In the 20th and final episode of the EdSpark Podcast with Dr. Karen Garza, a new leader of Battelle for Kids (BFK) is introduced. Dr. Garza has announced her retirement after nearly seven years at the helm of the national not-for-profit that has served millions of students throughout the nation since 2001. In this rich conversation, Dr. Garza introduces new BFK President and CEO Mike Duncan, Ed.D. From discussing his background to what his hopes, dreams, and aspirations are for the future of the organization, the two dynamic leaders look to the future of continuing to meet the moment in education and to transform systems nationwide. 

Episode Highlights:

1:08: Learn more about Mike's background and experiences

5:15: What sparked Mike's work in his school district with the Portrait of a Graduate?

14:00: The influence of Battelle for Kids and the EdLeader21 Network on Mike's work.

19:07: What excites Mike about the opportunity to lead BFK into the future?

23:02: The Movement 

29:12: Hopes, dreams, and aspirations 

34:00: Mike recognizes Karen

Mike Duncan has a proven track record of leadership in the education sector. He was one of the longest serving superintendents in the state of Georgia, having led Pike County Schools for 18 years. Before arriving in Pike, he was a high school principal, high school and middle school assistant principal, and a middle school teacher. He earned a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Georgia in 2004. He has been a member of EdLeader21, the national network of Battelle for Kids, for more than a decade and previously served as the network’s advisory vice chair. He joined Battelle for Kids in August of this year and as of October 1st serves as the organization’s President and CEO.  

Karen Garza joined Battelle for Kids in 2017 as President and CEO, only the second leader since the organization formed in 2001. She led the transformation of Battelle for Kids, including the emphasis on realizing the power and promise of 21st century learning for every student, the increasing adoption of Portraits of a Graduate by school systems across the country, and the additions of the EdLeader21 Network and the Partnership for 21st Century Learning (P21) into the Battelle for Kids family. 

She began her career as a kindergarten teacher before embarking on an administrative and advocacy path that included government relations director, curriculum director, deputy superintendent, chief academic officer, and superintendent at Lubbock Independent School District in Texas and Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia. 

On behalf of all of us at Battelle for Kids, we thank her for her years of service not only to our organization but to thousands of students and educators across the nation. We wish her the best in her retirement and are looking forward to her continued involvement with BFK on various projects.  

The EdSpark Podcast with Dr. Karen Garza is a production of Battelle for Kids. Visit bfk.org to learn more about how we are helping to transform education systems nationwide. 

In this episode, Jamie Meade, vice president and chief of staff, and Dr. Karen Garza, president and CEO of Battelle for Kids, and continue their conversation about the profound impacts of hope. They discuss the implications cultivating hope can have both on the students and adults in a school system. The two also share how closely tied hope is to advancing a vision 21st century, deeper learning for every student.

Jamie Meade serves as Vice President/Chief of Staff for Battelle for Kids and leads the execution of the organization’s strategic plan to fulfill its mission of collaborating with educators and local communities to inspire passion and purpose for lifelong learning in every student. She has spent her entire career in education. She was a high school English, French, and speech teacher; an elementary and high school administrator; and director of curriculum and assessment.

Battelle for Kids (BFK) is a national, not-for-profit organization with the mission of realizing the power and promise of 21st century, deeper learning for every student. In addition, BFK helps education leaders engage their communities to re-envision and transform their school systems.

Resource Links:

Learn more about TheStudentExperience21: https://www.battelleforkids.org/how-we-help/the-student-experience21

The Psychology of Hope by C.R. Snyder: https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Hope-You-Here-There/dp/0743254449/ref=sr_1_4?qid=1681849000&refinements=p_27%3AC.+R.+Snyder&s=books&sr=1-4

Shane Lopez Hope Talk on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AXBEoTepQHQ

Hope Rising: How the Science of HOPE Can Change Your Life by Casey Gwinn and Chan Hellman: https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Rising-Science-HOPE-Change/dp/168350965X

The Power and Promise of Leading with the Science of Hope 

The science of hope is an evolving and impactful area of study that education leaders can look to for inspiration. 

In this episode, Jamie Meade, vice president and chief of staff at Battelle for Kids, talks about what’s she’s found about the science of hope—as opposed to wishful thinking—and its profound impact on education. She and Dr. Karen Garza, president and CEO of Battelle for Kids, discuss how hope can be a strategy and the importance of developing goals, pathways, and agency. 

Jamie Meade serves as Vice President/Chief of Staff for Battelle for Kids and leads the execution of the organization’s strategic plan to fulfill its mission of collaborating with educators and local communities to inspire passion and purpose for lifelong learning in every student. She has spent her entire career in education. She was a high school English, French, and speech teacher; an elementary and high school administrator; and director of curriculum and assessment.  

Battelle for Kids (BFK) is a national, not-for-profit organization with the mission of realizing the power and promise of 21st century, deeper learning for every student. In addition, BFK helps education leaders engage their communities to re-envision and transform their school systems.   

*Producer’s Note: We apologize for the audio issues in this episode caused by WiFi connectivity.  

Resource Links: 

Learn more about TheStudentExperience21: https://www.battelleforkids.org/how-we-help/the-student-experience21 

The Psychology of Hope by C.R. Snyder: https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Hope-You-Here-There/dp/0743254449/ref=sr_1_4?qid=1681849000&refinements=p_27%3AC.+R.+Snyder&s=books&sr=1-4 

Shane Lopez Hope Talk on YouTube: Shane Lopez Hope 

Hope Rising: How the Science of HOPE Can Change Your Life by Casey Gwinn and Chan Hellman: https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Rising-Science-HOPE-Change/dp/168350965X 

An innovative education system leader knows how to lead with an aspirational vision for the future that challenges students and staff to think beyond traditional ideas. 

Dr. Dave Schuler, executive director of AASA, The School Superintendents Association, is a wonderful example of this type of leader. He joins Dr. Karen Garza, president and CEO of Battelle for Kids, for a conversation about how education systems can be reimagined to provide meaningful, authentic learning opportunities for students. In part two of their conversation, they discuss the shifting landscape in the workforce and how that presents opportunities and challenges in preparing students for what's ahead. They also delve into technology's impact on education and how parents play a vital, central role in the education of their child and their preparation for the future. 

Dr. Dave Schuler is the executive director of AASA, a position he began this year. He previously served as superintendent for 16 years at High School District 214, Illinois’ largest high school system. He started the national Redefining Ready movement, which redefines what it means for students to be college, career, and life ready.  

Battelle for Kids (BFK) is a national, not-for-profit organization with the mission of realizing the power and promise of 21st century, deeper learning for every student. In addition, BFK helps education leaders engage their communities to re-envision and transform their school systems.  

• Learn more about AASA, The School Superintendents Association. 

An innovative education system leader knows how to lead with an aspirational vision for the future that challenges students and staff to think beyond traditional ideas. Dr. Dave Schuler, executive director of AASA—The School Superintendents Association, is a wonderful example of this type of leader. He joins Dr. Karen Garza, president and CEO of Battelle for Kids, for a conversation about how education systems can be reimagined to provide meaningful, authentic learning opportunities for students. Referencing examples in his previous district, he also discusses the importance of student voice and bringing a love of learning back to the teaching profession.

Dr. Dave Schuler is the executive director of AASA, a position he began this year. He previously served as superintendent for 16 years at High School District 214, Illinois’ largest high school system. He started the national Redefining Ready movement, which redefines what it means for students to be college, career, and life ready.

Battelle for Kids (BFK) is a national, not-for-profit organization with the mission of realizing the power and promise of 21st century, deeper learning for every student. In addition, BFK helps education leaders engage their communities to re-envision and transform their school systems.

Learn more about AASA. https://aasa.org

Find information for developing your school system’s Portrait of a Graduate. https://bfk.org/portrait

Find more information about how to join Battelle for Kids' EdLeader21 Network, the nation's premier network for education transformation. http://bfk.org/edleader21

In the second part of their conversation on starting and sustaining educational transformation systemwide, Dr. Melvin Brown, superintendent of Montgomery Public Schools, and Dr. Karen Garza, President and CEO of Battelle for Kids, talk about how he’s embarking on educational transformation in his new district. He discusses how he’s begun seeding the work with staff and his plans to engage community members who feel they have previously been shut out of the conversation. Dr. Brown also shares his advice for school leaders who want to start taking these aspirational and inspirational steps toward system transformation.

Dr. Melvin Brown has served as superintendent of Montgomery Public Schools in Montgomery, Alabama since 2022. He has 21 years of school administrative experience, serving as superintendent, deputy superintendent, and director of human resources. Additionally, he has experience as an elementary and middle school principal.  Battelle for Kids (BFK) is a national, not-for-profit organization with the mission of realizing the power and promise of 21st century, deeper learning for every student. In addition, BFK helps education leaders engage their communities to re-envision and transform their school systems. One way BFK does this is the Portrait of a Graduate, a locally developed but globally positioned vision, which serves as a North Star for system transformation.

Learn more about Montgomery Public Schools: https://mps.k12.al.us

Learn more about Battelle for Kids: https://bfk.org

View more examples of system transformation on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@battelleforkids

In today’s challenging educational landscape, it’s important to remain focused on the work that will prepare students for success now and in the future. Dr. Melvin Brown, superintendent of Montgomery Public Schools, navigates these challenges daily and understands the value of this work. He joins Dr. Karen Garza, president and CEO of Battelle for Kids, for a conversation about why he believes a Portrait of a Graduate and a Portrait of an Educator can help overcome these challenges. They also discuss the need for change in education systems and how applying content to real-life contexts will help students become the type of citizens needed to solve the world’s problems.

Dr. Melvin Brown has served as superintendent of Montgomery Public Schools in Montgomery, Alabama since 2022. He has 21 years of school administrative experience, serving as superintendent, deputy superintendent, and director of human resources. Additionally, he has experience as an elementary and middle school principal.  Battelle for Kids (BFK) is a national, not-for-profit organization with the mission of realizing the power and promise of 21st century, deeper learning for every student.

In addition, BFK helps education leaders engage their communities to re-envision and transform their school systems. One way BFK does this is the Portrait of a Graduate, a locally developed but globally positioned vision, which serves as a North Star for system transformation.

Learn more about Montgomery Public Schools: https://www.mps.k12.al.us/

Learn more about Battelle for Kids: https://bfk.org

In part two of this conversation, Dr. Michael Barnes, superintendent of Mayfield City Schools, talks with Dr. Karen Garza, president and CEO at Battelle for Kids, about how focusing on the vision led to practices that empower both staff and students. He also discusses how Mayfield students develop a sense of ownership in their learning throughout their time in the district. 

Dr. Michael Barnes has been the superintendent for Mayfield City Schools near Cleveland, Ohio, since 2021. He began his career in education as a social studies teacher and has served in other administrative roles, including athletic director, director of human resources, and assistant superintendent.    

Battelle for Kids (BFK) is a national, not-for-profit organization with the mission of realizing the power and promise of 21st century, deeper learning for every student. In addition, BFK helps education leaders engage their communities to re-envision and transform their school systems. One way BFK does this is the Portrait of a Graduate, a locally developed but globally positioned vision, which serves as a North Star for system transformation.   

Listeners who are members of Battelle for Kids' EdLeader21 Network can visit Mayfield City Schools to see the transformation occurring within the system by attending a site visit. Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 11, and stay tuned for more details to come. Not a member of EdLeader21? Learn more about the premier national network for education transformation by visiting bfk.org/edleader21. 

• Learn more about Mayfield City Schools: mayfieldschools.org 

Establishing a system-wide vision for your school district is a game-changer for communities and students.  

Dr. Michael Barnes, superintendent of Mayfield City Schools, knows this well. In this episode, he joins Dr. Karen Garza, president and CEO at Battelle for Kids, to discuss why having a vision for students is so important and how his community collectively worked together to form this vision. He also shares how the school district is putting this vision, their Portrait of a Mayfield Wildcat, into action with personalized learning experiences and opportunities for student agency.   

Dr. Michael Barnes has been the superintendent for Mayfield City Schools near Cleveland, Ohio, since 2021. He began his career in education as a social studies teacher and has served in other administrative roles, including athletic director, director of human resources, and assistant superintendent.    

Battelle for Kids (BFK) is a national, not-for-profit organization with the mission of realizing the power and promise of 21st century, deeper learning for every student. In addition, BFK helps education leaders engage their communities to re-envision and transform their school systems. One way BFK does this is the Portrait of a Graduate, a locally developed but globally positioned vision, which serves as a North Star for system transformation.   

• Learn more about Mayfield City Schools: mayfieldschools.org 

In this episode of the EdSpark21 podcast, Dr. Karen Garza talks with Dr. Jim Mahoney about his book, To Lead Is To Teach: Stories and Strategies from the Classroom to the Boardroom. Their conversation explores the impact of teachers, how good teaching and effective leading are interchangeable, and the power of storytelling.

Dr. Jim Mahoney is an educational leader, entrepreneur, and renowned expert on school leadership, culture, and staff and student engagement. He is also the founding executive director of Battelle for Kids.

Before Dr. Karen Garza became President and CEO of Battelle for Kids, she was most recently superintendent at Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia and Lubbock Independent School District in Texas.

EdSpark21, the podcast from Battelle for Kids, is dedicated to capturing conversations and spreading the word to advance 21st century, deeper learning for every student. Subscribe to EdSpark21 wherever you listen to podcast.