In this episode of Decode , we’re live from the ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego with Dr. Nicholas Wade , Superintendent of Columbia Union School District in California’s Sierra Nevada foothills. Leading a "small but mighty" rural K–8 district, Dr. Wade brings a compelling mix of grit, strategy, and heart to the conversation around AI, digital equity, and future-ready learning. We explore how his team is turning geographic disadvantage into opportunity—leveraging partnerships, innovative tools, and i...
Jul 08, 2025•20 min•Ep. 18
In this episode, host Stanley Buchesky, CEO of Pytop, sits down with Kali Beach, the youngest Career Technical Education (CTE) Director in North Carolina, from Pitt County Schools. Together, they unpack the evolving landscape of career readiness, exploring the barriers and opportunities in technology and trades education. From challenging outdated perceptions about college and career pathways to embracing the seismic shifts brought on by AI and edtech, Kali shares insights from her unique journe...
Jun 17, 2025•38 min•Ep. 17
In this episode of Decode , host Stanley Buchesky sits down with Sheri Bonds, Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) at Round Rock ISD in Texas, to explore how real-world learning, cutting-edge technology, and community partnerships are reshaping the high school experience. Sheri shares how Round Rock ISD’s CTE program—one of the most expansive in the country—prepares students for life beyond graduation through work-based learning, dual credit pathways, industry certifications, and a g...
Jun 03, 2025•41 min•Ep. 16
In this episode, Stanley Buchesky, CEO of pi-top, engages in an enlightening conversation with Darian Harris, the Director of Career and Technical Education for Durham Public Schools. Darian shares his compelling journey from accountancy to education, driven by a desire to foster diversity and make a significant impact in his community. Together, they explore the innovative measures being implemented in Durham to bridge the racial and gender gaps in technology education, emphasizing hands-on lea...
Apr 04, 2025•41 min•Ep. 14
In Decode, CEO of pi-top Stanley Buchesky sits down with Dr. Warren Morgan, the visionary CEO of Cleveland Metropolitan School District, to explore the intersection of equity, STEM education, and systemic transformation in K-12 schools. Drawing from his extensive leadership experience, including roles as Chief Academic Officer in Indianapolis Public Schools and White House Fellow under two presidents, Dr. Morgan provides a compelling analysis of the challenges and opportunities within urban educ...
Feb 25, 2025•29 min•Ep. 13
"Standards in computer science should blend rigor with engaging, real-world applications." Today's guest, Leigh Ann Delyser, is the Center for Education Research and Innovation director at SRI and a former computer science teacher. In this episode, host Stanley Bucheski welcomes Leigh Ann Delyser to discuss her innovative approach to computer science education. Delyser explores how to integrate play, fun, and rigor into teaching, and her study, "Running on Empty," uncovers gaps in U.S. CS educat...
Sep 18, 2024•53 min•Ep. 12
In this episode, Jeff discusses how AI has drastically improved his professional efficiency, particularly in dealing with communications and emails. He shares insights into the ethical use of AI within his school district, offering real-world feedback from teachers and administrators alike. Our guest is Jeff Curtis McCoy, the Associate Superintendent for Academics in Greenville County Schools. Jeff is a forward-thinker in education, particularly in how AI and innovative teaching methods can resh...
Aug 01, 2024•32 min•Ep. 11
Today’s conversation is packed with insights into the future of education and technology. Dr. Michael Lubelfeld, Superintendent of North Shore School District 112, dives into the critical need for computational thinking, problem-solving, and critical thinking in today's students. We’ll hear Stanley's amusing yet thought-provoking tale of buying a coding game that turned out to be a board game, highlighting the importance of adaptability and problem-solving. We’ll also explore Dr. Lubelfeld's sch...
May 21, 2024•41 min•Ep. 10
Welcome back to another episode of Decode, the podcast that plunges into the intriguing world of K-12 computer science education through the lens of storytelling and data analysis. Today, we're joined by Steve Popper, the Chief Academic Officer at Democracy Prep, a burgeoning national charter network known for its impressive educational outcomes. In this episode, Steve shares his journey from being a special education teacher to leading academic strategies at Democracy Prep. He highlights the im...
May 14, 2024•13 min•Ep. 9
Welcome back to another episode of Decode, where we explore innovative approaches in K-12 computer science education. Today, we are joined by Jessica Slayback from the unconventional educational space, the REALM, which challenges traditional school models by offering student-centered, choice-driven learning. Jessica shares insights on leveraging AI and technology to tailor educational experiences, empower teachers, and inspire students. We also delve into how these tools are reshaping educationa...
May 09, 2024•6 min•Ep. 8
Welcome back to another episode of Decode, where we dive deep into the intricacies of K-12 computer science education. In this compelling session, we sit down with Pat Yongpradit, the Chief Academic Officer at Code.org and leader of TeachAI, an initiative aiming to integrate AI into schools. With a rich background in special education and computer science across middle and high schools, Pat brings invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of educational technology. Today, we'll explore the...
May 01, 2024•12 min•Ep. 7
In this episode, we sat down with Dr. Stephen Bigelow from Bay City Public Schools to unpack a journey from teacher to superintendent, and to delve into the thrills and challenges of introducing artificial intelligence into the classroom. We'll explore the balancing act of innovating education while maintaining safeguards for our students, and how policy, partnership, and a readiness to embrace failure drive progress in our digital age. Dr. Bigelow shares insights from the front lines of educati...
Apr 24, 2024•12 min•Ep. 6
Today, we're thrilled to present an episode that promises to be a cornerstone in our ongoing exploration of innovation in education: Decode with Dr. Ray Sanchez. Dive deep with us as we explore the synergistic partnerships that are redefining the educational experience. Joining us is Dr. Ray Sanchez, superintendent of the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns, who brings to the table a wealth of knowledge and an unwavering commitment to forging paths laden with opportunities for all students. Togethe...
Apr 05, 2024•41 min•Ep. 5
Welcome to Pi-Top (Decode), the podcast where we unravel the fascinating world of K-12 computer science education, unraveling the stories and data that inspire change. I’m your host, Stanley Buchesky, and today we've got a compelling episode lined up for you titled Yasmin & Robert. In this episode, we delve into the heart of educational advocacy with passionate educators Yasmin Hernandez-Manno and Dr. Robert R. Zywicki. Together, we explore the establishment and ambitious goals of the New Je...
Mar 01, 2024•48 min•Ep. 4
In this episode titled "Decode with Michael Conner, Ed.D. & Roxanna Villasenor," our host, Stanley Buchesky, engages in a profound conversation with esteemed guests Dr. Michael Conner and Roxanna Villasenor. The episode delves into the urgent need for deeper discussions on race and equity in education, with a specific focus on the representation of black and Latino teachers in the education system. Dr. Conner and Roxanna Villasenor share powerful insights on the challenges faced by minority ...
Feb 06, 2024•51 min•Ep. 3
In this premier episode of "Decode," host Stanley Buchesky delves into the critical intersection of equity and policy in computer science education. Joined by guests Blain Watson and Dr. Juan Santos, listeners are taken on a thought-provoking journey through the disparities, opportunities, and challenges within K-12 computer science education. From legislation to teacher representation to inspiring early exposure, the conversation explores the key elements necessary for providing equitable acces...
Jan 24, 2024•43 min•Ep. 2
"de•code" ventures into the intricate world of K12 computer science (CS) education, emphasizing the power of story in understanding data. Each episode unfurls the unique narrative behind the numbers, inviting superintendents from diverse school districts to share their personal and district stories. These narratives provide context to the data, revealing how history, community, and leadership shape the trends and outcomes in CS education. The podcast aims to uncover the why behind the data, offe...
Jan 12, 2024•48 sec•Ep. 1
