Summary: Join C.T. and the team from Harvest Park Middle School in Pleasanton, California, as they explore the transformative journey that made Harvest Park a statewide model for inclusive education and student wellness. This insightful conversation delves into how Principal Russell Campisi, along with his dedicated team of administrators, counselors, and special education staff, led the school to win the prestigious CSBA Golden Bell Award for their innovative inclusion programming. Key Takeaway...
Jul 10, 2025•49 min•Season 5Ep. 416
Summary: Join C.T. and guest Jeremy “Paco” Furlan, Principal of John Muir Elementary School in Berkeley, California, as they explore the remarkable turnaround that transformed a school deeply impacted by the challenges of COVID-19 into a nationally recognized model of excellence. This insightful conversation delves into how John Muir, a diverse, Title I school serving students from over 21 language backgrounds and a wide socioeconomic spectrum, overcame significant struggles in math, ELA, readin...
Jul 04, 2025•37 min•Season 5Ep. 415
Summary: Join C.T. and guest Russell Campisi, Principal of Harvest Park Middle School in Pleasanton, California, as they explore the organic, community-driven leadership approach that has earned the school multiple accolades, including the prestigious Golden Bell Award for transformative special education programming. Key Takeaways: Organic Leadership & Community: Russell leads with an organic, community-driven approach, empowering passionate teachers and staff to create “islands of awesome”...
Jun 27, 2025•43 min•Season 5Ep. 414
Summary: Join C.T. and guest Miranda Thorman, Executive Director of East Bay Innovation Academy (EBIA) in Oakland, California, as they explore the transformative power of competency-based learning in a diverse, STEM-focused public charter school. This insightful conversation delves into how EBIA serves students from sixth through twelfth grade with a curriculum centered on project-based, hands-on learning that emphasizes real-world application over traditional testing. Key Takeaways: Competency-...
Jun 25, 2025•42 min•Season 5Ep. 413
Summary: Join C.T. and guest Clark Conover, principal of Granada High School in Livermore, California, as they explore the strategies behind maintaining a strong sense of belonging and high attendance rates at a large high school. With 26 years of experience at Granada, Clark shares how the school fosters student engagement through a wide variety of athletics, clubs, and arts programs, encouraging every student to get involved in something meaningful. Key Takeaways: Strong Sense of Belonging: En...
Jun 20, 2025•27 min•Season 5Ep. 412
Summary: Join C.T. and guest Seth Feldman, Executive Director of Bay Area Technology School (Bay Tech) in Oakland, California, as they explore the transformative leadership and data-driven strategies that have revitalized this 6–12 public charter school. This compelling conversation highlights Dr. Feldman’s journey from international teaching to leading Bay Tech through financial recovery, cultural renewal, and academic innovation. Key Takeaways: Turnaround Leadership: Dr. Feldman led Bay Tech t...
Jun 18, 2025•47 min•Season 5Ep. 411
Summary: Join C.T. and guest Beth Silbergeld, principal of Branham High School in San Jose, California, as they explore the challenges and opportunities of leading a large, diverse high school within the Campbell Union High School District. This insightful conversation delves into Beth’s experience transitioning from small to large schools and how she applies universal leadership principles—such as clear communication, vulnerability, and being human—to drive innovation and foster community in a ...
Jun 13, 2025•39 min•Season 5Ep. 410
Summary: Join C.T. and guest Tauvia Harrigan, principal of Earl Frost Elementary School in San Jose, California, as they explore her inspiring philosophy centered on love, laughter, and learning that shapes a vibrant and inclusive school environment. With over three decades of experience in education leadership, Tauvia shares how her diverse school community—representing 14 different home languages and a wide range of cultural backgrounds—thrives through a culture of acceptance and unity. Key Ta...
Jun 11, 2025•32 min•Season 5Ep. 409
Summary: Join C.T. and guest Sean Priest, Principal of Sequoia High School in Redwood City, California, as they explore how a historic school embraces diversity, tradition, and innovation to foster student growth. This insightful conversation delves into Sequoia’s rich legacy as one of the oldest high schools in the Bay Area, its stunning campus, and its commitment to serving a diverse student body with rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. Key Takeaways: School & Community-Seq...
Jun 07, 2025•41 min•Season 5Ep. 408
Summary: Join C.T. and guest Lisa Aguerria Lewis, Principal of Luigi Aprea Elementary School in Gilroy Unified School District, California, as they explore the challenges and opportunities of leading a large, diverse elementary school through times of change. This insightful conversation delves into Lisa’s approach to uniting two distinct communities after a school closure, emphasizing the importance of listening sessions conducted in multiple languages to understand historical context and commu...
Jun 04, 2025•42 min•Season 5Ep. 407
Summary: Join C.T. and guest Julie MacArthur, Principal of Brewer Island Elementary School in Foster City, California, as they explore how a strong focus on social-emotional learning (SEL) shapes a joyful and inclusive school community. Key Takeaways: Diverse, Joyful Environment: Brewer Island is a small, culturally rich school with over 300 students speaking 30+ languages, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. Strong Staff Community: Many teachers and staff have worked at the school for ...
May 30, 2025•38 min•Season 5Ep. 406
Summary: Join C.T. and guest Dr. Bryan Ballenger, Superintendent of Gustine Unified School District in California, as they explore the district’s journey to full inclusion for all students, K through 12th grade. This insightful conversation delves into Gustine’s innovative approach to special education, moving away from traditional pullout models to a co-teaching and full inclusion framework where special education staff support students directly in general education classrooms. Key Takeaways: B...
May 28, 2025•37 min•Season 5Ep. 405
Summary: Join C.T. and guest Nathen Ramezane, Principal of Ponderosa Elementary School in Santa Clara Unified School District, California, as they explore leadership rooted in community connection and growth. This insightful conversation delves into Nathen’s approach to serving a diverse student body with over 30% English language learners and 15-20% special education students. Key Takeaways: Empathy & Service: Nathen’s experience in the service industry and coaching informs his leadership s...
May 23, 2025•37 min•Season 5Ep. 404
Summary: Join C.T. and guest Deedy Camanera, Principal of Brownell Middle School in Gilroy, California, as they explore the power of human-centered leadership in a diverse school community. This insightful conversation delves into Deedy’s approach to leading with empathy and deep listening, recognizing the unique challenges and strengths each staff member and student brings every day. She shares practical strategies for balancing the demands of school leadership while holding space for the whole...
May 22, 2025•40 min•Season 5Ep. 403
Summary: Join Dr. Jim and Dr. Eric Byrne, superintendent of the Rye City School District, as they unpack the intricacies of crafting an effective entry plan for new superintendents. Discover how to balance focusing on community stakeholders, operational challenges, and strategic relationship building. Dr. Byrne shares valuable insights from his extensive experience, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, thorough research, and open communication with families and community members. Learn how ...
May 21, 2025•41 min•Season 5Ep. 402
Summary: Join C.T. and guest Dr. Vern Caruz, Principal of Rancho Milpitas Middle School in California, as they explore how authentic leadership rooted in cultural identity can transform a diverse school community. This insightful conversation delves into Dr. Caruz’s personal journey as an immigrant and English learner returning to lead the very school where he once studied. He shares how embracing Filipino cultural values like kawa (shared identity) helps him build strong relationships with stud...
May 16, 2025•36 min•Season 5Ep. 401
Summary: Join C.T. and guest Franklin Day, Director of Student Support Services for Cheney School District in Washington, as they explore the district’s inclusive and systematic approach to supporting all students. This insightful conversation delves into Cheney’s focus on building an effective Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), balancing inclusionary practices with targeted interventions, and fostering collaboration among general and special education staff. Key Takeaways: Inclusive Vision...
May 15, 2025•38 min•Season 5Ep. 400
Summary: Join C.T. and guest Dr. Rebecca Hutchinson, Superintendent of Concord Community Schools in Michigan, as they explore innovative approaches that are transforming learning in a small rural district. This insightful conversation delves into Concord’s personalized learning journey, including team-based teaching models that replace the traditional one-teacher classroom with collaborative educator teams. Dr. Hutchinson shares how this model empowers teachers with autonomy, leverages their str...
May 09, 2025•45 min•Season 5Ep. 399
Summary: Join C.T. and guest Dr. Brett Geithman, Superintendent of Larkspur-Corte Madera School District in California, as they explore how intentional leadership and innovative professional development are shaping a model for student and staff success. This insightful conversation delves into Dr. Geithman’s commitment to personalized learning through inquiry-based instruction, such as Cognitively Guided Instruction in math and structured literacy, and his district’s multi-layered approach to pr...
May 07, 2025•44 min•Season 5Ep. 398
Summary: Dr. Jim sits down with Dr. Jason Cochran, superintendent of Krum ISD, to explore how a school district triumphs after a failed referendum. Dr. Cochran shares his approach to creating a "future ready" district by engaging with community needs, managing growth, and fostering relationships with an emphasis on transparency and communication. He reveals valuable insights from decades of leadership experience across districts of varying sizes, offering strategic lessons in passing school bond...
May 02, 2025•37 min•Season 5Ep. 396
Summary: Join C.T. and guest Michelle Quilantang, Principal of Captain Jason M. Dahl Elementary School in San Jose, as they discuss how to lead a school in the face of possible closure. Michelle shares how focusing on social-emotional learning, strong family engagement, and robust after-school programs helps keep students supported and motivated. Through transparent communication and a “Shine Bright” philosophy, she demonstrates how optimism and community connection can sustain a school through ...
May 02, 2025•41 min•Season 5Ep. 397
Summary: Join C.T. and guest Dr. Kip Glazer, Principal of Mountain View High School in Silicon Valley, as they discuss how thoughtful, student-driven technology leadership is shaping the future of public education. This conversation highlights Dr. Glazer’s “go slow to go fast” approach, her creation of student advisory and tech internship programs, and how students are leading real-world projects like drafting AI policies for schools. Discover how Mountain View High balances innovation, wellness...
Apr 30, 2025•41 min•Season 5Ep. 395
Summary: Join C.T. and guest Ed Pelfrey, Superintendent of Sonora Union High School District in California, as they discuss how intentional systems and a focus on relationships have driven real improvement in this rural district. This conversation highlights how Sonora’s staff used data-driven goals, frameworks like the Four Disciplines of Execution, and a collaborative approach to boost student attendance and engagement-making Sonora High School one of the top-performing rural schools in the st...
Apr 25, 2025•37 min•Season 5Ep. 394
Summary: Join C.T. and guest Dr. Linda Rosenbury, Superintendent of Port Townsend School District in Washington, as they explore how Port Townsend is redefining what it means to truly listen and respond to students, families, and staff. This insightful conversation delves into the district’s innovative use of student and community voice to guide decisions on everything from school calendars to technology policies. Key Takeaways: Authentic leadership involves deep listening and responding strateg...
Apr 24, 2025•41 min•Season 5Ep. 393
Summary: Key Takeaways: Chapters: Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Dr. Brian Kitchin : brian.kitchin@wmtps.org Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future. Sig...
Apr 23, 2025•34 min•Season 5Ep. 392
Summary: Join C.T. and guest Dr. Moises Merlos, Director of Student Services at Banning Unified School District in California, as they explore the district’s comprehensive approach to supporting students through a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS). This insightful conversation delves into how Banning Unified addresses academics, behavior, attendance, and social-emotional learning with coordinated efforts across schools and district offices. Key Takeaways: MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Suppor...
Apr 18, 2025•38 min•Season 5Ep. 391
Summary: Join C.T. and guest Kirk Koennecke, CEO Superintendent of Indian Hill Exempted Village School District in Ohio, as they discuss how Indian Hill’s IH Promise shapes a culture of whole-child development and leadership. This conversation highlights how the district uses student voice, common leadership language, and industry best practices to build problem solvers and leaders from kindergarten through high school, empowering both students and staff to thrive in a changing world. Key Takeaw...
Apr 17, 2025•33 min•Season 5Ep. 390
Summary: Dr. Jim is joined by Dr. Paul Romanelli, Superintendent of West Islip Schools, discussing the need to shift from test score obsession to fostering real-world competencies in education. They explore how engaging students, families, and educators in a collaborative effort can lead to meaningful curriculum changes and enhanced student outcomes. Dr. Romanelli shares insights on building a community-driven, innovative education framework focusing on skills like problem-solving and critical t...
Apr 16, 2025•39 min•Season 5Ep. 389
Summary: Dr. Jim digs into actionable strategic planning in K-12 education with Dr. Christopher Heilig, superintendent at Rancocas Valley Regional High School District. Together, they discuss how to effectively transform strategic plans into action by engaging stakeholders, breaking down objectives into manageable tasks, and ensuring alignment with district goals. Dr. Heilig shares insights from his successful tenure, highlighting community engagement and data-driven decision-making strategies t...
Apr 15, 2025•36 min•Season 5Ep. 388
Summary: Join C.T. and guest Dr. Kimberly Headrick, Superintendent of Medical Lake School District in Washington, as they explore the district's innovative approaches to supporting students and the community. This insightful conversation delves into Medical Lake's interconnected systems framework, which addresses the whole child through mental health services, social-emotional learning, and physical wellness. Dr. Headrick shares her journey as a lifelong member of the community and how her authe...
Apr 10, 2025•32 min•Season 5Ep. 387