Value Laden: Conversations with Educational Leaders Punya Mishra

Glen Lineberry, principal of Miami Junior-Senior High School in rural Arizona and Director of the Arizona Student Opportunity Collaborative, discusses the power of curiosity, knowledge, and persistence with Punya Mishra. Lineberry shares how he made a career change to enter teaching and talks about his efforts to ensure that his students have exposure and access to ideas and opportunities that will enable them to be open-minded and curious.

Dr. Pam Moran, former Superintendent of Albemarle County Schools in Virginia, discusses with Punya Mishra the early influences in her personal and professional life, her career path into teaching and administration, and her perspectives on how to build schools and school systems that encourage creativity and risk-taking in their educators and students. Through her storytelling, she imparts powerful lessons and perspective on bringing about transformational change.

Dr. Gerald Fussell, principal of Lake Trail Community Middle School in British Columbia, Canada, has a conversation with Punya Mishra on the influences that brought him into teaching and public school administration. Fussell discusses his efforts to challenge the status quo in education by advocating for students and seeking ways to change the system to better serve them.

Dr. Sonya Gunnings-Moton, associate dean of support services and engagement at Michigan State University, joins Punya Mishra to discuss her personal and professional journey and her work in urban education and teacher preparation. Gunnings-Moton talks about her early years and explains her trajectory from psychology into education, as well how the circumstances of racial discrimination, sense of community and a dedicated spirit have pushed her to serve the underserved.

Education leader, speaker and activist Jeewan Chanicka explores with Punya Mishra his perspectives on equity and identity in relation to schools, education systems, and the role of education leaders. Chanicka discusses how his personal experiences have shaped his beliefs and career path, and shares how he has worked to bring equity and equitable education outcomes to the forefront of schooling through ongoing activism and community engagement.

Karen Bohlin, head of the Montrose School, an independent girls school in Massachusetts, talks with Punya Mishra about her views on the role that schools and education should play in fostering human flourishing and developing practical wisdom in students and educators. Bohlin explores the past influences in her life and her career path, as well as the power of literature to help us understand character.