School Leaders Project

I n this episode of School Leaders Project , host Cindy Blackburn is joined by Denise Pope, Jay McTighe, and Eric Hudson, the founding panelists of The 100. The 100 is a new national initiative designed to recognize and connect 100 educators who are advancing some of the most meaningful, innovative, and sustainable work happening in independent schools today. More than an award, it is an effort to...

In this episode, Cindy Blackburn sits down with Rachel Gorsky, Director of Institutional Research and Data Analytics at Gilman School, to explore how schools can actually use data to drive meaningful change. They unpack what institutional research looks like in K–12 independent schools, how to move from vague questions to actionable insights, and why combining qualitative and quantitative data is...

On this episode of the School Leaders Project, host Cindy Blackburn sits down with Dr. Danielle Mirliss, Director of Research and Academic Innovation at Pingry School, to explore how schools can build AI literacy with purpose, ethics, and trust. Danielle shares how Pingry has shifted from creating rigid AI policies to grounding its approach in clear values, keeping relationships, critical thinking...

On this episode of the School Leaders Project, host Cindy Blackburn sits down with Antonio Vigil, Director of Innovative Classroom Technology at Aurora Public Schools, to explore what it really takes to transform public education in a moment of rapid change. Together, they unpack how Aurora Public Schools is rethinking equity, AI, and instruction through its districtwide strategy, Destination APS....

In this episode, host Cindy Blackburn sits down with Eric Heilman from CIRIS to unpack a question many independent school leaders are quietly asking: What is institutional research, and how is it actually used to make better decisions in schools? Together, they explore how institutional research can move beyond dashboards and compliance to support clearer questions, healthier data culture, and mor...

 In this episode of Toddle’s School Leaders Project, host Cindy Blackburn sits down with assessment expert Sue Brookhart to unpack what makes formative assessment so powerful. Sue shares a clear, practical definition of formative assessment, walks through her Formative Learning Cycle (the 3 questions every teacher should ask), and explains the mindset shift that transforms classrooms from teacher-...

In this episode of The School Leaders Project , host Cindy Blackburn sits down with Louis Tullo, Chief Information and Innovation Officer at Ravenscroft School, for a deep and refreshingly human conversation about AI in independent schools. Together, they explore how AI can strengthen belonging, support metacognition, deepen learning, and free teachers to focus on the work only humans can do. Loui...

In this episode of The School Leaders Project, host Cindy Blackburn sits down with Superintendent Glenn Robbins of Brigantine Community School District to explore what school innovation really looks like when it’s grounded in design thinking, futures thinking, and deep community partnership. From swim programs and junior lifeguard certifications to a thriving eSports arena, hydroponics walls, Shar...

In this episode of The School Leaders Project , host Cindy Blackburn talks with Rachel Skiffer, Head of School at Head Royce in California, about what it means to balance tradition and innovation in education. Rachel shares how her team approaches AI in education , not as a threat, but as a tool for deepening curiosity, creativity, and human connection. From rethinking classroom technology and cel...

Description: On this episode of The School Leaders Project , host Cindy Blackburn sits down with author and education thought leader Tony Frontier to explore what it really means to use AI with intention in schools. Together, they dig into some of the most urgent questions facing educators today: What happens when AI tools become embedded in every part of the teaching and learning cycle? Are we em...

On this episode of The School Leaders Project, host Cindy Blackburn sits down with legendary educator, author, and speaker Principal Baruti Kafele to unpack one of the most important and uncomfortable questions in school leadership: What is my value instructionally to the teachers I supervise? In this conversation, Principal Kafele challenges school leaders to move beyond management and discipline...

On this episode of The School Leaders Project, host Cindy Blackburn sits down with Vinnie Vrotny, Director of Innovation and Technology at The Kinkaid School, to unpack one of the most pressing questions facing schools today: How should schools actually use AI? Rather than treating AI as just another tool, Vinnie reframes it as a major change-management challenge. He shares how Kinkaid moved from...

In this episode of The School Leaders Project , host Cindy Blackburn sits down with Jamie Sullivan, Director of Academic Technology at Castilleja School. Jamie shares how her team moved from scattered tools and grading confusion to a unified platform that actually worked for teachers and students. From curriculum design to AI integration, this conversation reveals how Toddle became more than just...

In this episode of The School Leaders Project , host Cindy Blackburn talks with Worokya Duncan, Associate Director for Professional Learning at NYSAIS, about how schools can reignite teacher engagement and design professional learning that truly sparks curiosity and joy. Worokya shares what she’s seeing across independent schools, teachers seeking purpose over perfection, choosing balance without...

In this episode of The School Leaders Project , host Cindy Blackburn sits down with author and principal Elizabeth Dampf to unpack one of education’s quietest struggles, imposter syndrome in school leadership. Together, they explore how self-doubt shows up for principals, instructional coaches, and teacher leaders; why confidence and vulnerability must coexist; and how growth mindset and reflectio...

How do you lead change in schools while keeping people at the center? In this episode, we explore how technology, change management, and human connection all come together in modern education. Anne Sena, Director of Technology at St. David's School, shares her unique insights from a career that spans corporate America and independent schools. We dive deep into: How to lead change with empathy...

In this episode of the School Leaders Project, we’re thrilled to welcome Alex Inman, a leader in EdTech and change management, to explore the transformative journey of educational technology—from the first one-to-one programs to the latest AI innovations in schools. Join us as we dive deep into the lessons that past tech shifts can teach us about implementing AI effectively. Alex shares his insigh...

How do we raise young leaders who see the world as their classroom and service as their responsibility? In this episode of the School Leaders Project , we sit down with Raj Mundra, an expert in education and civic engagement with over three decades of experience in shaping independent school students into compassionate, community-focused leaders. Raj takes us on a journey, sharing: The Power of Pu...

How might the unique minds of Nikola Tesla, Andy Warhol, and Albert Einstein reveal the untapped potential in neurodiversity? Join autism experts Temple Grandin, Steve Silberman, and Barry Prizant in a groundbreaking discussion that dives deep into the heart of neurodiversity. This conversation not only challenges conventional deficit models but also offers practical insights for educators, parent...

Dive into the fascinating world of memory and cognitive science with Ross McGill, also known as ‪@TeacherToolkit‬ , on this insightful episode of the SLP podcast. Sparked by his experience as a blogger facing critiques for evidence-based claims, Ross embarked on a deep dive into cognitive science, a journey that led him to explore the intricacies of the brain and its impact on teaching. This episo...

Join us in this enlightening conversation with Diane Tavenner, an acclaimed leader in education, as we dive into the world of innovative school design and strategic planning in education. In this video, Diane shares her insights on creating schools that are responsive to the needs of current students, communities, and the evolving world. Discover the "Align School Model", a groundbreakin...

In this episode, we dive into the world of self-regulated learning with Dr. Shyam Barr, a thought leader in Australia specializing in student-centered learning and metacognition. Self-regulated learning is all about equipping students with the skills and capacity to understand how they learn best, when they learn best, and how to curate an environment that supports their growth. Here’s what you’ll...

Dive into a thought-provoking episode with David Gerber, a pioneering educator in the UAE, as we explore how progressive schools can thrive within the constraints of national requirements. Recorded against the backdrop of the innovative Fairgreen school located in the Sustainable City of Dubai, this conversation uncovers the strategies and mindset shifts necessary to transform perceived barriers i...

Dive into an inspiring episode of the School Leaders Project podcast featuring Sal Gordon, the visionary head of teaching and learning at Green School Bali. Set in the lush jungles of Indonesia, this episode explores the groundbreaking educational approach that sets Green School apart as a beacon of the global education revolution. Sal shares his journey from a conventional teaching career to embr...

Join us as we dive deep into the world of independent school leadership with Peter Baron, an expert in the field with years of experience and innovative solutions. We explore several crucial themes: 1. The Evolution of Independent Schools: Discover how independent schools have adapted over the years and the pressing need for innovation in their business models. Understand the importance of having...