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….

I have interviewed a couple of leaders who have worked their way through the ranks from classroom teacher to superintendent. Their context, empathy, and expectations are a superpower! Karen Barber, Superintendent of Santa Rosa County Public Schools in Florida is that leader. So many gems in conversation #90! “I’ve spent 29 years in this district…

There are very few district leaders who feel as comfortable pioneering a new and compelling idea or co-designing with partners through messy, nascent work – all while holding the highest bar possible for her staff, students and families. Stephanie Downey Toledo is that Superintendent. I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with Stephanie for 9 years…

We are nearing the culmination of #100DistrictConversations, and it has been fun reaching out to long-time friends in district positions for this final push. Conversation #88 with thought partner, Dave Quinn, Assistant Superintendent of the Sandwich Public School System in Massachusetts explores his thoughtful process for pacing educator professional learning so that it is student-centered…

I first met Katya Denisova, PhD three years ago at a RPPL (Research Partnership for Professional Learning) convening in Washington, DC. When she mentioned she runs all professional learning (PL) internally across Baltimore City Public Schools, my jaw dropped. Just thinking about staff parking and seating for PL days makes me want to curl up…

Conversation #85 was my first in-person #100DistrictConversations interview at the recent National Conference on Education from AASA hosted in Nashville. I loved getting to sit down for an extended chat with Superintendent Chuck Perry from Broken Arrow Public Schools in Oklahoma. Chuck is a hometown hero who grew up and spent his own K-12 experience…

Conversation #84 with Superintendent Heath Rocha of Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District in California surfaced something I keep coming back to. Research-driven practices only reach their potential when supported by strong cycles of continuous improvement. As Heath scales this work across all departments, implementation gaps are the real obstacle, not vision or will. He…

One of the things I have enjoyed about #100DistrictConversations is seeing the different starting points from which district leaders begin their innovation and change efforts. Neil Gupta is the Superintendent of Oakwood City Schools, a small, high-performing district in Ohio. As a former curriculum director who does not need to focus on turnaround efforts, Neil…