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, 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 ...
In this bonus episode, Dr. Leila Nuland and Dr. Mort Sherman dive into the biggest questions facing K-12 leaders—from funding uncertainty and tech debates to political tension and shifting public trust.
Through stories and reflection, they explore how superintendents can lead through complexity, stay grounded in values, and center student voice.
Whether you’re navigating district decisions or classroom realities, this candid convers...
How do kids really learn, grow, and thrive?
In this episode, Dr. Leila Nuland and Dr. Mort Sherman talk with Ellen Galinsky, author of The Breakthrough Years, about the science of executive function, student agency, and what kids are telling us they need.
Ellen shares actionable strategies for building reflection, agency, and emotional intelligence at every level of the K12 education system.
🔗Download the 2025 State of the Student ...
In this episode of The K-12 Change Equation, hosts Dr.Leila Nuland and Dr.Mort Sherman dive into one of the most pressing debates in education today: the tension between federal, state, and local control in shaping school policy and practice. They explore how the potential decentralization of the U.S. Department of Education could impact districts, teachers, and students—and what school leaders need to consider as they navigate the...
What happens when bold leadership meets policy pressure in today’s schools?
Dr. Khalid Mumin, former Pennsylvania Secretary of Education, discusses the intersection of policy, leadership, and student-centered innovation with hosts Dr. Leila Nuland and Dr. Mort Sherman.
Dr. Mumin shares his perspective on navigating the balance between federal mandates and local decision-making, the power of student voice, and the role of advocacy in ...
In this episode of The K-12 Change Equation, hosts Dr. Leila Nuland and Dr. Mort Sherman engage in a compelling conversation with Loudoun County Public Schools Superintendent Aaron Spence about transforming educational leadership for today’s complex landscape.
Drawing from his extensive experience, Superintendent Spence shares candid insights on building sustainable change strategies while honoring community needs. The discussion un...
What does it take to create real, lasting change in K-12 education?
In The K-12 Change Equation, hosts Dr. Leila Nuland and Dr. Mort Sherman sit down with superintendents, policymakers, and education visionaries to explore the complexities of school leadership. From balancing vision with daily challenges to navigating policy shifts and community needs, this podcast offers real conversations—not buzzwords—about what’s working and wha...
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