Swimming Upstream

In this episode of "Swimming Upstream," host Tom Luna dives into a conversation with Kirsten Baesler, the state superintendent of North Dakota. They discuss the vital role of school boards and their challenges, drawing from Baesler's experience as a former school board member. Additionally, Baesler shares her innovative approach to addressing teacher shortages and promoting education in North Dakota. From creating a "Be Legendary School Board Training Institute" to developing a "grow your own" program for teachers, their conversation touches on the remarkable initiatives driving change in the state's education system. 

Furthermore, Baesler reveals fascinating trivia about North Dakota, including its tech industry and the upcoming opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in 2025. Tune in to discover the inspiring journey of leadership and transformation in education.

Key Moments

00:00 Balancing school board and state superintendent roles.

05:20 North Mandan excelled in student outcomes and facing challenges.

07:57 North Dakota's big goals for students.

11:02 Educators need to set expectations and ask questions.

14:42 Positive feedback from board members, useful resources.

17:01 Teacher preparation and retention challenges require action.

22:11 Addressing teacher retention through a principal apprenticeship program.

23:19 Creating principal apprenticeships, and paraprofessional certificates for 16-26.

Connect with Kirsten Baesler 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstenbaesler/ 

Website: https://www.nd.gov/dpi/state-superintendent 

Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, Tom Luna interviews Katie Jenner, the Secretary of Education for Indiana. Jenner discusses the challenges and goals of the education system in Indiana. She emphasizes the need to shift the focus from simply high school graduation to preparing students for success by identifying and measuring five specific critical characteristics of a graduate. Jenner highlights the importance of collaboration and input from stakeholders, as well as analyzing existing laws and policies to drive necessary changes in education. 

Jenner also discusses initiatives such as the Career Scholarship Account and the rethinking of diploma requirements to provide parents with choice and flexibility for their children's education. Lastly, the conversation highlights the need for significant disruption and paradigm shift in high school redesign.

Key Moments

[00:01:09] Transitioning from elected superintendent to an appointed secretary.

[00:06:06] Indiana developed indicators for holistic education goals. They found indicators that matter for a child's education beyond just reading and math scores. 

[00:11:59] Flexibility for schools, disrupting diploma requirements, work-based learning, and valuable credentials.

[00:16:44] Deploying and improving career scholarship accounts.

[00:19:41] Indiana has experienced a decline in reading skills.

[00:23:37] The Governor tasked the education team to build bridges.

[00:25:59] Cooperation between the governor and education is crucial.

Connect with Katie Jenner

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katie-jenner 

Website: https://www.in.gov/doe/ 

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Learn more about Strategos Group: https://www.strategosgroup.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategos-group-public-affairs/

🚨 Subscribe to the Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@strategospodcastnetwork

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PODCASTS

🎧 Capital Class with Adam Giery: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast

🎧 On the Clock with Todd Dallas Lamb: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-the-clock

🎧 Swimming Upstream with Tom Luna: https://swimming-upstream.captivate.fm/listen

🎧 On Balance with Dr. Rod Berger: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-balance

🎧 To the Point with Jim Horne and Doug Mesecar: https://to-the-point.captivate.fm/

Produced by Old Soul

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#educationmanagement #educationleadership #education

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna welcomes guest Cade Brumley, the State Superintendent of Education for Louisiana. Brumley discusses the importance of policy players, such as the state board of education and state legislature, in approving and implementing policies that prioritize education. He emphasizes the need to inform the legislature about the needs and priorities of the state and how to achieve the desired outcomes. Brumley also highlights the significance of policy in enabling big and bold actions in the field of education. He believes that traditional step and ladder approaches to teacher pay may no longer be necessary, and suggests that teachers should have a strong base pay with additional pay determined by market value. 

Brumley supports school choice and believes it expands opportunities for students and families, and he invites a redesign of the high school experience by providing options such as apprenticeships and AP dual enrollment. Overall, Brumley's discussions point to the importance of policy, teacher quality, and school choice in improving the educational outcomes in Louisiana.

Key Moments

[00:02:29] Improving education with urgency and experience.

[00:05:43] Pandemic and hurricanes made schooling difficult.

[00:08:10] Louisiana's hurricane playbook aids schools' storm recovery.

[00:11:44] Track record of charter work, rich heritage. Homeschool support, educational savings accounts for exceptions, foster, military.

[00:17:25] Opportunities for college, staffing, money, partnerships, choices.

[00:21:00] Improve the teaching environment, and compensate teachers fairly.

[00:23:33] Market insights on performance, content, demand, and staffing. Utilize funds for issue resolution, including alternative routes.

[00:27:35] Working with policy players, legislature informs priorities.

[00:29:26] Law shapes actions, building trust amid achievements.

[00:32:03] Subscribe to our YouTube channel for valuable content.

Connect with Dr. Cade Brumley 

Website:https://www.louisianabelieves.com/ 

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Learn more about Strategos Group: https://www.strategosgroup.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategos-group-public-affairs/

🚨 Subscribe to the Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@strategospodcastnetwork

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PODCASTS

🎧 Capital Class with Adam Giery: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast

🎧 On the Clock with Todd Dallas Lamb: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-the-clock

🎧 Swimming Upstream with Tom Luna: https://swimming-upstream.captivate.fm/listen

🎧 On Balance with Dr. Rod Berger: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-balance

🎧 To the Point with Jim Horne and Doug Mesecar: https://to-the-point.captivate.fm/

Produced by Old Soul

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#educationmanagement #educationleadership #education

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna interviews Katy Anthes, former Commissioner of Education for Colorado, to discuss the importance of blurring the lines between high school, postsecondary education, workforce, careers, and apprenticeships. Anthes emphasizes the need for students to see the relevance of their education and its connection to their future goals. Colorado has taken significant steps to provide more options for high school students through work-based learning programs, apprenticeships, concurrent enrollment options, and fifth-year college programs. Furthermore, the state has been focused on improving teacher preparation programs, especially in scientific-based literacy instruction, with Colorado being ranked as the top state in this aspect. Anthes also shares insights into Colorado's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, collaborations with other state agencies, and efforts to reengage students, particularly in rural areas, with the help of federal funds.

Overall, this episode highlights the efforts made in Colorado to create a more relevant and expansive educational system that prepares students for their future careers. By providing diverse pathways, incorporating work-based learning programs, and improving teacher preparation, Colorado aims to enhance the education system's effectiveness and meet the needs and aspirations of its students. The interview also sheds light on the challenges faced during the pandemic, the importance of collaboration across different state agencies, and the utilization of federal funding to reengage students, particularly in rural areas.

Key Moments

00:04:00 Awareness of blind spots led to building a strong team.

00:06:44 Colorado is recognized as a top state for teacher preparation.

00:10:44 Colorado prioritizes independence, choice, and alternative pathways for students and professionals. Challenges were faced when implementing a more rigorous evaluation process for programs, but collaboration and trust led to success in preparing quality teachers.

00:17:06 Building trust with legislators for effective communication.

00:18:42 Blurring lines between education and careers, more options for students, increasing relevance of high school, enabling legislation and grants, focus on associate's degree for all, creating apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities, exploring different policies for funding and credentials.

00:23:12 Federal funds incentivize rural districts to partner.

00:26:10 COVID-19 forced the state government to collaborate, leveraging expertise.

Connect with Katy Anthes

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katy-anthes-1b966b5

Website: http://www.cde.state.co.us/

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Learn more about Strategos Group: https://www.strategosgroup.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategos-group-public-affairs/

🚨 Subscribe to the Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@strategospodcastnetwork

=============================

PODCASTS

🎧 Capital Class with Adam Giery: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast

🎧 On the Clock with Todd Dallas Lamb: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-the-clock

🎧 Swimming Upstream with Tom Luna: https://swimming-upstream.captivate.fm/listen

🎧 On Balance with Dr. Rod Berger: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-balance

Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD

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#educationmanagement #educationleadership #education

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna sits down with Jamie Rosenberg, founder, and CEO of ClassWallet. As the former founder and executive director of AdoptAClassroom.org, Jamie recognized the difficulties of getting and tracking funding for teachers and schools. This revelation initiated the development of ClassWallet, a leading end-to-end digital solution to manage funding within school systems.

Jamie shares his career journey that led to discovering a need for digital solutions inside education to manage and report funding for school systems. He explains how ClassWallet allows money to flow to intended stakeholders within a school community expeditiously and efficiently, freeing time and energy to focus on the real mission of educating.

Listen in to learn about the simplicity, time-saving and agnostic aspects of ClassWallet that seamlessly work inside education systems and government agencies.

What You Will Discover:

● 00:00 Episode Begins

● 01:50 Jamie on his career journey and his impact on the education sector.

● 04:18 Why ClassWallet was built to direct funding down to teachers efficiently.

● 05:40 The simplicity and time-saving aspect that ClassWallet provides in the education sector.

● 08:35 How ClassWallet allows money to flow to intended stakeholders expeditiously and efficiently.

● 10:50 The agnostic aspect of ClassWallet’s digital wallet solution across various agencies.

Connect with Jamie:

● Website: https://classwallet.com/

● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/classwalletceo/

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Learn more about Strategos Group: https://www.strategosgroup.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategos-group-public-affairs/

🚨 Subscribe to the Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@strategospodcastnetwork

=============================

PODCASTS

🎧 Capital Class with Adam Giery: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast

🎧 On the Clock with Todd Dallas Lamb: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-the-clock

🎧 Swimming Upstream with Tom Luna: https://swimming-upstream.captivate.fm/listen

🎧 On Balance with Dr. Rod Berger: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-balance

Produced by Old Soul

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#educationmanagement #educationleadership #education

Improving Reading Skills with Multi-Dimensional AI

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, Mark Angel, the co-founder and CEO of Amira Learning, joins the show. Mark shares how Amira Learning combines reading science with machine learning to offer the first comprehensive AI reading assistant of its kind that listens, assesses, and coaches users to accelerate reading mastery.

Mark talks about his passion for bringing world-changing technology into the classroom to improve how education is delivered while adding an increased value to early literacy. He expands on how students can use constant repetition to build their brain reading muscles with the help of specifically designed technology tools.

Listen in to learn how AI is also helping students with educational barriers improve their reading skills and overall learning.

What You Will Discover:

• 00:00 Episode Begins

• 01:57 Mark on his passion for bringing world-changing technology into the classroom.

• 03:07 Why there’s resistance to bringing innovation into the classroom plus the value of early literacy.

• 05:27 Introducing an AI tutor that uses the precise human interaction model.

• 07:09 How Amira Learning assists students with reading and improving their reading capabilities.

• 09:40 How to use AI to help dyslexic students become great readers.

• 11:52 Where to find Amira Learning and the solutions they’re offering.

Connect with Mark:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-angel-0b6b3b1/

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Learn more about Strategos Group: https://www.strategosgroup.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategos-group-public-affairs/

🚨 Subscribe to the Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@strategospodcastnetwork

=============================

PODCASTS

🎧 Capital Class with Adam Giery: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast

🎧 On the Clock with Todd Dallas Lamb: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-the-clock

🎧 Swimming Upstream with Tom Luna: https://swimming-upstream.captivate.fm/listen

🎧 On Balance with Dr. Rod Berger: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-balance

Produced by Old Soul

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#educationmanagement #educationleadership #education

Creating Unique Communities and Assessments

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, Tom Luna sits down with David Cook, the Director of the Division of Innovative Learning in Kentucky. David shares insights into how he and his team of professionals are improving and expanding innovative learning in Kentucky schools by moving away from the “one size fits all” into a more multi-dimensional approach.

Incubating innovation to improve education with increased flexible solutions in Kentucky’s school districts remains a priority of the innovation learning team. David further explains the importance of focusing on differentiating communities to create a learning system focused on real relationship-building, ownership, and authentic assessment development.

Listen in to learn why creative solutions centered on communication and collaboration can better assess students beyond just the test.

What You Will Discover:

• 00:00 Episode Begins

• 02:37 Why Kentucky created a remote learning program and innovation zone ten years ago.

• 05:44 The general Kentucky school demographic and why one shoe doesn’t fit all.

• 07:52 The importance of the local communities taking ownership of their education system.

• 11:27 How their district is involving the community to push for policy change.

• 13:42 The importance of thinking about assessment as students’ creativity beyond a test.

• 15:41 The innovative initiatives geared towards learning that Kentucky is working toward.

Connect with David:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/david-cook-5829424/

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Learn more about Strategos Group: https://www.strategosgroup.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategos-group-public-affairs/

🚨 Subscribe to the Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@strategospodcastnetwork

=============================

PODCASTS

🎧 Capital Class with Adam Giery: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast

🎧 On the Clock with Todd Dallas Lamb: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-the-clock

🎧 Swimming Upstream with Tom Luna: https://swimming-upstream.captivate.fm/listen

🎧 On Balance with Dr. Rod Berger: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-balance

Produced by Old Soul

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#educationmanagement #educationleadership #education

Steps to Improve Idaho’s Education System

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, Tom Luna sits down with Scott Bedke, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Lieutenant Governor of Idaho. Together they discuss how Scott entered the legislature and the importance of an education leader passionately working with the community.

Scott shares his focus on improving the education budget and creating a high level of transparency to effect change. He explains why as a leader, you must also be a teacher who articulates a clear vision to effectively bring about improvement.

Listen in to additionally learn why Idaho is set on enhancing educational efforts to better provide an educated workforce that will create a positive business climate in the state.

What You Will Discover:

● 00:00 Episode Begins

● 02:17 How Scott came into the legislature and the change he brought into education

● 04:30 How he changed the education budget, creating high-level transparency.

● 06:48 How having an educated workforce will create a positive business climate.

● 09:50 Why we need to bring together our parallel paths as experts to improve education.

● 11:53 What it takes for leaders to articulate their vision to meet the people where they are.

● 14:25 Scott shares a few geographical facts about the state of Idaho.

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Learn more about Strategos Group: https://www.strategosgroup.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategos-group-public-affairs/

🚨 Subscribe to the Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@strategospodcastnetwork

=============================

PODCASTS

🎧 Capital Class with Adam Giery: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast

🎧 On the Clock with Todd Dallas Lamb: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-the-clock

🎧 Swimming Upstream with Tom Luna: https://swimming-upstream.captivate.fm/listen

🎧 On Balance with Dr. Rod Berger: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-balance

Produced by Old Soul

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#educationmanagement #educationleadership #education

Advocating For Early Literacy and Rethinking High School

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, Tom Luna sits down with Ellen Weaver, South Carolina's State Superintendent of Education. Ellen describes her responsibility for overseeing a $1.5 billion budget and ensuring that schools and districts abide by federal and state laws and the requirements established by the department.

Ellen explains how her educational background inspired her passion for education and her purpose behind creating alignment in the education sector. She elaborates on her idea of rethinking high school by celebrating different pathways to success that prepare students to apply their unique skills.

Also, listen to hear Ellen advocate for early literacy and support for teachers by developing additional professional development opportunities.

What You Will Discover:

00:00 Episode Begins

03:15 How Ellen’s educational background inspired her passion for children’s education.

04:57 She describes her focus as doing what’s best for kids by advocating for early literacy.

06:38 How to support teachers by developing and supporting great principles around literacy.

08:34 The benefits of ongoing formative assessment plus South Carolina’s support for teachers.

10:07 The importance of teacher professional development and support as pieces of education.

12:19 Rethinking high school – preparing students to take on different pathways to success.

14:55 How the community can engage to provide role models on different pathways.

16:15 How to simplify education and provide resources through innovation.

17:50 How the future of South Carolina’s education looks like under Ellen’s leadership.

Connect with Ellen:

● Website: https://ellenforeducation.com/

● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-weaver-53a3a269/

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Learn more about Strategos Group: https://www.strategosgroup.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategos-group-public-affairs/

🚨 Subscribe to the Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@strategospodcastnetwork

Produced by Old Soul

=============================

PODCASTS

🎧 Capital Class with Adam Giery: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast

🎧 On the Clock with Todd Dallas Lamb: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-the-clock

🎧 Swimming Upstream with Tom Luna: https://swimming-upstream.captivate.fm/listen

🎧 On Balance with Dr. Rod Berger: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-balance

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#educationmanagement #educationleadership #education

Empowering Teachers, Parents, And Students for Better Education w/ Ryan Walters

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, Ryan Walters, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and Secretary of Public Education for the State of Oklahoma is the guest. In his dual role as Superintendent and Secretary, he oversees, implements, and reviews the policies of the public school system as well as added responsibilities to various agencies, boards, and commissions.

Ryan describes his earlier experience as a teacher and how his desire to provide better education for everyone guided him into policy-making. He explains how Oklahoma is broadening opportunities for kids with workforce set-ups that allow for early exploration before committing to a degree program.

Listen in to also hear discussions on engaging students as individuals, the importance of empowering parents in education, and what Ryan has planned for the upcoming year in Oklahoma.

What You Will Discover:

• 00:00 Episode Begins

• 02:22 Ryan describes his journey as a teacher and his desire to improve education.

• 05:57 How he’s advocating for financial incentives for teachers not to leave their profession.

• 08:30 Ways to broaden the opportunities for kids to enter the workforce after high school.

• 12:40 How to allow kids to test what they’re good at before they choose a degree program.

• 14:34 Empowering parents to be more involved plus engaging students as individuals.

• 17:18 Ryan on what’s next for him after winning the election and his plans for the next year.

Connect with Ryan:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-walters-65b402178/

Produced by Old Soul