What if school was a place where every student woke up excited to go each morning? In this episode, Dr. Katie Martin sits down with George Philhower, Superintendent of Eastern Hancock Schools in Indiana, to explore how joy, connection, growth, and success are transforming the student experience.George shares how his personal struggles in school shaped his leadership and why he believes in rethinking education from the ground up. He dives into the innovative ways his district engages students and the community, from one-on-one meetings with every junior and senior to hands-on career experiences that make learning relevant. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about creating schools that truly serve students.

Innovating Public Education: A Conversation with Dr. Justin TerryIn this episode of the Learner Centered Collaborative Podcast, host Katie Martin speaks with Dr. Justin Terry, Superintendent of Forney ISD and a noteworthy leader in education.

Dr. Terry shares key experiences and insights from his more than two decades in education, emphasizing the importance of innovative approaches and consistent leadership in fast-growing school districts. They discuss the transformative 'Opportunity Central' project in Forney ISD, a multi-purpose facility that integrates career, college, and community resources.

Dr. Terry also touches on change management, the importance of culture, and the future of public education, advocating for public schools as the best option for all students. Join us to explore visionary strategies for making a lasting impact in education.

Dr. Katie Martin takes a reflective journey to close out the season and 2024. Revisiting her insights from a 2020 blog post, Katie explores how 10 key themes about change in education hold up five years later.

From the role of educators and AI to the power of learners' voices and celebrating bright spots, Katie offers a thoughtful analysis of what’s changed, what remains the same, and what it means for the future of education. Join us for this insightful solo episode!

In this episode of the Learner-Centered Collaborative Podcast, host Katie Martin dives deep with Dr. Cesar Morales, an inspiring leader in learner-centered education. Dr. Morales shares his personal journey from overcoming a 1.87 high school GPA to earning his Ed.D., opening a pioneering high school, and working with schools nationwide to transform education. Together, they discuss strategies for fostering collective efficacy, designing learner-centered systems, and empowering communities to create meaningful change.

In this episode, Dr. Katie Martin sits down with Ruby and Everest, two inspiring students from Clark Street Community School, live at the Aurora Institute Symposium 2024 in New Orleans. Ruby and Everest were excited to share how learner-centered education has fueled their growth, allowing them to pursue passions through self-directed projects, community engagement, and real-world experiences. From restoration projects inspired by local history to an adventurous road trip studying Great Lakes fishing culture, these students illustrate the impact of Clark Street’s mastery-based approach. This uplifting conversation showcases what’s possible when schools prioritize learner agency, offering fresh insight for educators and leaders dedicated to transformative, student-centered education.

In this episode of the Learner-Centered Collaborative Podcast, host Katie Martin speaks with Dr. Jill Siler, Deputy Executive Director for Professional Learning at the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA). Dr. Siler reflects on her leadership journey, sharing how thoughtful design fosters belonging and drives meaningful impact in schools and communities.

Drawing from her experience as a superintendent and author of Thrive Through Five, she discusses the importance of creating supportive environments for educators and students, addressing challenges head-on, and building cultures where everyone can thrive—not just survive. Join us to explore strategies for designing learning spaces that uplift and inspire.

In this episode of the Learner-Centered Collaborative Podcast, host Katie Martin sits down with Sandy Cima, Director of People and Business Operations at Learner-Centered Collaborative and mom of two. Sandy shares her unique perspective as a parent navigating the education system, the importance of fostering curiosity in children, and her hopes for the future of education. They also explore the challenges of balancing personal growth, career fulfillment, and parenting. Tune in for an insightful conversation about raising happy, engaged, and confident kids in today’s world.

In this episode, Katie Martin sits down with Greg Behr, executive director of the Grable Foundation, to explore how intentional design can transform learning environments and foster meaningful community connections. They discuss lessons from Fred Rogers and the impact of Remake Learning in shaping education for the future.

Greg Behr is the executive director of the Grable Foundation and co-author of When You Wonder, You're Learning, inspired by the legacy of Fred Rogers.

In this episode of the Learner-Centered Collaborative podcast, host Katie Martin speaks with Dr. Lilia Náñez, Associate Superintendent of Ector County ISD in Odessa, Texas. Dr. Nanez shares her 30-year journey in education, emphasizing the importance of creating a sense of belonging for every student and educator.

Topics discussed include the impact of teacher-student connections, the role of joy in leadership, fostering a collaborative environment between curriculum and technology teams, and innovative initiatives like new teacher development programs and opportunity culture in Ector County.

In this episode, Katie talks with Dr. Rebecca Kim about creating coherence across school systems and aligning strategic priorities to support all students. They delve into the importance of co-constructing educational goals with the community, the role of mentorship in developing strong leadership, and how being an impact-driven leader can transform school culture and student outcomes. Join the conversation as they share practical strategies for fostering collaboration and driving positive change in education.