The great importance of redesigning Tier 1 instruction that ensures deeper learning for all students. The research shows huge benefits to students and their teachers including higher achievement, closure of gaps among all reporting categories of students, increased attendance, lower misbehavior, and increased teacher satisfaction and retention.
Michael was last on the podcast with me in 2022, talking about student agency.
About Michael Toth:
Michael D. Toth (LinkedIn, X) is founder and CEO of Instructional Empowerment and leads IE’s Applied Research Center. He is also the author of the multi-award-winning book The Power of Student Teams with David Sousa; author of Who Moved My Standards; and co-author with Robert Marzano of The Essentials of a Standards-Driven Classroom, School Leadership for Results, and Teacher Evaluation that Makes a Difference.
Michael is a keynote speaker at conferences and coaches and mentors superintendents on creating a bold instructional vision, designing and launching a high-functioning cabinet team, transforming Tier 1 core instruction, and leading systems-based school advancement.
Throughout Michael’s career, he has been privileged to collaborate with some of the top researchers and thinkers in education. His past key roles include CEO of Learning Sciences International (LSI), President of the National Center for the Profession of Teaching, and University Faculty Grant Director for research and development grants.
LinkedLeaders: You need support. Get just-in-time mentoring at LinkedLeaders.com
We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.
IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
In this episode of Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones interviews Adrian Ireland, an international educator, systems thinker, and author of "Designing Different." Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities in reimagining the architecture of learning within schools. The conversation delves into why educational reform often fails when it focuses on incremental improvements rather than structural changes, emphasizing the importance of authentic learning experiences, student motivation, and agency.
Adrian shares insights on how small but significant changes—like creating "sandboxes" for experimentation and expanding the audience for student work—can lead to meaningful transformation. The discussion covers the pitfalls of over-relying on extrinsic motivators like grades, the value of interdisciplinary and project-based learning, and the need for flexible systems that nurture both passion and competence in students. Practical examples, such as school newspapers and project weeks, illustrate how schools can foster ownership, engagement, and real-world skills.
About Adrian Ireland
Adrian Ireland is an international educator, systems thinker, and author dedicated to reimagining the architecture of learning. With extensive experience teaching and leading across Asia and Europe, Adrian has spent his career challenging the traditional, standardized models of education by championing learner-centered approaches that value individuality, curiosity, and creativity. His entrepreneurial mindset drives him to experiment with bold ideas, test innovative systems, and design frameworks that empower both students and educators to thrive.
He wears a mix of hats that have shaped his perspectives on education: Watching the development and natural learning progressions of his two boys as father. Coaching Volleyball at both high and low levels. Teaching in the classroom in both middle and high school. Leading full school change efforts around interdisciplinary learning and project-based learning. Redesigning time and scheduling to allow space for change and most recently Coordinating the MYP (Middle Years Program).
Rooted in both practical classroom experience and a deep understanding of educational theory, Adrian believes that the future of learning lies not in small improvements, but in daring to create something fundamentally different. His work blends systems thinking with human-centered design principles, helping schools and organizations shift toward environments that foster authentic engagement and personal growth.
In "Designing Different", Adrian shares the lessons, insights, and strategies gathered from years of navigating the complexity of educational reform, inspiring others to move beyond "better" and design the future of learning. (Link to Book Website)
LinkedLeaders: You need support. Get just-in-time mentoring at LinkedLeaders.com
We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.
IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
In this episode of Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones interviews Joel Lavin, an equity and inclusion administrator in Eugene, Oregon, with 25 years of experience in public education. Joel shares insights into his work supporting high school students with disabilities, focusing on transition services that help students move from school to adulthood. The conversation covers the importance of inclusive practices, unifying specialized programs, and providing real-life experiences through initiatives like CTE (Career Technical Education) and the Future Build program. Joel and Jethro discuss the challenges and successes of integrating students with disabilities into broader educational and extracurricular opportunities, including unified sports and robotics. The episode features personal stories that highlight the impact of these programs on student confidence, independence, and community involvement, emphasizing the value of collaboration among educators to create inclusive environments.
LinkedLeaders: You need support. Get just-in-time mentoring at LinkedLeaders.com
We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.
IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
In this episode of Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones interviews Tyler Lafferty, executive director and founder of Slingshot. Tyler shares his mission to help young people discover purposeful career paths by aligning their unique skills and personalities with fulfilling jobs. The conversation explores the IDEAS framework—Introspection, Design, Exploration, Adaptability, and Service—and offers practical advice for educators and students to dream big, build social capital, and find meaning in both work and community service.
About Tyler:
The Executive Director and Founder of Slingshot, Tyler Lafferty, a longtime entrepreneur, has built five successful companies in digital marketing, advertising media, and health and fitness. This investment over 20 years, has produced services purchased by multi-billion dollar companies and clients across the nation including AT&T, Amazon, Nike, Nintendo, MTV, Tiktok, Disney and many others.
At Slingshot, we exist to inspire and coach young people with purposeful direction for work and life. Our coaching framework helps them uncover the industries and job types they're passionate about, provides pathways to making meaningful industry connections and builds a resiliency mindset for being their own guide.
LinkedLeaders: You need support. Get just-in-time mentoring at LinkedLeaders.com
We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.
IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
In this episode of Transformative Principal, Brandon Cardet-Hernandez shares his journey from being a principal to advising the NYC Mayor, and now serving as President of Mrs. Wordsmith, a company dedicated to improving children's literacy through innovative tools like books and video games. Brandon dives into the urgent need for solutions in education, particularly addressing the missed "dosage" in phonemic awareness, phonics, and vocabulary instruction that many students experience. He explores the role of video games in education, emphasizing that while games can't replace teachers, they can enhance the learning process through engaging, spaced-repetition techniques, like the popular game Word Tag.
Brandon discusses how joy and mastery of language can transform a student's understanding and emotional connection to words. He also highlights the challenges many students face in developing strong reading skills, especially in middle and high school, and how increasing practice time is essential.
About Brandon Cardet-Hernandez
Brandon Cardet-Hernandez is the President of Mrs Wordsmith, an innovative children's education media company that creates award-winning books, card games, and video games to help radically improve literacy outcomes for kids. A recognized leader and changemaker, Brandon has spent his career working to reimagine the systems, structures, and tools that accelerate opportunity and close achievement gaps. Brandon previously served as the Senior Education Advisor to former New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio and as the Director of Strategic Initiatives for the NYC Department of Education. A former special education teacher, Brandon has sat at the helm of two high schools, leading both institutions through transformational change. Brandon was appointed to the Boston School Board in 2022 by Mayor Michelle Wu and the Massachusetts Council for Latino Empowerment in 2023 by Governor Maura Healy. He serves on the board of EdVestors. His work has garnered national recognition, featured in publications like The Atlantic, People en Espanol, Essence Magazine, EdWeek, Commonwealth Magazine, and the Netflix documentary, “Teach Us All.”
LinkedLeaders: You need support. Get just-in-time mentoring at LinkedLeaders.com
We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.
IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
Host Jethro D. Jones talks with teacher Hilda Guerrero about her "Peacefully Productive Kids" program, which helps students develop emotional regulation, empathy, and conflict resolution skills. Hilda shares practical strategies and resources she created after working with a challenging student, and discusses her mission to make social-emotional learning easy and accessible for teachers everywhere.
About Hilda Guerrero
Hilda Guerrero is a dedicated educator with 28 years of experience teaching elementary-aged students. Throughout her career, she has specialized in bilingual education, equipping students with the linguistic skills necessary to thrive in diverse learning environments. She holds a Master’s Degree in Teaching English as a Second Language, which has deepened her understanding of language acquisition and cross-cultural communication.
Now, she is channeling her expertise into developing a digital product (Peacefully Productive Kids) designed to help teachers cultivate Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and personal development skills in their students. Drawing on the four modes of language learning, listening, speaking, reading, and writing, she is developing specialized language practices that foster children's social, emotional, and mental growth. Her passion for teaching language has expanded to include the vital language of emotions and self-awareness, empowering young learners to understand themselves and others with empathy and confidence.
She believes in the transformative power of language and SEL to nurture holistic development, shaping not only students’ academic skills but also their emotional resilience and interpersonal growth.
When she’s not teaching or creating, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, swimming, and taking long nature walks with friends, always inspired by the belief that education is the foundation for growth, in language, character, and life.
LinkedLeaders: You need support. Get just-in-time mentoring at LinkedLeaders.com
We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.
IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
Nearly a year ago, Dr. Kelly Hastings interviewed Jethro on this show to talk about Saboteurs. It’s high time we get her on the show to talk about her work.
Dr. Kelly Hastings brings over 28 years of dedicated service to public education, most recently as a middle school principal. Since retiring from her role in public schools, she has continued to impact the field by coaching and supporting school leaders in implementation and leadership development. Dr. Hastings is married and the proud mother of four children and grandmother to four grandchildren, ranging in age from 8 to 16. Living nearby, she delights in cheering them on in their many activities—from baseball and dance to taekwondo and more. Join her facebook group.
Get her book: Leading Change that Lasts
LinkedLeaders: You need support. Get just-in-time mentoring at LinkedLeaders.com
We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.
IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
Naphtali Hoff is an executive coach, organizational consultant, trainer, writer & speaker.
In this episode, Jethro and Danny continue their "Reject the Premise" series, a collaborative book-writing and podcast project. They discuss challenging traditional assumptions in education, focusing on reimagining school leadership, student development, and the real purpose of education.
Links to Parts 1-3:
Reject the Premise 1: Podcasts Link
Reject the Premise 2: Podcast Link
Reject the Premise 3:
LinkedLeaders: You need support. Get just-in-time mentoring at LinkedLeaders.com
We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.
IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
In this episode of Transformative Principal, Jethro Jones welcomes three inspiring guests to discuss the origins and impact of the Test Kitchen Education Foundation in Fort Madison, Iowa. Brent Zirkel shares how the foundation was created to blend culinary arts with education, providing students with essential life and academic skills. Kumar Withanage, a renowned chef and passionate educator, recounts his journey from Sri Lanka to the U.S. and his motivation to give back to the community through after-school programs that teach both cooking and life lessons. Julian Pope, a former student and participant, describes how the Test Kitchen became a turning point in his life, offering mentorship, practical skills, and opportunities that helped him pursue higher education. The conversation highlights the power of mentorship, the importance of community, and the value of providing safe, supportive spaces for students to grow.
About Kumar Wickramasingha
Kumar Wickramasingha is best known in southeast Iowa for his culinary expertise and his deep commitment to educational equity. A native of Sri Lanka, Kumar immigrated to the United States in 1986, where he was welcomed by George and Jean Alton—two Fort Madison educators who gave him a home and the encouragement to pursue higher education. Inspired by their generosity and belief in the power of education, Kumar fulfilled his American dream by becoming a successful restaurateur and later a healthcare executive.
Kumar's most enduring legacy, however, may be his work in education reform. As the founder of the Test Kitchen Education Foundation (TKEF), he created the Elliott Test Kitchen (ETK)—a one-of-a-kind afterschool program that used food and mentorship to bring academic support to students in rural Iowa. With a blend of culinary creativity and educational accountability, the program helped countless students from all backgrounds succeed in school, build life skills, and discover their potential.
Today, Kumar is collaborating with former ETK student Julien Pope on a forthcoming book that tells the story of the Test Kitchen’s origins, challenges, and powerful impact. The book not only highlights the life-changing effects of academic support and mentorship, but also draws a powerful connection between the decline of quality education in rural communities and the rise of political polarization in America. Through real stories and hard truths, the project aims to spark a national conversation—and offer a roadmap for healing both systems.
Kumar continues to live in Fort Madison and remains passionate about giving back to the community that once lifted him up. His work is a testament to the idea that the best way to thank a community is to build something lasting within it.
About Julien Pope
Julien Pope is a ghostwriter and freelance developmental editor currently working in Fort Madison, Iowa. As a high schooler, his life was positively impacted by the Elliott Test Kitchen, and, using the resources provided to him by the ETK, he successfully enrolled at the University of Iowa as an English and Creative Writing Major. Recently graduated, he has returned to Fort Madison to work on a series of writing projects, one of which being the memoir of Kumar Wickramasingha and the story of the Elliott Test Kitchen.
As the author of this memoir, Julien will use both personal narrative and in-depth research to create a compelling argument for the solution to rural America’s educational decline - namely, that only through dedicated, passionate community involvement and cultural appreciation will education be able to flourish and heal the rifts in our fracturing society.
About Brent Zirkel
Brent Zirkel is currently the Elementary Principal at Mary Welsh Elementary in Williamsburg, Iowa, a school of about 650 students. He also serves as the district ELL Director, Migratory Education Program Director, and Preschool Program Director. Brent has previously served as the Associate Principal at Williamsburg Jr/Sr. High School (7-12) and Fort Madison Middle School (4-8). Brent taught Spanish at Fort Madison High School for 12 years where he was honored for 5 consecutive years with the Terry Branstad Inspiring Teacher Award for serving as a motivational force to some of Iowa’s top-performing high school students. He has a BA in Geography and Spanish Education, an MS in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Bilingual Education (ELL), and is certified as a Pre-K-12 Administrator and Special Education Supervisor.
Brent is also an educational consultant for the Test Kitchen Educational Foundation: a non-profit organization that creates innovative after-school programming for rural communities in Iowa by getting youth excited about learning through engagement in academics, culinary arts, and valuable life skills.
Brent is married to Michelle, a K-6 Media Teacher, and has two children, Brevin (16) and Bram (10). Brent enjoys spending time with his family. He is an avid fan of Survivor, the TV show, and is a true believer in progress through struggle. Brent sees education as the greatest opportunity to build a better tomorrow by positively impacting the lives of his students today.
LinkedLeaders: You need support. Get just-in-time mentoring at LinkedLeaders.com
We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.
IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
In this episode, Jethro interviews Derek "DC" Crager, a passionate advocate for making artificial intelligence accessible, especially for the neurodiverse community. DC shares his personal experiences as an autistic individual and discusses how AI can empower people with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia to enhance their skills and independence. The conversation explores the unique challenges neurodiverse individuals face, the importance of supportive AI interfaces, and how technology can provide cognitive equity and a patient, understanding companion. DC also explains his work with Practical AI and AI for Autistics, offering insights into building inclusive tools and communities that help neurodiverse people thrive in education and employment. The episode highlights the transformative potential of AI as both a mentor and a bridge for communication, learning, and self-advocacy.
Derek “DC” Crager, a passionate advocate for making artificial intelligence approachable and accessible, particularly for individuals within the neurodiverse community. As someone who is autistic, Derek has dedicated himself to fostering a supportive environment where people with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia can leverage AI to enhance their skills and income. Through his work at Practical AI, he emphasizes clarity and support, ensuring that users can navigate AI without being overwhelmed by its complexities.
Derek has also achieved notable success in his career, having developed Amazon's top-rated employee training program, which focuses on simplifying complex concepts for better understanding and application. His community, now boasting over 6,060 members, thrives on the principles of shared learning and earning, making it a valuable resource for educators and leaders alike. He is poised to share insights drawn from his journey and the impactful initiatives at Practical AI, promising to engage and inspire any audience.
Join the Transformative Mastermind Today and work on your school, not just in it. Apply today.
We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.
IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
In this episode of Transformative Principle, host Jethro Jones welcomes back Dr. Chad Dumas, international consultant and author of "The Teacher Team Leader Handbook." Together, they explore the crucial distinction between who you are and what you do as a leader, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, integrity, and coherence in educational leadership. Chad shares practical advice for new teacher team leaders, highlighting the foundational responsibilities of creating psychological safety, building team capacity, and doing the work. The conversation delves into actionable strategies—like the power of the pause and using a "third point" in meetings—to foster trust and effective collaboration. Listeners will come away with insights on aligning intentions with actions and building long-term, meaningful professional relationships.
About Chad Dumas
Dr. Chad Dumas is a Solution Tree PLC and RTI at Work®, Assessment, and Priority Schools associate and international consultant, presenter and award-winning researcher. His leadership training and coaching focuses on building capacity for self, team, and system improvement. Having been a successful teacher, principal, central office administrator, professional developer and consultant in a variety of school districts, he shares his research and knowledge in his books, Let’s Put the C in PLC, An Action Guide to Put the C in PLC, and The Teacher Team Leader Handbook, and consulting that includes research, stories, hands-on tools, useful knowledge, and practical skills.
Join the Transformative Mastermind Today and work on your school, not just in it. Apply today.
We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.
IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
In this episode of Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones sits down with K.C. Knudson, MTSS Coordinator at the Northwest Educational Service District, to explore the critical distinction between coaching and evaluation in education. Drawing on research and real-world experience, K.C. shares why 98% of teachers need coaching—not evaluation—and how shifting from a culture of grading to one of growth can transform schools. The conversation covers the pitfalls of traditional evaluation systems, the power of collective efficacy, and practical strategies for principals to foster collaborative, learner-centered environments. Listeners will gain actionable insights on building effective teams, de-privatizing instructional practice, and making professional learning communities truly impactful.
About K.C. Knudson
K. C. Knudson is currently the MTSS Coordinator at the Northwest Educational Service District. Prior to this role, he served as a Senior Educational Consultant, where he focused on facilitating the establishment of inclusive classrooms, schools, and districts to effectively cater to the diverse needs of all students. This work is deeply rooted in the strategic utilization of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines and the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. K. C. has extensive experience in providing professional learning, coaching, and technical assistance specifically aimed at supporting the implementation of inclusive practices using UDL and MTSS. His background in education leadership includes significant roles such as Director of Teaching and Learning, Assistant Superintendent, Executive Director, Principal, Assistant Principal, and Teacher.
Join the Transformative Mastermind Today and work on your school, not just in it. Apply today.
We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.
IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
In this episode of Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones interviews Kristian Golick, founder of EduCreative, about how schools can stand out by uncovering and communicating their unique culture and emotional truth. They discuss the importance of storytelling in school marketing, the process of identifying a school's key differentiator, and how a clear, emotionally resonant message attracts both families and staff who are the right fit. Kristian shares insights on the value of external perspective, the impact of belonging and engagement on students, and practical steps for principals to start collecting stories that define their school’s identity. The episode emphasizes that when a school’s message is clear and authentic, it fosters community, increases enrollment, and creates a virtuous cycle of pride and participation among students, staff, and families.
About Kristian Golick
At EduCreative, we help schools stop sounding like everyone else. Most schools talk about programs and preparation—but parents don’t choose schools based on that. They choose based on connection. We uncover the emotional truth behind what makes your school different, and turn that into strategic, story-driven video content, that resonates with the right families. Because when your message is clear and your story connects, enrollment follows.
Join the Transformative Mastermind Today and work on your school, not just in it. Apply today.
We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.
IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
In this episode, Jethro Jones welcomes Patrick Mongrain, a middle school teacher, instructional coach, and restorative justice specialist, to discuss building sustainable systems in education. Patrick shares his “Moneyball” approach—leveraging data and analytics to improve classroom instruction and teacher support. He emphasizes the importance of moving beyond quick fixes and initiative fatigue by focusing on eight key practices that create hope and clarity for educators.
About Patrick Mongrain
Patrick Mongrain is a certified teacher currently serving in a TOSA role. He taught middle school history and leadership for 10 years and has spent another 10 years as a district-level instructional coach and restorative justice specialist. In his current position within the professional learning department, he divides his time evenly between teaching in classrooms, supporting school leaders in building systems, and working on district wide improvement. Patrick believes teachers are incredible, and to truly support them, we must move beyond quick fixes and do the hard work of building and sustaining systems. In this spirit, he has created a coherent instructional framework that applies a “Moneyball” approach, leveraging data and analytics on key performance indicators. He’s written a book Theory Can Only Take You So Far and developed a data collection app called Edchanger Pro that brings this system to life.
Contact:
E-mail: pmongrain65@comcast.net
Webpage: https://www.youtube.com/@EdChanger and www.EdChanger.com
App: EdChanger Pro: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/edchanger-pro/id6741165826
LinkedIn: Patrick Mongrain
Join the Transformative Mastermind Today and work on your school, not just in it. Apply today.
We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.
IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
In this episode, host Jethro Jones welcomes Derek Mitchell, CEO of Partners in School Innovation, to discuss the evolving role of schools post-pandemic, the importance of community partnerships, and innovative solutions to chronic challenges like truancy. Derek shares insights on leadership, the need for equity-centered school improvement, and practical strategies for principals to become transformative leaders.
About Derek Mitchell
Derek Mitchell has been the CEO of Partners in School Innovation since 2009. Under Derek’s leadership of “Partners,” the organization has adapted to a dynamic educational landscape and grown to address an expanding need for equity-centered school improvement. Partners has joined with national funders such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and the W. Clement & Jessie V. Stone Foundation to help educators build their capacity to serve some of the most challenged communities in the United States.
Along the way, Dr. Mitchell has published reflections about Partners’ work in a variety of journals and blogs such as Phi Delta Kappan, EdSource, and Leadership magazine.
In addition, Derek has recently been a fellow of The Gratitude Network and is currently a fellow of the Pahara Institute. He is also a member of the board of trustees for the California Academy of Sciences and for Pitzer College.
Before coming to Partners, he earned a Ph.D. in educational psychology from UCLA; served as the director of technology and student achievement for the Oakland Unified School District in California; supported district-wide reform across the country for the Stupski Foundation; and was the executive director of the Opportunity Zone in Prince George’s County in Maryland.
Join the Transformative Mastermind Today and work on your school, not just in it. Apply today.
We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.
IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
In this episode, host Jethro Jones discusses the crucial topic of AI and cybersecurity with Sam Bourgeois, an experienced IT director with a background in private industry and education. The conversation covers the importance of AI standards, the ethical implications of AI use, and the need for cybersecurity awareness among young people. Sam introduces 'Make It Secure Academy,' an innovative platform aimed at educating students about cybersecurity through interactive and engaging methods. The episode emphasizes the critical need to incorporate these lessons into everyday education to protect children in an increasingly digital world.
About Sam Bourgeois
Sam is the leader of a large managed services provider in the US serving global customers ranging from defense to education. He is the Sr. Dir. of Technology and Cybersecurity and leads the visioning of new products and services, oversees DEVSECOPs teams and serves as the cyber leader of the organization and many clients. He has deep telecommunication, IT, education, and corporate training industry experiences, and is passionate about serving those in need whether it’s in Rotary or non-profit board membership.
Socials:
@makeitsecurellc = insta, Fb
https://www.linkedin.com/company/102108099
Webpresence
LLC - https://www.makeitsecurellc.com/home
501c3 - https://www.make-it-secure.org/
LMS - https://makeitsecure.academy/
Intro to the LMS and Courses - https://youtu.be/xEyFXhe6Z3E
Join the Transformative Mastermind Today and work on your school, not just in it. Apply today.
We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.
IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
In this episode, Jethro Jones talks with Dr. Jayne Lammers, a dissertation coach, about the importance of having systems and support to complete a dissertation. They discuss Dr. Lammers' experience, the role of a dissertation coach, and various strategies such as weekly accountability check-ins, peer exchanges, and 'shut up and write' sessions to help doctoral students succeed.
About Jayne Lammers
Dr. Jayne C. Lammers is a former tenured professor and Fulbright U.S. Scholar who has been supporting doctoral students since 2010. She now works as the Director of Learning Design for Edmentum, a K-12 digital learning and assessment provider, but remains connected to academia as a dissertation coach for the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. Through Dr. Jayne Consulting Services, she helps researchers thrive by creating systems of accountability that turn the overwhelm into steady progress, and even joy! She’s been developing these systems through her work with academic writers at top U.S. institutions and in Indonesia.
Whether someone is a doctoral student navigating the dissertation process or a faculty member stretched too thin, Jayne is there to help. Her approach, affectionately called “lovin’ and shovin’” by a recent student participant, blends compassionate accountability with a no-shame attitude. She meets people where they are and then encourages them to make meaningful progress on their writing, research, goals, and future.
At the heart of everything she does is a commitment to making academia a more humane and rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Those curious about her scholarship can check it out on ORCiD or Google Scholar.
Those interested in what she’s up to professionally can follow her on LinkedIn. Her Curriculum Vitae, current as of May 2025, is also available.
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We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.
IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
In this episode, Jethro Jones and Damon Hargraves discuss innovative software solutions tailored for educational purposes. They share insights on the impact of AI and other emerging technologies on school environments, the conception of customized applications, and the future of software development in schools.
Join the Transformative Mastermind Today and work on your school, not just in it. Apply today.
We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.
IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
In this episode, Jethro Jones hosts Erin Bailey, Vice President of Literacy Programs and Research at Reading is Fundamental, to discuss the importance of reading in children's development. They delve into how reading fosters connections, the impact of screen time on reading habits, and effective strategies for schools and families to encourage reading. The episode also touches on the role of AI in literacy and mental health education through books.
Join the Transformative Mastermind Today and work on your school, not just in it. Apply today.
We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.
IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.