Voices for Excellence

How do we move beyond the limits of a single test score to truly see the brilliance and potential of every child? In this riveting episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner is joined by two extraordinary education leaders who bring over six decades of combined insight to answer that very question.Dr. Mark King, Vice President of Education at Arts for Learning Maryland and author of The Middle School Master, joins Melinda Cook, Head of Assessment Strategies at Riverside Insights, to reimagine what it means to educate and evaluate the whole learner. With a fierce devotion to equity, they dismantle outdated models that narrowly define success, instead championing structures that are developmentally responsive, cognitively rich, and rooted in relationships.From rethinking the master schedule to unlock deeper learning, to providing teachers with purpose-driven professional development, to using multiple measures of data that recognize each student's unique capacity—Dr. King and Ms. Cook offer a framework for systemic transformation. Their stories and strategies illuminate what’s possible when schools value students not just for their output but for their complexity, strengths, and promise.What you’ll learn in this episode: Why arts integration, engagement, and differentiation are essential to middle school successHow multiple measures of data reveal student potential—not just proficiency Why professional development must evolve to align with Generation Alpha & Beta learnersHow shifting from a deficit lens to an asset-based mindset changes lives Why erroneous placement in special education is an equity issue—and what to do about itHow accountability should be redefined as growth-centered and relational, not punitiveDr. Conner, as ever, guides the discussion with both urgency and humanity, highlighting how leaders must build agile, high-performing systems that honor students’ lived experiences, cultural assets, and future readiness. This episode is a call to see students as whole—as gifted, as creative, and as capable of extraordinary success.Subscribe and share to continue driving the future of education for all.

What if we looked at failure not as a flaw—but as fuel for innovation? In this inspiring episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Roxanna Villaseñor, former superintendent and CEO of Universal Leadership and Associates, to explore what it truly means to lead with intention and hope in an uncertain and rapidly evolving educational landscape.With a career spanning the classroom, central office, and systems-level leadership, Roxanna brings a rare blend of instructional depth and strategic foresight to the conversation. Together, she and Dr. Conner dig into the necessary cultural and mindset shifts leaders must embrace to meet the needs of Generation Alpha and Generation Beta—students coming of age in a world defined by diversity, digital access, and deep disruption.From redefining failure as innovation to aligning technology with wisdom, Roxanna challenges us to ask: Are we bold enough to design systems that truly reflect the strengths and needs of today’s learners? She shares powerful insights on multilingual education, universal design for learning, mental health as a non-negotiable, and the importance of honoring voices that have historically been overlooked.What You’ll Learn:Bold Leadership Mindsets: Why Gen Z and Alpha demand new models rooted in hope, empowerment, and social responsibility.Data + Humanity: How to use timely data to reflect values, not just measure outcomes—and why AI can become a surprising ally.Failure as Feedback: Why organizations must reframe failure as a path to innovation, growth, and resiliency.Global Citizenship: Why preparing students for the future requires SEL, environmental literacy, and real-world collaboration.Systems with Soul: Practical shifts in scheduling, MTSS, and leadership development that center students and families at every step.In a time when education is too often driven by politics or fear of change, this conversation reminds us of what’s possible when leaders make equal opportunity their compass and excellence their standard. Dr. Conner and Roxanna invite us to rise up, think bigger, and reimagine what thriving can look like for every student—especially in a world that won’t wait.Subscribe and share to continue driving the future of education for all.

What happens when a school district refuses to operate in silos—and instead imagines an ecosystem that truly wraps around every learner, every family, and every community member? In this inspiring episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with visionary educator and community leader Jody Bloyer, Deputy Superintendent of Racine Unified School District in Wisconsin.A former teacher and principal, Jody brings a deep commitment to equity, innovation, and the power of collective care. Under her leadership, Racine has become a model for integrated, community-driven education systems. From launching community connector teams and restorative practices alongside law enforcement, to building pathways that connect classroom learning to real-world careers, Jody is designing a student experience rooted in relevance, belonging, and joy.Together, Dr. Conner and Jody explore what it means to lead with both urgency and grace in a rapidly evolving educational landscape—especially post-COVID, where Generation Alpha students are entering schools with radically different learner profiles, social-emotional needs, and expectations for how learning happens.You’ll learn: Bold strategies to shift from siloed services to layered systems of support  Why social-emotional learning is academic learning—and must be treated as such  What “safe in the try” means for creating cultures of experimentation and risk-taking in schools  How to better align instruction to match Gen Z and Gen Alpha’s learner attributes  The power of authentic community partnerships that hold students at the center  Why 22nd-century education demands a redefinition of both success and school itself  At the heart of this episode is a challenge to disrupt convention—while staying grounded in collective purpose. From grace and belief to commitment and joy, Jody reminds us what’s possible when educators truly embrace innovation as a communal act of love and progress.Subscribe and share to continue driving the future of education for all.

What happens when educational leadership is grounded in the wisdom of community, driven by emotion as much as intellect, and unflinchingly committed to equity? This week on Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Dr. Brenda Garcia Castro—assistant principal at Century Community Charter School in Inglewood, California, and adjunct professor at Pepperdine University—for a deeply human and intellectually rigorous conversation that bridges systemic transformation with personal journey.A proud bilingual leader, researcher, immigrant mother, and rising scholar with both an EdD and a PhD in progress, Dr. Garcia Castro offers a visionary blueprint for what it means to lead from love, data, and intentionality all at once. Her groundbreaking conceptual model, the Optimal Partnership for Thriving Integration, reframes how schools engage immigrant families—not as passive recipients of services but as empowered, trusted, and essential collaborators in education.Together, she and Dr. Conner explore how schools can evolve their culture—not just structurally but emotionally—to build durable ecosystems of access, trust, and healing for students and their families. At the center of this journey: authenticity, radical listening, and a commitment to meeting families exactly where they are, while preparing all students, especially Generation Alpha and Beta, for an unknown but exciting future shaped by AI and workforce transformation.What you’ll learn from this episode: Bold leadership means leaning into discomfort to serve a greater purpose.   Support for families is system design—not an afterthought.   Immigrant families want access, growth, and connection—so how are we listening?  Trust and relationships are the real curriculum of school leadership.   Culture isn’t declared—it’s co-constructed through presence and modeling.  AI + workforce prep begins by demystifying tech and amplifying student voice.  Dr. Brenda Garcia Castro reminds us: the future of equitable education is personal, purposeful, and possible—when we meet it with heart and rigor. This episode is a stirring reminder that education systems can, and must, be designed for all to thrive. It’s time to redefine success not just by test scores, but by the depth of belonging, access, and opportunity each child experiences.Subscribe and share to continue driving the future of education for all.

What does it mean to be a parent in the age of AI?On this episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner is joined by Kunal Dalal, a visionary educator, founder of AI Parentology, and one of today’s most important thinkers shaping the intersection of artificial intelligence and learning. With roots in both classroom teaching and education innovation, Kunal is not just exploring how AI can transform education—he’s modeling it in deeply human and personal ways.From building micro-schools inspired by his own child’s learning to facilitating rich, AI-infused family experiences that teach solidarity, creativity, and agency, Kunal is rewriting the narrative of what education—at home and in schools—can be. Dr. Conner and Kunal unpack how AI can serve not as a replacement for human connection, but as a mirror and catalyst for more meaningful, culturally responsive, and student-centered learning.This expansive, joyful conversation looks beyond compliance-driven systems to explore how schools can reimagine themselves as laboratories of self-efficacy, equity, and innovation—while also holding space for the very real fears and complexities this moment brings.What you’ll learn in this episode:Bold leadership isn’t top-down—it’s about followership and listening to the true architects of the future: students.Why embracing AI means leaning into uncertainty, creativity, and co-agency—not replicating factory models of the past.How micro-schools can ignite community-based innovation that’s student-designed, culturally grounded, and deeply personal.How algorithmic reflections force us to confront the systemic gaps, silences, and prejudices embedded in our society—and how we must respond.The power of AI to co-create with children—using dreams, art, questions, and storytelling to spark curiosity, identity, and connection.What developers and education leaders must consider now to ensure AI tools are trained on diverse, humanizing data that truly reflects Generation Alpha & Beta.Kunal’s concept of the “AI Parentologist” isn’t just a title—it’s an evolving framework for how families, educators, and developers can intentionally design a more just, joyful future. And it’s a future Dr. Conner continues to lead toward through bold inquiry, system-level transformation, and equity-centered design.Subscribe and share to continue driving the future of education for all.

What if the true measure of school success isn't just test scores—but the full humanity and future readiness of every learner?On this episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Dr. Tonia Causey-Bush, a transformational instructional leader and Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services at Banning Unified School District in California. Renowned for her vision, humility, and unapologetic commitment to equity, Dr. Causey-Bush is helping to redesign what student success looks like—grounded in community, innovation, and future-ready learning.Together, Dr. Conner and Dr. Causey-Bush explore how portrait models—like Banning’s “Portrait of a Learner”—aren’t just glossy graphics. They’re living blueprints for systems change, guiding how leadership development, instructional coherence, and human-centered learning come alive in every classroom. Dr. Causey-Bush shares how Banning has evolved their competencies over time, deeply aligning them with teachers, students, and community voices—and why this work must outlast any one leader.They also take on the disruptive realities of AI, its rapid emergence into K-12 systems, and how equity-minded leaders can embrace innovation without losing sight of ethical use, critical thinking, and authentic student agency. Most powerfully, Dr. Causey-Bush reminds us that sustaining innovation begins with humility—and that true leadership means being a perpetual student of the profession.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why environment matters: Shaping classrooms and systems with the right emotional and academic “soil” for students to grow.How systemic succession builds futures: Creating district-wide frameworks that evolve with time and leadership.Human-centered AI: Embracing innovation through an equity lens without losing the essence of critical thinking.Data as dialogue: Using assessment not as punishment but as a window into student needs and instructional alignment.Instructional leadership at all levels: Shifting mindset so every educator—especially teachers—is an instructional leader.Dr. Causey-Bush’s reflections are a powerful call to action: to stay flexible in our approaches, credible in our work, and always humble in the face of what students truly need. Through her leadership and Dr. Conner’s mission-driven platform, this conversation urges us to reimagine systems that don’t just serve some, but inspire all.Subscribe and share to continue driving the future of education for all.

In this thought-provoking episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Rebecca Bultsma — international AI ethics researcher, Chief Innovation Officer, and co-host of AmpED to 11 — to explore what it really means to lead in the age of artificial intelligence.From Kendrick Lamar lyrics to ethical paradoxes, this conversation moves from AI strategy and governance to the human heartbeat of education. Rebecca unpacks her belief that “ethics is the seatbelt of AI strategy”—a grounding metaphor for how innovation must move fast, but never without responsibility.Together, Dr. Conner and Rebecca dive into:How ethics and strategy intersect in real-world decision-making, from boardrooms to classrooms.The VIBE Framework (Visible, Intentional, Beneficial, Earned) — Rebecca’s approach to ensuring AI use in schools stays transparent and trustworthy.The coming wave of frontier models like GPT-5, Claude 4.1, and Grok 4 — and what they mean for leaders, teachers, and students.How AI agents could transform personalized learning and potentially repurpose traditional schools into community-based learning hubs.Why the next decade demands permission-to-fail leadership — cultures that value experimentation, iteration, and vulnerability over perfection.And how the learners of tomorrow — Generation Alpha and soon Generation Beta — will thrive by staying curious, unimpressed, and unapologetically human.Rebecca challenges listeners to imagine a future where education isn’t confined to classrooms, grades, or standardized tests, but exists as a network of personalized experiences, guided by ethical innovation and human connection.This is more than a conversation about technology — it’s a blueprint for human-centered transformation in the age of AI.

In this episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with one of education’s most innovative and heartfelt leaders, Superintendent Glenn Robbins. Together, they explore what it means to lead with authenticity, courage, and compassion in the ever-evolving landscape of education.From redefining school culture through relationships and student voice, to building genuine community partnerships and integrating AI with purpose, Glenn shares how his district has become a living ecosystem of learning, leadership, and innovation.Listeners will walk away inspired by practical strategies for creating psychological safety, embracing creativity, and leading with calm in the midst of chaos. This is an episode for anyone striving to prepare Generation Alpha and Generation Beta for a world that demands agility, empathy, and relentless curiosity.

Austin ISD is rewriting the playbook on equity in advanced academics. In this Back to School edition of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner is joined by Cody Pruitt, Blake Haygood, and Tony Castilleja of Riverside Insights to explore how the district is leveraging the CogAT to expand opportunity and disrupt traditional measures of achievement. Together, they unpack how Austin ISD is redefining giftedness, creating new pathways into AP and IB programs, and ensuring underrepresented and multilingual learners are recognized for their true abilities. From breaking down systemic barriers to reimagining identification practices, the conversation highlights how culture, mindset, and access are being reshaped in ways that elevate both student confidence and academic success. With practical insights and bold vision, this episode showcases what it means to center access and opportunity, embrace strength-based learning, and build systems that prepare every student—not just a select few—to thrive in the AC (After COVID) stage of education.

In this Back-to-School edition of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Dr. Bill Bradford, Assistant Superintendent of Academics and School Leadership for Fayette County Public Schools (KY). Together they unpack how Fayette County is transforming education through its Portrait of a Graduate 2.0, aligning a five-year strategic plan with classroom practice, and preparing students for the demands of the 22nd century. Dr. Bradford shares how his district has embedded four promises—lifelong learning, civic engagement, future readiness, and resiliency—into every student’s journey from preschool through graduation. He explains how Fayette County empowers teachers as leaders, pilots defenses of learning, and scales innovation across 80 schools. The conversation also explores Fayette’s early work with AI integration, professional learning for both staff and students, and the power of “yes, and” thinking in balancing traditional achievement measures with future-focused competencies. Dr. Bradford closes with his three C’s for the future: communication, collaboration, and confidence—pillars that he believes every system must cultivate to thrive in an unpredictable world.

In this episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Candice Sears, Director of Instructional Services at the Montgomery County ESC and a leading voice in AI and educational innovation. From remote learning and alternative education programs to statewide AI policy and workforce development, Candice shares how her work is reshaping instruction, aligning systems, and meeting the needs of Gen Alpha and Gen Beta learners. Together, they unpack how Ohio is building statewide coherence around AI readiness, the role of empathy in educational leadership, and the urgent need to shift educators from experts to facilitators. Candice introduces the concept of the “learnerverse,” explains what future-ready learning truly means, and offers practical strategies for implementing AI in ways that enhance—not replace—human connection. This episode is a powerful exploration of how emerging technologies, thoughtful design, and human-centered leadership can transform education from the classroom to the policy level.

In this thought-provoking episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Steven Iglesias—Chief Innovation Officer at Doral Academy and one of Florida’s most forward-thinking voices in educational AI. Together, they explore the urgent need to reimagine the education system for the era of AI, automation, and superintelligence. The conversation challenges outdated assumptions, including the overreliance on test scores and one-size-fits-all models, and calls for a radical reframe: from teaching tools to teaching thinking. Steven breaks down why schools need to emphasize resilience, agency, and relevance—equipping students with real-world skills through experiential learning, not just rote instruction. They also unveil the AI Mindset Institute—a new professional learning initiative launching Fall 2025, built to help educational leaders develop the strategic mindset, fluency, and practical frameworks needed to integrate AI into learning ecosystems with confidence and clarity. This episode is a must-listen for education leaders ready to move beyond theory and take action in shaping a future-ready generation.

In this episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Wes Kriesel, Administrator of Innovation and AI at the Orange County Department of Education, to unpack what real innovation in education looks like. Together, they explore the difference between flashy tech and meaningful use, the need for a two-brain approach to AI governance and experimentation, and why equity, fluency, and humanity must drive every decision we make. Wes offers a grounded, systems-level perspective on aligning AI tools with instructional goals, preparing students for emerging careers, and building learning communities rooted in purpose, curiosity, and joy.

What does it really take to lead with courage, clarity, and conviction—especially when the political winds are shifting? In this powerful episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with the unstoppable LK Monroe—former Alameda County Superintendent of Schools and founder of TeamED Up for Good—to unpack what legacy leadership looks like in the A/C (After COVID) era of education. From navigating the political realities of elected leadership to building bridges between athletes, artists, and educators, LK shares her lived experience as a third-generation educator who never intended to follow in her family’s footsteps—but did so with bold vision and unshakable purpose. Together, they tackle: The real meaning of leadership when kids come first—even when it costs you.How to help non-educators (like NBA stars) support schools the right way.Why culturally responsive teaching isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the reality of who’s in our classrooms.The uncomfortable but necessary tension of integrating AI and innovation in learning.Why LK’s leadership mantra—Justice, Partnership, Excellence—is more relevant than ever. Whether you’re a superintendent, a system leader, or someone passionate about transforming education for the next generation, this conversation will leave you challenged, inspired, and better equipped to lead.

In this special episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner takes the guest seat as Executive Producer Serena Reynolds steps in as host. Together, they unpack the vision, research, and real-world impact behind the Agile Diagnostic and AI Platform—a groundbreaking system transforming how school districts approach strategy, change management, and continuous improvement. Dr. Conner shares the origin story of the platform, the science behind the Disruptive Effect Model, and why preparing for the 22nd century starts now. The conversation explores how AI-powered insights, research-driven frameworks, and future-ready thinking are helping education leaders design more responsive, equitable systems. With powerful takeaways on continuous improvement and what it means to lead in the A/C stage of education (After COVID), this episode offers a bold, behind-the-scenes look at the future of education—and the tools to help leaders shape it.

In this episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Jennifer Womble—Chair of the Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) and District Administration—to explore how AI, innovation, and authentic leadership are reshaping the education landscape. They discuss what it takes to build scalable professional development, the power of one-on-one tutoring powered by AI, the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades, and how schools can start building intentional, human-centered strategies for today—not tomorrow. With real-world insight and boundless optimism, Jennifer offers a roadmap for school leaders to embrace the now and lead with purpose.

In this powerful episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Christine Fowler-Mack—former Superintendent of Akron Public Schools and current CEO of Reimagine Solutions—to unpack what it truly takes to lead large, complex school systems in the A/C (After COVID) stage of education. Christine shares her three signature leadership principles—authenticity, adaptive coherence, and collective genius—and challenges us to move from compliance-driven practices to bold, equity-centered transformation. Together, they explore the critical intersection of policy, innovation, and human-centered design, highlighting how generative AI, disciplined inquiry, and intentional pacing can elevate outcomes for all students. Whether you're a superintendent, strategist, or systems leader, this conversation offers actionable insight on how to lead with purpose—and build blueprints that last.

Dr. James Lane is the chief executive officer of PDK International and Educators Rising. He most recently served as Acting Assistant Secretary and the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education after serving as Senior Advisor to U.S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona.

Susan M. Bearden, CETL is a strategic, growth-oriented education technology leader who approaches IT from an educator mindset. A former teacher and K12 IT leader, she is currently the CEO of Bearden Education Technology Consulting and is passionate about facilitating best practices in education technology in support of innovative teaching and learning.

Dr. Barber is currently the Deputy Superintendent of Fayette County Public Schools. Barber has more than 20 years of experience as an educator, having previously served as superintendent of Frankfort Independent Schools and more. In that position, Dr. Barber established highly qualified, cross-functional teams in order to streamline district operations and foster greater communication and connection between stakeholders.