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#98 Angella Martinez
We are closing out #100Districtconversations strong! Conversation #98 is with my friend and Pahara Kinfolk 39 cohort-mate, Angella Martinez. If you know Angella then you know that her brain moves so much faster than most and she tolerates zero adult foolishness, while still being the coolest and most fun leader in the room. Angella is…
Read More#97 Dr. Rhonda Gladden
I’ve attended the Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) Community Schools & Family Engagement conference since 2022. I’ve made incredible friends and connections at this event, including Dr. Rhonda Gladden, an Instructional Specialist in Prince George’s County Public Schools Office of Community Schools. For conversation #97, I got to explore Dr. Rhonda’s challenges and strategies for…
Read More#96 Heather Perry
I know you’ve been wondering to yourself, “Has he finished his #100DistrictConversations yet?” Yes! After a quiet summer the final five conversations are teed up and coming your way soon! Today I’m posting conversation #96 with Heather Perry(opens in new tab), long-time superintendent of the Gorham School District(opens in new tab) in Maine. Heather’s inclusive…
Read MoreThe “Techlash” is Telling Us Something. Are We Listening?
by Shawn Rubin Right now, district leaders across the country are navigating a debate that is only getting louder and more complex. On one side sits parents and community members demanding that schools move faster on AI, frustrated that their children are falling behind students in districts with bigger budgets and bolder technology agendas. On…
Read More#95 Tresha Ward
#100DistrictConversations(opens in new tab) are sometimes just excuses to hang out with talented friends who do incredible work. Conversation #95 with Prospect Schools(opens in new tab) CEO Tresha Francis Ward(opens in new tab) was exactly that! A chance to see my Pahara(opens in new tab)-sister in action, and it was impressive. “When I took over as…
Read More#94 Leslie-Bernard Joseph
What does it really mean to never stop learning? Leslie-Bernard Joseph has spent his career thinking about this question. From Teach For America(opens in new tab) to founding schools to pursuing a joint law and education degree, each experience has shaped how he thinks about adult learning, approaches problems, and creates conditions for genuine adult growth.…
Read More#93 Cynthia Ritchie
Back with more #100DistrictConversations this week! I’m excited to share this conversation with a Connecticut leader who is both innovative and practical. Conversation #93 is with Dr. Cynthia Ritchie, Superintendent of New London Public Schools. As I’ve gotten to know and learn from her this year, I’m impressed with how she builds strong systems while…
Read MoreBefore We Buy Anything
by Shawn Rubin There’s a feeling I’ve chased but rarely experienced since I left the classroom sixteen years ago. Being in a room full of people who genuinely believe schools and systems can be better for kids, and are doing something about it. The New Schools Summit I attended last week had this feeling. I…
Read More#92 Anna Nolin
It was a pleasure to sit down in person with Superintendent Anna Nolin at the ASU+GSV Summit last month. We’ve known and collaborated with Anna for years, from her time in Natick Public Schools to her work now leading Newton Public Schools, a member district in our first PEA²K cohort – a partnership between Throughline…
Read More#91 Patrick Dunphy
Career and Technical Education (CTE) has been stigmatized for a long time but it’s starting to get its due and for good reason! Traditional high school has a lot to learn from the authenticity of CTE programs and career pathway curriculum. I loved getting Patrick Dunphy‘s perspective as Director of CTE for Sewanhaka Central H.S.…
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