Show Summary: In this special season finale, John and Mark look back on their first season of podcasting together and the school year that shaped it. From debates over phones and leadership philosophies to unexpected snow days and the voices of teacher-leaders, they revisit the conversations that stood out and the themes that emerged.

They also share what they’re excited about for next year, including new ideas they’re bringing into their work and into the podcast. Plus, Mark introduces John to a brand-new segment called The Exit Ticket...

Whether you've listened to every episode or are just joining in, this wrap-up captures the energy, growth, and ambition behind season one and sets the stage for what’s ahead.

Show Notes: Key Topics

• Reflections on the school year and season one of the podcast

• Favorite moments and themes from this season’s episodes

• Lessons learned from teacher-leaders, policy shifts, and real-world education issues

• Preview of ideas and priorities for the upcoming school year

• Introduction of The Exit Ticket, how we will get to know our future guests
• Gratitude for listeners, guests, and everyone helping to shape the conversation

Note: Audio shifts at 16:10 - we will continue to try and do better. Sorry.

Show Summary:
In this episode, Mark and John focus on the unsung heroes who keep schools running every day—support staff. From custodians and maintenance crews to administrative assistants, IT specialists, and instructional aides, they discuss the critical roles these professionals play in creating a safe, welcoming, and functional environment for students and staff.

They share stories of the people behind the scenes, highlight how much these roles shape school culture, and explore why it’s time for schools to give support staff the recognition they’ve long deserved. It’s a conversation about gratitude, respect, and the people who make it all possible.

Show Notes: Key Topics

• 
  
• The wide range of roles that support staff fill in schools
• 
  
• How these team members shape school climate and culture
• Personal stories of support staff who made a lasting impact
• Why recognizing and respecting support staff is a leadership priority
• A reminder that great schools run on more than instruction—they run on community

• 
  

• Connect with Mark:

  • ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

  • ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

  • ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠

  
  

  Connect with John:

  • ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

  • ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

  
  

  Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Podcasts.

  
  

  Call to Action: Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more insightful conversations on the future of education technology, AI, and the evolving landscape of educational leadership!

  
  

  Intro and Outro Music:

  "Dreamer" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Show Summary:
In this episode, Mark and John unpack the most powerful takeaways from SXSW 2025. From AI’s growing role as a creative partner to the real-world arrival of quantum computing, they explore how this year’s event signaled a massive shift in how we think about innovation, leadership, and the future of work.

They also reflect on themes like responsible technology use, immersive storytelling, and the expanding commercial frontier of space. Whether you're an educator, entrepreneur, or leader trying to keep up with emerging trends, this episode offers a sharp look at what’s coming—and what it means for all of us.

Show Notes: Key Topics

• AI as a Creative Partner: From music to medicine, AI isn’t replacing us—it’s expanding what we can do.

• Quantum Computing Is Here: No longer theoretical, quantum is already driving breakthroughs in science, finance, and materials.

• Policy as a Strategic Advantage: Companies that understand and navigate regulation are positioned to lead.

• Digital Safety for a Hyper-Connected World: It’s not just about data protection—it’s about protecting minds, attention, and autonomy.

• Experiential Brands Are Winning: The future of marketing is immersive, emotional, and participatory.

• Healthcare Reimagined: AI-driven diagnostics and longevity science are moving from concept to clinic.

Show Summary:

In this episode, John and Mark respond to the stunning announcement of the closure of the U.S. Department of Education. They unpack what this unprecedented shift could mean for schools across the country and share their thoughts on how such a major change might play out in practice.

From the potential reworking of federal funding streams to the uncertain future of high-stakes testing, they explore both the challenges and the opportunities that could come with this dramatic move. While the implications are still unfolding, John and Mark offer their early reactions, areas of cautious optimism, and questions every educator should be asking.

Show Notes: Key Topics

• Reactions to the announcement of the Department of Education’s closure

• How the change process could unfold at the state and local levels

• The future of federal funding and how schools might still access support

• What this could mean for accountability and high-stakes testing

• Opportunities for rethinking education systems and priorities
• Initial reflections on navigating an uncertain educational landscape

Show Summary:
In this episode, John and Mark talk about how educators stay connected and informed in a time when professional networking platforms are shifting. With Twitter’s transformation, BlueSky still finding its footing, and LinkedIn offering a slower-paced, more formal vibe, they explore how educators are adapting to build their circles and stay current.

They reflect on the evolution of online professional learning communities, share how their own networking habits have changed, and consider what’s missing in today’s digital spaces. If you’ve been wondering where the best conversations in education are happening now, this episode takes a closer look at the landscape.

Show Notes: Key Topics

• The changing role of Twitter/X in education networking
• Why platforms like BlueSky haven’t gained momentum with educators
• The pros and cons of LinkedIn as a professional learning space
• How educators are finding new ways to connect and share ideas
• The importance of informal, real-time collaboration in professional growth
• Reflections on what educators need from online networks today

Links from the Show:

• NCTM
• PETE & C
• PA Principals
• NCLA
• SXSW

Connect with Mark:

• ⁠Instagram⁠

• ⁠LinkedIn⁠

• ⁠Website⁠

Connect with John:

• ⁠Instagram⁠

• ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Leave a Review:If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Podcasts.

Call to Action:Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more insightful conversations on the future of education technology, AI, and the evolving landscape of educational leadership!

Intro and Outro Music:

Dreamer Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Show Summary:
In this episode, John and Mark discuss the power of teacher leadership and what happens when educators are given trust, autonomy, and time to pursue their passions. They highlight inspiring examples of teachers who have gone beyond the classroom to create meaningful opportunities for students and their communities.

From a Teacher of the Year finalist who developed a standardized patients program to give high school students real clinical experience, to an educator whose $20 kindness challenge made national news, they explore how innovative teachers can make a lasting impact when supported to lead. This episode is a reminder that some of the best ideas in education come from those working directly with students every day.

Key Topics

• The importance of teacher leadership in schools
• How trust, autonomy, and time fuel educator innovation
• A Teacher of the Year finalist’s groundbreaking standardized patients program
• The $20 kindness challenge and its impact on students and the community
• How schools can better support and amplify teacher-led initiatives
• Reflections on the lasting influence of empowered educators

Show Links:

Kindness - Pay it Forward - Mrs. Ulmer - https://6abc.com/post/pa-teacher-creates-20-kindness-challenge-memory-sister/15957682/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1DS-KoUYpwRky7irmxie6F_UfxFENlMpDewNFGUuafk3oDQCE0SucvlF8_aem_3Y7IHpnMNjYvY0ctlV2ydQ#kopvxbtzn5t57j03v9zjhqto9ibljqg

https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/family/video/teacher-starts-20-kindness-challenge-students-honor-late-119447017

https://montco.happeningmag.com/montco-teacher-challenges-students-in-20-pay-it-forward-project/#:~:text=While%20the%20students%20could%20have%20easily%20spent,were%20passionate%20about%20meeting%20Mrs.%20Ulmer's%20challenge.

PETE&C - https://www.peteandc.org

Fahrenheit 451 - https://www.amazon.com/Fahrenheit-451-Ray-Bradbury/dp/1451673310?dplnkId=8ab089de-6679-4e8e-829c-7ac4ec4ee564&nodl=1

Connect with Mark:

• Instagram

• LinkedIn

• Website

Connect with John:

• Instagram

• LinkedIn

Leave a Review:If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Podcasts.

Call to Action:Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more insightful conversations on the future of education technology, AI, and the evolving landscape of educational leadership!

Intro and Outro Music:

Dreamer Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Note: a technical issue caused the audio for the last 5 minutes to be affected. We'll do better next time.

Show Summary:In this episode, John and Mark take on the endless cycle of educational initiatives—those big ideas that roll through schools, promising transformation but often fading with time. From UBD and UDL to DI and MTSS, they discuss which initiatives have staying power and which ones teachers have simply learned to outlast.

Drawing from their experiences as teachers and administrators, they explore how leadership turnover impacts these initiatives, why some gain traction while others disappear, and what it all means for educators on the front lines. If you've ever felt like you're just waiting out the next big thing in education, this conversation will resonate.

Key Topics

• The constant wave of new educational initiatives
• Which frameworks have lasted and which have faded
• The impact of leadership turnover on school priorities
• How teachers navigate shifting expectations and mandates
• The difference between meaningful change and passing trends
• A discussion on what truly improves teaching and learning

Sustainable Initiatives Links:

Racing Stripes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qb6PKUcyNY0

UBD:https://files.ascd.org/staticfiles/ascd/pdf/siteASCD/publications/UbD_WhitePaper0312.pdf

UDL:https://teaching.cornell.edu/teaching-resources/universal-design-learning#:~:text=Universal%20design%20for%20learning%20(UDL,hurdles%20in%20the%20learning%20process.

DI:https://ctl.stanford.edu/differentiated-instruction

Danielson:https://danielsongroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/2022-Framework-for-Teaching_Draft_June-28-2022-.pdf

Turnover article: https://www.edweek.org/leadership/do-students-suffer-when-a-superintendent-leaves-a-new-study-has-an-answer/2025/02

Connect with Mark:

• Instagram

• LinkedIn

• Website

Connect with John:

• Instagram

• LinkedIn

Leave a Review:If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Podcasts.

Call to Action:Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more insightful conversations on the future of education technology, AI, and the evolving landscape of educational leadership!

Intro and Outro Music:

Dreamer Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Show Summary:
In this episode, Mark and John reflect on the teachers who left a lasting impact on them. From the ones who pushed them to be better to those who made learning unforgettable, they discuss what made these educators stand out and why their influence has lasted for decades.

They explore the qualities that make a teacher truly memorable, the emotions and experiences that stuck with them over time, and what today’s educators can learn from those who made a difference in their lives. It’s a conversation about influence, inspiration, and the power of great teaching.

Show Notes: Key Topics

• The teachers who made a lasting impact on John and Mark
• What set these educators apart from the rest
• The lessons, experiences, and emotions that stayed with them
• How great teachers shape students beyond the classroom
• What today’s educators can learn from memorable teachers
• Reflections on the power of relationships in education

Connect with Mark:

• ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠

Connect with John:

• ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

Leave a Review:If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Podcasts.

Call to Action:Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more insightful conversations on the future of education technology, AI, and the evolving landscape of educational leadership!

Intro and Outro Music:

Dreamer Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this episode, Mark and John talk about the decision-making process behind winter weather school closures and delays. With storms threatening Pennsylvania during the recording of the episode, they break down what goes on behind the scenes—from early morning phone calls to the ripple effects those decisions have on students, staff, and families.

They also discuss the pressures of getting it right, the challenges of unpredictable forecasts, and the occasional second-guessing that comes with the job. Whether you’ve ever questioned a snow day call or just wondered what factors go into the decision, this conversation sheds light on the realities of winter weather planning in schools.

Show Notes: Key Topics

• The behind-the-scenes process of making a winter weather call
• Early morning phone calls, road checks, and weather updates
• The impact of delays and closures on students, staff, and families
• The challenge of dealing with unpredictable forecasts
• The occasional missed call and how leaders handle it
• The pressure of making the right decision—and why there’s no perfect answer

Connect with Mark:

• ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠

Connect with John:

• ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

Leave a Review:If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Podcasts.

Call to Action:Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more insightful conversations on the future of education technology, AI, and the evolving landscape of educational leadership!

Intro and Outro Music:

Dreamer Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this episode, John and Mark talk about their philosophies on school leadership—what’s shaped their approach, what’s changed over time, and what they believe makes an effective leader in education. They also discuss the leadership authors who have influenced them, share advice for those considering the role, and reflect on the challenges and rewards of leading a school.

Accountability, decision-making, and the moments that make leadership worthwhile are all on the table. Whether you're in a leadership position or thinking about stepping into one, this conversation offers insights from experience.

Show Notes: Key Topics

• John and Mark’s leadership philosophies and how they’ve evolved
• The leadership books and authors that shaped their thinking
• Practical advice for educators considering leadership roles
• Balancing accountability and autonomy as a school leader
• Reflections on the moments that made leadership most meaningful
• Honest thoughts on the realities of school leadership today

Topics Discussed:

When I Left the Classroom for Administration, Did I Join the Dark Side? The transition into school leadership is messy and imperfect. Here’s what keeps me going By Sarah Berman — January 07, 2025 https://www.edweek.org/leadership/opinion-when-i-left-the-classroom-for-administration-did-i-join-the-dark-side/2025/01

Revenge of the Tipping Point (Gladwell): https://www.amazon.com/Revenge-Tipping-Point-Overstories-Superspreaders/dp/0316575801

Connect with Mark:

• ⁠Instagram⁠

• ⁠LinkedIn⁠

• ⁠Website⁠

Connect with John:

• ⁠Instagram⁠

• ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Leave a Review:If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Podcasts.

Call to Action:Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more insightful conversations on the future of education technology, AI, and the evolving landscape of educational leadership!

Intro and Outro Music:

Dreamer Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/