Leading for Deeper Learning with Ulster BOCES

What does it mean to lead school systems through a period of significant change while keeping students at the center of every decision? Together, Ulster County superintendents discuss the challenge of balancing innovation with stability as schools rethink traditional approaches to grading, engagement, and readiness through the work of New York Inspires. The conversation highlights the importance o...

In this episode of Leading for Deeper Learning with Ulster BOCES , Dr. Jonah Schenker sits down with Dr. Raymond Sanchez, Superintendent of the Tarrytown School District and 2025 NYSOSS Superintendent of the Year. Together, they explore what it means to lead in a moment of real transformation—where student voice, belonging, and meaningful learning must take center stage. Dr. Sanchez shares how his...

Season 2 is here! Leading for Deeper Learning with Ulster BOCES is back—and this year we’re focusing on NY Inspires, New York State’s multi-year transformation of what it means to be a graduate. We took time to thoughtfully shape this season so it speaks directly to the changes ahead in New York and the promise of NY Inspires. We’re excited to get started and to share conversations that support me...

In this inspiring episode of Leading for Deeper Learning, Dr. Jonah Schenker sits down with three remarkable students—Olivia Butler, Matthew Parkhurst, and Jada Valles—from Ulster BOCES to explore what truly motivates them and how student voice shapes meaningful learning. Recorded at the Q29 Studio, this conversation dives into the power of purpose, the importance of being heard, and the impact of...

In this special episode, Dr. Jonah Schenker, District Superintendent of Ulster BOCES, sits down with two of New York State’s leading voices in education policy—Deputy Commissioners Angelique Johnson-Dingle and Jason Harmon of the New York State Education Department. Recorded on location in the historic Medical Library of the NYSED Building in Albany, this powerful and candid conversation explores...

How can leaders in non-student-facing roles cultivate a strong leadership culture while keeping students at the center? In this episode of Leading for Deeper Learning, host Dr. Jonah Schenker, District Superintendent of Ulster BOCES, explores this critical question, as well as dives into how to cultivate the conditions needed for dreaming and designing a new future for education. The discussion hi...

Recorded on site in the Phoenix lab at the Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center in Port Ewen, NY, in this episode of Leading for Deeper Learning our host Dr. Jonah Schenker (District Superintendent Ulster BOCES) leads a powerful conversation with Peter Harris (Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Design), Stephen Casa (Supervisor of Workplace Learning), and Karen Riche (Assistant Prin...

Recorded on location as a snowstorm started to brew through the Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center in Port Ewen, NY, this episode of Leading for Deeper Learning brings together Amanda Stokes, Assistant Superintendent for Administration, and Ed Forgit, Assistant Superintendent for Operations, for an in-depth conversation about the vital work happening behind the scenes to support learning f...

In this episode of Portrait of a Leader, we gather a powerful roundtable of educational changemakers to explore how leadership can transcend traditional constraints by integrating heartset into decision-making. Whether guiding students or supporting educators, leaders are discovering that learning is a natural gift—rooted in play, mastery, and passion—that can ignite transformative change. We chal...

LEADING FOR DEEPER LEARNING with ULSTER BOCES is a podcast where shared stories serve as the roadmap for navigating changes in education. The series is hosted by Dr. Jonah Schenker, District Superintendent of Ulster Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) in New York State, featuring conversations with educational leaders, educators, and thought partners. Dr. Schenker and his guests expl...

In this first episode of the Leading for Deeper Learning with Ulster BOCES, Dr. Jeffrey Matteson, Senior Deputy Commissioner for Education Policy for New York State, joined Dr. Jonah Schenker, District Superintendent at Ulster BOCES, to discuss the latest educational changes being rolled out in response to the Graduation Measures recommendations from the New York State Blue Ribbon Commission and o...