Achieving Joy and Mastery in Public Schools

Dr. Brian Graham
  • 4.2 (10)
  • Education
  • Weekly

This podcast is designed to celebrate all that is good in Public Education around Western New York. We will be featuring programs and innovative ideas that inspire and influence our students, faculty, staff and community in new and exciting ways.

  1. 4d ago

    Brian Cohen - Vice President Center for Digital Education

    What can decades of digital transformation teach us about leading schools in the age of artificial intelligence? In this episode of Achieving Joy and Mastery in Public Schools, Dr. Brian Graham welcomes Brian Cohen, Vice President of the Center for Digital Education, former Vice Chancellor and University CIO for the City University of New York, and President of the Marlboro Board of Education. Drawing on a career spanning technology, public service, and educational governance, Brian offers a practical perspective on turning technological possibility into meaningful opportunities for students. Before joining the Center for Digital Education, Brian spent three decades in technology leadership with New York City and CUNY. His experience includes helping develop the city’s e-government strategy and nyc.gov website, navigating the Y2K transition, and leading technology strategy across one of the nation’s largest university systems. Building on their recent participation in the Center for Digital Education K–12 Leadership Summit in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Brian and Dr. Graham explore why effective AI adoption begins with a clear educational purpose, strong infrastructure, and thoughtful leadership. They discuss the potential for more personalized and differentiated learning, the importance of equity and teacher judgment, and the responsibility of school boards and district leaders to guide these changes. Throughout the conversation, one question takes center stage: How can technology give teachers greater capacity and help them better recognize and respond to each learner’s strengths and needs? Find us on Twitter @NiagaraErie Or visit our website E-NSSA.org

  2. Oct 22

    From Ideas to Impact: Vibe Coding and the AI-Ready School District with Kris Hagel

    What if schools could build the tools they need, and give educators more time for the work they love? In this episode of Achieving Joy and Mastery in Public Schools, Dr. Brian Graham welcomes Kris Hagel, Chief Information Officer of Peninsula School District in Gig Harbor, Washington, for a conversation about turning AI’s possibilities into practical solutions for schools. Kris explains “vibe coding”—using AI to help develop software through everyday language—and explores how districts can design tools around the needs of their educators and students. We discuss identifying problems worth solving, the potential to reduce software subscription costs, and what leaders need to consider when accounting for development, testing, and ongoing maintenance. The conversation also explores LessonLens, teacher feedback, and how Universal Design for Learning can guide the creation of more inclusive tools. Throughout, we return to the leadership decisions that make innovation meaningful: protecting sensitive information, building staff trust, supporting thoughtful experimentation, and keeping human expertise central. Whether you’re a superintendent, technology leader, teacher, or simply curious about AI in education, this episode offers an accessible starting point for moving from “Could we build that?” to “Would this make school better?” Consider visiting the website Kris and his team built: https://psd401.ai/ Connect with E-NSSA: Follow @NiagaraErie on X or visit e-nssa.com. Find us on Twitter @NiagaraErie Or visit our website E-NSSA.org

  3. Oct 20

    Jeff Rabey and Jon MacSwan - "Let the Horses Run"

    What happens when school leaders retire from the superintendency but keep answering the call to serve? In this episode of Achieving Joy and Mastery in Public Schools, Dr. Brian Graham welcomes Jon MacSwan and Dr. Jeffrey Rabey, two respected Western New York educators whose next chapters are helping shape the next generation of school leadership. Apparently, neither received the memo about slowing down. Jon, former Superintendent of the Cleveland Hill Union Free School District, now serves as interim principal at Hamburg High School and directs Buffalo State University’s Aspiring Superintendents Program. Jeff, former Superintendent of the Lake Shore and Depew school districts, continues his service as Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Educational Leadership Program at SUNY Fredonia, Director of Programming for the Western New York Educational Service Council, and an educational consultant. Together, we explore how their perspectives have evolved since leaving the superintendent’s chair, what aspiring leaders may underestimate about the role, and why relationships, judgment, humility, and emotional intelligence matter so deeply. Our conversation considers the difference between being qualified for leadership and being ready for its responsibilities—and the lessons that emerge when experienced leaders reflect, “If I knew then what I know now…” Whether you are considering school leadership, serving in the superintendency, or imagining your own next chapter, this episode invites you to consider how experience can become a gift to others. Jon and Jeff remind us that the joy of public education can continue through mentoring, teaching, and helping someone else succeed. Learn more about the Erie-Niagara School Superintendents Association at e-nssa.com and follow us on X/Twitter @NiagaraErie. Find us on Twitter @NiagaraErie Or visit our website E-NSSA.org

  4. Oct 8

    Beyond the Newsletter: How Superintendent Stanley Wojton is Building Trust Through Communication

    How do school superintendents cut through the noise, reach diverse audiences, and build meaningful connections with their communities? In this episode of Achieving Joy and Mastery in Public Schools, Dr. Brian Graham visits the Niagara Falls City School District for a conversation with newly appointed Superintendent Stanley L. Wojton about one of the most essential responsibilities of educational leadership: effective communication. Having assumed the superintendency on July 1, 2026, Stan brings a unique perspective to his new role. A graduate of Niagara Falls schools, a longtime district educator and administrator, and a parent of children attending the district, he is now leading the very school community that helped shape his life. Together, Brian and Stan explore why today's superintendents must go beyond traditional communication methods to connect authentically with families, staff, students, and community members. From newsletters and editorials to automated phone calls, Facebook videos, and the district's Wolverine Podcast, Stan shares his vision for using multiple platforms to tell the district's story and strengthen community relationships. The conversation also explores the importance of developing an authentic leadership voice, communicating during challenging situations, balancing speed with accuracy, and ensuring that communication is a two-way conversation rather than simply a broadcast. Whether you're a superintendent, principal, aspiring school leader, or community member, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how intentional communication can build trust, strengthen relationships, and bring school communities closer together. Because great school leadership isn't just about making decisions. It's about helping people understand, connect with, and believe in the work we do together. 🎧 Subscribe to Achieving Joy and Mastery in Public Schools on Spotify. Follow the Erie-Niagara School Superintendents Association on X (Twitter) @NiagaraErie or visit E-NSSA.org. Find us on Twitter @NiagaraErie Or visit our website E-NSSA.org

  5. Sep 28

    NYSCOSS Ignite Speakers: The Human Behind the Superintendent Title: Leading with Heart, Courage, and Purpose

    What does it take to lead with your whole heart without losing yourself in the work? In this episode of Achieving Joy and Mastery in Public Schools, Dr. Brian Graham welcomes three Ignite keynote speakers from the 2026 NYSCOSS Fall Leadership Summit for a personal conversation about humanity, courage, and purpose in school leadership. Larry J. Leaven, District Superintendent of Nassau BOCES, explores the message behind When Leadership Breaks: Choosing Humanity Over Position. Through experiences of public scrutiny, loss, and unexpected challenges, he considers what resilience really means and why a leader’s identity must extend beyond a professional title. Nerlande Anselme, Superintendent of the Rome City School District, shares the inspiration behind Be the Remedy: Leading with Impact, Heart, and Courage. Drawing on her journey from humble beginnings in Haiti to district leadership, she explores how adversity can prepare us to become a source of hope for students, families, and colleagues. Dr. David Mauricio, Superintendent of the Peekskill City School District, brings his perspective on Finding Balance in Your Purpose. His message examines the tension between serving a school community and being present for family, alongside a deeply personal commitment to ensuring every child feels seen, valued, and included. Together, we explore vulnerability, trust, boundaries, and the support leaders need when the responsibilities become heavy. How do we stay committed to the work while protecting the relationships and purpose that sustain us? Join us for a conversation about the human behind the title and the choices that help us keep leading with care. Find us on Twitter @NiagaraErie Or visit our website E-NSSA.org

  6. Sep 22

    Retired from the Role, Not the Mission: Mark Laurrie on Life After the Superintendency

    Mark Laurrie concluded a remarkable 42-year career in Niagara Falls, where he served as a teacher, school administrator, principal, central office leader, deputy superintendent, and ultimately superintendent. His career reflects a deep connection to the students, families, educators, and community of Niagara Falls. Our conversation looks beyond retirement itself and considers the idea of continued service after the superintendency. Experienced educational leaders carry decades of knowledge about relationships, governance, teaching and learning, community engagement, crisis management, and the very human demands of leadership.  Find us on Twitter @NiagaraErie Or visit our website E-NSSA.org

  7. Sep 2

    NY Inspires - Dr. Jonah Schenker, District Superintendent of Ulster BOCES

    In this episode of Achieving Joy and Mastery in Public Schools, I sit down with Dr. Jonah Schenker, District Superintendent of Ulster BOCES and host of Leading for Deeper Learning, for a timely conversation about the future of public education in New York State. At the center of our discussion is NY Inspires, New York State’s multi-year effort to rethink what it means for students to graduate truly prepared for their futures. Jonah helps unpack the major shifts ahead, including the development of a statewide Portrait of a Graduate, new approaches to credits and learning experiences, changes to diploma assessment requirements, and the movement toward a single New York State diploma. But this conversation goes well beyond policy. Jonah shares why meaningful transformation must be human-centered, placing students, families, educators, belonging, and access at the center of the design process. We explore the NY Inspires Playbook developed by Ulster BOCES, a practical resource designed to help school communities move from conversations about change to the actual work of redesigning teaching and learning. We also discuss the power of student voice, the challenge of leading through ambiguity, the resistance that often accompanies meaningful change, and why simply layering innovation on top of outdated systems will never be enough. As Jonah reminds us, policy alone does not transform schools. People do. Whether you are a superintendent, principal, teacher, board member, or anyone interested in the future of public education, this episode offers both inspiration and practical ideas for moving from vision to action. To learn more or to access the "Playbook" follow this link: https://www.ulsterboces.org/educator-edge-home/consulting-for-program-development-support/playbooks Follow us on X/Twitter: @NiagaraErie Learn more about the Erie-Niagara School Superintendents Association at E-NSSA.org. Find us on Twitter @NiagaraErie Or visit our website E-NSSA.org

  8. Aug 21

    Transforming Early Literacy Skills: The Center for Early Literacy and Responsible AI

    When we first sat down with the Center for Early Literacy and Responsible AI (CELaRAI), the IES-funded national center at the University at Buffalo was just launching. In this episode, I return to campus to pick up the story and see how far the work has come — and where it heads next. I speak with Dr. X. Christine Wang, Professor of Early Education and Learning Sciences at UB, Senior Associate Dean for Research at the Graduate School of Education, Director of the Fisher-Price Endowed Early Childhood Research Center, and Principal Investigator for CELaRAI. Dr. Wang leads a team of ten co-principal investigators across six institutions — UB, Stanford, UCLA, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Michigan State, and East Carolina University — all united around a single conviction: that learning to read is a right, not a luxury. Her vision for the AI Reading Enhancer (AIRE) treats artificial intelligence as a partner to teachers, never a replacement, designed to give every K–2 child personalized, culturally responsive reading support during independent reading time. I am also joined again by Dr. Kristen Smigielski, Project Manager for CELaRAI, whose work is grounded in inclusive education, teacher preparation, and social justice. A former kindergarten teacher and certified music educator from Western New York, Dr. Smigielski brings the classroom into every conversation about AIRE — reminding us that behind every design decision is a real teacher giving 110 percent and wishing for one more set of hands. She connects the center's research directly to what teachers need to feel empowered rather than overwhelmed. Together, we look at what the team learned during its foundational year of listening to teachers, observing classrooms, and reviewing responsible-AI policy, and where the work heads next as AIRE moves from prototype toward classroom study. This is a story about Western New York leading the nation — and about keeping students and teachers at the center of everything AI can become in early literacy. Learn more at https://earlyliteracyai.org/ Find us on Twitter @NiagaraErie Or visit our website E-NSSA.org

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This podcast is designed to celebrate all that is good in Public Education around Western New York. We will be featuring programs and innovative ideas that inspire and influence our students, faculty, staff and community in new and exciting ways.

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