The Interview Chair

In this conversation, Van Ayres, superintendent of Hillsborough County Schools, shares his journey from student to leading the 7th largest school district in the country. Van reflects on the challenges and responsibilities of being a Superintendent, highlighting the need for collaboration, community engagement, building a supportive team, and ensuring student voices are heard. 

In this episode, Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket shares her journey as a principal, discussing the importance of relational intelligence in school leadership, advocating for trust, connection, and collaboration to foster a positive school culture. In addition, she offers valuable advice for educators struggling with their mental health, encouraging them to lean on their resources and recognize that challenges are often temporary.

Join Jimmy Casas, Jonathan Alsheimer, Erika Bare, and Jessica Cabeen as they take you back to The Interview Chair. Together they share different perspectives on how every interaction has the power to make a lasting impact.

Jimmy shares ways to set yourself up for success each morning so you can lead with clarity and purpose all day long.

In this episode, Jimmy goes back to The Interview Chair and shares 3 ways you can focus on making this the best year yet!

In this episode, Kelly Croy shares his journey in education, discussing the challenges he faced transitioning from a classroom teacher to a district administration, including imposter syndrome. He addresses the anxiety many educators experience and offers advice to navigate these feelings while maintaining a focus on personal growth, including the three gold standards he strives to live by. 

In this episode, JImmy interviews the 2025 National High School Principal of the Year, Toni Cattani.  Tony shares his experience with isolation and the pressures faced by many school leaders to be everything for everyone, sometimes causing them to question whether they can continue doing this work. Listen to how Tony found his way back to become a nationally recognized leader. 

In this engaging conversation, Allyson Apsey shares her journey as an educator and school leader, emphasizing the importance of a serendipity mindset and the impact of trauma on students and staff. She emphasizes the significance of knowing your core values and the importance of believing in oneself.

In this episode, Todd Bloomer, long-time school leader, discusses his fear of failure and the challenges he faced in leadership, including the importance of effective communication, self-reflection, relationships, and the importance of prioritizing family while maintaining a passion for education.

In this episode, Principal Salome Thomas-EL shares his thoughts on the significance of every educator's role in a child's life, embracing their role as champions for students by challenging the status quo and ensuring that every child feels valued and supported.

In this conversation, Dr. Sarah Johnson shares her journey in education and discusses the challenges she faced in her career, the importance of resilience, self-care, and the power of community and networking. Her insights provide valuable advice for educators who find themselves questioning their impact.

In this engaging conversation, Jimmy Casas interviews Danny Bauer, who discusses the challenges he faced in his first year as a principal, including receiving unexpected negative feedback and ultimately resigning. He reflects on the lessons learned from adversity, the importance of confronting reality, and the distinction between ruckus makers and traditional educators. 

In this engaging conversation, Brian Mendler discusses the complexities of teaching, emphasizing the role of adults and strategies to engage effectively with students. Topics include classroom management, student behavior, the importance of self-reflection, and the need to recognize behavior as a solution rather than a problem. 

In this episode, Jimmy interviews Zac Bauermaster, an elementary principal who discusses his soon-to-be-released book, Day by Day, 180 Days of Hope and Encouragement, which reflects on the importance of family, the need for self-care, the significance of relationships, and practical advice for educators facing challenges. The discussion also highlights the importance of being present and finding joy in the small moments. 

In this conversation, Principal Sean Gaillard discusses the emotional toll of working in education and the importance of personal health and well-being. He shares how educators often face immense pressure and the necessity of carving out time for self-care and reflection, emphasizing the significance of seeking support from others to navigate the challenges of the profession.

In this episode, Jimmy sits down with Joy Kelly, a seasoned educator and leadership coach, who shares the challenges faced by many school leaders and the importance of leaning into your core values during difficult times.