Dr. Cory Steiner is the Superintendent of ⁠Fargo Public Schools, in Fargo, ND, and he might get you fired up more than any other episode so far!

From his rural roots to big city Fargo, throughout his career, Cory has sustained a passion for public education and a commitment to making it work for every student in his school system - and his enthusiasm and evangelism shines through!

Pam Betten is the Chief Academic Officer for Sunnyside Unified School District in Tucson, AZ, leading the Curriculum & Instruction Department and supervising all of K-12 schools.

With over two decades of experience as a principal and district leader, Pam demonstrates a deep commitment to transforming education through inclusive practices and an intense focus on learning - as you'll hear in this ep!

On this episode, we have another of those amazing educational leader 'switch hitters'. Education Partners Executive Vice President ⁠Mike Poore⁠ has, as a former Superintendent, led several school districts very successfully, and now comes alongside them as a trusted consultant.

Thanks for sharing your fascinating story, Mike, and for demonstrating what humility, compassion, and a genuine interest in others looks like.

In this visit, Dr. Karen Cheser, Superintendent of Durango School District 9-R, discusses the positive difference she has strived to make both with students in her native Kentucky and in new-er home state of Colorado.

Karen also shares a unique favourite teacher story, as well as the focus and drive that can come from the Japanese idea of Ikigai 生き甲斐.

Dr. Tracy Weeden has always been driven by a simple but profound belief: everyone deserves the chance to live a life of purpose, free from the barriers that have held too many back for far too long. She's all about creating opportunities and empowering individuals in mind, body, and spirit to pursue their God-given purpose with confidence and resilience.

But what lit that servant-leader fire in her belly, and who helped stoke it along the way?

www.upstreameducation.org

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-l-weeden-7a952a29/

In his more than 28 years serving public education, Dr. Michael Thomas has demonstrated himself to be a visionary leader, skilled in operational, managerial, and program development, and an effective educator and mentor.

Today, his expert knowledge sees him sought out by his Public Ed peers and those within the not-for-profit and philanthropic sectors. But Michael's story as a student might make all of this appear unlikely...

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-j-thomas-ed-d-87a72916/

Uly Navarrete, Executive Director of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS), shares his education journey in our inaugural episode.

Uly discusses the teacher that was both his #1 champion and biggest nemesis, why organization is more important than numbers when it comes to advocacy, and his surprising suggestion for helping to make public education just that little bit better.

https://alasedu.org

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ulyssesnavarrete