Talking Out of School Podcast

How this district made a great leap in state rankings

Johnston County Public Schools Superintendent Eric Bracy used ESSER dollars to pay for a high-quality, research-based curriculum, he says on the latest episode of the "Talking Out of School" podcast. Now, the move is paying off.

‘Talking Out of School’ podcast: How to elevate edtech

The first question leaders should ask when looking for edtech solutions is, "What is the problem I'm trying to solve," says today's guest on the Talking Out of School podcast.

Talking Out of School: Why is a “small-language model” better for K12?

You’ve probably heard about AI's large language models. But what is a "small language model" and why might this fine-tuned version of artificial intelligence work better in K12? 

‘Talking Out of School’ podcast: How to create inclusive philanthropy models

Because of the way public education is funded—or not—we've given a large set of responsibilities to philanthropy to fill financial gaps in district operations, says our guest on the Talking Out of School podcast.

“Talking Out of School”: Why media literacy now matters so much

Can school district leaders afford not to make media literacy a pillar of their instructional programs? Teaching the subject effectively is key to graduating students who are productive citizens, Superintendent Shari Camhi, says on District Administration's latest podcast.

How to empower teachers to excite students about STEM

Jeremy Anderson walks us through how the National Math + Science Initiative is connecting districts with state and federal programs to close opportunity gaps and increase college access through advanced STEM education.

‘Talking Out of School’: How charter schools can improve special education

In the latest episode of District Administration's "Talking Out of School" podcast, Lauren Morando Rhim, executive director of the Center for Learner Equity, details her organization’s pivotal two-year study of how charter schools support students with disabilities.

‘Talking Out of School’ podcast: Are smartphone bans a good idea?

"By saying that school is somehow different and we should ignore these tools and not lean into them, I think we're setting our kids up to be under-informed, under-prepared," says Bill Salak, CTO/COO of Brainly.

Portrait of a graduate: 3 characteristics of a powerful tool

In the latest "Talking Out of School" podcast, an expert guides district leaders in developing a portrait of a graduate that offers students more more meaningful learning and durable skills.

‘Talking Out of School’ podcast: How PBIS reinvented a school’s culture

In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of this school's award-winning PBIS program, which has significantly reduced suspension days.

Craig Witherspoon: Let your team ‘make the music’ for K12 success

The skills and mindset needed to lead a high school band have harmoniously translated to the superintendency, longtime South Carolina educator Craig Witherspoon says in the latest episode of "Talking Out of School."

Superintendent Atiya Perkins wants you to “pause for the cause”

In this episode of the podcast, Superintendent Atiya Perkins shares how "emotional intelligence" is not only a vital part of her leadership philosophy, it's how she stays in touch with her own humanity.

Universal Design for Learning: Why it’s so powerful

In the latest episode of District Administration's Talking Out of School podcast, CAST's Lindsay E. Jones shares how the Universal Design for Learning is helping educators personalize rigorous instruction for an ever more diverse population of students.

Talking out of School Podcast: What’s top of mind for 15 superintendents

In this episode of District Administration's Talking Out of School podcast, Paper CEO Phil Cutler shares insights from Leadership Voices, a series of interviews with superintendents covering artificial intelligence, personalized learning, staffing challenges and the other issues that are top of mind.

K12 branding and marketing: Why they’re more important than ever

If you’re a superintendent or administrator trying to tackle public relations, this week's guests on District Administration's "Talking Out of School" podcast are here to help. 

‘Talking Out of School Podcast’: Closing the digital access divide

Educators think that 1:1 implementation during the pandemic solved this issue, but there's more work to be done, says InnovateEDU founder and CEO Erin Mote.

‘Talking Out of School Podcast’: The principalship requires student-centered leadership

In this episode, we sit down with the NASSP's 2024 National Principal of the Year Andy Farley to learn more about his leadership philosophy and his advice for current and aspiring principals as the role changes.

‘Talking Out of School’ podcast: How to reframe the teen brain

Tiffany Shlain's new documentary, "The Teen Brain," looks through the lens of neuroscience to help teens—and their parents and teachers—better understand the upsides of an intense period of growth and development.

Sandy Hook Promise: How to spot students who need more support

"It's really about how do you help someone months, weeks or even years before they ever reach the point of thinking about hurting themselves or hurting someone else," Sandy Hook Promise co-founder and CEO Nicole Hockley says on the latest episode of District Administration's "Talking Out of School" podcast.

‘Talking Out of School’ podcast: Educating tomorrow’s superintendents

Pamela Shetley and Doug Anthony head the University of Maryland's Education in School System Leadership Ed.D. program, which challenges aspiring superintendents to take on a district’s real-time wicked problem, diagnose its root causes and find the solution.

‘Talking Out of School’ podcast: Fixing shortages and academics at the same time

Recruiting more aspiring educators of color will not only fill teacher vacancies but also propel student achievement and improve school climate, says this week's podcast guest, Javaid Siddiqi, the president and CEO of The Hunt Institute.

‘Talking Out of School’ podcast: Teachers need ‘professional authority’

Teachers quit the classroom when they lack control, choice and collaboration, says Becky Pringle, president of the NEA teachers union.

‘Talking Out of School’ podcast: How to improve school safety beyond metal detectors

"We don't want to blame everything on COVID, but COVID did have a notable, marketable impact on school safety," says Ken Trump, president of the National School Safety and Security Services.

‘Talking Out of School’ podcast: Can we conquer chronic absenteeism?

"The churn that's happening in classrooms is now affecting everyone. It's affecting the ability of teachers to teach, teachers to set classroom norms, and kids to learn," Attendance Works Executive Director Hedy Chang says on this week's podcast.

Talking Out Of School’ Podcast: How LAUSD gave every student a powerful AI buddy

"It's your best friend, your concierge, your personal assistant, your buddy," Superintendent Alberto Carvalho says of "Ed," the district's AI platform. "Ed is transforming a school district of 540,000 students into 540,000 schools of one for everyone."

‘Talking Out of School’ podcast: Why authenticity is so important for Principal Kafele

"You remind them, you've got to make sure there's harmony in your life, there's balance, so you don't lose sight of the fact that you're not just that leader, you're also a human being away from the school," is a key part of Baruti Kafele's message to building leaders.

‘Talking out of School’ podcast: Addressing a complexity of needs

Transforming K12 into a more fully student-centered system is the wicked problem facing public schools, says Robin Lake, director of the Center on Reinventing Public Education.

‘Talking Out of School Podcast’: Superintendents must be resilient

In this episode, we have a chat with Sean Bulson, superintendent of Harford County Public Schools in Maryland, who is in his 11th year as a district leader. He shares his advice for newer leaders on how to be an effective leader without running on empty.

‘Talking Out of School’ podcast: Here comes the 100 Superintendent March

In this episode, three superintendents describe how they will "represent marginalized communities as well as all communities across the U.S." when they make their voices heard at the White House and in Congress next week.

‘Talking Out of School’ podcast: ‘The most complicated budget year ever’

Superintendents and school boards are solidifying their spending plans as ESSER expires and other financial pressures mount, says Marguerite Roza, director of the Edunomics Lab at Georgetown University.

‘Talking Out of School’ podcast: What it’s like being a new superintendent in 2024

In this episode, we sit down with Denise Watts, superintendent of Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools in Georgia, to learn how her first year as a superintendent is going and what it takes to thrive as a new district leader.

‘Talking Out of School’ podcast: AASA 2024 National Superintendent of the Year Finalist Joe Gothard

Keeping students at the center of every conversation. This idea has been central to Saint Paul Public Schools Superintendent Joe Gothard's success in his district. Listen how he's pathing the way for students in episode two of DA's "Talking Out of School" podcast.

DA launches new ‘Talking Out of School’ podcast with Randi Weingarten

The best principals and superintendents are the ones who say to their staff, "What can I do to help you? What do you need?" That's the assessment AFT union head Randi Weingarten shared on the premiere episode of "Talking Out of School."