School Leaders Project

Description: On this episode of The School Leaders Project, host Cindy Blackburn sits down with author and education thought leader Tony Frontier to explore what it really means to use AI with intention in schools.

Together, they dig into some of the most urgent questions facing educators today:
What happens when AI tools become embedded in every part of the teaching and learning cycle? Are we empowering learners, or just automating the system? And how can school leaders ensure AI supports deeper learning rather than undermining it?

Tony shares powerful insights from his book AI with Intention, including:

• Why AI is a mirror, not a problem
  
  
  
• How shallow grading practices can lead to an “AI vicious cycle”
  
  
  
• What effective prompting reveals about student agency
  
  
  
• How to use AI as an empathy coach and planning partner
  
  
  
• Why transformational change starts with clarity of purpose
  
  
  

If you're a teacher, curriculum leader, or school administrator wrestling with AI adoption, this conversation offers a timely, practical, and deeply human take on how to move forward with confidence and conscience.

In this episode of The School Leaders Project, host Cindy Blackburn talks with Rachel Skiffer, Head of School at Head Royce in California, about what it means to balance tradition and innovation in education.

Rachel shares how her team approaches AI in education , not as a threat, but as a tool for deepening curiosity, creativity, and human connection. From rethinking classroom technology and cell phone policies to preserving what’s timeless about great teaching, she explores how schools can stay rooted in their values while preparing students for the future.

You’ll hear insights on:

• Leading an independent school in the age of AI
  
  
  
• Building a culture of thoughtful innovation
  
  
  
• Designing learning spaces that nurture agency and creativity
  
  
  
• Balancing old-school values with new technology
  
  
  
• Supporting teachers through rapid change
  
  
  

If you’ve ever wondered how to innovate without losing what matters most, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The School Leaders Project, host Cindy Blackburn sits down with Superintendent Glenn Robbins of Brigantine Community School District to explore what school innovation really looks like when it’s grounded in design thinking, futures thinking, and deep community partnership.

From swim programs and junior lifeguard certifications to a thriving eSports arena, hydroponics walls, Shark Tank–style business partnerships, and the now-famous Mr. Rogers Project, Glenn shares how he leads a district that puts belonging, empathy, and real-world learning at the center of everything it does.
Together, they unpack:

• how design thinking shapes strategic decisions

• why futures thinking helps schools stay relevant

• how to build true community partnerships that benefit everyone

• what it takes to launch meaningful real-world projects

• how to respond to critics and build long-term buy-in

• why student voice, empathy, and collaboration drive every major initiative

Whether you're a superintendent, principal, aspiring leader, or simply passionate about innovative schooling, this conversation offers practical inspiration for creating schools where students feel known, communities feel connected, and learning truly prepares kids for life.

In this episode of The School Leaders Project, host Cindy Blackburn sits down with Louis Tullo, Chief Information and Innovation Officer at Ravenscroft School, for a deep and refreshingly human conversation about AI in independent schools.Together, they explore how AI can strengthen belonging, support metacognition, deepen learning, and free teachers to focus on the work only humans can do. Louis shares how his background in theater, corporate IT, research on student procrastination, and classroom teaching all inform his holistic approach to AI integration.

You’ll hear insights on:
 • building AI literacy for teachers and students
 • designing school cultures where AI is embraced as a learning partner
 • using bots to support executive functioning and reduce operational load
 • helping students understand their thinking, not just get the “right” answer
 • fostering belonging and connection in an AI-rich world
 • what independent schools must prioritize to adopt AI responsibly

Whether you’re a school leader, tech director, teacher, or simply curious about the future of learning, this conversation offers clarity, inspiration, and a powerful reframing of what’s possible.

 In this episode of Toddle’s School Leaders Project, host Cindy Blackburn sits down with assessment expert Sue Brookhart to unpack what makes formative assessment so powerful.

Sue shares a clear, practical definition of formative assessment, walks through her Formative Learning Cycle (the 3 questions every teacher should ask), and explains the mindset shift that transforms classrooms from teacher-centered to student-centered.

You’ll also hear how clarity in learning targets and success criteria isn’t just good practice, it’s an equity move that gives all students access to what quality work looks like.

Watch to learn:

• What formative assessment really is (and isn’t)
  
  
  
• The 3 questions that drive powerful learning
  
  
  
• How to involve students in assessment for maximum impact
  
  
  
• Why learning targets and success criteria change the game
  
  
  

Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, or instructional coach, this conversation will give you actionable strategies to improve learning in your classroom or school.

In this episode of The School Leaders Project, host Cindy Blackburn talks with Worokya Duncan, Associate Director for Professional Learning at NYSAIS, about how schools can reignite teacher engagement and design professional learning that truly sparks curiosity and joy.

Worokya shares what she’s seeing across independent schools, teachers seeking purpose over perfection, choosing balance without losing passion, and redefining what meaningful professional growth looks like. Together, they explore how leaders can move PD from compliance to curiosity, build cultures of agency and trust, and rekindle the energy that drew teachers to the profession in the first place.

You’ll hear insights on:

• Designing professional learning that energizes, not drains
  
  
  
• Shifting from required PD to personalized growth
  
  
  
• Building teacher engagement through voice and agency
  
  
  
• Understanding generational shifts in motivation
  
  
  
• Creating cultures that center joy, purpose, and connection
  
  
  

If you’ve been wondering how to get your teachers excited about learning again, this conversation is for you.

In this episode of The School Leaders Project, host Cindy Blackburn sits down with author and principal Elizabeth Dampf to unpack one of education’s quietest struggles, imposter syndrome in school leadership.

Together, they explore how self-doubt shows up for principals, instructional coaches, and teacher leaders; why confidence and vulnerability must coexist; and how growth mindset and reflection can transform the way we lead.

You’ll hear Elizabeth share insights from her book Am I Cut Out for This?, including the seven archetypes of self-doubt that every educator encounters, from the jittery innovator to the instructional imposter, and practical ways to reframe uncertainty as an opportunity for growth.

Whether you’re a new leader navigating your first year or a veteran administrator mentoring others, this conversation offers encouragement, honesty, and a reminder that you’re not alone.

Topics:

• Overcoming imposter syndrome in education
  
  
  
• Building confidence and emotional intelligence as a school leader
  
  
  
• Leading through vulnerability and reflection
  
  
  
• Supporting middle leaders and fostering a culture of growth
  
  
  
• Turning self-doubt into professional agency

How do you lead change in schools while keeping people at the center? In this episode, we explore how technology, change management, and human connection all come together in modern education. Anne Sena, Director of Technology at St. David's School, shares her unique insights from a career that spans corporate America and independent schools.

We dive deep into:

• How to lead change with empathy and emotional intelligence
• The powerful connection between technology and human-centered leadership
• Navigating the "change curve" and guiding your team through challenging transitions
• The importance of co-designing solutions with your faculty and staff
• How to avoid the “shiny object syndrome” in educational technology

If you're a school leader looking for practical advice on managing change or an educator curious about the intersection of technology and leadership, this episode is packed with insights to help you succeed!

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more expert insights on leadership, change management, and educational technology!

#ChangeLeadership #EducationalTechnology #EmotionalIntelligence #EdTech #SchoolLeadership #ChangeManagement

In this episode of the School Leaders Project, we’re thrilled to welcome Alex Inman, a leader in EdTech and change management, to explore the transformative journey of educational technology—from the first one-to-one programs to the latest AI innovations in schools.

Join us as we dive deep into the lessons that past tech shifts can teach us about implementing AI effectively. Alex shares his insights on inclusive change management and why collaboration is key to making EdTech initiatives thrive. Whether you’re a school leader, educator, or just curious about the future of learning, this episode offers valuable strategies to navigate and succeed in the evolving landscape of educational technology.

Topics Covered:

• The power of inclusive change management for EdTech success
• What past one-to-one initiatives can teach us about AI in education
• How to engage educators, students, and communities in tech changes
• Practical strategies for building a future-ready school culture

Hit play to unlock proven strategies for guiding your school through meaningful, lasting EdTech transformations!

How do we raise young leaders who see the world as their classroom and service as their responsibility? In this episode of the School Leaders Project, we sit down with Raj Mundra, an expert in education and civic engagement with over three decades of experience in shaping independent school students into compassionate, community-focused leaders.

Raj takes us on a journey, sharing:

1. The Power of Purpose: Dive into the “Portrait of a Graduate” and discover how schools can mold students into active citizens, ready to give back to society with heart, head, and hand.
2. Learning by Doing: From moving mulch on a farm to building tables for a third-grade classroom, learn how Raj's students put theory into practice—where service and curiosity spark a deeper level of engagement and understanding.
3. Creating Sustainable Impact: How does a school integrate global and local community service into its curriculum? Raj shares how service learning at Lick-Wilmerding High School prepares students to build bridges (literally and metaphorically) and lead with empathy.

Whether you're an educator, parent, or student, this episode offers invaluable insights into creating meaningful learning experiences that go beyond the classroom. Prepare to be inspired by stories of connection, humility, and the tangible impact of service learning on both students and communities.

Tune in for a masterclass on raising the next generation of engaged citizens