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“Listening, observing, and collaborating are key elements in our professional development design.” This quote from Jennifer Norman, Executive Director of Pupil Services for Rocky River City Schools in Ohio encapsulates the innovative professional learning theory and design Jennifer shared with me during conversation #32. “Rethinking professional learning means ensuring it is accessible, impactful, and truly…

Conversation #31 with Patrick Gittisriboongul, Assistant Superintendent of Technology & Innovation for Lynwood Unified School District was fascinating from an AI integration and innovation standpoint. Patrick is part of The AI School Teams Collaborative with The Learning Accelerator and Leading Educators. Thank you Jin-Soo Huh for making the connection! I love Patrick’s “why” behind this…

My conversation with Tamara Allen-Thomas, Superintendent of Clairton City School District outside of Pittsburgh, PA marks conversation #30! Today we explore a data-driven social emotional learning initiative focused on key indicators of student success. “Our commitment to Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is a core priority in our district’s comprehensive plan. Following Maslow’s hierarchy of needs,…

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Greg Wyman, Superintendent of J.O. Combs Unified School District during conversation #29. Greg is no stranger to sharing his unique and thoughtful perspective with a broad audience. His Substack contains a wealth of insightful writing, and dives even deeper into some of the important themes that we touched upon during our…

Conversation #28 explores a district strategy for leveraging foundation relationships to fund partnerships with innovative professional learning organizations. Julie Moore is an energized and thoughtful district leader who has launched incredible programming with funding from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and others. As Assistant Superintendent of Innovation & Learning at Liberty Public Schools, outside of…

Conversation #27 is great example of a district leader building trust with partners and committing to a long term professional learning strategy that is both complex and paced for scale. Angela Holt, is the incredible Director of Curriculum & Development in Woonsocket, RI. “What does student-centered learning actually look like? It’s not just about putting…

Conversation #26 with Sean McKenna, Superintendent of Griswold Public Schools was fast paced and highly energetic. I love when leaders get so excited by the work that my typing fingers can’t keep up. Sean believes in the power of leaders at the district and building levels co-designing professional learning in teams to build buy-in and…

Today’s conversation marks 1/4 of the way to our goal of #100DistrictConversations! I had so much fun talking with and learning from Baninder Goomer, Chief Academic Officer of Elementary Education at Edison Township Public Schools in New Jersey. Conversation #25 centered on the power of stability and collaboration. When district leaders stick around, trust in…

Conversation #24 allowed me to catch up with Mario Andrade, Superintendent of Schools for Nashua School District in New Hampshire. I’ve known Mario since he was a Superintendent in Rhode Island during our Fuse RI Fellowship days. I’ve always appreciated his emphasis on adult mindsets and beliefs as critical drivers of school and district improvement. …

Conversation #23 shows the power of professional learning frameworks and strategic partnerships when supporting teachers to scale deeper learning practices and AI innovation. I really appreciated hearing about the great work happening in Roanoke County Schools in Virginia from Michael Riley, Executive Director of Secondary Instruction. “Our Professional Learning Community (PLC) model, established in 2013,…