Our #100DistrictConversations have been far-reaching in terms of regional, socioeconomic, and geographic diversity. Conversation #71 with Superintendents Michelle Osterhoudt (Margaretville Central School) and Stacy Ward (Roxbury Central School) highlights unique ways that rural leaders are choosing sharing resources and collaborating to improve the quality of education for their constituents. Thank you AASA for featuring these…

Conversation #70 with Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District Superintendent Bill Runey was incredible and shows how a collaborative strategy and a vision for innovative technology can shift district performance! Thank you Leo Brehm for making the connection. “When I started in this role, I inherited professional learning satisfaction scores that were incredibly disappointing, but motivated me to…

Our professional learning experience demonstrates that artificial intelligence in education requires in-person dialogue, tough conversations, and exploration of safe, effective use in order to move beyond tools alone and start thinking strategically about transformation.  Denver Public Schools is in Year 3 of our AI strategy. We started in Year 1 with 225 teachers out of…

#100DistrictConversations rolls on with Djeneba Cherif, Chief Academic Officer at University Prep Schools in Michigan. Conversation #68 shows just how intentional and empowering a coherent teacher professional learning strategy can be. I am grateful to AASA magazine for sharing Djeneba’s approach with an article their October issue. “I have learned that a teaching certificate alone…

I had so much fun chatting with Mary Anne Butler, Superintendent of Stonington Public Schools in Connecticut for conversation #67. She is an innovative leader who lives by the principle that standing still is more dangerous than moving forward. I am excited to present with her and Sean McKenna at the MassCUE Fall Conference. “In…

The pace at which career and technical education (CTE) pathways are advancing and becoming increasingly aligned to high-demand workforce skills and careers is dizzying. It’s important to elevate the professional learning strategies and challenges that CTE leaders face, as they are often unique. This is why I am grateful to Dan Kelley for connecting me…

Truly grateful to Jim Flanagan, executive director of the Massachusetts Educational Technology Administrators Association (METAA) for introducing me to Dr. Lee McCanne for conversation #65. Lee is the Chief Information Officer for Cambridge Public Schools and has a wealth of experience bridging education technologywith curriculum and instruction. His insights regarding best practices for rolling out…

Rural Superintendents are some of the most creative and resourceful leaders. Conversation #60, with Dr. Beth Regulbuto, Superintendent of Southern Berkshire Regional School District, showcases her adaptive and community driven vision for improving educational opportunities via mindset shifts for teachers and students. “In our small regional district, we face a unique challenge: we are comprised…

Conversation #59, with Maureen Cohen, Ed.D, Superintendent of the Mendon-Upton Regional School District in Massachusetts reimagines adult learning while staying focused on the north star of student needs and experience. I could have done a full post just on the concept of Adult Learning Pathways. Thank you Lori Batista McEwen for nominating Superintendent Cohen. If…

I have been a High Tech High fanboy for years even though I have never personally made the pilgrimage to see their schools in action. Getting to speak with Diana Cornejo-Sanchez, CEO of High Tech High, during conversation #58 of #100DistrictConversations, was definitely the next best thing! There is an incredible vision and commitment to…

How often do you see Technology Directors attending curriculum training for teachers? That’s exactly what Bob Fishtrom and his tech team did at Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District. Conversation #57 of 100DistrictConversations has some great insights: “I have seen a significant shift in my sixth year here: after rebuilding our technology infrastructure, we…

This was our first interview with a Kentucky leader for the #100DistrictConversations project, and it was fantastic! Buddy Berry, Superintendent of Eminence Independent Schools is an innovative education leader with a strong north star for personalized learning. His investment in early adopters feels incredibly relevant for today’s AI implementation conversations. Thank you George Philhower for…

There are super tangible processes and takeaways driven by financial necessity featured in conversation #55 with Assistant Superintendent Lori Lofton of New Albany Plain Local Schools. I am loving the idea of “Bite-sized PD” based on teacher interest. “After navigating a significant fiscal cliff between 2014-2016, a core principle emerged to guide our district’s decision-making:…

We’re back with conversation #54, which was an incredible opportunity to get to know a leader who believes deeply that all students are capable of incredible things when adults believe in their potential, Superintendent Ana Aleman-Putman, of South Haven Public Schools in Michigan. “I grew up here and went to school in this town. I…

What a pleasure it was to catch up with Ana Riley, Superintendent of Bristol Warren Regional School District. Ana lights up when she talks about her district’s vision and action steps toward “learning environments where students are actively involved in the teaching and learning process.” “A key focus over the past three and a half…