Praxis Journeys

In this episode of Praxis Journeys, host Vinay Ganti talks with Dr. Ingrida Barker, Superintendent of McDowell County Schools in West Virginia, about leading a rural district facing steep enrollment declines, dwindling tax revenue, and persistent teacher shortages. She reflects on her path from Latvia to West Virginia and the realities of navigating annual staffing cuts, school consolidation, and...

In this episode of Praxis Journeys , host Vinay Ganti talks with Cina Lackey and Tori Del Toro from the Idaho Department of Education about the state’s innovative work to strengthen educator ethics. They discuss the importance of raising awareness of the Idaho Code of Ethics, providing practical resources like breach‑of‑contract and duty‑to‑report guidance, and using tools like ProEthica to spark...

In this episode of Praxis Journeys, host Vinay Ganti speaks with Jimmy Adams, Executive Director of NASDTEC, about the rapidly changing landscape of teacher licensure, the national teacher shortage, and how states are rethinking educator mobility and teacher retention. This episode explores major questions shaping the future of the profession, including: How the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact...

In this episode of Praxis Journeys, host Vinay Ganti sits down with lifelong educator and superintendent Michael Lubelfeld for a candid conversation about the evolving landscape of K-12 education. Drawing on over three decades of experience, Michael shares his journey from classroom teacher to systems leader, emphasizing the importance of collaborative and networked leadership in overcoming the is...

In this inspiring episode, Praxis Journeys welcomes Dr. John B. King Jr.—former U.S. Secretary of Education, lifelong advocate for equity, and author of “Teacher by Teacher.” Dr. King shares his personal journey from a childhood shaped by loss and adversity to a career dedicated to championing educators and student success. Through heartfelt stories, he highlights the profound impact teachers have...

As the role of the U.S. Department of Education shifts, states and districts face both uncertainty and opportunity. Host Vinay Ganti sits down with Terri Conrad, Ed. D. and Dr. Jaalil Hart of the Hunt Institute to explore how leaders can “act as if” by building capacity, strengthening data systems, and planning for impact over personalities. They discuss bright spots like Virginia’s English Learne...

In this inspiring episode of Praxis Journeys, lifelong educator and former Utah State Superintendent Sydnee Dickson shares her journey from classroom teacher to policy leader—and now, special advisor at the University of Utah. She reflects on the power of continuous improvement, the importance of teacher and leader pipelines, and how educator preparation must evolve to meet today’s challenges.  Fr...

In this episode of Praxis Journeys, host Vinay Ganti sits down with Dr. Rick Surrency, Superintendent of Putnam County School District in Northeast Florida. Dr. Surrency shares his unique perspective as an elected superintendent, discussing how community engagement and long-term systems thinking have transformed his district. From innovative teacher retention strategies and employee wellness initi...

In this episode of Praxis Journeys , Adam Rubin, founder and CEO of 2Revolutions, joins us to explore how education innovation is reshaping the future of K–12 education. From teacher training and capacity building to state policy and personalized learning, Rubin shares how his organization is driving systemic change through learner-centered and equity-focused approaches. We dive into the power of...

In this episode of Praxis Journeys , we sit down with Jeff Horton to explore how international teachers are helping U.S. schools address critical staffing shortages. From recruitment and onboarding to retention and cultural exchange, Jeff shares insights into the strategic value of international educators and the systems that support their success.  Learn how districts can build inclusive communit...

In this powerful episode of Praxis Journeys , host Vinay Ganti sits down with Jean Desravines , CEO of New Leaders, and Denise Dennis , Chief of the National Aspiring Principals Fellowship, to explore the evolving role of school leadership in today’s complex educational landscape. From the lasting impacts of the pandemic and political polarization to the rise of AI and workforce development, Jean...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with George Philhower, Superintendent of Eastern Hancock Schools in rural Indiana, to explore how intentional leadership and a commitment to culture can transform a district. George shares his personal journey—from overcoming learning challenges as a student to becoming a passionate advocate for joy, connection, growth, and success in education. Listeners wil...

In this episode of Praxis Journeys , Vinay Ganti sits down with James Lane, former state superintendent and current leader of K16 initiatives at ETS, to explore the evolving landscape of education. From tackling the national teacher shortage to reimagining assessments with AI, James shares powerful insights drawn from his career across every level of the education system. They discuss the urgent n...

Step into the world of global education transformation with Rishabh Khanna, founder of Surasa and a passionate advocate for elevating teaching as a borderless, aspirational profession. In this podcast, Rishabh shares his journey from serendipitous beginnings in education to building a platform that empowers teachers across continents. We explore how Surasa is redefining teacher training, enabling...

In this episode of Praxis Journeys , Rotunda Floyd-Cooper, Vice President of Education Leadership at the Wallace Foundation, shares her inspiring path from high school math teacher to national systems leader. She reflects on how her classroom experiences shaped her approach to supporting school leadership and why mentorship, context, and collaboration are key to building thriving schools.

In this inspiring episode, former superintendent and educational leader Susan Enfield shares her journey from high school English teacher to leading some of the nation’s most complex school districts. With a deep commitment to equity, respect, and service, Susan reflects on the values that shaped her leadership style, the importance of mentorship and sponsorship in education, and why modeling “hea...