In this episode of Praxis Journeys, host Vinay Ganti talks with Cina Lackey and Tori Del Toro from the Idaho Department of Education about the state’s innovative work to strengthen educator ethics. They discuss the importance of raising awareness of the Idaho Code of Ethics, providing practical resources like breach‑of‑contract and duty‑to‑report guidance, and using tools like ProEthica to spark meaningful conversations in schools.

Cina and Tori share common challenges, lessons learned, and emerging areas—including digital communication boundaries and future considerations around AI. Their insights highlight how clear expectations and open dialogue help protect students while supporting educators in making thoughtful, ethical decisions.

In this episode of Praxis Journeys, host Vinay Ganti speaks with Jimmy Adams, Executive Director of NASDTEC, about the rapidly changing landscape of teacher licensure, the national teacher shortage, and how states are rethinking educator mobility and teacher retention.

This episode explores major questions shaping the future of the profession, including:

• How the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact improves teacher mobility and reduces barriers for educators relocating across states
• Why teacher shortages are often really teacher distribution and retention challenges
• How different preparation pathways—traditional programs, alternative certification, residencies, and apprenticeships—impact teacher retention rates
• What supports new teachers truly need, including multi‑year mentoring, strong school leadership, and robust instructional coaching
• How licensure, educator preparation programs (EPPs), and state policy must evolve to better prepare and retain effective teachers
• NASDTEC’s early work to define what new teachers should know and be able to do to succeed on day one

Whether you’re a district leader, policymaker, educator preparation partner, or anyone following education workforce trends, this conversation provides a timely, insightful look at how licensure policy intersects with teacher quality, support systems, and long‑term retention.

In this episode of Praxis Journeys, host Vinay Ganti sits down with lifelong educator and superintendent Michael Lubelfeld for a candid conversation about the evolving landscape of K-12 education. Drawing on over three decades of experience, Michael shares his journey from classroom teacher to systems leader, emphasizing the importance of collaborative and networked leadership in overcoming the isolation often felt at the top.

Together, they explore how generative artificial intelligence is reshaping the skills needed for tomorrow’s workforce, referencing global trends and the World Economic Forum’s predictions for 2030. Michael discusses the challenge of preparing educators and students for rapid technological change, advocating for curiosity, coalition-building, and a multi-pronged approach to professional development.

Listeners will hear practical analogies that illuminate the balance between human and artificial intelligence in education. The episode closes with an inspiring story of student agency, as Michael describes how eighth graders in his district are stepping up to co-create technology policy and present at AI conferences.

Whether you’re an educator, leader, or lifelong learner, this episode offers actionable insights on embracing change, fostering authentic leadership, and amplifying student voice in a world transformed by technology.

In this inspiring episode, Praxis Journeys welcomes Dr. John B. King Jr.—former U.S. Secretary of Education, lifelong advocate for equity, and author of “Teacher by Teacher.” Dr. King shares his personal journey from a childhood shaped by loss and adversity to a career dedicated to championing educators and student success. Through heartfelt stories, he highlights the profound impact teachers have on individual lives and entire communities.

Dr. King reflects on the healing role of schools, the importance of mentorship, and the critical need for strong partnerships between families and educators. He discusses pressing challenges in education today, including teacher shortages, chronic absenteeism, and the evolving landscape shaped by technology and AI. Dr. King offers actionable insights on preparing and supporting teachers, building effective mentorship programs, and fostering career readiness for students.

This episode is a call to action for everyone invested in education—parents, teachers, policymakers, and community members—to work together in creating environments where every child can thrive. Dr. King’s optimism and practical wisdom will leave you inspired to make a difference, one student and one teacher at a time.

Disclaimer: This episode was recorded on October 7, 2025. The interview reflects Dr. John B. King Jr.’s personal views and was conducted in his personal capacity.

As the role of the U.S. Department of Education shifts, states and districts face both uncertainty and opportunity. Host Vinay Ganti sits down with Terri Conrad, Ed.D. and Dr. Jaalil Hart of the Hunt Institute to explore how leaders can “act as if” by building capacity, strengthening data systems, and planning for impact over personalities. They discuss bright spots like Virginia’s English Learner Network, lessons from ESSER funding, and why science‑of‑reading implementation must be sequenced thoughtfully alongside math. The conversation tackles teacher recruitment and retention, innovative staffing models, and the power of mayoral partnerships to address affordability and workforce pathways. Finally, the guests preview the Hunt Institute’s Across the Aisle survey—rolling out in January—which surfaces what voters, parents, and educators actually agree on, beyond the “red‑meat” noise. If you care about moving from compliance to outcomes—and doing it sustainably—this episode is a practical roadmap for state and local leaders.

In this inspiring episode of Praxis Journeys, lifelong educator and former Utah State Superintendent Sydnee Dickson shares her journey from classroom teacher to policy leader—and now, special advisor at the University of Utah. She reflects on the power of continuous improvement, the importance of teacher and leader pipelines, and how educator preparation must evolve to meet today’s challenges. 

From innovative school-university partnerships to the promise of AI in teacher development, Sydnee offers bold ideas for building more inclusive, flexible, and future-ready learning environments. 

In this episode of Praxis Journeys, host Vinay Ganti sits down with Dr. Rick Surrency, Superintendent of Putnam County School District in Northeast Florida. Dr. Surrency shares his unique perspective as an elected superintendent, discussing how community engagement and long-term systems thinking have transformed his district. From innovative teacher retention strategies and employee wellness initiatives to dramatic improvements in graduation rates, Dr. Surrency reveals the “secret sauce” behind Putnam’s success.

Listeners will hear how rural districts can leverage partnerships, expand STEM opportunities, and connect curriculum to real-world careers—including pathways to the space industry. Whether you’re an education leader, policymaker, or advocate, this episode offers practical insights on sustaining change, building relevant programs, and preparing students for jobs that don’t even exist yet.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, innovation, and the power of looking beyond your district walls to create lasting impact.

In this episode of Praxis Journeys, Adam Rubin, founder and CEO of 2Revolutions, joins us to explore how education innovation is reshaping the future of K–12 education. From teacher training and capacity building to state policy and personalized learning, Rubin shares how his organization is driving systemic change through learner-centered and equity-focused approaches.

We dive into the power of leadership development, the importance of high-leverage teaching practices, and the role of Praxis and ETS in enhancing teacher induction and professional growth. Rubin also discusses the “devolution of dollars” and how it opens doors for local innovation. With optimism and clarity, he paints a compelling picture of a future built on competency-based learning and expanded opportunities for all students.

In this episode of Praxis Journeys, we sit down with Jeff Horton to explore how international teachers are helping U.S. schools address critical staffing shortages. From recruitment and onboarding to retention and cultural exchange, Jeff shares insights into the strategic value of international educators and the systems that support their success. 

Learn how districts can build inclusive communities, streamline hiring through partnerships, and invest in long-term staffing solutions that reflect the diversity of their student populations. Whether you're a school leader, HR professional, or education advocate, this conversation offers practical takeaways for transforming teacher recruitment and enriching the classroom experience.

In this powerful episode of Praxis Journeys, host Vinay Ganti sits down with Jean Desravines, CEO of New Leaders, and Denise Dennis, Chief of the National Aspiring Principals Fellowship, to explore the evolving role of school leadership in today’s complex educational landscape.

From the lasting impacts of the pandemic and political polarization to the rise of AI and workforce development, Jean and Denise unpack the urgent challenges—and bold opportunities—facing K–12 schools. They share how New Leaders is responding with innovative programs like the National Aspiring Principals Fellowship and a new AI-embedded Accelerator for paraprofessionals, all designed to build a more representative, resilient, and future-ready leadership pipeline.

Whether you're an educator, policymaker, or just passionate about the future of education, this episode offers a hopeful and actionable vision for how we can reimagine schools as engines of equity, opportunity, and community transformation.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

• Why school leadership is more demanding—and more essential—than ever
• How New Leaders is tackling burnout and the leadership pipeline crisis
• The power of community, coaching, and personal leadership in principal preparation
• How AI and workforce development are reshaping the future of teaching and leading