Swimming Upstream

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna is joined by Johnny Key live from the Excel in Ed Conference in New Orleans for a conversation with Richard Woods, Georgia’s elected State School Superintendent.Woods reflects on his path from classroom teacher to statewide office sharing how the post No Child Left Behind era pushed him to focus on what he felt was missing most: talking about kids, not just tests. Now entering his 12th year in office and running for a fourth term, he describes what it takes to stay relevant, energized, and centered on student outcomes over multiple terms.The conversation explores Georgia’s push to strengthen early literacy, including the rollout of new K–12 literacy standards grounded in the science of reading. Woods shares early results from Georgia’s federally identified CSI schools, where coaching support modeled after Mississippi’s approach has driven initial gains and is now being replicated more broadly across the state.Woods also discusses Georgia’s comprehensive approach to school safety—not only hardening buildings through cameras, SROs, and facility design collaboration with first responders, but also addressing the “question behind the question” through mental health supports, stronger inter-agency coordination, and telehealth access in rural communities.Key Moments06:12 "Importance of Reading for Kids"09:57 "Focusing on Kids' Basic Needs"11:14 Prioritizing School Safety and Readiness17:15 "Teaching the Peach Initiative"18:05 Addressing Teacher Retention Challenges21:45 "Improving Literacy Through Accountability"24:49 "Integrating Subjects for Deeper Learning"Connect with Richard WoodsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-woods-52571849/Website: https://www.gadoe.org/

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna is joined by Strategos Group Partner Johnny Key for a live conversation from the Excel in Education Conference in New Orleans with Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education for the state of Tennessee.A major focus of the conversation is literacy. Reynolds explains Tennessee’s commitment to the science of reading, the importance of early literacy benchmarks, and how statewide implementation from teacher preparation to instructional materials and tutoring has helped drive improvement. She emphasizes that literacy is foundational not only to academic success, but to students’ long-term economic and life outcomes.The episode also explores assessment and accountability, including Tennessee’s A–F school grading system, the push for clearer and faster data reporting, and how states can use assessment results to support not punish schools and educators. Reynolds discusses how Tennessee is reimagining high school accountability through a “Future Ready” lens that values college, career, and military readiness.The conversation closes with a hopeful outlook on Tennessee’s educators, school leaders, and students and a fun piece of trivia: Mountain Dew originated in Tennessee, originally created as a whiskey mixer.Key Moments00:00 Tom Luna on leadership, accountability, and Swimming Upstream01:08 Introducing Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds live from New Orleans01:43 Reynolds’ path from federal education policy to Tennessee leadership04:32 Implementing Tennessee’s A–F accountability system07:34 Why literacy and the science of reading matter long-term10:03 Tutoring, teacher prep, and instructional support statewide15:13 Assessment, ESSA waivers, and accountability going forward17:42 Future Ready Tennessee: rethinking high school outcomes21:43 Using assessment data to individualize instruction24:10 What gives Reynolds hope for Tennessee’s students25:39 Tennessee trivia: the origin of Mountain DewConnect with Lizzette ReynoldsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzetteg

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna sits down in New Orleans at the Excel in Education Conference with Senator Lori Den Hartog, Senate Majority Leader from Idaho, to explore how education policy, school choice, and government accountability intersect especially in a fast-growing state.Sen. Den Hartog shares her personal story growing up on a dairy farm in rural Ada County and how that upbringing shaped her work ethic and her views on private property rights, regulation, and the real-world cost of government bureaucracy especially for small businesses and family operations.The conversation then turns to education policy, where Den Hartog emphasizes the importance of transparency, especially since K–12 education represents a major portion of Idaho’s state budget. She explains why unclear funding flows make it difficult to track spending, measure outcomes, and defend policies ultimately limiting the state’s ability to evaluate what’s working.Finally, Den Hartog explains the broader challenge legislators face: balancing education investments alongside transportation, healthcare, corrections, and other core state responsibilities while remembering that every dollar is taxpayer money.Key Moments00:00 Tom Luna intro + the “not rocket science… more complicated” line00:41 Live from New Orleans: introducing Sen. Lori Den Hartog02:58 Growing up on a dairy farm + how it shaped her leadership07:43 Growth, regulation, and why “time is money” for small businesses10:46 Why education funding needs transparency and traceable results13:06 Why school choice has always felt “normal” to her16:41 Idaho’s refundable education tax credit: who qualifies + what it covers22:07 Balancing education with roads, healthcare, and other state prioritiesConnect with Lori Den Hartog Website: https://www.dordt.edu/

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, former Idaho State Superintendent and host Tom Luna sits down with Wendy Horman, Chair of the Idaho House Appropriations Committee and Co-Chair of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC), to explore what it truly means to lead in education while swimming against the current.Rep. Horman reflects on her journey from local school board service in the Bonneville School District to becoming one of the most influential voices shaping Idaho’s education funding and policy. Drawing on more than two decades of public service, she explains how asking hard questions, following the data, and challenging the status quo have guided her work at both the local and state levels.The conversation dives deeply into education funding, accountability, and transparency. Horman explains how Idaho’s education budget has more than doubled over the past decade while student enrollment has grown modestly, and why fiscal policy is inseparable from education policy. She also outlines the major reforms to Idaho’s budgeting process, designed to increase accountability by separating base funding from new spending requests and requiring agencies to demonstrate results before seeking additional dollars.Throughout the episode, Horman returns to a consistent theme: optimism rooted in students themselves. From her work with local schools to conversations with college students, she shares why the next generation gives her hope for the future of education in Idaho and beyond.Key Moments04:00 From school board service to the Idaho Legislature08:55 Understanding Idaho’s education funding structure11:52 Reforming the state budgeting and accountability process16:35 Public education investment and school choice can coexist19:23 Inside Idaho’s parental choice tax credit24:56 What gives hope for the future of education25:54 A surprising piece of Idaho education history21:49 Kids Inspire HopeConnect with Wendy HormanWebsite: https://idahocapitalsun.com/

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna sits down with Debbie Critchfield, Idaho’s elected State Superintendent of Public Instruction, live from the Education and Excellence Conference in New Orleans.The conversation focuses on what Critchfield has prioritized during her first term: expanding opportunity for rural students, strengthening career technical education (CTE), improving teacher preparation and support, and scaling a statewide literacy strategy built around the science of reading.On literacy, she describes Idaho’s SMART coaching model and statewide alignment of curriculum, teacher training, and administrator readiness. She shares early outcomes from Idaho’s K–3 reading assessment efforts, including statewide gains and standout schools seeing dramatic growth.The episode also touches on Idaho’s broad landscape of school choice, and Critchfield offers a measured perspective on the new tax credit program supporting parental choice while also pointing to transparency and accountability questions that will become clearer as implementation begins.Key Moments05:07 Unique Playground Ice Rink07:38 "Immediate Graduation Requirement Implementation"09:51 Career Tech Investment Initiative14:36 Accelerating Student-Centered Funding Reform17:35 Idaho's Literacy and Local Leadership19:36 "Teacher Preparation Over Curriculum"23:30 "Children: 100% of Our Future"Connect with Debbie CritchfieldLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-critchfield-b926446b/Website: https://boardofed.idaho.gov

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, former Idaho State Superintendent and host Tom Luna sits down with Dr. April Grace, Executive Director and CEO of the Oklahoma Public School Resource Center (OPSRC) and one of Oklahoma’s most respected education leaders. With more than 35 years in public education—including recognition as Oklahoma’s 2021 Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Grace brings deep experience in district leadership, HR, instructional design, policy development, and statewide system building.Tom and Dr. Grace dive into the critical challenges facing Oklahoma schools today, beginning with OPSRC’s mission to expand access, innovation, and academic achievement across all public schools—particularly in rural communities and small districts that often lack back-office capacity, legal support, or high-quality professional development. Dr. Grace explains how OPSRC delivers free training, leadership development, technical assistance, and grant-supported resources to ensure every student—no matter their ZIP code, has access to strong instruction and meaningful opportunities.A key focus of their conversation is the teacher pipeline crisis. Dr. Grace highlights Oklahoma's registered teacher apprenticeship program, a “grow-your-own” strategy helping paraprofessionals and community members earn degrees while working in schools. She also discusses OPSRC’s mentorship program for early-career teachers and the need to expand multi-year support to strengthen retention.The episode also explores literacy, AI, career pathways, and how Oklahoma schools are reimagining learning through aviation academies, VR science programs, and innovative technology tools built with safety and personalization in mind.Key Moments04:29 Teacher Apprenticeship Policy Updates09:24 "Expanding School Choice Opportunities"12:23 "AI and Evolving Education"16:27 "Prioritizing K-2 Foundational Skills"20:19 Oklahoma Schools Embrace Aviation Programs21:49 Kids Inspire HopeConnect with Dr. April GraceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-grace-ed-d-21705b2a/ Website: https://www.ou.edu/

In this episode of "Swimming Upstream" host Tom Luna, sits down with Aimee Guidera, Virginia’s Secretary of Education, live from the ASU GSV conference in San Diego. As Guidera approaches the end of Governor Youngkin’s administration, she reflects on the challenges and achievements of transforming education in Virginia—a state with the unique constraint that its governor serves only one term.Guidera shares deep insights into her role overseeing education from early childhood through higher ed, emphasizing the urgent need for breaking down silos and preparing students for today’s rapidly evolving workforce. She highlights the innovative use of labor market data through the Virginia Office for Education Economics (VOE), which equips students, families, and institutions with actionable information to create responsive education strategies and align academic plans directly with regional job demands.Listeners will hear about Virginia’s overhaul of academic standards in core subjects, the process of benchmarking against national best practices, and the state’s renewed commitment to educational transparency. Guidera and Luna discuss the tough but vital decision to confront an “honesty gap” in student achievement reporting and the shift toward accountability systems focused on real outcomes rather than compliance.Guidera wraps up by sharing little-known facts about Virginia, adding a touch of state pride and history to this thoughtful and inspiring episode. Perfect for education leaders, policymakers, and anyone passionate about student success and innovation in public policy.Key Moments04:39 Virginia: Top State for Business & Education07:54 Empowering Informed Education Paths10:36 Enhancing Educational Standards Nationwide15:26 Challenging Misguided Perceptions17:58 Empowering Parents Post-COVID19:16 Enhancing Parent-Teacher Data Sharing23:16 Student Support: A Three-Legged Stool27:25 Virginia Launches Job Support Initiative29:13 Exploring Data’s Impact and ValueConnect with Aimee GuideraLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimee-guidera-27a2646Website: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna sits down with Cheryl Carrier, Executive Director of Ford Next Generation Learning (Ford NGL), for a thought-provoking conversation recorded live at the ASU+GSV Summit. With a career rooted in public education and corporate innovation, Carrier brings a unique lens to one of education’s biggest challenges: how to make high school relevant for every student.Carrier shares the origin and evolution of the Ford NGL model—a nationally recognized framework designed to transform teaching and learning through career-themed academies that connect schools with local businesses, civic leaders, and community stakeholders. Drawing from years of implementation across diverse regions—from rural Idaho to urban Nashville—Carrier outlines Ford NGL’s three-part transformation framework and its five-phase roadmap, offering a blueprint for sustainable, community-driven school reform.This episode dives deep into how Ford NGL helps districts shift from siloed instruction to collaborative, real-world learning environments that spark student engagement, boost graduation rates, and create stronger pathways to college, career, and life. Carrier also opens up about her personal connection to the work, her roots in Michigan's auto industry, and the formative experiences that shaped her passion for authentic education.Key Moments05:10 Career Academy Model Benefits Students08:35 Self-Discovery and Career-Aligned Academies11:15 Transforming Education Through Collaboration13:43 Navigating Education Policy Barriers18:52 "Community Feedback on Transformation"21:00 "High-Level Executive Community Tracks"26:13 "Success of Career Academy Model"27:18 Community and Hands-on Learning30:15 Rural Education Challenges33:33 Community-Driven Educational ChangeConnect with Cheryl CarrierLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-carrier-fordngWebsite: https://fordngl.com/cheryl-carrier/

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host and Strategos Partner Tom Luna sits down with former Florida Education Commissioner and current University of West Florida Interim President Manny Diaz Jr. to discuss the state's bold strides in education reform. Recorded at the ExcelinEd conference in Oklahoma City, this conversation highlights Florida’s leadership in school choice, civics education, early literacy, and teacher recruitment.Commissioner Diaz shares how Florida has expanded school choice options, with over 500,000 students now benefiting from education savings accounts, charter schools, private school scholarships, and hybrid learning models. He explains how Florida’s innovative "a la carte" approach allows families to tailor education to their children’s unique needs, driving a national movement toward greater parental choice.The discussion also delves into Florida’s comprehensive civics education initiatives, including the Civic Seal of Excellence program and debate championships aimed at preparing students to be informed citizens. Commissioner Diaz emphasizes the importance of early literacy, citing Florida’s investments in progress monitoring and curriculum reforms to ensure students are reading at grade level by third grade.Addressing the teacher shortage, Diaz outlines Florida’s alternative certification pathways, teacher apprenticeship programs, and professional development investments, all designed to elevate and retain educators. He also highlights Florida’s new transparency initiatives, ensuring parents and taxpayers have full access to classroom materials.Key Moments03:35 Homeschooling Challenges and Solutions07:49 DeSantis Boosts Civics Education Initiatives11:45 Early Learning Investment Focus13:55 Florida's Strategy for Teacher Shortage18:04 Classroom Transparency and Curriculum Shift21:21 Tallahassee's Origin as Florida's Capital23:20 Disappointment Over Florida's Capitol BuildingConnect with Manny Diaz Jr.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manny-diaz-jr-47463b55/Website: https://www.flbog.edu/

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna sits down with Kathy Hoffman, former Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction and a passionate advocate for special education. Now serving as the Executive Director for Innovation and Special Education Initiatives at Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, Kathy is leading Project OASIS—a groundbreaking initiative to rethink and improve special education systems.Kathy shares her journey from speech-language pathologist to state education leader, explaining how her firsthand experiences in Arizona classrooms shaped her drive for reform. She discusses the challenges facing special education today, including severe teacher shortages, overwhelming administrative burdens, and the need for more inclusive classroom models. Through Project OASIS, she is bringing together educators, researchers, parents, and business leaders to explore innovative strategies that improve outcomes for students with disabilities.Tom and Kathy also dive into the complexities of special education funding, teacher training, and the need for community collaboration to ensure that every child—regardless of ability—receives the support they need to succeed.Tune in for an insightful discussion on how reimagining special education can create lasting, positive change for students, teachers, and school systems nationwide.Key Moments03:49 Challenges in Special Education Compliance09:29 Parents' Role in Education Improvement12:11 Special Ed Challenges in Arizona14:40 Challenges in Inclusive Education17:27 Children: 100% of Our FutureConnect with Kathy HoffmanX: https://x.com/supt_hoffman?lang=en

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna sits down with Chad Aldis, Vice President of Ohio Policy at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, to discuss the pressing challenges and opportunities in American education.Aldis shares his journey from law school to the forefront of education policy, detailing his work in school choice, academic standards, and accountability systems. With experience spanning state legislatures, nonprofit advocacy, and national policy research, Aldis provides a nuanced perspective on what it takes to improve educational outcomes for all students.The conversation explores the role of rigorous academic standards, the importance of teacher quality, and the evolving landscape of school choice. Aldis highlights how the Fordham Institute has been instrumental in shaping education policy in Ohio while influencing national discussions. He and Luna discuss the critical need for high expectations in schools, the impact of post-pandemic learning gaps—particularly in math—and how accountability measures must prioritize student success over feel-good participation.They also examine the challenges faced by rural schools and the importance of maintaining educational equity in areas with fewer choices. Wrapping up with a surprising Ohio trivia fact, Aldis and Luna provide a compelling discussion on why education reform is essential for the nation’s future.Tune in to Swimming Upstream for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges the status quo and advocates for meaningful, student-centered change in education.Key Moments04:21 Influence of Ohio's Education Policies07:01 Boosting Education Through Relevance12:48 Meaningful Readiness Indicators Needed15:54 Rural School Challenges and Accountability17:01 Prioritizing Students and Education UrgencyConnect with Chad AldisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-aldis-614oh/Website : https://fordhaminstitute.org/

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna welcomes Stephen D. Dackin, Director of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, for a conversation that dives deep into the evolving role of education in preparing students for life beyond high school.With over four decades in public education—as a teacher, principal, superintendent, and policymaker—Dackin shares how Ohio is reshaping its entire K–12 ecosystem to meet the urgent demands of today’s economy. From pioneering STEM academies in Reynoldsburg to leading the newly integrated Department of Education and Workforce, Dackin has made a career out of building bridges—between schools and businesses, academics and employability, policy and practice.This episode explores how Ohio is aligning its education system with workforce realities through community-driven school reform, personalized student pathways, and innovative state-level policy shifts. Dackin breaks down the state’s new governance model, which uniquely merges education and workforce strategy, and discusses why that matters for employers, families, and students alike. Listeners will also hear about Ohio’s innovative graduation pathways, career planning reforms, and a game-changing pilot program that could reimagine the high school experience altogether.Whether you're a state leader, educator, or community advocate, this episode offers both inspiration and a roadmap for making public education more relevant, responsive, and resilient.Key Moments00:00 From Athlete to Educator03:36 Teacher to Administrator Journey09:57 Empowering Parental Choice in Education10:55 "Reynoldsburg Reach Community Engagement"16:19 Ohio's Business Growth and Workforce Challenge18:48 Pathways Beyond High School20:35 Transition Challenges to College Success25:11 Accountability in Education Readiness Measures30:28 Ohio Education and Workforce Insights31:28 "Superman Originated in Cleveland"35:17 "Community Engagement in School Planning"38:02 "Children: 100% of Our FutureConnect with Stephen DackinWebsite: https://education.ohio.gov/

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna sits down with MacKenzie Price, an innovative educator and co-founder of 2hr Learning and Alpha School, who is redefining how we approach K-12 education. MacKenzie shares her journey, from growing up in a small-town school to attending Stanford and ultimately pioneering a model that challenges the traditional education system.MacKenzie’s 2hr Learning methodology focuses on efficiency and mastery, using AI-powered adaptive learning tools to condense academic instruction into just two hours a day. This approach frees up time for students to explore their passions, develop life skills, and excel in unique projects. Her schools, including Alpha School, have achieved remarkable results, with students learning up to six times faster and consistently performing in the top 2% nationwide.Tom and MacKenzie discuss the challenges and opportunities of scaling this innovative model, including its potential impact on public education through charter and virtual schools.Tune in to hear how MacKenzie’s passion and transformative ideas are reshaping education—and why she believes every child can thrive with the right approach.Key Moments00:00 "Tom Luna's Educational Podcast"03:06 Lack of Passion-Driven Education06:13 School System's Motivation Problem11:17 Accelerated Learning Through Sports13:14 Paid Learning for Ukrainian Refugees18:04 Teaching Grit Through Triathlon19:42 Cultivating Life Skills and Masterpieces23:36 Philosophical Alignment in EdTech Education26:45 "Advocating for Diverse Education Choices"29:15 Children: 100% of Our FutureConnect with Mackenzie PriceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mackenzielprice/Website: https://2hourlearning.com/

In Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna sits down with Dr. Carissa Moffat Miller, CEO of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), to discuss the evolving landscape of education policy, leadership, and innovation. With decades of experience shaping state and national education initiatives, Dr. Miller shares insights into the challenges and opportunities in the field today.The conversation explores pressing topics such as teacher shortages, the impact of high-dosage tutoring on student learning, and the future of math education reform. Dr. Miller also provides a behind-the-scenes look at how CCSSO helped states navigate the pandemic, manage federal education funds, and implement effective recovery strategies.As artificial intelligence reshapes education, Dr. Miller discusses CCSSO’s efforts to equip state leaders with policies and best practices for AI integration in classrooms. She also shares a unique piece of Nebraska trivia, adding a personal touch to an insightful discussion.Tune in to hear how education leaders are driving meaningful change, one policy at a time.Key Moments00:00:39 - Setting the Scene00:01:24 - A Career Rooted in Education Leadership00:03:23 - The Role of CCSSO00:04:47 - Navigating Political Transitions in Education00:06:51 - Addressing the Teacher Shortage00:08:06 - Pandemic Response & Federal Funding00:10:38 - Data-Driven Education Recovery00:12:08 - Math Education Reform & The Science of Reading Parallel00:14:36 - The Rise of AI in Education00:17:14 - AI Policy & Classroom Integration00:18:32 - Nebraska Trivia & Unicameral LegislatureConnect with Carissa MillerWebsite: https://ccsso.org/

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna sits down with Bill Hansen, President & CEO of Building Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting charter school facilities, financing, and services. Hansen, a veteran leader in education policy and philanthropy, shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities in expanding school choice, driving educational innovation, and ensuring equitable access to quality education.Hansen, who previously served as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education under President George W. Bush, discusses his extensive career in public and private sectors, including his leadership at Strada Education Network, where he helped create a $2 billion national social impact fund. He reflects on key education policies from No Child Left Behind to recent reforms aimed at closing achievement gaps and supporting underserved communities.The conversation also delves into Hansen’s work at Building Hope, which has played a pivotal role in expanding charter school options across the country, including significant projects in Idaho and Florida. He and Luna explore how rural education, charter school facilities, and innovative learning models—such as Elevate Academy in Idaho—are shaping the future of student success.As a state board member in Virginia, Hansen highlights the importance of accountability, school choice, and parental engagement in post-pandemic education recovery. Tune in to hear how his lifelong commitment to education reform is helping more students access the learning opportunities they deserve.Key Moments06:06 Impact of No Child Left Behind08:13 Expanding School Choices Nationwide12:39 "New School Accountability Framework Launched"14:51 "Why I Prefer Virginia"Connect with Bill HansenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billdhansen/Website: https://buildinghope.org/

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host and former Idaho State Superintendent Tom Luna sits down with Katie Jenner, Indiana’s Secretary of Education, to discuss the state’s bold initiatives to enhance education outcomes. Now in her fifth year leading the Indiana Department of Education, Katie shares insights into the state’s innovative policies aimed at improving teacher recruitment, modernizing graduation requirements, and driving student success.Katie highlights Indiana’s groundbreaking Educator Supply and Demand Marketplace, a data-driven approach that connects schools with qualified teachers, addressing shortages in special education, STEM, and English language instruction. She also discusses the state’s transformative high school diploma reforms, designed to provide students with personalized pathways—whether through higher education, workforce training, or military service.The conversation delves into Indiana’s remarkable gains in literacy, driven by research-based reading strategies, and the lessons the state is applying to improve math proficiency. Katie also shares Indiana’s role as a national leader in STEM education, boasting the country’s largest K-12 robotics competition.Tune in to hear how Indiana is “keeping its foot on the gas pedal” in education and leading the way with data-driven reforms that ensure students graduate prepared for the opportunities ahead.Key Moments04:25 Educator Pipeline & Job Matching09:05 Stagnant Education Amid Rapid Change11:15 Indiana's 2024 Education Reform Debate16:01 Relevance in Education Drives Success18:07 Workforce vs. Higher Ed Skills21:32 Adopting Mississippi's Literacy Success24:44 Swimming Upstream Interview27:30 Children: 100% Future FocusConnect with Katie JennerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-jennerWebsite: https://www.in.gov/

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna sits down with James Lane, former Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction and a key leader in U.S. education. With a career spanning classroom teaching, district leadership, and senior roles in both state and federal education departments, Lane brings a wealth of experience and insight to the pressing challenges in education today.Recorded at the ASU+GSV Summit, the episode highlights the intersection of innovation and leadership in addressing critical issues like the national teacher shortage. Lane discusses his current work with Educators Rising, a program under the PDK umbrella that aims to inspire high school students to pursue careers in education. By focusing on a "grow your own" model, Educators Rising seeks to address teacher shortages locally, empowering districts to recruit future educators from within their communities.Listeners will gain valuable insights into Lane’s mission to build a sustainable teacher pipeline and his vision for the future of education. This episode underscores the importance of leadership, innovation, and collaboration in tackling education’s toughest challenges.Key Moments04:19 Band director transformed school program and became administrator.08:52 Multiyear effort ensuring effective American Rescue Plan.10:52 Left Biden Admin to foster future educators.15:40 Focus on high school students becoming teachers.16:49 Teacher quality is crucial; subject gaps persist, especially in STEM.20:30 Passionate about teaching from a young age.23:51 Appointed for a 4-year term, achieved goals despite COVID.26:26 Children are the future; subscribe for more insights.Connect with James LaneLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-lane-7b712066/Website:https://education.virginia.edu/

In this episode Swimming Upstream, I'm your host,Tom Luna Tom Luna engages in an enlightening conversation with Gordon Jones, President of the College of Western Idaho (CWI), live from the ASU GSV Conference in San Diego. With a rich educational background spanning K-12 teaching to leadership roles at Ivy League institutions, Gordon shares his compelling journey and vision for CWI, one of the fastest-growing community colleges in the Boise region.Gordon delves into the transformative impact of community colleges in today’s evolving educational landscape, emphasizing the urgency of making higher education both affordable and accessible. He highlights CWI’s groundbreaking new programs, such as the low-cost 4-year business degree tailored to meet the dynamic demands of Idaho’s workforce and the broader community. Together, they discuss how CWI’s forward-thinking initiatives are designed to foster public trust and drive generational change through innovation and empathy.Listeners will be captivated by insights from the Harvard Innovation Lab and trends defying predictions about community college growth, as well as how CWI is uniquely positioning itself as a catalyst for economic and educational advancement. Whether you’re passionate about education reform or community-driven leadership, this episode offers valuable lessons for all.Key Moments00:00 Interview with Gordon Jones at the ASUGSV conference.03:38 Harvard Innovation Lab: Global talent fostering cross-disciplinary ideas.08:29 Many predictions are now respected amid education changes.13:22 Community college growth defies trends, driven by demand.16:26 Community colleges offer alternatives to 4-year degrees.20:46 New Idaho business bachelor's degree approval pending.21:53 Bachelor’s demand unmet; education ecosystem strengthens.Connect with Gordon JonesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordon-jones-4967174/Website: https://cwi.edu/

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna welcomes Steve Bowen, Executive Director of the Hoover Education Success Initiative, to discuss the evolving challenges and opportunities in education policy and reform. With a rich background as a former Maine legislator, educator, and education commissioner, Bowen brings unique insights into the intersection of state leadership and education reform.Bowen shares his journey from teaching middle and high school social studies to shaping education policy at a state level. His experience in the Maine legislature and as commissioner of education helped him understand the critical relationship between policymakers and educators in enacting meaningful reforms. At the Hoover Institution, Bowen focuses on ensuring research informs public policy. He discusses the initiative's current projects, including a deep dive into the lessons learned over the 40 years since A Nation at Risk, and the exploration of systemic changes in education. With his role at Hoover, Bowen aims to translate rigorous academic research into actionable insights for policymakers, helping address pressing issues like COVID-19 recovery, funding models, and the evolving role of education in civic health.Listeners will gain valuable insights into the need for a shift in how education systems operate and the importance of focusing reforms on student achievement while balancing the unique needs of rural and urban communities.Key Moments00:00 Teacher turned legislator and education policy advisor.04:55 Hoover excels in thorough, rigorous educational research.08:53 Considering new governance for sustainable education reform.09:49 Rethink educational reform beyond constant lists.13:23 Focus on civic education, schools' role emphasized.17:26 Effective school funding requires strategic capacity building.21:26 Seeking new educational reform catalyst post-COVID.24:06 Embrace continuous learning for adapting to change.26:04 Children are 100% future; subscribe for more.Connect with Steve BowenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenbowen207Website: https://www.hoover.org/

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna speaks with Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education in Tennessee. The discussion centers around the state's efforts to retain local talent and prevent companies from needing to recruit out of state. Lizzette highlights the importance of creating strong pipelines for local employment to ensure Tennessee's economic success.Lizzette also shares her excitement about the ongoing educational reforms in Tennessee, emphasizing the long-term impact that will be seen in the next 20 years. The episode wraps up on a lighter note as Lizzette reveals a fun fact about Tennessee: the famous Moon Pie was founded in Chattanooga, adding a bit of local flavor to the conversation.Listeners are left with a strong sense of Lizzette's passion for her work and a glimpse into Tennessee's efforts to build a brighter future for its students and workforce.Key Moments00:00 Inspired to work for Governor Bill Lee.05:10 Governor Lee focuses on long-term educational impact.07:51 The Achievement indicator had been student proficiency.12:03 The Team worked hard, ensuring schools' performance data.15:16 Improving literacy and math: Adjusting policies needed.17:53 Refocus education on academics for student success.21:11 Tennessee invested $500M in career technical education.Connect with Lizzette ReynoldsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzettegWebsite: https://www.tn.gov/education/