LinkedUp: Breaking Boundaries in Education

Jamie Saponaro

Jamie Saponaro and Jerri Kemble are two lively ladies passionate about education. Further flamed by the many changes in schools in 2020, they set out to make a positive contribution to the profession they love by creating LinkedUp: Breaking Boundaries in Education. LinkedUp’s mission is to have lively and in-depth discussions about relevant educational topics that matter and to link the movers and shakers of the education world with listeners. Jamie and Jerri both work for ClassLink, an edtech company powering this podcast as a service to educators everywhere.

  1. Dot Fever

    2D AGO

    Dot Fever

    We're celebrating International Dot Day with the return of bestselling author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds to the pod! In this episode, we catch up with Peter on what's been keeping him busy lately and how he's expanding the Dot movement to millions around the world. Together, we dive into Peter's work, including new stories that champion kindness and courage, and learn more about how he's continuing his mission to unlock creativity in every learner. --- ABOUT OUR GUEST Peter H. Reynolds is an accomplished writer, storyteller, and illustrator who has been acclaimed around the globe for his best-selling “stories for all ages” about protecting and nurturing the creative spirit, including the three books in his “Creatrilogy” - The Dot, Ish, and Sky Color. The Dot has now been published in over twenty languages, including Braille, and has won numerous awards. Each September, a growing number of educators and students have joined International Dot Day for a global celebration of creativity in the classroom. --- SUBSCRIBE TO THE SERIES: ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠YouTube Music⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Overcast⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW US: ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ POWERED BY CLASSLINK: ClassLink provides one-click single sign-on into web and Windows applications, and instant access to files at school and in the cloud. Accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, ClassLink is ideal for 1to1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠classlink.com⁠⁠⁠.

    41 min
  2. College Connect

    AUG 22

    College Connect

    What happens when a side hustle disappears, a global pandemic flips everything upside down, and two college students refuse to sit still? For Sophie English Smith and Leah Guesman, it sparked an idea that would reshape how families navigate the college journey. In this episode, we sit down with the co-founders of Your College Contact, a mentorship service built to take the stress out of applications, scholarships, and campus life by pairing students with experienced guides who’ve already been there. Together, Sophie and Leah share how their idea was born in the middle of COVID, the risks they took to get it off the ground, and how they're now helping families cut through the stress with real, personalized support. From their very first students to the growing network they’ve built today, their story is all about turning challenges into opportunities and proving that mentorship can change everything. --- ABOUT OUR GUESTS Sophie English Smith, CEO & Co-Founder of the nationally recognized College Contact platform, is a graduate of the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia, where she studied Marketing and IT with a focus in Data Analytics. Before venturing into entrepreneurship full-time, Sophie worked in the venture capital, private equity, and private banking spaces. Despite being offered a full-time banking position at Morgan Stanley in NYC, Sophie went on to raise over $1.5M for College Contact, which was named the EdTech Startup of the Year at SXSW EDU in 2025 and the Career Pathways EdTech Product of the Year at EDTECH week 2024. Leah Guesman is the Co-Founder and COO of College Contact. Originally from Los Altos, California, Leah graduated from the University of Virginia's McIntire School of Commerce in 2023 with degrees in Marketing and Economics. In 2023, Leah joined Sophie as a co-founder, combining her business expertise with her commitment to expanding access to college and career resources. She leads the development of partnerships with schools and nonprofits, enabling College Contact to reach thousands of students. --- SUBSCRIBE TO THE SERIES: ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠YouTube Music⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Overcast⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW US: ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ POWERED BY CLASSLINK: ClassLink provides one-click single sign-on into web and Windows applications, and instant access to files at school and in the cloud. Accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, ClassLink is ideal for 1to1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠classlink.com⁠⁠⁠.

    42 min
  3. Leadership, Legacy & Eduprotocols

    AUG 1

    Leadership, Legacy & Eduprotocols

    How do you lead with purpose, serve with heart, and still make room to grow? In this episode, we’re joined by Drew Hinds, an education leader whose journey takes us from the classroom to the Oregon Department of Education and beyond. With every step, Drew’s focus stays crystal clear: empowering educators and making tech integration not just doable, but transformational. Drew shares a framework for leadership that's equal parts wise and actionable. Find someone ahead of you, someone beside you, and someone behind you to bring along. From mentorship and policy to classroom practice and peer support, Drew weaves together big ideas with boots-on-the-ground strategies that educators at every level can use. It's a conversation full of heart, legacy, and the power of lifting others as you climb. Whether you're in the classroom, supporting teachers, or shaping systems, this episode will inspire you to lead with intention and carry someone forward with you. --- ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Drew Hinds is a passionate student-first education leader who has served as a teacher, school principal, and assistant principal, secondary CTE instructor, program coordinator, technology director, and college instructor with experience leading both public and private organizations. --- SUBSCRIBE TO THE SERIES: ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠YouTube Music⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Overcast⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW US: ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ POWERED BY CLASSLINK: ClassLink provides one-click single sign-on into web and Windows applications, and instant access to files at school and in the cloud. Accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, ClassLink is ideal for 1to1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠classlink.com⁠⁠⁠.

    33 min
  4. Risk and Opportunity

    JUL 25

    Risk and Opportunity

    Recorded LIVE at ISTE 25/ASCD in San Antonio, Jerri and Jamie sit down with Australian edtech rockstar and #AussieED founder Brett Salakas. Known for his people-first approach to technology, Brett shares how his personal story shaped his mission to connect, empower, and inspire through edtech. Brett offers real-world lessons on building connections, creating meaningful learning experiences, and empowering students and educators to embrace innovation. In true Texas spirit, he even draws surprising (and surprisingly wise) parallels between educational leadership and the iconic pit stop Buc-ee’s. --- ABOUT OUR GUEST Brett Salakas is a teacher, leader, poet, and the founder of #aussieED (the largest online network of teachers in Australia) and the co-founder of both the ED Poets Society and #TheWalkingED. Passionately committed to turning educational theory into real classroom practice, Brett is all about connection, collaboration, and inspiration. --- SUBSCRIBE TO THE SERIES: ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠YouTube Music⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Overcast⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW US: ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ POWERED BY CLASSLINK: ClassLink provides one-click single sign-on into web and Windows applications, and instant access to files at school and in the cloud. Accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, ClassLink is ideal for 1to1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠classlink.com⁠⁠⁠.

    38 min
  5. Tyler's Tech Tips

    JUL 11

    Tyler's Tech Tips

    Get ready to laugh, learn, and level up your classroom with Tyler Tarver! In this lively episode, Jerri and Jamie sit down with the one and only Tyler—educator, author, YouTube sensation, and social media standout—for a conversation that’s equal parts insightful and hilarious. Tyler shares his go-to tech tips and creative strategies to make teaching more fun, effective, and downright unforgettable. From using humor to build real connections with students to clever ways to bring simple tech tools into your daily instruction, this episode is full of fresh, practical ideas you can try right away. Don’t miss this fast-paced, feel-good chat that’s bursting with energy, laughter, and tons of inspiration for educators who love to keep it real. --- ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Tyler Tarver is a Director of Learning & Development. He speaks at conferences across the country on various topics related to teaching, remote learning, administration, efficiency, technology, social media, and culture. He has amassed over 120 million views and 500k subscribers on his channels. He also created and maintains TarverAcademy.com, where he helps students/teachers with math, tech, and an assortment of educational needs. Tyler loves helping people move forward and empowering them to be the hero in their classroom. --- SUBSCRIBE TO THE SERIES: ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠YouTube Music⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Overcast⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW US: ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ POWERED BY CLASSLINK: ClassLink provides one-click single sign-on into web and Windows applications, and instant access to files at school and in the cloud. Accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, ClassLink is ideal for 1to1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠classlink.com⁠⁠⁠.

    26 min
  6. Be More Brave

    JUN 27

    Be More Brave

    What if bravery isn’t something you’re born with, but something you train for? In this episode, Jerri and Jamie welcome Crista Samaras, former U.S. Women’s National Lacrosse Team player, entrepreneur, and founder of Brave Enterprises. Crista shares her mission to help people, especially women and girls, build measurable bravery so they can face discomfort, take bold risks, and grow with intention. Through powerful stories from sports and business, Crista shares how bravery works, why it matters, and how schools and organizations can create spaces that nurture it. From the science of discomfort to real-world bravery training, this conversation will leave you rethinking what it means to be brave and how you can build it, one challenge at a time. --- ABOUT OUR GUESTS Crista Samaras is the Founder and CEO of Brave Enterprises. A graduate of Princeton University, Crista was also an outstanding lacrosse player. She was a three-time All-American, three-time All-Ivy League selection, and two-time Ivy League Player of the Year, and played for the US Women's Lacrosse Team from 1995-2007. Prior to founding Brave, Crista coached thousands of high school athletes for over a decade. She is a master educator who connects with junior female athletes both virtually and in-person to enable them to lock in all-terrain life skills to excel both on and off the field. --- SUBSCRIBE TO THE SERIES: ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠YouTube Music⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Overcast⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW US: ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ POWERED BY CLASSLINK: ClassLink provides one-click single sign-on into web and Windows applications, and instant access to files at school and in the cloud. Accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, ClassLink is ideal for 1to1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠classlink.com⁠⁠⁠.

    35 min
  7. Leading Through the Fire

    JUN 20

    Leading Through the Fire

    This week, Jamie and Jerri are joined by veteran education leaders Dr. Susan Enfield and Dr. Kristi Wilson to unpack their new book, On Fire, Under Fire, or Fired: Superintendents in the Pandemic. This book and this conversation shine a light on the emotional toll, public pressure, and deep commitment it takes to lead a school system today. Susan and Kristi share the inspiration behind the book and highlight some of the most memorable, raw, and impactful stories from their interviews with superintendents, and explain why these stories need to be heard by more than just other school leaders. Together, they underscore the urgency of fostering understanding and empathy for those in the superintendent's seat and advocate for systemic support to sustain leadership longevity. The conversation is both eye-opening and affirming, giving listeners a rare look behind the scenes of district leadership and the passion that drives it. --- ABOUT OUR GUESTS Dr. Susan Enfield is the former Superintendent of the Washoe County School District in Reno, Nevada. Prior to this, she served as Superintendent for Highline Public Schools in Burien, WA, for ten years. A former high school English, journalism, and ELL teacher, Susan served as Chief Academic Officer and then as Interim Superintendent for Seattle Public Schools before joining Highline in 2012. She was named the Superintendent of the Year by the National School Foundation Association in 2018 and was the 2022 Washington State Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Kristi Wilson served as superintendent of the Buckeye Elementary School District in Buckeye, Arizona, for eleven years, facilitating the delivery of an outstanding education for approximately 6,000 students and nine campuses. Prior to her superintendency, Wilson had a robust educational career as an assistant superintendent, executive director, special education director, school administrator, teacher, and adjunct professor. Her passion and transformational leadership have helped design new schools focused on the lens of the learner and overall systematic change. Dr. Wilson is one of the nation's top thought leaders in public education. --- SUBSCRIBE TO THE SERIES: ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠YouTube Music⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Overcast⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW US: ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ POWERED BY CLASSLINK: ClassLink provides one-click single sign-on into web and Windows applications, and instant access to files at school and in the cloud. Accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, ClassLink is ideal for 1to1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠classlink.com⁠⁠⁠.

    48 min
  8. Digital Tools With Heart

    JUN 6

    Digital Tools With Heart

    Ready to shake up your classroom or leadership playbook? In this episode, we chat with dynamic educator duo Kristin and Joe Merrill (aka The Merrills) about engaging today's learners through meaningful experiences. Known for their practical insights and infectious enthusiasm, the Merrills dive into how they blend teaching strategies with the power of technology to boost student engagement and spark a love for learning. Together, we explore how they stay grounded amidst constant change, why building trust with students is at the heart of everything they do, and how taking creative risks has helped them grow as educators. You’ll also hear about their favorite tools, classroom wins (and fails), and how they've cultivated a thriving learning community both online and in their schools. From infusing tech with purpose to amplifying student voice, they're sharing the real talk behind what works, what flops, and how they keep pushing boundaries without losing sight of what matters most! --- ABOUT OUR GUESTS Kristin and Joe Merrill are classroom teachers, nationally recognized edtech leaders, and passionate advocates for student-centered learning. Known for their practical strategies and engaging style, they co-moderate the popular #FlipgridFever chat and regularly lead professional development for educators across the country. With nearly 30 years of combined teaching experience, the Merrills blend innovation with heart, helping students (and teachers) thrive through meaningful, tech-infused instruction. Learn more and grab their free resources at themerrillsedu.com. --- SUBSCRIBE TO THE SERIES: ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠YouTube Music⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Overcast⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW US: ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ POWERED BY CLASSLINK: ClassLink provides one-click single sign-on into web and Windows applications, and instant access to files at school and in the cloud. Accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, ClassLink is ideal for 1to1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠classlink.com⁠⁠⁠.

    43 min
5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Jamie Saponaro and Jerri Kemble are two lively ladies passionate about education. Further flamed by the many changes in schools in 2020, they set out to make a positive contribution to the profession they love by creating LinkedUp: Breaking Boundaries in Education. LinkedUp’s mission is to have lively and in-depth discussions about relevant educational topics that matter and to link the movers and shakers of the education world with listeners. Jamie and Jerri both work for ClassLink, an edtech company powering this podcast as a service to educators everywhere.