This conversation examines the crucial question of how to foster a sense of belonging in schools, with a focus on the roles of administrators, teachers, and strategies to engage students. The discussion highlights the importance of adult relationships in fostering a sense of belonging, innovative strategies such as the two-by-ten approach, and the significance of identifying and supporting students who may feel overlooked.

Follow on Twitter: @dfishersdsu @Jenschwanke @NancyFrey @jonHarper70bd @bamradionetwork

Jen Schwanke, Ed.D., has been an educator for almost three decades, teaching or leading at all levels. She is the author of four books published by ASCD, including The Principal’s Guide to Conflict Management, and has published numerous articles in various educational publications. In addition to providing professional development to districts in the areas of school climate, personnel, and instructional leadership, Schwanke presents at conferences for ASCD, NAESP, NASSP, AASA, and various state and local education organizations. She is the co-host of the popular “Principal Matters” podcast and an instructor in educational administration at The Ohio State University and Miami University of Ohio. Dr. Schwanke currently serves as a Deputy Superintendent in Ohio.–

Douglas Fisher is a professor of educational leadership at San Diego State University and a teacher leader and health sciences high. He is the author of several books focused on improving educational outcomes. He is the co-author of his newest release, Leading the Rebound: 20+ Must Dos to Restart Teaching and Learning.

Nancy Frey, Ph.D., co-author of Your Students My Students, Our Students: Rethinking Equitable and Inclusive Classroom (ASCD). Nancy Frey is a Professor of Educational Leadership at San Diego State University. Dr. Frey is a recipient of the Christa McAuliffe Award for Excellence in Teacher Education from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. She has co-authored several books on literacy. She teaches a variety of courses in school improvement and literacy leadership

In this conversation, educators discuss the sobering NAEP results and the implications for student achievement. They emphasize the need for honesty in reporting student performance, the disconnect between grades and actual proficiency, and the importance of effective teacher preparation. The discussion highlights the necessity for collaboration among educators, parents, and communities to address the educational crisis and improve student outcomes.

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@HeatherPeske @radiokeri, @nationalparents @_CrystalMWatson @jonHarper70bd @bamradionetwork

Dr. Heather Peske came to NCTQ after serving as Senior Associate Commissioner for Instructional Support in the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MA DESE) where she implemented policies and programs across teacher development, educator preparation, and curriculum and instruction that drove historic improvements for students. She started her career as an elementary teacher in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Keri Rodrigues is National Parents Union (NPU) – a groundbreaking organization that unites parents from diverse backgrounds to advocate for the rights, economic and educational needs of America’s children.

Crystal M. Watson, Ed.M is an innovative, passionate, and authentic mathematics educator and lifelong learner who you can count on to always ask “What do the students think?” Her work is centered around providing space for voice and identity development in order for everyone, particularly those most marginalized, to experience high quality, deep, and personal mathematics. Crystal has worked alongside other scholars to develop culturally responsive, reflective, and/or anti-racist curricular resources that center young people in every lesson. You might catch her at both local and national conferences, on podcasts, developing and leading professional development sessions, or having conversations about how we are cultivating youth-centered spaces.

This conversation explores the critical role of community engagement in education, emphasizing the importance of including family voices in school improvement efforts. It discusses the need to break down silos within educational systems, ensuring that all students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, are represented in decision-making processes. Our guests share strategies for effectively engaging families and communities, highlighting the necessity of listening and understanding cultural differences to foster meaningful collaboration.

Resource: Radically Excellent School Improvement: Empowering Every Student to Thrive

Follow on Twitter: @Jenschwanke @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd

Kate Anderson Foley is a transformational leader with significant experience leading public school districts and states toward equitable and integrated services for all learners. Her work has been grounded in social justice and breaking down barriers for historically marginalized children. She has led organizational change utilizing a strategic framework that ensured guaranteed and rigorous learning leading to college and career readiness for all students. As the founder and CEO of The Education Policy & Practice Group, Kate partners with local, state, national, and international organizations, education agencies, and various industries providing her expertise with the improvement process, professional learning communities, strategic planning, asset-based education policies and practices, special education, coaching, and consulting. She is the author of Radically Excellent School Improvement: Empowering Every Student to Thrive.

Jen Schwanke, Ed.D., has been an educator for almost three decades, teaching or leading at all levels. She is the author of four books published by ASCD, including The Principal’s Guide to Conflict Management, and has published hundreds of articles in various education publications. In addition to providing professional development to districts in the areas of school climate, personnel, and instructional leadership, Schwanke presents at conferences for ASCD, NAESP, NASSP, AASA, and various state and local education organizations. She is the co-host of the popular “Principal Matters” podcast and an instructor in educational administration at The Ohio State University and Miami University of Ohio. Dr. Schwanke currently serves as a Deputy Superintendent in Ohio.

This week, President Trump signed executive orders that profoundly affect teaching and learning. The most immediate involves mass deportation and authorizing immigration agents to make arrests at schools. To understand how the education community is navigating these developments, we contacted teachers, principals, superintendents, education reporters, and immigration lawyers. We encountered intense emotions and confusion; many were unwilling or unprepared to speak publicly. We eventually found a group that was willing to share their thoughts, feelings, plans, and resources they’re using. Most of all, they offered their best reasons for hope amid the uncertainty ahead.

Follow on Twitter @Jenschwanke @drjenschwanke.bsky.social @zstavely @kbustosdiaz @jonHarper70bd @bamradionetwork

Related Resources: Imprint Legal Group | Resources for Teachers, students, and families | How Schools Can Navigate Trump’s Immigration Policies

Jessica Heiser is the Founder & Lead Project Attorney at Imprint Legal Group, a national law and consulting firm that specializes in protected class law. Jessica is a two-time graduate of Northwestern University, where she earned a B.A. with Honors and, fifteen years later, earned a Master’s certificate in Leading Equity and Inclusion in Organizations. After teaching middle and high school students in St. Louis and Los Angeles, Jessica put herself through law school at DePaul University College of Law and practiced school and employment law for almost twelve years. After becoming a certified diversity, equity, and inclusion practitioner, she gave up her partnership in a large law firm to launch

Imprint Legal Group, a women- and disability-owned business that guides organizations in proactively combining compliance and culture. Jessica is the recipient of the prestigious Diversity in Law Award and has been tapped to serve on the Indiana Supreme Court Commission for Equity and Access and National School Board Association Title IX Advisory Group.

Jen Schwanke, Ed.D., has been an educator for almost three decades, teaching or leading at all levels. She is the author of four books published by ASCD, including The Principal’s Guide to Conflict Management, and has published hundreds of articles in various education publications. In addition to providing professional development to districts in the areas of school climate, personnel, and instructional leadership, Schwanke presents at conferences for ASCD, NAESP, NASSP, AASA, and various state and local education organizations. She is the co-host of the popular “Principal Matters” podcast and an instructor in educational administration at The Ohio State University and Miami University of Ohio. Dr. Schwanke currently serves as a Deputy Superintendent in Ohio.–

Zaidee Stavely covers bilingual education, early education and immigration as it relates to schools and hosts EdSource’s Education Beat podcast. She is a bilingual print and radio reporter who has worked in Mexico and the U.S. She has covered education, immigration, environmental justice and traditional arts for KQED, Radio Bilingüe, and Public Radio International’s “The World,” among other outlets. Zaidee has won numerous awards for her journalism, including an Emmy, a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award, an Excellence in Journalism Award from SPJ Northern California, and the Rubén Salazar Award from CCCNMA: Latino Journalists of California. She grew up in rural Mendocino County, where both her parents taught in public one-room schoolhouses. She has a Master’s degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and a B.A. in Latin American and Latino Studies and Community Studies from UC Santa Cruz. She lives in Oakland with her husband and two children.

Kenya Bustos Diaz is a freshman ENL Teacher From Veracruz, Mexico, DACA recipient. Social Justice Mentor for Future Teachers of Color at Butler University Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education from Butler University

This conversation explores the pressing need to reimagine the role of teachers in education to enhance teacher retention, job satisfaction, and student outcomes. The discussion highlights the importance of collaboration among educators, the necessity of adapting to changing educational needs, and the challenges faced in implementing new teaching models. Key insights include the significance of leadership in fostering a supportive environment for teachers and the role of data in assessing the effectiveness of educational innovations.

Follow Twitter: @PrincipalGarden @hpeske@nctq.org @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd

Resource, Reimagining | state profiles

In 2022, Dr. Heather Peske was named NCTQ’s next President. She comes to NCTQ from her role as Senior Associate Commissioner for Instructional Support in the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MA DESE) where she implemented policies and programs across teacher development, educator preparation, and curriculum and instruction that drove historic improvements for students—including record graduation rates, the highest rating NAEP performance, and dramatic increases in higher-education participation and success. After having started her career as an elementary teacher in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Dr. Peske served as Director of Teacher Quality at The Education Trust and later as the Vice President of Programs at Teach Plus. Over her three decades in education, she has been named a “Future Chief” by Chiefs for Change (2021), a Broad Academy Fellow (2019), and a recipient of the Governor Paul Cellucci Award for Leadership and Mentoring in State Government (2017). Dr. Peske earned her master’s degree and doctorate in Administration, Planning, and Social Policy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Kenyon College with magna cum laude honors.

Dr. Peske is a coauthor of the award-winning book, Finders and Keepers: Helping New Teachers Survive and Thrive in Our Schools and co-editor of Learning from the Experts: Teacher Leaders on Solving America’s Education Challenges and has written reports and articles on teacher policy, teacher evaluation, alternative certification programs, new teachers’ experiences, and conceptions of career.

Liz Garden is currently the principal of the Henry P Clough Elementary School in Mendon, MA. She is the past President of MSAA. She is an Editorial Advisor for Principal Magazine and an NAESP Fellow for the Center for Innovative Leadership. She’s married to Dave, her musician husband and is mom to Emerson and Cayce.

How can we strengthen how we teach multilingual learners? We explore emerging best practices, including shifting from a deficit-based model, which focuses on what students can't do, to an asset-based model, which highlights students' strengths and abilities. Today, we discuss the need for continuous education, collaboration, and relationship-building at all levels, from teachers to administrators to central office staff.

Follow on Twitter: @debbiezacarian @delgadong94@DrRachaelGeorge @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd

Transforming Schools for Multilingual Learners: A Comprehensive Guide for Educators

Dr. Debbie Zacarian provides professional development and policy analyses for educators of culturally and linguistically diverse populations. An expert consultant for school districts, universities, and organizations nationally, she served the Massachusetts Parent Information Resource Center and Federation for Children with Special Needs.

With an advanced degree in clinical psychology and doctorate in educational policy, research, and administration, Debbie's written many books including the 2nd edition of Transforming Schools for Multilingual Learners: A Comprehensive Guide for Educators.

Altagracia H. Delgado, also known as Grace, has been in the education field for 28 years. In those years she has worked as a bilingual teacher, literacy coach, and school and central office administrator. She is an advocate for students in special populations and works in collaboration with multiple organizations to ensure appropriate services for children are in place. Grace is currently the Executive Director of Multilingual Services for Aldine ISD, in the Houston area. She is also an elected Board member of the Texas Association for Bilingual Education.

A welcoming classroom can reduce student absenteeism, a challenge exacerbated post-Covid. Listen in as we explore strategies like fostering positive peer interactions, and emphasizing community and respect. The conversation includes personal anecdotes demonstrating the power of a nurturing environment in engaging students. The participants emphasize the importance of personal connections, feedback, and ensuring every student feels validated and safe in the classroom. The episode highlights practical approaches to creating an inviting educational atmosphere and its significance in encouraging consistent student attendance.

Follow on Twitter: @MirPloMCPS @sgthomas1973 @DrRachaelGeorge @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd

Miriam Plotinsky is an instructional specialist with Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, where she has taught and led for more than 20 years. She is the author of Teach More, Hover Less, Lead Like a Teacher and Writing Their Future Selves. She is also a National Board-Certified Teacher with additional certification in administration and supervision. She can be reached at www.miriamplotinsky.com

Dana Cole has been teaching high school language arts in the Walker County School District in rural northwest Georgia since 2005. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she began creating video lessons to help students catch up if they missed class, and has continued to make additional videos based on areas of student need and interest and is a current co-host of the Edchat podcast. youtube.com/danacoledares.

Shawn Thomas is in her 25th year of teaching in the largest county in Georgia. She has taught Kindergarten, Second and Third Grade, and ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) K-5 and coaches new teachers. Shawn also hosts the We Just Want To Teach podcast.

Women dominate the ranks of classroom teachers but are not as broadly represented among school and district leaders. How can we support women school leaders and better use the unique qualities women can bring to leadership positions?

Follow on Twitter: @arriaga_trudy @DrDBL @DrStacieStanley @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd

Dr. Stacie L. Stanley, Dr. Delores Lindsey and Dr. Trudy Arriaga are the co-authors of the best selling book Leading While Female: A Culturally Proficient Response for Gender Equity.

Dr. Stacie Stanley is a fierce advocate for ensuring women are positioned to move into executive leadership roles – including a special focus on women of color. She has served as the Superintendent in the southwest metro area of the Twin Cities in MN since 2021. She has held a variety of education roles including math teacher, school principal, director of curriculum, assessment and instruction & prior to her recent appointment she served as the associate superintendent of Eden Prairie Schools and earned a doctorate degree from Bethel University in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where she researched the impact of intercultural development on K-6 administrative leadership practice. Dr. Stanley served as a contributing author for the text Innovative Voices in Education: Engaging diverse communities (2012) and also serves as a Senior Training Associate at the Center for Culturally Proficient Educational Practice.

Dr. Delores Lindsey, a former middle grades and high school teacher, assistant principal, and county office of education administrator and retired Associate Professor of Education at California State University, San Marcos, CA, focuses on developing culturally proficient leaders. Delores and her husband, Randy, co-founded The Center for Culturally Proficient Educational Practice. They developed a 10-day curriculum using the 4 Tools of Cultural Proficiency for equity leaders of schools and organizations.

Dr. Trudy Arriaga is a former public school superintendent in Ventura, CA and currently serves as a faculty member in the Graduate School of Education at Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA. She is a national consultant in equitable leadership.