Building Our Super School Podcast

This week, Ryan interviews David Holbrook , Executive Director of Federal Compliance and State Relationships for TransACT Communications. In this interview, Dr. Holbrook walks us through key components of the federal legal requirements for serving English language learners under the Civil Rights Act and the Every Student Succeeds Act. You can find out more about his work by visiting www.transact.com. Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair) Producer: Ross Ulysse

Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasinEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed. This week, Mike hosts the show and introduces two guests. Former students Kevin Hernandez and Lely Bozo from Mater Academy alongside co-host Ryan and Sarah. Kevin is not only a Mater graduate but a Somerset Jefferson educator. Sarah introduces the topic task persistence and ways that educators can incorporate this method in class. Also, discussing the different elements behind this study. The second hot topic on this podcast is an education approach that focuses on students engaging in effective peer teaching. Hosts: Michael Hernandez (@edtechmichael) Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair); Sarah Boulos Fye (@readwithfye) Producer: Michael Hernandez (@edtechmichael) Post-Production: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan interviews guest Sue Jamback , Executive Director of RestorativeUS. In today’s interview, Sue talks to us about the idea of restorative justice, a movement that advocates restitution and repair over punishment when managing behaviors. Sue also talks about this approach in a K-12 environment, detailing various methods, procedures, and resources available to educators and families. Her book The Restorative Playbook is available now on Amazon, and you can find out more about her organization by visiting www.restorativeus.com Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)

Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasinEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed. This week, Ryan hosts the show. Sarah introduces the topic of citizen science. The crew divulges deep into this topic, giving their thoughts and views on this approach. Mike talks to us about three main points in digital literacy and its integration in all schools. Hosts: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair); Sarah Boulos Fye (@readwithfye); Mike Hernandez Producer: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair) Post-Production: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits down with Sonia Park, Executive Director of the Diverse Charter Schools Coalition. In today’s interview, Sonia informs us about the DCSC, an organization that supports charter schools that embody diversity across race, socioeconomic status, language, and abilities. Sonia also talks about her strategies for and the educational benefits of racially-diverse schools and classrooms and reflects on how her work has effectively evolved over time. You can find out more about her work by visiting www.diversecharters.org Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)

This week, Ryan talks to Jennifer Reiter-Cook, Director of Southern California School Development for the California Charter Schools Association. In her work for the CCSA, Dr. Reiter-Cook has developed initiatives designed to cultivate the next generation of California charter school leaders. In our interview, our guest reflects on her work and discusses her process for empowering educators and advocates to become charter founders. She also discusses the importance of community engagement in getting effective charter schools off the ground. Find out more about her work by visiting www.ccsa.org. Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)

Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasinEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed. Congratulations to all graduates of 2019! This week, we are back on air and Sarah host the show. Ryan talks about various communication techniques that educators can adopt to get students involved in class discussions. Mike talks about using forms art to help students visualize and conquer abstract information. Tune in! Hosts: Michael Hernandez (@edtechmichael); Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair); Sarah Boulos Fye (@readwithfye) Producer: Michael Hernandez (@edtechmichael) Post-Production: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits down with Heather Buskirk of K12. Heather is a National Board Certified Teacher and an expert in project-based learning. Heather talks about the model and discusses why it is beneficial for students (and teachers!). She also shares how project-based learning can work in the online environment and across an entire school's curriculum plan. Click here for Heather's recent article in Real Clear Education about project-based learning: https://bit.ly/2IICndw. Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)

This week, Ryan sits down with education reform activist and Riverhead Charter School Superintendent Raymond Ankrum. Raymond shares the story of this high-performing charter school, and how his team was able to move Riverhead's proficiency scores from the teens to the high eighties in just a few years. When Raymond is not running Riverhead's inspiring program, he is the co-host of the education podcast 8 Black Hands, We talk to our guest about his show and why he enjoys sharing his insight on the podcasting medium. You can watch Raymond and his 8 Black Hands co-hosts recording their show at the National Charter School Conference, June 30-July 3 in Las Vegas. Find out more and register by visiting ncsc.publiccharters.org. Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)

This week, Ryan sits down with entrepreneur and charter school graduate Tony Morales. Tony is a managing director at N2Growth, a prestigious multinational executive search firm. Our guest is also actively involved with a number of education-focused nonprofit organizations. Ryan talks to Tony about his charter school experience and how it helped bring him to where he is in life today. Tony also provides insight on what schools should be doing to prepare students for the tech-focused careers of the 21st century. Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)

Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasinEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed. This week, with Mike on well deserved vacation, Ryan and Sarah are joined by Academica general counsel Collette Papa and school security expert William Tagle on the panel. Sarah talks about a new school in downtown Seattle that adopts an educational model that focuses on making its surrounding community its classroom. The second hot topic on this educational podcast is the usage of marijuana and vaping, and its problematic usage by students in schools. The crew addresses long term causes and ways that both parents and educators can be more vigilant. Hosts: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair); Sarah Boulos Fye (@readwithfye); Collette Papa, William Tagle Post-Production: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan talks to Reverend Dr. Jacquie Hood Martin. Dr. Martin is a minister, education advocate, author, and a co-organizer of the "Is School Choice the Black Choice" nationwide town hall events. Ryan talks to our guest about her education advocacy, her town halls, and the ways that school choice and charter education have served to empower the Black community as a whole (and not just students). Find out more about her work by visiting www.jacquiehood.com. Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)

Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasinEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed. This week, Sarah hosts the show. Ryan talks about various ways that students can and are giving educators feedback through biased and unbiased surveys. Mike talks about a recent article showing that eighth grade girls are outscoring boys on STEM exams. The crew talks about the implications of this article and what it means to fostering equal representation in STEM professions going forward. Hosts: Michael Hernandez (@edtechmichael); Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair); Sarah Boulos Fye (@readwithfye) Producer: Michael Hernandez (@edtechmichael) Post-Production: Ross Ulysse

At Academica Media, we believe that education must go beyond the curriculum. This week, Lily interviews Principal Cory Oliver from the Jefferson County K-12 Somerset charter school. Jefferson is located in one of the historically lowest-performing districts in Florida. In this segment, Cory talks to Lily about the levels of poverty in this community and his journey when he first got to Jefferson. He also talks about the leadership skills that he embraces and expresses the love he has for all his students. Tune in to part 2 of this amazing podcast! Host: Liliana Salazar (@SalazarLilly) Producer: Michael Hernandez (@edtechmichael) Post-Production: Ross Ulysse

At Academica Media, we believe that education must go beyond the curriculum. This week, Lily interviews Principal Cory Oliver from the Jefferson County K-12 Somerset Charter School. Jefferson is located in one of the historically lowest-performing districts in Florida. In this final segment, Lily and Cory talk about all the significant changes seen within the course of a year. They also speak about the efforts made to make a difference in this community and all other positive outcomes realized from this project. Tune in to the final segment to find out more on this incredible transformation! Host: Liliana Salazar (@SalazarLilly) Producer: Michael Hernandez (@edtechmichael) Post-Production: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits down with Mark Medema, the Managing Director of the Charter School Facility Center for the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. Ryan talks to Mark about strategies for charter schools to overcome the "facilities gap" that makes it more difficult for charters to procure suitable facilities relative to their traditional public school counterparts. Mark also discusses some welcome policy developments throughout the country that have helped address this gap. Mark will be presenting a session about facilities at the National Charter Schools Conference in Las Vegas from June 30th to July 3rd. Find out more and sign up by visiting ncsc.publiccharters.org. Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)

At Academica Media, we believe that education must go beyond the curriculum. This week, Lily interviews Principal Cory Oliver from Jefferson County. Jefferson County is a K-12 Somerset school located in one of lowest performing districts here in Florida. In this segment, Lily talks about the school of hope and introduces Principal Cory Oliver who speaks about his experience thus far as Principal at Jefferson county. He also talks about what had drawn him to Jefferson and his plan to turn around not only the school but the Jefferson community. Tune in to this amazing podcast! Host: Liliana Salazar (@SalazarLilly) Producer: Michael Hernandez (@edtechmichael) Post-Production: Ross Ulysse

Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasinEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed. This week, Mike hosts the show. Ryan and the rest of the crew applaud the 2019 national teacher of the year Rodney Robinson. They acknowledge him for his accomplishments in education, his educational approach, and the impact he made on his students at the Richmond Juvenile Detention Center. Sarah talks about the education technology industry and brings up stories discussing the lack of innovations that are actually useful in the classroom. Hosts: Michael Hernandez (@edtechmichael); Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair); Sarah Boulos Fye (@readwithfye) Producer: Michael Hernandez (@edtechmichael) Post-Production: Ross Ulysse

Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasinEducation with questions or new topics you want to see discussed. This week, Ryan hosts the show. Sarah talks about education approaches that focus more in increasing student strengths over limiting their weaknesses. Mike introduces the idea of a student-run help desks. Not only can this idea alleviate stress from an I.T. standpoint, but these tech support systems can be an opportunity for students gain developmental training. Hosts: Michael Hernandez (@edtechmichael); Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair); Sarah Boulos Fye (@readwithfye) Producer: Michael Hernandez (@edtechmichael) Post-Production: Ross Ulysse

This week, Ryan sits down with Lyman Millard, the founding partner of Bloomwell Group. With over twenty years of experience in the field of charter education, Lyman strives to help high performing charter schools and non-profit organizations find solutions to any strategic challenges. Lyman talks to Ryan about strategies to help charter schools boost their enrollment and also talks about his work with the National Charter School Conference (June 30-July 3 in Las Vegas, visit ncsc.publiccharters.org). https://www.bloomwellgroup.com/ Host: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair) Producer: Ross Ulysse