The K-12 Change Equation

On this episode of the K-12 Change Equation, we sit down with Shawn Joseph, Superintendent of Prince George’s County Public Schools, to explore what it means to return to leadership with renewed purpose, deeper conviction, and a clearer view of what students and communities truly need. 

Shawn reflects on stepping away from the superintendency. He shares how six years in research, teaching, and national leadership reshaped his thinking. He explains the moral courage leaders must bring to today’s conversations on equity and why being “colorblind” undermines students, communities, and the profession itself. 

He describes how Prince George’s County is reframing success through growth, not just proficiency. He discusses what happens when districts design systems that celebrate student progress, accelerate learning, and communicate openly with families. He also outlines how intentional listening, weekly communication with staff, and authentic two-way engagement are helping the district navigate economic strain, shifting federal conditions, and evolving community needs. 

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On this episode of The K-12 Change Equation, we sit down with Naomi Norman, Superintendent of Washtenaw ISD, to explore what it takes to build a system where every child is supported and positioned to thrive.

Naomi discusses the role regional agencies play in shaping equity and opportunity. She explains why meaningful work-based learning must begin long before high school and how rethinking the teacher pipeline starts with broadening the lens on who gets considered. She also shares what it looks like to design a network of learning opportunities that grows alongside every student.

We dive into what happens when schools, mental health partners, and local industries move in sync, and the real impact that alignment creates.

Overall, it’s a conversation about access, commitment, and systems-level work that turns potential into pathways. Tune in to hear how Michigan is rethinking what’s possible and what every district can adapt and scale.

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On this episode of The K-12 Change Equation, Dr. Mort Sherman and Dr. Leila Nuland sit down with Patrick Miller, Director of District Engagement for STEM East, to explore how one region is rethinking STEM education by connecting classrooms to real industry pathways.

From aviation and biopharma to smart agriculture and healthcare, Patrick shares how Eastern North Carolina is building a workforce pipeline by treating teachers as the region’s economic developers. He talks about what happens when educators see inside the industries around them, how inquiry-based learning transforms engagement, and why aligning strategic plans to workforce readiness is now non-negotiable.

Patrick reflects on the tension between test scores and life skills, the challenge of reversing brain drain, and the power of a five-year STEM plan that actually guides systems not just sits on a shelf.

It’s a conversation about relevance, regional opportunity, and what it takes to prepare students not just for graduation, but for the world waiting on the other side.

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On this episode of The K-12 Change Equation, Dr. Mort Sherman and Dr. Leila Nuland sit down with Ernesto Duran, Regional Director for California’s Region 8, about how county offices of education are creating systems that expand opportunity beyond the school day. 

 From after-school programs and workforce readiness to family engagement and mental health, Ernesto shares how expanded learning is helping students and educators thrive. He reflects on his own journey as an English learner and the educators who shaped his path—underscoring why connection, culture, and community still drive meaningful change. 

It’s a conversation about leadership, empathy, and what it takes to turn compassion into action in today’s schools. 

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On this episode of The K-12 Change Equation, Dr. Mort Sherman and Dr. Leila Nuland talk with Dr. Gladys Cruz (Questar III BOCES) about how regional education agencies scale career-ready programs.

Dr. Cruz shares how BOCES helps districts pool resources, expand CTE and apprenticeship opportunities, and creatively address staffing shortages through partnerships and stackable credentials. 

If you’re a superintendent, policymaker, or education partner rethinking how systems can serve both students and communities, this episode offers fresh insight on leadership, innovation, and why public education remains the backbone of our democracy.

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On this episode of The K-12 Change Equation, Dr. Mort Sherman & Dr. Leila Nuland sit down with Dr. Andrae Townsel, Hartford's new superintendent, for a powerful conversation about urban education leadership. 

Dr. Townsel shares his philosophy of urgency over speed, his "Acres of Diamonds" approach to finding potential in challenging communities, and why students can't wait for leaders to figure it out. From Detroit roots to turning around districts in Michigan and Maryland, he discusses competing with school choice, building cascading culture change, and his role as incoming president of the National Alliance of Black School Educators. 

Whether you're a superintendent, district leader, or policymaker, this episode delivers practical insights on leading with urgency and ensuring every student gets their time to shine. 

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On this episode of The K-12 Change Equation, co-hosts Mort Sherman and Mike Lubelfeld sit down with longtime colleague and friend Dr.Nick Polyak for a candid conversation on what it takes to lead schools today.

From navigating the seismic shifts of COVID-19 to tackling teacher shortages and political polarization, they discuss how superintendents must constantly unlearn, relearn, and adapt. The conversation highlights the importance of values-driven leadership, building coalitions, and fostering innovation through initiatives like e-learning snow days and the CoLab freshman program.

Whether you’re a superintendent, district leader, or policymaker, this episode offers grounded insights on leading with clarity, courage, and connection in times of change

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On  this episode of The K-12 Change Equation, co-hosts Mort Sherman and Mike Lubelfeld sit down with Keith Krueger, CEO of COSN, for a conversation on leadership, technology, and the future of learning.

From the challenge of “unlearning” old habits to embracing AI responsibly, they explore what it means to lead schools through rapid change. The discussion covers ethical and balanced use of technology, supporting teachers, and how districts can see technology as a true strategic asset.

🎧 Whether you’re an educator, leader, or policymaker, this episode offers grounded insights on navigating innovation while keeping equity, ethics, and students at the center.

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On this episode of The K-12 Change Equation, Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Dr. Karen Molinar opens up about stepping into leadership amid state oversight, declining enrollment, and post-pandemic learning gaps.

From rewriting curriculum over winter break to re-centering teacher support, Dr. Molinar shares how she’s leading with urgency, equity, and an unwavering focus on instruction. This conversation unpacks what it takes to navigate high-stakes transformation while keeping students at the center.

Whether you’re facing external pressures or tackling deep-rooted challenges, this episode offers practical insight into leading change that lasts.

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What does it take to lead real, lasting change in public education?

In this episode of The K-12 Change Equation, Dr. Leila Nuland and Dr. Mort Sherman sit down with veteran leader Dr. Dana T Bedden, who shares his candid reflections on transitioning leadership roles, cultivating a mindset for growth, and designing systems that serve all students, beyond just academic scores.

From building trust through “leadership by listening,” to overhauling calendars and shifting from achievement scores to holistic student growth, Dr. Bedden breaks down how to build change that outlasts any one individual. This conversation unpacks how leaders can center wellness, celebrate small wins, and disrupt the “feedback loop of the familiar” to create equitable, high-performing schools.

Whether you’re stepping into a new role or navigating deep-rooted systems, this episode is a masterclass in creating a culture that’s ready not just for change, but for continuous improvement.

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