Innovating Education

In this episode of the Innovating Education Podcast, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Dr. Joseph Jones and Dr. T.J. Vari—co‑founders of TheSchoolHouse302, about why meaningful school improvement requires working through conflict rather than avoiding it. The conversation examines their evolution from site leaders under No Child Left Behind to authors and coaches, and how that experience informed their approach to culture, feedback, and instructional leadership.​​Jones and Vari outline core ideas from their books, including Candid and Compassionate Feedback: Transforming Everyday Practice in Schools and their new title Time, Tools, and Tactics of Instructional Leadership: A Principal’s Guide to Leading Learning, with an emphasis on moving from “urgent management” to intentional leadership grounded in coaching and daily growth. They highlight why every principal benefits from having a coach, how the “law of the lid” applies to schools, and what it looks like to get 1 percent better each day in service of improved outcomes for students.​​Key takeaways:An explanation of why a “culture of nice” and conflict avoidance undermines real change, and how candid, compassionate feedback can support both performance and trust.​​Specific approaches for using time, tools, and coaching structures to shift leaders from constant crisis response to focused instructional leadership.​​Considerations for superintendents and principal supervisors who want to invest in leadership capacity so school improvement efforts are sustainable and student-centered.​​Connect and resources:Website: https://theschoolhouse302.com (includes FocusED podcast, book information, and coaching/booking details)​Book: Candid and Compassionate Feedback: Transforming Everyday Practice in Schools Book: Time, Tools, and Tactics of Instructional Leadership: A Principal’s Guide to Leading Learning

In this episode of the Innovating Education Podcast, we sit down with Erin Thorkilsen—educator, professor, and founder of Heart in Education, a professional development initiative focused on the human and relational dimensions of teaching. With over two decades of experience and deep grounding in learning science, Erin helps educators navigate complexity, strengthen classroom culture, and teach in ways that honor both student and teacher wellbeing.This conversation dives into the psychology of learning, emotional regulation, and what really happens in the brain when students—and adults—become dysregulated. Erin shares practical, emotionally grounded tools for designing learning experiences that honor curiosity, emotion, and multisensory engagement. She also reframes classroom management through a lens of compassion, co-regulation, and teacher self-awareness—moving beyond “fixing” behaviors toward supporting whole humans.Key takeaways from this episode:Why emotion is the engine of learning—and how to design lessons that leverage attention, memory, movement, and joy.How to shift from “rescue boat” to “lighthouse” when students experience big feelings.Practical strategies for building regulation skills, both for students and for teachers in difficult moments.How to support classroom management by meeting students’ needs for play, novelty, and connection—especially during tricky transitions.Why letting go of outcome can open the door to presence, clarity, and stronger relationships.A glimpse into Erin’s Refresh Your Toolkit workshop and her self-inquiry approach to helping educators move from stuckness to insight.Referenced frameworks & resources:Dan Siegel’s Hand Model of the BrainShelburne Farms’ Cultivating Joy and WonderBlue School’s creative learning modelHeart in Education’s regulation and relational teaching toolkitConnect with Erin Thorkilsen: 🌐 Website: heartineducation.org 📸 Instagram: @heartineducation

In this special Thanksgiving episode of the Innovating Education Podcast, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Kwame Sarfo Mensa—veteran educator, global consultant, and author of Learning to Relearn—about what it means for educators to “unlearn and relearn” in order to create more humanizing schools. The conversation examines how equity-centered, culturally affirming practice invites teachers and leaders to interrogate bias, reconsider school culture, and center identity, belonging, and trust in daily decisions.​Key takeaways:An explanation of why educators must continually “learn to relearn” and concrete strategies for interrupting bias through self-assessment, reflective practice, and intersectional empathy.​Specific approaches for culturally affirming and identity-affirming teaching, including pronunciation and use of students’ names, modeling cultural humility, and building classroom norms that validate multiple identities.​Considerations for school leaders and policymakers who seek to model inclusive leadership, strengthen student trust, and frame education as a collective, relational practice rather than a purely technical system.​Connect with Kwame Sarfo Mensa:Website: https://www.identitytalk4educators.com​Email: [email protected]: Identity Talk 4 Educators LIVE

In this episode of the Innovating Education Podcast, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Steven Bollar—also known as Stand Tall Steve—an educator, former superintendent, author, and national speaker on school climate and culture. The conversation examines why many school improvement efforts stall when leaders pursue perfection over progress and how clearer decision-making and culture practices can make change more sustainable.​​Key takeaways:An explanation of the five levels of decision-making and how leaders can use them to set expectations, communicate clearly, and reduce frustration in schools and districts.​​Specific approaches for simplifying culture work, avoiding initiative fatigue, and using “reduce, not eliminate” as a realistic strategy for improving staff experience and student outcomes.​Considerations for using the ideas in Steve’s book Just Do This to prioritize practical actions over abstract theory when leading in complex systems.​​Connect and resources:Website: https://www.standtallsteve.com​Email: [email protected]: The School Climate & Culture Show – hosted by Stand Tall Steve, with Megan Diede.​Just Do This Boost Camp and related events: details available at https://www.standtallsteve.com​

In this episode of the Innovating Education Podcast, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Bob Safran, an educator and developer of the EGUMPP grammar program, about the place of explicit grammar instruction in literacy education. The conversation reviews how policy shifts such as the 1985 NCTE resolution influenced classroom practice and considers arguments for reintroducing more structured grammar study.​Key takeaways:An overview of rationales for treating grammar as a foundational component of reading and writing, including implications for academic and workplace communication.​A description of how EGUMPP structures content into online modules focused on grammar, usage, mechanics, and punctuation, with self‑paced lessons and automated feedback.​Considerations for schools and systems weighing how to balance explicit grammar instruction with broader literacy goals and classroom time constraints.​Where to connect:EGUMPP – online grammar, usage, mechanics, and punctuation program developed by Bob Safran: https://egumpp.com​This episode features a founder discussing their own product; inclusion is for informational purposes and is not a paid promotion.

In this episode of the Innovating Education Podcast, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Eleni Soler—founder of Eleni’s Edge, educator, systems strategist, and certified coach—about how entrepreneurial thinking can inform the design of K–12 learning in a volatile, uncertain world. The conversation examines how inquiry-based learning, AI-powered ideation, and coaching practices can increase student agency while supporting educators and leaders to redesign their roles without burnout.​​Key takeaways:An explanation of what an entrepreneurial mindset looks like in K–12 settings and why it matters for all students, not only future business founders.​Specific approaches for fostering curiosity, risk-taking, and psychological safety in classrooms, including using story to teach math, silence as a thinking tool, and clear structures to keep creative environments from becoming chaotic.​​Considerations for using generative AI in ways that support critical thinking, and for applying coaching conversations to strengthen culture, feedback, and distributed leadership.Resources:Learn more about Eleni’s coaching, speaking, and consulting: https://www.elenisedge.com​Book Eleni for workshops or keynotes: [email protected]​Also mentioned: The Courage to Teach by Parker Palmer; the “VUCA” concept (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity); using silence as a thinking tool; three paradoxes for structuring creative classrooms without chaos.

In this episode of the Innovating Education Podcast, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Marc Williams—global speaker, educator, and co‑founder of Speaker Skills Academy—about redesigning how public speaking is taught in schools and organizations. The conversation examines why traditional public speaking classes often reinforce fear and performance anxiety, and how Marc’s ten-part Rules of Engagement framework offers a more practical, learner-centered alternative.​​Key takeaways:An explanation of why conventional speech rubrics and one‑off presentations fail to build authentic communication skills.Specific approaches for using gamification, storytelling, and deliberate “communication drills” to help learners build confidence and presence over time.​Considerations for shifting from grading speeches to developing communicators, including how to foster classroom cultures where speaking feels safe and purposeful.Connect and resources:Speaker Skills Academy – communication training co‑founded by today’s guest, Marc Williams: https://www.speakerskillsacademy.com​LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-williams-speaks​

In this episode of the Innovating Education Podcast, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Dr. Jen Rafferty—educator, emotional intelligence practitioner, and founder of Empowered Educator—about teacher burnout as a systemic failure rather than an individual weakness. The conversation examines how neuroscience, emotional regulation, and identity work can help educators understand their stress responses and build more sustainable ways of relating to their work.​Key takeaways:An explanation of why school cultures that reward overextension contribute to burnout and why self-blame is misplaced.​Specific approaches for using nervous system science and emotional regulation strategies to recognize and interrupt chronic stress patterns.​Considerations for school and system leaders who want to design professional learning and supports that prioritize educator well-being alongside student outcomes.​Connect and resources:Website: https://www.empowerededucator.com​TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUDvzruMD9I​​Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenrafferty_/​Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empowerededucatorfacultyroom

In this episode of the Innovating Education Podcast, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Ruthe Farmer—founder and CEO of the Last Mile Education Fund, former Senior Policy Advisor for Tech Inclusion in the Obama White House, and a national leader in the CSforAll movement—about what it truly means to design tech pathways that don’t leave low-income and underrepresented students behind. From scaling national computer science initiatives to funding students who are one unexpected bill away from dropping out, Ruthe connects policy, philanthropy, and lived experience into a clear, urgent call for action.​The conversation surfaces the real barriers students face in the “last mile” of a STEM degree—unpaid internships, lost housing, food insecurity, or a broken laptop—and how Last Mile provides rapid, targeted support so potential is not derailed by circumstance. It is a direct look at how relatively small investments can change individual lives and reshape the future tech workforce.​Key takeaways:Why traditional scholarships and financial aid often fail students in the final stretch of STEM degrees—and how “last mile” funding closes that gap.​How tech inclusion work from the White House and CSforAll laid the groundwork for systemic approaches to equity in computer science and engineering.​​What educators and policymakers can do right now to identify students at risk, remove hidden barriers, and connect them with flexible, fast support.​Support and connect:Last Mile Education Fund – donate, partner, or refer students: https://www.lastmile-ed.org​Apply / share with students: https://www.lastmile-ed.org/apply​LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthefarmer/​

In this episode of the Innovating Education Podcast, Dr. Riley Williams talks with David Woodward—founder and president of Forefront Education and lead author of Universal Screeners for Number Sense—about why classroom assessments are the most powerful lever schools have to improve learning. Drawing on his work with districts nationwide, David explains how to realign instruction, grading, and assessment around teacher-scored tasks rather than interim tests and state exams.​The discussion examines systemic misalignment in current assessment systems, the limits of adaptive testing, and why formative assessment is a practice, not a product. David offers practical guidance on using classroom evidence to guide PLC work, protect teacher time, and shift district data culture from compliance to meaningful decision-making.​Key takeaways:Why classroom assessments—unit tests, quizzes, performance tasks, and student work samples—provide the richest data for improving instruction.​How to use tools like the Universal Screeners for Number Sense to identify number sense gaps and target supports without overtesting.​Common pitfalls in benchmark and adaptive testing, and how districts can bring teacher-scored evidence back to the center of data conversations.What it takes to build a healthier assessment culture that values timely, actionable information over volume of tests.​Connect with David Woodward and Forefront Education:Forefront Education – classroom assessment data platform founded by today’s guest, David Woodward: https://forefront.education​Book: Universal Screeners for Number Sense and related resources: https://forefront.education/resources/universal-screeners-for-number-sense​Schedule a Forefront demo: https://forefront.education/contact/​LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwoodward​This episode features a founder discussing their own product; inclusion is for informational purposes and is not a paid promotion.

In this episode of the Innovating Education Podcast, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Justin Pickens—teacher, coach, speaker, and father—about what it means to build school culture from the inside out in systems that often leave teachers burned out and students unseen. Justin shares how small, intentional actions from educators helped him break cycles of generational trauma and why he now works to help teachers and leaders become joyful, clear-eyed change agents for their communities.​​The conversation focuses on practical mindset shifts and daily habits: what to do when “remember your why” stops working, how to pre‑decide your attitude before the day begins, and how simple moves—remembering names, telling stories, asking better questions—can rebuild trust and connection.Key takeaways:Why relying on “remember your why” is not enough to sustain educators over time—and what deeper practices can replace it.How to pre‑decide your mindset before the day starts to reduce decision fatigue and emotional exhaustion.​What strong school culture looks like in practice, from greeting people by name to using storytelling instead of statistics to build trust.​One powerful question every leader can ask students to better understand their experience—and act on what they hear.Connect with Justin Pickens:Email: [email protected] / booking: justinpickens.com

In this episode of the Innovating Education Podcast, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Nick Farrenkopf—founder and CEO of Wibly—about how interactive “knowledge trees” are reshaping how students understand and retain mathematics. Drawing on his background in private tutoring, chemical engineering, and machine learning, Nick explains how Wibly visualizes interconnected concepts to reduce cognitive overload, support neurodiverse learners, and make abstract ideas more concrete.​​The conversation offers practical insight for educators and system leaders interested in using visual structure, cognitive science, and AI to make math more intuitive and human-centered.Key takeaways:What knowledge trees are and how they help students see relationships between math concepts.How visual, concept-mapped learning can reduce working-memory load and better support neurodiverse learners.​Ways tools like Wibly can complement classroom instruction and independent study rather than replace teachers.Connect with Nick Farrenkopf and Wibly:Wibly – math learning platform founded by today’s guest, Nick Farrenkopf: https://wibly.co​LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickfarrenkopf/​This episode features a founder discussing their own product; inclusion is for informational purposes and is not a paid promotion.

In this episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Dr. Sandra Breece—CEO of School Founders Academy and founder of Telesis Center for Learning—about how one mother’s determination to support her son grew into a K–12 charter movement for hands-on, inclusive learning. Dr. Breece shares stories from founding a school in her duplex to racing fire codes with 10 days to spare, naming the resilience, flexibility, and community support it takes to build a school from the ground up.​They dig into the most common mistake new founders make, what no one tells you to prepare for, and why “community” is not a buzzword but the engine that sustains schools over decades. This conversation offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the journey featured in the anthology The Power of Community: Courage, Compassion, Collaboration.​Key takeaways:How Dr. Breece went from a kitchen-table idea to leading a long-standing charter organization designed for kinesthetic and diverse learners.​The practical and regulatory challenges founders face—from facilities and fire codes to staffing and governance—and how to navigate them.The number one mistake new school founders make and how to avoid it through planning, mentorship, and flexibility.​Why authentic community partnership is essential to starting, sustaining, and growing a mission-driven school.Resources & links:School Founders Academy: https://schoolfounders.academy​Book: The Power of Community: Courage, Compassion, Collaboration – available on major book platforms.This episode features a founder discussing their own organization; inclusion is for informational purposes and is not a paid promotion.

In this episode of the Innovating Education Podcast, Dr. Riley Williams talks with psychologist, author, and strength-based education expert Dr. Steven Baron about how teachers can flip the script from deficits to strengths in everyday practice. Drawing on more than 30 years in schools and private practice, Dr. Baron shares real stories and practical moves that help students see themselves through what they bring to the table—not what they lack.​They explore growth mindset, teacher expectations, and how small shifts—like asking “Who here is afraid of making a mistake?” on day one or swapping red Xs for green checkmarks—can change the emotional climate of a classroom. The conversation offers concrete tools for building connection, motivation, and meaning without chasing quick fixes.​Key takeaways:Why a strength-based approach can increase student engagement, confidence, and sense of belonging.​How teacher language, feedback, and expectations shape student identity and willingness to take risks.Simple routines and questions that normalize mistakes and foster a true growth mindset.Ways to build a classroom and school culture that consistently notices and names student strengths.​Connect with Dr. Steven Baron:Book: Teaching with a Strength-Based Approach: How to Motivate Students and Build Relationships – https://www.routledge.com/Teaching-with-a-Strength-Based-Approach-How-to-Motivate-Students-and-Build-Relationships/Baron/p/book/9781032432571​Website: https://www.drstevenbaron.com

In this episode of the Innovating Education Podcast, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Dr. Natasha Veale—special education leadership consultant, dean, and author of How to Retain Special Education Teachers: A Transformational Leadership Guide for School Administrators—about what it really takes to create schools where special educators can thrive and stay. If you have ever said, “We can’t keep our special ed teachers,” this conversation is your call to lead differently.​Drawing from decades in classrooms and leadership and her transformational leadership framework, Dr. Veale explains why emotional support matters as much as instructional resources, how daily leadership habits move the needle, and how trust is built through presence, follow-through, and genuine care. Together, they outline a practical blueprint for rethinking how principals value, support, and partner with the educators serving students with the most complex needs.​Key takeaways:Why transformational leadership is a game-changer for special education teacher retention—and how it differs from quick-fix solutions.​The biggest mistakes principals make when supporting special education teachers and how to avoid them.A simple daily habit every leader can start tomorrow to strengthen relationships and emotional safety.Concrete strategies for building inclusive school cultures that go beyond buzzwords and center real support for educators and students.​Connect with Dr. Natasha Veale:Website: https://vealeleadershipconsulting.com​Book: How to Retain Special Education Teachers: A Transformational Leadership Guide for School Administrators – publisher page: https://myersedpress.presswarehouse.com/browse/book/9781975507077/How-to-Retain-Special-Education-Teachers

In this Back-to-School special of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams talks with school leader Michael Maine about what it really takes to turn around a struggling campus when morale, trust, and results are all on the line. Michael shares the moment he learned that nearly 90% of his staff would not send their own children to the school they worked in—and how that honest feedback became the catalyst for a complete cultural reset.Across two years, Michael and his team moved a D-rated campus to an A by focusing on short-cycle data, tight analysis of student work, and relentless alignment between instruction and expectations. He breaks down how he approached staffing, feedback, and discipline, and why staying the course on a clear plan beats chasing every new initiative when the stakes are high.Key takeaways:How to confront hard truths about culture and still bring staff along in the work.Ways to use short-cycle data and student work to inform daily instruction and interventions.Practical strategies for hiring, developing, and retaining high-impact educators.Why disciplined focus and consistency matter more than quick fixes when leading school turnaround.

In this Back to School special episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Mark Moring about what it means to follow a 31-year superintendent and still lead with authenticity, humility, and a fresh vision for Durant ISD. Mark shares how he approached his first year by listening deeply, building trust, and centering collaboration, all while honoring the district’s history and clarifying its future direction.​​The conversation highlights how Durant ISD is weaving employability-driven education into everyday learning through mobile STEM labs, aviation programs, and health sciences pathways—always grounded in strong local partnerships and community engagement. For leaders and educators navigating transition, this episode offers honest reflections and practical ideas for designing systems that support every student academically, socially, and for life beyond graduation.​Key takeaways:How to enter a new superintendent role after a long-tenured predecessor with respect, clarity, and a collaborative stance.​​Concrete examples of how Durant ISD is using STEM, aviation, and health sciences pathways to connect learning to real-world opportunities.​Why sustained community partnerships and employability-focused design are central to preparing students for future success.

In this episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Dr. Christopher Harrington—national edtech and digital learning leader—about two innovations that are redefining quality in virtual education: Digital Learning WORKS! and AccredVEd. Together, they explore what it would mean for every online program to have a 24/7 thought partner and an accreditation process that actually drives growth instead of just compliance.​Dr. Harrington introduces Digital Learning WORKS, a nonprofit platform from EmpowerED Research Institute that offers a vetted marketplace of digital tools, on-demand consulting and PD, and “Ask Eddie,” a free AI chatbot trained on national standards and evidence-based practices for online learning. He also unpacks AccredVEd, an accreditation model built around the National Standards for Quality Online Learning and designed in partnership with organizations like Cognia and the Virtual Learning Leadership Alliance to provide synchronized, research-based recognition for virtual programs.​Key takeaways:Why traditional accreditation often overlooks the realities of virtual programs—and how AccredVEd fills that gap with NSQ-aligned, research-based criteria.​How Ask Eddie and the broader Digital Learning WORKS ecosystem support leaders and teachers with just-in-time guidance on program design, PD, and implementation quality.​Practical ways to move from “checking boxes” to building trust, transparency, and continuous improvement in digital learning through clear standards and thoughtful AI use.​Resources mentioned:Digital Learning WORKS: https://digitallearningworks.org​AccredVEd: https://accredved.org​National Standards for Quality Online Learning: https://nsqol.org​Virtual Learning Leadership Alliance: https://virtuallearningalliance.org

In this episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams sits down with Dr. Jason Williamson—leadership expert, author, and founder of the Second Mile Initiative—for a powerful conversation about what it means to lead with purpose, accountability, and heart. From growing up in a town of 81 people to serving as a principal, military officer, and leadership consultant, Dr. Williamson shares how the Second Mile Mentality helps leaders move beyond obligation into intentional choice—and build cultures where excellence is not just expected, but embraced.​Listeners will gain practical strategies from his P.A.C.E. Framework, real-world stories of leadership under pressure, and a renewed vision for servant leadership in today’s schools. The conversation touches on crafting collective commitments, balancing high expectations with empathy, and why public schools are not broken so much as broken-hearted—and what it looks like to restore belief and hope.​​Key takeaways:The origins of the Second Mile Mentality and how “going above the job description” reshapes culture and ownership.​​How to build and sustain collective commitments that drive team behavior, even in challenging seasons.​​Ways to balance excellence with empathy, combining clear standards with genuine care and affirmation.Why reframing the narrative around public schools is essential for attracting, supporting, and retaining great educators.Connect with Dr. Jason Williamson:Website: https://iamjasonwilliamson.com​Social: @IAmJasonWilliamson​Book: Second Mile Encouragement – available on Amazon and other major platforms.

In this episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams is joined by educator, author, and Innovageous co-founder Shira Woolf Cohen for a powerful conversation on what it really means to lead future-focused schools. Drawing on her new book, Leading Future-Focused Schools: Engaging and Preparing Students for Career Success, Shira outlines an actionable framework to shift culture from compliance to purpose and to position every teacher as a “career teacher,” not just a content specialist.​With more than 25 years in youth workforce development and education, Shira shares how a Future-Focused Mindset connects daily instruction to real-world pathways, builds student identity and purpose, and activates ecosystem partners in support of career-connected learning. The conversation highlights practical steps principals and teacher-leaders can take—starting small but thinking systemically—to design schools where all students see clear, meaningful links between what they learn and the lives they want to lead.​Key takeaways:Why career readiness cannot wait until high school electives or “career day,” and how to embed it in everyday instruction across subjects.​How mindset, SEL, and student leadership fuel genuine engagement and prepare students for a rapidly changing world.Concrete moves leaders can use to engage community and industry partners, design career pathways, and scale future-focused practices without overwhelming staff.​Learn more and access resources:Future-focused tools, reproducibles, and career development continuum: https://www.innovageous.com/future-focused​Book and bulk order information: https://www.innovageous.com/books​

In this episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Adam Olenn, founder of Rustle and Spark, about how schools can use storytelling not as spin, but as a strategic lever for engagement, culture, and change. Drawing on decades of work in branding, communication, and behavior change, Adam explains what makes a story effective—and why leaders must move beyond updates and announcements to narratives that actually move people.​The conversation looks at how the right stories can align vision and practice for students, families, faculty, donors, and boards, and how narrative connects directly to trust, enrollment, philanthropy, and internal culture. Adam shares practical guidance on finding the stories that matter, framing them with empathy and clarity, and equipping everyone in the community to tell them well.​Key takeaways:Why stories—not statistics or slogans—are the most powerful tools for shaping perception and behavior in schools.​How to identify and craft narratives that reflect your real culture and strategy, rather than defaulting to generic marketing.Ways to use storytelling to deepen relationships with students, staff, donors, and board members and to build momentum for change.​Connect with Adam Olenn and Rustle and Spark:Website: https://www.rustleandspark.com/story​LinkedIn: Rustle and Spark – https://www.linkedin.com/company/rustle-spark/​Instagram: @storystrengths – https://www.instagram.com/storystrengths/

In this episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Justyna Bronski—certified teen life coach, former Teacher of the Year, and founder of Justyna Bronski, LLC—about the students who look “perfect” on the outside yet are quietly struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, and people-pleasing. Drawing on more than a decade in the classroom and her current coaching work with teens and parents, Justyna explains how these patterns hide in plain sight and what educators can do to respond with clarity, compassion, and connection.​The conversation offers concrete strategies for building emotional safety, reframing failure as part of learning, and strengthening teen confidence and authenticity both at school and at home. Justyna also shares coaching-informed tools teachers and leaders can apply immediately, along with key moves for making SEL and emotional skill-building stick at a schoolwide level.​Key takeaways:Why high-performing, “put together” students may be masking social anxiety and perfectionism—and early signs to watch for.​What emotional intelligence looks like day-to-day in classrooms and how adults can model regulation, repair, and honest communication.Practical coaching strategies educators and parents can use to foster authenticity, resilience, and healthier self-talk in teens.Core ingredients of schoolwide SEL that move beyond one-off lessons to a culture of safety, belonging, and support.​Connect with Justyna Bronski:Website: https://www.justynabronski.com​Instagram: @justynabronskicoaching​

In this bold episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Dr. Darrin Peppard—former superintendent, best-selling author, and CEO of Road to Awesome—about the single staff-meeting question that transformed his entire approach to school leadership. Dr. Peppard shares how shifting from a deficit lens to recognizing what students do right helped move his school from thousands of discipline referrals to a student-led culture of celebration and engagement.​The conversation dives into building systems of positive referrals, the story and symbolism behind his “Jeep wave” mindset, and what it means for leaders to show up with clarity, intention, and heart. Dr. Peppard offers concrete strategies any educator can use to strengthen climate and culture by prioritizing relationships and engagement over mere compliance.​Key takeaways:How focusing on students’ strengths and positive behaviors can fundamentally shift school culture and outcomes.​Practical ways to design school-wide systems of recognition, student leadership, and positive referrals.The “Jeep wave” mindset and how small, consistent gestures of connection change how leaders and students experience school.​Why engagement—not compliance—is the real lever for lasting impact in classrooms and campuses.Resources mentioned:Principal Academy Planning Tool (free download): https://mailchi.mp/roadtoawesome.net/principalplanner​Book: Culture First Classrooms: Leadership, Relationships, and Practices that Transform Schools – https://a.co/d/6U5AjMf​Connect with Dr. Darrin Peppard:Website: https://roadtoawesome.net​Podcast: Leaning Into Leadership​LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrinmpeppard/​X/Twitter: @DarrinMPeppardInstagram: @darrin_m_peppardFacebook: darrin.peppardTikTok: @DarrinMPeppard

In this episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams is joined by digital learning specialists Rachel Doty and Courtny Drydale to talk about what responsible AI integration really looks like in K–12 schools. They share frontline lessons from leading district-wide AI work, emphasizing that effective implementation is less about the tools themselves and more about trust, transparency, and teacher leadership.​The conversation covers how to demystify AI fears, design ethical guardrails around data privacy and academic integrity, and confront bias in AI grading and detection tools—especially for English learners and neurodivergent students. Rachel and Courtny also outline frameworks districts can use to ensure equitable access and human-centered use of AI so that technology becomes a bridge, not a barrier, for diverse learners.​Key takeaways:Practical ways to build staff understanding and reduce fear as AI enters classrooms and district workflows.​Core ethical questions around privacy, cheating, and algorithmic bias—and why unchecked AI detectors can disproportionately harm multilingual and neurodivergent students.​Example frameworks and principles (equity, transparency, human oversight) that can guide district-wide AI policies and pilots.​How thoughtfully chosen AI tools can support English learners and neurodivergent students through personalization, scaffolds, and accessibility features.

In this energizing episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Lisa Parry—award-winning principal, TEDx speaker, and co-developer of the Good to Great Teacher Mentoring Program—about what it really takes to lead schools where both students and adults can thrive. Drawing on more than 30 years in education, Lisa shares why she still teaches one class a year as a principal, how she supports new teachers through disillusionment (not just burnout), and what she has learned from leading high-performing, award-winning schools.​The conversation focuses on building cultures relentlessly centered on relationships, learning, and instructional integrity, with practical strategies for likable leadership, conflict resolution, and teacher retention. Lisa also unpacks her “1% better every day” mindset and offers concrete ways leaders and teachers can bridge the gap between vision and daily practice.​Key takeaways:How teaching alongside staff shapes Lisa’s leadership, credibility, and instructional decision-making.​Strategies for mentoring early-career teachers through the disillusionment phase and sustaining them in the profession.Practical tools for likable leadership, navigating conflict, and designing schools that keep great teachers.Why a “1% better every day” approach can help educators lead and live with more clarity, energy, and hope.​Connect with Lisa Parry:Website: https://www.principalparry.com​TEDx Talk: “Enjoy Your Uptime: Three Ways to Level Up Your Life” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v82SWgtXvJI​

In this episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams sits down with Cheri Dixon—three-time bestselling author, turnaround school leader, TEDx speaker, and founder of Cheri Dixon Consulting, LLC—for a powerful conversation about why teaching is hard precisely because it matters. Drawing on nearly three decades in education, Cheri shares the stories behind her book The Heroes in Our Classrooms, her experience rebuilding school culture after Hurricane Harvey, and the mindset shifts that make real transformation possible.​​Together, they explore what it means to lead with both head and heart, how to sustain grit in the face of burnout, and why systems and culture—not just mandates—determine whether schools thrive. Cheri offers practical, next-step strategies for teachers and leaders who want to “do hard better” while keeping students and staff at the center.​​Key takeaways:What Cheri learned from leading turnaround work and rebuilding school culture in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.​How mindset, purpose, and clear systems work together to support sustainable, high-impact teaching and leadership.​​Why honoring the “heroes in our classrooms” is essential for retaining great educators and strengthening school communities.​Connect with Cheri Dixon:Books: The Heroes in Our Classrooms, She Said Yes… And It Made All the Difference, Unleash Her: 30 Powerful Stories of Unleashing the Female Power Within.​TEDx Talk: “Teaching is hard because it matters” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pI_kLgT6bwQ​Email: [email protected] & Instagram: Teachers That Sparkle Community​​LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheri-dixon-38938b244/

In this episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams is joined by Dr. Valcine Brown—educator, researcher, literacy advocate, and author of Credit Recovery Through Demonstration of Mastery—for a conversation that rethinks reading, credit recovery, and assessment from the ground up. Dr. Brown shares how her work moves recovery programs away from seat time toward skills, growth, and demonstrated mastery, centering student agency and equity in the process.​​They explore why mastery-based learning must remain teacher-led, how student choice and “mirror books” fuel motivation, and how data, PLCs, and honest conversations can drive scalable change. Dr. Brown also spotlights her podcast, Drive Thru Lit Review, where she breaks down education research into actionable insights for time-strapped educators.​Key takeaways:Why credit recovery models built on demonstrated mastery can better support engagement, rigor, and graduation.​How student choice in reading—and access to mirror books—builds ownership, identity, and literacy motivation.​The role of teacher-led mastery learning, meaningful data use, and PLC structures in sustaining change at scale.​How Drive Thru Lit Review translates research into practical moves for classroom teachers and leaders.​Connect with Dr. Valcine Brown:Book: Credit Recovery Through Demonstration of Mastery – https://us.amazon.com/dp/B0DVPNWL2Q​Podcast: Drive Thru Lit Review – available on major podcast platforms.​Website: https://www.drvalcinebrown.com

In this episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Teresa Ramirez—award-winning author, motivational speaker, and self-described kindness ambassador—about how intentional acts of kindness at home and in the classroom can change the trajectory of children’s lives. Teresa shares the story behind her book Raising Kind Children and the tragic school shooting that compelled her to launch a movement focused on everyday, actionable kindness.​The conversation explores how parents can step into the role of “CEO of the family,” how educators can embed empathy and connection into daily routines without adding one more initiative, and how restorative, relationship-centered approaches can address bullying and burnout. Together, Teresa and Riley highlight simple practices that help families and schools work in partnership to support students’ social-emotional growth.​Key takeaways:How small, consistent acts of kindness at home and school shape children’s identity, resilience, and sense of safety.​​Practical strategies for modeling kindness in everyday moments and designing classroom and school-wide activities that build connection.How restorative, empathetic responses can reduce bullying, support teacher well-being, and strengthen school culture.​Ways parents and educators can align around shared language and expectations to reinforce social-emotional learning across settings.Connect with Teresa Ramirez:Book – Raising Kind Children: How to Become the CEO of Your Family to Create Lasting Impact and Change: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D32Q8KW6​Website: https://www.journeyinkindness.com

In this episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams sits down with Rob McLeod, international educator, school leader, and host of the Reinventing Education podcast, to unpack his “Three Types of Schools” model: Expert, Coach, and Counselor. Rob explains how each school type shapes structures, roles, and decision-making—and why clarity about your dominant model can reduce friction, deepen relationships, and improve learning experiences.​​The conversation connects these frameworks to student agency and democratic education, drawing on examples from the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), sociocratic practices highlighted in the School Circles documentary, and self-directed learning ideas inspired by Ivan Illich’s Deschooling Society. Rob and Riley explore how intentional school design can reduce teacher burnout, support collaboration, and give students more voice, choice, and ownership in their learning.​Key takeaways:What defines Expert, Coach, and Counselor schools—and how each model influences culture, hierarchy, and classroom practice.​​Strategies for aligning school design to a clear model to lessen burnout and confusion for staff.How principles from the PYP and democratic education (including sociocracy and circles) can strengthen student agency.​Why self-directed learning and community decision-making matter for the future of schooling, echoing themes from Deschooling Society and School Circles.​Learn more from Rob McLeod:Podcast: Reinventing Education – https://feed.podbean.com/reinventingeducationpodcast/feed.xml

In this episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams sits down with Tyler Hunt and Carrie Wright, co-founders of TEACH LLC, to explore how AI-powered tools can lighten the load for educators while keeping relationships at the center of learning. They share how their platform helps teachers streamline curriculum planning, assessment creation, and data analysis so they can spend more time on high-impact instruction and student connection.​The conversation digs into real classroom use cases, from AI-assisted lesson design to standards-aligned data insights, and unpacks what it looks like to introduce these tools in ways that build trust rather than fear. Tyler and Carrie also address data privacy, professional learning, and how to stay current with rapid AI advancements while staying grounded in pedagogy and equity.​Key takeaways:How AI can support, not replace, teachers by simplifying planning, assessment, and data workflows.Practical examples of AI-powered tools making instruction more personalized, efficient, and responsive to student needs.​Strategies for building trust with educators and communities when adopting AI, including clear communication and strong privacy practices.Ways schools and districts can approach AI as a catalyst for deeper learning and human connection, rather than just automation.Learn more about TEACH LLC:Website: https://teachaiedu.comThis episode features founders discussing their own organization; inclusion is for informational purposes and is not a paid promotion.

In this episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams sits down with Darren Finnegan, mathematics educator, entrepreneur, and founder of TutorMyMath.com, to talk about transforming math from a source of anxiety into a space for confidence and curiosity. Darren shares his journey from struggling with math and relying on a calculator to earning a master’s degree in mathematics and building a business dedicated to helping students rewrite their own math stories.​Together, they challenge the myth that only some people are “math people” and unpack how creativity, curiosity, and personalized learning can change the way students experience math. Darren also shares classroom- and tutoring-tested strategies that move beyond rote memorization, helping learners develop deep understanding, real-world problem-solving skills, and a healthier relationship with challenge.​Key takeaways:How Darren went from math anxiety to advanced study and entrepreneurship in mathematics.Why the “math person” label is harmful—and how mindset and language shape students’ beliefs about their abilities.​Ways creativity, curiosity, and personalized instruction can make math more engaging and accessible.Practical teaching and tutoring approaches that move beyond memorization toward true conceptual understanding.How building confidence and small wins can help students face math with less fear and more resilience.This episode features a founder discussing their own organization; inclusion is for informational purposes and is not a paid promotion.

In this episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Dr. Richard Feenstra, an educational psychologist with a global footprint and creator of the APE (Assess, Plan, Execute) model for decision-making. Dr. Feenstra traces his path from police officer to psychologist and explains why traditional decision-making frameworks often fall short in high-stakes, real-world environments.​The conversation unpacks the APE model as a dynamic system that links goals, context, and action, and explores what makes decision-making so challenging for learners in complex settings. Dr. Feenstra shares how he adapts his workshops for culturally diverse audiences, weaving in mental contrasting, feedback, and the right balance of reflection and execution, and offers concrete ideas for how educators and organizations can embed APE into professional learning.​Key takeaways:Why conventional, linear decision-making models often fail under pressure in real-world contexts.How the APE (Assess, Plan, Execute) model structures decision-making as an ongoing, goal-driven cycle.Common hurdles learners face when mastering decision skills—and ways to design more effective practice and feedback.How to tailor decision-making workshops and examples for culturally diverse groups.Practical entry points for integrating the APE model into leadership development, classroom instruction, and organizational PD.Connect with Dr. Richard Feenstra:Website: https://www.richardfeenstra.com/

In this episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Dr. Amy Downey, an educational leader with more than three decades of experience transforming student learning. Dr. Downey traces her journey into education and explains why meaningful relationships—not grades—are the true engine of student motivation and growth.​The conversation highlights her work designing initiatives like “Just Read,” a literacy program built on student choice and voice in reading, along with practices such as student-led conferences, home visits, and standards-based grading that deepen ownership and engagement. They also explore what it means to craft a “livable” mission and vision for schools, navigate systemic challenges, and use technology thoughtfully while keeping children and educators at the center.​Key takeaways:Why relationships and authentic motivation matter more than traditional grading in driving learning.How initiatives like “Just Read” and student-led conferences can build student ownership, agency, and literacy.Practical strategies such as home visits and standards-based grading that strengthen family-school partnerships and clarity of expectations.What makes a school mission and vision truly “livable” for students, staff, and communities.Why children and educators are our most valuable societal assets—and how critical thinking and public support for education shape the future.

In this episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Dr. Aletha Williams about how strong partnerships between universities and school districts can transform teacher preparation and student outcomes. They explore what it takes to build trust among stakeholders, elevate mentor teachers, and design preparation pathways that are both practical and equity-focused.The conversation examines how these partnerships can address educational equity and access, even amid societal barriers and policy constraints. Dr. Williams highlights the role of community colleges, enhanced mentorship models, and innovative “two plus two” programs in creating more sustainable, effective routes into the profession—and underscores why recognizing the value of teachers must remain at the center of this work.Key takeaways:Why deep, ongoing collaboration between universities and school districts is essential for high-quality teacher preparation.The critical role of mentor teachers, feedback, and trust in supporting emerging educators.How partnership models can address equity and access issues in the teacher pipeline.The promise of community colleges, strengthened mentorship, and “two plus two” programs in expanding and diversifying the profession.Why honoring and investing in teachers’ expertise is foundational to any long-term improvement strategy.

In this episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Dr. Mary Pilant, Vice Principal at Dyer Private Academy in the United Arab Emirates, about her journey from the United States to the UAE and what she has learned along the way. Dr. Pilant reflects on the cultural and educational differences between the two contexts, the benefits and challenges of teaching abroad, and how working internationally has reshaped her understanding of the profession.The conversation digs into the value and status of educators around the world and the importance of recognizing and elevating their contributions. Dr. Pilant shares how she has integrated American teaching methodologies into the UAE school system, the role of cultural understanding in daily practice, and why preparing students for a globalized world requires both rigor and empathy.Key takeaways:What it is like to transition from teaching in the U.S. to leading in an international school in the UAE.Cultural and systemic differences between U.S. and UAE education—and how those differences show up in classrooms.The benefits and challenges educators encounter when teaching abroad, from professional growth to adaptation and support.Why recognizing, valuing, and investing in educators is essential across all national contexts.How integrating familiar methodologies into a new cultural setting can support students, families, and staff in a globalized world.

In this episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Dr. Ryan Longnecker, Associate Dean of Online Leadership Studies and Organizational Development at Trevecca Nazarene University. Dr. Longnecker shares his leadership philosophy—playfully likened to Professor Dumbledore—and how he designs supportive, diverse cohort experiences that blend academic rigor with genuine community.The conversation explores the role of feedback, lifelong learning, and teamwork in developing effective leaders, as well as how AI can be thoughtfully integrated into leadership and organizational development programs. Dr. Longnecker closes by reflecting on growth, change, and the importance of embracing one’s own leadership journey with humility and curiosity.Key takeaways:How a “Dumbledore-style” leadership approach shows up in coaching, mentoring, and program design.Why cohort-based models and diverse learning communities are so powerful in leadership education.The importance of ongoing feedback, reflection, and lifelong learning in shaping effective leaders.Ways AI can support leadership and organizational development while keeping human relationships at the center.Reflections on navigating growth, change, and the twists of a leadership journey with courage and openness.

In this episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Dr. Jody Miller, director of Coral Reef Academy in the U.S. Virgin Islands, about her two-decade journey transforming special education leadership. Dr. Miller shares how she has built programs that deliver high-quality, individualized services for students with unique needs while maintaining operational excellence and scaling to serve diverse communities.The conversation explores what it takes to design schools and classrooms around students who learn differently, from closing critical service gaps to addressing behavior challenges in ways that are compassionate, structured, and sustainable. Dr. Miller also highlights the power of individualized education plans, cross-functional collaboration among educators, and a strengths-based mindset in creating safe, supportive learning environments.Key takeaways:How Dr. Miller has approached building and leading special education programs across multiple communities.Strategies for identifying and closing critical gaps in classrooms serving students with complex needs.Practical approaches for improving classroom behavior while preserving dignity, safety, and connection.Why individualized education plans and collaborative problem-solving are essential for student success.How compassionate, relationship-centered teaching can transform both learning outcomes and school culture.

In this episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams is joined by Rebecca Bultsma, an AI ethics and education strategist and Chief Innovation Officer at Amplify and Elevate Innovation. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping classrooms and what it means to design AI-enabled systems that are ethical, equitable, and aligned with human values.Rebecca unpacks core issues such as student privacy, algorithmic bias, equitable access to AI tools, and the need for clear guardrails around AI use in schools. She offers practical guidance on recognizing bias in AI systems, balancing efficiency with human oversight, and confronting emerging risks like AI-generated misinformation and deepfakes, all while building AI literacy across school communities.Key takeaways:Why AI ethics must be embedded in any strategy for using AI in teaching and learning.How to spot and mitigate algorithmic bias and inequitable access when adopting AI tools.Approaches for balancing AI-powered efficiency with human judgment, relationships, and professional autonomy.Strategies for addressing AI-generated misinformation, deepfakes, and other emerging threats in K–12 and higher education.The importance of AI literacy, transparency, and fair, well-communicated AI policies for students, families, and staff.Connect with Rebecca Bultsma:Website: https://www.rebeccabultsma.com/For more conversations at the intersection of innovation, ethics, and learning, subscribe to Innovating Education and share this episode with a colleague who is navigating AI in their own context.

In this episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams sits down with Dr. Leslie Sparcello, superintendent of Cedars International Schools, to reflect on lessons from her 35-year career in education. Dr. Sparcello shares how servant leadership, empowerment, and adaptability have shaped her approach to building cultures where innovation is possible and people feel safe to try, learn, and iterate.The conversation explores how pilots can create low-risk spaces for change, what it really takes to sustain creativity in schools, and how pivotal leaders and mentors influenced her own trajectory. Dr. Sparcello also tackles challenges such as teacher turnover and the overreliance on pre-made systems, making the case for a more balanced, thoughtful use of curriculum and tools that still honors educator expertise.Key takeaways:Why pilots and small tests of change are powerful vehicles for innovation without overwhelming staff.How servant leadership and empowerment can create psychologically safe environments where educators are willing to experiment.The impact of pivotal leaders and mentors across a long career—and how they model consistent principles in times of change.Risks of overusing pre-made systems and the importance of preserving teacher creativity, judgment, and professional autonomy.How reflective practice and strategic thinking help leaders address turnover, organizational stressors, and long-term system design.

Dr. Brandon Foster, a Harvard-educated thought leader and advocate for systemic transformation in education, joins Dr. Riley Williams to explore how his own story of overcoming adversity—and the mentors who guided him—shapes his approach to teaching and leadership. His dissertation, The Arch of Progress, weaves together Napoleon Hill’s principles with mentoring, tutoring, and growth mindset to build pathways of opportunity for students.In this conversation, Dr. Foster highlights why sixth grade is a keystone year, outlines his strategic initiatives in the Ferguson-Florissant School District, and makes the case for literacy as the foundation of long-term change. He shares how storytelling, peer tutoring, and intentional system design can move districts from isolated efforts to sustainable, community-wide transformation.Key takeaways:Why sixth grade functions as a linchpin in students’ academic and social development.How The Arch of Progress framework applies Napoleon Hill’s ideas to modern mentoring, tutoring, and growth mindset work.The role of storytelling in making systemic change tangible and motivating for students, educators, and communities.How peer tutoring and targeted literacy initiatives can accelerate progress at scale.Practical strategies Dr. Foster is using in Ferguson-Florissant to align classroom practice, leadership, and community partnerships around equity and excellence.