Praxis Journeys

ETS Praxis
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Education

Praxis Journeys explores the paths of today’s most influential leaders in education and the real-world strategies they use to drive change. Each episode features candid conversations on pressing topics like teacher recruitment, AI in the classroom, district leadership, building strong school cultures, and more. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or advocate, you'll walk away with actionable insights to inform your own journey and help students thrive.

  1. 5d ago

    Building a Stronger Paraeducator Workforce Model to Strengthen Classrooms

    Paraeducators play a critical role in supporting student success, yet many districts continue to face challenges recruiting, developing, and retaining this essential workforce. In this episode of Praxis Journeys, host Vinay Ganti sits down with Cory Galano, leader of the Praxis Paraeducator Program, to explore how districts and states are rethinking paraeducator recruitment, training, and professional growth. Together, they discuss emerging workforce trends, the growing importance of classroom readiness, and how innovative approaches such as career and technical education pathways are helping schools build stronger talent pipelines.  The conversation also highlights the evolution from the longstanding ParaPro assessment to ParaPathways, along with new High-Leverage Practice learning modules designed specifically for paraeducators. These tools aim to help educators develop the skills, confidence, and support they need to thrive in today's classrooms.  In this episode: ✅ Why paraeducators are receiving long-overdue recognition ✅ The biggest recruitment and retention challenges facing districts ✅ How CTE programs are creating new pathways into education careers ✅ The transition from ParaPro to ParaPathways ✅ Why classroom readiness matters beyond licensure ✅ The role of professional learning and workforce development for paraeducators ✅ Emerging strategies for teacher-para collaboration and student success  Whether you're a district leader, HR professional, educator preparation provider, or advocate for expanding educational opportunities, this conversation offers practical insights into strengthening one of the most important and often overlooked parts of the educational workforce. 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with education leaders, innovators, and policymakers

  2. Aug 25

    From Knowledge to Mindset: What Actually Predicts Teacher Success

    What does it take to be successful in today's teaching profession? For decades, educator licensure has focused primarily on measuring content knowledge. But as schools face persistent challenges around teacher recruitment, retention, burnout, and professional growth, education leaders are asking a broader question: What else matters? In this episode of Praxis Journeys, host Vinay Ganti sits down with Vince Dean, Managing Director and General Manager of Praxis at ETS, to discuss the future of educator readiness and the innovative solutions being developed to support teachers throughout their careers. Together, they explore how emerging technologies, new research, and workforce development principles are helping educators build the skills needed to thrive in today's classrooms. The conversation covers a new generation of educator-focused tools designed to measure and develop critical areas beyond subject matter expertise, including AI readiness, professional ethics, durable skills such as communication and collaboration, and educator dispositions tied to resilience and long-term success. In this episode: ✅ Why content knowledge alone isn't enough for educator success ✅ The connection between teacher readiness and retention ✅ How AI is reshaping teacher preparation and professional development ✅ New approaches to educator ethics in an AI-powered world ✅ The role of durable skills like communication, collaboration, & critical thinking ✅ Educator dispositions and their impact on resilience and job satisfaction ✅ How simulations and AI are transforming professional learning ✅ The future of performance assessments and high-leverage teaching practices Whether you're a state leader, district administrator, educator preparation provider, or classroom educator, this episode offers a compelling look at how the profession is evolving and what it will take to prepare the next generation of teachers for long-term success. 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with education leaders, policymakers, researchers, and innovators shaping the future of education.

  3. Jul 31

    How Districts Are Solving Teacher Shortages in 2026 and Beyond

    Districts can’t wait for long-term pipeline fixes while classrooms go unfilled. In this session, hear Dr. Yolanda Anderson is addressing teacher shortages with practical staffing strategies, including international recruitment for high-need roles and what it takes to expand your educator pipeline quickly.

  4. Jun 22

    Rethinking Success: Why Durable Skills Matter More Than Ever with Laura Slover

    Praxis Journeys

  5. Mar 6

    Calling, Community, and Change: Dr. Ingrida Barker’s Journey in McDowell County

    In this episode of Praxis Journeys, host Vinay Ganti talks with Dr. Ingrida Barker, Superintendent of McDowell County Schools in West Virginia, about leading a rural district facing steep enrollment declines, dwindling tax revenue, and persistent teacher shortages. She reflects on her path from Latvia to West Virginia and the realities of navigating annual staffing cuts, school consolidation, and the financial constraints that shape local decision‑making.  Dr. Barker also highlights the bright spots: a growing Grow‑Your‑Own teacher pipeline, expanding dual‑credit and CTE opportunities, strong partnerships for virtual learning, and comprehensive wraparound supports that help meet students’ basic needs. Her insights show how long‑term thinking, community commitment, and a belief that every child deserves a champion can drive meaningful progress, even in the most challenging circumstances.

  6. Feb 3

    Idaho’s Educator Ethics Initiative: Awareness, Boundaries & Better Decisions

    In this episode of Praxis Journeys, host Vinay Ganti talks with Cina Lackey and Tori Del Toro from the Idaho Department of Education about the state’s innovative work to strengthen educator ethics. They discuss the importance of raising awareness of the Idaho Code of Ethics, providing practical resources like breach‑of‑contract and duty‑to‑report guidance, and using tools like ProEthica to spark meaningful conversations in schools. Cina and Tori share common challenges, lessons learned, and emerging areas—including digital communication boundaries and future considerations around AI. Their insights highlight how clear expectations and open dialogue help protect students while supporting educators in making thoughtful, ethical decisions.

  7. Jan 20

    Evolving Teacher Licensure: Insights from NASDTEC’s Jimmy Adams

    In this episode of Praxis Journeys, host Vinay Ganti speaks with Jimmy Adams, Executive Director of NASDTEC, about the rapidly changing landscape of teacher licensure, the national teacher shortage, and how states are rethinking educator mobility and teacher retention. This episode explores major questions shaping the future of the profession, including: How the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact improves teacher mobility and reduces barriers for educators relocating across statesWhy teacher shortages are often really teacher distribution and retention challengesHow different preparation pathways—traditional programs, alternative certification, residencies, and apprenticeships—impact teacher retention ratesWhat supports new teachers truly need, including multi‑year mentoring, strong school leadership, and robust instructional coachingHow licensure, educator preparation programs (EPPs), and state policy must evolve to better prepare and retain effective teachersNASDTEC’s early work to define what new teachers should know and be able to do to succeed on day oneWhether you’re a district leader, policymaker, educator preparation partner, or anyone following education workforce trends, this conversation provides a timely, insightful look at how licensure policy intersects with teacher quality, support systems, and long‑term retention.

  8. Jan 6

    Michael Lubelfeld on Embracing Tech While Preserving Humanity

    In this episode of Praxis Journeys, host Vinay Ganti sits down with lifelong educator and superintendent Michael Lubelfeld for a candid conversation about the evolving landscape of K-12 education. Drawing on over three decades of experience, Michael shares his journey from classroom teacher to systems leader, emphasizing the importance of collaborative and networked leadership in overcoming the isolation often felt at the top. Together, they explore how generative artificial intelligence is reshaping the skills needed for tomorrow’s workforce, referencing global trends and the World Economic Forum’s predictions for 2030. Michael discusses the challenge of preparing educators and students for rapid technological change, advocating for curiosity, coalition-building, and a multi-pronged approach to professional development. Listeners will hear practical analogies that illuminate the balance between human and artificial intelligence in education. The episode closes with an inspiring story of student agency, as Michael describes how eighth graders in his district are stepping up to co-create technology policy and present at AI conferences. Whether you’re an educator, leader, or lifelong learner, this episode offers actionable insights on embracing change, fostering authentic leadership, and amplifying student voice in a world transformed by technology.

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5
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About

Praxis Journeys explores the paths of today’s most influential leaders in education and the real-world strategies they use to drive change. Each episode features candid conversations on pressing topics like teacher recruitment, AI in the classroom, district leadership, building strong school cultures, and more. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or advocate, you'll walk away with actionable insights to inform your own journey and help students thrive.

Information

  • Creator
    ETS Praxis
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Praxis Journeys
  • Show Website
    Praxis Journeys