Lessons Learned

BetterLesson
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Lessons Learned is a podcast by BetterLesson that takes a deep dive into the world of education through the eyes of K-12 district, state, and education leaders. Each episode focuses in on the real, innovative strategies school districts are employing to impact teaching and learning across the country. From rethinking the "portrait of a graduate" to building out systemic, sustained professional learning practices, our guests share the lessons they've learned along the way.

  1. Why PD Must Start With Student Outcomes in Mind ft. Thomas Guskey | Lessons Learned | Ep 18

    ٢ أكتوبر

    Why PD Must Start With Student Outcomes in Mind ft. Thomas Guskey | Lessons Learned | Ep 18

    How do we move beyond Participants’ Reactions when we evaluate PD? “ It's not that teachers are afraid of change or reluctant to change. It is just they're so committed to learning in their kids that they're not going to sacrifice their wellbeing and their learning for the sake of something new. And so you must build into any innovation, some strategy whereby teachers can gain feedback to see if it's working.” -Thomas GuskeyIn this episode of Lessons Learned, host Matt sits down with Dr. Thomas Guskey, one of the nation’s leading education researchers and the author of the Guskey Framework. Together, they unpack the connection between teacher growth, system support, and student achievement. Dr. Guskey shares his unplanned journey into education—from middle school teacher to mentee of Dr. Benjamin Bloom—and how those experiences shaped his life’s work. He explains why professional development should start with student outcomes and why he believes principals are the most critical dimension of driving systemic, lasting change. The conversation also explores how technology and AI are reshaping instructional practice, the growing need to demonstrate ROI from federal funding, and the importance of long-term, evidence-based planning for sustainable reforms. Together, they explore key topics such as: Why professional learning must be designed with student outcomes at the centerHow Level 3: Organizational Support & Change (the often forgotten level) is critical to understanding if systems are enabling teacher successThe evolving role of technology and AI in professional development and assessmentWhy clear, quick moments of success are critical for lasting school improvement Connect with our guest: Thomas Guskey’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-guskey-9b458813/ Thomas R. Guskey & Associates website: https://tguskey.com/ Explore Thomas Guskey’s books: https://tguskey.com/toms-books/ Ways to tune in: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bzi3DLY1fCuBknsxWySw6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lessons-learned/id1714296987 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c715776e-3d77-4a8b-806b-207e01b861af YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@betterlesson4313

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  2. Building Local Partnerships to Equip Students for the Future of Work ft. Dr. Monique Perry-Graves | Lessons Learned | Ep 17

    ٢٥ سبتمبر

    Building Local Partnerships to Equip Students for the Future of Work ft. Dr. Monique Perry-Graves | Lessons Learned | Ep 17

    What does it take to transform early opportunities into lasting career mobility? “ We must all [school districts, nonprofits, workforce] be in collaboration. It's not a choice, it's a necessity. I'm not saying it's always easy, but it's not something we can opt out of. ” -Dr. Monique Perry-GravesIn this episode of Lessons Learned, host Matt welcomes Dr. Monique Perry-Graves, CEO of Road to Hire, an organization dedicated to guiding students from Title I high schools into high-paying careers. Under her leadership, Road to Hire equips young adults with the skills, confidence, and connections they need to achieve economic mobility. Dr. Graves shares her inspiring journey—from an INROADS intern to corporate leader, consultant, and now CEO—and how those experiences have shaped her vision for preparing students for the future of work. She emphasizes why early career exposure matters and how educators and industry leaders must collaborate to equip students with both the technical and foundational skills demanded by a rapidly changing economy. Together, we explore key topics such as: How workforce readiness can be woven directly into K-12 learningThe role of AI and emerging technologies in shaping future careersWhy local partnerships—like these in Charlotte—are critical for opportunity and mobilityHow continuous professional development supports both educators and leadersClosing with a hopeful vision, Dr. Graves highlights how intentional investments in young adults today can create the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers tomorrow. Connect with our guest: Dr. Monique Perry-Graves’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniqueperrygraves/ Road to Hire Website: https://www.roadtohire.org/  Ways to Tune In: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bzi3DLY1fCuBknsxWySw6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lessons-learned/id1714296987 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c715776e-3d77-4a8b-806b-207e01b861af YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@betterlesson4313

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  3. Getting the Most Out of Limited Resources ft. Dr. Patrick Ward & Kirk Shrum | Lessons Learned | Ep 16

    ١٨ سبتمبر

    Getting the Most Out of Limited Resources ft. Dr. Patrick Ward & Kirk Shrum | Lessons Learned | Ep 16

    How can districts make the most of every dollar while still raising academic intensity? “ If we want to be the future ready system of tomorrow, we have to look each other in the eye, have courageous conversations, and we have to create the school system of tomorrow.” - Superintendent Dr. Patrick WardThis special episode of Lessons Learned comes from a recent virtual event featuring the superintendents of Visalia Unified School District (CA) and Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools (OH). Together, they unpack how district leaders can stretch resources further and reinvest them in ways that directly impact student success. Both leaders share practical strategies that uncovered more than $5M in potential savings through scheduling improvements and resource reallocations—all while boosting academic rigor and student engagement. In this conversation, you’ll hear: How auditing schedules revealed $5M+ in potential improvementsWays to align student pathways with high-wage, high-growth careersHow they’re measuring academic rigor through an Academic Intensity Measure (AIM)Why professional learning is key to leadership capacity and buy-in“You're talking about changing systems that have been in place for a long, long time, and so [we have to be] intentional about celebrating some of those wins along the way. That builds the appetite for this work to really catch on.” - Superintendent Kirk Shrum Connect with our guests: Dr. Patrick Ward’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-ward-ph-d-4817052b/ Willoughby-Eastlake Schools’ Website: https://www.weschools.org/ Kirk Shrum’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirkshrum/Visalia Unified School District’s Website: https://www.vusd.org/ Ways to tune in: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bzi3DLY1fCuBknsxWySw6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lessons-learned/id1714296987 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c715776e-3d77-4a8b-806b-207e01b861af YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@betterlesson4313

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  4. How Can Industry & Education Build Future-Ready Students? ft. Matt Kellam | Lessons Learned | Ep 15

    ١١ سبتمبر

    How Can Industry & Education Build Future-Ready Students? ft. Matt Kellam | Lessons Learned | Ep 15

    How can industry and education work together to prepare students for the future? “ People at a younger age deserve to learn earlier what their opportunities are and deserve to be encouraged to think about and explore their interests.” -Matt KellamIn this episode of Lessons Learned Season 2, host Matt sits down with Matt Kellam, Manager of Workforce Development at Dominion Energy, to explore the powerful connection between K–12 education and industry. Drawing from his experience in the energy sector, Matt shares how intentional partnerships between schools and employers can expand student opportunities, strengthen local hiring pipelines, and prepare learners for success—whether their next step is college, the military, or immediate entry into the workforce. Together, we explore key topics such as: Why rigorous, skill-based curricula are essential for postsecondary readinessHow industry partnerships create real-world relevance in the classroomThe diverse career pathways within the energy sector and beyondHow Virginia’s career clusters and workforce consortia are shaping student opportunitiesThe evolving role of AI and other technologies in future-ready education Connect with our guest: Matt’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattkellam1775/ Dominion Energy website: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/Ways to tune in: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bzi3DLY1fCuBknsxWySw6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lessons-learned/id1714296987 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c715776e-3d77-4a8b-806b-207e01b861af YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@betterlesson4313

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  5. Why Student Impact Must Drive Instructional Coaching ft. Jim Knight | Lessons Learned | Ep 14

    ٤ سبتمبر

    Why Student Impact Must Drive Instructional Coaching ft. Jim Knight | Lessons Learned | Ep 14

    What does effective instructional coaching really look like? “If there’s no goal, it’s just a nice conversation.” -Jim Knight In this special episode of Lessons Learned, host Matt welcomes Jim Knight, one of the most influential voices in instructional coaching and K-12 professional learning. With over 20 years of research and 10+ books authored, Jim reflects on his journey from aspiring English teacher to pioneering coach and how instructional support has evolved. Throughout the conversation, Jim emphasizes the importance of clear, measurable, and motivating goals tied to the impact on students—and how K-12 schools can use these goals to ensure all of their professional learning is a meaningful use of budget. Together, we explore key topics such as: Why student-centered goals drive sustained improvements in teaching and learningHow instructional coaching should balance clarity, accountability, and compassionThe role AI can play in accelerating—not replacing—the human side of coachingWhy documenting coaching’s impact on student outcomes is essential for demonstrating impact Connect with our guest: Instructional Coaching Group website: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/Attend the Teaching Leading Coaching Conference: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/2025-tlc-conference/ Contact the ICG team: hello@instructionalcoaching.com Ways to tune in: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bzi3DLY1fCuBknsxWySw6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lessons-learned/id1714296987 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c715776e-3d77-4a8b-806b-207e01b861af YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@betterlesson4313

    ٤٠ من الدقائق
  6. Why Principals Must Be Instructional Leaders First ft. Chelsea Gallagher | Lessons Learned | Ep 13

    ٢٨ أغسطس

    Why Principals Must Be Instructional Leaders First ft. Chelsea Gallagher | Lessons Learned | Ep 13

    What does it really mean to be an instructional leader? “Systems over goals. If you want instructional leadership to be a focus—create a system to make it happen. We can get bogged down in the small fires…because if we don’t, [they can] become a whole wildfire. But when we create a system to focus on the things that need to be a priority—like instructional leadership—then we no longer have to say, ‘Ooh, how do I find time for that?’ You're doing it. You've created it already.” -Chelsea GallagherIn this episode of Lessons Learned, host Matt sits down with Chelsea Gallagher, Principal of Mount Spokane High School and the 2025 Washington High School Principal of the Year, to explore the role principals play as instructional leaders. Under Chelsea’s leadership, Mount Spokane has become a beacon in the state—marked by rising graduation rates, stronger test scores, and thriving student career engagement. She shares how she’s focusing on building systems that foster continuous growth. From setting aside time for instructional support to shifting schedules to guide more students into four years of math, Chelsea illustrates how structured systems can help leaders stay focused on impact while fostering trust, consistency, and continuous growth. Together, we explore key topics such as: Why work-based learning is so important for building relevance for studentsHow protecting time for instructional support drives trust, buy-in, and alignmentWhy sustainable leadership requires systems rather than goals aloneThe role intentional scheduling plays in preparing students for postsecondary success—and how small steps can lead to systemic gainsConnect with our guest: Website: https://mtspokanehs.mead354.org/ Ways to tune in: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bzi3DLY1fCuBknsxWySw6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lessons-learned/id1714296987 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c715776e-3d77-4a8b-806b-207e01b861af YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@betterlesson4313

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  7. How to Make Math Less Intimidating & More Relevant for Students ft. Eli Luberoff | Lessons Learned | Ep 12

    ٢١ أغسطس

    How to Make Math Less Intimidating & More Relevant for Students ft. Eli Luberoff | Lessons Learned | Ep 12

    How can we make math more accessible, engaging, and future-focused? “When someone’s asking, ‘Hey, when am I gonna use this math?’ you can be like, ‘Have you ever played a video game? Because they used math to make that video game'. And not only did they use math—they used Desmos to do this. They use the exact same tool that we're using today.” -Eli LuberoffIn this episode of Lessons Learned, host Matt sits down with Eli Luberoff, founder and CEO of Desmos Studio, to explore how one of the most widely used math education tools in the world is transforming the way students learn. Eli shares his journey from aspiring physics professor to pioneering edtech entrepreneur, reflecting on the “happy accidents” that led to Desmos becoming a platform used by over 75 million learners. At the heart of his story is a commitment to making math less intimidating, more joyful, and deeply relevant to students’ futures. Together, we explore key topics such as: Why removing barriers to entry is critical to fostering a love of mathHow Desmos is democratizing access by offering a free, modern alternative to outdated toolsThe importance of connecting math lessons to real-world applications and career opportunitiesHow technology can empower—not replace—educators in the classroomConnect with our guest: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eluberoff/ Website: https://www.desmos.com/ Ways to tune in: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bzi3DLY1fCuBknsxWySw6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lessons-learned/id1714296987 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c715776e-3d77-4a8b-806b-207e01b861af YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@betterlesson4313

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  8. Connecting Education to Workforce Needs ft. Adam Bowen | Lessons Learned | Ep 11

    ١٤ أغسطس

    Connecting Education to Workforce Needs ft. Adam Bowen | Lessons Learned | Ep 11

    How can districts prepare students for both college and career success—and what does it require from our instructional leaders?  “As a leader—getting the [support] that you need, that’s tailored to what is important to you—that's when you make your most growth, and that’s something that can’t be found with a one-size-fits-all PD opportunity.” - Adam BowenIn this episode of Lessons Learned, host Matt sits down with Adam Bowen, Superintendent of New Buffalo Area Schools, for a candid conversation on building systems that equip students for life after graduation—whether that path leads to higher education, the workforce, or both. Drawing on a career in education that began in high school, Adam shares how his district combines academic rigor with practical readiness, leveraging partnerships with a local career technical academy and individualized development plans to align coursework with each student’s career interests. He emphasizes the importance of early career conversations, starting in middle school, as well as ongoing professional learning for educators and non-traditional leaders. Together, we explore key topics such as: How early planning helps students connect classroom learning to future goalsWhy community engagement is central to building successful pathwaysThe role of professional development in strengthening both teaching and leadership capacityHow to prioritize programs that deliver direct student impact, even amid financial uncertaintyConnect with our guest: Website: https://www.nbas.org/ Ways to tune in: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bzi3DLY1fCuBknsxWySw6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lessons-learned/id1714296987 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c715776e-3d77-4a8b-806b-207e01b861af YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@betterlesson4313

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Lessons Learned is a podcast by BetterLesson that takes a deep dive into the world of education through the eyes of K-12 district, state, and education leaders. Each episode focuses in on the real, innovative strategies school districts are employing to impact teaching and learning across the country. From rethinking the "portrait of a graduate" to building out systemic, sustained professional learning practices, our guests share the lessons they've learned along the way.

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