Charter School Superstars

This week, Ryan sits with Geoffrey Roehm, the Executive Director of the Launch Expeditionary Learning Charter School in Brooklyn. On this episode, Geoffrey talks about what makes his school unique and their focus on equity, sustainability, and combatting environmental racism. Geoffrey also shares some examples on what this project based/experiential learning initiative looks like. Tune in! You can also find out more about our guest's work by www.launchschool.org. Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair) Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with Geoffrey Roehm, the Executive Director of the Launch Expeditionary Learning Charter School in Brooklyn. On this episode, Geoffrey talks about what makes his school unique and their focus on equity, sustainability, and combatting environmental racism. Geoffrey also shares some examples on what this project based/experiential learning initiative looks like. Tune in! You can also find out more about our guest's work by www.launchschool.org. Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair) Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with Diana Diaz-Harrison, the founder and CEO of the Mission Achievement and Success Charter School, a high performing charter in Albuquerque, New Mexico. On this episode, JoAnn talks about what makes her school special and the state of the education system in New Mexico. JoAnn also talks about the charter school movement in New Mexico and the inspiration behind creating the Mission Achievement and Success Charter School. Tune in! You can also find out more about our guests' work by www.missionachievementandsuccess.com. Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair) Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with Dr. Troy A. Monroe and Dr. Marie Gordon Hall, the Executive Director and the Academic Director of Jumoke Academy. On this episode, our guests talk about the uniqueness behind their schools name and how it signifies their school's approach to education. Our guests also talk about their daily routines on campus and place an emphasis on growing teacher talent amid teacher shortages. Tune in! You can also find out more about our guest's work by www.jumokeacademy.org Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair) Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with Diana Diaz-Harrison, the founder and executive director of Arizona Autism Charter Schools. On this episode, Diana talks about what she loves the most about the Arizona Autism Charter Schools network and what inspired her to set this network. Diana talks about winning the Yass Prize award and their expansion plans to develop an accelerator to create autism-focused charter schools nationwide. Tune in! You can also find out more about our guest's work by www.autismcharter.orgHost: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with Shawn Young, the CEO and co-founder of Classcraft. On this episode, Shawn talks about the use of video game psychology and how a Classcraft class looks different than a traditional classroom. Shawn also talks about how gamified elements can help support non-curricular cognitive skills in students and the role of these elements with SEL. Tune in! You can also find out more about our guest's work by visiting www.classcraft.comHost: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with Matt DeHart and Cam McKennedy, representatives from the Teach from DeHart Foundation. On this episode, the start of Teach from DeHart Foundation and their inspiration behind setting up a charter school. Our guests' also talks about available night courses, job trainings, and career development for parents and the future of the Teach from DeHart Foundation . Tune in! You can also find out more about our guest's work by visiting www.teachfromdehart.orgHost: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with Stefanny Andujar, a licensed clinical social worker and the manager of student support systems for the Ascend Public Charter Schools network in Brooklyn, New York. On this episode, Stefanny talks about Ascend Public Charter Schools in Brooklyn and what makes it so special. Stefanny also talks about her day-to-day work and provides advice for charter schools in organizing effective DEI and anti-racism initiatives on their campus. Tune in! You can find out more about our guest's work by visiting www.ascendlearning.org Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with Adam Geller, the CEO of Edthena, a video-based teacher coaching platform. On this episode, Adam talks about Edthena and the work that he does with his company. Adam also talks about artificial intelligence and how can AI be used as a tool for professional learning and development for teachers. Tune in! You can try out Edthena's AI professional development platform for free by visiting www.edthena.com/charterschoolsuperstars. You can also find out more about our guest's work by visiting visiting www.edthena.com and www.youraicoach.com.Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with Michael Barber, a celebrated education marketing expert who specializes in enrollment marketing and branding for charter schools. On this episode, Michael talks about education marketing and his work at Charter School Capital. Michael also talks about effective branding in the context of charter schools and common marketing mistakes charter schools make. Tune in! You can find out more about our guest's work by visiting www.charterschoolcapital.comHost: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with Rob Buelow, this week is Senior Vice President at Vector Solutions. On this episode, Rob talks about the work that he does in creating safer, healthier schools. Rob also talks about ways teachers can help students learn about school safety and prevention and shares resources available to help. Tune in! You can find out more about our guest's work by visiting https://www.vectorsolutions.comHost: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with Stephanie Taylor, the Director of Clinical Innovation at Presence . On this episode, Stephanie talks about the importance of mental health support, curriculum, and training to staff and clinicians serving students with mental health needs. Stephanie also talks shares best practices for charter school leaders and resources are available to help. Tune in! You can find out more about our guest's work by visiting https://presencelearning.com/Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with Brooklin Trover, the National Director of Content and Implementation for Curriculum Associates. On this episode, Brooklin talks about the limitations in the conventional RTI/MTSS model and how we can re-imagine Response to Intervention to better serve students. Brooklin also talks about analyzing data through the lens of culture, communication, and commitment. Tune in!You can find out more about our guest's work by https://www.curriculumassociates.com/topics/rti-mtssHost: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with JD Smith, the Director of Career Readiness at the Reach Cyber Charter School in Pennsylvania. On this episode, JD talks about the work that he does at Reach Cyber Charter School and the school's career education curriculum. JD also talks about the importance of community partnerships in developing career education programs and shares advice for other online schools who want to provide career education options for their students. Tune in!You can find out more about our guest's work by visiting www.connectionsacademy.com/reach-cyber-school/.Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with Chris Klein, the Head of Education for Avantis Education. On this episode, Chris talks about the metaverse and the role that the metaverse plays in K-12 education. Chris also talks about Avanti's world, the educational VR theme park and the future of VR in education. Tune in!Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with Liliana Salazar, the National Director of Special Education and Student Support for Academica and the host of the Teach The Way They Learn podcast. On this episode, Lily talks about academic equity and addressing the COVID learning gap for students with disabilities and English language learners. Lily also talks about how to bridge that gap and shares evidence-based strategies that teachers can use to foster learning gains for these groups. Tune in! You can find out more about our guest's wok by visiting www.academica.orgHost: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with Ralph Krauss, the digital innovations director at Pinecrest Academy schools and the creator of Edutainment Learning, a virtual guest speaker program for schools. On this episode, Ralph talks about Edutainment Learning and the fascinating guests he's had on the program. Ralph also talks about ways to start an eSports program at your school and shares exciting developments happening in the Nevada charter sector. Tune in! You can find out more about our guest's work by visiting www.edutainmentlearning.com.Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits down with Angie Christophe, the Producer of the 2022 National Charter School Conference. Angie talks to Ryan about what to expect at this year's event and has some advice for new attendees to get the most out of NCSC 2022. Registration information for this year's event can be found at ncsc.publiccharters.org.Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with Alyssa Zabala, a student at the Doral Academy charter high school and the ace pitcher for Doral Academy's softball team. On this episode, Alyssa talks about her softball career at Doral High School as a graduating senior. Alyssa also talks about how Doral Academy has prepared her for college on and off the softball diamond and how she balances athletics and academics. Tune in! You can follow her on Instagram and Snapchat @alyssazabala and you can find out more about her school by visiting www.doralacademyprep.org.Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with Josh Chernikoff, an entrepreneur, strategist, and the founder of Cascade Communications. On this episode, Josh talks about the term of “breaking things” when it comes to entrepreneurship and what this concept looks like in the charter school sector. Josh also talks about disruption in education and shares insight for charter school professionals on how they can become more entrepreneurial. Tune in! You can find out more about our guest's work by visiting by visiting www.cascadego.co and www.joshchernikoff.comHost: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with Monica Strain, the HR Specialist for Training and Professional Development at Springs Charter Schools. On this episode, Monica talks about Springs Charter Schools, the schools model and what she loves the most about working there. Monica also shares practical strategies to improve teacher evaluation and Professional Development systems. Tune in! You can find out more about our guest's work by visiting www.springscs.orgHost: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits down with Christine McCracken, the SEL coordinator for Rowe Middle school in Chicago, Illinois. On this episode, Christine talks about what makes her school unique and SEL through the lens of Rowe Middle school. Christine also talks about restorative justice and how its implemented to help students grow academically and become more resilient. Tune in!You can find out more about our guest's work by https://roweelementaryschool.orgHost: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, we conclude our series of interviews live from the 2021 Florida Charter School Conference in Orlando, Florida. Ryan sits with Judy Marty, the new President of Doral College. On this episode, Judy talks about Doral College, her work on campus, and current programs available to cultivate educators and prospective students. Judy also talks about the benefits of pursuing higher education and shares professional development and educational endorsement opportunities. Tune in!You can find out more about our guest's work by visiting http://www.doralcollege.orgHosts: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, we continue our series of interviews live from the 2021 Florida Charter School Conference in Orlando, Florida. Ryan sits with Ralph Krauss, the digital innovations director at Pinecrest Academy schools and the creator of Edutainment. On this episode, our Ralph talks about Edutainment learning and how it involves charter schools. Ralph also talks about is work in E-sports and how it creates a positive experience for students through the leveraging of technology. Tune in! You can find out more about our guest's work by visiting http://www.edutainmentlearning.com/ Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, we continue our series of interviews live from the 2021 Florida Charter School Conference in Orlando, Florida. Ryan sits with Idalia Suarez, the principal of Somerset Academy Oaks and Somerset Academy City Arts, and Monica Cueto, the principal of Mater Palms Academy. On this episode, our guests talk about Mater Academy and share ways the school integrates itself into the community to make an impact. Our guests also talk about cultivating professional talent and their work serving all groups of students. Tune in! You can find out more about our guest's work by visiting www.somersetoaks.com or www.materpalms.com/ Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair) Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, we continue our series of interviews live from the 2021 Florida Charter School Conference in Orlando, Florida. Ryan sits with Lyman Millard, the founding partner of Bloomwell Group, a national consulting company that works with charter schools and nonprofits to formulate effective solutions to their strategic challenges. On this episode, Lyman talks about charter school enrollment and how COVID-19 has affected student recruitment. Lyman also shares effective strategies, tools, and resources to maintain effective charter school recruitment. Tune in! You can find out more about our guest's work by www.bloomwellgroup.comHost: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, we continue our series of interviews live from the 2021 Florida Charter School Conference in Orlando, Florida. Ryan sits with Cory Oliver, the Principal of Somerset Jefferson K-12 in Monticello, Florida. On this episode, Cory talks about Somerset Jefferson and his work turning around the school. Cory also talks about their curricular programs and reflects on what the charter school movement means to its stakeholders and families. Tune in! You can find out more about his work by visiting www.somersetjefferson.org Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Live from the 2021 Florida Charter School Conference in Orlando, Ryan sits with Blaire Jackson, the Director of Community Relations for Chrysalis Health, a provider of behavioral and mental health services for charter schools. On this episode, Blaire talks about talks about how the nature of his work has changed in the past three years and walks us through the services that his company provides. Blaire also talks about the role of telehealth throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and provides advice to school leaders on how to identify students that are struggling with mental health. Tune in! You can find out more about his work by visiting www.chrysalishealth.com Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair) Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits down with Anu Mahajan, the CEO of TinkRworks. On this episode, Anu talks about the terminology “STEAM” learning as opposed to STEM. Anu also talks about building effective teachers through project-based learning and how STEAM learning can cultivate entrepreneurship in schools. Tune in!You can find out more about our guest's work by www.tinkrworks.com.Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits down with Rhonda Dillingham, the executive director of the North Carolina Association for Public Charter Schools. On this episode, Rhonda talks about how the charter school movement has grown in North Carolina. Rhonda also talks about their recent bipartisan legislative success and how that mindset changed the way education policy is made. Tune in!You can find out more about our guest's work by www.ncpubliccharters.orgHost: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits down with Jim Lee, the enterprise sales director at Vector Solutions. On this episode, Jim talks about his interest in school safety and common safety issues recurring in school. Jim also shares resources and effective safety strategies to help improve school safety plans. Tune in!You can find out more about our guest's work by visiting www.vectorsolutions.comHosts: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits down with Jim Lee, the enterprise sales directors at Vector Solutions. On this episode, Jim talks about his interest in school safety and common safety issues recurring in school. Jim also shares resources and effective safety strategies to help improve school safety plans. Tune in!You can find out more about our guest's work by visiting www.vectorsolutions.com Tune in!Hosts: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Rose Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits down with Lynn Norman-Teck, the Executive Director of the Florida Charter School Alliance. On this episode, Lynn talks about how the charter school movement has grown over the past 25 years. Lynn also talks about the increase in charter school enrollment during the COVID-19 pandemic and what's next for the FCSA in terms of legislative advocacy. Tune in!You can find out more about our guest's work by visiting www.flcharterschool.org and www.charterschoolconference.com.Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits down with Tafshier Cosby and Maritza Guridy, the Director of Organizing and the Northeast Regional Organizer for the National Parents Union. On this episode, our guests talk about their work at the National Parents Union and legislative achievements in education equity that are parent driven. Our guests' also talk about operational and policy goals in schools and share ways to elevate parents to leadership roles in schools. Tune in!You can find out more about our guest work by visiting www.nationalparentsunion.org.Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits down with Tafshier Cosby and Maritza Guridy, the Director of Organizing and the Northeast Regional Organizer for the National Parents Union. On this episode, our guests talk about their work at the National Parents Union and legislative achievements in education equity that are parent driven. Our guests' also talk about operational and policy goals in schools and share ways to elevate parents to leadership roles in schools. Tune in!You can find out more about our guest work by visiting www.nationalparentsunion.org.Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits down with Dr. Kat Reinhert and Dr. Sarah Gulish, music educators and the creators of the Songwriting for Music Educators books and courses. On this episode, our guests talk about integrating songwriting in music curriculum and shares best practices in teaching songwriting in schools. Our guests' also provide advice for schools in still being able to emphasize music education during COVID. Tune in!You can find out more about our guest work by visiting www.songwritingforme.com and www.fflatbooks.comHost: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits down with Christopher Hines, the Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel of Crescent City Schools in Louisiana and Jessica Johnson, the General Counsel for Strive Preparatory Schools in Colorado. On this episode, our guests talk about their interest in the legal side of charter education and legal considerations for charter schools. Our guests' also shares information on new safety protocols, HR polices and offers advice for all school administrators. Tune in!You can find out more about her work by visiting crescentcityschools.org and striveprep.orgHost: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits down with Remi Del Mar, a senior product manager at electronics manufacturer Epson. On this episode, Remi talks about her interest in electronics and the rise of augmented reality in K-12 education. Remi also talks about training programs available to help teachers embrace new technology and bridge the technological gap. Tune in!You can find out more about her work by visiting www.epson.com.Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits down with Indy Goodwin Mack, third grade teacher at Jefferson County K-12: a Somerset Academy Charter School in Monticello, Florida. On this episode, Indy talks about her role at Jefferson Somerset and reflects on her accomplishments as she was awarded the Dr. Brian Dassler Leadership Award from the Florida Department of Education. Indy also talks about her experience as a longtime educator in the community of Jefferson County and provides insight on keeping classroom expectations high for both students and educators. Tune in!You can find out more about her work by visiting www.somersetjefferson.org.Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits down with Alyssa and Mackenzie, two students at the Pinecrest Preparatory Middle High school in Miami, Florida. Alyssa and Mackenzie are officers at PPMH's Student Government Association. Alyssa and Mackenzie talk about their experience in their school's SGA and provide some valuable advice on how other charter schools can build strong student governments of their own. You can find out more about our guests' school by visiting www.ppmhcharterschool.org.Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with Lyman Millard, the founding partner of Bloomwell Group, a national consulting company that works with charter schools and nonprofits to formulate effective solutions to their strategic challenges. On this episode, Lyman talks about how the COVID pandemic has changed the nature of the consulting projects at the Bloomwell Group. Lyman also talks about how the pandemic changed recruitment for charter schools and shares effective strategies, tools, and resources to maintain effective recruitment. You can find out more about our guest's work by visiting www.bloomwellgroup.comHosts: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with Ayden Jent, a charter school alum and paralympic track and field athlete. Recently, Ayden was honored as a 30 Under 30 Changemaker by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. On this episode, Ayden talks about his experience attending the Herron High School Charter School and discusses their classical education model. Ayden also talks about his track and field achievements and his advocacy work for people with disabilities.You can find out more about our guest by following him on Twitter @ajent20Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with Victoria Galarraga, an alum of the Doral Academy Charter High School Doral, Florida and a recent graduate of Georgetown University. On this episode, Victoria reflects on her experience at Doral Academy and how this charter has influenced her pursuit to higher education. Victoria also talks about the law school application process and area of law that sparks her interest. Tune in! You can find out more about her former school by visiting www.doralacademyprep.org Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair) Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with Josh Ence, the Engineering Educational Technology Specialist at Vernier, and Douglas King, the Engineering and Robotics Teacher at Granada Hills Charter High School in California. On this episode, our guests talk about Vernier and the work that it does to put hands-on STEM education resources into classroom’s. Our guests also shares STEM initiatives and advice for teachers who are getting into CTE. You can find out more about their work by visiting www.vernier.com and ghctk12.com.Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with Adam Geller, the CEO of Edthena, a video-based teacher coaching platform. On this episode, Adam talks about the work that Edthena does and shares practical strategies for effective video-based coaching. Adam also talks about support services to prepare educators to combat pandemic-related learning loss in their students post COVID-19. Tune in!You can check out his book “Evidence of Practice: Playbook for Video Powered Professional Learning” by visiting evidenceofpractice.com and you can find out more about his work by visiting www.edthena.com.Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with Kristin Martinez, the Clinical Director for Presence Learning, a K12 Teletherapy company. On this episode, Kristin talks about how a typical teletherapy interaction takes place in the K12 setting and how her work has changed amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Kristin also provides advice on ways to improve school services provided to special education students. You can find out more about our guest’s school by visiting www.presencelearning.com Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair) Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with Frank Fernandez, the faculty Executive Producer of SLAM Radio. Located on the SLAM Miami charter school campus, SLAM Radio is the first SiriusXM radio station run by high school students. On this episode, Frank talks about his background in sports media and his experience working with charter school students as part of the SLAM Radio program. Frank also talks about the education process of teaching students while ensuring that they get good practical training. You can find out more about our guest’s school by visiting www.slammiami.com Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair) Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with Pamela McDonald, the head coach of the Doral Academy Charter School boy’s soccer team in Doral, Florida. On this episode, Pamela talks about her experience coaching the Doral Charter team for 13 years and challenges she faced in the process. Pamela also talks about her coaching philosophy and how she has helped grow their athletic program.You can find out more about our guest school by visiting www.doralacademyprep.orgHost: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with Mike Teng, the CEO and Co-Founder of Swing Education, a staffing company that connects schools with high-quality substitute teachers. On this episode, Mike talks about what motivated him to start Swing Education and his experience as a school administrator having to navigate finding substitute teachers. Mike also talks about the different roles that substitute teachers can play in charter schools and how this has changed during the pandemic. Tune in!You can find out more about our guest school by visiting www.swingeducation.com.Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with James Palcik, the Director of Education, Safety, and Compliance at Flinn Scientific. On this episode, James talks about his role at Flinn and goes over effective protocols, activities, and equipment that schools can use to help them re-open safely. James also talks how to keep school science labs safe. You can find out more about our guest’s work (and more about the Flinn Professional Learning Series) by visiting www.flinnsci.com. Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair) Producer: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits with Amanda Milian, a charter school graduate and current student at Florida International University studying digital broadcasting. On this episode, Amanda talks about her experience working with the SLAM Radio SiriusXM station and how this has contributed to the work that she does now. Amanda also talks about taking over as the new host of What Happens Next on Academica Media and provides advice for high school seniors in pursuing their future endeavors. Tune in!Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse