Mark Sparvell
Director Of Education, Microsoft
Author: Good Brain Bad Brain
Quotes of the Podcast: Schools are places where society is created and recreated, so, it follows, teachers are the architects of that preferred future.
Introduction of Guest BIO – 
Mark Sparvell is a global award wining educator and leader, currently a Director of Marketing at Microsoft, specializing in education. He leads strategy, messaging, and customer storytelling across AI, data, and cloud solutions, partnering with K‑12 and higher education leaders globally to drive meaningful, responsible digital transformation
Interview
Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators.

• 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?
• What drew you to education?
• EI
• AI
• What are the biggest challenges to you?
• What would you like decision makers to know?”

Podcast/ website/ book shoutouts
My Superspeaks podcast http://aka.ms/superspeakspodcast 
Buy my book http://bit.ly/goodbrainbadbrain Book a keynote http://marksparvell.com
Explore education stories http://aka.ms/educustomerstories
Explore education videos http://aka.ms/educustomervideos 
Try Reading Coach http://coach.microsoft.com
 
Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P
Intro and Outro by Dynamix Productions
Support the show
Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inbox
Intro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST Season 6 EPISODE 9
Patty McGee
Author, Educator, and Consultant 
Quotes of the Podcast: That is a wildly difficult question for a literacy person. So, I have narrowed it down to my favorite quote from the last book I read. “And when you open your heart to rewilding a landscape, the truth is, you’re opening your heart to rewilding yourself.” Once We Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy
Introduction of Guest BIO – 
 Patty McGee is a nationally recognized literacy consultant, speaker, and educator passionate about transforming classrooms into spaces where language and learning come alive. With decades of experience as a teacher, coach, and advocate for delightful literacy practices, Patty has worked alongside educators across the country, partnering to unlock the full potential of their students through innovative and practical teaching strategies. Not Your Granny’s Grammar is her third book. Connect with Patty at www.pattymcgee.org
Interview
Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators 

• 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?
• What drew you to education?
• A whole new approach to grammar instruction
• What are the biggest challenges to you?
• What would you like decision makers to know?”

Podcast/ website/ book shoutouts
Not Your Granny’s Grammar
 
Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P
Intro and Outro by Dynamix Productions
​

Amanda "Mandy" Ralston
Founder of NonBinary Solutions & CEO of KidsChoice Therapy
Quotes of the Podcast: “Wisdom is like frequent-flyer miles and scar tissue; if it does accumulate, that happens by accident while you're trying to do something else.” Barbara Kingsolver 
Introduction of Guest BIO – 
Amanda “Mandy” Ralston, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, is a CEO, behavior analyst, and serial founder with more than 25 years of experience at the intersection of autism services, applied behavior analysis, and technology-driven innovation. She currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of KidsChoice Therapy, leading multi-site pediatric therapy and autism service operations with a focus on clinical excellence, scalable systems, and equity-centered care. Known for her signature nonbinary thinking framework, Ralston speaks nationally on compassionate care, cognitive flexibility, and the future of behavioral health, bringing a pragmatic yet creative voice to conversations about ethics, outcomes, and neurodiversity-affirming practice.
Interview
Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators.
 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?

• What drew you to education?
• How nonbinary thinking can help educators move beyond “compliant vs. noncompliant” and really understand student behavior in context. 
• What truly neurodiversity-affirming classrooms look like and how schools, families, and clinicians can partner so kids don’t have to be three different people in three different settings. 
• Using nonbinary thinking to rethink “behavior problems” in schools  
• What neurodiversity-affirming practice actually looks like in real classrooms  
• How schools, families, and clinicians can work together instead of in silos 
• How we move past binaries like “good/bad kid” or “compliant/noncompliant” and into more flexible, compassionate ways of understanding behavior. That ties into neurodiversity-affirming classrooms and better partnerships between educators, families, and therapy providers.
• What are the biggest challenges to you?
• What would you like decision makers to know?”

Podcast/ website/ book shoutouts
Thanks to Dr. Karly Kordvoa and the RBT Textbook that I was recently asked to contribute to. We also just talked about it on her podcast podcast The Grey Area.
 
Dr. Genevieve Leonard Series by Estelle Ryan


Support the show
Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inbox
Intro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

David Cook
Lead Strategist, Learning Ecosystems Design Consulting
Quotes of the Podcast: "The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn." — Alvin Toffler
Introduction of Guest BIO – 
With three decades working with schools, school systems, regional and state agencies and national education organizations David Cook, Principal Strategist at Learning Ecosystems Design, is an expert on what it takes to make change happen in education systems. David is a nationally respected voice in the transformation conversation. He retired in 2024 from the state agency level after 27 years at the Kentucky Department of Education, the last 15 as Director of Innovative Learning. During his tenure he has:
· Oversaw a statewide initiative to shift assessment, accountability and the credentialing of learning from a one size fits all state level approach, to one where communities design Local Accountability Models that measure the competencies found in a Portrait of a Learner/Graduate and provide a public facing dashboard for those local indicators. (2021-2024).  
·   Directed Kentucky's development of a competency-based education system including the initial efforts in developing a Portrait of a Learner
· Co-authored and implemented the first district level innovation zone program in the country, Kentucky's Districts of Innovation Program (2013). 
· Designed and implemented the longest continuously operating statewide remote learning system in the country, Kentucky's Non-Traditional Instruction Program (2011).
· Authored Kentucky's award-winning Education Recovery Program (2010).
· Has authored and co-authored numerous pieces of legislation and Kentucky Board of Education administrative regulation. 
Interview
Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators.

• 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?
• What drew you to education?
• The Driving Test,
• The Need for A NEW Education System
• The AI Telescope
• What are the biggest challenges to you?
• What would you like decision makers to know?”

Podcast/ website/ book shoutouts
What School Could Be - Dintersmith
The End of Average - Rose
Support the show
Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inbox
Intro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

​Bradley Scheel 
Imagination Project
Quotes of the Podcast: 
All failures of the future will be failures of the imagination. 
Introduction of Guest BIO – 
Wylde Scott is a Sultan, Matador, and Knight through and through, who has lived in Shanghai, Bangkok, and Timbuktu and still keeps a house on the bright side of the moon… When not living in his imagination, Wylde is an award-winning children’s author and founder of The Imagination Project and Wylde Scott Entertainment. In addition to dreaming up fantastic tales for young readers, Wylde spends his time in elementary schools, bookstores, and libraries creating fun-filled events for children, parents, and teachers alike. His mission is to ignite imaginations worldwide and empower children with the mindset that anything is possible. On his YouTube channel for kids, Wylde is committed to creating safe, educational, and exciting content for young children based on imagination and play. His many years spent studying storytelling, the imagination, and creativity, combined with his extensive experience applying those lessons in live environments, are the foundations of this book.
Interview
Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators. 

• 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?
• What drew you to education?
• Why is Imagination the most important skill for the age of Artificial Intelligence. 
• Imagination is not a mystery. It is a very buildable skill set everyone can utilize. - we just need time and attention. Our current scaffolding for education will not work in the 21st Century. We must adjust to meet the circumstance. Those who don't will be left behind. 
• We can reframe and rework education so that both Children AND teachers come to school excited, energized and ready to learn and build. 
• Should we have AI in Education? 
• Why are the years of 5-10 so important to develop these skills? 
• What should a typical day look like for a developing child?
• What are the biggest challenges to you?
• What would you like decision makers to know?”

Podcast/ website/ book shoutouts
Jonathan Haidt's book The Anxious Generation is the first to seriously discuss what technology is doing to our youth. 
Biggest Fan of Sir Ken Robinson- can't believe twenty years later little has changed.
Support the show
Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inbox
Intro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

Michael Crawford
VP of Strategic Initiatives, America Succeeds
Quotes of the Podcast: "We know more than we can tell" - Michael Polanyi
Introduction of Guest BIO – 
Michael Crawford is the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at America Succeeds, where he leads efforts to advance durable skills. Prior to this role, Michael held positions in research, strategy, and partnerships at organizations including VELA, WGU, Real World Scholars, and the Kauffman Foundation. He is a frequent speaker, mentor, and facilitator on topics like human development, entrepreneurship, and the future of learning. Michael holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan, an MS in Sport Psychology from Michigan State University, and a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Kansas. Outside of work, he enjoys time with loved ones, traveling, and reading voraciously across a wide range of topics.
Interview
Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators.

• 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?
• What drew you to education?
• Speaker on the Future of Learning
• Durable skills  - Pathsmith
• implications of AI on Durable Skills 
• Research Practice Collaborative [high school research])
• What are the biggest challenges to you?
• What would you like decision makers to know?” 

Podcast/ website/ book shoutouts
(podcast) 'Your Undivided Attention' by The Center for Humane Technology

Support the show
Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inbox
Intro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

​Jessica Hiler, VP, Kentucky Education Association
Quote of the Podcast: 
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not" -The Lorax, Dr. Seuss
Introduction of Guest BIO – 
Taught Kindergarten at Deep Springs Elementary in Fayette County from 1999 - 2010. Served as the President of the Fayette County Education Association from 2010 - 2025. Began the term as the Vice President of Kentucky Education Association in June of 2025. Was appointed to the Early Childhood Task Force in 2008 by Governor Steve Beshear.
Interview
Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators. 

• 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?
• What drew you to education?
• Upcoming 2026 Legislative session and need for additional funding for public schools.
• What are the biggest challenges to you?
• What would you like decision makers to know?”

Support the show
Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inbox
Intro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

Angelo Biasi
Introduction of Guest BIO – 
Angelo Biasi is a senior level business executive and transformational leader with a strong track record of developing high-growth, innovative, lifelong learning businesses, and initiatives. His proven ability to disrupt, create, and execute on successful GoTo Market - through to exit – strategies, plans and processes has involved operations, fundraising, product management, business development, human capital, market positioning and segmentation, lead generation and revenue / profitability growth. Mr. Biasi is a motivational manager / coach and influential member of high-performing executive leadership teams.
 
Over the past fifteen years, Angelo has acted on a passion to transform education at a global scale and his experience in starting and leading high tech, mobile, and media businesses, to pioneer award-winning integrated education solutions that have changed the way we teach and learn. This led to a recent exit for MassiveU, Inc. a company he founded in 2013.
 
 As a lifelong learner, recently completing an MIT Sloan leadership program and executive ScalingUp coaching certification, Angelo continues to seek and implement the most advanced and effective tools, processes and methodologies necessary for high-velocity, people-centric growth, transformation, and shareholder return.
Interview
Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators.

• 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?
• What drew you to education?
• What do you love about what you do?
• Tell us about your journey in tech and education
• What are the biggest challenges to you?
• What would you like decision makers to know?”

Support the show
Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inbox
Intro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

Dr. Brian Creasman
Superintendent and author
Flemming County Schools
 
Quotes of the Podcast:
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” — Robert Frost.
 
Introduction of Guest BIO –
Brian K. Creasman, Ed.D., currently serves as Superintendent of Fleming County Schools in Kentucky, a position he has held since 2014. As the recipient of the 2020 Kentucky Superintendent of the Year award, Dr. Creasman proudly proclaims on his social media accounts that he has "the best job in Kentucky," reflecting his deep passion for education and leadership.
 
Dr. Creasman brings a diverse and extensive background in education, spanning rural, suburban, and urban settings. Throughout his career, he has served in various roles, including assistant superintendent, high school and middle school principal, assistant principal, instructional technologist, and classroom teacher. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Creasman is a respected author, contributing to several notable publications: - "The Leader Within: Understanding and Empowering Teacher Leaders" - "Growing Leaders Within: A Process toward Teacher Leadership" - "Can Every School Succeed? Bending Constructs to Transform an American Icon" - "ConnectED Leaders: Network and Amplify Your Superintendency" - "Maximum Impact: Boards of Education and Superintendents Communicating as a Team" - "Prioritizing Health and Well-being: Self-care As a Leadership Strategy for School Leaders"
 
Dr. Creasman is frequently sought after to contribute his expertise to articles, books, and blogs within the field of education. His weekly blog, "Measures of Quality," is widely read by educators, principals, practitioners, researchers, and educational leaders worldwide. This blog is dedicated to exploring next-generation accountability models, specifically local accountability, demonstrating his commitment to advancing education through innovative and effective practices.
Interview
Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators.
 

• 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?
• What drew you to education?
• Your journey in Local Accountability
• What are the biggest challenges to you?
• What would you like decision makers to know?”

 
Podcast/ website/ book shoutouts
Author of multiple books, including “Can Every School Succeed?” Author page
Measures of Quality LinkedIn Newsletter
​

PODCAST Season 6 EPISODE 1
 
Dr. Beth Rabbitt and Virgil Hammonds
Fullscale Learning

Quote of the Podcast:
 
If you come upon a wall, throw your hat over it and go get your hat.
 
Introduction of Guest BIO –
Virgel Hammonds, a nationally recognized leader in education innovation, joined the Aurora Institute as CEO in 2024 with over two decades of experience working alongside young people, educators, communities, districts, and policymakers as they endeavor to become more learner-centered. Having most recently served as Chief Learning Officer at KnowledgeWorks, Virgel has forged partnerships with national policymakers and local learning communities across the country to redesign learning systems to become more learner-centered. Prior to his time at KnowledgeWorks, Virgel served as superintendent of the RSU 2 school district in Maine, where he collaborated with five communities to develop and implement a curriculum designed to ensure mastery of standards by all students. Before serving as superintendent, Virgel was a high school principal at Lindsay Unified School District in California. There, Virgel helped implement a personalized learning model where learners didn’t earn letter grades, but rather are awarded mastery for subjects in which they’ve proven to be proficient.
Currently, Virgel also serves on the PBLWorks Board, the Learner-Centered Collaborative Board, and Jobs for Maine Graduates Executive Board. Additionally, he is Board Chair Emeritus of the Aurora Institute and a former member of the CompetencyWorks Advisory Board. 
Virgel holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and a Master of Education from Fresno Pacific University.
Beth Rabbitt is Chief Executive Officer of The Learning Accelerator (TLA). She is a nationally recognized expert in education innovation and improvement, with over 20 years of experience in the K-12 nonprofit, philanthropic, and private sectors. 
Prior to becoming CEO in 2016, Beth was a Partner on TLA’s start-up team, leading the organization’s work to develop educator training systems and research on emerging teaching and learning models and practices. She also was a Doctoral Resident and Director of Human Capital at a start-up school system in Newark, NJ, an Associate Partner at the NewSchools Venture Fund, a consultant to and with Education Resource Strategies, and the founding Doctoral Fellow at the Harvard Innovation Lab. 
Beth is a Pahara-Aspen Education Fellow and serves on the board of several nonprofits, including Catalyst:Ed, GiveThx, and Portland Parks Conservancy. She earned a B.A. from Dartmouth College and a doctorate (Ed.L.D.) from Harvard University, where she was an inaugural cohort member in the University’s Doctor of Education Leadership program. 
Beth is based in Portland, Maine, where she lives with her husband and two daughters. As a parent and educator, she is inspired daily and urgently to create school experiences that better meet the needs of every child, everywhere.

​Interview
Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators.
 

• 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?
• What drew you to education?
• Merger to Full Scale
• Multiple Ps Policy, Practice, Progress, People.
• Time as a resource
• Building community to change togehter
• What are the biggest challenges to you?
• What would you like decision makers to know?”

 
Podcast/ website/ book shoutouts
 
Fixable- Podcast
https://symposium2025.fullscalelearning.org/
 
Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P
Intro and Outro by Dynamix Productions