Shows
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesS05E07 - Being a Transformative Leader in the Face of Complex Challenges | Dr. Quintin Shepherd, Pflugerville ISDIn this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Dr. Quintin Shepherd. Quintin has 19 years’ experience as a superintendent and currently holds that leadership role at Pflugerville Independent School District in Texas. He has a demonstrated history of improving school districts in both rural and urban areas in multiple states by being committed to transformational and collaborative leadership focused on doing what is best for the children in each district. Quintin is the co-author of the book “The Secret To Transformational Leadership,” together with podcast co-host Sarah Williamson, and his second book, “Transforming Education for Systemic Change and Empowere...
2025-01-3025 min
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesSeason 5 Trailer: Superintendent Series!Hello Build Momentum for Education listeners, we're so excited to kick off Season 5 of the Build Momentum for Education Podcast. This season, we're exploring a particularly unique perspective in K-12, thought leadership, humanizing the role of the superintendent. In this special podcast series, we interview current and former superintendents and researchers to pursue the core question, how can we better see superintendents as real people navigating complex challenges to provide the best possible education for our K-12 students. We dig deeper into how this important work can help build community, invite collaboration and increase widespread engagement.
2024-11-0600 min
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesS04E11 - Rural Innovation Series | Mike Gonzalez, Executive Director, Rural Schools Innovation Zone | REPLAYIn this replay episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Michael Gonzalez, executive director of the Rural Schools Innovation Zone out of Premont,Texas. He was also a former principal at Premont Collegiate High School. This is the first episode in a four-part series focusing on rural collaboratives that are developing opportunities for students in specialized career pathways.Some Questions I Ask:What is the Rural Schools Innovation Zone? (01:16)Please tell us more about the three school corporations involved. (07:06)What are the challenges and successes in dealing with the higher education system? (09:27)How...
2024-06-1336 min
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesS04E10 - Sturm Collaboration Campus | Jill Garber, Danny Winsor, and Dr. Stephanie Fujii CSU, Arapahoe Community College & Douglas County School DistrictIn this episode we have a special group with us from the Sturm Collaboration Campus in Castle Rock, Colorado: Jill Garber, the Director of the CSU Collaboration Campuses; Dr. Stephanie Fuji, the President of Arapahoe Community College; and Danny Winsor, the Assistant Superintendent of Douglas County Schools. We explore the Big Blur and how they have brought individuals, partners, and education institutions together to do what's best for students.Some Questions I Ask:How did the collaborative come together in Castle Rock? (01:19)What problems would you like to solve through this partnership — and have yo...
2024-05-0947 min
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesS04E09 - Durable Skills & The Future of Work | Tim Taylor, Co-Founder & President, America SucceedsIn this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Tim Taylor, who is a co-founder and the president of America Succeeds, a nonprofit organization committed to engaging business leaders in modernizing the education system. He also served as the founding president of Colorado Succeeds. One of the America Succeeds initiatives Tim highlights is Durable Skills, which includes a combination of how you use what you know – skills like critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity – and character skills like fortitude, growth mindset, and leadership.Some Questions I Ask:Tell us more about America Succeeds. (01:14)Base...
2024-04-2528 min
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesS04E08 - Workforce Development in Washington State | Marina Parr & Stephanie DavidsmeyerIn this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Marina Parr, Director for Workforce System Advancement at Washington’s Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board and Stephanie Davidsmeyer, a Director of Communications for the Washington State Board of Education. Stephanie has 10 years of experience in nonprofit, corporate, and government outreach media relations. Some Questions I Ask:Marina, tell us more about your work and if you have seen a shift in how districts prioritize workforce development. (01:25)Stephanie, from the communications perspective, what trends are you seeing in workforce development and advancement? (04:03)Have you bo...
2024-04-1136 min
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesS04E07 - The Big Blur | Joel Vargas, Vice President, Jobs for the FutureIn this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Joel Vargas of Jobs for the Future, a nonprofit that focuses on strategies to transform education and workforce systems. Vargas is vice president of JFF’s Education practice, which supports systems change in the education ecosystem, influences policies that promote diverse pathways, and identifies and applies data-informed, learner-centered solutions. Before joining JFF, Vargas directed, initiated, and studied programs designed to help students from populations underrepresented in post-secondary education enter and complete college.Some Questions I Ask:Tell us more about Jobs for the Future. (01:18)How...
2024-03-2832 min
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesS04E06 - Rural Innovation Series | Jessica Morrison, Executive Director, The Southwest Colorado Education CollaborativeIn this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Jessica Morrison, the Executive Director of Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative, one of the partners in the newly established Career Launch Southwest initiative, which serves as a vital link between employers and the workforce of the future. She was previously the Director of Career and College Counseling at Animas High School in Durango for six years. In June 2021, the school won the Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) Award from the Colorado Department of Education for its Sophomore Inspire Week program.This episode concludes our series focusing on...
2024-03-1436 min
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesS04E05 - Rural Innovation Series | Aaron Black, Superintendent, Randolph Eastern School CorporationIn this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Aaron Black. He is currently the Superintendent at Randolph Eastern School Corporation in Union City, Indiana, and is spearheading the Rural Alliance Zone 32. Aaron was named a semifinalist for the Yass Innovation Prize 2023 from the Yass Center for Education (formerly the Center for Education Reform). The prize recognizes leaders in sustainable, transformational, outstanding, and permissionless education.This is the third episode in a four-part series focusing on rural collaboratives that are developing opportunities for students in specialized career pathways.Some Questions I Ask:
2024-02-2927 min
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesS04E04 - Rural Innovation Series | Lauren Marie Hall Riggens, Senior Manager, Empower SchoolsIn this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Lauren Marie Hall Riggins, a senior manager at Empower Schools, a national nonprofit that partners with communities and educators to reimagine local education systems. Lauren is currently the Director of Youth Poet Laureate at VOICES Corporation, an organization offering culturally sustaining programs for young people, where she also serves as a board member and consultant. She is an experienced educator, researcher, and nonprofit leader with many notable achievements. This is the second episode in a four-part series focusing on rural collaboratives that are developing opportunities for students...
2024-02-1538 min
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesS04E03 - Rural Innovation Series | Mike Gonzalez, Executive Director, Rural Schools Innovation ZoneIn this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Michael Gonzalez, executive director of the Rural Schools Innovation Zone out of Premont,Texas. He was also a former principal at Premont Collegiate High School. This is the first episode in a four-part series focusing on rural collaboratives that are developing opportunities for students in specialized career pathways.Some Questions I Ask:What is the Rural Schools Innovation Zone? (01:16)Please tell us more about the three school corporations involved. (07:06)What are the challenges and successes in dealing with the higher education system? (09:27)How do...
2024-02-0135 min
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesS04E02 - Strategic Community Partnerships Drive Innovative Workforce Development at Tacoma Public Schools | Adam KulaasIn this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Adam Kulaas, the Director of Innovative Learning and Career and Technical Education for Tacoma Public Schools in Washington State. He also founded Jobs 253, which offers the district’s high school students the opportunity to earn credit toward graduation while gaining meaningful work experience.Some Questions I Ask:Tell us about Tacoma Public Schools and your role in the district? (01:15)What is the Job 253 program? (02:10)What impact does Jobs 253 have for students and the community? (04:31)Who funds the program? (06:47)How do you work with other en...
2024-01-1820 min
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesS04E01 - K-12 to Career: How Community Colleges are Accelerating Workforce Development | Chad Bolser, Katie LashIn this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by a new co-host, Chad Bolser, a Chancellor from Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana. In previous roles, he served as vice president of Strategic Operations-Southern Campuses and Chancellor at the Richmond Campus. Chad was the athletic director at Richmond Community Schools for six years and the head coach for boys basketball for 10 years. We also bid farewell to Dr. Katie Lash as she embarks on a new chapter of her career as Ivy Tech’s Vice President for K-14 and Strategic Initiatives.Some Questions I Ask:...
2024-01-0427 min
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesSeason 4 Trailer: Global Workforce Series!Hello, Build Momentum listeners. We're excited to kick off season four of the podcast and we have some exciting changes to share this season. We're so thrilled for last season's co-host, Dr. Katie Lash, who recently left the service center to take on the role of VP of K-14 and Strategic Initiatives at Ivy Tech are so happy for her and wish her well as she focuses on her new job. The good news is that we're still keeping our Indiana connection and Chad Bolser and Chancellor from Ivy Tech will be this season's new co-host!This...
2023-12-1401 min
Voices from The BenchLadies of the Mill 2023 with Mary Cardenas, Denisse Lasso, Dora Rodrigues, Krysta Lovelace, Heather McMeans, Raegan Bicklein, Lauren Crowe, Holly Wood, Sarah Williamson, Jennifer Taylor, Emily Valentine, Hannah Fischer, Stefani Hudson, Lindsay Berg, Betty Teel, Brandy Jo, and Kathryn GreenJoin Elvis and Barb THIS WEEKEND at the DTG Symposium on September 15-16 at the GC America Facility in Alsip, IL
Join Elvis Dahl from Derby Dental Laboratory and the Voices From The Bench Podcast and Dr. Dr. David Rice from igniteDDS as they break down the challenges that happen between the clinics and labs. We are calling it “THE DENTAL SHOWDOWN”.
This 3 part Ivoclar webinar on LinkedIn kicks off September 14 at 7pm eastern. It’s LIVE so we encourage everyone to show up and voices your own challenges. It’s time to talk about it.
Register TODAY!
This w...
2023-09-111h 23
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesS03E24 -Technology and Learning Alchemist Julia Fallon | SETDA | REPLAYIn this episode of Build Momentum, Sarah and Katie are joined by Julia Fallon. Julia, a self-described technology and learning alchemist, is the Executive Director of the nonprofit State Educational Technology Directors Association, where she works with U.S. state and territorial digital learning leaders to empower the education community to leverage technology for learning, teaching, and school operations. Prior to joining SETDA, Julia worked for Washington state’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction for 17 years. In her free time, she runs the Crazy Idea Factory™.Some Questions We Ask:What is SETDA? (00:45)What...
2023-08-1030 min
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesS03E23 - Bridging the gap between edtech organizations and K-12 decisionmakers to solve education's most difficult challenges| Doug Roberts, CEO, Institute for Education Innovation (IEI)In this episode of Build Momentum, Sarah and Katie are joined by Doug Roberts, who is the founder and CEO of the Institute for Education Innovation. IEI specializes in bridging the gaps between individuals and organizations that are committed to seeing students succeed in school and in life. Doug and his team create safe spaces for problem-solving and innovative thinking, including the IEI Summer Summit where this episode was recorded.Some Questions We Ask:Could you tell us why you’re here and what IEI has going on this week? (00:59)What is IEI? (02:28)What ar...
2023-07-2736 min
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesS03E22 - Tom Vander Ark Talks AI, Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Mindset, and Building Credibility | Tom Vander Ark | REPLAYIn this episode of Build Momentum, Sarah and Katie are joined by Tom Vander Ark, an advocate for innovations in learning. He is the CEO of Getting Smart, a design learning firm that helps education organizations increase their impact with innovations for a better learning experience. Tom is also a prolific writer and speaker who has authored or co-authored eight books, including “The Power of Place: Authentic Learning Through Place-Based Education” and “Smart Parents: Parenting for Powerful Learning,” and he’s working on a new one. He has also been a content contributor for Forbes, LinkedIn, and Getting Smart. In his fre...
2023-07-1325 min
Tapping into...with Sarah TobinS5: E8 - Tapping into Menopause with Sarah WilliamsonWelcome to Season 5 Episode 8 of the Tapping into Podcast!
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In this week’s episode I chat with Sarah W...
2023-07-031h 06
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesS03E21 - Ken Eisner on Global Trends in Education, the Workforce, and Leadership | Ken EisnerIn this episode of Build Momentum, Sarah and Katie are joined by Ken Eisner. Ken is currently a Consulting Advisor with Avathon Capital, a Special Partner at Good Harbor Partners, and a Senior Advisor at New Markets Venture Partners. He is the former Director of Business Development for Amazon Web Services’ Global Learning Systems.Some Questions We Ask:What have you been up to since leaving Amazon earlier this year? (00:56)What do you think about the shifts in higher education? (03:23)What is the most effective way to evaluate microcredentials? (09:05)How can you apply the le...
2023-06-2938 min
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesS03E20 - The Original Disruptor Shares thoughts on the Future, AI and Thought Leadership | Michael B. HornIn this episode of Build Momentum, Sarah and Katie are joined by edtech pioneer Michael Horn. Michael is the co-founder of and a distinguished fellow at the Clayton Christensen Institute, a nonprofit think tank dedicated to Disruptive Innovation, and an adjunct lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Michael has won numerous awards for his insightful work, serves on a range of advisory boards, and is the author of books such as “From Reopen to Reinvent: (Re)creating School for Every Child,” ”Disrupting Class: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns,” “Blended: Using Disruptive...
2023-06-1529 min
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesS03E19 - Deconstructing Evidence-Based EdTech Post ESSER | Bart EpsteinIn this episode of Build Momentum, Sarah and Katie are joined by Bart Epstein,a Research Associate Professor in the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Virginia. The education entrepreneur was named one of the 30 K-12 IT Influencers to Follow by EdTech Magazine in 2022. He is the founder of the EdTech Evidence Exchange, a board member at ISTE+ASCD, and a civil test pilot for NASA.Some Questions We Ask:Tell us about your background and journey in education. (00:32)What are your thoughts about the ASU+GSV conference? (01:55)C...
2023-06-0138 min
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesS03E18 - From the Classroom to the Boardroom | AJ CrabillIn this episode of Build Momentum, Sarah and Katie are joined by AJ Crabill. AJ is a Conservator at DeSoto ISD in DeSoto, Texas, and as a Director of Governance at the Council of the Great City Schools. The education reform advocate and public speaker also served as a Deputy Commissioner at the Texas Education Agency and as Board Chair of Kansas City Public Schools. He is the author of the best-selling book “Great on Their Behalf: Why School Boards Fail, How Yours Can Become Effective.”Some Questions We Ask:Tell us more about your...
2023-05-1822 min
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesS03E17 - BookTok sensation uses social media to learn to read | Oliver JamesIn this episode of Build Momentum, Sarah and Katie are joined by Oliver James. Oliver is one of social media’s rising stars and an influencer on TikTok, where he was able to learn how to read through his fans’ support and encouragement.Some Questions We Ask:What is your story? (00:52)When did you realize you needed to tell the TikTok community and your fans about your situation? (02:06)Did people around you know you were struggling? (04:51)Tell us about a teacher who changed your life as a student. (30:10)Do you associate behavior with reading? (36:33)
2023-05-0440 min
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesS03E16 - The Essential Role of Philanthropy in Education | Lina Eroh, Overdeck Family FoundationIn this episode of Build Momentum, Sarah and Katie are joined by Lina Eroh, Communications Director for the Overdeck Family Foundation. Lina leads both internal and external communications efforts, working closely with grantees and the Foundation team. She has also provided her specialties in corporate communication for iconic consumer brands such as eBay. She is the President of the Rye Free Reading Room Auxiliary Board and spends her weekends with her three daughters, husband, and giant schnauzer.Some Questions We Ask:Please share with us your background—including how you ended up in philanthropy. (00:46)Ho...
2023-04-2032 min
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesS03E15 - AI: Are we Asking the Right Questions? | Ben FarrellOn this episode of Build Momentum, Sarah and Katie are joined by Ben Farrell, the Assistant Head of School and Director of the Upper School at the New England Innovation Academy. Prior to joining NEIA, Ben was the Principal and Head of School at The International Montessori School of Beijing. Ben received his M.A. in higher and post-secondary education from Teachers College, Columbia University in New York, and completed graduate coursework in cross cultural conflict transformation and reconciliation at the School for International Training in Vermont.Some Questions We Ask:How can teachers...
2023-04-0620 min
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesS03E14 - Tom Vander Ark Talks AI, Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Mindset, and Building Credibility | Tom Vander ArkIn this episode of Build Momentum, Sarah and Katie are joined by Tom Vander Ark, an advocate for innovations in learning. He is the CEO of Getting Smart, a design learning firm that helps education organizations increase their impact with innovations for a better learning experience. Tom is also a prolific writer and speaker who has authored or co-authored eight books, including “The Power of Place: Authentic Learning Through Place-Based Education” and “Smart Parents: Parenting for Powerful Learning,” and he’s working on a new one. He has also been a content contributor for Forbes, LinkedIn, and Getting Smart. In his fre...
2023-03-2324 min
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesS03E13 - Marketing Emails: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly | Sarah Williamson & Katie Lash | REPLAYIn this episode of Build Momentum, Sarah and Katie will be diving into sending marketing emails and making phone calls to superintendents and district leaders and figuring out what strategies are working and what don't.Some Questions Sarah Asks:Katie, could you give us a glimpse into your daily life with emails? (2:48)What are some of the worst experiences you've ever had with regards to receiving emails and what made them so bad? (6:10) What do you think is a reasonable number of times for someone to pester you if they haven't heard back from y...
2023-03-0935 min
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesS03E12 - Technology and Learning Alchemist Julia Fallon | SETDAIn this episode of Build Momentum, Sarah and Katie are joined by Julia Fallon. Julia, a self-described technology and learning alchemist, is the Executive Director of the nonprofit State Educational Technology Directors Association, where she works with U.S. state and territorial digital learning leaders to empower the education community to leverage technology for learning, teaching, and school operations. Prior to joining SETDA, Julia worked for Washington state’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction for 17 years. In her free time, she runs the Crazy Idea Factory™.Some Questions We Ask:What is SETDA? (00:45)What...
2023-02-2329 min
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesS03E11 - Leading with Impact and Urgency | Erin Mote, InnovateEDUIn this episode of Build Momentum, Sarah and Katie are joined by Erin Mote. Erin is the co-founder and executive director of InnovateEDU, a nonprofit whose mission is to eliminate the achievement gap by accelerating innovation in Common Core-aligned next-generation learning models and tools that serve, inform, and enhance teaching and learning. She and her husband, Eric, are the co-founders of the Brooklyn Laboratory Charter School, an organization that serves over 800 students. Erin is a loving wife to Eric and a loving mother to Roo and Clare. Some Questions We Ask:What i...
2023-02-0936 min
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesS03E10 - From Classroom Teacher to CEO | Tammy LaughnerIn this episode of Build Momentum, Sarah and Katie are joined by Tammy Laughner. Tammy is a retired primary/intermediate school teacher who served for almost 30 years in Indianapolis Public Schools. She is also the co-founder and CEO of Vimme Learning, an online math curriculum made by teachers for teachers to be used by students in grades K-8Some Questions We Ask:Please tell us about yourself. (1:06)How and where did you start your journey? (2:03)What has the business world been like for you? (4:31)What’s your approach to reaching your target goal? (8:38)Tell us...
2023-01-2617 min
Build Momentum for Education - K-12 Superintendent SeriesS03E09 - Futurecasting 2023: Predictions from CEOs, Superintendents and Education LeadersIn this episode of Build Momentum, Sarah and Katie are kicking off this first episode of the year with their predictions for 2023 in the education space, along with some influential people across the industry.Some Questions We Ask:What are your projections for K12 and ed tech this year?What are some of the challenges and themes we will see in 2023?What are you hopeful and/or excited about for education in 2023?In This Episode, You Will Learn:Sarah’s and Katie’s projections in education for 2023 (1:37)Jeff Patterson’s projec...
2023-01-1234 min