x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Voices for Excellence

Dr. Michael T Conner

Welcome to Voices for Excellence, hosted by Dr. Michael Conners, where we explore the dynamic world of education, leadership, and innovation. This podcast offers in-depth conversations with thought leaders, educators, and industry experts, providing listeners with actionable insights and strategies to drive excellence in their fields. Season 3 continues our journey with a focus on cutting-edge topics like diversity in education, equality and inclusion, the impact of AI in the classroom, and

kids & family education for kids

All Episodes

01:01:56

Designing Schools That Listen: Dr. Tonia Causey-Bush...

Voices for Excellence ·

2025/11/10

What if the true measure of school success isn't just test scores—but the full humanity and future readiness of every learner?On this episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Dr. Tonia Causey-Bush, a transformational instructional leader and Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services at Banning Unified School District in California. Renowned for her vision, humility, and unapologetic commitment to equity, Dr. Causey-Bush is helping to redesign what student success

en

52:39

The Seatbelt of Strategy: How AI Ethics Keeps...

Voices for Excellence ·

2025/10/27

In this thought-provoking episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Rebecca Bultsma — international AI ethics researcher, Chief Innovation Officer, and co-host of AmpED to 11 — to explore what it really means to lead in the age of artificial intelligence.From Kendrick Lamar lyrics to ethical paradoxes, this conversation moves from AI strategy and governance to the human heartbeat of education. Rebecca unpacks her belief that “ethics is the seatbelt of AI strategy”—a

en

52:27

Leading Beyond the Textbook: Building Schools That...

Voices for Excellence ·

2025/10/13

In this episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with one of education’s most innovative and heartfelt leaders, Superintendent Glenn Robbins. Together, they explore what it means to lead with authenticity, courage, and compassion in the ever-evolving landscape of education.From redefining school culture through relationships and student voice, to building genuine community partnerships and integrating AI with purpose, Glenn shares how his district has become a living ecosystem

en

00:50:51

Shaping the Future of Access and Opportunity with...

Voices for Excellence ·

2025/09/29

Austin ISD is rewriting the playbook on equity in advanced academics. In this Back to School edition of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner is joined by Cody Pruitt, Blake Haygood, and Tony Castilleja of Riverside Insights to explore how the district is leveraging the CogAT to expand opportunity and disrupt traditional measures of achievement.Together, they unpack how Austin ISD is redefining giftedness, creating new pathways into AP and IB programs, and ensuring underrepresented and

en

00:42:43

Transforming Strategic Plans Into Classroom Realities...

Voices for Excellence ·

2025/09/23

In this Back-to-School edition of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Dr. Bill Bradford, Assistant Superintendent of Academics and School Leadership for Fayette County Public Schools (KY). Together they unpack how Fayette County is transforming education through its Portrait of a Graduate 2.0, aligning a five-year strategic plan with classroom practice, and preparing students for the demands of the 22nd century.Dr. Bradford shares how his district has embedded four

en

00:59:16

Inclusion, Integrity, Excellence: Leading Every...

Voices for Excellence ·

2025/09/07

In this episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with John Pandolfo, Superintendent of Telluride School District and former Vermont Superintendent of the Year, to unpack his leadership journey and vision. From re-framing the district mission around “each and every student” to building belonging through dual language programs and inclusion initiatives, John shares how he is cultivating a culture of excellence in a diverse, rural mountain community. Together, they explore

en

00:41:44

Leading AI Transformation from the Classroom to the...

Voices for Excellence ·

2025/08/24

In this episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Candice Sears, Director of Instructional Services at the Montgomery County ESC and a leading voice in AI and educational innovation. From remote learning and alternative education programs to statewide AI policy and workforce development, Candice shares how her work is reshaping instruction, aligning systems, and meeting the needs of Gen Alpha and Gen Beta learners.Together, they unpack how Ohio is building statewide

en

00:49:04

Reimagining Education for a Generation That’s Already...

Voices for Excellence ·

2025/08/11

In this thought-provoking episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Steven Iglesias—Chief Innovation Officer at Doral Academy and one of Florida’s most forward-thinking voices in educational AI. Together, they explore the urgent need to reimagine the education system for the era of AI, automation, and superintelligence.The conversation challenges outdated assumptions, including the overreliance on test scores and one-size-fits-all models, and calls for a radical

en

00:41:44

Leading AI Transformation from the Classroom to the...

Voices for Excellence ·

2025/08/11

In this episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Candice Sears, Director of Instructional Services at the Montgomery County ESC and a leading voice in AI and educational innovation. From remote learning and alternative education programs to statewide AI policy and workforce development, Candice shares how her work is reshaping instruction, aligning systems, and meeting the needs of Gen Alpha and Gen Beta learners. Together, they unpack how Ohio is building statewide

en

00:41:44

Leading AI Transformation from the Classroom to the...

Voices for Excellence ·

2025/08/10

In this episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Candice Sears, Director of Instructional Services at the Montgomery County ESC and a leading voice in AI and educational innovation. From remote learning and alternative education programs to statewide AI policy and workforce development, Candice shares how her work is reshaping instruction, aligning systems, and meeting the needs of Gen Alpha and Gen Beta learners. Together, they unpack how Ohio is building statewide

en

00:48:30

Two Brains Are Better Than One: Reinventing Learning...

Voices for Excellence ·

2025/07/27

In this episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Wes Kriesel, Administrator of Innovation and AI at the Orange County Department of Education, to unpack what real innovation in education looks like. Together, they explore the difference between flashy tech and meaningful use, the need for a two-brain approach to AI governance and experimentation, and why equity, fluency, and humanity must drive every decision we make. Wes offers a grounded, systems-level perspective

en

00:50:08

t Happens When You Lead with Justice—Even If It Costs...

Voices for Excellence ·

2025/07/13

What does it really take to lead with courage, clarity, and conviction—especially when the political winds are shifting?In this powerful episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with the unstoppable LK Monroe—former Alameda County Superintendent of Schools and founder of TeamED Up for Good—to unpack what legacy leadership looks like in the A/C (After COVID) era of education. From navigating the political realities of elected leadership to building bridges between

en

00:33:02

Disrupt. Rethink. Redesign: The Platform Powering the...

Voices for Excellence ·

2025/06/29

In this special episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner takes the guest seat as Executive Producer Serena Reynolds steps in as host. Together, they unpack the vision, research, and real-world impact behind the Agile Diagnostic and AI Platform—a groundbreaking system transforming how school districts approach strategy, change management, and continuous improvement. Dr. Conner shares the origin story of the platform, the science behind the Disruptive Effect Model, and why

en

00:59:44

How Do You Lead Tech Innovation Without Losing the...

Voices for Excellence ·

2025/06/13

In this episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Jennifer Womble—Chair of the Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) and District Administration—to explore how AI, innovation, and authentic leadership are reshaping the education landscape. They discuss what it takes to build scalable professional development, the power of one-on-one tutoring powered by AI, the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades, and how schools can start building intentional,

en

00:41:21

Bold Blueprints and Collective Genius: Leading in the...

Voices for Excellence ·

2025/06/02

In this powerful episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Christine Fowler-Mack—former Superintendent of Akron Public Schools and current CEO of Reimagine Solutions—to unpack what it truly takes to lead large, complex school systems in the A/C (After COVID) stage of education. Christine shares her three signature leadership principles—authenticity, adaptive coherence, and collective genius—and challenges us to move from compliance-driven practices to bold,

en

00:51:18

Building a Better Pipeline: Teachers, Tech, and...

Voices for Excellence ·

2025/05/19

Dr. James Lane is the chief executive officer of PDK International and Educators Rising. He most recently served as Acting Assistant Secretary and the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education after serving as Senior Advisor to U.S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona.

en

01:01:39

Embracing and Understanding Technology/AI in the...

Voices for Excellence ·

2025/05/05

Susan M. Bearden, CETL is a strategic, growth-oriented education technology leader who approaches IT from an educator mindset. A former teacher and K12 IT leader, she is currently the CEO of Bearden Education Technology Consulting and is passionate about facilitating best practices in education technology in support of innovative teaching and learning.

en

01:06:32

The Future of Education in an Emergent Educational...

Voices for Excellence ·

2025/04/22

Dr. Barber is currently the Deputy Superintendent of Fayette County Public Schools. Barber has more than 20 years of experience as an educator, having previously served as superintendent of Frankfort Independent Schools and more. In that position, Dr. Barber established highly qualified, cross-functional teams in order to streamline district operations and foster greater communication and connection between stakeholders.

en

00:45:48

Defining Innovative and Transformative Leadership for...

Voices for Excellence ·

2025/04/07

Dr. Pedro Roman joined the Hyde Park Central School District as the Superintendent of Schools in July 2023. In his role as Superintendent, Dr. Roman is responsible for working with the Hyde Park Board of Trustees and school community to promote the district’s vision and mission, manage finances, personnel, and resources, and ensure students and staff have optimal teaching and learning conditions to empower them to strive for excellence and embrace the opportunities of our globally connected

en

00:43:27

Creating Rigorous Learning Environments in the...

Voices for Excellence ·

2025/03/24

Dr. Lisa Schleer brings over three decades of PK-12 administrative and special education expertise to her role as founder and CEO of LMS Educational Consulting. Her approach integrates data-driven decision-making with deep expertise in educational equity, as evidenced by her doctoral research on postsecondary access for Black and Hispanic low-income students.

en

107 results

Similar Podcasts

Tale Teller Kids™

Sarnia de la Mare

米克馬故事坊

咪萊

Imagination Station

Imagination Station

Die Pferde sind nicht das Problem - und du bist nicht zu blöd. Der Aha-Podcast für Pferdemenschen

Silke Jahn & Maren Diehl

Hanna fragt Papa - Der Podcast für neugierige Kinder und Eltern

Hanna und Thomas Schamberger