About this episode
Well, Joshua Starr and Jeff clearly have a lot in common and are past friends. They are both experienced school district leaders and passionate about the moral imperative and strategy of leading with an equity mindset. Joshua is clear, honest, and able to describe the challenge and nuance of leading during challenging times. Jeff loved his book, Equity-Based Leadership, and after hearing this discussion, you will likely want to read it as well.
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Dr. Joshua P. Starr has been the Chief Executive Officer of PDK International since July 2015. Since then, PDK has relocated its headquarters to Arlington, VA, and celebrated 50 years of the PDK Poll and 100 years of Kappan magazine. Under Dr. Starr, PDK has expanded Educators Rising across the nation, including launching Educators Rising Collegiate, increased foundation support for its programs, and renewed support for PDK members and other educator scholars. He is the author of numerous essays, book chapters, and op-eds and writes a monthly column, “On Leadership,” for Kappan.
Prior to joining PDK, Dr. Starr was superintendent of schools in Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland for nearly four years and previously superintendent of schools for Stamford, Conn., for six years. Dr. Starr began his career teaching special education in Brooklyn, N.Y. He became a central office leader in school districts in the NY metropolitan area and served in the New York City Department of Education.
Dr. Starr has a bachelor’s degree in English and History from the University of Wisconsin, a master’s degree in special education from Brooklyn College, and a doctorate in education from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education. Dr. Starr and his wife have three children who have gone through public schools.