Implement. Change in Education

In this special highlight compilation, we bring you powerful moments from conversations with some of the most influential education leaders. These short clips capture the insight, urgency, and vision driving change in schools today. You'll hear from: Dr. Carey M. Wright, Maryland State Superintendent, on building teacher capacity and transforming reading instruction statewide. Dr. Sonja Brookins S...

What does it take to lead a team of superstars to the top—and keep them growing? In this episode, we explore the leadership mindset of Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, whose blend of tactical brilliance, emotional intelligence, and unshakable calm has guided one of the most dominant NBA teams in history. From his “criticism is an opportunity” mantra to flying across the world to support a b...

In this episode, we’re joined by the inspiring Secretary of Education for Delaware, Cindy Marten. With decades of experience as a teacher, principal, and former Deputy Secretary of Education, Secretary Marten brings bold yet grounded insights to transforming public education systems. From her time leading San Diego Unified, where she helped drive graduation rates to 89% and close equity gaps, to h...

In this episode, we dive into the J-A-T Theory — a simple but powerful framework for building trust, deepening relationships, and encouraging meaningful feedback. Inspired by a recent EdScale blog post, we explore how curiosity and the habit of Just Asking Them can shift conversations and unlock progress in management, coaching, and collaboration. Whether you're leading a team or working cross-fun...

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Sonja Brookins-Santelises, CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools, and Alison Perkins-Cohen, Chief of Staff. With nearly 30 years of experience, Dr. Santelises has led transformative change in Baltimore’s schools, driving historic academic gains and prioritizing equity. To my knowledge, they are the longest standing CEO/CoS team in large urban schools across the...

Navigating leadership transitions can be challenging, but with the right strategies, they become opportunities for growth. Our latest blog post shares five key tactics—rooted in research and practical frameworks—to help leaders and organizations adapt and thrive during change. From building strong relationships to scenario planning, these actionable insights drive better results. Change involves n...

Today, we’re joined by Dr. Carey Wright, a nationally recognized education leader with over 50 years of experience. She led Mississippi’s historic rise in fourth-grade reading scores, proving that strategic, long-term reform can drive real student success. Now back in Maryland, she’s leading through one of the most ambitious education overhauls in a generation. In this episode, we discuss lessons...

This blog post reflects on a visit to the Baltimore Ravens stadium and the valuable lessons learned about teamwork and core values. It explores how the Ravens emphasize their mantra "What’s Important Now" (W.I.N.) and "The Team, The Team, The Team" to foster a culture of unity and excellence. I connect these insights to our work at EdScale, highlighting the importance of building cohesive teams an...

Starting something new often comes with unexpected challenges, and launching a podcast with guest interviews is no different. Scheduling surprises are par for the course. As a result, we will be sharing the first guest episode in February.  But today I’m thrilled to share a rebroadcast of a conversation I had last year with Troy Mix from the University of Delaware Biden School on First State Insig...

In this episode, we explore five powerful lessons learned from coaching a 4th grade basketball team that directly apply to education leadership. Through experiences of victories, setbacks, and a nail-biting championship game, these insights demonstrate the parallels between sports coaching and implementing change in education systems. The key lessons include: Elevate voices and listen to stakehold...

Introducing our new podcast, Implement. Change in Education. Full episodes starting in January 2025!