PODCAST · education
The Path Forward
by Podcast Architects & Rick Fernandez
Welcome to The Path Forward! Hosted by Dr. Rick Fernandez, who's been a public educator for over 20 years. In each episode, we'll be joined by Superintendents while discussing innovation in education.
Episodes
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Rural Education Matters: Leadership and Advocacy with Bill Tarleton
Welcome back to The Path Forward podcast with Dr. Rick Fernandez! In this episode, Dr. Fernandez welcomes Bill Tarleton, Executive Director of the Texas Rural Education Association (TREA), for a candid conversation about the challenges, innovations, and opportunities in rural education. Bill…
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Small Town, Big Impact: Leading with Community at Muenster ISD
Welcome back to The Path Forward podcast with Dr. Rick Fernandez! In this episode, Dr. Fernandez sits down with Matthew Quick, Superintendent of Muenster ISD, for an inspiring conversation about leading in small-town education and the power of community investment. Matthew shares his journey from…
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Getting Better on Purpose
Welcome back to The Path Forward with Dr. Rick Fernandez! In this episode, Dr. Fernandez is joined by Jimmy Casas—renowned coach, bestselling author, and former principal—for an honest, motivating conversation about building better leaders in education. Jimmy shares his personal journey…
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When Teams Are All In: The Shift from Mandate to Meaning
Welcome back to The Path Forward podcast with Dr. Rick Fernandez! In this episode, Dr. Fernandez is joined by Dr. Garth Larson, Co-Founder and CEO of FIRST Educational Resources, for a compelling conversation about transforming professional development and adult learning in education. Dr. Larson...
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Schools, Safety, and Common Sense
Welcome back to The Path Forward podcast with Dr. Rick Fernandez! In this episode, Dr. Fernandez sits down with School Safety and Security Professional, Micheal Garcia, for a powerful discussion. Time Stamps & Show Notes: [00:00 - 2:05]: Intro [2:06 - 6:45]: “Partner Alliance for Safer Schools”...
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Using Innovation and Great Leadership to Improve Education
Welcome back to The Path Forward podcast with Dr. Rick Fernandez! In this episode, Dr. Fernandez is joined by David Ritchey, Superintendent of Lamesa ISD. David dives into how he plans to utilize innovation in order to increase community involvement in the Lamesa area, and offers unique ideas on...
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The Journey to Becoming an Educational Hub: Dr. Gilder's Impact on West Sabine ISD
Welcome back to The Path Forward podcast with Dr. Rick Fernandez! In this episode, Dr. Fernandez sits down with Dr. Carnelius Gilder, Superintendent of West Sabine ISD for a powerful discussion on how to navigate determining when to start a new project, and how important leadership is in every...
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The Agile Leader
Welcome back to The Path Forward podcast with Dr. Rick Fernandez! In this episode, Dr. Fernandez sits down with Dr. Bobbie Trevino, Superintendent for Zapata County ISD for a powerful discussion on how to navigate politics within the world of superintendency and how important leadership is when…
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Innovating Education Through CTE
Welcome back to The Path Forward podcast with Dr. Rick Fernandez! In this episode, Dr. Fernandez sits down with Richard Kincaid, Assistant State Superintendent for the Division of College and Career Pathways at the Maryland State Department of Education, for a powerful discussion on how Career…
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Shaping Champions in Life and Learning
Welcome back to The Path Forward podcast with Dr. Rick Fernandez! In this episode, Dr. Fernandez is joined by Chris Steinbruck, Superintendent of Flour Bluff ISD, to talk about his unique journey from athletic director to district leader. Chris shares how his background in athletics helped shape...
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All Means All
Welcome back to The Path Forward! In this episode recorded at TASA Midwinter 2025 Dr. Rick Fernandez reconnects with returning guest Dr. Tory Hill, Superintendent of Channelview ISD. Dr. Hill shares groundbreaking innovations for special education students, including a custom-designed tiny home...
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Oh Donna ISD
Welcome back to The Path Forward! In this episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Dr. Angela Dominguez, Superintendent of Donna ISD, to discuss how the district is pioneering new educational models to better prepare students for the future. From the launch of Fine Arts, Science, and Sports...
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Home Sweet Home
Welcome back to The Path Forward! In this episode Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Dr. John Moore, Superintendent of Galena Park ISD - Rick's home district and alma mater. Dr. Moore shares how the district maintains its "small town within a big city" feel while achieving remarkable success in...
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Love is in the Air
Welcome back to The Path Forward! In this episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Katie Kordel, Superintendent of Lovejoy ISD, to explore all the love and joy thriving within the district. Katie kicks things off by sharing her background, her journey to Lovejoy ISD, and how she’s leveraged...
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Challenge Accepted!
Welcome back to The Path Forward! In this milestone 100th episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Dr. Keeley Boyer, Interim Superintendent of Ector County ISD. From her journey starting as a history teacher in Texarkana to leading one of Texas's most innovative districts, Dr. Boyer shares...
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The Road Less Traveled
Welcome back to The Path Forward! Tune in for an insightful conversation as Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Dr. Chris Chappotin to discuss educational leadership, mentorship, and transparency in decision-making. From his early career journey to balancing personal and professional life, Chris...
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Deep Roots Down South
Welcome back to The Path Forward podcast with Dr. Rick Fernandez! In this episode, Superintendent Roberta Trevino of Zapata County ISD, Texas joins the conversation. With a significant portion of the county living in deep poverty, Superintendent Trevino discusses her plans to address the…
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New Friends = New Learning
Welcome back to The Path Forward! In this episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by Dr. Joe Sanfilippo, former superintendent and leadership expert. They explore the importance of transparency and vulnerability in leadership. Dr. Sanfilippo shares insights from his extensive experience in…
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Leadership, Growth, and Hippos
Welcome to this episode, where we look at Hutto ISD’s journey as it works toward becoming a leading district in Central Texas. Superintendent Jenny Neatherlin shares updates on the district’s steady growth and the strong community support that has helped maintain high standards. As Hutto ISD...
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Recipe for Success
Welcome back to The Path Forward! In this episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by David Ritchey, where they discuss the powerful influence school boards have on the education system, from shaping policies to supporting student success. David shares his authentic leadership approach, reflecting…
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Tradition in Temple
Welcome back to The Path Forward! In today's episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez chats with Dr. Bobby Ott, Superintendent of Temple ISD, about what it takes to lead a district and build strong community connections. Dr. Ott shares how he found his ideal role at Temple ISD, a district with 8,800 students...
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Systemic Change
Welcome back to *The Path Forward*! In today's episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Mike Miles, Superintendent of HISD. Dr. Rick begins the conversation by exploring Mr. Miles' career background, his motivations for working in education, and the initiatives underway to improve school...
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Future-Driven Education
Welcome back to The Path Forward! In today's episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Dr. Michelle Cavazos, Superintendent of Gregory-Portland ISD, and Zack Simmons, Board Member at Gregory-Portland ISD, at the TASA/TASB 2024 Conference. This episode explores the exciting developments happening...
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More Social - Less Media
Welcome back to The Path Forward! In today's episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Dr. Matthew Neighbors, Superintendent of Galveston ISD, to explore what makes his city so special and the strong sense of community within the district. Dr. Neighbors highlights the district’s focus on outdoor...
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Strength of Purpose
Welcome back to The Path Forward! In today's episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Dr. Angelica Ramsey, Superintendent of Fort Worth ISD. Today's conversation dives deep into Dr. Ramsey's journey that led her to Fort Worth ISD. She shares different cultures and experiences she has dealt with...
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Strength of Purpose
Welcome back to The Path Forward! In today's episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Dr. Angelica Ramsey, Superintendent of Fort Worth ISD. Today's conversation dives deep into Dr. Ramsey's journey that led her to Fort Worth ISD. She shares different cultures and experiences she has dealt with...
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Leading the WORKforce
Welcome back to the Path Forward! In this episode, we sit down with key members of the Falcon Career and Technology Department at Channelview ISD to discuss their vision for the future of Career and Technical Education (CTE) and how it’s shaping student success. Host Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined…
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Passion Meets Pathway
Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today, we’re launching an exciting new series at Channelview High School called Change = Opportunity, Passion Meets Curriculum, Tech in Schools, Changing with Channelview, and Brighter Future with Channelview ISD. In this first episode, our host Dr. Rick…
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A Tale for Telling: Part 1
Welcome back to The Path Forward! In today’s episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Robert Alfaro, author of Baloney, Baloney, Baloney. Robert’s book chronicles his remarkable journey from a small town in West Texas to becoming a successful educator. He shares not only some of the powerful...
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Efficient Schools, Better Futures
Welcome back to The Path Forward! In today's episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Kendra McQuilton, CEO of Energia. Together, they explore how Energia is empowering school districts to optimize their energy use, freeing up valuable resources for what truly matters: the students. Kendra…
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Helping School Districts Gain Revenue
Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today, Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by John Brochu, Founder/CEO of PracticePlan. John digs into PracticePlan and how it can help districts gain extra revenue from those idle courts, fields, and gymnasiums that school districts already have. John shares the...
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Superintendent of the Year
Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today, Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora. In this episode, we have a live audience as we dive deep into Dr. Salazar-Zamora’s recent experience of winning Superintendent of the Year, the reasons behind her career, and what she has planned...
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Past, Present, and Future for EISD
Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today, Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by Edgewood ISD Superintendent Dr. Eduardo Hernandez. The conversation starts with some history on Edgewood ISD and how our guest began his tenure as superintendent, then moves on to current issues, his leadership style, and…
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The Power of Leadership
Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today, Rick talks with Jeff Pelzel, Director of Education Strategy at PowerSchool, about the power of leadership, innovation, and AI. The conversation starts with some background on Jeff and his time in California. Jeff explains the differences in the education...
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Strategic Planning for Success: A Glimpse into Hempstead ISD
Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today, we have another special episode shot at TASA 2024 Midwinter. Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by Herbert O’Neil, Superintendent of Hempstead ISD. Herbert shares with us how Hempstead is a place for the community to grow and the vision he and the rest of the...
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Intentional Focus on Mental Health
Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today, we have a special episode shot at TASA 2024 Midwinter, where Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by Dr. Carnelius D. Gilder, Superintendent of West Sabine ISD. Together, they put Tracy Spinner, Senior Account Executive at Daybreak Health, on the hot seat. Tracy...
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From Schools to Cities: The Bond Acquisition Journey
Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today, we have another special episode shot at TASA 2024 Midwinter. Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by Bryan Taulton, Superintendent at Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD, and Craig Starcher, Principal Consultant at Frontline Advisory Group. They both share their experiences…
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Making Data-Driven Decisions
Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today, we have a special episode recorded at TASA 2024 Midwinter, where John Vaglienty, Deputy Superintendent of Willis ISD, joins Dr. Rick Fernandez. Together, they put James Stoffer the CEO of Abre, on the hot seat. James shares the pathway that Abre took to...
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Student-Centric Leadership
Welcome to another exciting episode of The Path Forward! Today, we bring you a special edition filmed at TASA 2024 Midwinter, featuring the dynamic conversation between Dr. Rick Fernandez and Devin Padavil, the accomplished superintendent of Georgetown ISD. In this captivating and enlightening...
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Utilizing Your Facilities with Practice Plan
Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today, we have a special episode shot at TASA 2024 Midwinter, where Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by Dr. Michael Cardona, Superintendent of San Marcos CISD. Together, they put John Brochu, Founder/CEO of PracticePlan, on the hot seat. Hear how PracticePlan is...
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Living Your Brand
Welcome to The Path Forward podcast! Join our host, Dr. Rick Fernandez, as he engages in a dynamic conversation with Celina Shands, the visionary CEO of Full Capacity Marketing. Through insightful anecdotes, Celina delves into her journey of launching three distinct enterprises and her athletic...
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Listen. Learn. Lead.
Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today we have another special episode shot at TASA 2024 Midwinter where Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by Dr. Tiffany Spicer, Superintendent at Buna ISD. In this episode, Dr. Rick and Dr. Spicer cover how Buna ISD is taking care of students, creating more...
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The Role of Technology in Education Safety
Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today, we have another special episode shot at TASA 2024 Midwinter, where Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by John Vaglienty, Deputy Superintendent at Willis ISD, and Russ Johnson, CEO of TrueNorthCG. John and Russ come on the show to share some great insights about...
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Embracing Failure: The Hidden Power
Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today, we have Dr. Rick Fernandez, joined by Tom Ellsworth, The Biz Doc. Tom, an entrepreneur and mentor, shares valuable insights about the learning curve of failure and its effects on young entrepreneurs. He shares with us the power of not coddling students and...
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The FlipLok Story
Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today, we have a special episode shot at TASA 2024 Midwinter where Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by Dr. Darryl J. Henson, Superintendent of Marlin ISD where they put Anna Reger, Founder of FlipLok, on the hot seat. Hear all about Anna’s new fortifying product that...
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Educational Empowerment with Dr. Tory Hill
Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today we have a special episode shot at TASA 2024 Midwinter where Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by Dr. Tory Hill, Superintendent of Channelview ISD. These two educational powerhouses discuss Dr. Tory’s past success in building a mega CTE program in Sweeny ISD and...
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Helping Students Read
Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today we have a special episode shot at TASA 2024 Midwinter where Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by Wade Stanford, Superintendent of Westwood ISD where they put Claudia Salinas, VP of English Learning at Curriculum Associates on the hot seat. Hear how Curriculum...
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The Power of Influence
Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Path Forward! Today, Dr. Rick Fernandez engages in a captivating conversation with Chip Baker, the author of "The Impact of Influence." In this episode, Chip and Rick delve into the crucial aspect of connecting with the students you educate. Chip…
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The Entrepreneurial Journey with John Jakubisin
Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today, Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by John Jakubisin, host of B is for Business. In this episode dive into John’s past and how he developed his podcast. Also, hear the wisdom that John has gained from his guests and a few commonalities between the entrepreneurs...
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The Power of General Contracting
Welcome back to The Path Forward at the TASA/TASB TexED Conference! Today, Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by Chris Corso, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Joeris. Join these two as they discuss the different opportunities that come from general contracting and a little bit of the history...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to The Path Forward! Hosted by Dr. Rick Fernandez, who's been a public educator for over 20 years. In each episode, we'll be joined by Superintendents while discussing innovation in education.
HOSTED BY
Podcast Architects & Rick Fernandez
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Path Forward have?
The Path Forward currently has 98 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Path Forward about?
Welcome to The Path Forward! Hosted by Dr. Rick Fernandez, who's been a public educator for over 20 years. In each episode, we'll be joined by Superintendents while discussing innovation in education.
How often does The Path Forward release new episodes?
The Path Forward has 98 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Path Forward?
You can listen to The Path Forward on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Path Forward?
The Path Forward is created and hosted by Podcast Architects & Rick Fernandez.
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