Swimming Upstream

Tom Luna
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  • EDUCATION

Swimming Upstream host Tom Luna, is a former school board member was privileged to serve as a Senior Advisor to US Sec of Education Rod Paige. He also served for eight years as Idaho's State Superintendent of Public Instruction. During that time, he was the President of the Council of Chief State School Officers. On his podcast, Swimming Upstream, he visits with courageous leaders who challenge the prevailing tide and inspire all of us to swim against the current. Let’s jump in. About Our Host Tom Luna was elected Idaho State Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2006 and served two terms during which Idaho passed arguably the most comprehensive education reform laws in the country. While serving as State Superintendent, Tom was elected President of the Council of Chief State School Officers, an organization made up of all 50 state chiefs. In 2009 Tom was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Education to the National Assessment Governing Board. Connect with Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-luna-79045716/ View our Full Lineup of Shows: https://www.strategosgroup.com/insights Visit our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@strategospodcastnetwork

  1. Why Parent Partnership and Honest Data Matter in Virginia’s Education Transformation

    10/23/2025

    Why Parent Partnership and Honest Data Matter in Virginia’s Education Transformation

    In this episode of "Swimming Upstream" host Tom Luna, sits down with Aimee Guidera, Virginia’s Secretary of Education, live from the ASU GSV conference in San Diego. As Guidera approaches the end of Governor Youngkin’s administration, she reflects on the challenges and achievements of transforming education in Virginia—a state with the unique constraint that its governor serves only one term. Guidera shares deep insights into her role overseeing education from early childhood through higher ed, emphasizing the urgent need for breaking down silos and preparing students for today’s rapidly evolving workforce. She highlights the innovative use of labor market data through the Virginia Office for Education Economics (VOE), which equips students, families, and institutions with actionable information to create responsive education strategies and align academic plans directly with regional job demands. Listeners will hear about Virginia’s overhaul of academic standards in core subjects, the process of benchmarking against national best practices, and the state’s renewed commitment to educational transparency. Guidera and Luna discuss the tough but vital decision to confront an “honesty gap” in student achievement reporting and the shift toward accountability systems focused on real outcomes rather than compliance. Guidera wraps up by sharing little-known facts about Virginia, adding a touch of state pride and history to this thoughtful and inspiring episode. Perfect for education leaders, policymakers, and anyone passionate about student success and innovation in public policy. Key Moments 04:39 Virginia: Top State for Business & Education 07:54 Empowering Informed Education Paths 10:36 Enhancing Educational Standards Nationwide 15:26 Challenging Misguided Perceptions 17:58 Empowering Parents Post-COVID 19:16 Enhancing Parent-Teacher Data Sharing 23:16 Student Support: A Three-Legged Stool 27:25 Virginia Launches Job Support Initiative 29:13 Exploring Data’s Impact and Value Connect with Aimee Guidera LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimee-guidera-27a2646 Website: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/

    34 min
  2. How Ford Is Quietly Transforming American High Schools

    09/25/2025

    How Ford Is Quietly Transforming American High Schools

    In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna sits down with Cheryl Carrier, Executive Director of Ford Next Generation Learning (Ford NGL), for a thought-provoking conversation recorded live at the ASU+GSV Summit. With a career rooted in public education and corporate innovation, Carrier brings a unique lens to one of education’s biggest challenges: how to make high school relevant for every student. Carrier shares the origin and evolution of the Ford NGL model—a nationally recognized framework designed to transform teaching and learning through career-themed academies that connect schools with local businesses, civic leaders, and community stakeholders. Drawing from years of implementation across diverse regions—from rural Idaho to urban Nashville—Carrier outlines Ford NGL’s three-part transformation framework and its five-phase roadmap, offering a blueprint for sustainable, community-driven school reform. This episode dives deep into how Ford NGL helps districts shift from siloed instruction to collaborative, real-world learning environments that spark student engagement, boost graduation rates, and create stronger pathways to college, career, and life. Carrier also opens up about her personal connection to the work, her roots in Michigan's auto industry, and the formative experiences that shaped her passion for authentic education. Key Moments 05:10 Career Academy Model Benefits Students 08:35 Self-Discovery and Career-Aligned Academies 11:15 Transforming Education Through Collaboration 13:43 Navigating Education Policy Barriers 18:52 "Community Feedback on Transformation" 21:00 "High-Level Executive Community Tracks" 26:13 "Success of Career Academy Model" 27:18 Community and Hands-on Learning 30:15 Rural Education Challenges 33:33 Community-Driven Educational Change Connect with Cheryl Carrier LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-carrier-fordng Website: https://fordngl.com/cheryl-carrier/

    36 min
  3. Exploring Early Literacy and Civics Education with Education Commissioner Manny Diaz

    08/28/2025

    Exploring Early Literacy and Civics Education with Education Commissioner Manny Diaz

    In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host and Strategos Partner Tom Luna sits down with former Florida Education Commissioner and current University of West Florida Interim President Manny Diaz Jr. to discuss the state's bold strides in education reform. Recorded at the ExcelinEd conference in Oklahoma City, this conversation highlights Florida’s leadership in school choice, civics education, early literacy, and teacher recruitment. Commissioner Diaz shares how Florida has expanded school choice options, with over 500,000 students now benefiting from education savings accounts, charter schools, private school scholarships, and hybrid learning models. He explains how Florida’s innovative "a la carte" approach allows families to tailor education to their children’s unique needs, driving a national movement toward greater parental choice. The discussion also delves into Florida’s comprehensive civics education initiatives, including the Civic Seal of Excellence program and debate championships aimed at preparing students to be informed citizens. Commissioner Diaz emphasizes the importance of early literacy, citing Florida’s investments in progress monitoring and curriculum reforms to ensure students are reading at grade level by third grade. Addressing the teacher shortage, Diaz outlines Florida’s alternative certification pathways, teacher apprenticeship programs, and professional development investments, all designed to elevate and retain educators. He also highlights Florida’s new transparency initiatives, ensuring parents and taxpayers have full access to classroom materials. Key Moments 03:35 Homeschooling Challenges and Solutions 07:49 DeSantis Boosts Civics Education Initiatives 11:45 Early Learning Investment Focus 13:55 Florida's Strategy for Teacher Shortage 18:04 Classroom Transparency and Curriculum Shift 21:21 Tallahassee's Origin as Florida's Capital 23:20 Disappointment Over Florida's Capitol Building Connect with Manny Diaz Jr. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manny-diaz-jr-47463b55/ Website: https://www.flbog.edu/

    25 min
  4. Navigating Special Education Challenges with Expert Insights from Kathy Hoffman

    07/24/2025

    Navigating Special Education Challenges with Expert Insights from Kathy Hoffman

    In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna sits down with Kathy Hoffman, former Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction and a passionate advocate for special education. Now serving as the Executive Director for Innovation and Special Education Initiatives at Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, Kathy is leading Project OASIS—a groundbreaking initiative to rethink and improve special education systems. Kathy shares her journey from speech-language pathologist to state education leader, explaining how her firsthand experiences in Arizona classrooms shaped her drive for reform. She discusses the challenges facing special education today, including severe teacher shortages, overwhelming administrative burdens, and the need for more inclusive classroom models. Through Project OASIS, she is bringing together educators, researchers, parents, and business leaders to explore innovative strategies that improve outcomes for students with disabilities. Tom and Kathy also dive into the complexities of special education funding, teacher training, and the need for community collaboration to ensure that every child—regardless of ability—receives the support they need to succeed. Tune in for an insightful discussion on how reimagining special education can create lasting, positive change for students, teachers, and school systems nationwide. Key Moments 03:49 Challenges in Special Education Compliance 09:29 Parents' Role in Education Improvement 12:11 Special Ed Challenges in Arizona 14:40 Challenges in Inclusive Education 17:27 Children: 100% of Our Future Connect with Kathy Hoffman X: https://x.com/supt_hoffman?lang=en

    18 min
  5. Enhancing Education: Insights on Standards, Choice, and Accountability with Chad Aldis

    06/26/2025

    Enhancing Education: Insights on Standards, Choice, and Accountability with Chad Aldis

    In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna sits down with Chad Aldis, Vice President of Ohio Policy at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, to discuss the pressing challenges and opportunities in American education. Aldis shares his journey from law school to the forefront of education policy, detailing his work in school choice, academic standards, and accountability systems. With experience spanning state legislatures, nonprofit advocacy, and national policy research, Aldis provides a nuanced perspective on what it takes to improve educational outcomes for all students. The conversation explores the role of rigorous academic standards, the importance of teacher quality, and the evolving landscape of school choice. Aldis highlights how the Fordham Institute has been instrumental in shaping education policy in Ohio while influencing national discussions. He and Luna discuss the critical need for high expectations in schools, the impact of post-pandemic learning gaps—particularly in math—and how accountability measures must prioritize student success over feel-good participation. They also examine the challenges faced by rural schools and the importance of maintaining educational equity in areas with fewer choices. Wrapping up with a surprising Ohio trivia fact, Aldis and Luna provide a compelling discussion on why education reform is essential for the nation’s future. Tune in to Swimming Upstream for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges the status quo and advocates for meaningful, student-centered change in education. Key Moments 04:21 Influence of Ohio's Education Policies 07:01 Boosting Education Through Relevance 12:48 Meaningful Readiness Indicators Needed 15:54 Rural School Challenges and Accountability 17:01 Prioritizing Students and Education Urgency Connect with Chad Aldis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-aldis-614oh/ Website : https://fordhaminstitute.org/

    19 min

  6. 05/15/2025

    Inside Ohio’s Game Plan for Workforce-Ready Graduates

    In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna welcomes Stephen D. Dackin, Director of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, for a conversation that dives deep into the evolving role of education in preparing students for life beyond high school. With over four decades in public education—as a teacher, principal, superintendent, and policymaker—Dackin shares how Ohio is reshaping its entire K–12 ecosystem to meet the urgent demands of today’s economy. From pioneering STEM academies in Reynoldsburg to leading the newly integrated Department of Education and Workforce, Dackin has made a career out of building bridges—between schools and businesses, academics and employability, policy and practice. This episode explores how Ohio is aligning its education system with workforce realities through community-driven school reform, personalized student pathways, and innovative state-level policy shifts. Dackin breaks down the state’s new governance model, which uniquely merges education and workforce strategy, and discusses why that matters for employers, families, and students alike. Listeners will also hear about Ohio’s innovative graduation pathways, career planning reforms, and a game-changing pilot program that could reimagine the high school experience altogether. Whether you're a state leader, educator, or community advocate, this episode offers both inspiration and a roadmap for making public education more relevant, responsive, and resilient. Key Moments 00:00 From Athlete to Educator 03:36 Teacher to Administrator Journey 09:57 Empowering Parental Choice in Education 10:55 "Reynoldsburg Reach Community Engagement" 16:19 Ohio's Business Growth and Workforce Challenge 18:48 Pathways Beyond High School 20:35 Transition Challenges to College Success 25:11 Accountability in Education Readiness Measures 30:28 Ohio Education and Workforce Insights 31:28 "Superman Originated in Cleveland" 35:17 "Community Engagement in School Planning" 38:02 "Children: 100% of Our Future Connect with Stephen Dackin Website: https://education.ohio.gov/

    39 min
  7. Educational Revolution: Mackenzie Price on Two-Hour Learning

    04/24/2025

    Educational Revolution: Mackenzie Price on Two-Hour Learning

    In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna sits down with MacKenzie Price, an innovative educator and co-founder of 2hr Learning and Alpha School, who is redefining how we approach K-12 education. MacKenzie shares her journey, from growing up in a small-town school to attending Stanford and ultimately pioneering a model that challenges the traditional education system. MacKenzie’s 2hr Learning methodology focuses on efficiency and mastery, using AI-powered adaptive learning tools to condense academic instruction into just two hours a day. This approach frees up time for students to explore their passions, develop life skills, and excel in unique projects. Her schools, including Alpha School, have achieved remarkable results, with students learning up to six times faster and consistently performing in the top 2% nationwide. Tom and MacKenzie discuss the challenges and opportunities of scaling this innovative model, including its potential impact on public education through charter and virtual schools. Tune in to hear how MacKenzie’s passion and transformative ideas are reshaping education—and why she believes every child can thrive with the right approach. Key Moments 00:00 "Tom Luna's Educational Podcast" 03:06 Lack of Passion-Driven Education 06:13 School System's Motivation Problem 11:17 Accelerated Learning Through Sports 13:14 Paid Learning for Ukrainian Refugees 18:04 Teaching Grit Through Triathlon 19:42 Cultivating Life Skills and Masterpieces 23:36 Philosophical Alignment in EdTech Education 26:45 "Advocating for Diverse Education Choices" 29:15 Children: 100% of Our Future Connect with Mackenzie Price LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mackenzielprice/ Website: https://2hourlearning.com/

    30 min
  8. Carissa Miller on State Education Chiefs and Innovative Teaching Solutions at Excel in Ed

    03/27/2025

    Carissa Miller on State Education Chiefs and Innovative Teaching Solutions at Excel in Ed

    In Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna sits down with Dr. Carissa Moffat Miller, CEO of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), to discuss the evolving landscape of education policy, leadership, and innovation. With decades of experience shaping state and national education initiatives, Dr. Miller shares insights into the challenges and opportunities in the field today. The conversation explores pressing topics such as teacher shortages, the impact of high-dosage tutoring on student learning, and the future of math education reform. Dr. Miller also provides a behind-the-scenes look at how CCSSO helped states navigate the pandemic, manage federal education funds, and implement effective recovery strategies. As artificial intelligence reshapes education, Dr. Miller discusses CCSSO’s efforts to equip state leaders with policies and best practices for AI integration in classrooms. She also shares a unique piece of Nebraska trivia, adding a personal touch to an insightful discussion. Tune in to hear how education leaders are driving meaningful change, one policy at a time. Key Moments 00:00:39 - Setting the Scene 00:01:24 - A Career Rooted in Education Leadership 00:03:23 - The Role of CCSSO 00:04:47 - Navigating Political Transitions in Education 00:06:51 - Addressing the Teacher Shortage 00:08:06 - Pandemic Response & Federal Funding 00:10:38 - Data-Driven Education Recovery 00:12:08 - Math Education Reform & The Science of Reading Parallel 00:14:36 - The Rise of AI in Education 00:17:14 - AI Policy & Classroom Integration 00:18:32 - Nebraska Trivia & Unicameral Legislature Connect with Carissa Miller Website: https://ccsso.org/

    20 min
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About

Swimming Upstream host Tom Luna, is a former school board member was privileged to serve as a Senior Advisor to US Sec of Education Rod Paige. He also served for eight years as Idaho's State Superintendent of Public Instruction. During that time, he was the President of the Council of Chief State School Officers. On his podcast, Swimming Upstream, he visits with courageous leaders who challenge the prevailing tide and inspire all of us to swim against the current. Let’s jump in. About Our Host Tom Luna was elected Idaho State Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2006 and served two terms during which Idaho passed arguably the most comprehensive education reform laws in the country. While serving as State Superintendent, Tom was elected President of the Council of Chief State School Officers, an organization made up of all 50 state chiefs. In 2009 Tom was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Education to the National Assessment Governing Board. Connect with Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-luna-79045716/ View our Full Lineup of Shows: https://www.strategosgroup.com/insights Visit our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@strategospodcastnetwork

Information

  • Creator
    Tom Luna
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Strategos Podcast Network
  • Show Website
    Swimming Upstream