Education Influencers

In this episode of Education Influencers, Dr. Carla Sparks sits down with educator, author, and Milken Educator Award recipient Patty McGee to explore how grammar instruction can be transformed from tedious drills into meaningful, engaging learning experiences. Drawing on over three decades in education, Patty shares her journey as a “traveling teacher” working alongside schools nationwide to simplify literacy practices and improve student outcomes.

The conversation centers on moving beyond traditional grammar worksheets toward a more dynamic, student-centered approach that emphasizes curiosity, experimentation, and real-world application. Patty explains how simplifying instruction—focusing on strengths, offering targeted feedback, and reducing unnecessary complexity—can lead to deeper learning and greater student engagement.

She also introduces the concept of grammar as a tool for communication and meaning-making, encouraging educators to think beyond rigid rules and consider audience, purpose, and context. Through practical strategies and classroom examples, Patty highlights how this approach supports both teachers and students while making grammar more accessible at all grade levels.

Key Topics Covered:

• Transforming grammar instruction in K–12 education

• Moving beyond worksheets and drills

• Simplifying teaching practices for greater impact

• Effective feedback strategies in writing

• Grammar as a tool for communication and meaning-making

• Supporting teacher growth through professional learning

• Encouraging curiosity and student engagement in literacy

Today Dr. Carla Sparks welcomes Dr. Trudy Hill Jones, a school counselor with 25 years in urban education, featured in Forbes Women, honored by a City of Memphis resolution, named 2025 Tennessee School Counselor of the Year, and soon to be inducted into National Louis University’s Alumni Hall of Fame. 

Dr. Hill Jones explains how earning her doctorate amplified her mission and expanded her influence through mentoring, training, and advocacy for equitable opportunities and student mental health. She describes a systems approach grounded in student-centered data and MTSS, emphasizing Tier 1 social-emotional learning for students, staff, and families, plus accountability for interventions. 

Drawing on her own high school experience, she highlights listening to students, creating wellness spaces, and “dealing hope” as a resilience strategy. She encourages educators to stay connected to your why, reflect, build relationships, collaborate, and show up to educate, advocate, empower, and inspire.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast

00:40 Meet Dr Trudy Hill Jones

02:34 Doctorate Doors Opened

04:17 Influencing Students Educators Systems

06:29 Systems Thinking and MTSS

07:36 Tier One SEL in Action

11:54 Biggest Impact and Mantra

14:24 Counseling Philosophy and Story

17:18 Creating Safe Support Spaces

19:44 Becoming the Hope Dealer

23:23 Leadership and Purpose

25:52 Hall of Fame Journey

31:33 Tennessee Counselor of the Year

35:33 Advice for Change Makers

38:09 Final Thanks and Closing

Today, Dr. Carla Sparks interviews Dr. Danita Smith, a 2023 National Louis University educational leadership doctorate graduate and superintendent of schools at MYcroSchool, Incorporated in Florida. Dr. Smith describes how earning advanced degrees led to roles from chief of schools to superintendent and strengthened her ability to apply research in practice. She explains her influence through supporting charter school principals, developing policy, analyzing achievement trends, and creating innovative, authentic learning for students who struggled in traditional high schools. 

She highlights the importance of relationships, culture, small-school “sweet spots,” wraparound services, community partnerships, and consistent systems. As superintendent, she manages compliance, budgets, HR, transparency, and advocacy to dispel misconceptions about charters as competition. She also serves as an adjunct professor at National Louis University and mentors aspiring leaders, emphasizing purpose, continuous learning, trust, integrity, and treating people right.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast

00:37 Meet Dr. Danita Smith

02:20 Doctorate Opens Doors

05:14 How She Influences Schools

09:50 Authentic Innovative Why

17:31 Small Schools Big Impact

20:21 Structures Culture Results

25:58 Life as Superintendent

32:44 Adjunct Mentoring Leaders

37:38 Advice for Changemakers

42:07 Closing Thanks

In this episode of Education Influencers, Dr. Carla Sparks interviews Dr. Margarete Talbert-Irving, a distinguished graduate of the doctoral program in educational leadership at National Louis University. Dr. Talbert-Irving shares her impressive career trajectory across various leadership roles in Florida public school districts, including principal, executive area director, Chief Academic Officer, and Deputy Superintendent. 

She discusses the importance of thought leadership, the impact of mentoring and coaching, and the significance of sustaining educational change. She also highlights her continued passion for teaching and her commitment to helping future educators succeed. The discussion delves into strategies for influencing teacher effectiveness, retaining talent, and fostering student achievement.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to Education Influencers

00:37 Meet Dr. Margarete Talbert-Irving

01:37 Impact of Earning a Doctorate

03:26 Influencing Education Daily

05:29 Personal Impact and Servant Leadership

06:00 Supporting New Teachers and Alternative Certification

11:36 Mentoring and Executive Coaching

14:36 District Leadership Experiences

19:09 The Joy of Teaching and Adjunct Professorship

25:55 Advice for Aspiring Education Leaders

31:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Education Influencers, Dr. Carla Sparks welcomes Dr. Carla Foord, an assistant professor at National Lewis University. Dr. Foord shares her extensive experiences and diverse roles in education, including as a high school administrator, Director of Education for a nonprofit, and founder of a private childcare business.

They discuss the transformative impact of earning a doctorate, the significance of mentorship, and how educators can influence policy. Dr. Foord also highlights the Master's of Arts and Teaching program, which supports new teachers in obtaining certifications and developing essential skills. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships, staying organized, and viewing every educator as a leader.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

02:26 Opening Doors with a Doctorate

04:17 Influencing Education through MAT Program

05:58 Supporting New Teachers

10:42 Impactful Changes in Education

12:46 Transition to Assistant Professor

19:48 Influencing Education Policy

24:53 Advice for Aspiring Change Makers

27:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Education Influencers, Dr. Carla Sparks welcomes Dr. Lorilynn Bowie. Dr. Bowie discusses her multifaceted roles at National Louis University and beyond. As an outreach and enrollment specialist, adjunct professor, educational consultant, and advocate, she shares her post-doctorate experiences influencing the educational landscape since 2020. 

She sheds light on her work with children with special academic needs, her recognition as an American Heart Hero, and her efforts to build effective relationships between families and schools. Dr. Bowie emphasizes the importance of trust, listening, and validation in her advocacy work and mentoring, and highlights the impactful power of educators believing in their expertise.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to Education Influencers

00:26 Meet Dr. Lorilynn Bowie

02:18 Dr. Bowie's Journey Post-Doctorate

04:52 American Heart Hero and Advocacy

06:44 Influencing Education in Alachua County

08:52 Impactful Changes in Education

11:24 Encore Career at National Louis University

15:22 Educational Advocacy and Mentoring

28:48 Building Trust and Relationships

34:52 Final Thoughts and Advice for Educators

In this episode of Education Influencers, Dr. Carla Sparks interviews Dr. Audra Lewis-Hoesch, an educator, entrepreneur, and founder of Period Zero Workforce Pathways. Dr. Lewis-Hoesch shares how her doctoral degree from National Louis University opened doors for her to influence systematic change in workforce preparation and educational innovation.

She discusses her nonprofit, Period Zero, which aims to close opportunity gaps for youth by embedding leadership development, financial literacy, and career readiness into micro-credential pathways recognized globally. 

Additionally, Dr. Lewis-Hoesch talks about her role as a grants development specialist at the Community College of Allegheny County, where she is developing new healthcare pathways. She provides practical advice for educators, emphasizing the importance of taking initiative and staying curious. You will be inspired by Dr. Lewis-Hoesch's commitment to creating opportunities and making a lasting impact in education.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to Education Influencers

00:28 Meet Dr. Audra Lewis-Hoesch

02:22 Impact of a Doctorate in Educational Leadership

03:52 From Classroom Teacher to Educational Innovator

05:17 Transforming Education with Period Zero

07:44 The Skills Framework and Global Competitiveness

08:49 How Period Zero Bridges Education and Employment

17:55 Building a Global Nonprofit

19:41 Teen Networking Nights and Real-World Skills

22:25 The Role of AI in Education

23:15 Embracing AI as an Ally

24:37 Preparing Students for the Future Workforce

28:47 Innovative Grant Writing

29:54 Healthcare Pathways and Apprenticeships

38:12 Advice for Educators and Change Makers

In this episode of Education Influencers, Dr. Carla Sparks sits down with Alfredo Matthew III, an innovator dedicated to building an inclusive and regenerative economy. With over 25 years intersecting education, workforce development, and entrepreneurship, Alfredo has transitioned from being a public school teacher to leading significant initiatives such as co-founding ESO Ventures and establishing SPCC One. 

He advocates for project-based learning as a vital educational approach and addresses the pressing need for educators and institutions to adopt entrepreneurial mindsets. Alfredo offers his insights on the importance of collaboration, the evolution of the school choice movement, and the impactful role of interconnected learning in current and future educational landscapes.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to Education Influencers

00:32 Meet Alfredo Matthew III

02:47 Alfredo's Professional Journey

04:45 The Importance of Project-Based Learning

08:58 Views on the School Choice Movement

14:52 Market-Based Approaches to Education

20:31 Current Projects and Future Vision

30:56 Recommendations for Educators and Leaders

38:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Education Influencers, Dr. Carla Sparks speaks with Dr. Libby Simpson, the education director at a major national organization and a prominent figure in STEM education. Dr. Simpson discusses the impact of her doctoral degree on her career, her approach to promoting equity in STEM, and her work at Siemens Digital Industries. 

She elaborates on her contributions to educational leadership at National Louis University and her advocacy for ethical AI use in education. Dr. Simpson shares valuable advice for future change makers, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning, collaboration, and staying true to one’s purpose.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:43 Dr. Libby Simpson's Journey in Education

03:35 Understanding STEM and Its Importance

06:02 Dr. Simpson's Current Role and Impact

07:57 Innovations in STEM Education

19:05 Teaching and Mentoring Future Educators

23:07 Ethics and AI in Education

28:51 Advice for Aspiring Change Makers

32:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Welcome back to the podcast! Today Dr. Carla sits down with Dr. Danielle Brewer, the superintendent of a large school district, to discuss her rapid rise in the education sector since earning her doctorate in 2022. 

Dr. Brewer shares her inspiring story from starting as a high school principal to becoming an interim superintendent, emphasizing the importance of community involvement, the influence of her early life experiences, and her ongoing efforts to improve academic outcomes and support new teachers. Their conversation illustrates how commitment and passion can lead to impactful leadership in education.

Connect with Dr. Brewer

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:15 Dr. Brewer's Career Journey

05:10 Personal Background and Early Life

09:06 Impact on Education and Community

14:24 Challenges and Achievements as Superintendent

21:59 Advice for Aspiring Change Makers

25:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts