EdLeader

In this episode of EdLeader, Dr. Rob Jackson sits down with George Couros, Author of "The Innovator's Mindset" and "Innovate Inside the Box." A frequent and well-known speaker and consultant, Couros defines innovation as that that is "new and better." He draws a distinct division between traditional teaching practices and "bad" teaching practices, arguing that some traditional practices are quite powerful while others may need to be replaced. "New is not always better," he says while noting that we must ensure that and new practices should be tested to ensure that they are helping students achieve their goals.

Couros says that we must work closely together through our social networks to help build environments that best meet the needs of students in a continuously changing environment.  He believes in the power of students, and that all of the children we can teach can be leaders if we help them find their passion. 

In this episode of EdLeader, Dr. Rob Jackson sits down with North Carolina State Teacher of the Year Freebird McKinney to delve into the transforming potential of contagious joy in educators and the absolute power of yet. "I cannot answer this math problem... yet!" "I cannot write a paper that long...yet!" Together, they discuss the sense of community built by lighthouse educators and the need to tell the stories of successful EdLeaders far and wide.

Mr. McKinney, newly minted Director of Legislative Affairs and Community Outreach for the North Carolina State Board of Education, is a bridge-builder, a village teacher, an Educator Diplomat, and an inspirational EdLeader.

Show notes are available at www.drrobjackson.com

In this episode, EdLeader host Dr. Rob Jackson sits down with Educational Leadership Professor Dr. Kerry Robinson to discuss the growing need for mental health services through the schools and the importance of prioritizing our own well-being. As our awareness of social-emotional learning and trauma-informed schools grows, so to does our need to really understand what that means for students and staff.

An Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Dr. Robinson's primary areas of research include women in leadership, the superintendency, and leadership preparation. Her 17 years of experience in K-12 as a teacher, building level administrator, and district level administrator continue to inform her work.

Show notes are available at www.drrobjackson.com 

In this episode of EdLeader, Dr. Rob Jackson sits down with Chapel Hill - Carrboro City Schools Superintendent Dr. Pam Baldwin and Scotland County Schools Superintendent Dr. Ron Hargrave. Representing three very distinctly different school districts, nevertheless these three superintendents find commonality in their thoughts on the characteristics of amazing EdLeaders. They discuss learning and respecting school and district culture and digging beyond the surface data to really get to know how students are doing. 

As always, the bell announcing the latest EdLeader Inbox Scenario rings out to challenge these experienced EdLeaders. Their thoughtful approach and their desire to help others grow in their careers shows as they tackle the Inbox.

Dr. Baldwin and Dr. Hargrave, together with Dr. Jackson, serve as Thought-Partners/Mentors in the state's Aspiring Superintendent Program. Now in its fourth year, the program is designed for senior EdLeaders who are considering moving into the superintendency.

In this episode of EdLeader, Dr. Rob Jackson sits down with School System Teacher of the Year Mrs. Molli Rose. Mrs. Rose is an amazing EdLeader who has been teaching Middle School and High School English/Language Arts for 26 years. Dr. Jackson and Mrs. Rose discuss finding the awesome in the awful, the power of reflection, not being the sand in the vaseline, and what teachers wish that every principal and superintendent knew about teaching in 2020. The first EdLeader, currently serving as a classroom teacher, to be on the podcast, nevertheless Mrs. Rose hears the bell and must meet the challenge of the latest EdLeader Inbox Scenario.

This National Board Certified Teacher is a mentor, teacher coach, and department head who has a passion for helping new and novice teachers grow in their practice. Her classroom radiates joy even as she strives to be vulnerable and authentic with her students and colleagues. 

In this episode of EdLeader, Dr. Rob Jackson sits down with Dr. Sam Houston, an esteemed EdLeader who has been serving public education for over 50 years. Dr. Houston has been described as one of the faces on the Mount Rushmore of EdLeaders in North Carolina. Dr. jackson and Dr. Houston discuss the importance of EdLeaders truly knowing themselves and their own true north star. Dr. Houston shares that STEM education is more than Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math education. It is Strategies That Engage Minds.They also delve into moving the curriculum from fact-driven to inquiry-driven and using Science as an introduction to all other curricular areas.

Dr. Houston is a former teacher, principal, and superintendent. He has been inducted into multiple education Halls of Fame. Dr. Houston currently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the NC Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Center.

In this episode of EdLeader, Dr. Rob Jackson sits down with the 2020 State Superintendent of the Year Dr. Tony Jackson to discuss courageous leadership and the cost to students and staff when a lack of courage keeps a leader from speaking up. Dr. Tony Jackson shares the tremendous honor and responsibility taking on the Mantle of Leadership brings. The Drs. Jackson also highlight the importance of being careful stewards of opportunity and personalizing education to meet the needs of students. Later in the episode, Dr. Jackson is presented with an EdLeader Podcast Inbox scenario and discusses how he would handle the hypothetical situation.

Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships were the education buzzwords dujour until educators made cliches out of them and moved on to the next great idea. Perhaps educational leaders need to reexamine their power as a lens with which to view education today.

In this episode of EdLeader, Dr. Rob Jackson sits down with two of his sons, Joshua and Elijah, to discuss how graduating from public school prepared them (or not) for life beyond high school. One is a recent college graduate and one is soon to be. They share that the teachers that most made a difference in their lives were the teachers who took the time to really know them and establish a relationship with them. Joshua and Elijah discuss the relevance of the curriculum they experienced in high school with their Dad and discuss the true meaning of rigor.

In this episode of EdLeader, Dr. Rob Jackson sits down with Regional Principal of the Year Sheila Evans to discuss the importance of Early Childhood Education in helping to ensure that students are ready for school and more likely to graduate from high school on-time and college, career, and citizenship ready. Mrs. Evans shares what makes the school she serves the #HappiestPlaceInChowanCounty and how the school begins discussing high school graduation with their youngest elementary students. Later in the episode, Mrs. Evans is presented with the first EdLeader Podcast Inbox scenario and discusses how she would handle the hypothetical scenario presented to her.

Educational Leadership is an ever-evolving opportunity to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of students, parents, and the community. Join Dr. Rob Jackson for conversations and reflections on improving Educational Leadership from the Classroom to the Boardroom and beyond.

What is possible when you truly believe in students, teachers, administrators, and schools? How about every single school meeting or exceeding growth expectations, cohort graduation rates growing from 78.9% to 91.6%, and zero low-performing schools in a small, rural, high-poverty district?

In this first episode, meet show host Dr. Jackson as he shares his current work and district performance, his educational philosophy, and his background.