Achieving Joy and Mastery in Public Schools

Joining us are directors  Allison Sharpe and Stephanie Morris from Dream It, Do It Western New York (DIDIWNY)—a vital organization committed to connecting students, schools, and communities with the limitless possibilities in manufacturing careers. With over 1,600 manufacturers generating nearly $27 billion in annual shipments and accounting for 12% of the regional workforce—well above the nationa...

In this episode, we were privileged to interview Dr. Genelle Morris, the Superintendent of the Olean City School District.  Genelle spoke about their comprehensive Music program spanning UPK- 12th grade.  Joining us as guests of this podcast were: Tobi Snyder (Music Chair, OIMS Band/Orch), Susan Boyle (Orch, 4th grade and OHS), Bill Hughey (WW General Music, Prek-3), Evan Snyder, senior in Orchest...

In this episode we interviewed Dr. Mark Beehler, the Superintendent of the Salamanca City School District.  Mark introduced us to the district's Native American Curriculum Team and they shared their incredible journey of developing, designing and publishing a holistic understanding of the indigenous experience using Onöndowa’ga:’ (Seneca) /Hodinöhšö:ni:h (Iroquois) language, history, and cult...

In this episode we interviewed Maureen Donahue, the Superintendent of the Southwestern Central School District.  Mo discussed her journey as a superintendent and their strategic focus on Professional Learning Communities.  We also discussed the power of handprints and the importance of leading through "Courage, Knowledge and Heart"!  Additionally, we interviewed Molly Moore, the current...

We are beyond excited to be joined by two extraordinary guests who are here at the iReady NY Symposium. Dr. Nonie Lesaux : Interim Dean of the Faculty of Education at Harvard is here along with Dr. Barrie Olsen , the vice president of Reading Curriculum and Instruction at Curriculum Associates.  They both are outstanding in their fields of expertise and hold a unique vantage point on the future of...

In this episode of our podcast we had three extraordinary guests who were Keynote presenters at the NYSCOSS Winter Institute. They were part of the Council’s Ignite Sessions , sponsored by Partner Energy Systems Group (Partner ESG). Joining us for this conversation were Ray Sanchez, Michael Doughty, and Dr. Lorna Lewis —three accomplished educational leaders who are inspiring their colleagues acro...

Today on the podcast we are beyond excited to be joined by Sal Khan. Sal is the founder and CEO of Khan Academy, a nonprofit educational organization that offers free lessons in math, science and humanities, as well as tools for parents, teachers and districts to track student progress. Khan Academy is piloting an AI guide called Khanmigo that is a tutor and teaching assistant. Worldwide, Khan Aca...

In this inspiring episode, we are joined by two accomplished superintendents, Lisa Kruege r of the West Seneca Central School District and Andrea Kersten of the Akron Central School District. Together, they delve into the critical topic of supporting and empowering women in educational leadership. With the backdrop of the NYSCOSS Women’s Initiative, this discussion highlights strategies to identif...

Today on our podcast we have Dr. Jeffrey Jachlewski , the Superintendent of the North Tonawanda City Schools. Dr. Jachlewski received his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Science Education from Buffalo State College (1999), his Master of Science in Administration and Supervision from Niagara University (2002), and his Doctorate in Educational Administration from the University at Buffalo (2020). ...

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Venu Govindaraju, a pioneer in Artificial intelligence (AI) research and innovation, who serves as the University at Buffalo’s vice president for research and economic development. He is a SUNY Distinguished Professor and co-chair of the SUNY AI Task Force, which is shaping the future of AI in education across New York State."  In January 2023, the National Sci...

In this episode, we were privileged to interview Mr. Lars Clemensen the superintendent of the Hampton Bays Union Free School District.  Lars has been the superintendent in Hampton Bays NY for the past 14 years  and he is the current President of the New York Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS) In this episode, Lars discusses his vision and leadership philosophy in both roles (Superintenden...

In this episode we interviewed Daniel Ljiljanich, the Superintendent of the Niagara Wheatfield Central School District. Dan announced that Niagara Wheatfield Central School District is one of 13 New York schools who have been named new National Banner Unified Champion Schools.  This distinction marks the highest level of achievement for Unified Champion Schools in the nation, recognizing their lea...

In this episode of the podcast we have Jeff Sortisio, the Superintendent of the Eden Central School District. Jeff introduced us to the Chopper Club. Jeff invited Technology Teacher Stevan Jones, and two student participants   Mitchell Preischel (senior) and Luke Ricigliano (Sophomore).  The Eden Chopper Club is quite remarkable and offers interested students the opprotunity to build Harley Davids...

Today on our podcast we have Michael Mansfield the Superintendent of the Dunkirk City School District. Michael started in April of 2020  and is currently in his fifth year.  Previously, Michael served as the superintendent of Bemus Point for 7 years. In this episode, Michael focused on their Bilingual Education program that starts at kindergarten and includes first and second grade.  Also on this...

In this episode we interviewed James Bialasik , the Superintendent of the Springville Griffith Institute Central School District along with his fourth grade teachers Mrs. Kristin Tester and Mrs. Kerri Voit. They shared information regarding a three year old interdisciplinary - project based learning program called the "Fun-tastic Fourth Grade Sellers".  Joining them in this podcast are 5...

In this episode of the podcast we interviewed Dr. Katie Ralston the Superintendent of the Silver Creek Central School District. During this episode, Katie discusses the concept of avoiding burnout through self-care.  She offered tips and strategies that could help all educators.   Katie started in July of 2023 and is currently in her second year.  Previously, Katie was the principal of the 6-12 se...

In this episode we interviewed Michael Cornell, the Superintendent of the Hamburg Central School District and President of the Erie-Niagara Schools Superintendent Association.  In our third season of the podcast, Mike Cornell discussed the importance of instilling Joy, Value and Connection into the DNA of your school system.   Find us on Twitter @NiagaraErie Or visit our website E-NSSA.org

In this episode, E-NSSA was asked by NYSCOSS to conduct a podcast with the Keynote Speakers for the Fall Leadership Summit - Public Education: The Pathway to Everywhere . We had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Michael Bennett, the Superintendent of the Greenville CSD , Dr. Darren Brown-Hall, the Superintendent of the Williamsville Central School District, Dr. Jared T. Bloom, Superintendent of Sch...

Today on our podcast we interviewed Erich Reiter.   Erich is Social Impact Entrepreneur and Speech Technology Enthusiast who is the CEO and co-founder of Say it Labs.  SayitLabs is a company that develops proprietary artificial intelligence-based speech recognition technology designed to support people with speech disabilities. His company combines their state-of-the-art technology with best pract...

Today on our podcast we have Mark Laurrie, the Superintendent of the Niagara Falls City School District.   Mark is in his 9th year as a superintendent and his 41st year as an educator.   Mark has been a progressive leader who is always a champion for his students.  He has been the recipient of several local and state awards for leading his school community, and we are thrilled to have him on our s...

In this episode we interviewed Dr. Mathis Calvin the Superintendent of the Lockport City School District.  Mathis is in his second year as Superintendent and previously served as the superintendent of the Oswego City School District.  He also served as superintendent in the Wayne and Stockbridge Valley school districts, both in upstate New York. He has been a special education teacher, principal a...

Today on our podcast we interviewed Danielle Sullivan.   Danielle is the Senior Regional Sales Manager for Khan Academy (Khanmigo) in the Northeast of the USA.  At Khan Academy, Danielle is at the forefront of transforming education in the Northeast, driving strategic partnerships with schools and districts to enhance learning through the innovative platforms of Khan Academy. Her role capitalizes...

Today on our podcast we interviewed Kim Michelson.   Kim is the co-founder and CEO of the educational company Honest Game.   Honest Game is the first technology system to automate college academic eligibility requirements, in real time, for high school student athletes.  Their technology reviews each student-athlete's academic courses, grades and standardized test scores against NCAA and NAIA...

In this episode we interviewed Mr. Brett Handell, the Vice President of Sales and the 35th employee with the company ZeroEyes and Rob Carter, the Director of Training & Enablement with ZeroEyes and he is a former Navy SEAL.   ZeroEyes is a company we use here in Grand Island because it delivers a proactive, human-verified A.I. gun detection software service that integrates into our existing se...

In this episode we interviewed Dr. Tonja Williams , the Superintendent of the Buffalo Public Schools system.  Dr. Williams discussed her desire to amplify women in sports throughout the school system.  Joining us on this podcast was Dr. Ramona Reynolds.   Dr. Reynolds is the Chief of Athletics, Community Schools and Family and Community Engagement. Find us on Twitter @NiagaraErie Or visit our webs...