The Next Class 2.0

marketing@catholicvirtual.com
  • 4.8 (6)
  • EDUCATION

Education veterans Rob Birdsell and Tom Burnford interview industry leaders about a wide range of topics related to the future of K-12 education. Sponsored by Catholic Virtual.

  1. FEB 5

    Season 6 - Episode 6- Steve Cheeseman

    Join Rob Birdsell and Erin Barisano in an inspiring dialogue with Dr. Steve Cheeseman, President of NCEA. Dr. Cheeseman shares encouraging insights on the future of Catholic education, noting renewed hope and mission‑driven energy across schools nationwide. School communities are strengthening Catholic identity, embracing growth, and responding creatively to teacher and leader shortages. He highlights NCEA’s shift toward becoming a strategic partner through actionable data, leadership development, and operational vitality initiatives, including a new national data dashboard. Nationally, enrollment remains stable with growth in several regions, especially early grades. Cheeseman also emphasizes the importance of responsible technology and AI integration, ensuring students develop digital literacy while preserving the humanity at the heart of Catholic education.

    43 min

  2. FEB 5

    Season 6 - Episode 5 - School Board best practices

    Join this thought-provoking podcast as Erin Barisano talks with Catholic Education Services President Rob Birdsell and Kent Hickey on the transformative power of Catholic school boards. They explore why today’s governance challenges demand spiritual grounding, intentional culture‑building, and true discernment—not business‑as‑usual decision‑making. Learn what makes an effective board “apostolic,” how communication protocols strengthen the president–board relationship, and why cultivating a “thick,” mission‑driven culture leads to healthier schools and holier leadership. Packed with practical insights and inspiring stories, this conversation reframes board service as sacred work in service of the Church.

    39 min

  3. 12/01/2025

    Season 6 - Episode 4 - John Reyes & Angela Mitchell

    Join Rob Birdsell and Erin Barisano in this episode as they engage in a thought-provoking dialogue with John Reyes, Director of Research and Program Evaluation, and Angela Mitchell, Director of Leadership Formation Programs, both representing the Roche Center for Catholic Education. This conversation explores critical themes shaping Catholic education today as reflected in Pope Leo’s recent Apostolic Letter "Drawing New Maps of Hope”.

    56 min

  4. 10/31/2025

    Season 6 - Episode 3 - Brandon Jacobs

    Join Rob Birdsell and Kent Hickey as they dive into a thought-provoking episode with Brandon Jacobs, Search Consultant at Carney, Sandoe & Associates, as they explore the ever-evolving landscape of leadership in private and Catholic schools. From rethinking traditional roles and expectations to embracing the humanity and imperfections of school leaders, this conversation challenges administrators to think outside the box when it comes to preparation and training. Brandon also shares insights into the value of partnering with executive search firms to find the right leaders, highlighting how this approach can elevate the process beyond what schools might achieve on their own. For show notes and the transcript, please visit catholicvirtual.com/the-next-class-2-0-season-6-episode-3/

    41 min

  5. 10/31/2025

    Season 6 - Episode 2 - Marco Clark

    In this episode, Dr. Erin Barisano and Rob Birdsell connect with Marco Clark to kick things off. The conversation explores what excites Marco most about college life and how he’s navigating this new chapter. Erin reflects on this transition from high school student body president to leadership in higher education, while also addressing the challenges facing colleges today. Rob shares thoughtful advice for young leaders and offers insight into the Holy Cross charism, explaining how it continues to resonate with students in 2025.   For show notes and the transcript, please visit catholicvirtual.com/the-next-class-2-0-season-6-episode-2/

    39 min

  6. 08/09/2025

    Season 6 - Pilot

    Kicking off season 6 of The Next Class 2.0, host Robert Birdsell is joined by returning co-hosts Dr. Erin Barisano and Kent Hickey, along with new producer Carlos Cárdenas. This season introduces a refreshed format—each episode will start with a preview of the guest and topic, and wrap up with a debrief from the hosts. Upcoming conversations will explore mastery-based learning with assessment expert Laura Slover, insights from leaders new to their roles, trends in school leadership tenure, and best practices for working with boards. The season also highlights retreats for Catholic school leaders, drawing inspiration from the Gospels’ imagery of “going up the mountain” to reflect and renew. For show notes and the transcript, please visit catholicvirtual.com/the-next-class-2-0-season-6-episode-1/

    17 min

  7. 05/27/2025

    Episode 11 - Ashling Preston

    In this special unedited edition of The Next Class, hosts Rob Birdsell and Erin Barisano welcome Ashling Kelly Preston, Associate Director of Government Relations for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Recorded just days after the House passed historic federal school choice legislation, Ashling unpacks what this landmark moment means for Catholic schools nationwide. She details the structure, reach, and next steps of the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), its impact on families in every educational setting, and how Catholic institutions can prepare for what's ahead. A must-listen for diocesan leaders and school administrators navigating policy and funding strategy.

    32 min

  8. 05/19/2025

    Episode 10 - Kirsten Oates

    In this episode of The Next Class, Rob Birdsell and Kent Hickey sit down with spiritual leadership coach Kirsten Oates. With a background spanning law, consulting, and executive strategy at the Center for Action and Contemplation, Kirsten brings a unique blend of intellect and introspection. She shares how mysticism offers not just personal transformation, but practical, grounded tools for school leaders and educators navigating today’s complex educational landscape. From honoring the inner lives of teachers to integrating contemplative practice into leadership, Kirsten's insights offer a rare look at what it means to lead with depth, humility, and purpose.

    33 min
See All (50)

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Education veterans Rob Birdsell and Tom Burnford interview industry leaders about a wide range of topics related to the future of K-12 education. Sponsored by Catholic Virtual.

Information

  • Creator
    marketing@catholicvirtual.com
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Next Class 2.0

You Might Also Like