This week's podcast is with Scott Given, the founder of UP Education Network. A couple of notes about this podcast.

First, the podcast was recorded back in November 2016. A lot has happened since then. In particular, at the time the podcast was recorded, Scott was the CEO of UP Education Network. Scott resigned as CEO on January 20th, 2017.

Second, I have worked for Scott for a number of years at UP Education Network. Interviewing someone I know so well helps us go deep on the question of how an individual decides to take a risk and become a leader in education. It also means that we sometimes forget how much context you need to understand our work.

Briefly, UP Education Network is a nonprofit school turnaround organization in Massachusetts that restarts chronically underperforming schools. UP directly manages the schools, and the schools remain part of the local school district. UP has schools in Boston, Lawrence and Springfield Massachusetts. If you want to learn more, or if you like what you hear and want to come work with us at UP, please visit upeducationnetwork.org, or follow us on twitter @up_unlock.

Finally, thank you to everyone who has made guest suggestions and shared your feedback. Please continue to send your thoughts and recommendation to me on Twitter @rgknight, and please rate the podcast on iTunes.

Scott Recommends

- Tom Torkleson from IDEA Public Schools

- Paymon Rouhanifard from Camden City School District

- Diane Tavenner from Summit Public Schools