PODCAST Season 3 EPISODE 3
 
Pam McGorry
C-SPAN's Education Program Senior Specialist
Zach Lowe
C-SPAN's Education Resource Specialist
Quotes of the Podcast:
Pam: “The child's own instincts and powers furnish the material and give the starting point for all education.” John Dewey, philosopher and psychologist
Zach: “If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special.” Jim Valvano, former NC State basketball coach
 
Introduction of Guest BIO –
Pam McGorry was born and raised in Queens, NY. She earned her B.S.Ed. and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Long Island University and then went on to receive a M.S.Ed at the university. After spending several years teaching in the classroom on Long Island, McGorry joined C-SPAN Television Network's Education Relations team in 2010 where she continues to contribute content to the website and connects with educators and students nationwide to share C-SPAN Classroom resources and programs as the Education Program Senior Specialist. McGorry is a member of the National Council for the Social Studies and The WICT Network.
 
A native of Cortland, OH, Zach Lowe is a 2014 graduate of the University of Akron, having studied social studies education. Beginning his teaching career in Sumter, SC, Lowe was named a top-five finalist for South Carolina State Teacher of the Year in 2018, representing the state's 50,000+ public school educators. After spending six years in the classroom, Lowe served as his school's curriculum coach before assuming his current role as the Education Resource Specialist at C-SPAN. At C-SPAN, Lowe uses the network's video coverage of public affairs to design instructional materials for use in classrooms across the country. A National Board Certified Teacher, Lowe also holds an MEd in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina and a PhD in Global Leadership and Change from Tiffin University. Outside of his professional endeavors, Lowe is an avid runner, serves in multiple community-oriented roles in the D.C. area, and is happily married to his husband, Erick.
 
Interview
Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators

•  30,000 Ft. View – Why do we, as a society invest in education?
• What drew you to education?
• StudentCam - https://www.studentcam.org/
• C-SPAN Classroom - https://www.c-span.org/classroom/
• What are the biggest challenges to you?
• What would you like decision-makers to know?​

 
Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P
Intro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST Season 3 EPISODE 1
Dr. Kapono Ciotti 
Quote of the Podcast – 
 Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself. -J. Dewey
Introduction of Guest BIO – 
Kapono Ciotti attributes his educational philosophy to his own schooling experience in a progressive, social-constructivist school during his early years in Honolulu, Hawaii. He taught in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Dakar, Senegal, for over a decade before moving into school leadership. Kapono has led schools in the United States and Egypt, where he put into practice the philosophy of "students making the world a better place," shifting school culture to impact-based education practice. His strong belief in education being an act of social justice drives his work. 
Kapono has worked internationally in educational change organizations, leading the work of Deeper Learning and place and culture-based pedagogy, and he is currently the Executive Director for What School Could Be. In these roles, he has trained teachers in over 100 schools and school districts over four continents, impacting hundreds of thousands of students. In addition, Kapono spent 15 years as National Faculty for the National Association of Independent Schools in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice, facilitating national and international learning experiences. As a curriculum writer, he has authored multiple curricula for federal and non-profit programs. His work has significantly contributed to the organizations What School Could Be, The Buck Institute, EdLeader21, The Pacific American Foundation, and many others. Kapono holds a Ph.D. in International Education Leadership from Northcentral University, a Masters degree in Social Change and Development from the University of Newcastle, and a Bachelors of Language and Culture from the Evergreen State College. He currently lives between Hawaii, Cairo, Egypt, and Dakar Senegal.
Interview
Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators

•  30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?
• What drew you to education?
• Let’s talk about the impact of What School Could Be and its approach to change America's education system
• Tell us about the book "The Landscape Model of Learning" which is an essential guide offers the landscape model and its three elements: understanding what students bring to the ecosystem, defining the horizon, and charting the pathway.
• I hear you are doing a survey – tell me more about it
• What are the biggest challenges to you?
• What would you like decision makers to know?

Podcast/book shoutouts
Landscape Model of Learning book, 
WSCB Distinguished School process
WSCB Podcast 
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 2 EPISODE 16
 
Dr. Lyn Sharratt
 
Quote of the Podcast –
Hope is NOT a strategy in Teaching
 
Introduction of Guest BIO –
Lyn Sharratt is a highly sought-after expert in the field of education. A distinguished practitioner, researcher, author, and presenter, she has dedicated her career to turning cutting-edge research into practical guidance for system and school leaders. With her extensive experience and expertise, she has developed a unique roadmap for education leaders to utilize ongoing assessment to inform instruction and drive equity at all levels of the education system. Lyn has a Social Work undergrad degree from the University of Waterloo; an Education degree from University of Western Ontario; a Masters Degree from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education and a Doctorate in Theory and Policy Studies from University of Toronto, Canada. Her work has been recognized nationally and internationally, and her insights and strategies have transformed countless classrooms, schools, districts, and even entire education systems. Her notable publications include Clarity: What Matters MOST in Learning, Teaching & Leading (Corwin, 2019); Putting Faces on The Data (10th Anniversary Edition, with Dr. Michael Fullan, Corwin, 2022); and is currently writing her seventh book with Dr. John Hattie (Corwin, 2025, in Press).
 
Interview
Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators

•  30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?
• What drew you to education?
• You host a podcast Sustaining System and School Improvement – what made you begin?
• How do you ensure System and School Improvement?
• Tell us about your perspectives on education Internationally?
• Tell me about the Clarity Learning Suite
• What are the biggest challenges to you?
• What would you like decision makers to know?

Podcast/book shoutouts
CLARITY Learning Suite (CLS) 24/7 online Platform - PL for Teachers and Leaders
Sustaining System and School Improvement Podcast
 
Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P at https://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inbox
Intro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

PODCAST Season 2 EPISODE 15
 
Tyler Murphy
Chair of the Fayette County Board of Education
 
Quote of the Podcast:
"Education is not preparation for life, but life itself." - John Dewey
 
Introduction of Guest BIO –
Tyler Murphy serves as Chair of the Fayette County Board of Education. He is a National Board Certified Teacher at Boyle County High School, where he teaches AP U.S. Government, AP World History, and AP Human Geography. Murphy was first elected to the Board in 2018 and is the only current classroom educator on the Board. Murphy coaches Academic Team; serves on the Board of Directors for the National Education Association; and is active in advocacy advancing public education at various levels. He spends his summers as an Associate Campus Director with the Kentucky Governor's Scholars Program. Murphy graduated from Transylvania University in 2010 with a Bachelor's in Political Science and from Morehead State University with a Master of Arts in Teaching.
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 inspired you to run for school board?
• How has your perspective evolved since taking on this role?
• Favorite memory in education?
• What are the biggest challenges to you?
• What would you like decision makers to know?

Podcast/book shoutouts
Book--Democracy Awakening by Heather Cox Richardson
Podcast--A Way with Words
 
Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P at https://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inbox
Intro and Outro by Dynamix Productions
 
 

PODCAST Season 2 EPISODE 14
 
Kiauna Browning Coleman
 
Quote of the Podcast:
"Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed." Maria Montessori
 
Introduction of Guest BIO –
Kiauna Browning Coleman is an educator, coach, and innovator who believes in creating spaces that are safe, comfortable, and conducive to learning and growth in all aspects of life for all people no matter their age. She is a mom of three kids and currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education Instruction & Administration at the University of Kentucky focusing on how systems and structures kill innovation in education. She has experience as a mentor to new and experience teachers and has worked in Fayette County Public Schools since 2012 as a teacher. She is currently also working as a district Deeper Learning Initiative Coach helping to help create change in educational practices in FCPS. She has helped design curriculum frameworks, managed and trained teams of educators, and developed professional development programs. She is also a business owner for Oh, Look... Cookies! which was founded in 2022. In addition to managing the social media presence and operations, she also leads a team of youth entrepreneurs "The Kentucky Kids".
 
Interview
Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators

•  30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?
• What drew you to education?
• Teacher Agency
• Systems and Structures
• What are the biggest challenges to you?
• What would you like decision makers to know?

Podcast/book shoutouts
 
 
Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P at https://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inbox
Intro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

​PODCAST Season 2 EPISODE 13
Claudett Edie
Library Media Specialist, Leestown Middle School
Introduction of Guest BIO – 
Claudett Edie, a former High School English and Science teacher, is not just an educator, but a passionate advocate for Project-Based Learning (PBL). With over a decade of experience in PBL, she brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her role as a Leestown Middle School Library Media Specialist and a member of Fayette County School's Deeper Learning Team. Her primary focus is to support PBL projects and experiences for the students of Leestown Middle, as well as team-teaching, supporting, and coaching teachers as they design PBL experiences in their classrooms. 
Claudett's commitment to deeper learning and PBL is not just a belief but a proven strategy for empowering students. She has seen firsthand how PBL can transform students, equipping them with critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Her approach to creating engaging learning experiences that connect classroom content to real-world issues has not only fostered equity and access to high-quality education for all students but has also made a significant impact on the Leestown Middle School community. Claudett's innovative contributions have not gone unnoticed. Her achievements include being a 2024 PBL Champion Nominee, winning the 2023 PBLWorksKY Innovator Contest, and being Leestown Middle School's 2023 Teacher of the Year. Recently, she accepted a part-time position as a PBLworks National Faculty member, where she will facilitate PBL 101 workshops for educators. 
As a dynamic presenter, Claudett not only facilitates professional development sessions on PBL classroom integration at local, district, and state-wide conferences but also ignites a spark of innovation in every participant. Her master’s degree in Instructional Leadership and Middle School Science and English Education is a testament to her dedication to empowering educators through innovative learning methodologies, leaving a lasting impact on the education landscape.
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 are the biggest challenges to you?
• What would you like decision makers to know?

Podcast/book shoutouts
Shoutouts to CKEC Deeper Learning Amanda Burrows, Erin McIver, Holly Lawrence, and Heather Brown 
PBLWorks workshops provided by the KDE Professional Development Grant 
Current Podcast - The Balance, by Dr. Catlin Tucker 
Books that make me a better teacher: Dive Into Deep Learning: Tools for Engagement First Edition by Joanne Quinn, Joanne J. McEachen, & 3 more 
The Handbook for the New Art and Science of Teaching (Your Guide to the Marzano Framework for Competency-Based Education and Teaching Methods) 
Making Thinking Visible: How to Promote Engagement, Understanding, and Independence for All Learners 1st Edition 
PBL Handbook for Middle & High School by PBLWorks 
The Power of Making Thinking Visible: Practices to Engage and Empower All Learners 
Teaching for Deeper Learning: Tools to Engage Students in Meaning Making 
The Shift to Student-Led: Reimagining Classroom Workflows with UDL and Blended Learning 
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 2 EPISODE 12
 
Alicia Sells
CEO, We Lead CS, Inc
 
Quote of the Podcast –
"Nothing is impossible. The word itself says I'm possible" - Audrey Hepburn
 
Introduction of Guest BIO –
Alicia Sells is the CEO of We Lead CS, Inc. She worked with the Kentucky General Assembly to establish the We Lead CS Virtual Computer Science Career Academy to increase Kentucky’s competitiveness in the tech economy and significantly expand Kentucky’s capacity to prepare high school students for the tech workforce. We Lead CS offers Kentucky high school students a jumpstart on computer science degrees and opportunity to prepare for the workforce with some of America’s leading tech employers. In 2014, Alicia founded iLEAD Academy - Kentucky's first regional high school serving students from five rural counties. iLEAD prepares students for careers in America’s highest demand STEM jobs. More than 75% of iLEAD’s graduates have earned an associate degree in high school and headed out into the world with industry certifications and the skills needed to succeed in the workplace. Alicia is a 36-year public policy veteran. She has served as the Vice President of Government Relations at the University of Louisville and the lead lobbyist for the Kentucky School Boards Association. She was the Press Secretary and Communications Director for the Mayor in Louisville, Kentucky. She is an alum of Stanford University's Design Thinking for Social Systems Fellowship Program and a proud graduate of Western Kentucky University.
 
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 Kentucky should prepare students for the tech workforce.
• How virtual learning can increase access to Career and Technical Education and employers in students' areas of interest.
• What are the biggest challenges to you?
• What would you like decision makers to know?

 
Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P at https://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inbox
Intro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

​PODCAST Season 2 EPISODE 11
 
Robert Earl Gunn
Metro United Way
 
Quotes of the Podcast –
1. Until lions have historians, hunters will never cease to be heroes.
2. I'd rather be hated for who I am than loved for who I am not.
 
Introduction of Guest BIO –
Robert Earl Gunn Jr. was born in South Bend, Indiana and has served the community for the past two decades. He is married to Dr. Lacey Gunn and has two wonderful children. Robert graduated college from Earlham College and joined Teach for America in 2002 where he began his teaching career in St. Louis, Missouri. During his time in education, he served as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, and founding principal of the W.E.B. DuBois Academy in Louisville, KY. Currently, he serves as Chief Equity and Impact Officer at Metro United Way where he leads transformative work across the greater Louisville region. In his new role, he works to provide solutions to root cause challenges that have led to disparate outcomes that negatively impact members of our community. The goal is to ensure our community has thriving kids, strong households, and an equitable community.
 
Interview
Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators

• 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?
• Tell us about your education journey
• What drew you to moving to Metro United Way?
• As you moved from education to non-profit, how has your perspective changed on what we need to provide students?
• What do you love about what you do?
• Tell us a story or favorite memory about your work?
• What are the biggest challenges to you?
• What would you like decision makers to know?

Podcast/book shoutouts
Follow the work of Metro United Way (locally) and United Way's across the country and worldwide for ways to Give, Volunteer, and Advocate.

PODCAST Season 2  EPISODE 10
 
Luisa Sanchez
KSVT – Kentucky Student Voice Team
 
Quotes of the Podcast –
"Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our Nation.” -JFK 1961
 
Introduction of Guest BIO –
Luisa Sanchez is a current Sophomore at Boyle County High School and a member of the Kentucky Student Voice Team.  She has been active in the Rose Campaign since it began in hopes of advancing educational justice efforts in our commonwealth.
 
Interview
Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators

•  30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?
• What drew you to the KSVT?
• Rose Revival Campaign
• Harvard Presentation
• What do you love about what you do?
• Tell us a story or favorite memory about your work?
• What are the biggest challenges to you?
• What would you like decision makers to know?

Podcast/book shoutouts
 
KSVT Podcast: Get Schooled https://www.ksvt.org/podcast
 
Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P at https://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inbox
Intro and Outro by Dynamix Productions
PODCAST Season 2 EPISODE 10
 
Luisa Sanchez
KSVT – Kentucky Student Voice Team
 
Quotes of the Podcast –
"Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our Nation.” -JFK 1961
 
 
Introduction of Guest BIO –
Luisa Sanchez is a current Sophomore at Boyle County High School and a member of the Kentucky Student Voice Team.  She has been active in the Rose Campaign since it began in hopes of advancing educational justice efforts in our commonwealth.
 
Interview
Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators

•  30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?
• What drew you to the KSVT?
• Rose Revival Campaign
• Harvard Presentation
• What do you love about what you do?
• Tell us a story or favorite memory about your work?
• What are the biggest challenges to you?
• What would you like decision makers to know?

Podcast/book shoutouts
 
KSVT Podcast: Get Schooled https://www.ksvt.org/podcast
 
Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P at https://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inbox
Intro and Outro by Dynamix Productions