Beyond The Syllabus

Aidan McDowell

5.0 (3)
EDUCATION

Welcome to Beyond The Syllabus, a podcast about reimagining education from the inside out. Every week, we sit down with the people doing the real work: superintendents, curriculum leaders, district innovators, those who are pushing against outdated models to build something more human. Because learning should feel personal. Relevant. And grounded in who a student is.

1D AGO

Belonging, Equity, and Systems of Care with Yolanda Conaway

In today’s episode, host Aidan McDowell sits down with Dr. Yolanda Conaway, Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Student Affairs at Palo Alto Unified School District. With more than 25 years in education and the Outstanding Leadership in Education Award from the California African American Superintendents and Administrators Association, Dr. Conaway has dedicated her career to rethinking how systems serve students who have historically been pushed to the margins. From an alternative education program in Newport News, Virginia, to leading equity and student wellness work in one of the most academically high-performing (and high-pressure) communities in the country, she has seen up close what happens when schools ask students to assimilate to the system instead of reshaping the system to meet students’ needs. Together, Aidan and Dr. Conaway dig into what it means to center belonging, redesign MTSS as a true equity engine, rethink mental health supports, and move beyond labels so every student feels seen, valued, and able to thrive. In this episode, you’ll learn: How an early job in an alternative education program shifted Dr. Conaway from law school aspirations to a life in education and equity work. Why she describes many students as being “rejected by school” and how traditional systems privilege those who already know how to navigate them. Why she believes schools were not built for equity—and what it looks like to redesign them so demographics no longer predict outcomes. How Palo Alto Unified is reframing success beyond GPAs and college lists to include well-being, inclusion, sense of belonging, and equity. How MTSS is being used as a proactive, data-informed framework to support individual students instead of just reacting to crisis. The role of strong Tier 1 instruction in equity work, and why intervention must be fluid rather than a permanent label. Why the district moved away from external mental health providers to build an internal ecosystem of care with wellness centers and on-site professionals. How student feedback has reshaped Palo Alto’s approach to mental health, relationship-building, and teacher involvement. Dr. Conaway’s long-term vision for more organic, real-world, culturally responsive learning that teaches students, not just subjects. Key Moments 00:50 How education “found” Dr. Conaway and why she walked away from law school 02:13 Working in alternative education and seeing students rejected by the system 05:16 “The system was not built for equity” and who schools really serve today 09:38 Challenging how we define success beyond GPAs and elite college admissions 12:11 Conditions for thriving, not just learning, and why grades aren’t enough 15:54 What MTSS really means in Palo Alto and how it’s tied to equity 17:02 Using Panorama and data to ensure no struggling student falls through the cracks 22:47 Rethinking mental health: moving from outside providers to an internal ecosystem of care 25:10 What students actually said about outside therapists and trust 26:53 Balancing wellness centers with deep teacher–student relationships 30:09 Dr. Conaway’s dream for more organic, real-world, and culturally responsive learning 33:12 How labels, tracks, and pull-outs can unintentionally limit students’ futures 36:07 Teaching students, not just subjects, and keeping the joy of learning from K through 12 Connect with Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolanda-lana-conaway-447267243Website: https://www.pausd.org/ Connect with Us Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidan-mcdowellWebsite: https://uniqlearn.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uniqlearn If this episode sparked new thinking, please follow, rate, and review Beyond the Syllabus on your favorite podcast platform. It helps us grow and bring more authentic conversations with education leaders your way.

37 min
JAN 28

AI Fluency, Whole-Child Learning, and Rethinking K–12 with Dr. Michael Matsuda

In today’s episode, host Aidan McDowell sits down with Dr. Michael Matsuda, Superintendent of Anaheim Union High School District since 2014 and founder of the National AI K12 Summit. Widely recognized for his innovation and advocacy, Mike has earned national awards for promoting democracy in public schools, advancing bilingual education, and redesigning systems to better serve all students. Mike shares how AUHSD went from a traditional 7–12 district to a nationally watched model for AI integration, industry partnership, and whole-child learning. From 120 corporate and nonprofit partners, to Google career certificates, to neuroscience-informed reflection practices, his leadership centers on one goal: preparing every student to thrive in a world where entry-level jobs are disappearing and AI is reshaping opportunity. Together, Aidan and Mike explore what it takes to build AI fluency, elevate student purpose, and redesign school so students graduate with the skills, agency, and experiences that matter most. In this episode, you’ll learn: How AUHSD became a national leader in reimagining K–12 through AI, workforce pipelines, and whole-child learning. Why Michael believes AI literacy is no longer enough and why fluency across content areas is essential for every student and teacher. How AUHSD built 120+ corporate, nonprofit, and higher ed partnerships to create pathways in cybersecurity, biotech, AI, and more. What Google saw in AUHSD led to a districtwide partnership and thousands of students earning Google career certificates during the school day. Why reflection, neuroscience, and “transcendent thinking” are central to AUHSD’s instructional model. How the district uses the Career Preparedness Systems Framework to integrate the five Cs, hard skills, and student purpose. How AI-powered mentoring, personalized tasks, and co-created learning experiences are shaping the future of AUHSD classrooms. Why Mike believes the U.S. must rethink talent development—and what schools can learn from baseball’s farm system. Leadership insights on change management, ecosystem building, and preparing students for a world where the “step up” in skills is now five steps, not one.Key Moments 00:57 Why Mike announced his retirement after 11 years 03:24 Becoming early adopters of generative AI 06:07 The urgency behind AI fluency for all students 09:13 Building common-sense AI policies and teacher readiness 12:32 The five Cs and whole-child learning in an AI world 17:30 Reflection, neuroscience, and transcendent thinking 20:16 Rethinking K–12 as a talent pipeline 23:21 Google partnership and the rise of certificate pathways 27:05 Entrepreneurship and problem-solving across content areas 34:58 AI mentors and personalized pathways for student careers 37:45 Making learning relevant through purpose and agency 40:08 What’s next and what Michael hopes endures after he retires Connect with Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-matsuda-709215236 Connect with Us Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidan-mcdowellWebsite: https://uniqlearn.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uniqlearn If this episode sparked new thinking, please follow, rate, and review Beyond the Syllabus on your favorite podcast platform. It helps us grow and bring more authentic conversations with education leaders your way.

41 min
JAN 13

Personalized Learning, Trust, and AI in a Diverse District with Dr. Jonathan Cooper

In today’s episode, host Aidan McDowell sits down with Dr. Jonathan Cooper, Superintendent of Mason City Schools, a high performing and highly diverse district in the suburbs of Cincinnati, Ohio. With more than 100 languages spoken in the hallways, Mason is known for its strong academics, innovative culture, and commitment to inclusion. Jonathan shares how his “love, learn, lead” mindset and research on authentic leadership shape the way he leads from the front lines, whether that is riding in an ambulance with a student or partnering with state leaders to pilot COVID-19 research. From building trust with families and staff, to scaling personalized learning and embracing AI, his leadership centers on one core idea. Every learner should feel seen, safe, and empowered to own their learning. Together, Aidan and Jonathan explore what it takes to design human centered, future ready schools that honor student voice, support teacher well being, and reflect the diversity of the community. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Jonathan’s family background in education and early classroom experiences led him to pursue authentic, service oriented leadership. What it looks like to “lead from the front lines,” including concrete examples of being present with students and staff in high stakes moments. How Mason partnered with Ohio’s governor, the Department of Health, and researchers to pilot COVID-19 protocols and safely bring students back to school. Why trust is built long before a crisis, and how voice, choice, and flexible options for families and staff helped deepen trust during the pandemic. How the district has spent years building systems, look fors, and professional learning to make personalization a reality for students and staff. How Mason is responding to rapid demographic change, creating “mirrors and windows” experiences, and learning through humility when they get it wrong. Leadership practices like Read to Lead, OKRs, and intentional rhythms of work that help align a large system around a shared vision.Key Moments 00:15 Introducing Dr. Jonathan Cooper and Mason City Schools 05:21 Building trust with families, students, and staff through choice and voice 08:14 Culture, inclusive excellence, and personalization as Mason’s “three big rocks” 09:27 What personalization looks like in practice and how Mason scaled it 19:12 A future vision for AI assistants that deepen human connection and thinking 26:19 Using AI to reduce teacher workload and support well being 28:13 Growing up in a family of educators and choosing the profession 29:08 Leadership moves: Read to Lead, OKRs, and intentional rhythms of work 32:40 Serving a community with 100+ languages and cultivating inclusive excellence 36:26 “We messed it up” moments, humility, and getting better together Connect with Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-67845348Website: https://www.masonohioschools.com/ Connect with Us Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidan-mcdowellWebsite: https://uniqlearn.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uniqlearn If this episode sparked new thinking, please follow, rate, and review Beyond the Syllabus on your favorite podcast platform. It helps us grow and bring more authentic conversations with education leaders your way.

38 min
12/16/2025

Student Voice, Equity, and Free College with Dr. Wendy Birhanzel

In today’s episode, host Aidan McDowell sits down with Dr. Wendy Birhanzel, Superintendent of Harrison School District 2 in Colorado Springs. With more than 20 years in public education across California and Colorado, Wendy has led two elementary schools to National Blue Ribbon and National Title I Distinguished status and was recently honored with the 2025 AASA Women in School Leadership Award. Wendy shares how her early teaching experience in South Central Los Angeles opened her eyes to deep inequities in education and set her on a mission to prove that a zip code should never define a student’s future. From transforming D2’s culture and retention to securing a $180 million bond and first-dollar free college, her leadership is rooted in a simple belief: potential is universal, opportunity is not. Together, Aidan and Wendy dig into what it looks like to truly put kids first in a diverse, Title I community, co-author policy with students, embrace AI, and create real pathways to opportunity for all 13,000 “D2 kids”. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Wendy’s path from a family of five generations of educators to South Central LA shaped her passion for equity and Title I schools.What it means to lead a “kids first” culture where the default question is, “What did students say about it?” How D2 moved from being seen as a “last choice” district to having some of the strongest staff retention and culture in the state. Why student voice is built into governance, including student board reps and students as co-authors of district policy. How D2 passed a $180 million bond and a mill levy override in a Title I community and used it to create pride, curb appeal, CTE spaces, and redesigned learning environments. What D2’s first-dollar free college model looks like and why it is a game changer for students who need to work while in school. How Wendy and her team are embracing AI, removing seat-time barriers, and expanding internships to make learning more relevant and future-ready. Leadership lessons on “owning your ugly,” building trust, and advocating at city, state, and national levels for more equitable systems.Key Moments 07:27 Transforming D2’s Culture and Reputation 09:39 Building a Kids-First Culture 10:51 Student Voice at the Governance Table 11:44 Leading Through Presence and Connection 15:18 We Own Our Ugly 18:21 Passing a $180M Bond in a Title I Community 30:05 Embracing AI, Not Restricting It 31:40 Practical AI for Teaching and Learning 34:10 Rethinking Seat Time and Accountability 36:15 A Long-Term Vision Beyond Politics 40:39 Elevating Educators as Experts Connect with GuestWebsite: https://www.hsd2.org/ Connect with Us Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidan-mcdowellWebsite: https://uniqlearn.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uniqlearn If this episode sparked new thinking, please follow, rate, and review Beyond the Syllabus on your favorite podcast platform. It helps us grow and bring more authentic conversations with education leaders your way.

42 min
12/04/2025

Human-Centered School Design & Student Pathways with Dr. Julie Williams

In this episode of Beyond the Syllabus, Aidan McDowell sits down with Dr. Julie Williams, Deputy Superintendent of Fayetteville Public Schools, for a wide-ranging conversation about how schools can honor student strengths, expand real-world learning, and design environments that truly serve the whole child. Dr. Williams shares the story behind Fayetteville’s middle school choice programs, including outdoor adventure and science-focused pathways that give students hands-on, interest-driven learning anchored in community experiences. From leveraging natural ecosystems to tapping into world-class arts and culture in Northwest Arkansas, she outlines what it looks like when a district builds programs around passion, inquiry, and authentic engagement. The conversation also explores: The origins and impact of Fayetteville’s student choice model How outdoor and experiential learning shape confidence and curiosity The district’s hybrid virtual school and why real-time teacher connection matters Human-centered school design and the need to rethink schedules, staffing, and instructional models The future of personalized pathways, proficiency-based progression, and AI-supported teachingDr. Williams brings decades of experience, deep systems thinking, and an unwavering belief in student potential. Her insights highlight what’s possible when districts embrace curiosity, flexibility, and whole-child well-being as core design principles. Key Moments 02:13 How the middle school choice program was born 04:42 Why passion and inquiry drive deeper student engagement 06:58 Early challenges in shifting to performance-based learning 09:11 Building teacher confidence through small, meaningful wins 11:27 How student autonomy transformed classroom culture 14:03 Community partnerships that expanded real-world learning 17:25 Supporting teachers as designers, not deliverers 19:54 Measuring success beyond traditional assessments 22:41 What families noticed first about the new approach 25:12 Julie’s advice for districts launching a choice program Connect with Guest: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjulierwilliams Connect with Us: Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidan-mcdowellWebsite: https://uniqlearn.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uniqlearnIf this episode sparked new thinking, please follow, rate, and review Beyond the Syllabus on your favorite podcast platform. It helps us grow and bring more meaningful conversations your way.

23 min
11/18/2025

Building Trust, Second Chances, and Student Success with Vicki Bayer

In today’s episode, host Aidan McDowell sits down with Vicki Bayer, Superintendent of the Green Bay Area Public School District in Wisconsin. With over three decades in education, Vicki shares how her leadership journey—from classroom teacher to superintendent—has been grounded in trust, community partnership, and an unwavering belief in every child’s potential. Together, they explore how Green Bay is redesigning learning around student needs, re-engaging the community after COVID, and maintaining hope and connection even through financial challenges. Vicki also shares the story behind Dr. Rosa Minoka Hill School, a model of second chances that redefines what it means to support all students. From empowering teachers to lead with confidence to ensuring every learner has a pathway to graduation, this episode highlights what it takes to build a culture of trust, resilience, and belonging in public education today. In this episode, you’ll learn: - How Green Bay’s theme-driven culture—“Don’t Stop Believing,” “Together We Are One,” and “To the Stars”—helps unite staff, students, and community around shared purpose. - Why investing in teacher trust and autonomy leads to stronger classrooms and higher student engagement. - How Green Bay navigated major budget deficits through collaboration, transparency, and shared decision-making. - The impact of Dr. Rosa Minoka Hill School, where expelled students are given a real chance to graduate and rejoin their peers. - What proficiency-based learning looks like at the Northeast Wisconsin School of Innovation and why it’s helping redefine readiness for college, career, and community. - Leadership lessons from Vicki on building hope, listening first, and centering every decision on what’s best for kids. Key Moments 02:21 What Student Success Really Means 05:06 Leading Through Financial Challenges 07:37 Community Trust and Shared Leadership 11:16 Lessons from COVID and the Power of Teachers 15:38 Building Culture Through Shared Themes 18:09 Trusting Teachers as Professionals 22:54 Creating Second Chances: Dr. Rosa Minoka Hill School 25:30 Reengaging Students and Raising Graduation Rates 31:19 Rethinking the Traditional Classroom Model 33:17 Proficiency-Based Learning in Action 36:31 What’s Next for Green Bay Schools Connect with GuestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-bayer-069b3a17a/ Website: https://www.gbaps.org Connect with UsHost’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidan-mcdowellWebsite: https://uniqlearn.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uniqlearn If this episode sparked new thinking, please follow, rate, and review Beyond the Syllabus on your favorite podcast platform. It helps us grow and bring more authentic conversations with education leaders your way.

39 min
11/05/2025

Rethinking Education: Whole Child Approaches and District-wide Collaboration with Trish Sexton

In today’s episode, host Aidan McDowell sits down with Trish Sexton, the Chief Academic Officer for Lancaster County School District in South Carolina. With over three decades of experience in education, Trish shares her personal journey from a shy student and Navy family member to a passionate educator and district leader. Together, they explore how Trish’s background and her role as a mother of three has shaped her philosophy on teaching the whole child, building supportive school cultures, and prioritizing social-emotional wellbeing for both students and teachers. You’ll hear about Lancaster’s innovative learning walks, the power of community-driven education, and why celebrating both student and teacher growth matters now more than ever. From collaborative learning walks and strong PLCs to proactive supports, career pathways, and a renewed focus on trust and community, Trish describes a district leaning into practical, people-first improvement. In this episode, you’ll learn: How culture and safety set the stage for learning, and why social-emotional well-being for students and staff sits at the top of Lancaster’s priorities. What learning walks look like when the focus is on student access and productive struggle, not pass–fail judgments of teachers. How PLCs and collective teacher efficacy raise expectations and results across classrooms. Why Lancaster is shifting from after-the-fact credit recovery to proactive on-ramps informed by everyday formative checks. A balanced view of technology and AI in classrooms, prioritizing rich student discourse and collaboration. How expanding CTE pathways and recognizing honors weighting for credentials widens options without GPA tradeoffs. Leadership mindsets that matter: “As goes the leader, so goes the culture,” “learn the work by doing the work,” and coaching for the long term. How a community-rooted district builds trust, celebrates wins, and keeps the focus on student impact. Key Moments 05:34 Avoiding Labels, Celebrating All Talents 06:15 "Shaping Education for Every Child" 10:30 Children as Leaders in Schools 14:35 "Promoting Collaborative Learning Walks" 16:22 "Building Collective Teacher Efficacy" 21:25 "Technology Aiding Targeted Learning Pathways" 25:34 Pathways to Success and Honors 29:19 Priorities: Safety, Access, Growth 30:38 "Building a Culture in Education" 33:56 "Celebrating Education and Growth" 37:13 "Passion and Community Focus Connect with Guest: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trishcsexton Website: https://www.lancastercsd.com/ Connect with Us: Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidan-mcdowellWebsite: https://uniqlearn.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uniqlearnIf this episode sparked new thinking, please follow, rate, and review Beyond the Syllabus on your favorite podcast platform. It helps us grow and bring more meaningful conversations your way.

38 min
10/21/2025

Dr. Miyashiro on Personalization, Career Pathways, and Trust: Building Relevance in Schools

In this episode of Beyond the Syllabus, host Aidan McDowell talks with Dr. David Miyashiro, Superintendent of Cajon Valley Union School District (CA) since 2013. Recognized by the White House and U.S. Department of Education as one of the nation’s top 35 district leaders in personalized learning, Dr. Miyashiro shares how Cajon Valley is redefining school around purpose, relevance, and student agency. From districtwide initiatives like the World of Work program and TEDxKids@ElCajon to redesigned leadership culture and community partnerships, Dr. Miyashiro reveals how listening to students, staff, and community has fueled a bold new model of learning that connects every child to their strengths, interests, and future. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why listening to students and families—not just state metrics—changed the course of Dr. Miyashiro’s leadership. How Cajon Valley’s “World of Work” curriculum helps every student explore careers from kindergarten onward. Why trusting people—and believing they are inherently good—underpins strong school culture. How Cajon Valley’s schools became models for personalization and choice, including outdoor immersion, arts, dual language, and computer science academies. What we can learn from Switzerland’s youth apprenticeship model and how it’s shaping new ideas for U.S. high schools. Leadership lessons from the Ritz-Carlton and Google on employee engagement, service, and autonomy. The deeper question guiding Dr. Miyashiro’s work: How can we help students want to learn, not just comply?Key Moments 03:09 Questioning the status quo 05:24 The test-prep trap 07:21 A wake-up call on outcomes 11:00 1:1 laptops, world as curriculum 15:27 Personalization for people 17:56 TEDxKids: every student’s story 20:32 World of Work, K–12 exploration 24:24 Qualcomm visit shifts mindsets 35:18 Swiss-style youth apprenticeships 46:00 Service culture from Ritz-Carlton Connect with Guest: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmiyashiro Website: https://www.cajonvalley.net/domain/48 Connect with Us: Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidan-mcdowellWebsite: https://uniqlearn.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uniqlearnIf this episode sparked new thinking, please follow, rate, and review Beyond the Syllabus on your favorite podcast platform. It helps us grow and bring more meaningful conversations your way.

53 min

5

out of 5

3 Ratings

Welcome to Beyond The Syllabus, a podcast about reimagining education from the inside out. Every week, we sit down with the people doing the real work: superintendents, curriculum leaders, district innovators, those who are pushing against outdated models to build something more human. Because learning should feel personal. Relevant. And grounded in who a student is.

Creator

Aidan McDowell
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

13
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Aidan McDowell
Show Website

Beyond The Syllabus