Author: Matt Giovanniello

Steve Iglesias is the Chief Innovation Officer at Mater Brickell Academy in Miami, Florida. A former baseball coach turned educational innovator, Steve builds tech- and entrepreneurship-focused programs that expose every student to real-world tools and emerging fields. Grounded in his belief in “failing forward,” he designs learning experiences that prioritize resilience, problem-solving, and purpose over…
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Jeffrey D. Hartmann, superintendent of Galion City Schools in Ohio, draws on his international experience to highlight the importance of establishing common direction among teachers and administrators as the foundation for effective learning. He prioritizes student-centered decision-making to ensure every child’s education is meaningfully impacted. Listen to our podcast with Jeffrey to learn more about…
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Bryan Ballenger serves as the Superintendent of the Gustine Unified School District. Through his focus on innovative instructional practices, Bryan ensures that all students have access to equitable learning opportunities. By emphasizing teacher voice, emotional growth, and progress monitoring, he’s helping redefine how success is measured in schools.  Listen to our podcast with Bryan to…
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Superintendent Marie Hanna and Co-Directors of Special Education, Erin Fatafehi and Rekha Manakkal, serve on the administration board at Ohio Connections Academy. Together as a team, they cultivate a flexible virtual learning environment for all needs in a student’s education goals across all disabilities. They are challenging the standard brick and mortar school setting, demonstrating…
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Meagan Drapkin serves as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Dunellen Public Schools. She leads her district with compassion by advocating for an effective prevention program through the implementation of MTSS structures. Through leveraging data collection, building interventionist support systems and integrating community-based resources, she ensures that every child receives the individual support they…
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Dr. Malasia Walker is the Director of Special Education for the William Floyd School District. Drawing on her own school experience and the mentorship that changed her path, she leads with relationships—pairing students with trusted adults, starting early-credit pathways, and meeting learners where they are. Listen to our episode with Dr. Walker to discover how…
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Tiffany Law is the Chief Operating Officer of the Institute for Education Innovation. Inspired by her father, a principal who championed diversity and women’s leadership, she continues his mission of ​​empowering emerging leaders, amplifying their successes, and fostering authentic relationships within and between EdTech organizations and the school systems they serve. Listen to our episode…
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Kelly Carpenter is the Chief Academic Officer Emeritus of Gananda Central School District in Rochester County, NY. She has dedicated her career to personalized learning, implementing equity and inclusion in every child’s education. Inspired by her brother and father, who struggled in traditional school systems, she shifted classrooms from rote memorization toward problem-solving and critical…
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Anthony Lue is a motivational speaker, accessibility consultant, and Paralympic hand-cycling athlete. Drawing from his journey—from standout high-school athlete to paraplegic survivor—he brings expertise in resilience, disability inclusion, and adaptive sport, dedicated to inspiring authentic growth and barrier-free communities. Listen to our episode with Anthony to hear how he turns adversity into advocacy, builds more…
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Maggie Broderick is an associate professor at National University and the faculty lead for social-emotional learning. With expertise in online graduate education, curriculum design, and trauma-sensitive teaching, she is dedicated to fostering inclusive learning environments that support both academic growth and emotional well-being. Listen to our episode with Maggie to hear how she integrates SEL…
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