Education Influencers

Teacher Development, and Sustainable School Leadership with Dr. Aleli Vazquez

Today Dr. Carla Sparks interviews Dr. Aleli Vazquez, an educational leader and National Louis University alumni Hall of Fame inductee, about leading with purpose through school culture, instruction, and advocacy. Dr. Vazquez shares how earning her doctorate in 2020 supported her leadership during COVID, her work as a founding principal in Florida, and her current role as Dean of Faculty at the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta.  She explains RCA’s high-energy, high-expectation model for grades 4–8 and its conferences that allow educators to observe live classrooms, learn RCA strategies, and implement systems like the house system. Dr. Vazquez details coaching and feedback practices centered on reflection, excellence, and support, and emphasizes sustainability through shared vision, transparency, staff ownership, and developing leaders. She gives her advice on educator leadership without titles, investing in people, protecting culture, and leading with heart, empathy, and excellence. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:39 Meet Dr Aleli Vazquez 03:12 Post Doctorate Journey 05:17 What Is Ron Clark Academy 07:15 Coaching Teachers at RCA 10:31 Visiting RCA Conferences 13:04 Influencing Through Adults 16:06 Culture Meets Instruction 20:42 Building Sustainable Legacy 24:19 From Principal to RCA 30:12 Advice for Change Makers 34:01 Closing Thanks

Literacy for All, MTSS, and District-Wide Curriculum Innovation with Dr. Rachel Chappell

Today on Education Influencers, Dr. Carla Sparks interviews Dr. Rachel Chappell, a 27-year educator and Director of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction for Sarasota County Schools, about leading district-wide curriculum, instruction, and student outcomes. Dr. Chappell discusses how earning her EdD at National Louis University opened opportunities to share research on oral language and early literacy intervention, support dissertation writers, and step into her current leadership role.  She highlights Sarasota’s Literacy for All initiative, the district’s transition to science of reading-aligned instruction, strengthening Tier 1 teaching and targeted supports, and building educator capacity through job-embedded professional learning. She also describes designing a K–12 Multi-Tiered System of Supports framework, cross-department collaboration, grant-funded professional learning in literacy and math, and leadership practices centered on relationships, trust, clarity, feedback, data, and continuous improvement. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:30 Meet Dr Rachel Chappell 02:06 Doctorate Opens Doors 04:16 Influencing Reading Success 06:58 Impact Beyond School 08:44 Building K12 MTSS 10:35 Director Role Realities 15:15 Trailblazing Sarasota 18:12 Grants And Innovation 21:20 Tips For Change Makers 25:41 Relationships At The Core 26:52 Closing Thanks

Declutter Your Teaching: A Simpler, More Effective Way to Teach Grammar Patty McGee

In this episode of Education Influencers, Dr. Carla Sparks sits down with educator, author, and Milken Educator Award recipient Patty McGee to explore how grammar instruction can be transformed from tedious drills into meaningful, engaging learning experiences. Drawing on over three decades in education, Patty shares her journey as a “traveling teacher” working alongside schools nationwide to simplify literacy practices and improve student outcomes. The conversation centers on moving beyond traditional grammar worksheets toward a more dynamic, student-centered approach that emphasizes curiosity, experimentation, and real-world application. Patty explains how simplifying instruction—focusing on strengths, offering targeted feedback, and reducing unnecessary complexity—can lead to deeper learning and greater student engagement. She also introduces the concept of grammar as a tool for communication and meaning-making, encouraging educators to think beyond rigid rules and consider audience, purpose, and context. Through practical strategies and classroom examples, Patty highlights how this approach supports both teachers and students while making grammar more accessible at all grade levels. Key Topics Covered: * Transforming grammar instruction in K–12 education * Moving beyond worksheets and drills * Simplifying teaching practices for greater impact * Effective feedback strategies in writing * Grammar as a tool for communication and meaning-making * Supporting teacher growth through professional learning * Encouraging curiosity and student engagement in literacy

Dealing Hope: Dr. Trudy Hill Jones on SEL, Systems, and Amplifying Student Success

Today Dr. Carla Sparks welcomes Dr. Trudy Hill Jones, a school counselor with 25 years in urban education, featured in Forbes Women, honored by a City of Memphis resolution, named 2025 Tennessee School Counselor of the Year, and soon to be inducted into National Louis University’s Alumni Hall of Fame.  Dr. Hill Jones explains how earning her doctorate amplified her mission and expanded her influence through mentoring, training, and advocacy for equitable opportunities and student mental health. She describes a systems approach grounded in student-centered data and MTSS, emphasizing Tier 1 social-emotional learning for students, staff, and families, plus accountability for interventions.  Drawing on her own high school experience, she highlights listening to students, creating wellness spaces, and “dealing hope” as a resilience strategy. She encourages educators to stay connected to your why, reflect, build relationships, collaborate, and show up to educate, advocate, empower, and inspire. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast 00:40 Meet Dr Trudy Hill Jones 02:34 Doctorate Doors Opened 04:17 Influencing Students Educators Systems 06:29 Systems Thinking and MTSS 07:36 Tier One SEL in Action 11:54 Biggest Impact and Mantra 14:24 Counseling Philosophy and Story 17:18 Creating Safe Support Spaces 19:44 Becoming the Hope Dealer 23:23 Leadership and Purpose 25:52 Hall of Fame Journey 31:33 Tennessee Counselor of the Year 35:33 Advice for Change Makers 38:09 Final Thanks and Closing

Schools That Spark Success with Dr. Danita Smith

Today, Dr. Carla Sparks interviews Dr. Danita Smith, a 2023 National Louis University educational leadership doctorate graduate and superintendent of schools at MYcroSchool, Incorporated in Florida. Dr. Smith describes how earning advanced degrees led to roles from chief of schools to superintendent and strengthened her ability to apply research in practice. She explains her influence through supporting charter school principals, developing policy, analyzing achievement trends, and creating innovative, authentic learning for students who struggled in traditional high schools.  She highlights the importance of relationships, culture, small-school “sweet spots,” wraparound services, community partnerships, and consistent systems. As superintendent, she manages compliance, budgets, HR, transparency, and advocacy to dispel misconceptions about charters as competition. She also serves as an adjunct professor at National Louis University and mentors aspiring leaders, emphasizing purpose, continuous learning, trust, integrity, and treating people right. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast 00:37 Meet Dr. Danita Smith 02:20 Doctorate Opens Doors 05:14 How She Influences Schools 09:50 Authentic Innovative Why 17:31 Small Schools Big Impact 20:21 Structures Culture Results 25:58 Life as Superintendent 32:44 Adjunct Mentoring Leaders 37:38 Advice for Changemakers 42:07 Closing Thanks