Education Perspectives

Liza Holland

Education Perspectives podcast explores the challenges and opportunities in education from birth through productive work. Everyone seems to agree in principle that education is important. So, why is it so hard for us to get to a system that works for our society as it exists today? Taking the 30,000-foot view to look at the entirety of our multiple systems so that we might begin to plot a course toward transformational change is worthwhile. This type of change cannot happen until people are “rowing the boat” in the same direction. Education Perspectives includes interviews with people engaged in the work at every level. Looking at challenges and opportunities and what they would like for decision-makers to know. This type of communication changes the dialog. Understanding where the other people in the room are coming from breaks down barriers and opens the conversation on a broader level.Framed by the host through the lens of having worked in a consulting role with each level, Education Perspectives can give policymakers, administrators, education advocates and the community a unique view into this education journey. Considering these various perspectives to make for better communication can reframe discussions and move policymakers' understanding forward to make policy that will better meet the needs of our information economy.

  1. How Yes-And Thinking Can Transform Teaching Neurodiverse Students with Mandy Ralston

    APR 27

    How Yes-And Thinking Can Transform Teaching Neurodiverse Students with Mandy Ralston

    Amanda "Mandy" Ralston Founder of NonBinary Solutions  CEO of KidsChoice Therapy Quotes of the Podcast: “Wisdom is like frequent-flyer miles and scar tissue; if it does accumulate, that happens by accident while you're trying to do something else.” Barbara Kingsolver  Introduction of Guest BIO –  Amanda “Mandy” Ralston, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, is a CEO, behavior analyst, and serial founder with more than 25 years of experience at the intersection of autism services, applied behavior analysis, and technology-driven innovation. She currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of KidsChoice Therapy, leading multi-site pediatric therapy and autism service operations with a focus on clinical excellence, scalable systems, and equity-centered care. Known for her signature nonbinary thinking framework, Ralston speaks nationally on compassionate care, cognitive flexibility, and the future of behavioral health, bringing a pragmatic yet creative voice to conversations about ethics, outcomes, and neurodiversity-affirming practice. Interview Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators.  30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education? What drew you to education?How nonbinary thinking can help educators move beyond “compliant vs. noncompliant” and really understand student behavior in context. What truly neurodiversity-affirming classrooms look like and how schools, families, and clinicians can partner so kids don’t have to be three different people in three different settings. Using nonbinary thinking to rethink “behavior problems” in schools  What neurodiversity-affirming practice actually looks like in real classrooms  How schools, families, and clinicians can work together instead of in silos How we move past binaries like “good/bad kid” or “compliant/noncompliant” and into more flexible, compassionate ways of understanding behavior. That ties into neurodiversity-affirming classrooms and better partnerships between educators, families, and therapy providers.What are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?”  Podcast/ website/ book shoutouts Thanks to Dr. Karly Kordvoa and the RBT Textbook that I was recently asked to contribute to. We also just talked about it on her podcast The Grey Area.  Dr. Genevieve Leonard Series by Estelle Ryan Support the show Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inbox Intro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

    40 min
  2. Rethinking Education Systems: David Cook on Changing Educational Paradigms

    APR 13

    Rethinking Education Systems: David Cook on Changing Educational Paradigms

    David Cook Lead Strategist, Learning Ecosystems Design Consulting Quotes of the Podcast: "The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn." — Alvin Toffler Introduction of Guest BIO –  With three decades working with schools, school systems, regional and state agencies and national education organizations David Cook, Principal Strategist at Learning Ecosystems Design, is an expert on what it takes to make change happen in education systems. David is a nationally respected voice in the transformation conversation. He retired in 2024 from the state agency level after 27 years at the Kentucky Department of Education, the last 15 as Director of Innovative Learning. During his tenure he has: · Oversaw a statewide initiative to shift assessment, accountability and the credentialing of learning from a one size fits all state level approach, to one where communities design Local Accountability Models that measure the competencies found in a Portrait of a Learner/Graduate and provide a public facing dashboard for those local indicators. (2021-2024).   ·   Directed Kentucky's development of a competency-based education system including the initial efforts in developing a Portrait of a Learner · Co-authored and implemented the first district level innovation zone program in the country, Kentucky's Districts of Innovation Program (2013).  · Designed and implemented the longest continuously operating statewide remote learning system in the country, Kentucky's Non-Traditional Instruction Program (2011). · Authored Kentucky's award-winning Education Recovery Program (2010). · Has authored and co-authored numerous pieces of legislation and Kentucky Board of Education administrative regulation.  Interview Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators. 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?The Driving Test,The Need for A NEW Education SystemThe AI TelescopeWhat are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?”Podcast/ website/ book shoutouts What School Could Be - Dintersmith The End of Average - Rose Support the show Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inbox Intro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

    50 min
  3. The Imagination Project: Investing in Human Connections in Modern Education

    APR 1

    The Imagination Project: Investing in Human Connections in Modern Education

    Bradley Scheel  Imagination Project Quotes of the Podcast:  All failures of the future will be failures of the imagination.  Introduction of Guest BIO –  Wylde Scott is a Sultan, Matador, and Knight through and through, who has lived in Shanghai, Bangkok, and Timbuktu and still keeps a house on the bright side of the moon… When not living in his imagination, Wylde is an award-winning children’s author and founder of The Imagination Project and Wylde Scott Entertainment. In addition to dreaming up fantastic tales for young readers, Wylde spends his time in elementary schools, bookstores, and libraries creating fun-filled events for children, parents, and teachers alike. His mission is to ignite imaginations worldwide and empower children with the mindset that anything is possible. On his YouTube channel for kids, Wylde is committed to creating safe, educational, and exciting content for young children based on imagination and play. His many years spent studying storytelling, the imagination, and creativity, combined with his extensive experience applying those lessons in live environments, are the foundations of this book. Interview Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators.  30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?Why is Imagination the most important skill for the age of Artificial Intelligence. Imagination is not a mystery. It is a very buildable skill set everyone can utilize. - we just need time and attention. Our current scaffolding for education will not work in the 21st Century. We must adjust to meet the circumstance. Those who don't will be left behind. We can reframe and rework education so that both Children AND teachers come to school excited, energized and ready to learn and build. Should we have AI in Education? Why are the years of 5-10 so important to develop these skills? What should a typical day look like for a developing child?What are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?”Podcast/ website/ book shoutouts Jonathan Haidt's book The Anxious Generation is the first to seriously discuss what technology is doing to our youth.  Biggest Fan of Sir Ken Robinson- can't believe twenty years later little has changed. Support the show Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inbox Intro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

    54 min
  4. Bridging Education and Industry: Exploring Durable Skills with Michael Crawford

    MAR 14

    Bridging Education and Industry: Exploring Durable Skills with Michael Crawford

    Michael Crawford VP of Strategic Initiatives, America Succeeds Quotes of the Podcast: "We know more than we can tell" - Michael Polanyi Introduction of Guest BIO –  Michael Crawford is the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at America Succeeds, where he leads efforts to advance durable skills. Prior to this role, Michael held positions in research, strategy, and partnerships at organizations including VELA, WGU, Real World Scholars, and the Kauffman Foundation. He is a frequent speaker, mentor, and facilitator on topics like human development, entrepreneurship, and the future of learning. Michael holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan, an MS in Sport Psychology from Michigan State University, and a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Kansas. Outside of work, he enjoys time with loved ones, traveling, and reading voraciously across a wide range of topics. Interview Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators. 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?Speaker on the Future of LearningDurable skills  - Pathsmithimplications of AI on Durable Skills Research Practice Collaborative [high school research])What are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?” Podcast/ website/ book shoutouts (podcast) 'Your Undivided Attention' by The Center for Humane Technology   Support the show Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inbox Intro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

    38 min
  5. Empowering Educators: Jessica Hiler Discusses Funding, Professional Development, and School Policy

    FEB 26

    Empowering Educators: Jessica Hiler Discusses Funding, Professional Development, and School Policy

    Jessica Hiler, VP, Kentucky Education Association Quote of the Podcast:  "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not" -The Lorax, Dr. Seuss Introduction of Guest BIO –  Taught Kindergarten at Deep Springs Elementary in Fayette County from 1999 - 2010. Served as the President of the Fayette County Education Association from 2010 - 2025. Began the term as the Vice President of Kentucky Education Association in June of 2025. Was appointed to the Early Childhood Task Force in 2008 by Governor Steve Beshear. Interview Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators.  30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?Upcoming 2026 Legislative session and need for additional funding for public schools.What are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?”Support the show Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inbox Intro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

    35 min
  6. Disrupting Education: The Power of Project-Based, Collaborative Experiences with Angelo Biasi

    FEB 13

    Disrupting Education: The Power of Project-Based, Collaborative Experiences with Angelo Biasi

    Angelo Biasi Introduction of Guest BIO –  Angelo Biasi is a senior level business executive and transformational leader with a strong track record of developing high-growth, innovative, lifelong learning businesses, and initiatives. His proven ability to disrupt, create, and execute on successful GoTo Market - through to exit – strategies, plans and processes has involved operations, fundraising, product management, business development, human capital, market positioning and segmentation, lead generation and revenue / profitability growth. Mr. Biasi is a motivational manager / coach and influential member of high-performing executive leadership teams.   Over the past fifteen years, Angelo has acted on a passion to transform education at a global scale and his experience in starting and leading high tech, mobile, and media businesses, to pioneer award-winning integrated education solutions that have changed the way we teach and learn. This led to a recent exit for MassiveU, Inc. a company he founded in 2013.    As a lifelong learner, recently completing an MIT Sloan leadership program and executive ScalingUp coaching certification, Angelo continues to seek and implement the most advanced and effective tools, processes and methodologies necessary for high-velocity, people-centric growth, transformation, and shareholder return. Interview Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators. 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?What do you love about what you do?Tell us about your journey in tech and educationWhat are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?”Support the show Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inbox Intro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

    49 min
  7. Rethinking Accountability in Education with Brian Creasman: Local Solutions for Lasting Impact

    JAN 31

    Rethinking Accountability in Education with Brian Creasman: Local Solutions for Lasting Impact

    Dr. Brian Creasman Superintendent and author, Flemming County Schools  Quotes of the Podcast:  “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” — Robert Frost. Introduction of Guest BIO –  Brian K. Creasman, Ed.D., currently serves as Superintendent of Fleming County Schools in Kentucky, a position he has held since 2014. As the recipient of the 2020 Kentucky Superintendent of the Year award, Dr. Creasman proudly proclaims on his social media accounts that he has "the best job in Kentucky," reflecting his deep passion for education and leadership.  Dr. Creasman brings a diverse and extensive background in education, spanning rural, suburban, and urban settings. Throughout his career, he has served in various roles, including assistant superintendent, high school and middle school principal, assistant principal, instructional technologist, and classroom teacher. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Creasman is a respected author, contributing to several notable publications: - "The Leader Within: Understanding and Empowering Teacher Leaders" - "Growing Leaders Within: A Process toward Teacher Leadership" - "Can Every School Succeed? Bending Constructs to Transform an American Icon" - "ConnectED Leaders: Network and Amplify Your Superintendency" - "Maximum Impact: Boards of Education and Superintendents Communicating as a Team" - "Prioritizing Health and Well-being: Self-care As a Leadership Strategy for School Leaders"  Dr. Creasman is frequently sought after to contribute his expertise to articles, books, and blogs within the field of education. His weekly blog, "Measures of Quality," is widely read by educators, principals, practitioners, researchers, and educational leaders worldwide. This blog is dedicated to exploring next-generation accountability models, specifically local accountability, demonstrating his commitment to advancing education through innovative and effective practices. Interview Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators. 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?Your journey in Local AccountabilityWhat are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?”Podcast/ website/ book shoutouts Author of multiple books, including “Can Every School Succeed?” Author page Measures of Quality LinkedIn Newsletter Support the show Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inbox Intro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

    41 min
  8. Unifying Forces in Education: How Full Scale Aims to Transform Learning for All

    JAN 16

    Unifying Forces in Education: How Full Scale Aims to Transform Learning for All

    Dr. Beth Rabbitt and Virgil Hammonds Fullscale Learning  Quote of the Podcast:  If you come upon a wall, throw your hat over it and go get your hat.  Introduction of Guest BIO –  Virgel Hammonds Virgel Hammonds, a nationally recognized leader in education innovation, joined the Aurora Institute as CEO in 2024. He brings more than two decades of experience working with young people, educators, districts, and policymakers to advance learner-centered systems. Most recently, Virgel served as Chief Learning Officer at KnowledgeWorks, where he built partnerships with national leaders and local communities to redesign learning systems. Previously, he was superintendent of Maine’s RSU 2, leading five communities in implementing a mastery-based curriculum, and earlier served as a high school principal at California’s Lindsay Unified School District, helping implement a personalized, mastery-based learning model. Virgel serves on the boards of PBLWorks, Learner-Centered Collaborative, and Jobs for Maine Graduates, and is Board Chair Emeritus of the Aurora Institute. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and a Master of Education from Fresno Pacific University. Beth Rabbitt Beth Rabbitt is Chief Executive Officer of The Learning Accelerator (TLA) and a nationally recognized expert in education innovation, with more than 20 years of experience across the K–12 nonprofit, philanthropic, and private sectors. Before becoming CEO in 2016, Beth was a founding Partner at TLA, leading work on educator training systems and research on emerging learning models. Her prior roles include Director of Human Capital at a start-up school system in Newark, Associate Partner at NewSchools Venture Fund, consultant with Education Resource Strategies, and founding Doctoral Fellow at the Harvard Innovation Lab. Beth is a Pahara-Aspen Education Fellow and serves on nonprofit boards including Catalyst:Ed, GiveThx, and Portland Parks Conservancy. She earned a B.A. from Dartmouth College and an Ed.L.D. from Harvard University. Beth lives in Portland, Maine, with her husband and two daughters and is deeply motivated to create better learning experiences for every child. Interview Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators. 30,000 Ft. View – Why so we, as a society invest in education?What drew you to education?Merger to Full ScaleMultiple Ps Policy, Practice, Progress, People.Time as a resourceBuilding community to change togehterWhat are the biggest challenges to you?What would you like decision makers to know?”Podcast/ website/ book shoutouts Fixable- Podcast https://symposium2025.fullscalelearning.org/ Support the show Education Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inbox Intro and Outro by Dynamix Productions

    48 min
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About

Education Perspectives podcast explores the challenges and opportunities in education from birth through productive work. Everyone seems to agree in principle that education is important. So, why is it so hard for us to get to a system that works for our society as it exists today? Taking the 30,000-foot view to look at the entirety of our multiple systems so that we might begin to plot a course toward transformational change is worthwhile. This type of change cannot happen until people are “rowing the boat” in the same direction. Education Perspectives includes interviews with people engaged in the work at every level. Looking at challenges and opportunities and what they would like for decision-makers to know. This type of communication changes the dialog. Understanding where the other people in the room are coming from breaks down barriers and opens the conversation on a broader level.Framed by the host through the lens of having worked in a consulting role with each level, Education Perspectives can give policymakers, administrators, education advocates and the community a unique view into this education journey. Considering these various perspectives to make for better communication can reframe discussions and move policymakers' understanding forward to make policy that will better meet the needs of our information economy.

Information

  • Creator
    Liza Holland
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    73
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Education Perspectives
  • Show Website
    Education Perspectives