ChangeAgents In K12: Motivating Transformation In Education

Elaina Aguilar, founder and president of Bright Morning Consulting, brings her wealth of knowledge to the discussion on professional development. What specific habits make for successful professional development and how can we cultivate a vision of PD that makes it not only transformational but also more celebratory?ChangeAgents In K12 is presented by SchoolMint. Visit www.schoolmint.com to learn more about how SchoolMint supports K-12 schools and educators to create bright, sustainable futures.

How can districts adequately respond to the challenges faced by the students, families, and educators living in their communities? Rico Munn, Superintendent of Aurora Public Schools, explains how his district has maintained a community driven approach to navigate the hardships of the pandemic and prepare for the future in order to continue to meet the needs of their community.ChangeAgents In K12 is presented by SchoolMint. Visit www.schoolmint.com to learn more about how SchoolMint supports K-12 schools and educators to create bright, sustainable futures.

With so many teachers leaving the profession, what can be done to help prevent burnout? Dr. Andrew Miki, founder and Chief Science Officer of Starling Minds, discusses the importance of mental fitness and how digital platforms can provide needed support and make a big difference for educators who are struggling.ChangeAgents In K12 is presented by SchoolMint. Visit www.schoolmint.com to learn more about how SchoolMint supports K-12 schools and educators to create bright, sustainable futures.

What are the necessary components, skills, and knowledge for effective instructional coaching? Dr. Jim Knight, Senior Partner at the Instructional Coaching Group, shares his years of experience and research on what “Success Factors” lead to better partnerships, more effective coaching, and continued success for students, teachers, and instructional coaches as well.ChangeAgents In K12 is presented by SchoolMint. Visit www.schoolmint.com to learn more about how SchoolMint supports K-12 schools and educators to create bright, sustainable futures.

Dr. Patricia Baumer, Executive Director for the Office of Access and Enrollment Services at San Antonio ISD, discusses the importance of prioritizing enrollment as well as the continuous work necessary to make all enrollment practices equitable and ensure all students can find their perfect educational fit.ChangeAgents In K12 is presented by SchoolMint. Visit www.schoolmint.com to learn more about how SchoolMint supports K-12 schools and educators to create bright, sustainable futures.

How can districts make the most of their strategic planning processes?  Dr. Scott Muri, Superintendent of Ector County ISD, joins the conversation to describe the unique processes utilized in his district to maintain an active strategic plan and keep things on track towards great outcomes.ChangeAgents In K12 is presented by SchoolMint. Visit www.schoolmint.com to learn more about how SchoolMint supports K-12 schools and educators to create bright, sustainable futures.

How can districts work to build relationships and effective engagement with their families and communities? Dr. Brad Hunt, Superintendent of Coppell Independent School District (CISD), describes the strategies utilized at CISD to forge those connections, maintain participation, and continually improve outreach.ChangeAgents In K12 is presented by SchoolMint. Visit www.schoolmint.com to learn more about how SchoolMint supports K-12 schools and educators to create bright, sustainable futures.

Dr. Perry Berry, Superintendent of Queen Creek Unified School District, joins the podcast to explain how his district is meeting the challenge of their increasing enrollment by recruiting and retaining highly effective teachers, a critical piece of ensuring a great education for students.

What do great teachers and principals do differently? Dr. Todd Whitaker, Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Missouri and Professor Emeritus at Indiana State University, discusses the core elements observed in effective teachers and principals and how their example can be used to help improve the skills of all educators.

This week Jean Lo Nguyenloc, Senior Director of Central Operations at Strive Prep, joins the podcast to describe the enrollment efforts at Strive Prep, including specific steps they have taken to enhance their strategy and emerge as a leading choice for students and families.

In this District Spotlight, Dr. Devon Horton, Superintendent of Evanston/Skokie School District 65, details how his district is actively working to recruit and retain high quality teachers, reduce student suspensions, and use data to lead to actions that will impact their schools for years to come.Host Bio: Dr. Chris Balow is the Chief Academic Officer at SchoolMint.  Dr. Balow has a Ph.D in Educational Psychology and served for 33 years as an educator in various roles with focuses on literacy, mental health, and the behavioral and emotional growth of students. He has worked the last 6 years in the educational technology field to promote student success on a larger scale.

Guest Dr. Herbert Monroe, Assistant Superintendent of Caroline County Public Schools, shares his enthusiasm for education and inspiring personal experiences in an engaging dialogue on generating lasting change for the betterment of both students and educators.Host Bio: Dr. Chris Balow is the Chief Academic Officer at SchoolMint.  Dr. Balow has a Ph.D in Educational Psychology and served for 33 years as an educator in various roles with focuses on literacy, mental health, and the behavioral and emotional growth of students. He has worked the last 6 years in the educational technology field to promote student success on a larger scale.

What is the relationship between literacy and Social-Emotional Learning? Eileen Murphy, Founder and CEO of ThinkCERCA, joins the podcast to discuss how building student engagement and confidence in constructing knowledge can lead to achievement across content areas and help connect students to each other and the world around them.Host Bio: Dr. Chris Balow is the Chief Academic Officer at SchoolMint.  Dr. Balow has a Ph.D in Educational Psychology and served for 33 years as an educator in various roles with focuses on literacy, mental health, and the behavioral and emotional growth of students. He has worked the last 6 years in the educational technology field to promote student success on a larger scale.

Guest Jerry Almendarez, Superintendent of Santa Ana Unified School District, discusses the use of “strategic foresight” in order to plan for, innovate, and meet the challenges of our new educational environment, such as declining enrollment and social/emotional well being of students and staff.Host Bio: Dr. Chris Balow is the Chief Academic Officer at SchoolMint.  Dr. Balow has a Ph.D in Educational Psychology and served for 33 years as an educator in various roles with focuses on literacy, mental health, and the behavioral and emotional growth of students. He has worked the last 6 years in the educational technology field to promote student success on a larger scale.

In this District Spotlight guest Dr. Deirdre Pilch, Superintendent of Greeley-Evans School District 6, describes difficulties, triumphs, and best practices for both her district and the role of superintendent in general, with some valuable advice for up and coming school leaders.Host Bio: Dr. Chris Balow is the Chief Academic Officer at SchoolMint.  Dr. Balow has a Ph.D in Educational Psychology and served for 33 years as an educator in various roles with focuses on literacy, mental health, and the behavioral and emotional growth of students. He has worked the last 6 years in the educational technology field to promote student success on a larger scale.

How can districts engage with their community and encourage their students to succeed, regardless of their situation? Dr. Martinrex Kedziora, Superintendent Moreno Valley USD, explains how his district’s focus on building relationships, increasing unique opportunities, and telling their district story have been critical pieces of their continued progress.Host Bio: Dr. Chris Balow is the Chief Academic Officer at SchoolMint. Dr. Balow has a Ph.D in Educational Psychology and served for 33 years as an educator in various roles with focuses on literacy, mental health, and the behavioral and emotional growth of students. He has worked the last 6 years in the educational technology field to promote student success on a larger scale.

Guest Dr. Walt Griffin, Superintendent of Seminole County Public Schools, shares how his district’s focus on building relationships, changing the culture, and taking good care of both staff and students has led to improved student outcomes and the designation as one of the 100 healthiest places to work.Host Bio: Dr. Chris Balow is the Chief Academic Officer at SchoolMint. Dr. Balow has a Ph.D in Educational Psychology and served for 33 years as an educator in various roles with focuses on literacy, mental health, and the behavioral and emotional growth of students. He has worked the last 6 years in the educational technology field to promote student success on a larger scale.

In this District Spotlight, Tony Sanders (Superintendent of Illinois School District U-46) describes his professional journey to leading the second largest school district in Illinois. Topical district issues are also discussed, such as budgeting, Covid challenges, district communication, and how his district is working to provide access to unique programs and school choice for all students.Host Bio: Dr. Chris Balow is the Chief Academic Officer at SchoolMint. Dr. Balow has a Ph.D in Educational Psychology and served for 33 years as an educator in various roles with focuses on literacy, mental health, and the behavioral and emotional growth of students. He has worked the last 6 years in the educational technology field to promote student success on a larger scale.

How can we build a more inclusive system in order to make things better for all? Join guest, Dr. Kenneth Magdaleno, as he discusses his personal journey and the work of the Center for Leadership, Equity, and Research (CLEAR), which strives to meet that goal by providing resources to develop leaders, address inequity, and facilitate educator collaboration.Host Bio: Dr. Chris Balow is the Chief Academic Officer at SchoolMint. Dr. Balow has a Ph.D in Educational Psychology and served for 33 years as an educator in various roles with focuses on literacy, mental health, and the behavioral and emotional growth of students. He has worked the last 6 years in the educational technology field to promote student success on a larger scale.

Guest Joe McKown discusses some of the challenges faced in education - including poverty, absenteeism, student behavior, and school climate - and provides data and insight empowering educators to meet these challenges.Host Bio: Dr. Chris Balow is the Chief Academic Officer at SchoolMint. Dr. Balow has a Ph.D in Educational Psychology and served for 33 years as an educator in various roles with focuses on literacy, mental health, and the behavioral and emotional growth of students. He has worked the last 6 years in the educational technology field to promote student success on a larger scale.

With a compelling discussion of trauma and brain science, Dr. Lori Desautels explains how educators can use educational neuroscience to better understand student behavior and inform disciplinary strategies.Host Bio: Dr. Chris Balow is the Chief Academic Officer at SchoolMint. Dr. Balow has a Ph.D in Educational Psychology and served for 33 years as an educator in various roles with focuses on literacy, mental health, and the behavioral and emotional growth of students. He has worked the last 6 years in the educational technology field to promote student success on a larger scale.

How do we define ‘learning’ and how can educators support powerful learning in schools? Guest Will Richardson, former educator for 22 years and co-founder of the “Big Questions Institute”, examines these questions and how fearless inquiry can lead educators to transformative student outcomes. Host Bio: Dr. Chris Balow is the Chief Academic Officer at SchoolMint. Dr. Balow has a Ph.D in Educational Psychology and served for 33 years as an educator in various roles with focuses on literacy, mental health, and the behavioral and emotional growth of students. He has worked the last 6 years in the educational technology field to promote student success on a larger scale.

Guest Dr. Rachelle Dene Poth explains the importance of being a “Connected Educator” and how unconventional teaching can change engagement and outcomes for students. Poth's approach has helped countless students reach their goals; her number one reason for continuing to share her knowledge and experiences with other educators.Host Bio: Dr. Chris Balow is the Chief Academic Officer at SchoolMint. Dr. Balow has a Ph.D in Educational Psychology and served for 33 years as an educator in various roles with focuses on literacy, mental health, and the behavioral and emotional growth of students. He has worked the last 6 years in the educational technology field to promote student success on a larger scale.

Are you telling your school’s story? Guest Nick LeRoy, Founder and President of Bright Minds Marketing, examines the rise in school choice and its effect on recruitment and enrollment, providing detailed ways schools can be competitive and transition into more “customer centric” organizations.Host Bio: Dr. Chris Balow is the Chief Academic Officer at SchoolMint. Dr. Balow has a Ph.D in Educational Psychology and served for 33 years as an educator in various roles with focuses on literacy, mental health, and the behavioral and emotional growth of students. He has worked the last 6 years in the educational technology field to promote student success on a larger scale.

Guest Dr. Elliot Washor, co-founder of Big Picture Learning, joins us to share the impact of his organization and their work to foster learning spaces where students can freely and courageously pursue their passions and interests. Over the past 25 yrs, Big Picture Learning has worked to innovate and change education and Dr. Washor discusses the student focused learning model which is at the center of their student success.Host Bio: Dr. Chris Balow is the Chief Academic Officer at SchoolMint. Dr. Balow has a Ph.D in Educational Psychology and served for 33 years as an educator in various roles with focuses on literacy, mental health, and the behavioral and emotional growth of students. He has worked the last 6 years in the educational technology field to promote student success on a larger scale.

Guest Dr. Kate Anderson Foley shares her thoughts on educational social justice, including anecdotes from her personal and professional journey. Hear her thoughts on policy reform and what motivated her to write a children's book on helping young minds make sense of discrimination and prejudice.Host Bio: Dr. Chris Balow is the Chief Academic Officer at SchoolMint. Dr. Balow has a Ph.D in Educational Psychology and served for 33 years as an educator in various roles with focuses on literacy, mental health, and the behavioral and emotional growth of students. He has worked the last 6 years in the educational technology field to promote student success on a larger scale.

In this District Spotlight, guest Dr. Dennis Peterson (Superintendent of Minnetonka Public Schools) shares lessons learned from his 50+ years of experience, explains the unique challenges of being an open enrollment district, and discusses ways they have worked to champion innovation in order to make their schools stand out. Host Bio: Dr. Chris Balow is the Chief Academic Officer at SchoolMint. Dr. Balow has a Ph.D in Educational Psychology and served for 33 years as an educator in various roles with focuses on literacy, mental health, and the behavioral and emotional growth of students. He has worked the last 6 years in the educational technology field to promote student success on a larger scale.

Guest Dr. Stacy Scott discusses how to make equity work in schools, including what challenges may be faced and the characteristics to promote organization success. Lean into this conversation on how school leaders can transform their organization so all students can succeed.Host Bio: Dr. Chris Balow is the Chief Academic Officer at SchoolMint. Dr. Balow has a Ph.D in Educational Psychology and served for 33 years as an educator in various roles with focuses on literacy, mental health, and the behavioral and emotional growth of students. He has worked the last 6 years in the educational technology field to promote student success on a larger scale.

What do SEL and School Climate efforts look like in practice and how can we continue to improve? Guest Heather Anderson discusses strategies used in the Charleston County School District and the “layers” school leaders should consider to realize a climate and culture that supports everyone.Host Bio: Dr. Chris Balow is the Chief Academic Officer at SchoolMint. Dr. Balow has a Ph.D in Educational Psychology and served for 33 years as an educator in various roles with focuses on literacy, mental health, and the behavioral and emotional growth of students. He has worked the last 6 years in the educational technology field to promote student success on a larger scale.

Guest Dr. Doug Reeves takes a deep dive into equity, excellence, and student engagement; sharing information on his personal research, common obstacles, best practices, as well as where you can start.Host Bio: Dr. Chris Balow is the Chief Academic Officer at SchoolMint. Dr. Balow has a Ph.D in Educational Psychology and served for 33 years as an educator in various roles with focuses on literacy, mental health, and the behavioral and emotional growth of students. He has worked the last 6 years in the educational technology field to promote student success on a larger scale.

In this District Spotlight, guest Dr. Kent Scribner, Superintendent of Fort Worth ISD, shares their response to the pandemic. Dr. Scribner also discusses leadership in times of crisis and how Fort Worth ISD is working to meet student needs through the Leadership Academy Network, a 5 year partnership with Texas Wesleyan University established to sustain the rising academic achievements of the District’s five Leadership Academies.Host Bio: Dr. Chris Balow is the Chief Academic Officer at SchoolMint. Dr. Balow has a Ph.D in Educational Psychology and served for 33 years as an educator in various roles with focuses on literacy, mental health, and the behavioral and emotional growth of students. He has worked the last 6 years in the educational technology field to promote student success on a larger scale.

With all the recent events, what considerations must schools take into account when it’s time to reopen? Guest Dr. Dennis Carpenter discusses challenges and the changing landscape of education from both a safety and social justice standpoint.Host Bio: Dr. Chris Balow is the Chief Academic Officer at SchoolMint. Dr. Balow has a Ph.D in Educational Psychology and served for 33 years as an educator in various roles with focuses on literacy, mental health, and the behavioral and emotional growth of students. He has worked the last 6 years in the educational technology field to promote student success on a larger scale.

In this school spotlight, guest Dr. Phil Downs, Superintendent of SW Allen County Schools, offers thoughtful dialogue on preparations and practices that have been most beneficial to his district during the pandemic. Dr. Downs also notes challenges they've faced, preparations for reopening, and more!Host Bio: Dr. Chris Balow is the Chief Academic Officer at SchoolMint. Dr. Balow has a Ph.D in Educational Psychology and served for 33 years as an educator in various roles with focuses on literacy, mental health, and the behavioral and emotional growth of students. He has worked the last 6 years in the educational technology field to promote student success on a larger scale.

How do we define transformation in education and what challenges lay ahead? Guest Gary Soto provides an extensive dialogue on what schools need to focus on in order to become truly transformational.Host Bio: Dr. Chris Balow is the Chief Academic Officer at SchoolMint. Dr. Balow has a Ph.D in Educational Psychology and served for 33 years as an educator in various roles with focuses on literacy, mental health, and the behavioral and emotional growth of students. He has worked the last 6 years in the educational technology field to promote student success on a larger scale.

In this school spotlight, guest Dr. John Marschhausen (Superintendent of Hilliard City Schools) shares district information and answers questions related to the pandemic closures. Dr. Marschhausen also provides insight into how districts can plan to meet students' needs. Host Bio: Dr. Chris Balow is the Chief Academic Officer at SchoolMint. Dr. Balow has a Ph.D in Educational Psychology and served for 33 years as an educator in various roles with focuses on literacy, mental health, and the behavioral and emotional growth of students. He has worked the last 6 years in the educational technology field to promote student success on a larger scale.

How has the pandemic affected students and how should schools address these needs when preparing to reopen? Dr. Howie Knoff provides valuable answers to these questions and shares five critical components necessary for success.Host Bio: Dr. Chris Balow is the Chief Academic Officer at SchoolMint. Dr. Balow has a Ph.D in Educational Psychology and served for 33 years as an educator in various roles with focuses on literacy, mental health, and the behavioral and emotional growth of students. He has worked the last 6 years in the educational technology field to promote student success on a larger scale.

An in-depth discussion on Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) with guest Dr. Don Kincaid. Key factors to school success and areas of possible deficiencies are examined, as well as points of concern stemming from closures due to the coronavirus pandemic for the upcoming school year.Host Bio: Dr. Chris Balow is the Chief Academic Officer at SchoolMint. Dr. Balow has a Ph.D in Educational Psychology and served for 33 years as an educator in various roles with focuses on literacy, mental health, and the behavioral and emotional growth of students. He has worked the last 6 years in the educational technology field to promote student success on a larger scale.

Guest Dr. Scott McLeod engages in a compelling discussion about how schools can work to transform education in a way that can increase student motivation, critical thinking, and preparedness for the real-world… And why the post-pandemic era may be just the time to do it.Host Bio: Dr. Chris Balow is the Chief Academic Officer at SchoolMint. Dr. Balow has a Ph.D in Educational Psychology and served for 33 years as an educator in various roles with focuses on literacy, mental health, and the behavioral and emotional growth of students. He has worked the last 6 years in the educational technology field to promote student success on a larger scale.