Education Influencers

Dr. Carla Sparks
  • 5.0 (2)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

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.

Episodes

  1. FEB 12

    Transforming Grassroots to Greatness Dr. Margarete Talbert Irving

    In this episode of Education Influencers, Dr. Carla Sparks interviews Dr. Margarete Talbert-Irving, a distinguished graduate of the doctoral program in educational leadership at National Louis University. Dr. Talbert-Irving shares her impressive career trajectory across various leadership roles in Florida public school districts, including principal, executive area director, Chief Academic Officer, and Deputy Superintendent.  She discusses the importance of thought leadership, the impact of mentoring and coaching, and the significance of sustaining educational change. She also highlights her continued passion for teaching and her commitment to helping future educators succeed. The discussion delves into strategies for influencing teacher effectiveness, retaining talent, and fostering student achievement. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to Education Influencers 00:37 Meet Dr. Margarete Talbert-Irving 01:37 Impact of Earning a Doctorate 03:26 Influencing Education Daily 05:29 Personal Impact and Servant Leadership 06:00 Supporting New Teachers and Alternative Certification 11:36 Mentoring and Executive Coaching 14:36 District Leadership Experiences 19:09 The Joy of Teaching and Adjunct Professorship 25:55 Advice for Aspiring Education Leaders 31:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    32 min

  2. JAN 24

    Making Teachers Leaders with Dr. Carla Foord

    In this episode of Education Influencers, Dr. Carla Sparks welcomes Dr. Carla Foord, an assistant professor at National Lewis University. Dr. Foord shares her extensive experiences and diverse roles in education, including as a high school administrator, Director of Education for a nonprofit, and founder of a private childcare business. They discuss the transformative impact of earning a doctorate, the significance of mentorship, and how educators can influence policy. Dr. Foord also highlights the Master's of Arts and Teaching program, which supports new teachers in obtaining certifications and developing essential skills. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships, staying organized, and viewing every educator as a leader. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 02:26 Opening Doors with a Doctorate 04:17 Influencing Education through MAT Program 05:58 Supporting New Teachers 10:42 Impactful Changes in Education 12:46 Transition to Assistant Professor 19:48 Influencing Education Policy 24:53 Advice for Aspiring Change Makers 27:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    28 min

  3. 12/10/2025

    Building Futures with Heart and Soul with Dr. Lorilynn Bowie

    In this episode of Education Influencers, Dr. Carla Sparks welcomes Dr. Lorilynn Bowie. Dr. Bowie discusses her multifaceted roles at National Louis University and beyond. As an outreach and enrollment specialist, adjunct professor, educational consultant, and advocate, she shares her post-doctorate experiences influencing the educational landscape since 2020.  She sheds light on her work with children with special academic needs, her recognition as an American Heart Hero, and her efforts to build effective relationships between families and schools. Dr. Bowie emphasizes the importance of trust, listening, and validation in her advocacy work and mentoring, and highlights the impactful power of educators believing in their expertise. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to Education Influencers 00:26 Meet Dr. Lorilynn Bowie 02:18 Dr. Bowie's Journey Post-Doctorate 04:52 American Heart Hero and Advocacy 06:44 Influencing Education in Alachua County 08:52 Impactful Changes in Education 11:24 Encore Career at National Louis University 15:22 Educational Advocacy and Mentoring 28:48 Building Trust and Relationships 34:52 Final Thoughts and Advice for Educators

    38 min

  4. 11/12/2025

    Educate Adventurously, Succeed Relentlessly with Dr. Audra Lewis-Hoesch.mp4

    In this episode of Education Influencers, Dr. Carla Sparks interviews Dr. Audra Lewis-Hoesch, an educator, entrepreneur, and founder of Period Zero Workforce Pathways. Dr. Lewis-Hoesch shares how her doctoral degree from National Louis University opened doors for her to influence systematic change in workforce preparation and educational innovation. She discusses her nonprofit, Period Zero, which aims to close opportunity gaps for youth by embedding leadership development, financial literacy, and career readiness into micro-credential pathways recognized globally.  Additionally, Dr. Lewis-Hoesch talks about her role as a grants development specialist at the Community College of Allegheny County, where she is developing new healthcare pathways. She provides practical advice for educators, emphasizing the importance of taking initiative and staying curious. You will be inspired by Dr. Lewis-Hoesch's commitment to creating opportunities and making a lasting impact in education. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to Education Influencers 00:28 Meet Dr. Audra Lewis-Hoesch 02:22 Impact of a Doctorate in Educational Leadership 03:52 From Classroom Teacher to Educational Innovator 05:17 Transforming Education with Period Zero 07:44 The Skills Framework and Global Competitiveness 08:49 How Period Zero Bridges Education and Employment 17:55 Building a Global Nonprofit 19:41 Teen Networking Nights and Real-World Skills 22:25 The Role of AI in Education 23:15 Embracing AI as an Ally 24:37 Preparing Students for the Future Workforce 28:47 Innovative Grant Writing 29:54 Healthcare Pathways and Apprenticeships 38:12 Advice for Educators and Change Makers

    42 min

  5. 10/08/2025

    Inclusive Economic Models and Project-Based Learning with Alfredo Matthew

    In this episode of Education Influencers, Dr. Carla Sparks sits down with Alfredo Matthew III, an innovator dedicated to building an inclusive and regenerative economy. With over 25 years intersecting education, workforce development, and entrepreneurship, Alfredo has transitioned from being a public school teacher to leading significant initiatives such as co-founding ESO Ventures and establishing SPCC One.  He advocates for project-based learning as a vital educational approach and addresses the pressing need for educators and institutions to adopt entrepreneurial mindsets. Alfredo offers his insights on the importance of collaboration, the evolution of the school choice movement, and the impactful role of interconnected learning in current and future educational landscapes. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to Education Influencers 00:32 Meet Alfredo Matthew III 02:47 Alfredo's Professional Journey 04:45 The Importance of Project-Based Learning 08:58 Views on the School Choice Movement 14:52 Market-Based Approaches to Education 20:31 Current Projects and Future Vision 30:56 Recommendations for Educators and Leaders 38:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    39 min

  6. 09/10/2025

    Powering Students Into a New Education Era with Dr. Libby Simpson

    In this episode of Education Influencers, Dr. Carla Sparks speaks with Dr. Libby Simpson, the education director at a major national organization and a prominent figure in STEM education. Dr. Simpson discusses the impact of her doctoral degree on her career, her approach to promoting equity in STEM, and her work at Siemens Digital Industries.  She elaborates on her contributions to educational leadership at National Louis University and her advocacy for ethical AI use in education. Dr. Simpson shares valuable advice for future change makers, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning, collaboration, and staying true to one’s purpose. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:43 Dr. Libby Simpson's Journey in Education 03:35 Understanding STEM and Its Importance 06:02 Dr. Simpson's Current Role and Impact 07:57 Innovations in STEM Education 19:05 Teaching and Mentoring Future Educators 23:07 Ethics and AI in Education 28:51 Advice for Aspiring Change Makers 32:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    33 min

  7. 08/13/2025

    Transforming Schools, Changing Futures with Dr. Danielle Brewer

    Welcome back to the podcast! Today Dr. Carla sits down with Dr. Danielle Brewer, the superintendent of a large school district, to discuss her rapid rise in the education sector since earning her doctorate in 2022.  Dr. Brewer shares her inspiring story from starting as a high school principal to becoming an interim superintendent, emphasizing the importance of community involvement, the influence of her early life experiences, and her ongoing efforts to improve academic outcomes and support new teachers. Their conversation illustrates how commitment and passion can lead to impactful leadership in education. Connect with Dr. Brewer Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:15 Dr. Brewer's Career Journey 05:10 Personal Background and Early Life 09:06 Impact on Education and Community 14:24 Challenges and Achievements as Superintendent 21:59 Advice for Aspiring Change Makers 25:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    28 min

  8. 07/09/2025

    Leading Change One School at a Time with Dr. Lakeisha Cook

    In this episode of 'Education Influencers' with Dr. Carla Sparks, Dr. Lakeisha Cook shares her experiences as an education leader who has worked in various roles from teacher to regional vice president at Idea Public Schools. Dr. Cook discusses her doctoral achievements, transformational leadership, and commitment to equity and sustainable growth. She emphasizes the importance of living in the communities she serves, navigating change with resilience, and celebrating small wins. Dr. Cook also provides valuable advice for educators on how to be influential changemakers. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:16 Dr. Cook's Educational Journey 03:35 Impact and Influence in Education 06:01 Living in the Communities Served 10:22 Navigating Change and Leadership 23:42 Celebrating Achievements and Recognition 30:51 Advice for Aspiring Change Makers 32:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    34 min

  9. 06/11/2025

    How To Drive Change In Academic Excellence with Dr. Sarah Lukas

    Welcome back to Education Influencers. Today Dr. Carla Sparks interviews Dr. Sarah Lukas, Dean of Florida Programs at National Louis University. Dr. Lukas shares her diverse experiences in education, from starting as a middle school civics teacher to becoming an assistant principal, district administrator, and now a dean in higher education. She and Dr. Sparks delve into her career and her extensive work in improving reading instruction.  Dr. Lukas also discusses the development of reading endorsement programs, her passion for supporting future school counselors, and her role in guiding educational change. Check out Dr. Lukas’s co-authored book 'Be the Manatee', offering unique insights into managing leadership challenges and change. Find more about Dr. Lukas Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:54 Dr. Sarah Lucas' Educational Journey 01:20 Impact of Doctorate on Career 04:10 Transition to Higher Education 06:21 Reading Endorsement and Curriculum Development 14:55 Role as Dean and Program Development 17:51 Leading Change in Education 24:03 Bestselling Book and Metaphors in Leadership 28:46 Final Thoughts and Advice for Educators

    37 min

  10. 05/14/2025

    Educational Influence Beyond The Classroom with Dr. Lisa Hassler

    Welcome! Thank you for joining us on the very first episode of Education Influencers. Today Dr. Carla Sparks interviews Dr. Lisa Hassler, who earned her doctorate in 2021 from National Louis University. Dr. Hassler shares her remarkable achievements, including becoming a national conference advisor, a peer reviewer for academic journals, and collaborating with renowned theorist Dr. Michael G. Moore.  She discusses her influential podcast 'The Brighter Side of Education,' now CPD accredited, offering professional development credits to educators. Additionally, she and Dr. Sparks talk about her bestselling book, 'America’s Embarrassing Reading Crisis,' and its impact on education policies and practices. Dr. Hassler also highlights her role as a school board member, environmental educator, and the significance of service in influencing change and making a difference in educational communities. ⁠Find more about Dr. Lisa Hassler⁠ ⁠Connect with Dr. Sparks!⁠ Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to Education Influencers 00:18 Meet Dr. Lisa Hassler 01:46 Dr. Hassler's Post-Doctoral Journey 02:27 Impactful Roles and Achievements 12:08 Transforming a Podcast into Professional Learning 16:37 America's Embarrassing Reading Crisis 29:22 Environmental Advocacy and Community Engagement 34:28 Advice for Aspiring Change Makers 35:41 Conclusion and Gratitude

    37 min

  11. SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Welcome To Education Influencers - Trailer

    Welcome to Education Influencers, the podcast spotlighting change makers shaping the future of learning. I am your host, Dr. Carla Sparks. Each episode, we sit down with trailblazing graduates from the doctoral program in educational leadership at National Louis University, visionaries turning research into results from transforming school systems to championing equity and innovation. These leaders aren't just making waves, they're building better communities through education. Tune in, get inspired, and discover how leadership lives beyond the classroom. From innovative programs to transformative leadership, we are telling the stories that matter. This is education influencers where leadership meets legacy.

    1 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Carla Sparks
  • Show Website
    Education Influencers