Achieving Joy and Mastery in Public Schools

In this episode we interviewed Mr. Brett Finnan, a Behavioral Specialist in the Grand Island Central School District.  Brett discussed his use of Floreo technology which is a learning app that uses virtual reality as a method for teaching science-based social and communication skills.  Katelyn Simpson joined the podcast as well.  Katelyn is a special education teacher in Grand Island and she share...

In this episode we interviewed Dr. Clark Godshall, the District Superintendent of Orleans-Niagara BOCES. Clark shared information on the role of the District Superintendent position and how it supports the component districts, their students and the school communities. Find us on Twitter @NiagaraErie Or visit our website E-NSSA.org

In this episode we interviewed Mr. Scott Taylor, the Superintendent of the North Collins Central School District.  Scott shared information about their huge Eagle Energy Day.  Eagle Energy is a tremendous project that provides students, faculty, staff and admin an opportunity to give back to the community of North Collins. Joining the podcast were Brandon Wojick, the JR/SR High School Principal an...

In this episode we interviewed Dr. Bob Anderson, the Superintendent of Gowanda Central Schools.  Bob shared information about the great work of their Professional Learning Communities as it relates to the measurement of student learning both via formative and summative grading.  Additionally we interviewed Ashley Wakelee, the Director of Learning and Continual Improvement. She also shared her insi...

In this episode we interviewed Mr. Mark Kruzynski , the Superintendent of the Medina Central School District.  Mark shared the incredible history behind the Championship Mustang Marching Band.   Joining the podcast were Matt Jaeger, the Marching Band Director.  Assistant Band Director Kyla Leno also joined us along with Vocal Teacher Rachel Trillizio.  Mark also invited four seniors from the March...

In this episode we interviewed Dr. Hank Stopinski, the Superintendent of Depew Central Schools.  Hank shared information about his Superintendent Student Advisory Council.  Additionally we interviewed two students from the advisory council,  Nuji Fysal and Makayla Seawood .  Nuji is a senior at the high school and Makayla is a junior. During this episode, both students shared words of wisdom.  Nuj...

In this episode we interviewed Mr. Tim Carter, the Superintendent of Wilson Central Schools.  Tim shared information about the incredible Family Resources Night that occurred earlier in March.  Additionally we interviewed Bonnie Simpson (Technology Facilitator) and Morgan Taylor (Social Worker) who all shared their insights and expertise as it relates to helping families.   Find us on Twitter @Nia...

In this episode we interviewed Mr. Brian Russ, the Superintendent of East Aurora Union Free Schools.  Brian shared information about the incredible Leadership, Empowerment, Achievement and Passion (LEAP) program available for 8th Graders in their district.  Additionally we interviewed Matt Brown, the Principal of East Aurora Middle School, Amie Marcklinger a 7th grade ELA teacher and co- facilitat...

In this episode we interviewed Dr. Jacob Reimer the Superintendent of Barker Central Schools.  Jake shared information about their unique and effective Mentor and Mentee program available to students from grades 2 through grade 7.  Additionally we interviewed Sara Thibault, the Instructional Support Specialist at Barker and the facilitator of the M&M program.  Find us on Twitter @NiagaraErie O...

In this episode, E-NSSA was asked by NYSCOSS to conduct a podcast with the Winter Institute's Keynote Speaker...Dr. Darrin Peppard.  Darrin is a best-selling author of "Road to Awesome: The Journey of a Leader" and “Road to Awesome: Empower, Lead, Change the Game”, and he is the host of the Leaning into Leadership podcast. Darrin was named the 2015 Jostens National Educator of the Y...

In this episode we interviewed Mr. Jeff Sortisio the Superintendent of Eden Central Schools.  Jeff shared information about their incredible early childhood programming available for students starting in UPK.   Additionally we interviewed Loran Carter, the Principal of the GLP Primary School.  Find us on Twitter @NiagaraErie Or visit our website E-NSSA.org

In this episode we interviewed Mrs. Sharon Smith, the Superintendent of Lyndonville Central Schools.  Sharon shared information about the incredible opportunities for her students to experience starting at the age of 3 and continuing throughout High School.  Additionally we interviewed Aimee Chaffee, the Director of Special Education, Data and Grants , Dr. Elissa Smith principal of the Elementary...

In this episode we interviewed Dr. Matt Frahm, the Superintendent of Clarence Central Schools.  Matt shared about the importance of school leaders spending the time necessary to care about the culture of their schools.  Caring about culture begins by building and reinforcing a positive school culture one interaction at a time.  Additionally we interviewed Ken Smith,  principal of Clarence High Sch...

In this episode we interviewed Dr. David O'Rourke, the District Superintendent of Erie 2 BOCES.  David shared how Erie 2 BOCES has developed 2 Pathways to Early College - High School Programs that are able to serve the 27 component school districts in Erie 2.  Additionally we interviewed Bill Smock, Principal of the Dunkirk location and Heather Banks , principal of the Springville location. ...

In this episode we interviewed Patrick McCabe, the Superintendent of the Akron Central School District.  Patrick shared how his district creates true partnerships with the local Akron business community in an effort to support authentic, real world learning.   Additionally we interviewed Steve Dimitroff, the High School Principal and Karen Saeli, a Business Teacher at the high school.  We also int...

In this episode we interviewed Dr. Tonja Williams , the new Superintendent of the Buffalo Public Schools system.  Dr. Williams discussed her process for developing a 3-year strategic plan.  She also discussed her vision of excellence and equity for all students.  Additionally, she discussed her 5 Strategic Plan Goals:  1. Eliminate achievement and opportunity gaps 2. Access to educational excellen...

In this episode we interviewed Sean Croft, the Superintendent of the Starpoint Central School District.  Sean shared how his district uses a RTI Bridge Program for students identified as "AT Risk" coming out of middle school.   Additionally we interviewed Sarah Regdos, an Earth Science teacher at the High School and Marisa Sparacino a Teaching Assistant and leader of the RTI program .  I...

In this episode we interviewed Darren Brown-Hall, the Superintendent of the Williamsville Central School District.  Darren shared how his district creates spaces and places with Unified Sports where all students belong.   Additionally we interviewed Daniel Greiner, an English teacher and Unified Coach , and Tracy Fitzpatrick, a Special Education teacher, Unified Coach and facilitator of the club -...

In this episode we interviewed Gregory Woytila, the Superintendent of the North Tonawanda City School District.  Greg shared how his district uses a differentiated REACH and RISE program to support all students .   Additionally we interviewed Mike Tambroni, the Director of Student Services , and Mike Hiller, the Director of Special Education .  Affectionally known as Mike Squared, both directors s...

In this episode we interviewed Mike Ginestrie, the Superintendent of the Sweet Home Central School District.  Mike shared how Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Practices are central to the development of their next Strategic Plan.   Additionally we interviewed JoAnn Balazs, the Assistant Superintendent of Talent and Equity and Toyia Wilson, the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction....

In this episode we interviewed Paul Casseri, the Superintendent of the Lewiston-Porter Central School District . For many years Lewiston-Porter has been working closely with schools in China to offer educational dialogue and exchange opportunities for administrators, teachers, and students.  Since 2007, Lewiston-Porter has hosted hundreds of students and teachers for both short and long term excha...

In this episode we interviewed Dr. Michael Capuana, the District Superintendent of Erie 1 BOCES.   Mike and his team shared information on their innovative, authentic and amazing programs that include important business and higher education partnerships.  Information on the P-TECH-RACE program is featured in this episode.  Other guests included in this podcast are:  Anedda Trautman ,   the Assista...

In this episode we interviewed Timothy Oldenburg, the Superintendent of the Tonawanda City School District .  Tim and his team shared information on their Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) initiative, which encompasses a true UPK to Grade 12 integration.  Other team members included in this podcast are:  Mary Beth Scullion the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and...

In this episode we interviewed Adam Stoltman , the Superintendent of the Alden Central School District .  Adam and his team shared information on their student run Bulldog Manufacturing Company that produces various products for purchase by the community as well as by local businesses.  Bulldog Manufacturing is a completely student run company based out of Alden High School. From CEO to Marketing...

In this episode we interviewed Jon MacSwan, the Superintendent of the Cleveland Hill Union Free School District.  Jon shared important information regarding the Diversity, Equity and Inclusive (DEI) practices that are creating positive change in his school district.   Additionally we interviewed Erica Case, the Director of District Data and Assessment who provided valuable information for other sc...