
Hosted by Mark Turner · EN

And so to episode 21, our season finale - and it's a bumper ep to go out on! I am so excited for this two-hander, as I get to share the amazing duo of Dr. Peter Gorman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-c-gorman/) and Dr. Robert Avossa, Ed.D. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/avossa/), two of the co-founders of The Forum for Educational Leadership (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-forum-for-educational-leadership/). So much knowledge, so much leadership insight, and the only pizza recommendation you'll ever need! Don't say we don't take care of you, dear listeners!

“I feel like I’m trying to create the world I thought I was born into”, goes a long way to telling you just how amazing of an educational leader and great human being our latest Educate Me! podcast guest, Dr. Tim Hudson, is. As a former classroom teacher, curriculum coordinator, chief learning officer, and now founder of Campus Pro Events, Dr. Hudson has dedicated his professional life to not only providing opportunities for every student to learn, but to ensuring equity for all. Which, in large part, is what makes him such an awesome guy!And his ‘Magic Wand’ answer might be the best we’ve ever had…

Perhaps the most powerful Educate Me! podcast episode we've ever recorded, because our guests' influence has unexpectedly, but necessarily, gone far beyond education leadership.Brenda Lewis, Ph.D. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-turner-a7b74522/#), Superintendent of Fridley Public School District (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-turner-a7b74522/#), MN, was thrust into the national and global spotlight earlier this year when ICE came to town. Dr. Lewis was presented with an unenviable task, but one that she embraced on behalf of her school district, her community, and in an effort to protect every child under her care.What motivates her? Where did the courage come from to lead in such challenging circumstances? And what would she do with a magic wand...

Passion. Purpose. Powerhouse! Dr. Jennifer Collier (https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjencollier/), Superintendent of Kansas City Public Schools (https://www.linkedin.com/company/kansas-city-public-schools/), Missouri, has the first two in abundance and consistently shows up as the third for her students, staff, and community. Setting high expectations for students, unifying the school district and city around academic purpose, and creating a culture of community togetherness to help pass a hugely historic Bond that will impact an entire generation: just a few of the things that define and characterize her leadership. This is one Educate Me! podcast episode you do not want to miss!

The Educate Me! Podcast is a platform for promoting leaders and supporters of public education who are helping elevate the work and positively impact student outcomes. Henrik Appert (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-turner-a7b74522/#), CEO and Founder of Magma Math (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-turner-a7b74522/#), fits that description perfectly.Our first international guest doesn't disappoint! With a unique schooling story that takes us through 3 countries + plenty of viewpoints regarding how best to support our teachers and education system as a whole today, Henrik makes for a fascinating visit. Enjoy! (Njuta! 🇸🇪)https://www.magmamath.com/

Our first two-fer episode! With roots in the Dominican Republic but very different paths through their student experience, cousins Dr. Ariel Lajara (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ariel-lajara-6b6a8421b/) and Dr. Renato M Lajara (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-renato-m-lajara-b3206487/) careers now run in parallel as Assistant Superintendents in The School District of Philadelphia (https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-district-of-philadelphia/). Though distinct and unique, their individual journeys are equally remarkable. Both battled through a language barrier. Both cite some special teachers as essential advocates. And both have a steadfast commitment to paying it forward, helping every educator they mentor and support, and every student in their care, especially the most vulnerable in their urban setting.

How do you create a small community feel in the largest school district in Arizona? In this episode, Dr. Monica Mesa Ed.D. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-turner-a7b74522/overlay/create-post/#), Assistant Superintendent - soon to be Chief of Schools - at Mesa Public Schools (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-turner-a7b74522/overlay/create-post/#), with over 60,000 students and more than 80 campuses, has thoughts on that very topic.Growing up in a small rural town in New Mexico, Dr. Mesa appreciates the safety and security she enjoyed as a student, both in and out of the classroom. And as a leader today, she considers how to celebrate the collective strength and exciting diversity of such a large school system, while ensuring every student is seen and their learning journey feels personal.

Want to broaden your education world view? This EducateMe! episode welcomes a world traveler in Dr. Khrisslyn Goodman (https://www.linkedin.com/preload/#), Executive Director of Research, Evaluation & Assessment at Eastern Carver County Schools (https://www.linkedin.com/preload/#).Khrisslyn brings a unique view to public education in the United States, with an unorthodox journey that has culminated in her teaching and leading in Minnesota. Her unique view extends to her scope of work, also, with engagement in just about every aspect of her school district.

You're going to be hard-pressed to find a more energetic Educate Me! guest (or one with a longer list of responsibilities making up his 12-word job title!) than Bill Bass (https://www.linkedin.com/in/williambass/) of Parkway Schools (https://www.linkedin.com/company/parkway-school-district/), and ISTE (https://www.linkedin.com/company/isteofficial/) President of the Board of Directors.As an educational leader, Bill not only brings his positive energy and enthusiastic focus to his home state of Missouri, he also travels the U.S., evangelizing in school districts and at Ed conferences across the country. But today, he found the time to talk to us 😊

From humble beginnings, a determined young Mike Miles embarked on a distinguished college journey. From there, to the military. Then diplomacy. Before his third career as an educator saw him rise through the ranks to now leading the 8th largest school district in the nation, Houston USD, TX.How do you move a system of that size, ensuring positive growth and impact across the entire community? And what did Mike learn along his professional path that helped inform his beliefs as to how to successfully tackle this huge challenge?