Praxis Journeys

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

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with George Philhower, Superintendent of Eastern Hancock Schools in rural Indiana, to explore how intentional leadership and a commitment to culture can transform a district. George shares his personal journey—from overcoming learning challenges as a student to becoming a passionate advocate for joy, connection, growth, and success in education.

Listeners will hear how Eastern Hancock became a school of choice for 40% of its students, despite its remote location and lack of transportation. George reveals the district’s innovative practices, including hiring parties, a Director of Employee Experience, and the nationally recognized Joy Jam conference.

We also dive into Eastern Hancock’s reimagined teacher evaluation system, designed to foster felt safety, professional growth, and peer collaboration. Whether you're a school leader, educator, or simply curious about what it takes to build a joyful school culture, this episode offers practical insights and heartfelt inspiration.

In this episode of Praxis Journeys, Vinay Ganti sits down with James Lane, former state superintendent and current leader of K16 initiatives at ETS, to explore the evolving landscape of education. From tackling the national teacher shortage to reimagining assessments with AI, James shares powerful insights drawn from his career across every level of the education system. They discuss the urgent need for leadership pipelines, sustainable budgeting post-ESSER, and the promise of programs like Educators Rising. Whether you're an educator, policymaker, or edtech innovator, this conversation offers a compelling vision for the future of teaching, learning, and leadership.

Step into the world of global education transformation with Rishabh Khanna, founder of Surasa and a passionate advocate for elevating teaching as a borderless, aspirational profession. In this podcast, Rishabh shares his journey from serendipitous beginnings in education to building a platform that empowers teachers across continents. We explore how Surasa is redefining teacher training, enabling international mobility, and partnering with organizations like ETS Praxis to address global teacher shortages.

Whether you're an educator, school leader, or simply curious about the future of learning, this podcast offers a front-row seat to the movement that's making teaching a truly global career.

In this episode of Praxis Journeys, Rotunda Floyd-Cooper, Vice President of Education Leadership at the Wallace Foundation, shares her inspiring path from high school math teacher to national systems leader. She reflects on how her classroom experiences shaped her approach to supporting school leadership and why mentorship, context, and collaboration are key to building thriving schools.