Leader Chat: Social Emotional Learning, From Recognition to Action with Sheldon Berman

Understanding the essence of SEL (Social Emotional Learning) is one thing, implementing it is another. Dr. Sheldon Bergman, Shelley to Jeff, has decades of experience leading this work. He and Jeff, longtime friends go into depth about strategies and the needed courage to tackle this work on behalf of students….

Leader Chat: Setting Expectations, Giving Feedback, and Embracing Difficult Conversations with Jeff Hancher

This is the case in education, like other fields, but creating systems of accountability and giving feedback can be very uncomfortable and difficult. Jeff Hancher is an expert in this area, and we were so lucky to get his help and perspective. If you lead, regardless of level in education, listen to Jeff’s invaluable advice….

Leader Chat: Teaching Advanced Reading and Writing In The Elementary Grades with Alfred Tatum

Dr. Alfred Tatum brings to light that perhaps our bar is set too low, specifically for Black boys. Alfred is passionate and very experienced in regards to literacy development, and his mission to teach and raise intellectuals is inspiring. His book, “Teaching Black Boys in the Elementary Grades,” is dense and packed with helpful instructional strategies….

Leader Chat: Leading from the Middle with Scott Mautz

As one can see and/or hear, Scott’s content specific to leading from the middle is something that needs to be heard by educational leaders. It may be one of the most relevant and pragmatic books that may not make it to the education space unless promoted and pushed. Scott’s description of the challenges leaders face is so accurate, and the advice and direction he gives are beyond insightful. There isn’t a leader in education who would not benefit from this conversation and the work of Scott Mautz….

Leader Chat: Khan Academy Making AI Work For Students & Teachers with Kristen Dicerbo

In education, like all disciplines, there are organizations we rely on to move forward and innovate and teach us along the way. The Khan Academy is one of them, especially when it comes to embedding technological advances to improve instructional support for students. In this Leader Chat, we are honored to have Kristen Dicerbo talk with us as we delve into the current and future impact of AI on educational opportunities….

Leader Chat: Overcoming Adversity: Leading and Innovating with Pearl Arredondo

Pearl Arredondo is an inspirational leader in many respects. She is fearless and strategic but ultimately empowered by doing what is best for those she serves. She has and continues to resist the trappings of politics and bureaucracy, and her story needs to be shared and heard by principals and district leaders. She and Jeff get real in this conversation, and we encourage all to learn via Pearl’s story and success….

Leader Chat: Mastering Yourself…So You Can Master Your World with Dr. Craig Dowden

If you are interested in learning more and developing yourself as a leader and don’t know Craig Dowden, you must. His work and perspective are incredibly valuable and unique. Many writers, speakers, and consultants in the leadership space focus on systems and structures of productivity. Craig’s focus aligns squarely with the internal and behavioral health of leaders themselves. His research and advice are pragmatic and meaningful. He and Jeff discuss his book, A Time to Lead: Mastering Yourself…So You Can Master Your World. It’s a must-read, and this is a must-listen. …

Leader Chat: Finding Your Way as a First-Time Leader Without Losing Your Mind with Starr Sackstein

We were drawn to Starr’s book, From Teacher to Leader: ‘Finding Your Way as a First-Time Leader Without Losing Your Mind’. This challenging transition, described in even the title, is more relevant today than it ever has been. Starr Sackstein offers her very honest and pragmatic reflections and advice in this engaging conversation….

Leader Chat: Moving From Fear and Denial of AI to Embracing and Leading It With Pat Yongpradit

For some leaders and educators, AI is exciting and full of potential. For others, it’s scary and intimidating. This being the case, the best strategy is to tap the wisdom of someone like Pat Yongpradit, the Chief Academic Officer for Code.org and leader of TeachAI. Listeners of Leader Chat will appreciate his candor and balanced perspective. AI resources and influence will only continue to grow, so learning from experts like Pat is extremely valuable….

Leader Chat: Addressing Systems to Attack the Problem of Teacher Shortages with Heath Morrison

Heath Morrison is the CEO of Teachers of Tomorrow, a very important and vital organization that is fortunate to be led by someone with vast experience who cares deeply about students and teachers. Heath and Jeff delve into the relevant and critical topic of teacher shortages—what is and what is to come. Their discussion analyzed the current status and conditions impacting the problem and delves into brainstorming future solutions. Every educational leader should listen to this!…