#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…

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….

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…

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…

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…