Teaching from the Headlines: Educators Turning Breaking News into Teachable Moments

In this episode of the Journalistic Learning Podcast, retired superintendent Ken Facin reflects on his 33-year journey in education and the values that guided his leadership—from the steel mills of Troy, NY to the superintendent’s office. He shares hard-won wisdom on building trust, leading with heart, and staying visible when it matters most.

In this episode of Education Leadership Edge, Dr. Darrell Floyd, superintendent of Blue Ridge ISD in Texas, shares insights from nearly four decades in public education. He discusses student mental health, the role of AI in schools, and why public education must continue to serve all students, regardless of background or ability.

In this episode of the Education Leadership Edge podcast, Superintendent Reed Mitchell of Florence School District 14-1 in South Dakota discusses the challenges and opportunities of leading a fast-growing rural district. Topics include post-COVID learning loss, social-emotional development, career and technical education, responsible technology use, and the importance of helping every student find a way to connect and contribute.

In this episode of the Education Leadership Edge podcast, Dr. Gennaro Piraino—superintendent of Franklin Regional School District and president of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators—discusses how his district is reimagining education through advanced career academies, AI integration, and a focus on the “five C’s.” He shares insights on making learning more relevant, supporting student mental health, and telling a more accurate story of public education’s impact.

Dr. Patrick McQueeney, Superintendent of Wanaque Borough School District in New Jersey, joins the Education Leadership Edge podcast to discuss how empathy and emotional intelligence are transforming the way schools support both students and staff. From tackling post-pandemic behavioral challenges to exploring the role of AI in personalized learning, McQueeney shares a refreshing, human-centered approach to educational leadership.

In this episode, JLI co-founder Ed Madison speaks with New Jersey media arts teacher Mark K. about how he uses student storytelling and media production to build agency and engagement in the classroom. Together, they explore how journalistic learning fosters creativity, trust, and real-world skills that prepare students for life beyond school.

In this episode, we speak with Andrew Dolloff, longtime Superintendent of Yarmouth Public Schools in Maine and author of The Trust Imperative, about why building trust is the most important—and often overlooked—skill in school leadership. He shares practical insights on cultivating a culture of trust, empowering educators, and navigating the complexities of public education with empathy and integrity.

In this episode, Superintendent Megan Von Fossen of the Sto-Rox School District shares how she navigates the challenges of leading a high-needs district, from implementing strict cell phone and dress code policies to fostering strong relationships with students and staff. She discusses the importance of equity, early literacy initiatives, and using AI to enhance learning while ensuring that every child has the support they need to succeed.

This episode of Education Edge Leadership features Amanda Hetrick, superintendent of the Forest Area School District in Tionesta, Pennsylvania, sharing her insights on managing technology, integrating AI, and strengthening school-community connections. Amanda discusses practical strategies for addressing student mental health concerns and preparing students to think critically in a tech-driven world.

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In this episode of Education Leadership Edge, Ed Madison speaks with Mike Matsuda, superintendent of the Anaheim Union High School District, about his groundbreaking work in empowering student voice, fostering career readiness, and addressing the challenges of AI in education. Matsuda shares insights on preparing students for the workforce, promoting civic engagement, and ensuring equitable access to emerging technologies.