Lead the Way: Ideas & Insights for Education Leaders

Reading is the skill that lays to foundation for success in school. This podcast focuses on the importance of relationships in teaching reading from the perspective of a literacy lead, a parent and university parent, and a former student. Suggestions for teachers, parents and students are shared that will promote success and help the student stay engaged. The participants in this podcast include: Dr. Mary Heather Munger, Assistant Professor, University of Findlay Max Munger, Business Owner Carolyn Turner, Literacy Lead, Ohio Department of Education

This episode will focus on how school districts are planning to respond to pandemic conditions and return for the coming school year. Leaders from Ohio districts share how their teams have met challenges, discovered new opportunities, and planned for the future after a year of disruption and difficulty. Hear how these teams are renewing their emphasis on equity, social-emotional learning, and innovative technologies and pedagogies. Educators involved in this podcast include: Eugene Blalock, Superintendent, North College Hill City School District Dr. Shannon Cox, Superintendent, Montgomery County Educational Service Center Dr. Neil Gupta, Director of Secondary Education, Worthington Schools Marc Kreischer, Superintendent, Bloom-Vernon Local Schools

In the podcast, Michele Moore, Director of Ohio's State Support Team Region 5 in Northeast Ohio, shares insights regarding the model of leadership used by educators in Ohio and how this model relates to issues of equity. The model has four components: Promoting Systemwide Learning, Prioritizing Teaching and Learning, Building Capacity through Support and Accountability, and Sustaining an Open and Collaborative Culture. Michele will explain the four parts of the leadership model and how they are evaluated through the Systemic Improvement Practices Review, one of the new resources house on the OLAC website. This podcast features Michele Michele Moore, Director of State Support Team Region 5. Jim Gay, OLAC Co-director, moderates the session.

Equity is a core value to Ohio's strategic plan, Each Child Our Future.  Equity is also central to Each Child Means Each Child, Ohio's plan to improve outcomes for students with disabilities. In this podcast, three educators discuss how equity is defined in their work.  Two regional state support team consultants and a district superintendent share their views on how the prioritization of teaching and learning impacts equity in a variety of settings. This podcast features Dr. Mona Burts-Beatty, Consultant, SST 13, Dr. Reva Cosby, Superintendent, Trotwood Madison City Schools and Julie Weyandt, Consultant, SST 9.  Jim Gay, OLAC Co-director, moderates the session.

Equity issues were more apparent as a result of the pandemic. These issues remain as students transition back to in-person learning.  This podcast features two districts that have taken action to address equity issues and student failure related to remote learning.  Their work to address student failure and increase student engagement continues as students move back the school buildings. Part 2 focuses on structural issues and how educators addressed these issues, changes in practice and plans for the future. Educators interviewed in this podcast include: Rocco Adduci, Curriculum Director, Buckeye Local Schools Dr. Reva Cosby, Superintendent, Trotwood-Madison City Schools Dr. Brian McNulty, Partner, Creative Leadership Solutions Links to related articles and a keynote presentation by Dr. Doug Reeves are included with the podcast.

Equity issues were more apparent as a result of the pandemic. These issues remain as students transition back to in-person learning.  This podcast features two districts that have taken action to address equity issues and student failure related to remote learning.  Their work to address student failure and increase student engagement continues as students move back the school buildings. Part 1 focuses on the national and state perspective, and issues faced educators in Buckeye Local Schools and Trotwood Madison City Schools. Educators interviewed in this podcast include: Rocco Adduci, Curriculum Director, Buckeye Local Schools Dr. Reva Cosby, Superintendent, Trotwood-Madison City Schools Dr. Brian McNulty, Partner, Creative Leadership Solutions Links to related articles and a keynote presentation by Dr. Doug Reeves are included with the podcast.

After Ohio's schools were ordered closed on March 12, school leaders adopted a variety of approaches to reopening.  In the fall, one of three approaches were adopted to begin the new school year.  Some of school districts reopened in the traditional manner with social-distancing measures in place, while others adopted a hybrid approach.  The third approach for some districts was to continue with remote learning. Regardless of the approach used educators have learned a great deal involving issues of equity in the age of COVID, and what matters most in terms of connecting with families and community organizations.  Insights into a long-term approach to improving outcomes are shared in this podcast. Educators interviewed in this podcast include: Dr. Tom Gibbs, Superintendent, Athens City Schools Dr. Theda Gibbs Grey, Ohio University Dr. Dionne Blue, Chief Equity Officer, Columbus City Schools Ms. Diane Campbell, Principal, Wedgewood Middle School, Columbus City Schools Dr. Reva Cosby, Superintendent, Trotwood-Madison Local Schools Dr. Lucy Rader-Brown, ESL Coordinator, Westerville City Schools This podcast was developed by WordFarmers Associates in collaboration with the University (UC) of Cincinnati Systems Development & Improvement Center on behalf of OLAC. The UC Systems Development & Improvement Center is a center within UC's College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services.

Ohio’s schools were ordered closed on March 12. Since then, Ohio’s educators have been hard at work to ensure students have access to the educational content they need to move to the next level, while keeping student well-being in mind. In this podcast, you’ll hear interviews from educators from seven school districts and one educational service center. The interviews highlight the promising practices that have emerged from educators who are creatively addressing the evolving challenges that are a part of the pandemic. Contributors include educators from: Canton City Schools, Kim Kingsbury, Curriculum Director Columbus City, Angela Chapman, Chief Leadership Officer, Tracy Ocasio, Chief Academic Officer Dayton Public Schools, Elizabeth Lolli, Superintendent Marion City Schools, Ron Iarussi, Superintendent Mahoning County ESC, Tracy Hosteltler, Superintendent, Kim Monachino, Director of Pupil Services, Andrew Velchek, Director of Technology, John Kuzma, Director of Teaching and Learning Painesville City Local, Josh Englehart, Superintendent South Range Local Schools, Gianna Rohan, Teacher Youngstown City Schools, Christie Sawcki, Chief Academic Officer

Educators from Pickerington Local Schools share how the district builds professional capital of faculty and staff. Pickerington’s use of focused collaboration through the Ohio Improvement Process (OIP) has led to improved results for students and staff. Pickerington opted to employ the OIP in order to continue their efforts meet the needs of all students. The work has led to increases that are reflected in student outcomes and in school culture and climate. The practical, real-world steps the district took to improve outcomes are shared. Contributors from Pickerington Local Schools: Bob Blackburn Assistant Superintendent, Student Services Zach Howard Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources Sharon Caccimelio Executive Director of Teaching & Learning Brian Seymour Director of Instructional Technology Contributors from Ohio’s State Support Team Rhonda Dickson Director, SST Region 11 Lynn McKahan Director, SST Region 1

Educators from two Ohio districts share the work of their teams as they implement inclusive instructional practices at the classroom, building and district levels. See how these practices have transformed teaching and learning. The target audience for this podcast includes teachers, building administrators, district administrators and regional facilitators. Struthers City Schools: Pete Pirone, Superintendent of the Struthers City Schools Amanda McNinch, Coordinator of Special Services at Struthers Bethany Carlson, Struthers Elementary Principal Niles City Schools: Ann Marie Thigpen, Niles City Schools, Superintendent Allyson Martin, Niles Middle School, Assistant Principal Chris Staph, Niles Intermediate School, Principal

Educators from three Ohio schools share their insights regarding effective TBT practices. Six practices that make a difference in terms of TBT effectiveness are covered: focus, constancy, context instructional conversations, implementation of agreed-upon strategies and leadership. Contributors include: Educators from Madison Park Elementary School in the Trotwood-Madison City School District: Tamara Rizzo-Sterner, principal and two of the school’s TBT leaders, Kendra Fogt and Ava Collucci. Educators from Bucyrus High School in the Bucyrus City School District: Dr. Mark Burke, principal as well as the three TBT leaders,Matt Makeever, Aaron Eckert, and Terra Hamm. And educators from Avalon Elementary School in the Columbus City School District: Lenelle Taylor, principal, instructional coach and LLI interventionist Yolanda Conner, and three teacher leaders— Kenette Edwards, Sarah Martin, and Christine Gould.

Educators from three Ohio schools share their insights regarding effective TBT practices. Six practices that make a difference in terms of TBT effectiveness are covered: focus, constancy, context instructional conversations, implementation of agreed-upon strategies and leadership. Contributors include: Educators from Madison Park Elementary School in the Trotwood-Madison City School District: Tamara Rizzo-Sterner, principal and two of the school’s TBT leaders, Kendra Fogt and Ava Collucci. Educators from Bucyrus High School in the Bucyrus City School District: Dr. Mark Burke, principal as well as the three TBT leaders,Matt Makeever, Aaron Eckert, and Terra Hamm. And educators from Avalon Elementary School in the Columbus City School District: Lenelle Taylor, principal, instructional coach and LLI interventionist Yolanda Conner, and three teacher leaders— Kenette Edwards, Sarah Martin, and Christine Gould.

This two-part podcast focuses on the principal and the role courage plays in leading change and creating a learning culture that leads to improved outcomes for all learners.  Session 1 addresses the four types of courage that are evident in effective leaders, the relationship between courage and educational leadership, and steps the leader can take to practice courage.  In session 2,  trust, risk-taking and accountability as a part of courageous leadership are examined.  The importance of having a student-centered agenda is also addressed.  Participants should listen to the podcasts in order. Participants: Both podcasts feature Cathy Lassiter, Consultant and Author with Corwin Learning as the speaker.  The moderator is Deborah Telfer, Director of the University of Cincinnati’s Systems Development and Improvement Center.

This two-part podcast focuses on the principal and the role courage plays in leading change and creating a learning culture that leads to improved outcomes for all learners.  Session 1 addresses the four types of courage that are evident in effective leaders, the relationship between courage and educational leadership, and steps the leader can take to practice courage.  In session 2,  trust, risk-taking and accountability as a part of courageous leadership are examined.  The importance of having a student-centered agenda is also addressed.  Participants should listen to the podcasts in order. Participants: Both podcasts feature Cathy Lassiter, Consultant and Author with Corwin Learning as the speaker.  The moderator is Deborah Telfer, Director of the University of Cincinnati’s Systems Development and Improvement Center.

Two Ohio principals share their perspectives on what it takes to be a leader of learning in their respective school buildings. Regardless of leadership styles, several themes emerge in this session that are key to creating a learning culture in the school. Garnering support for school improving efforts, maintaining focus, and practical strategies to bringing the staff together around this important work are among the topics shared in this session. Participants: Aaron Bouie, Principal, Schreiber Elementary Schools, Canton City School District Terri Garrett, Principal, Gorsuch West Elementary School, Lancaster City School District

This podcast focuses on ways that coaching benefits individuals (for instance, teachers and principals) and teams (for instance, DLTs, BLTs, and TBTs). It describes how coaching augments professional development programs, such as OLI4 as well as how it is used to support the Ohio Improvement Process (OIP).   Participants:  Rick Carrington, School Improvement Consultant, SST 15 Josh Englehart, Superintendent, Painesville Local City Schools Deborah Tully, Director of Educational Issues, Ohio Federation of Teachers

This podcast focuses on the role of formative assessment in improving instruction, increasing collaboration, and enhancing engagement of students and teachers. Hear from four educators as they describe how formative assessment has changed practices at the district, building, and classroom levels.   Participants: Michael McCormick, Superintendent, Val Verde School District in Perris, California Kiel Strathman, 5th-Grade Teacher, Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School, Val Verde District Rhonda Peeples, Principal, Alpine Elementary School, Columbus City School District John Maynard, Principal, Ironton Elementary School, Ironton City School District