The Rachael Maves Podcast

In this episode of The Rachael Maves Podcast, Dr. Dennis Wiechmann, Superintendent of Sanger Unified School District, shares his journey in education and his focus on student well-being, equity, and continuous improvement. He discusses the challenges districts face today, including funding models, declining enrollment, and the growing demands on educators. Dr. Wiechmann also explores the role of t...

In this episode of The Rachael Maves Podcast, Jacob Griscom shares his unconventional journey from going to school in Argentina to leading AI-driven software development in education. He explores how AI is transforming the future of learning and why true progress requires systemic change across education and policy. Jacob introduces innovative ideas like society as a service and network unions, ch...

In this episode of The Rachael Maves Podcast, Michael Krause shares his journey from substitute teacher to school board member and reflects on the lessons he has learned along the way. He discusses how the pandemic exposed longstanding learning gaps and why addressing academic recovery, mental health, and the needs of the whole child must remain a priority. Michael also explores the value of priva...

In this episode of The Rachael Maves Podcast, Mary Cox, Superintendent of Core Butte Charter School, shares her journey as a third-generation educator and her passion for shaping future leaders. She reflects on her transition from teaching kindergarten to leading a high school model centered on personalized learning and individual student pathways. Mary discusses the growing importance of mental h...

In this episode of The Rachael Maves Podcast, host Rachael Maves sits down with Jeff Rice, Founder of APlus+, to discuss the evolution of education and the growing movement toward personalized learning. Jeff shares how APlus+ has expanded to serve more than 128,000 students in California and why tailoring education to individual needs is essential for student success. Together, they explore the li...

Episode Notes Hosted by Rachael Maves Produced and Edited by Joseph Gustilo  Executive Produced by Morgan Melton and Kimberly Tumambing Links Learn more about Parsec Education here . 

In this episode of The Rachael Maves Podcast, host Rachael Maves sits down with Coach Joe Marino to explore his unconventional journey into education and his deep commitment to helping students succeed. Coach Joe shares why building strong relationships and honoring different learning styles are essential to supporting every student. He also challenges current education systems that prioritize met...

In this episode of the Rachael Maves podcast, Filiberto Camacho shares his inspiring journey in education, highlighting his commitment to student success and the importance of leadership grounded in compassion. He discusses his transition from a classroom assistant to an IT director, emphasizing the role of technology in enhancing educational experiences. Filiberto reflects on the challenges of le...

In this episode of The Rachael Maves Podcast, host Rachael Maves sits down with Bob Eby, Chairman of the Tennessee State Board of Education, to discuss his journey in education and the evolving role of state-level governance. Bob shares insights into how the board sets educational standards, oversees teacher licensure, and works to remain focused on student needs while navigating complex challenge...

In this episode of The Rachael Maves Podcast, Peter Livingston, an experienced K–12 superintendent, shares his journey in education and the lessons he’s learned along the way. He reflects on the power of relationships in leadership, the need to address post-pandemic learning loss, and the responsibility of preparing students for an uncertain future. Episode Notes Hosted by Rachael Maves Produced a...

In this episode of The Rachael Maves Show, Dr. Cary Holman joins the conversation to explore the critical yet often unasked questions in education — starting with one essential inquiry: Are our students truly alright? Dr. Holman emphasizes the importance of student well-being, innovative learning approaches, and the profound impact of educators on students’ lives. Together, we discuss how emotiona...

In this episode of the Rachel Maves Podcast, AJ Crabill explores the true purpose of governance in education: representing community values rather than simply managing from above. He emphasizes that effective governance begins with listening to the community’s vision and aligning decisions with those shared values. AJ challenges traditional notions of board leadership, highlighting that expertise...

Join host Rachel Maves as she sits down with Jenny Lam, a transformative education leader with over 25 years of experience. In this episode, Jenny shares her journey from being a first-generation college graduate to leading systemic changes in education. Discover her insights on bridging the digital divide, the importance of early literacy, and the role of AI in education. Jenny also discusses her...

In this episode of the Rachel Maves podcast, we dive into the world of personalized education with Krista Woodgrift, superintendent and founding member of Sage Oak Charter Schools. Krista shares her journey from classroom teacher to leading a successful charter school network, emphasizing the importance of tailored learning experiences. We explore the challenges and opportunities presented by arti...

In this episode of the Rachel Maves podcast, Lindsay Tornatore discusses her journey in education, emphasizing the importance of student belonging and engagement. She highlights the challenges of chronic absenteeism and shares innovative strategies being implemented in California to address this issue. Lindsay also reflects on academic performance trends post-pandemic and the need for effective ma...

In this episode of the Rachel Maves Podcast, Brittany Miller, Chief Innovation Officer at the Southern Education Foundation, shares her journey from classroom teacher to national leader in outcomes-based contracting. She explains how aligning educational resources with clear student outcomes creates mutual accountability between districts and providers. Brittany highlights the funding challenges s...

In this episode of the Rachael Maves podcast, Dr. Liz Norton shares her journey in education, discussing her early experiences, the importance of literacy, and the challenges facing education today, particularly in math and AI. She emphasizes the need for high-quality instructional materials and the importance of personal growth in leadership roles. Dr. Norton also introduces the AI Education Summ...

In this episode of the Rachel Maves podcast, Erika Piedra, the executive officer for English learner services and multilingual programs at Fresno Unified School District, shares her inspiring journey in education. With 27 years of experience, Erika discusses her commitment to supporting English learners and the importance of dual language programs. She highlights the challenges faced by multilingu...

In this episode of the Rachel Maves podcast, Gary Lilly, the executive director of the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents, shares his journey in education, the challenges facing public schools, and the importance of innovation in teaching. He discusses the impact of funding, the teacher shortage, and the need for community engagement in education. Lilly emphasizes the importance of u...

In this episode of The Rachel Maves Podcast, guest Tiffany Dellard shares her inspiring journey in education. With over 20 years of experience, Tiffany opens up about her deep commitment to family engagement, the importance of supporting future educators, and the ongoing challenges within the teaching profession. She highlights the urgent issue of teacher retention—especially within the first five...

In this episode of the Rachel Maves podcast, our guest, Dr. Charity Plaxton-Hennings, discusses her journey into education, her background in neuropsychology, and the importance of social connection in fostering resilience among students. She emphasizes the impact of the pandemic on social interactions and the need for schools to create environments that promote real-world skills and connections....

In this episode of the Rachael Maves podcast, Kristen Mandell, principal of Southern California Flex Academy, shares her journey in education, emphasizing the importance of Social-Emotional support alongside academic success. She highlights the need for community and parental involvement in education, advocating for a partnership that ensures all voices are heard in decision-making processes. Epis...

In this episode, podcast guest Roman Stearns, founder of Scaling Student Success, discusses the need for systemic change in education, emphasizing the importance of graduate profiles that reflect community values and competencies. He speaks to the challenges posed by regulations and the lack of a coherent vision for California education. Stearns advocates for valuing learning beyond the classroom...

In this episode, we delve into the pressing issue of mental health among youth in the post-pandemic era. Join us as Christine Feher, Superintendent and CEO of California Pacific Charter Schools, shares her insights on the rising anxiety and depression levels in young people. Discover how innovative educational models, like CalPAC's online learning environment, are addressing these challenges by fo...

What if the key to educational equity isn’t a new program, but a willingness to disrupt the status quo? That’s the bold vision Dr. Chris Hampton brings to Kingsport City Schools. From missing 42 days of kindergarten to leading a top-performing district, Dr. Hampton’s story is proof that all students can do hard things, when systems are designed to see them, support them, and expect greatness. In t...