The Rachael Maves Show

How far would you go to protect your students? In this episode of The Rachael Maves Podcast, Rachael sits down with Liz Brenner, Superintendent of Compass Charter Schools, to unpack what it really means to personalize education in a virtual world. Liz shares how her early experiences in urban classrooms shaped her commitment to underserved students — and why she’s still fighting to protect innovation, access, and choice in public education today. Episode Notes

Hosted by Rachael Maves

Produced and Edited by Joseph Gustilo 

Executive Produced by Morgan Melton and Kimberly Tumambing

Links

Learn more about Parsec Education here.

Want to know how a $500 scholarship set this leader on a path from classroom teacher to county superintendent? In this episode of The Rachael Maves Podcast, Rachael talks with Mike Freeman, County Superintendent at Shasta County Office of Education. Mike shares how the real work of leadership starts with listening and why the future of education depends on being involved with your community. From reimagining IEP meetings to building bridges across political divides, he explores what authentic engagement can actually look like. Episode Notes

Hosted by Rachael Maves

Produced and Edited by Joseph Gustilo 

Executive Produced by Morgan Melton and Kimberly Tumambing

Links

Learn more about Parsec Education here.

In this episode of The Rachael Maves Podcast, Rachael sits down with Max Silverman, Executive Director at the University of Washington’s Center for Educational Leadership.

Max shares how coaching a fifth-grade basketball team led him to a career in education.

From reimagining instructional leadership to building cultures of collective efficacy, Max unpacks what it truly takes to lead meaningful change in schools. Episode Notes

Hosted by Rachael Maves

Produced and Edited by Joseph Gustilo 

Executive Produced by Morgan Melton and Kimberly Tumambing

Links

Learn more about Parsec Education here.

In this episode of The Rachael Maves Podcast, Rachael sits down with Missy Testerman, the 2024 National Teacher of the Year and ESL Specialist at Rogersville City School in Tennessee. Missy opens up about what first inspired her to teach, why relationships matter more than ever in today’s classrooms, and the big question she believes every educator should be asking: “When is enough, enough?” Episode Notes

Hosted by Rachael Maves

Produced and Edited by Joseph Gustilo 

Executive Produced by Morgan Melton and Kimberly Tumambing

Links

Learn more about Parsec Education here.

In this episode of The Rachael Maves Podcast, Rachael sits down with Stacey Cool, Program Administrator for Curriculum and Instruction at Merced Union High School District. Stacey shares her inspiring journey from the Peace Corps to the classroom and how her global experiences shape her approach to education today. Episode Notes

Hosted by Rachael Maves

Produced and Edited by Joseph Gustilo 

Executive Produced by Morgan Melton and Kimberly Tumambing

Links

Learn more about Parsec Education here.

In this episode of The Rachael Maves Podcast, Rachael sits down with JC Bowman, Executive Director and CEO of Professional Educators of Tennessee. JC shares his powerful journey from the classroom to the Capitol, and why storytelling, advocacy, and AI are shaping the future of education. Episode Notes

Hosted by Rachael Maves

Produced and Edited by Joseph Gustilo 

Executive Produced by Morgan Melton and Kimberly Tumambing

Links

Learn more about Parsec Education here.

In this episode of The Rachael Maves Podcast, Rachael sits down with Shoni Johnson, Curriculum and Accountability Director at Connecting Waters Charter School. With a unique background in education for two decades and also being involved in the healthcare, Shoni shares how she uses data, strategy, and heart to drive meaningful change. Episode Notes

Hosted by Rachael Maves

Produced and Edited by Joseph Gustilo 

Executive Produced by Morgan Melton and Kimberly Tumambing

Links

Learn more about Parsec Education here.

In this episode of The Rachael Maves Podcast, Rachael sits down with Nick Greer, Principal Consultant and Founder of Halocline Consulting and Guide at Fearless Guides. With over 21 years of experience in education and systemic reform, Nick shares his journey from science major to award-winning teacher and district leader. He reflects on how building relationships and fostering belonging are key to student success — and why empathy matters more than ever in education. Episode Notes

Hosted by Rachael Maves

Produced and Edited by Joseph Gustilo 

Executive Produced by Morgan Melton and Kimberly Tumambing

Links

Learn more about Parsec Education here.

In this episode of The Rachael Maves Podcast, Rachael sits down with Dr. Bill Hite, President & CEO of KnowledgeWorks and former Superintendent of The School District of Philadelphia. With a career dedicated to transforming education, Bill shares his journey from coach to district leader and now a national advocate for personalized, competency-based learning. He discusses how education systems must evolve, the importance of student engagement, and what keeps him up at night about the future of learning. Episode Notes

Hosted by Rachael Maves

Produced and Edited by Joseph Gustilo 

Executive Produced by Morgan Melton and Kimberly Tumambing

Links

Learn more about Parsec Education here.

In this episode of The Rachael Maves Podcast, Rachael sits down with Sheryl Sisil, Associate Superintendent of Educational Services for Madera Unified School District. Sheryl leads nine key departments dedicated to supporting student growth and academic success while championing inclusive and innovative learning environments. She shares her journey from agriculture teacher to educational leader, revealing how Madera Unified leverages student voice and strategic investments to enhance college and career readiness. Episode Notes

Hosted by Rachael Maves

Produced and Edited by Joseph Gustilo 

Executive Produced by Morgan Melton and Kimberly Tumambing

Links

Learn more about Parsec Education here.