Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast

In this episode, host Iranetta Rayborn Wright sits down with Dr. Roberto Hernandez, Network Instructional Superintendent from San Antonio Independent School District, Texas. You'll hear Dr. Roberto Hernandez reflect on his journey from a first-generation college student and bilingual classroom teacher to an influential district leader. He shares how those early experiences shaped his belief in the...

In this episode, host Iranetta Rayborn Wright sits down with Dr. Kelley Gallt, superintendent of Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95, just outside Chicago. She shares her district’s journey with the Empower 95 strategic plan, detailing an inclusive visioning process that authentically elevates student, staff, family, and community voices. You’ll hear how student input directly shaped dis...

In today’s episode, host Iranetta Rayborn Wright talked to Dr. Rick Surrency, superintendent of Putnam County Schools in Florida, who takes us on a journey through the remarkable turnaround his district has achieved. In this candid conversation, Dr. Rick Surrency shares how Putnam County, once facing the challenge of 11 schools labeled as D or F, transformed through a systematic approach, communit...

In this episode, host Iranetta Rayborn Wright sits down with Russell Hughes, superintendent of Walton County School District, Florida. Together, they explore Russell's remarkable journey of moving his district from 35th in the state to an impressive number 2 ranking. He opens up about the challenges he faced stepping into district leadership, from unifying diverse communities to radically improvin...

In today’s episode, host Iranetta Rayborn Wright sits down with Dr. Kara Casimiro from Danbury Public Schools, a leader who has spent nearly three decades transforming the educational experience for students in her district. You'll hear how Dr. Casimiro and her team tackled declining student engagement and attendance by fundamentally rethinking the high school model, drawing inspiration from the A...

Today, host Iranetta Rayborn Wright sits down with Dr. Wayne Vickers, the founding superintendent of Alabaster City Schools in Alabama. Together, they dive into Dr. Vickers’ journey of leading the district since 2013, building a culture of excellence, and establishing programs that ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.  From transforming academic performance and cultivating diversit...

In this episode, host Iranetta Rayborn Wright sits down with Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross, Superintendent of Ypsilanti Community Schools, Michigan, and trailblazer in educational leadership. Together, they dive deep into the realities of mentoring future leaders, building intentional pathways for student and educator growth, and what it truly means to champion equity in education, especially as a Black...

In this episode, Iranetta Rayborn Wright sits down with Mike Miles, Superintendent of Houston ISD, for an unfiltered conversation about wholesale school reform and bold leadership in urban education. Mike Miles shares what he’s most proud of record-setting gains in student achievement, and explains why he believes incremental, piecemeal change has failed American education. Together, they dive int...

In this episode, Doug sits down with Dr. Deidre Parish, the new superintendent of Amarillo ISD, as she shares her incredible journey from a family steeped in education, to considering a career in medicine, and ultimately discovering her true calling in public education. Dr. Parish opens up about the influences that shaped her path from her grandfather’s role as a superintendent to her own experien...

In this episode of Stories from the Field, host Doug sits down with Dr. Matthew Wienclawski, Superintendent of Pathways in Education in Chicago. Matthew shares insights into the unique model of alternative education that Pathways offers, supporting students aged 16 to 22 who are overage and under-credited, and often juggle life responsibilities, such as work or caregiving, alongside their educatio...

In this episode, host Doug sits down with Tim Wolff, Director of Human Resources for Scranton Public Schools in Pennsylvania. Tim gives us a behind-the-scenes look at life in Scranton, the real electric city made famous by "The Office" and shares how the community has embraced its pop culture roots. Tim also opens up about his journey from health and physical education teacher to HR director, and...

In this episode, host Doug Roberts sits down with Dr. Melissa Dandy Walker, a digital learning specialist with Atlanta Public Schools, to explore the power of community, mentorship, and innovation in education.  Melissa shares insights into her unique role supporting instructional technology bridging math education with digital tools and her creative approach to leadership. From launching initiati...

In this episode of Stories from the Field, host Doug Roberts sits down with longtime II superintendent member and author Dr. PJ Caposey , superintendent of both Meridian and Oregon school districts in Illinois. This candid conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really means to lead boldly, mentor intentionally, and manage the complexities of public education without losing yourself in the...

In this episode, host Doug sits down with Dr. Frankie Pollock Jr., soon to earn his doctorate and currently serving as Senior Executive Director at Houston ISD in Texas. Together, they explore Dr. Frankie's groundbreaking research on the retention of Black male educators in urban school districts, the critical role of representation for all student groups, and what it takes to recruit and retain d...

In this episode, host Doug sits down with Dr. Jermaine Dawson, Deputy Superintendent for Academic Services at the School District of Philadelphia. Together, they dive into the remarkable progress happening in Philly’s public schools under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Tony B. Watlington, Sr. and the ambitious “Accelerate Philly” plan.  Dr. Dawson shares firsthand insights on rising enrollme...

In this episode of Stories from the Field, host Doug Roberts is joined by Iranetta Wright, Superintendent Emeritus of Cincinnati Public Schools and founder of The Wright Way Leadership Group. This no-fluff, all-substance conversation covers what it takes to drive student outcomes and sustain yourself as a leader in today’s educational landscape. Wright shares how her tenure in Cincinnati defied th...

In Season 5, Episode 9, of “Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast,” Doug Roberts, the CEO & Founder of Institute for Education Innovation visits Dr. Alex Marrero, Superintendent of Denver Public Schools, to discuss tough decisions and how community connections enhance the coming-together of Denver for addressing the Whole Child and Social Emotional Learning.

In Season 5, Episode 8, of “Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast,” Doug Roberts, the CEO & Founder of Institute for Education Innovation visits Dr. Alex Marrero, Superintendent of Denver Public Schools, to have tough conversations about being a strong district leader looking out for his students and the Denver community, while maintaining equity and considering safety.

In Season 5, Episode 7, of “Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast,” Doug Roberts, the CEO & Founder of Institute for Education Innovation, visits Dr. Alex Marrero, Superintendent of Denver Public Schools, to discuss how safety and security are paramount in today’s school communities. Doug and Dr. Marrero review how difficult conversations must be had to invoke change while always...

In this episode of, “Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast,” Melissa Crawl, Member Success Manager and Sara Croll, Vice President of Institute for Education Innovation, discuss the behind-the-scenes of being a superhero superintendent and leaving a legacy of change for their respective school districts. Melissa interviews Dr. April Grace, Superintendent Tom Burton, and Superintendent...

In this episode of Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast, Doug Roberts, Founder and CEO of the Institute for Education Innovation, visits Dr. Mark Bedell, Superintendent of Anne Arundel County Public Schools in Annapolis, Maryland, to hear how a Flag Policy turns into building better relationships in the district and community.

In this episode of Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast, Doug Roberts, Founder and CEO of the Institute for Education Innovation, visits Dr. Mark Bedell, Superintendent of Anne Arundel County Public Schools in Annapolis, Maryland, to hear how a Flag Policy turns into building better relationships in the district and community.

In this episode of Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast, Sara Croll, Vice President of the Institute for Education, visits Dr. Quintin Shepherd, Superintendent of Victoria Independent School District in Victoria, Texas, to hear how a disaster and a meeting called the breakfast bunch created an opportunity for the school district to be champions of equity.

In this episode of Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast, Sara Croll, Vice President of the Institute for Education Innovation, visits Dr. Quintin Shepherd, Superintendent of Victoria Independent School District in Victoria, Texas, to hear how a disaster and a meeting called the breakfast bunch created an opportunity for the school district to be champions of equity.

In this episode of Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast, Sara Croll, Vice President of the Institute for Education, visits Dr. Quintin Shepherd, Superintendent of Victoria Independent School District in Victoria, Texas, to hear how a disaster and the breakfast bunch created an opportunity for the school district to be champions of equity.