Education Influencers

Dr. Carla Sparks

This show features individuals who are influencing education through thought leadership and hard work. They are making strides toward improving educational experiences and outcomes for all students and all teachers.

  1. 1d ago

    Dr. Dina Metova on Collaborative School Leadership and Building an A-Rated School Culture

    Today on Education Influencers, Dr. Carla Sparks interviews Dr. Dina Metova, assistant principal at Citrus Elementary (Orange County Public Schools, Florida) and adjunct professor at National Louis University. Dr. Medeva shares how earning an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership expanded her platform to mentor doctoral students, present research, and connect leadership theory to daily school practice. She explains her relationship-centered approach to influence, focusing on teacher empowerment, student impact, and building trust. Dr. Medeva highlights key school improvements under collaborative leadership, including Citrus Elementary earning its first A grade in 13 years, strengthening MTSS, increasing teacher retention, expanding teacher leadership, boosting family engagement, and implementing student-led data conversations. She describes balancing K–12 administration with higher education teaching and offers tips for educators: keep learning, build relationships, share work, and lead through service to students and teachers. Episode Highlights:00:00 Welcome to the Podcast00:40 Meet Dr Dina Medeva03:01 Doctorate Doors Opened05:05 Research What Matters06:51 Influence Through Relationships09:26 Daily Impact and Teacher Leaders12:01 Transforming School Culture15:43 Balancing K12 and Higher Ed20:51 More Contributions and Research23:15 Servant Leadership Mindset26:56 Five Tips for Change Makers32:16 Closing Thanks and Takeaways #EducationalLeadership #SchoolLeadership #TeacherRetention #SchoolCulture #MTSS #K12Education #ElementaryEducation #InstructionalLeadership #TeacherEmpowerment #StudentAchievement #FamilyEngagement #StudentLeadership #DoctoralEducation #EdD #HigherEducation #AdjunctProfessor #LeadershipDevelopment #ProfessionalLearning #EducationResearch #SchoolImprovement #EquityInEducation #CollaborativeLeadership #ServantLeadership #EducationPodcast #NationalLouisUniversity

  2. Jul 16

    Dr. Dan Evans on Remarkable Learning, Academic Confidence, and High-Impact Instructional Levers

    Today on Education Influencers, Dr. Carla Sparks interviews Dr. Dan Evans, author, trainer, and former Principal of the Year and Chief Academic Officer in Pinellas County, Florida, known for leading instructional change that produced the district’s highest achievement scores in reading, math, and science. Dr. Evans discusses his upcoming book, Remarkable Learning: A Guide for Building Creative and Confident Kids (releasing in September), which focuses on evidence-based “levers” that build academic confidence and self-efficacy so struggling students reach grade-level proficiency.  He highlights academic discussion and strong questioning as high-yield strategies and explains “force multipliers” as the most impactful instructional moves. Evans describes narrowing focus, tightly designing curriculum, and pairing explicit instruction with applied, experiential learning (including STEM) as keys to rapid improvement. The book is available for preorder via Bloomsbury, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.  Episode Highlights: 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast 00:40 Meet Dr Dan Evans 02:05 How Dan Influences Schools 03:11 New Book Sneak Peek 04:42 Building Academic Confidence 07:37 High Impact Discussion Strategy 09:22 Force Multipliers Explained 11:33 Preorder and Where to Buy 12:32 District Leadership Wins 14:13 Applied Learning and STEM 15:46 Principalship and Turnaround Work 18:09 Find Dan Online 18:50 Advice for Change Makers 22:20 Closing Thanks and Wrap Up  #EducationInfluencers #DrDanEvans #DrCarlaSparks #EducationPodcast #InstructionalLeadership #EducationalReform #TeacherProfessionalDevelopment #AcademicConfidence #StudentSelfEfficacy #StrugglingLearners #GradeLevelProficiency #HighImpactTeaching #EvidenceBasedInstruction #ClassroomStrategies #AcademicDiscussion #EffectiveQuestioning #CurriculumDesign #LessonPlanning #SchoolTurnaround #PrincipalLeadership #ChiefAcademicOfficer #AppliedLearning #ExperientialLearning #STEMEducation #RemarkableLearning

  3. Jun 25

    Service Learning in K–12: Dr. Kristy Verdi on IPARD, Teacher Preparation, and Community Impact

    Today on Education Influencers, Dr. Carla Sparks interviews Dr. Kristy Verdi about K–12 service learning and how it differs from collegiate service learning. Dr. Verdi, a former high school social studies teacher who discovered service learning in 1999, founded Learn and Serve Tampa Inc. in 2020 to train and support teachers; the organization has supported projects in over 35 Tampa Bay schools, including park cleanups, donations for people and pets, facility enhancements, environmental protection, and community honor events.  She explains the IPARD framework (investigation, planning/preparation, action, reflection, demonstration/celebration) and quality standards such as reciprocity, and discusses how service learning aligns with project-based learning through reflection, action, and sharing results with decision-makers. Verdi advocates embedding service learning into teacher preparation through instructional methods courses, developing a module, and leveraging organizations like the National Youth Leadership Council and related conferences and journals. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast 00:30 Meet Dr Kristy Verdi 03:07 Service Learning Defined 05:03 IPARD Framework Explained 06:38 Training Pre Service Teachers 08:33 Methods Course Integration 10:12 Building a Teacher Module 13:14 Publishing and Measuring Impact 16:08 Service Learning vs PBL 18:57 Beach Cleanup Done Right 23:32 Supporting Teachers in Schools 26:53 Favorite Project Patriot Day 30:25 Finding Videos and Resources 33:04 Models and Funding for Training 35:16 Closing Thanks and Wrap Up

  4. Jun 11

    Talent Acquisition, Teacher Mentoring, and Civics Curriculum Innovation with Dr. Bianka Newkirk

    Today Dr. Carla Sparks interviews Dr. Bianka Newkirk , an educational leader and senior administrator in talent acquisition and HR programs for Orange County Public Schools, one of the nation’s largest districts. Dr. Newkirk explains how earning her doctorate at National Louis University and her dissertation on induction for second-career educators led her into instructional recruiting, educator development, and retention work, noting that over 50% of new hires are second-career teachers.  She discusses why Florida’s certification changes and job security attract career changers, and highlights state-level contributions with the Florida Department of Education, including revising civics curriculum and updating Florida Educational Leadership Standards (FELS) with professional learning. Dr. Newkirk details a districtwide mentoring program redesign focused on structured mentor-mentee agreements, administrator alignment, and reducing early-career teacher turnover. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast 00:36 Meet Dr Bianka Newkirk  02:19 Doctorate to Career Shift 04:01 Second Career Educators Explained 05:24 State Level Influence 07:24 FELS Standards Impact 09:02 Revamping Teacher Mentoring 13:57 Talent Acquisition Pathways 17:11 Curriculum Writing at Scale 19:33 Advice for Change Makers 21:20 First Day Teaching Reflections 23:50 Closing Thanks and Wrap Up

  5. May 23

    Teacher Development, and Sustainable School Leadership with Dr. Aleli Vazquez

    Today Dr. Carla Sparks interviews Dr. Aleli Vazquez, an educational leader and National Louis University alumni Hall of Fame inductee, about leading with purpose through school culture, instruction, and advocacy. Dr. Vazquez shares how earning her doctorate in 2020 supported her leadership during COVID, her work as a founding principal in Florida, and her current role as Dean of Faculty at the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta.  She explains RCA’s high-energy, high-expectation model for grades 4–8 and its conferences that allow educators to observe live classrooms, learn RCA strategies, and implement systems like the house system. Dr. Vazquez details coaching and feedback practices centered on reflection, excellence, and support, and emphasizes sustainability through shared vision, transparency, staff ownership, and developing leaders. She gives her advice on educator leadership without titles, investing in people, protecting culture, and leading with heart, empathy, and excellence. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:39 Meet Dr Aleli Vazquez 03:12 Post Doctorate Journey 05:17 What Is Ron Clark Academy 07:15 Coaching Teachers at RCA 10:31 Visiting RCA Conferences 13:04 Influencing Through Adults 16:06 Culture Meets Instruction 20:42 Building Sustainable Legacy 24:19 From Principal to RCA 30:12 Advice for Change Makers 34:01 Closing Thanks

  6. May 7

    Literacy for All, MTSS, and District-Wide Curriculum Innovation with Dr. Rachel Chappell

    Today on Education Influencers, Dr. Carla Sparks interviews Dr. Rachel Chappell, a 27-year educator and Director of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction for Sarasota County Schools, about leading district-wide curriculum, instruction, and student outcomes. Dr. Chappell discusses how earning her EdD at National Louis University opened opportunities to share research on oral language and early literacy intervention, support dissertation writers, and step into her current leadership role.  She highlights Sarasota’s Literacy for All initiative, the district’s transition to science of reading-aligned instruction, strengthening Tier 1 teaching and targeted supports, and building educator capacity through job-embedded professional learning. She also describes designing a K–12 Multi-Tiered System of Supports framework, cross-department collaboration, grant-funded professional learning in literacy and math, and leadership practices centered on relationships, trust, clarity, feedback, data, and continuous improvement. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:30 Meet Dr Rachel Chappell 02:06 Doctorate Opens Doors 04:16 Influencing Reading Success 06:58 Impact Beyond School 08:44 Building K12 MTSS 10:35 Director Role Realities 15:15 Trailblazing Sarasota 18:12 Grants And Innovation 21:20 Tips For Change Makers 25:41 Relationships At The Core 26:52 Closing Thanks

  7. Apr 24

    Declutter Your Teaching: A Simpler, More Effective Way to Teach Grammar Patty McGee

    In this episode of Education Influencers, Dr. Carla Sparks sits down with educator, author, and Milken Educator Award recipient Patty McGee to explore how grammar instruction can be transformed from tedious drills into meaningful, engaging learning experiences. Drawing on over three decades in education, Patty shares her journey as a “traveling teacher” working alongside schools nationwide to simplify literacy practices and improve student outcomes. The conversation centers on moving beyond traditional grammar worksheets toward a more dynamic, student-centered approach that emphasizes curiosity, experimentation, and real-world application. Patty explains how simplifying instruction—focusing on strengths, offering targeted feedback, and reducing unnecessary complexity—can lead to deeper learning and greater student engagement. She also introduces the concept of grammar as a tool for communication and meaning-making, encouraging educators to think beyond rigid rules and consider audience, purpose, and context. Through practical strategies and classroom examples, Patty highlights how this approach supports both teachers and students while making grammar more accessible at all grade levels. Key Topics Covered: Transforming grammar instruction in K–12 education Moving beyond worksheets and drills Simplifying teaching practices for greater impact Effective feedback strategies in writing Grammar as a tool for communication and meaning-making Supporting teacher growth through professional learning Encouraging curiosity and student engagement in literacy

  8. Apr 7

    Dealing Hope: Dr. Trudy Hill Jones on SEL, Systems, and Amplifying Student Success

    Today Dr. Carla Sparks welcomes Dr. Trudy Hill Jones, a school counselor with 25 years in urban education, featured in Forbes Women, honored by a City of Memphis resolution, named 2025 Tennessee School Counselor of the Year, and soon to be inducted into National Louis University’s Alumni Hall of Fame.  Dr. Hill Jones explains how earning her doctorate amplified her mission and expanded her influence through mentoring, training, and advocacy for equitable opportunities and student mental health. She describes a systems approach grounded in student-centered data and MTSS, emphasizing Tier 1 social-emotional learning for students, staff, and families, plus accountability for interventions.  Drawing on her own high school experience, she highlights listening to students, creating wellness spaces, and “dealing hope” as a resilience strategy. She encourages educators to stay connected to your why, reflect, build relationships, collaborate, and show up to educate, advocate, empower, and inspire. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast 00:40 Meet Dr Trudy Hill Jones 02:34 Doctorate Doors Opened 04:17 Influencing Students Educators Systems 06:29 Systems Thinking and MTSS 07:36 Tier One SEL in Action 11:54 Biggest Impact and Mantra 14:24 Counseling Philosophy and Story 17:18 Creating Safe Support Spaces 19:44 Becoming the Hope Dealer 23:23 Leadership and Purpose 25:52 Hall of Fame Journey 31:33 Tennessee Counselor of the Year 35:33 Advice for Change Makers 38:09 Final Thanks and Closing

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About

This show features individuals who are influencing education through thought leadership and hard work. They are making strides toward improving educational experiences and outcomes for all students and all teachers.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Carla Sparks
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Carla Sparks
  • Show Website
    Education Influencers