Beyond the Mandate: Annie Payne on Building a Culture of Care in Special Ed

The Military & Main Street: Dr. Kellen Adams on Community-Centered Education

Dr. Kellen Adams, Superintendent of Leavenworth USD 453 in Kansas, brings a grounded and people-first approach to district leadership, shaped by his belief that public education can serve as a powerful equalizer for students. Leading a military-adjacent community through declining enrollment, rising student needs, and budget pressures, he focuses on protecting classroom impact while strengthening the systems and people that support student success. This episode explores Leavenworth’s thoughtful approach to leadership, innovation, and whole-child support, including how AI can improve efficiency without replacing the human heart of education, how wraparound services help meet growing student needs, and why strong community partnerships are essential to supporting both educators and learners.

AI Visionaries: Richmond High School's Tech Team Students on AI Shaping EdTech and Responsible Tech Use

What happens when schools stop banning AI and hand the keys to students? Join us for an exceptional episode featuring Jeremy Hill, an e-learning specialist at Richmond High School, and his remarkable tech team: high school students Sophie, JJ, Annabella, and Matt. This dynamic group leverages technology to support their school community and lead the integration of AI, showcasing students not just learning about, but actively implementing, responsible AI usage across the district. This episode explores how they share their unique perspectives on AI as a critical thinking tool, the differences between general and purpose-built AI, and why schools should embrace, rather than ban, these emerging technologies. Tune in to hear candid insights from the front lines of AI integration in education.

Disrupting Disability Norms: Cait Russell on Empowering Autism-Focused Tech Startups & Inclusive Work Opportunities

In this episode, Cait Russell, COO of Multiple, shares her journey from occupational therapy to leading a nonprofit accelerator for autism-focused technology. She explores how innovation can scale impact beyond individual support, helping better serve neurodivergent individuals across education and employment. The conversation highlights the need for more meaningful career pathways, inclusive hiring practices, and stronger connections between schools, employers, and emerging tech. Cait also offers insight into how startups are building tools that address real gaps—and why doing good and building sustainable businesses must go hand in hand.

Efficiency Meets Impact: Benjamin Franquiz and Kathleen Petrenko on Smarter Systems & Partnerships in Special Education

Benjamin Franquiz, Assistant Superintendent for Special Education and Student Support Services, and Kathleen Petrenko, Director of Special Education, at Eastport-South Manor Central School District, are leading with a clear focus: every student matters. Through systems thinking and collaborative leadership, they align instruction, intervention, and student well-being to build a strong, inclusive special education program. In this episode, they share how their district leverages AI, streamlines data practices, and strengthens family partnerships to better support both students and staff. Their approach shows how thoughtful innovation and clear priorities can drive meaningful impact. Hear their insights into improving efficiency without sacrificing quality, and staying relentlessly student-centered.

Beyond the Mandate: Annie Payne on Building a Culture of Care in Special Ed

Annie Payne, Director of Special Education at Enterprise Elementary School District, brings a deeply personal and purpose-driven approach to inclusive education, rooted in her passion for serving students with diverse needs. With a strong commitment to equity and growth, she leads district-wide efforts that empower both educators and learners to thrive. This episode delves into Enterprise Elementary's innovative approaches to fostering inclusion for students with intensive needs, alongside their neurotypical peers. Annie discusses the critical role of staff belief, effective practical strategies, and how the district actively recruits and retains exceptional educators even in a rural setting.