EDUP Xcelerated Excellence

Our guest, Dr. Teruko Dobashi, is principal of M. Agnes Jones Elementary School, where, in her first year of leadership, the school improved in all areas of CCRPI—reflecting her unwavering focus on instructional excellence, equity, and student outcomes. Since joining Atlanta Public Schools in 2018, she has served as a 5th grade teacher at Scott Elementary in the Douglass Cluster and as Assistant Principal at Toomer Elementary in the Jackson Cluster. In this episode she shares insights on leading a turnaround school and rethinking discipline.

Throughout her career, Dr. Dobashi has been recognized for her impact, including honors as a Sue Lehmann Regional Finalist, Teacher of the Year, Equity Champion, and Assistant Principal of the Year Finalist. Beyond her professional roles, she is deeply engaged in community work and is an accomplished spoken word artist, performing across the country and using her voice as a tool for liberation and healing.

Grounded in the words of Tupac Shakur—“I’m not saying I’m gonna change the world, but I guarantee that I will spark the brain that will”—Dr. Dobashi embodies the transformative power of education. As an abolitionist educator, her leadership is rooted in love, light, and liberation, advancing culturally responsive, critically conscious, and equity-driven practices.

Dr. Teruko Dobashi epitomizes the ratchetdemic leader—a dynamic force for change who dismantles oppression through art, authenticity, and an unrelenting commitment to the liberation of all.

Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠

Sponsor: National Associate of Elementary School Principals (NAESP).  National School Leaders Conference–Powered by NAESP is designed for Pre-K–12 principals and assistant principals, featuring high-impact learning tracks, networking, andthe newly added "Camp Lead-A-Lot" retreat. Held July 13-15, 2026, Orlando, FL, learn more and register at naespconferenence.org.

Resources:

EDUP Xcelerated Excellence

EDUP The Experience

Greeting: Dr. Maylén Sullivan

#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY#Shchoolleaders #XEListeningTour

Our guests, Katie Powell and Dr. Todd Brist, are members of the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE).

Katie Powell is the Director for Middle Level Programs for The Association for Middle Level Education and a former middle school special education, Title 1, and ELA teacher. Passionate about reclaiming the wonder and curiosity of learning, Katie is author of the books Boredom Busters: Transform Worksheets, Lectures, and Grading into Engaging, Meaningful Learning Experiences and Frustration Busters: Unpacking and Responding to Classroom Management Challenges. As part of her role with AMLE, Katie works closely with schools, districts, and affiliate organizations through the Successful Middle School book study, assessment, and Schools of Distinction programs as well as providing professional development and coaching on a variety of middle grades topics.

Todd is a middle school principal of 16 years in Watertown, SD. He is an AMLE Leadership Institute Faculty and serves on the NAESP Professional Learning Advisory Council. In 2016, Todd was awarded the South Dakota Middle School Principal of the Year.  He is a member of organizations such as NASSP/SDASSP, NAESP/SDAESP, AMLE/SDAMLE, and ASCD/SDASCD and Adjunct Professor at Northern State University & Mount Marty.

Associations:

National Principals Association

ASCD

Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠

Sponsor: National Associate of Elementary School Principals (NAESP).  National School Leaders Conference–Powered by NAESP is designed for Pre-K–12 principals and assistant principals, featuring high-impact learning tracks, networking, and the newly added "Camp Lead-A-Lot" retreat. Held July 13-15, 2026, Orlando, FL, learn more and register at naespconferenence.org.

Resources:

EDUP Xcelerated Excellence

EDUP The Experience

Boredom Busters: Transform Worksheets, Lectures, and Grading into Engaging, Meaningful Learning Experiences (Book)

Frustration Busters: Unpacking and Responding to Classroom Management Challenges (Book)

The Successful Middle School Advisory (Book)

Greeting: Dr. Maylén Sullivan

#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY #Shchoolleaders#XEListeningTour

Our guest, Jeffrey C. Wright, Jr., is a devoted husband and proud father of two, whose passion for education shines in his work as Principal at Vartan Gregorian Elementary School. Over the past twelve years, he has nurtured young minds and is now in his fourth year with the Providence Public School District. His educational journey began at the Community College of Rhode Island, where he remains an active alumnus,serving on both the Alumni Association Assembly Board and the Board ofTrustees. He earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Ashford University and aMaster of Education from Providence College. Always eager to learn, Jeffrey is now pursuing a Doctor of Educational Leadership at Johnson and Wales University.

​Fueled by genuine excitement to inspire, uplift, and empower the next generation, Jeffrey is dedicated to helping young people make their mark on the world. Beyond his community work, he channels that passion into rooting for his favorite teams, from the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Nuggets to the Boston Red Sox and both the Friars Men’s and Women's Basketball teams.

Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠

Sponsor: National Associate of Elementary School Principals (NAESP).  National School Leaders Conference–Powered by NAESP is designed for Pre-K–12 principals and assistant principals, featuring high-impact learning tracks, networking, andthe newly added "Camp Lead-A-Lot" retreat. Held July 13-15, 2026, Orlando, FL, learn more and register at naespconferenence.org.

Resources:

EDUP Xcelerated Excellence

EDUP The Experience

Greeting: Tiffani Jaseph

#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY #Shchoolleaders#XEListeningTour

Our guests, Dr. Stephanie D. B. Johnson and Diane W. Edwards, are school leader mentors and retired administrators.

 Dr. Stephanie D. B. Johnson is a highly accomplished educational leader recognized for her transformative impact on school administration and mentorship. As Co-Owner of Monitoring & Motivating for Educators and a nationally trained principal mentor, Dr. Johnson has guided and developed new and novice principals across the Northeast United States, presented at major national conferences, and contributed to professional publications. Her leadership as director of multimillion-dollar grants, including the Hampton University Leadership Grant and the Chesapeake Military Grant, resulted in the creation of innovative programs and the advancement of over forty educational leaders. Dr. Johnson has also served as adjunct professor and dissertation chair at Hampton University, earning multiple state and national awards for outstanding school leadership and community service.

Diane Edwards has spent the past 44 years in education.  She has successfully ledthree schools with success and held numerous central office positions beforeretiring this year as The Chief Academic Officer in her division.  While she has loved each position she has held and quickly discovered her purpose for being placed there, her favorite one was as a principal. 

Having led a middle-income community school, a Title I school, and one of the most affluent, she is on a mission to support fellow principals in their very difficult role while she still “walks the walk".  She truly shows others the lessons she has learned along the way as she teaches the importance of building relationships so that you create teams who want to serve in the school with YOU. 

She and her co-presenter, Dr. Stephanie Johnson, are close colleagues and friends who supported each other through the challenges of the principalship.  Theyformed a partnership called M & M's - Monitoring and Motivating - because they discovered these were the essential keys to building school success.  Together they have co-authored 4 books for principals, have been speaking at state and national conventions and consulting with school divisions across the country for nearly two decades.  Their relevant and humorous sessions yield standing room only crowds, fueling their passion to coach and support principals.

Associations:

Hampton University

Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD,PMP⁠⁠

Sponsor: National Associate of Elementary School Principals (NAESP).  National School Leaders Conference–Powered by NAESP is designed for Pre-K–12 principals and assistant principals, featuring high-impact learning tracks, networking, and the newly added "Camp Lead-A-Lot" retreat. Held July 13-15, 2026, Orlando, FL, learn more and register at naespconferenence.org.

Resources:

EDUP Xcelerated Excellence

EDUP The Experience

Greeting: Tiffani Jaseph

#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY #Shchoolleaders#XEListeningTour

Our guest, Jimmy Adams, is the Executive Director of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Educationand, Certification (NASDTEC). He worked in public education for 27 years serving as the Chief of Human Resources for JeffersonCounty Public Schools (JCPS) in Louisville, Kentucky, the Executive Director for the Education Professional Standards Board for Kentucky with experience in Fayette, Woodford, and Jessamine counties which included classroom teacher, technology resource teacher, assistant principal, principal, director of technology, director of secondary schools and assistant superintendent. He also served as an adjunct professor in two educator preparation programs in Kentucky. Jimmy received his undergraduate and master’sdegrees from the University of Kentucky and did additional postgraduate work at Eastern Kentucky University.

In addition to his work in the classroom and school leadership, Jimmy previously served on NASDTEC's Executive Board,the KY Center for Education and Workforce Statistics (KCEWS) Board, and the Committee for Mathematics Achievement in Kentucky. He also served as a member of the U.S. Department of Education’s Effective Educator Development (EED) Advisory Council.

Jimmy received the Champion for Children award from the National Association of School Psychologist for his assistancein developing the Interstate Compact for School Psychologist. He is a recipient of the University of Kentucky Department of Mathematics Sally E. Pence for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics, the University of Kentucky Teacher Who Madea Difference Award, the Golden Apple Achiever Award from Ashland Oil, a two time recipient of the Joseph B. Whitehead Educator of Distinction Award for Exemplary Dedication to the Field of Education, recognized as a Friend of the KentuckyAssociation of Colleges of Teacher Education, and recipient of the Murray State University Dean’s Award for contributions to the teaching profession.

Associations

• AACTE

• AAQEP

• CAEP

Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠

Resources:

EDUP The Experience

National Code of Ethics for Educators

EDUP Xcelerated Excellence

NASDTEC

Greeting:  Dr. Jennifer Young Wallace

#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY #Ethics #educatorethics#XEListeningTour

Our guest, Jimmy Adams, is the Executive Director of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Educationand, Certification (NASDTEC). He worked in public education for 27 years serving as the Chief of Human Resources for Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) in Louisville, Kentucky, the Executive Director for the Education ProfessionalStandards Board for Kentucky with experience in Fayette, Woodford, and Jessamine counties which included classroom teacher, technology resource teacher, assistant principal, principal, director of technology, director of secondary schools and assistant superintendent. He also served as an adjunctprofessor in two educator preparation programs in Kentucky. Jimmy received his undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Kentucky and did additional postgraduate work at Eastern Kentucky University.

In addition to his work in the classroom and school leadership, Jimmy previously served on NASDTEC's Executive Board,the KY Center for Education and Workforce Statistics (KCEWS) Board, and the Committee for Mathematics Achievement in Kentucky. He also served as a member of the U.S. Department of Education’s Effective Educator Development (EED)Advisory Council.

Jimmy received the Champion for Children award from the National Association of School Psychologist for his assistancein developing the Interstate Compact for School Psychologist. He is a recipient of the University of Kentucky Department of Mathematics Sally E. Pence for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics, the University of Kentucky Teacher Who Madea Difference Award, the Golden Apple Achiever Award from Ashland Oil, a two time recipient of the Joseph B. Whitehead Educator of Distinction Award for Exemplary Dedication to the Field of Education, recognized as a Friend of the KentuckyAssociation of Colleges of Teacher Education, and recipient of the Murray State University Dean’s Award for contributions to the teaching profession.

Associations

•  AACTE
• AAQEP
• CAEP

Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠

Resources:

EDUP The Experience

National Code of Ethics for Educators

EDUP Xcelerated Excellence

Greeting:  Dr. Jennifer Young Wallace

#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY #Ethics #educatorethics#XEListeningTour

Our guest, Dr. Marianne Lucas Lescher, is a lifelong educator, as a teacher, district curriculum director, and school principal for total of 43 years.  In her 26 years as a K-5 and K-8 principal,she led her school to a National Blue-Ribbon recognition, the highest award a school can receive.  Her schools receivedArizona's highest school recognition, the A+ School of Excellence honor 5 times.  Dr. Lescher received her Ph.D.from Boston College, in Educational Research. Her M. Ed. is in Educational Administration, and her undergraduate degree is in Elementary and Special Education.  Most recently, Dr. Lescher was chosen as National Distinguished Principal for 2025 from the National Association of Elementary Principals and is in the Inaugural Class of Inductees into the Arizona Educator Hall of Fame for 2026.

Sponsor NAESP.  National School Leaders Conference–Powered by NAESP is designed for Pre-K–12 principals andassistant principals, featuring high-impact learning tracks, networking, and the newly added "Camp Lead-A-Lot" retreat. Held July 13-15, 2026, Orlando, FL, learn more and register at naespconferenence.org.

Host: Jacob Easley II, PhD., PMP

Connections:

Northern Arizona University

Resources:

EDUP The Experience

EDUP Xcelerated Excellence

Greeting: Tiffani Jaseph

#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY #XEListeningTour #Principal

Our Guest, James Wilson, is a public policy professional, education advocate, and graduate student at Georgia StateUniversity’s Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, where he is pursuing a Master of Public Administration. A recent cum laude graduate of Georgia State with a degree in Public Policy, a minor in Urban Education, and a certificate in Social Science and Data Analytics, James has focused much of his academic and professional work on improving educational opportunity, student success, and public systems.

James has served as Student Government Association President at Georgia State University, representing one of the largest and most diverse student bodies in the country. His experience spans education policy, legislative affairs, student advocacy, data analysis, and community engagement, including work with the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia, the University System of Georgia, the National Education Association, and the Southern Education Foundation.

Rooted in a deep commitment to Georgia students and families, James brings both lived experience and policy experience to conversations about education. His work centers on how schools, colleges, governments, and communities can bettersupport students from cradle to career.

Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠

Resources:

EDUP The Experience

21st Century Leaders

National Partnership for Educational Access

Intercultural Development Research Association

Greeting:  Tiffani Jaseph

#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY #YouthLeaders#XEListeningTour

Our guest, Dr. Daniella Molle, is a qualitative researcher who conducts inquiries related to equitable education for historically underserved students. She has a background in the teaching and learning of English as an additional language. For a decade, her work focused on expanding educators’ capacity to meet the needs of multilingual students through job-embedded professional learning. Since 2021, Daniella has been the research director of a large grant-funded project focused on equity-centered school leadership, CALL-ECL.

Sponsor NAESP.  National School Leaders Conference–Powered by NAESP is designed for Pre-K–12 principals andassistant principals, featuring high-impact learning tracks, networking, and the newly added "Camp Lead-A-Lot" retreat. Held July 13-15, 2026, Orlando, FL, learn more and register at naespconferenence.org.

Connections:

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Resources:

The Wallace Foundation

Promising Practices for the Design and Implementation of Equity-Centered Leader Pathways

Greeting:  Dr. Larry J. Walker

#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY #XEListeningTour

Our guest, ⁠Mohammed Elmeski, PhD⁠, is a university professor, senior education advisor, researcher, and international development professional with nearly three decades of experience spanning education policy, higher education, school improvement, and system reform. His career has bridged academia, government, research, and international development, with leadership and advisory roles in Morocco, the United States, Africa, the Middle East, and other international contexts.

He has served as a university faculty member, senior researcher,program director, Chief of Party of a USAID-funded higher education partnership, and senior advisor to the Head of Government of Morocco. His research and professional interests include educational leadership, teacher development, social and emotional learning, lifelong learning, belonging, andthe implementation of large-scale education reform. Having worked across diverse educational and development contexts, his work is particularly concerned with how research, policy, and practice can come together to expand educational opportunity, strengthen belonging and equity, and help education systems respond to social change.

Connections:

⁠University of Minnesota⁠

⁠Mohammed V University⁠

Resources:

• ⁠African Voices Dialogue⁠
• ⁠Educational Policy, Reforms, and Change in the Middle East and North Africa⁠ (Book)
• ⁠Tibu Africa⁠
• ⁠International Congress of School Effectiveness and Improvement (ICSEI)⁠

Greeting:  ⁠Dr. Larry J. Walker⁠

#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY#XEListeningTour