In this episode, host Jennie Tookoian engages in a rich conversation with Dr. Dana Bashara, the superintendent of the Alamo Heights Independent School District in Central San Antonio. Dr. Bashara embodies the belief that education is a heartfelt mission beyond just a career path, infusing her leadership with purpose and personal engagement. Alamo Heights stands out for its historical roots dating back to 1909 and its strong sense of community, serving 4,800 students across five campuses within a...
Apr 17, 2025•48 min•Ep. 79
Welcome to another episode of "More Than a Test." In this episode, we're excited to have Dr. Micah Studer, executive director of Visions in Education Charter School, share insights into how the school is transforming the educational landscape in California. Visions, an online and homeschool program, serves a wide and diverse student body, focusing on personalized learning and community engagement. Dr. Studer discusses the school's innovative strategies that prioritize strong relationships betwee...
Mar 27, 2025•53 min•Ep. 78
In this episode of "More Than a Test," host Jennie Tookoian sits down with Dr. Matthew Neighbors, the superintendent of Galveston Independent School District (GISD). With nearly two decades of experience in the district, Dr. Neighbors shares his personal journey, discussing the unique qualities of the Galveston community and the exciting educational initiatives under his leadership. The conversation delves into how GISD is embracing AI-powered learning tools, expanding academic opportunities, an...
Mar 20, 2025•52 min•Ep. 77
In this episode of More Than a Test, host Jennie Tookoian welcomes Michelle Patrick, the superintendent of Springfield Clark Career Technology Center in Ohio, to discuss the transformative impact of Career and Technology Education (CTE) on students and communities. As February is Career Technical Education Month, Michelle shares the unique offerings and successes of her institution, which serves the students of Clark County by providing real-world skills and pathways to high-demand careers. From...
Mar 13, 2025•52 min•Ep. 75
In this episode of More Than a Test, host Jennie Tookoian converses with Devvon Dettra, the dynamic superintendent of Rolling Hills Local School District in Ohio. Devvon, a Meadowbrook High School alumnus, offers a unique perspective in tackling the distinct challenges and opportunities within small rural school districts. The discussion highlights how Rolling Hills is revolutionizing education through innovative measures such as consolidating into a single, cutting-edge building, promoting teac...
Mar 06, 2025•48 min•Ep. 74
In More Than a Test podcast, host Jennie Tookoian sits down with Ryan Altemeyer, Associate Superintendent of the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, to explore the intersection of technology, operations, and education. With over 12 years of experience in the technology industry and extensive leadership in educational operations, Altemeyer shares how his district is leveraging technology to enhance student learning and operational efficiency. The conversation delves into the unique challe...
Jan 16, 2025•37 min•Ep. 73
Dr. Svetlana Cvetkovic is a passionate educator, researcher, and founder of Encoding Literacy. Dr. Cvetkovic shares her journey from a childhood love of Nancy Drew's books to becoming a literacy specialist committed to addressing the urgent issue of adult illiteracy in America. We'll delve into the importance of effectively using test results to improve education, the role of AI in customizing learning materials, and why personalized, evidence-based teaching methods are critical for overcoming r...
Jan 09, 2025•53 min•Ep. 72
In this episode, we explore MRH’s comprehensive strategic plan, "Honoring our history and shaping our future." We’ll touch on critical issues such as staff retention, made more challenging by the pandemic, and the importance of genuine community engagement that goes beyond simple board meetings. Dr. Jamison will share her reflections on influential books like "Jim Crow's Pink Slip" and "The Anxious Generation," which have shaped her approach to leadership. Dr. Jamison will also introduce us to M...
Dec 19, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 71
Education is not just about testing; it’s about preparing students for life, with strong relationships and personalized learning. Jerry Boyd, Superintendent of Washington County Schools in Tennessee, discusses his innovative approach to education with host Jennie Tookoian. He emphasizes the importance of fostering sustainable mentor-student relationships and integrating AI into classrooms to enhance personalized learning. Jerry also outlines the district’s efforts to address post-pandemic challe...
Dec 12, 2024•47 min•Ep. 4
Education is more than just a test; it’s about nurturing the whole child and shaping the future. Sue Lemon, superintendent of Rosedale Union School District in Bakersfield, California. They discuss the challenges of supporting students' social-emotional needs, navigating political pressures, and addressing the ongoing effects of COVID-19. Sue shares the district's innovative approaches, including the Orton-Gillingham phonics method, Universal Design for Learning, and a focus on restorative pract...
Dec 05, 2024•52 min•Ep. 70
Innovation in education is more than just a test; it's about shaping the future. Dr. Michael Cardona, Superintendent of San Marcos CISD, shares how the district is transforming education through innovative curriculum, AI integration, and strategic partnerships. He discusses the challenges of vouchers, funding, and competition with private schools, as well as a groundbreaking coding pathway for students from low-income and bilingual backgrounds. Michael also highlights a successful collaboration ...
Nov 28, 2024•42 min•Ep. 69
Education is not just about what students know, but about who they become Dr. Eric Hudspith, the superintendent of Waseca Public Schools in Minnesota, and author of two books: Culture Driven Leadership and Creating a Culture of Success, has a career that spans from classroom teacher to district leader, He brings a deep understanding of the challenges facing small and rural school districts. Dr. Hudspith talks about his deep passion for literacy and the innovative teaching strategies he’s impleme...
Nov 21, 2024•50 min•Ep. 68
“ Seeing children as whole individuals goes far beyond standardized tests .” Mandy Fletcher, Superintendent shares her journey with Blue Earth Area Public Schools. Since 2019, she has faced financial crises, including a failed levy and budget cuts, while implementing innovative changes. Mandy highlights the introduction of a health science academy connecting students with local healthcare facilities and emphasizes community input, the READ Act's impact on literacy, and support for the growing Hi...
Oct 24, 2024•55 min•Ep. 67
“Education is about more than just tests—it's about heart, perseverance, and community.” Dr. David Lawrence, superintendent of Dayton Public School, reflects on his extensive journey in education, from teaching and coaching to leading as a principal. He shares school leadership's emotional and physical demands and his dedication to teacher retention through competitive pay and support systems. As Dayton’s first locally-born superintendent, Dr. Lawrence has a deep personal connection to the commu...
Oct 17, 2024•52 min•Ep. 66
“Education is the foundation for equity, and every student deserves the opportunity to thrive.” Dr. Alex Marrero, Superintendent of Denver Public Schools, brings extensive experience in proactive leadership and community engagement. In this episode of "More Than A Test", he discusses the challenges and successes in transforming education in Colorado’s largest district. He shares his initiatives, such as forming a task force for local educational issues and establishing Community Hubs to support ...
Oct 10, 2024•51 min•Ep. 65
“Education is not just about tests and grades; it's about building meaningful connections and nurturing growth” Dana Addis, superintendent of Hudson City Schools talks about the impact of the Service Learning Program, the challenges of the teacher hiring process, and innovative projects like "Helping Hands."He discusses the district's obstacles, the crucial role of safety, and the importance of community and business partnerships. Dana shares his journey from teacher and coach to superintendent,...
Oct 03, 2024•49 min•Ep. 64
“Ultimately, we don't want a society of people who are mediocre with all their flaws. We want people who are amazing at science.” Ryan Baker, an expert in AI and education, for a conversation that challenges perceptions and sparks personal growth. Ryan shares his method of spending 30 minutes daily learning something outside of his work, an approach that has inspired Laura. Together, they explore how AI is reshaping the classroom, providing immediate feedback for students and enhancing learning ...
Sep 26, 2024•44 min•Ep. 63
“It's just more expensive to raise children, and so people move out to the suburbs” Dr. Shawn Bird, Deputy Superintendent of San Antonio Schools, discusses significant changes in the district, including the recent closure of 14 elementary schools and the efforts to serve over 45,000 students across more than 100 schools. Dr. Bird addresses the community's reaction to these closures, the strategic decisions behind them, and innovative solutions like improved mental health support and special educ...
Sep 19, 2024•43 min•Ep. 62
“Educating teachers, parents, and students about AI is paramount for the future of education.” Jeremy Roschelle is a renowned expert in AI and education with extensive experience in promoting AI literacy. Jeremy has conducted groundbreaking research on AI applications in educational settings and is known for his insights into the integration of AI tools in schools. In this episode, he shares his expertise on the importance of AI education, the challenges of implementing AI in classrooms, and how...
Sep 12, 2024•51 min•Ep. 61
“Interoperability in education is as crucial as hot water pipes in a building's infrastructure—the system needs to function seamlessly.“ In today’s episode, Erin Mote, co-founder of Brooklyn Lab and a leader at InnovateEDU, dives into the transformative power of connecting organizations with school districts. She sheds light on the pivotal role of interoperability, privacy, and accessibility in EdTech. Erin recounts her experiences, from supporting military families to advancing special educatio...
Sep 05, 2024•53 min•Ep. 60
In this episode, Jerry Almendarez, the dynamic Superintendent of the Santa Ana School District, shares his visionary insights on transforming education through innovation and community engagement. Jerry recounts how social media platforms like TikTok introduced him to emerging technologies such as OpenAI and ChatGPT, emphasizing the urgent need for public education to adapt to these innovations swiftly. He discusses the value of piloting AI platforms to enhance educational experiences and combat...
Aug 15, 2024•46 min•Ep. 59
In this episode, Laura Glaab and Thomas C. Murray dive deep into the intersection of AI and education. Listen in as Thomas shares his personal story of using a chat GPT to analyze his MRI results and discusses the implications of relying on AI for medical and educational purposes. They touch on the balance needed between technology and human connection, emphasizing the irreplaceable role of teachers and the importance of personalized, thoughtful engagement in the classroom. From his career journ...
Jul 25, 2024•58 min•Ep. 58
Today, we have the pleasure of hosting an episode of "More Than a Test with Addison Davis," we dive deep into the world of education leadership with our esteemed guest, Addison Davis. Known for his remarkable journey as a superintendent in Hillsborough County, Addison's story is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication to improving education for all. Addison shares his experiences transforming Hillsborough's school district, balancing professional responsibilities with family lif...
Jul 18, 2024•48 min•Ep. 57
In today's episode, we are honored to have, Don Haddad and Jackie Kapushion, leaders in the St. Vrain Valley School District. We'll explore how high schools can prepare students for diverse post-graduation pathways, from college to vocational fields and the military. Our guests will also address the importance of learning durable skills beyond standardized tests, along with the challenges posed by reduced classroom time and four-day school weeks. Don and Jackie share their concerns about the pol...
Jun 28, 2024•56 min•Ep. 56
In today's episode, we are thrilled to have Dr. Josha Talison, the superintendent of Ecorse, Michigan, join us. Dr. Talison shares how his unwavering faith has guided his career, emphasizing that true leadership is about earning respect and loyalty. We'll explore the unique challenges of working in an inner-city school district with limited resources and how Dr. Talison leverages creativity and community support to provide exceptional educational opportunities for his students. From navigating t...
Jun 21, 2024•53 min•Ep. 55
In this episode, our host Laura Glaab sits down with Michael Horn, an educational enthusiast and expert known for his groundbreaking work in reimagining schools. Michael shares his personal mission to create a world where individuals can pursue their passions, fulfill their potential, and live a life of purpose. From discussing the influence of his experiences and collaborators, like Clay Christensen, to advocating for individualized learning plans and mastery-based education, Michael offers dee...
Jun 13, 2024•52 min•Ep. 54
Welcome to another episode of MTAT! Today, we have the pleasure of hosting Mary Jo Madda, a program lead for Education for Social Impact at Google. In this episode, Mary Jo delves into her work with high school students in programs like Code Next, which aims to break down barriers and provide access to quality computer science education for underrepresented communities. We'll explore the intersections of AI and education, discuss the importance of diverse voices in technology development, and ge...
Jun 06, 2024•53 min•Ep. 53
In this episode, host Laura Glaab sits down with the inspiring Anna Marie Candelario, who shares her incredible journey from struggling student to a leader in education. Anna Marie discusses her work in creating teacher pathways for special education in her district, highlighting the innovative Grow Your Own program aimed at addressing teacher shortages. Through mentorship and support, Anna Marie's program is ensuring that teachers in high needs areas receive the guidance and training they need ...
May 30, 2024•44 min•Ep. 52
In today's episode, we're thrilled to be joined by Dr. David Miyashiro, the innovative superintendent of the Cajon School District in California. In this episode, hosted by Laura Glaab, we'll dive into Dr. Miyashiro's groundbreaking approach to education, which goes far beyond traditional test scores. From his initial drive to teach all students coding, to discovering the diverse career paths within a company like Qualcomm, Dr. Miyashiro has continually evolved his methods to expose students to ...
May 23, 2024•42 min•Ep. 51
In this episode, Christopher dives deep into the importance of seeing the humanity in everyone within the educational system, influenced heavily by key readings like Leadership and Self Deception by The Arbinger Institute. He'll share how these philosophies have transformed his leadership team and created a ripple effect throughout his community. With over 63,000 students and a plan to expand further, Christopher's leadership is steering the district through significant changes, including handli...
May 16, 2024•49 min•Ep. 50
