Dr. Brenda Lewis, Superintendent, Fridley Public Schools

Dr. Tim Hudson, Founder, Pro Campus Events

“I feel like I’m trying to create the world I thought I was born into”, goes a long way to telling you just how amazing of an educational leader and great human being our latest Educate Me! podcast guest, Dr. Tim Hudson, is. As a former classroom teacher, curriculum coordinator, chief learning officer, and now founder of Campus Pro Events, Dr. Hudson has dedicated his professional life to not only providing opportunities for every student to learn, but to ensuring equity for all. Which, in large part, is what makes him such an awesome guy! And his ‘Magic Wand’ answer might be the best we’ve ever had…

Dr. Brenda Lewis, Superintendent, Fridley Public Schools

Perhaps the most powerful Educate Me! podcast episode we've ever recorded, because our guests' influence has unexpectedly, but necessarily, gone far beyond education leadership. Brenda Lewis, Ph.D. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-turner-a7b74522/# [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-turner-a7b74522/#]), Superintendent of Fridley Public School District (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-turner-a7b74522/# [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-turner-a7b74522/#]), MN, was thrust into the national and global spotlight earlier this year when ICE came to town. Dr. Lewis was presented with an unenviable task, but one that she embraced on behalf of her school district, her community, and in an effort to protect every child under her care. What motivates her? Where did the courage come from to lead in such challenging circumstances? And what would she do with a magic wand...

Dr. Jennifer Collier, Superintendent, Kansas City Public Schools

Passion. Purpose. Powerhouse! Dr. Jennifer Collier (https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjencollier/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjencollier/]), Superintendent of Kansas City Public Schools (https://www.linkedin.com/company/kansas-city-public-schools/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/kansas-city-public-schools/]), Missouri, has the first two in abundance and consistently shows up as the third for her students, staff, and community. Setting high expectations for students, unifying the school district and city around academic purpose, and creating a culture of community togetherness to help pass a hugely historic Bond that will impact an entire generation: just a few of the things that define and characterize her leadership. This is one Educate Me! podcast episode you do not want to miss!

Henrik Appert, CEO + Founder, Magma Math

The Educate Me! Podcast is a platform for promoting leaders and supporters of public education who are helping elevate the work and positively impact student outcomes. Henrik Appert (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-turner-a7b74522/# [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-turner-a7b74522/#]), CEO and Founder of Magma Math (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-turner-a7b74522/# [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-turner-a7b74522/#]), fits that description perfectly. Our first international guest doesn't disappoint! With a unique schooling story that takes us through 3 countries + plenty of viewpoints regarding how best to support our teachers and education system as a whole today, Henrik makes for a fascinating visit. Enjoy! (Njuta! 🇸🇪) https://www.magmamath.com/ [https://www.magmamath.com/]

Dr. Ariel Lajara & Dr. Renato Lajara, Assistant Superintendents, School District of Philadelphia

Our first two-fer episode! With roots in the Dominican Republic but very different paths through their student experience, cousins Dr. Ariel Lajara (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ariel-lajara-6b6a8421b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ariel-lajara-6b6a8421b/]) and Dr. Renato M Lajara (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-renato-m-lajara-b3206487/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-renato-m-lajara-b3206487/]) careers now run in parallel as Assistant Superintendents in The School District of Philadelphia (https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-district-of-philadelphia/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-district-of-philadelphia/]). Though distinct and unique, their individual journeys are equally remarkable. Both battled through a language barrier. Both cite some special teachers as essential advocates. And both have a steadfast commitment to paying it forward, helping every educator they mentor and support, and every student in their care, especially the most vulnerable in their urban setting.