Author: Matt Giovanniello

Benjamin Franquiz, Assistant Superintendent for Special Education and Student Support Services, and Kathleen Petrenko, Director of Special Education, at Eastport-South Manor Central School District, are leading with a clear focus: every student matters. Through systems thinking and collaborative leadership, they align instruction, intervention, and student well-being to build a strong, inclusive special education program. In…
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Annie Payne, Director of Special Education at Enterprise Elementary School District, brings a deeply personal and purpose-driven approach to inclusive education, rooted in her passion for serving students with diverse needs. With a strong commitment to equity and growth, she leads district-wide efforts that empower both educators and learners to thrive. This episode delves into…
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Evan Abramson, Director of Innovation and Technology at the Morris Union Jointure Commission, is a dynamic leader dedicated to redefining what’s possible for students with special needs. A champion of innovation and inclusion, Evan believes in leveraging technology to empower all learners while fostering meaningful relationships that drive real impact. Known for his energetic leadership…
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Rebecca Burton, Deputy Superintendent for Special Education and Student Services at Lemon Grove School District, joins us to discuss her deeply personal ‘why’ for education and how it fuels her passion for creating inclusive and equitable learning systems. This episode explores the critical role of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in supporting diverse student populations,…
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Dr. Jeff Hadley is the Superintendent of Avonworth School District in PA, a district nationally recognized for its innovative and inclusive approach to education. Dr. Hadley shares how Avonworth champions every student’s growth through unique programs like unified sports, the JAMbethekindkid movement, and a student-run coffee shop. This episode explores Avonworth’s groundbreaking World of Work…
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Chandler Cross is the Assistant Superintendent of Shenandoah School Corporation, a high-performing rural district in Indiana with graduation rates consistently near 99%. His approach is simple but powerful: build strong relationships, create intentional systems, and never lose sight of the student experience. In this episode, Chandler shares actionable strategies behind Shenandoah’s success, including collaborative team…
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Dr. Georgeanne Warnock, Superintendent of Terrell Independent School District, is a forward-thinking leader committed to strengthening public education through connection, courage, and innovation. Grounded in the belief that public schools are the foundation of thriving communities, she leads with both strategy and heart. In this episode, we explore transformational change in action – from implementing…
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Lisa Hartman, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment at Lewis Central Community School District in Iowa, is a visionary leader driven by a deep commitment to human-centered educational change. Passionate about collaborative systems improvement, she works to advance structures that meaningfully support students, educators, and communities. In this episode, we explore systems change in action…
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Kirk Koennecke is the Superintendent of Indian Hill Schools in Cincinnati, Ohio—one of the state’s highest-performing public school districts. With nearly 30 years in public education and recognition as the 2023 Superintendent of the Year by the National Association of School Superintendents, Kirk shares how Indian Hill has built an intentional leadership pipeline, elevated student…
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Julie Schafer serves as the principal of Early Elementary school in Early ISD in Texas. She is leading success in every child’s education by implementing early dyslexia screenings for dyslexia intervention and training programs. She fosters open communication and collaboration among educators to drive the best possible learning outcomes.   Listen to our podcast with…
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