Talking Out of School

Episode 4: Marguerite Roza

Marguerite Roza,  a professor and director of the Edunomics Lab at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy, aims to help district leaders make smart decisions about the best way to use financial resources on behalf of students.  

Chaos to Calm: Improving School Culture Through an Adults-First Approach

In this impactful episode of the District Administration Podcast, Jill Moley, Director of Development for Conscious Discipline, and Jessica Meisenheimer, Director of Special Programs at Liberty Public Schools in Missouri, explore the transformative power of prioritizing adult wellness and mental health in schools. Amid rising stress levels among educators, our guests delve into why an adult-first approach is essential for fostering a nurturing school environment where students thrive. 
Discover how Liberty Public Schools implemented Conscious Discipline, an evidence-based, trauma-informed program focusing on self-regulation and classroom management, to dramatically reduce disciplinary issues, enhance academic achievement, and boost staff retention and satisfaction. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or simply interested in educational transformation, this conversation offers insights and inspiration for making a lasting impact on school culture. Tune in to learn how shifting the focus to adults can lead to a school atmosphere of understanding, empathy, and connectedness, paving the way for the next generations to succeed.

Episode 3: Denise Watts

District Administration's Micah Ward and Matt Zalaznick sit down with Denise Watts, superintendent at Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, to discuss what it's like being a new superintendent in 2024. At a time when superintendent turnover is at an all-time high, she describes why it's an exciting time for new leaders like herself who are standing on the heels of giants.

Episode 2: Dr. Joe Gothard

Dr. Joe Gothard is the superintendent of Saint Paul Public Schools in Saint Paul, Minnesota. He is the recipient of the 2024 Minnesota Superintendent of the Year and is among three finalists nominated for AASA 2024 National Superintendent of the Year.
Dr. Gothard joins staff writers Alcino Donadel and Micah Ward on the second episode of "Talking Out of School."

Episode 1: Randi Weingarten

American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten talks to K12 administrators about how they can support teachers and unify their communities around public education. 

District Administration: The Changing Face of School Security

In this episode, host Gabrielle engages with Paul Tim, Director of Education Safety at Allegiant. Drawing from his extensive experience, Paul discusses the dynamic world of school security. He highlights the pivotal role of industry associations like PASS and NASRO in establishing guidelines and best practices for school safety.
Paul emphasizes communication systems and access control as key components of security, exploring the potential of artificial intelligence. The conversation underscores the importance of collaboration with students, parents, and the community.
Discover lessons learned from past incidents and the need for a comprehensive security approach. Join us for this insightful episode and learn how to create safer learning environments.

Reflecting on Resilience: Cultivating a Culture of Belonging and Balance

Explore compelling instances of educational leadership that focus on creating a sense of belonging and facilitating growth, nurturing a positive school culture, and effectively integrating technology while maintaining a human touch. Dr. Tim Hudson, an experienced educator and Chief Learning Officer at Discovery Education, leads the conversation, providing valuable insights for school and district leaders. Join us for an engaging exploration of the dynamic relationship between technology and education, as we equip learners for the future by bridging classrooms with the realities of today.