Best Strategos Podcast Network Podcasts (2025)

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No Excuses, Just Excellence: Buffalo’s Education Reboot Starts Here 19:05

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2d ago19:05

19:05

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Tonja M. Williams Knight, superintendent of Buffalo Public Schools and a hometown changemaker with more than three decades in education. Recorded live at the Council of the Great City Schools Conference in Dallas, this conversation captures the energy and urgency be…

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Insights from Dr. Joe Gothard: Leadership Lessons from a National Superintendent of the Year 17:59

9d ago17:59

17:59

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Joe Gothard, 2024 AASA National Superintendent of the Year and proud Madison native, for an insightful and heartfelt conversation on leadership, resilience, and coming full circle. Dr. Gothard, who began his journey in education as a biology teacher at his alma mate…

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Dr. Morris Leis on School Safety Innovations in Coffee County 19:13

16d ago19:13

19:13

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Morris Leis, Superintendent of Coffee County Schools in Georgia. Recorded live at the AASA Conference, the conversation offers an in-depth look at Dr. Leis’ remarkable 16-year journey as a superintendent, including 14 years leading his hometown district. A native of…

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Transforming Education: Strategies and Stories from "On Fire, Under Fire, or Fired." 22:14

24d ago22:14

22:14

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with two of the nation’s most respected education leaders—Dr. Kristi Wilson and Dr. Susan Enfield—for an unfiltered conversation on leadership, resilience, and the realities of the superintendency. Together, they delve into their new book, On Fire, Under Fire, or Fired, a ca…

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Driving Educational Change: Dr. Horton Discusses Strategies and Successes in DeKalb County 19:53

1M ago19:53

19:53

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Devon Horton, superintendent of Georgia’s DeKalb County School District—home to over 92,000 students and the third-largest school system in the state. Broadcasting from AASA’s national conference, this candid conversation dives into Dr. Horton’s 25-year journey in p…

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From Crisis to Clarity: Dr. David Moore on Reengineering a School District for Success 15:54

1M ago15:54

15:54

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. David K. Moore, Superintendent of the School District of Indian River County, for a masterclass in transformative educational leadership. As a former counselor turned nationally recognized superintendent, Dr. Moore brings a compelling blend of heart, strategy, and u…

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Philly Roots, Data Moves: The Lajara Cousins Reimagine Urban Education 20:13

1M ago20:13

20:13

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host and former superintendent Addison Davis sits down with two powerhouse educational leaders—and cousins—Dr. Ariel Lajara and Dr. Renato Lajara, both Assistant Superintendents in the School District of Philadelphia. What unfolds is more than a professional conversation; it’s a moving, unfiltered explo…

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Embracing Educational Challenges: Insights from Superintendent John VanWagoner 20:28

2M ago20:28

20:28

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. John VanWagoner, Superintendent of Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS), for a candid conversation on leadership, innovation, and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of public education. With more than two decades of experience spanning the classroom, county…

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Leading with Purpose: Dr. John B. Gordon III on Innovation, Equity, and Staying 'Purple' 17:22

2M ago17:22

17:22

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host and Strategos Partner Addison Davis sits down with Dr. John B. Gordon III, Superintendent of Suffolk Public Schools, to explore what it truly means to lead with both innovation and impact. With over 27 years of experience in education, Dr. Gordon shares how his career—from substitute teacher and ba…

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Breaking Barriers, Building Hope: Dr. Tiffany Anderson’s Legacy of Leadership 19:20

2M ago19:20

19:20

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged: In-Depth with Davis, host Addison Davis sits down with trailblazing educational leader Dr. Tiffany Anderson, a seasoned superintendent whose 20+ year career spans three states and a powerful legacy of breaking racial and gender barriers. As the first African American female superintendent in several sch…

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Leading with Purpose: Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross on Mentorship, Equity & the Power of Staying the Course 17:45

3M ago17:45

17:45

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged: In Depth with Davis, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross, Superintendent of Ypsilanti Community Schools and a nationally recognized leader in educational equity and innovation. With over 13 years in the superintendent seat and a remarkable turnaround legacy, Dr. Zachery-Ross brings …

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Scaling Success: Inside the 96% Graduation Rate at Orange County Public Schools 19:11

3M ago19:11

19:11

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host and former superintendent Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Maria Vazquez, Superintendent of Orange County Public Schools (OCPS), to explore the heart of educational leadership at scale. As the first Latina superintendent of Florida’s eighth-largest district—with over 208,000 students and 213 school…

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Dropouts Down, Test Scores Up: Philly’s Blueprint for School Success 23:15

3M ago23:15

23:15

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Tony B. Watlington, superintendent of The School District of Philadelphia, for a candid and energizing conversation about transforming one of the nation’s largest and most complex public school systems. Live from the Council of the Great City Schools Conference in D…

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Execution Over Intention: Tricia McManus on Getting the Work Done 20:18

4M ago20:18

20:18

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Tricia McManus, Superintendent of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, for a dynamic conversation about what it means to lead with vision, courage, and compassion. With more than 30 years in public education, most of it spent in Hillsborough County, Florida, McManus br…

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Stress, Setbacks & Social Media: The Truth About Long-Term Leadership 15:26

4M ago15:26

15:26

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with veteran superintendent Jerry Almendarez, a 15-year leader whose career has been defined by resilience, heart, and a deep-rooted commitment to community. Now leading Santa Ana Unified School District—after decades of service in Colton, the very district where he once wal…

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Urban Education, Unfiltered: A CEO’s Strategic Playbook 17:01

4M ago17:01

17:01

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Warren Morgan, CEO of Cleveland Metropolitan School District, for a candid and insightful conversation on leading through challenge, driving innovation, and staying rooted in purpose. Recorded live at the Council of the Great City Schools’ 68th annual fall conferenc…

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Leading Through Change: How Dr. Brent Jones is Reinventing Seattle’s Schools 21:47

4M ago21:47

21:47

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host and Strategos Partner Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Brent Jones, Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools, for a candid and compelling conversation about leadership, equity, and transformative change in urban education. Recorded live at the 68th Annual Council of Great City Schools Conference in…

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4 Degrees, 30 Years, One Vision: Dr. Greene on Leading Through Change 23:49

5M ago23:49

23:49

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host and Strategos Partner Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Errick L. Greene, Superintendent of Jackson Public Schools, for an unflinching, inspiring, and deeply human conversation on transformational leadership in public education. Dr. Greene, appointed in 2018 at a time when Jackson Public Schools fac…

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No More Copy + Paste: The Strategy Behind Issaquah’s District Transformation 19:38

5M ago19:38

19:38

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Issaquah School District Superintendent Heather Tow-Yick to explore how bold leadership, systems thinking, and a relentless commitment to student opportunity are redefining the traditional K-12 experience in Washington state. Now in her third year at the helm, Tow-Yick …

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From Challenge to Champion Broward County’s Path to Success with Dr Howard Hepburn 19:46

5M ago19:46

19:46

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host and Strategos Partner Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Howard Hepburn, newly appointed Superintendent of Broward County Public Schools—the sixth-largest school district in the nation. Recorded live at the Council of the Great City Schools annual conference, this candid conversation offers a rare, b…

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Superintendents Unplugged: Dr. Ian Roberts Discusses the Power of Presence in Schools 17:04

5M ago17:04

17:04

Welcome to the episode of “Superintendents Unplugged: In-Depth with Davis,” where we pull back the curtain on what it truly means to lead in education today. I’m your host, Addison Davis, and in each episode, we sit down with superintendents from across the country—both in urban and rural settings—to share their stories, successes, and the tough ca…

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Elevating Graduation Rates through Innovation: Inside Santa Rosa Schools 18:48

5M ago18:48

18:48

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Karen Barber, Superintendent of Santa Rosa County School District, to discuss leadership, strategic planning, and the power of hope in education. Dr. Barber shares how her district has prioritized financial stability, student engagement, and instructional leadership…

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Educational Leadership Transitions: From Caddo Parish to Duncanville with Dr. Lamar Goree 16:46

5M ago16:46

16:46

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Lamar Goree, the newly appointed superintendent of Duncanville ISD and a nationally recognized transformative leader in education. Dr. Goree shares his journey from leading Caddo Parish Public Schools in Louisiana—where he implemented groundbreaking initiatives that…

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Strengthening APS: Erika Mitchell on the Importance of Superintendent Relationships 16:32

6M ago16:32

16:32

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Erika Mitchell, Chair of the Atlanta Public Schools (APS) Board of Education, for an in-depth discussion on leadership, equity, and the challenges of serving a dynamic urban school district. Mitchell, who has served on the APS Board since 2018, shares candid reflections…

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From Teaching to Leadership: Sixty-Nine Years in Education with Melindo Persi 10:24

6M ago10:24

10:24

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host and Strategos Partner Addison Davis sits down with veteran educator Melindo Persi, President of MAP Educational Consultants, to discuss his remarkable 69-year career in education. From his early days as a teacher to his swift rise to superintendent after just seven years in the classroom, Persi sha…

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Making Schools Safer: The Impact of Gaggle's Innovative Safety Solutions 19:46

6M ago19:46

19:46

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Jeff Patterson, the visionary CEO and founder of Gaggle, a leading provider of student safety solutions. Patterson shares the inspiring journey of launching Gaggle in 1998 as a secure student email provider and how it evolved into a critical tool for monitoring and prev…

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Dr. Marty Pollio's Lasting Legacy: Revitalizing Schools and Supporting Students 17:42

6M ago17:42

17:42

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Marty Pollio, the outgoing Superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) in Kentucky. Dr. Pollio, a dedicated educator with over 26 years of service to JCPS, reflects on his transformative journey in education. Appointed Superintendent in 2018, he shares …

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The Osceola Approach: Building Agile and Cross-Functional Education Systems 20:11

6M ago20:11

20:11

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, Addison Davis interviews Dr. Mark Shanoff, the newly appointed Superintendent of the School District of Osceola County. Dr. Shanoff brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as Chief Information Officer in Orange County Public Schools and Chief Operating Officer in Volusia County Schools. …

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Mental Health and Literacy Innovations in Schools: Dr. Francisco Duran's Insights 23:17

6M ago23:17

23:17

In this episode of Superintendent Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Francisco Durán, Superintendent of Arlington Public Schools, for an insightful discussion on leadership, equity, and the evolving landscape of education. With over 31 years of experience in public education, Dr. Durán shares his journey from Philadelphia to Arlington…

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Educational Leadership in Action: Dr. Demetrus Liggins’ Approach to Change 19:13

6M ago19:13

19:13

In this episode of Superintendent Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Demetrus Liggins, Superintendent of Fayette County Public Schools, for a candid and inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, and the future of education. Dr. Liggins, who has dedicated his career to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for student…

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Harnessing AI for Education: Jeremy Calles's Vision for Tolleson Union High School District 16:21

6M ago16:21

16:21

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, In-depth with Davis, your host Addison Davis dives into an enlightening conversation with Jeremy Calles, the forward-thinking superintendent of Tolleson Union High School District. Having transitioned from the role of CFO to superintendent in July 2023, Jeremy brings a unique perspective and innovative …

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Transforming Early Childhood Education with Dr. Jill Gildea 17:07

7M ago17:07

17:07

In Superintendents Unplugged hosted by Strategos Partner Addison Davis, we dive deep into the transformative work happening in Park City School District with Superintendent Dr. Jill Gildea. Known for her innovative leadership and commitment to fostering a thriving culture for students and staff, Dr. Gildea shares her visionary approach to education…

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Transforming Education Through Innovation – A Conversation with Dr. Peter Finch 20:42

7M ago20:42

20:42

In Superintendents Unplugged, host and Strategos Partner Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Peter Finch, Superintendent of the West Valley School District in Washington State, to discuss innovative approaches to educational leadership, early learning, and workforce development. Dr. Finch shares insights into his district’s commitment to fostering a g…

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Building Stronger Schools: Dr. Lori Gonzalez on Student Councils and Community Partnerships 13:37

7M ago13:37

13:37

In this episode of Superintendent Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Lori Gonzalez, Superintendent of Lamont Elementary School District, to discuss how she’s transforming education through community engagement, student empowerment, and holistic support. With over two decades of experience as a teacher, administrator, and district lead…

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Transforming Education: Insights from Jennifer Ferrari, CEO of ERDI 16:33

7M ago16:33

16:33

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis, a former superintendent and current Strategos Partner, discusses the intersection of education and innovation with Jennifer Ferrari, CEO and President of the Education Research and Development Institute (ERDI). Jennifer shares her journey from classroom teacher to district leader and…

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Baninder Goomer’s Blueprints for Elementary Excellence in Edison Township Schools 17:31

7M ago17:31

17:31

In this episode of Superintendent Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Baninder Goomer, Chief Academic Officer of Edison Township Public Schools, to discuss the evolving landscape of education, leadership, and student engagement. Goomer, whose journey into education was shaped by a lineage of passionate educators, shares her unique perspect…

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From Religion to Education: Dr. Menzel's Unique Path to Superintendency Success 16:37

7M ago16:37

16:37

In this episode of Superintendent Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Scott Menzel, Superintendent of Scottsdale Unified School District 48, to discuss leadership, educational equity, and navigating the evolving challenges of public education. Dr. Menzel, a 22-year veteran in district leadership, shares his journey from Michigan to Ari…

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Celebrating Bold Leadership and Innovation in Education with Alberto M. Carvalho 20:09

7M ago20:09

20:09

In this episode of Superintendent Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with one of the most influential figures in K-12 education, Alberto M. Carvalho, Superintendent of Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Broadcasting from the Council of the Great City Schools annual conference, Davis and Carvalho engage in a thought-provoking discussi…

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The Power of Principals: Dr. Justin Henry on Leadership and Community Engagement 14:09

7M ago14:09

14:09

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis interviews Dr. Justin Henry, Superintendent of Goddard Public Schools in Kansas. Dr. Henry, who has led the district since 2011, shares his experience overseeing one of the state’s fastest-growing school districts, now serving over 6,200 students. With a focus on community engagement …

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The Future of Education: David Law’s Vision and Strategies 20:17

8M ago20:17

20:17

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host and Strategos Partner Addison Davis sits down with David Law, the superintendent of Minnetonka Public Schools in Minnesota and the incoming president of AASA, The School Superintendents Association. With over 11 years of experience as a superintendent in Minnesota, Law has become a respected leader…

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Innovating Education: Building Pathways for Student Success with Dr. Gladys I. Cruz 18:19

8M ago18:19

18:19

In this inspiring episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Gladys I. Cruz, District Superintendent of Questar III BOCES, to explore the transformative power of educational leadership and innovation. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Cruz has been at the forefront of pioneering initiatives that reshape how stud…

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Cultivating School Culture and Student Achievement with Martha Group 18:57

8M ago18:57

18:57

In this episode of "Superintendents Unplugged", hosts Addison Davis and Todd Dallas Lamb sit down with Martha K. Group, Superintendent of the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill (VVS) Central School District in New York. With 26 years in the district—13 as Chief Academic Officer and 13 as Superintendent—Group shares her insights on fostering a thriving educatio…

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Inside the Success Story of Douglas County Schools with Superintendent Erin Kane 22:44

8M ago22:44

22:44

In this episode, Davis chats with the remarkable Erin Kane, Superintendent of Douglas County School District in Colorado. Kane, who transitioned from a career in data science to educational leadership through an unexpected journey of passion and perseverance, discusses how she transformed her district. You'll hear about her success in starting a hi…

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Journey from Finance to Superintendency with Dr. Caprice Young 20:54

9M ago20:54

20:54

For our first episode of 2025, we are privileged to have Dr. Caprice Young from Navigator Schools as our guest. Dr. Young's remarkable career spans from her roots in a foster home and careers in finance and technology to influential roles on the Los Angeles school board and in charter school leadership. She will share her insights on creating effec…

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Leading Through Change: A Conversation with Superintendent Ryan Gupta 18:55

10M ago18:55

18:55

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged: In-Depth with Davis, host Addison Davis engages in an insightful discussion with Ryan Gupta, Superintendent of Fairfield Public Schools in New Jersey. With over 28 years of experience as an educator and leader, Gupta brings a unique perspective to the challenges and opportunities of modern educational l…

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Dr. Don Haddad on Stability, Growth, and Community in Education 21:50

10M ago21:50

21:50

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Don Haddad, Superintendent of St. Vrain Valley Schools, to explore the strategic vision and leadership practices defining his 16-year tenure. With nearly four decades in education, Dr. Haddad shares how his unwavering commitment to public education and a strong sens…

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Educational Innovations: Addison Davis Hosts Dr. Jane Stavem on Superintendents Unplugged 19:46

10M ago19:46

19:46

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis welcomes Dr. Jane Stavem, Superintendent of Sioux Falls School District, to discuss her career journey and her approach to innovative district leadership. Dr. Stavem, who has led the Sioux Falls School District since 2020, shares insights into her 30+ years in education, touching on h…

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From Principal to Executive Director: Reny Lizardo’s Journey in Education 22:52

11M ago22:52

22:52

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis interviews Dr. Reny Lizardo, Executive Director of Campus Operations and Attendance at Irving Independent School District. Dr. Lizardo shares his inspiring journey from principal to district leader, detailing his passion for improving student attendance and building school culture. He…

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Transforming Education: Michele Collier's Approach to Student Success and Teacher Support 15:41

1y ago15:41

15:41

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Michele Collier, Superintendent of Escambia County Schools in Alabama. Michele shares her journey from 25 years in Mobile County Schools to leading her home district. Now as superintendent, she focuses on driving educational success and strengthening community engagemen…

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Mastering Educational Leadership with Dr. Adam Clark: Lessons from Mount Diablo Unified 17:13

1y ago17:13

17:13

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis interviews Dr. Adam Clark, Superintendent of Mt. Diablo Unified School District in California. Dr. Clark, who oversees a diverse district with 29,000 students and 3,000 staff members, shares insights into the leadership strategies that drive success across his schools. His discussion …