Smarter: The K-12 Education Podcast

Ep 8: Dr. Trevor Greene (Superintendent, Yakima School District, WA) Bilingual and Biliterate by Graduation

In Washington’s Yakima School District, where over 80% of students come from low-income households and the majority are Hispanic, Superintendent Dr. Trevor Greene is leading with bold, community-driven solutions. He shares how dual language education supports both native Spanish speakers and English-speaking students—preparing all learners for a global world. From trauma-informed practices to partnerships with local police and universities, Greene is building systems that create opportunity, honor identity, and deliver on equity at scale.

Ep 7: Michael Horn (Co-Author of Disrupting Class, Blended, and Job Moves) Why Tech Didn't Fix Schools: Applying Innovation and Disrupting the Factory Model.

Why Hasn’t Technology Transformed Education? For decades, we’ve heard that technology would revolutionize learning. So why are classrooms still operating like they did 100 years ago? In this episode, we sit down with Michael B. Horn, one of the most influential voices in education innovation, to uncover why schools have failed to truly disrupt learning—even with digital tools, and online learning at their fingertips. Inside the Episode: The mistakes of ed-tech: Why schools crammed technology into the old system instead of rethinking learning. The “Jobs to Be Done” framework: How schools should rethink what students actually want from education. The rise of micro-schools, personalized learning, and education choice—and what it means for the future of K-12. AI as the real game-changer

Ep 6: Dr. Kristi Wilson (2020 AASA President, 2019 AZ Superintendent of the Year) Leading When There's No Right Answer

On Fire, Under Fire, or Fired – What was it really like to be a superintendent during the pandemic? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kristi Wilson, former AASA President and 2019 Arizona Superintendent of the Year, to discuss her new book, co-authored with Dr. Susan Enfield. This collection of 40 superintendent stories captures the impossible decisions, political pressures, and lasting lessons from the COVID-19 crisis. Tune in for Dr. Wilson's reflections on her own journey leading a fast-growing district, navigating the political minefield of school leadership, and making tough calls when there was no right answer. How should superintendents navigate a system in turmoil? And what does it mean for the future of school leadership?

Ep 5: Dr. Eddie Ruiz (FL Superintendent, Charter Schools USA): Changing the Narrative on Charters

Charter schools are often surrounded by misconceptions and debates, but what’s the reality? Dr. Ruiz, Superintendent of Florida's largest charter school network, discusses the challenges of turning around struggling schools, the myths surrounding charter education, and how innovation and accountability are driving student success.

Ep 4: Dr. Anthony Godfrey (Superintendent, Jordan School District): Leading with Curiosity and Connection

How can curiosity and connection transform education? Dr. Anthony Godfrey, superintendent of Utah’s Jordan School District and host of the Supercast podcast, shares how he champions arts integration, mental health advocacy, and innovative leadership to create schools where every student feels they belong. From addressing the challenges of social media to fostering hands-on creativity, Dr. Godfrey offers insights on building stronger, more connected communities in education.