The K-12 Change Equation
The K-12 Change Equation explores how innovative education leaders are transforming their districts by solving for the variables that matter most in their communities. In each episode, hosts Dr. Leila Nuland and Dr. Mort Sherman dive deep into conversations with superintendents, policymakers, and education visionaries who are breaking free from standardized solutions to create lasting change. Drawing from their extensive experience in district leadership and transformation, our hosts guide discussions that bridge research and practice, exploring how successful leaders adapt broad educational strategies to serve their unique local contexts. From navigating post-pandemic recovery to building equitable systems, each episode unpacks the complex variables of educational change and reveals practical approaches to solving them. Education impacts us all, which is why this podcast is for everyone who cares about the future of learning in their community. Whether you're a superintendent seeking fresh perspectives, a district leader looking to drive meaningful change, an educator passionate about system-wide transformation, or a community member invested in your local schools' success, The K-12 Change Equation offers insights and strategies you can apply in your own community. We believe that lasting educational change happens when schools and communities work together, and our conversations reflect the vital role that engaged community members play in creating successful schools. Join us as we work together to solve for real change, made local. Submit a question or comment here: https://www.edelements.com/k12changeequationpodcast
Episodes
On this episode of The K-12 Change Equation, we sit down with Naomi Norman, Superintendent of Washtenaw ISD, to explore what it takes to build a system where every child is supported and positioned to thrive.
Naomi discusses the role regional agencies play in shaping equity and opportunity. She explains why meaningful work-based learning must begin long before high school and how rethinking the teacher pipeline starts with broadenin...
On this episode of The K-12 Change Equation, Dr. Mort Sherman and Dr. Leila Nuland sit down with Patrick Miller, Director of District Engagement for STEM East, to explore how one region is rethinking STEM education by connecting classrooms to real industry pathways.
From aviation and biopharma to smart agriculture and healthcare, Patrick shares how Eastern North Carolina is building a workforce pipeline by treating teachers as the r...
On this episode of The K-12 Change Equation, Dr. Mort Sherman and Dr. Leila Nuland sit down with Ernesto Duran, Regional Director for California’s Region 8, about how county offices of education are creating systems that expand opportunity beyond the school day.
From after-school programs and workforce readiness to family engagement and mental health, Ernesto shares how expanded learning is helping students and educators thrive. H...
On this episode of The K-12 Change Equation, Dr. Mort Sherman and Dr. Leila Nuland talk with Dr. Gladys Cruz (Questar III BOCES) about how regional education agencies scale career-ready programs.
Dr. Cruz shares how BOCES helps districts pool resources, expand CTE and apprenticeship opportunities, and creatively address staffing shortages through partnerships and stackable credentials.
If you’re a superintendent, policymaker, or edu...
On this episode of The K-12 Change Equation, Dr. Mort Sherman & Dr. Leila Nuland sit down with Dr. Andrae Townsel, Hartford's new superintendent, for a powerful conversation about urban education leadership.
Dr. Townsel shares his philosophy of urgency over speed, his "Acres of Diamonds" approach to finding potential in challenging communities, and why students can't wait for leaders to figure it out. From D...
On this episode of The K-12 Change Equation, co-hosts Mort Sherman and Mike Lubelfeld sit down with longtime colleague and friend Dr.Nick Polyak for a candid conversation on what it takes to lead schools today.
From navigating the seismic shifts of COVID-19 to tackling teacher shortages and political polarization, they discuss how superintendents must constantly unlearn, relearn, and adapt. The conversation highlights the importance...
On this episode of The K-12 Change Equation, co-hosts Mort Sherman and Mike Lubelfeld sit down with Keith Krueger, CEO of COSN, for a conversation on leadership, technology, and the future of learning.
From the challenge of “unlearning” old habits to embracing AI responsibly, they explore what it means to lead schools through rapid change. The discussion covers ethical and balanced use of technology, supporting teachers, and how di...
On this episode of The K-12 Change Equation, Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Dr. Karen Molinar opens up about stepping into leadership amid state oversight, declining enrollment, and post-pandemic learning gaps.
From rewriting curriculum over winter break to re-centering teacher support, Dr. Molinar shares how she’s leading with urgency, equity, and an unwavering focus on instruction. This conversation unpacks what it takes to navigat...
What does it take to lead real, lasting change in public education?
In this episode of The K-12 Change Equation, Dr. Leila Nuland and Dr. Mort Sherman sit down with veteran leader Dr. Dana T Bedden, who shares his candid reflections on transitioning leadership roles, cultivating a mindset for growth, and designing systems that serve all students, beyond just academic scores.
From building trust through “leadership by listening,” to o...
What if we stopped measuring students by what they remembered and started understanding how they think?
In this episode of The K-12 Change Equation, Dr. Jack Naglieri, renowned school psychologist and assessment expert joins hosts Dr. Leila Nuland and Dr. Mort Sherman for a compelling conversation on redefining student success. Dr. Naglieri challenges outdated models of assessment and advocates for tools that capture students’ probl...
What if public education could break free from outdated models and truly prepare every student, not just for college, but for meaningful careers and life beyond school?
Dr. Sean Bulson, Superintendent of Harford County Public Schools, shares his forward-thinking approach to public education focused on balancing college preparation with career readiness to create an environment where students thrive after graduation.
From transformi...
What does effective leadership look like in today’s school systems—and how do we develop it at every level?
Dr. Maria Ott, former superintendent of one of the nation’s largest public school districts and a founding member of the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA), joins hosts Dr. Leila Nuland and Dr. Mort Sherman for a candid conversation about what it truly means to lead with purpose.
Dr. Ott...
What if accountability inspired growth & not fear?
Dr. Clinton Page, Chief Accountability Officer for Alexandria City Public Schools, joins Dr. Leila Nuland and Dr.Mort Sherman to reframe accountability as a tool for empowerment
Dr. Page shares how Alexandria shifted from compliance-focused accountability to a culture rooted in systems thinking, shared ownership, and strategic data use. This candid conversation explores how qual...
What does it take to lead with clarity and courage in today’s charged educational climate? In this episode of The K12 Change Equation, Dr. Leila Nuland and Dr. Mort Sherman sit down with Dr. Gustavo Balderas, President of AASA, to explore how superintendents can lead school systems through political tension, funding challenges, and shifting community needs.
Drawing from his national role and local leadership experience, Dr. Baldera...
What does it really take to change how grading works in a large school system, and still keep your community’s trust?
In this episode, Dr. Leila Nuland and guest co-host Uly Navarrete, Executive Director of ALAS, sit down with Dr. Francisco Durán, Superintendent of Arlington Public Schools, to unpack the leadership lessons behind Arlington’s shift to standards-based grading. From managing pushback and clarifying purpose, to centerin...
Burnout is rising. Teacher shortages are growing. What can district leaders actually do to turn it around?
In this candid conversation, Albany Public Schools Superintendent Joseph Hochreiter joins Dr. Leila Nuland to share what he’s learned about leading through high turnover, rebuilding trust, and retaining teachers by focusing on culture, not quick fixes.
They explore why retention should come before recruitment, how collaboration ...
In this episode of The K-12 Change Equation, Dr. Sarena Shivers joins Dr. Leila Nuland and Dr. Mort Sherman to explore building the teacher pipeline and leading with purpose in today’s shifting education landscape.
From navigating teacher shortages and looming budget cuts to advocating for leadership equity, Dr. Shivers shares insights from her work building support networks for leaders of color and tackling systemic barriers. It’s ...
In this episode of The K-12 Change Equation, hosts Dr. Leila Nuland and Dr. Mort Sherman talk with Dr. Adrian Bustillos, Chief Transformation Officer at Aldine ISD in Houston, TX about using strategic partnerships to drive systemic change. He shares how the district leads through influence, builds community empathy, pilots innovation thoughtfully—and tackles initiative fatigue along the way.
In this episode of the K-12 Change Equation podcast, Dr. Leila Nuland and Dr. Mort Sherman sit down with Dr. Amy Cashwell, Superintendent of Henrico County Public Schools, to explore what it really takes to drive instructional change in today’s public school systems.
From rethinking professional learning to elevating the teaching profession, Dr. Cashwell shares stories and strategies from the front lines of leadership. The conversat...
In this episode of The K-12 Change Equation, Dr. Mike Lubelfeld, Superintendent of North Shore School District (IL) and author of The Unlearning Leader, joins us to explore what it takes to lead through disruption.
From unlearning outdated mindsets to leading after tragedy, Mike shares insights on school safety, innovation, and bold leadership.
He also dives into what superintendents can do today– without waiting for permission– to ...
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