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NJAEL - The Leader's Edge Podcast
NJAEL - The Leader's Edge Podcast episodes
- Brian Bosworth & Principal-ing Through Budget Constraints
How do school leaders continue to put students first when budgets are shrinking and resources are stretched thin?
In this episode of The Leader’s Edge Podcast, host Rob Elia welcomes Brian Bosworth, Principal of Kittatinny Regional High School and co-host of the Championship Culture SQUADcast, for an insightful conversation about educational leadership, navigating financial challenges, and maintaining a positive school culture.
With more than two decades at Kittatinny, Brian shares his journey from English teacher and coach to principal, reflecting on the challenges of leading a district through declining enrollment and years of significant budget reductions.
Together, Rob and Brian explore the difficult decisions administrators face, the importance of transparency and communication, and creative ways schools can preserve educational opportunities while doing more with less.
The Journey to Leadership: Brian's transition from sports journalism and corporate public relations to teaching, coaching, and school administration.
Understanding How Students Learn: The role of brain-based learning, neuroscience, and differentiated instruction in education and athletics.
Principal-ing Through Budget Constraints: Prioritizing student programs, electives, athletics, and extracurricular opportunities despite declining enrollment and reduced funding.
Making Difficult Decisions: Navigating staffing reductions, maintaining morale, and leading with empathy and transparency.
Creative Solutions: Leveraging community partnerships, sponsorships, grants, and additional staff certifications to maximize limited resources.
Community Communication: Keeping families and taxpayers informed through districtwide newsletters, outreach, and open communication.
Leadership Under Pressure: Remaining a positive, supportive leader while managing long-term financial uncertainty.
Brian emphasizes that effective leadership during challenging times requires collaboration, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to students. By involving staff in solutions, understanding student interests, and building strong community relationships, school leaders can continue creating meaningful educational experiences even when resources are limited.
The conversation also highlights the importance of mentorship, with Brian recognizing influential leaders who helped shape his career and leadership philosophy.
Join Rob and Brian for a thoughtful discussion about the realities of school leadership and what it takes to protect educational opportunities when financial challenges become the norm.
Because great leadership isn't just about what you accomplish when resources are plentiful. It's about how you lead when they're not.
To connect with Brian:
LinkedIn
To connect with Rob:
LinkedIn
Email
NJAEL Links:
NJAEL LinkedIn
NJAEL X
NJAEL Website
NJAEL Events
55 min - Derek Tranchina: From NJ Education Leader to Entrepreneur
What happens when an experienced educator turns an innovative idea into a technology company?
In this episode of NJAEL’s The Leader’s Edge Podcast, host Rob Elia welcomes Derek Tranchina, Founder and CEO of Traffic Lite, to discuss his journey from 18 years in public education to becoming an EdTech entrepreneur.
Derek shares how Traffic Lite is helping schools establish clear AI usage policies, support teachers, and bring greater consistency to AI integration in the classroom. Together, Rob and Derek explore why artificial intelligence is no longer just a technology conversation, but a leadership challenge requiring schools to rethink teaching, learning, and assessment.
Episode Highlights:
Derek’s transition from educator and school leader to entrepreneur.
How Traffic Lite helps districts manage AI policies through a red, yellow, and green framework.
Why school leaders must prepare educators and students for an AI-driven future.
The importance of creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and authentic learning experiences.
How generative AI is empowering educators to become innovators and entrepreneurs.
Derek also shares personal stories, lessons learned from building his business, and advice for educators looking to turn their own ideas into reality.
To connect with Derek:
LinkedIn
Traffic Lite
To connect with Rob:
LinkedIn
Email
NJAEL Links:
NJAEL LinkedIn
NJAEL X
NJAEL Website
NJAEL Events
49 min - NY Giant Steve Baker "The Touchdown Maker"
Learning from a Legend. Steve Baker "The Touchdown Maker" former Super Bowl winning NY Giant joins the podcast onsite from the PureTek Group office in Boonton NJ. (Video to be released soon).
Listen in to learn about Steve's NFL career, what differentiated him from other players at all levels, what catching a touchdown pass in the Super Bowl and what winning the big game was like.
To connect with Rob:
LinkedIn
Email
NJAEL Links:
NJAEL LinkedIn
NJAEL X
NJAEL Website
NJAEL Events
35 min - From Asst. Superintendent to Superintendent with Joe Fleres
Spending over 20 years in the same district, Joe Fleres has transitioned from Assistant Superintendent to Superintendent.
Listen to Joe discuss what feels new, what is familiar, and everything in between as he is settling in to his new position. Plus a special shoutout to previous Superintendent and Ed Leader of the Year Sal Goncalves.
If you want to learn more about Joe, you can find his previous Episode titled: Lead From Where You Are w/ Joe Fleres and by connecting with him here:
LinkedIn
Instagram
To connect with Rob:
LinkedIn
Email
NJAEL Links:
NJAEL LinkedIn
NJAEL X
NJAEL Website
NJAEL Events
31 min - Yanal Saleh - Reopening Schools with Technology
Yanal Saleh - Tech Director at Elmwood Park School District and Director of NJASTO (New Jersey Assoc. of School Technology Officials) joins the podcast to discuss reopening schools with technology.
Tune into hear Yanal describe how his K-12 experience continues to influence him, and what reopening schools with technology is like. Take a peek behind the curtain to learn what happens between graduation and opening day in order to have schools up and running seamlessly. Plus, how his team at Elmwood Park and colleagues at NJASTO have had an impact on success.
You can follow and connect with Yanal on:
LinkedIn
You can follow and connect with Rob on:
LinkedIn
Email
NJAEL
NJAEL LinkedIn
NJAEL X
NJAEL Website
NJAEL Events
53 min - Hot Takes from the MRA International interNETworking 2026 Conference
The MRA International interNETworking 2026 Conference Co-Sponsored by NJAEL.
Listen to Hot Takes taken live from the event by:
- Angelo Tirone - of MRA International
- Dr. Ed Lazzara - Executive Director of NJAEL
- Dr. Michael Connor - CEO Agile Evolutionary Group
- Dr. Stephen Cappello - Superintendent of Cinnaminson
- Bruno Tirone - CEO & President at MRA International
- Yanal Saleh - Tech Director of Elmwood Park & NJASTO Director of Partnerships
- Dr. Richard Tomko - Superintendent of Garfield Public Schools
- Mike Litvin - COO of PureTek Group
- Dr. Kathy Naasz - VP of Partnerships & Entrepreneurship at NJIT
- Dr. Jeanene Dutt - President of NJAEL & Becoming Your Best Global.
You can follow and connect with Rob on:
LinkedIn
Email
NJAEL
NJAEL LinkedIn
NJAEL X
NJAEL Website
NJAEL Events
59 min - NJ Tutoring Corps w/ CEO Katherine Bassett!
Katherine Bassett - CEO of NJ Tutoring Corps Inc. joins the podcast to discuss her experience in NJ Education, how NJ Tutoring Corps came to be, and much more!
Katherine brings extensive experience to NJ education and if you're listening, you may have taken one of her tests!
You can follow and connect with Katherine on:
LinkedIn
NJ Tutoring Corps Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/newjerseytutoringcorps
Twitter: https://x.com/corps_nj
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/njtutoringcorps/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/njtutoringcorps
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/njtutoringcorps.bsky.social
You can follow and connect with Rob on:LinkedIn
Email
NJAEL
NJAEL LinkedIn
NJAEL X
NJAEL Website
NJAEL Events
42 min - NJAEL Executive Director Dr. Ed Lazzara!
The New NJAEL Executive Director Dr. Ed Lazzara joins the podcast to discuss his new role and what's ahead for NJAEL!
Dr. Lazzara shares how his experience as a school administrator and leader of another organization, Championship Culture, support his new role as Executive Director. We also discuss Dr. Lazzara's Book: Who's Your Squad - Blood, Grit, and Pasta.
Plus What Would Josephine Do?
Visit Championship Culture for more information.
You can follow and connect with Ed on:
LinkedIn
You can follow and connect with Rob on:
LinkedIn
Email
Will we see you down at the MRA International interNETworking Conference? If so, be sure to stop by and catch up!
NJAEL LinkedIn
NJAEL X
NJAEL Website
NJAEL Events
37 min - Heather Monahan - Creating Confidence & Overcoming your Villains!
Heather Monahan, author of Creating Confidence and Overcoming Your Villains joins the Leader's Edge podcast!
Heather is a dynamic leader who rapidly climbed the ranks in corporate America before making her mark in the broadcasting industry, eventually becoming the Chief Revenue Officer of Beasley Broadcasting. Her journey of resilience and empowerment led her to found Boss In Heels, where she leverages her experiences to inspire others towards confidence and success. She is also a celebrated author of “Confidence Creator,” a best-seller that underscores her commitment to empowering individuals.
You can find Heather's Books: Confidence Creator & Overcoming Your Villains.
You can find Heather's Podcast via this link: Creating Confidence
Heather's Website
Heather's LinkedIn Page
To connect with Rob:
LinkedIn
NJAEL Links:
NJAEL LinkedIn
NJAEL X
NJAEL Website
37 min - The Frequency Era w/ Chris Walker - CEO of Encoded
Chris Walker- CEO of ENCODED joins the podcast to discuss his book: The Frequency Era and how the job market is about to enter it's next major phase.
Have you been wondering what's going to happen next due to major AI innovation? This is the episode for you.
Chris breaks down his book and how it outlines the previous job market eras, what's next, and what skill types will thrive the most.
We also dive into ENCODED: ENCODED is the science-backed training system that upgrades your mindset and nervous system capacity, leading to healthier living, stronger leadership, deeper relationships, and higher performance.To connect with Chris:
LinkedIn
ENCODED Website
The Frequency Era Book Link
To connect with Rob:
LinkedIn
NJAEL Links:
NJAEL LinkedIn
NJAEL X
NJAEL Website
49 min
About NJAEL - The Leader's Edge Podcast
From the publisher's feed
The mission of New Jersey Association of Educational Leaders (NJAEL) is to inspire, empower, and transform leaders to drive positive change in their organizations and communities. We are dedicated to cultivating a vibrant network of exceptional leaders who embody integrity, innovation, and inclusivity.
Through diverse programs, resources, and collaborative opportunities, we strive to foster continuous learning, personal growth, and professional development for our members. The NJAEL serves as a platform for leaders to connect, exchange insights and knowledge.
www.njael.org