In this inspiring episode of Leading for Deeper Learning, Dr. Jonah Schenker sits down with three remarkable students—Olivia Butler, Matthew Parkhurst, and Jada Valles—from Ulster BOCES to explore what truly motivates them and how student voice shapes meaningful learning. Recorded at the Q29 Studio, this conversation dives into the power of purpose, the importance of being heard, and the impact of deeper learning experiences that are co-created with students at the center.

From personal reflections to powerful insights, Olivia, Matthew, and Jada share their “why”—what drives them, what they value in education, and how having a voice has changed the way they learn and lead. This episode is a must-listen for educators, leaders, and anyone passionate about student-centered education and authentic engagement.

In this special episode, Dr. Jonah Schenker, District Superintendent of Ulster BOCES, sits down with two of New York State’s leading voices in education policy—Deputy Commissioners Angelique Johnson-Dingle and Jason Harmon of the New York State Education Department. Recorded on location in the historic Medical Library of the NYSED Building in Albany, this powerful and candid conversation explores the New York Inspires initiatives and the bold reimagining of the state’s Portrait of a Graduate.

This isn’t a small movement—it’s a pivotal moment. The Graduation Measures initiative signals more than a shift in assessment; it’s a call to fundamentally change the container in which education is taught. Johnson-Dingle and Harmon share why now is the right time for these changes, what they mean for students and communities, and how New York is working to align its educational vision with the needs of today and tomorrow.

Tune in now for a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective on how education leaders are working with the NYS Education Department to empower students to be the architects of their own future.

How can leaders in non-student-facing roles cultivate a strong leadership culture while keeping students at the center?

In this episode of Leading for Deeper Learning, host Dr. Jonah Schenker, District Superintendent of Ulster BOCES, explores this critical question, as well as dives into how to cultivate the conditions needed for dreaming and designing a new future for education. The discussion highlights how Educator Edge supports teachers beyond traditional models to include the integration of culture-building with instruction—ensuring that joy, learning, and student voice remain at the heart of education.
The conversation also highlights the role of the Instructional Services team at Educator Edge in designing meaningful professional development experiences that empower educators and foster a culture where deeper learning thrives. Through CREW structures–which center on the power of relationships–and deeper learning practices, Ulster BOCES professional learning offerings help schools foster an environment where educators feel supported, students are heard, and teaching is infused with joy, purpose, and possibility.

Featuring:  
Sarah Dudley Lemek - Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Design - Educator Edge
Dr. Juli Ross-Kleinman and Yaa-Yaa Whaley-Williams, both Supervisors of Instructional Services at Educator Edge

Recorded on site in the Phoenix lab at the Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center in Port Ewen, NY, in this episode of Leading for Deeper Learning our host Dr. Jonah Schenker (District Superintendent Ulster BOCES) leads a powerful conversation with Peter Harris (Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Design), Stephen Casa (Supervisor of Workplace Learning), and Karen Riche (Assistant Principal for Career & Technical Education). Together, they explore the transformative impact of Career & Technical Education (CTE) on students, communities, and the workforce.
The discussion highlights how Ulster BOCES CTE redefines learning by equipping young scholars and young professionals with technical, workplace and personal skills, a sense of identity, and a strong sense of community. With over 60% of CTE graduates pursuing college and others directly entering the workforce, the program offers pathways that prepare students for more than just the next four years—it prepares them for life.
Key topics include the importance of partnering with industries to create real-world, equity-based learning opportunities, fostering collaboration and joy through project-based learning, and breaking down outdated systems that limit student potential. Karen, a proud CTE graduate herself, shares how the program transformed her life, proving that CTE is not a secondary option but a vital pathway to success.
The conversation also dives into CTE's role as a cornerstone of economic and workforce development, with Ulster BOCES growing internship model and innovative plans for the future space at iPark 87 in Kingston, NY that blend education, industry, and community. Tune in to discover how Ulster BOCES is leading the charge in creating a regional hub for employability, opportunity, and lifelong learning.

Featuring:  
Peter Harris, Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Design - Career Pathways Programs
Stephen Casa, Supervisor of Workplace Learning, Career Pathways Programs
Karen Riche Assistant Principal for Career & Technical Education

Recorded on location as a snowstorm started to brew through the Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center in Port Ewen, NY, this episode of Leading for Deeper Learning brings together Amanda Stokes, Assistant Superintendent for Administration, and Ed Forgit, Assistant Superintendent for Operations, for an in-depth conversation about the vital work happening behind the scenes to support learning for all—students and staff alike.
Amanda and Ed share how Ulster BOCES aligns its non-student-facing systems, structures, and processes with our "North Star" vision. From financial planning and resource allocation to fostering belonging and equity across the agency, they reveal how every role—whether in custodial services, food operations, or technology—ties back to the same guiding principles of equity, collaboration, and academic excellence.
In this episode, we explore how equity-based practices, such as budgeting and technology, create a sense of belonging for all learners. We discuss the collaboration between operational teams and educators to align their efforts and build systems that support deeper learning, as well as innovative approaches like empathy-building, cross-training, and breaking down "us vs. them" dynamics across divisions. Finally, we highlight how intentional professional learning helps non-instructional staff connect their work to classrooms, showing its direct impact on students and programs.
Amanda and Ed discuss how focusing on the "why" of the North Star enables teams to transcend traditional silos, creating a community where everyone pulls in the same direction. Tune in to hear how Ulster BOCES is building a foundation for a brighter future through strategic systems and collaboration.
Featuring:  
Amanda Stokes, Assistant Superintendent for Administration at Ulster BOCES
Ed Forgit, Assistant Superintendent for Operations at Ulster BOCES

In this episode of Portrait of a Leader, we gather a powerful roundtable of educational changemakers to explore how leadership can transcend traditional constraints by integrating heartset into decision-making. Whether guiding students or supporting educators, leaders are discovering that learning is a natural gift—rooted in play, mastery, and passion—that can ignite transformative change.
We challenge the outdated mindsets reflected in report card comments like “socializes too much” or “struggles to stay on task.” With support and direction, these very behaviors—building community, collaborating, and exploring—are the keys to reimagining education.
Join us as we unpack how leaders can foster deeper learning and embrace project-based approaches to revolutionize a system that has remained static for decades. Leadership is the foundation for this bold new vision—tune in to discover ways that you can be a part of the shift!
Featuring:  
Dr. Jill Berardi, Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Design - Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning Program at Ulster BOCES

Sarah Dudley-Lemek, Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Design - Educator Edge at Ulster BOCES 

Peter Harris, Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Design - Career Pathways Program at Ulster BOCES

In this first episode of the Leading for Deeper Learning with Ulster BOCES, Dr. Jeffrey Matteson, Senior Deputy Commissioner for Education Policy for New York State, joined Dr. Jonah Schenker, District Superintendent at Ulster BOCES, to discuss the latest educational changes being rolled out in response to the Graduation Measures recommendations from the New York State Blue Ribbon Commission and other timely topics. Dr. Schenker and Dr. Matteson dive into the evolving landscape of education, focusing on upcoming changes in the State's graduation requirements and exploring innovative approaches to expanding opportunities for all students to find success. Recorded in the historic New York State Education Building in Albany, this conversation is both timely and essential as we rethink the future of education in New York.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Launch
00:33 Today's Agenda and Key Topics
08:07 Transforming the Classroom Experience
11:10 Future Vision for Education
22:34 Ensuring Quality and Equity
30:50 Regionalization Initiative
38:35 Statewide Longitudinal Data System
43:25 College and High School Experience
51:24 Conclusion and Future Podcast Topics

LEADING FOR DEEPER LEARNING with ULSTER BOCES is a podcast where shared stories serve as the roadmap for navigating changes in education. The series is hosted by Dr. Jonah Schenker, District Superintendent of Ulster Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) in New York State, featuring conversations with educational leaders, educators, and thought partners. Dr. Schenker and his guests explore key questions, share stories, and elevate student and educator voices to guide the journey from the current state of education to the future being built. Listeners will enjoy the insights and first-hand accounts of how educators are working ro reshape tomorrow’s educational landscape.

To learn more about Ulster BOCES visit https://www.ulsterboces.org/