 

What leaders think, say, and do directly impacts hiring, retention and team performance. In this episode, Merit Kahn, our 2026 School HR Summer Boot Camp Keynote speaker, shares practical communication strategies that help school HR leaders ask better questions, lead with confidence, and build stronger teams using her Mindset, Mechanics, Motion framework.

In this episode, John Davis of Q360 Workforce Solutions joins us to discuss how managed service providers (MSPs) help school districts streamline staffing, vendor management, credentialing and reporting. Learn how a centralized approach can increase efficiency, visibility, and support workforce planning in PK–12 education.

In this episode, our guest Angela Wise-Landman explores how intentional relationships can transform school HR from a process-focused function into a force that shapes culture. From building stronger staff connections and navigating difficult conversations to creating meaningful onboarding experiences and improving retention, this conversation dives into practical ways HR leaders can cultivate workplaces where educators feel supported, connected and valued.

In this episode, Wendell Sumter explores how HR leaders can move beyond simply managing people to influencing culture from the inside out through emotional intelligence, courageous conversations and the daily practices that sustain leadership energy. Listeners will leave with practical insights on how to build trust, protect their energy, and lead with courage in the face of uncertainty.

In this week’s episode, Ali Stinson shares what it really takes to build an HR chatbot that actually works for schools. From simplifying complex benefits questions to creating a tool employees can trust, this conversation is full of practical insights and real-world lessons. Hear what worked, what didn’t and how thoughtful chatbot design can make a meaningful difference for both employees and HR teams.

How can schools hire not just to fill positions—but to build teams that stay and thrive? In this episode, Patty Grow shares insights on aligning hiring practices with district vision, creating a more intentional and collaborative process and partnering with school leaders to make stronger staffing decisions. We explore how equity and inclusion drive better outcomes for students—and how data can support smarter, more strategic hiring.

In this episode of AASPA’s Promising Practices Podcast Series, Jocelyn Cosgrave shares insights on creating and using AI chatbots to support HR teams, streamline communication and improve efficiency.

Live from the 2026 School HR Winter Bootcamp, we sit down with Sarah Marriott, Assistant Superintendent of HR at Liberty Public Schools, to talk about the real cost of avoidance, how to recognize a “crucial conversation” and one practical step you can take this week to lead with clarity and accountability.

In this episode of AASPA’s Promising Practices Podcast Series, Marva Tutt shares how stay interviews can strengthen retention, build trust and provide actionable insight into what keeps educators engaged. Tune in to learn practical strategies you can implement in your school district.

Gabe Cappozzo and Dr. Cherrissa Gibson share how, with BloomBoard's support, investing in paraprofessionals and support staff is creating sustainable, on-the-job pathways into special education teaching. From funding strategies and implementation hurdles to retention gains and powerful participant success stories, this conversation offers practical insight and inspiration for HR leaders ready to rethink recruitment, strengthen their workforce pipeline, and build long-term solutions from within.

Join us for a behind-the-scenes conversation with keynote speaker Zach Arend as we unpack his School HR Winter Boot Camp session,, Unbridled: Leadership Starts with You. Together, we explore the three core leadership concepts from his talk and what they mean for HR leaders looking to lead with confidence and intention.

In this episode, Gretchen Lawn breaks down what AI really means for K–12 HR—beyond the hype—and how districts can use it safely and responsibly. We talk about practical examples of AI tools already making everyday HR tasks like recruiting and communication easier, plus ideas for HR systems that could benefit most from AI. We also share a simple, no-cost way to start experimenting with AI right away.

In this episode, we explore how culture and connections bring a school district to life. We talk about why investing in relationships isn’t just “nice to have,” but the key to building a community where people thrive and make an impact on students and their community.

In this episode, we discuss how the Grow Your Own program from Richmond County School System in Augusta, GA. helps identify, train and support future teachers from within the community, strengthening both its schools and workforce.

In this episode, we sit down with Annette Rodriguez from Proximity Learning to explore how virtual education is evolving and supporting K–12 schools nationwide. We discuss the biggest challenges district leaders are facing today, from staffing shortages to shifting student needs, and uncover the innovative solutions Proximity provides to bridge those gaps. 

In this episode, we sit down with Tanisha Holland, a seasoned PK–12 HR leader and candidate for AASPA President-Elect, to explore how human connection and emerging technologies like AI can work hand in hand, and how school HR professionals can stay people-centered while embracing innovation.

We’re diving into the real-world challenges public school HR teams face every day—tight resources, constant change and not enough hands on deck. Ali and Rod from Clear Concepts explore how the right technology (paired with the right mindset) can ease the burden, improve workflows and work for teams with all kinds of tech experience.

In our latest episode, Dr. Vincent Citarelli—current Regional Representative on the AASPA Executive Board and candidate for President-Elect—shares his journey into school HR, reflects on the evolution of his leadership philosophy, and highlights the pivotal role AASPA has played in shaping his growth.

In this episode, Geoffrey Kartes from Edustaff explores how to better help schools navigate staffing shortages through innovative substitute and special education staffing solutions. Learn how they’re changing perceptions of third-party staffing and what’s next for the future of K–12 workforce support.

In this episode, we dive into what it truly means to be an ambassador for your organization. Who can take on this role—and how do you prepare them for success? Our guest, Jackie Levine, shares insights on building a strong internal ambassador program, its impact on organizational culture and visibility, and how they trained employees to step into this powerful role. 

Holly McIntush & Jackie Wernz walk us through their Pre-Conference session about Education Law / Shifting Civil Rights Landscape

Speaker, MC, Award-Winning Storyteller, Hall of Fame Motivational Speaker and Comedian.Kelly will be the EmCee at AASPA's 86th Annual Conference.You can find all of her social media here:www.motivationalspeakerkellyswanson.com

Today Jennifer Powell, Attorney with Eichelbaum Wardell Hansen Powell & Munoz, PC joined us to discuss the new FLSA regulations.Follow Jennifer at @jpowell_edlaw for updates on this subject.

Our guest today is Flor Perry. She has been the Position Management Specialist at the Atlanta Public School System for the last 3 years and she will be presenting at this year’s Annual Conference in Seattle.Flor's LinkedIn profile:www.linkedin.com/in/FAMP 

Mollie Boone, Coordinator of Retention & Recruitment at St. Lucie Public Schools, shares insights on developing and implementing innovative strategies to attract and retain top talent, ensuring a steady pipeline of dedicated, qualified professionals who align with the district’s mission.

In this episode, we’re joined by Katina Bookard, an instructor and mentor with Moreland University, to discuss How to Recruit and Hire Diverse Teachers. Katina shares practical strategies and valuable insights on creating inclusive hiring practices, building diverse pipelines, and fostering an environment where all educators can thrive. 

Dr. Chip Kay and Henry Wellington discuss how school leaders use teacher survey data to improve working conditions and boost retention. Learn how actionable insights from engagement and exit surveys lead to policies that support teachers and create lasting change in schools.

Marco Holland and Dayton Hibbs walk us through their process for improving organizational culture, enhancing staff quality, and aligningHR strategies with educational goals.

Jessica Bennington explores how districts can develop systems that truly honor employee work-life integration. We dive into the importance of gathering employee voice through focus groups, discussing strategies to ensure diverse perspectives are heard and highlighting how to effectively implement the data collected to create meaningful solutions.

Eric Melnyczenko outlines the tips and tools school districts can use to attract and retain staff in challenging times.

Navigating Changes in HR Technology: Strategies for Public School Systems

Sean Petro addresses the common misconceptions that new generations encounter when entering the education workforce and explores ways to overcome them.

In this episode, we sit down with Brian Murphy, HR director of Toledo Public Schools in Ohio, and discuss how AI has optimized his Department.

In this episode, we tackle the new world of Artificial Intelligence. We sit down with Dr. Dale Fisher, the assistant superintendent for Human Resources at Deerfield public schools in Illinois, and discuss how his district is navigating AI. What may seem like an overwhelming and scary new technology, may hold the key to optimizing your HR department. 

In this episode, we sit down with Sonsie Hopper, an HR coordinator at the California Montessori Project, as she breaks down how her small school recruits teachers against bigger districts without having to break that bank.