SIT & Sip

In this episode, the School Improvement Team discusses why performance-based learning and assessment is such an important conversation for schools right now. The group breaks down what PBLA means, how it connects to authentic and project-based learning, and why it is not about eliminating tests, but expanding the ways students can demonstrate what they know and can do. The episode also introduces...

Welcome back to SIT & Sip. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Christopher Harris (Genesee Valley BOCES) and Gordy Baxter (Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES) for a thoughtful and honest conversation about artificial intelligence and education—grounded in questions, not quick fixes. Dr. Harris shares the story behind the AI & Education Summit and introduces a set of Rochester Provocations designed...

It’s a full house! The entire team is back together for our first episode this year-but we are looking back at our previous year first! Expect plenty of laughter, friendly debate, and maybe a little blue cheese-fueled chaos as we kick things off with the Blue Cheese Wars—who’s winning this round?  We’ll dive into spirit animals (prepare for wildly creative comparisons), celebrate what we’re most p...

In this special episode, Kevin and Nick hit the road to Ellicottville for the Genesee Valley BOCES Leadership Institute 2025. Over two days of morning registration, they connected with regional education leaders for rapid-fire questions and thoughtful conversations on leadership, learning, and today’s most pressing topics. The Leadership Institute is an annual summer gathering for regional leaders...

Nick and Kevin sit down with the Maverick himself—Erik M. Francis, founder of Maverik Education, lover of movies (especially Top Gun), and internationally recognized expert on Depth of Knowledge (DOK). With over 30 years in education and a diverse background, Erik breaks down the Feynman Technique, talks about why DOK is more than just a rubric, and shares how teachers can rethink standards to lev...

In this special National Week of Conversation edition of SIT & Sip, Nick sits down with Dr. Lindsey Cormack, Associate Professor of Political Science at Stevens Institute of Technology and author of How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It’s Up to You to Do It). Known for her work with DCinbox, an archive of congressional e-newsletters, and her scholarship on civic engagement and veterans' policy, D...

In this episode of SIT & Sip, Nick welcomes three powerhouse guests dedicated to strengthening civic engagement and bridging divides: Karissa Raskin, CEO of Listen First Project; Kent Lenci, author of Learning to Depolarize; and Lory Warren, Executive Director of the Prohuman Foundation. Together, they explore their personal and professional journeys, sharing what led them to this critical wor...

SIT & Sip  In this episode of SIT & Sip, we dive into NY Inspires: A Plan to Transform Education in New York State—a bold vision for rethinking graduation requirements, learning experiences, and student readiness. Nick is joined by three insightful guests from regional school districts, each offering a unique perspective on the major shifts ahead: Daryl McLaughlin – Superintendent, Perry C...

In this special episode of SIT & Sip, Wayland-Cohocton senior Sam Drake took the lead on the episode with Nick assisting! Sam and Nick sat down with Dr. Lauren Lieberman from SUNY Brockport to explore the importance of blind education and accessibility in schools and athletics. As part of Sam’s Seal of Civic Readiness capstone project, this conversation delves into the impact of inclusive educ...

In Episode 13 of SIT & Sip, Nick and Jessica sit down with Todd Shuskey, an inspiring and accomplished science educator with 26 years of teaching experience at Perry High School in Perry, NY. As the 7-12 Department Chair, former GV BOCES Science Regional Coordinator (2017-2019), and the 2024-2025 Rural Schools Association of New York State Teacher of the Year, Todd brings a wealth of experienc...

As we inch closer to the holidays, we're bringing you a special episode all about gratitude, reflections, and, of course, a bit of playful banter. In Episode 12: Full of Thanks, we’re celebrating the season by sharing what we’re thankful for professionally and personally. But before we dive into the warm and fuzzy stuff, we’re airing a few grievances in true Seinfeld fashion—think pet peeves like...

In this special episode of SIT & Sip, Nick sits down with Kent Lenci, author of Learning to Depolarize: Helping Students and Teachers Reach Across Lines of Disagreement and founder of Middle Ground School Solutions. With over 20 years of experience as an educator, Kent shares his insights on bridging political and ideological divides in schools, especially in the context of the 2024 election....

In this episode, Nick sits down with students from various districts around the region to hear their thoughts on going back to school. The students discuss their goals for the year, what makes their schools and programs unique, and some of their personal interests. They provide valuable insights into the student experience, reminding educators of the importance of listening to student voices in sh...

Our Most Unique Episode Yet! In this special episode, Kevin and Nick take the show on the road to Ellicottville for the Genesee Valley BOCES Leadership Institute 2024. This episode stands out with its unique approach, as our hosts engaged with a variety of regional leaders over two days during morning registration. The Leadership Institute provides regional leaders with opportunities for professio...

On June 10th, the New York State Board of Regents unveiled four transformative initiatives inspired by the twelve recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Commission. Eager to dive into these updates, the School Improvement Team gathered around the microphones to explore the future of graduation requirements in New York. Nick, Kevin, and Stephanie thoroughly reviewed the Board meeting, analyzed commen...

Join the entire SIT team—Nick, Stephanie, Kevin, and Jessica—as they delve into our catalog and preview the exciting offerings for 2025. Discover how School Improvement is staying at the forefront of research-based practices and get an exclusive look behind the scenes at how we plan our annual catalog sessions. The team also explores the vital functions of our service and shares relevant examples...

In this captivating episode of SIT & Sip, Nick is joined by a passionate panel to delve into the Genesee Valley BOCES Early College High School Program. Join Catherine Bennet, the program's principal, and Adam Wheeler, the Work-Based Learning Coordinator, as they discuss the program's personalized educational approaches and their commitment to creating diverse student pathways. For the first t...

One of our most engaging episodes yet! Nick sits down with Karyn Winters, Director of the Genesee County Business & Education Alliance, and Angela Grouse, the Education to Employment Director at the Livingston County Chamber of Commerce & Education Alliance, to discuss the upcoming GLOW With Your Hands Healthcare event on March 22nd. However, this event is just a fraction of the topics we...

Join Nick, Kevin, and Stephanie as they delve into the heart of civic education in a special episode celebrating DemocracyReady NY's Civic Learning Week from March 11th to 15th. Together, they share personal insights into what civic life means to them, recounting their first steps into citizenship and the responsibilities that come with it. This candid conversation navigates the complex terrain of...

In this captivating episode, we are honored to have Dr. Julie Donlon, Deputy Superintendent of Genesee Valley BOCES. Dr. Donlon joins Nick for a deep dive into the current state of teacher recruitment and retention, along with a broad spectrum of education-related topics. Dr. Donlon brings a distinctive perspective from her experience in human resources and stands out as a fervent advocate for edu...

We have the entire School Improvement Team on the show to discuss what we love about teaching! This week Genesee Valley BOCES is dedicated to refocusing ourselves on what we love about the profession. This episode is full of funny moments and meaningful discussion about education. Please give a listen and subscribe for some fun today! 

Nick and Stephanie sit down to discuss the various aspects of MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support), highlighting its benefits in establishing a consistent and well-grounded system within a school district. Additionally, Stephanie offers an overview of MTSS, including a concise history for context. Tune in for some engaging New Year's Resolution conversation as well!

Nick and Kevin sit down to introduce you to the School Improvement Team's newest adventure: the SIT & Sip podcast! In this episode listen in to fun content about the holidays, Depth of Knowledge, and PBLA. Just like your coffee, make us part of your day!