AN MSA PODCAST
NEW Episodes Every Other Wednesday!
Evolution Stories is a biweekly podcast that delves deep into the heart and soul of change leadership and school transformation.
SEASON I
NEW EPISODE VII: Dr. Renée Rattray
A Legacy of Service in Caribbean Education
In this episode, Renée Rattray Ed.D., Lead Education Advisor for the XQ Institute, shares her origin story in education. Rattray's journey began in Jamaica, where she worked as a special education teacher and later became a school principal.
The conversation reveals the profound influence of Rattray's family, whom she describes as "givers" with a strong commitment to social justice and service. This upbringing shaped Rattray's own dedication to serving others and ensuring that her work benefits those around her.
EPISODE VI: Jalaj Desai
From Crisis to Creation: Leading Innovation and Growth in Independent Schools
In this episode, Jalaj Desai, Head of School at Saddle River Day School, discusses his experiences in leading change within an independent school setting. He recounts taking on the headship during a period of instability and shares his strategies for building a strong team and fostering a positive school culture.
The conversation explores Desai's emphasis on simple yet creative solutions, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and his focus on innovation, including the establishment of a Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the creation of a generative AI tool for the school.
EPISODE V: Kapono Ciotti
Student Protagonism: On Transforming the Learning Experience
In this episode, Dr. Kapono Ciotti, CEO of the Pacific American Foundation, discusses his views on education as a powerful tool for social justice. Ciotti credits his upbringing by two educators and his early schooling experiences for shaping his perspective.
He fondly recalls his time at a progressive school in Hawaii, where the emphasis was on integrated thematic units and project-based learning, fostering a sense of "student protagonism." Ciotti believes this approach allowed him to see his education as an active and joyful experience, shaping his views on the importance of agency and purpose in learning.
EPISODE IV: Joel Thompson
Leading with Innovation at Mt. Lebanon High School
In this episode, Joel Thompson, principal of Mt. Lebanon High School, shares his insights on leadership and change in schools. The conversation emphasizes Thompson's fifteen years as an educator and his commitment to leveraging innovative practices to enhance learning and create impactful experiences for students.
Thompson's leadership has earned him a nomination for the Public School Works Champion Showcase, which recognizes K-12 leaders driving change and championing their schools.
EPISODE III: Amanda Bickerstaff
Leading AI Adoption in Education
In this episode, Amanda Bickerstaff, founder of AI for Education, shares her evolution from a public school educator in the South Bronx to a leader in the ed-tech space. Bickerstaff discusses her experience as the founding CEO of an Australian data analytics company and her subsequent founding of AI for Education in November 2022, following the release of ChatGPT 3.5.
The conversation highlights AI for Education's focus on helping schools adopt AI in a responsible, safe, literate, and ethical manner. Bickerstaff's passion for creating impactful change and fostering a supportive environment for fellow change leaders is also explored.
EPISODE II: Jose Vilson
On Creating Learning Environments in Which Every Student Can Thrive
This episode features Jose Vilson, an educator and nonprofit leader who fights for systems in which every child can thrive. Vilson shares his origin story, from aspiring to be a video game programmer to becoming a Math teacher. The conversation delves into understanding student engagement and the shortcomings in educational practices.
Vilson also emphasizes the need to ground the work education in values and principles, highlighting the need to address curriculum that is designed not to work for all learners. He underscores the importance of creating learning environments in which every student feels seen, known, and cared for—the essential conditions for any learner to flourish.
EPISODE I: Thomas Arnett
Disrupting Education: On Student-Centered Learning
In this episode, Tom Arnett, Senior Fellow at the Clayton Christensen Institute, discusses the barriers to change in schools and systems. Arnett's interest in this topic stems from his experience as a middle school math teacher, where he observed the limitations of a system designed to standardize interactions.
The conversation explores the need to move away from a "batch processing" approach and towards student-centered models of learning. Arnett highlights the challenges teachers face in addressing diverse student needs within the constraints of the current system.