The Growth Over Grades Podcast

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The Growth Over Grades Podcast

SpacesEDU by myBlueprint

72 episodes

1 week ago

How do we move past the fear of AI-driven cheating and instead use technology to foster deeper learning and essential human skills? In this episode, host Jordan Lewis speaks with Alana Winnick, Educational Technology Director, author of The Generative Age, and podcaster. Alana breaks down what she terms "The Generative Age" —an era defined by the ability to generate content and its profound impact on how we learn, think, and create. She challenges educators to move beyond the "plagiarism or c...

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How do we move past the fear of AI-driven cheating and instead use technology to foster deeper learning and essential human skills? In this episode, host Jordan Lewis speaks with Alana Winnick, Educational Technology Director, author of The Generative Age, and podcaster. Alana breaks down what she terms "The Generative Age" —an era defined by the ability to generate content and its profound impact on how we learn, think, and create. She challenges educators to move beyond the "plagiarism or c...

Show more...

Episodes (20/72)

The Growth Over Grades Podcast

Rethinking Assessment in the Generative Age: Empowering Student Voice with Alana Winnick

How do we move past the fear of AI-driven cheating and instead use technology to foster deeper learning and essential human skills? In this episode, host Jordan Lewis speaks with Alana Winnick, Educational Technology Director, author of The Generative Age, and podcaster. Alana breaks down what she terms "The Generative Age" —an era defined by the ability to generate content and its profound impact on how we learn, think, and create. She challenges educators to move beyond the "plagiarism or c...

1 week ago

57 minutes

The Growth Over Grades Podcast

Gina Schuyler on Forging Community Partnerships, Fostering Student Curiosity, and Building a Future-Ready Workforce

In this episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan sits down with Gina Schuyler, an educator and advocate for purpose-driven learning who serves as the Administrator for Community Partnerships for Grayslake Community High School District 127. Gina shares how her district is answering the age-old student question, "When am I ever going to use this?" by creating a powerful ecosystem of real-world learning. She explains why focusing on student curiosity, rather than forcing premature career choices, ...

3 weeks ago

49 minutes

The Growth Over Grades Podcast

Brian Stack and Jonathan Vander Els on Defining the Principles of CBE, Ensuring True Equity, and Leading Systemic Change

In this episode of the Growth Over Grades podcast, Jordan sits down with two leaders at the forefront of educational innovation: Brian Stack, Superintendent of the Fremont, NH School District, and Jonathan Vander Els, Director of Innovative Projects at the New Hampshire Learning Initiative (NHLI). Both are also celebrated authors and associates for Solution Tree. Arguing that traditional, time-based models are insufficient for preparing students for a rapidly changing world, Brian and Jonatha...

1 month ago

1 hour 6 minutes

The Growth Over Grades Podcast

Laurie Gagnon on Building Assessment Literacy, Activating Student Agency, and Reclaiming the Learning Process

In the season premiere of Season 4 of Growth Over Grades, Jordan sits down with educational change advocate and thought leader, Laurie Gagnon. As a key designer of the quality performance assessment model, Laurie shares why a fundamental shift in how we approach assessment is more urgent than ever for creating equitable, learner-centered systems. She discusses how building true assessment literacy and activating student agency are essential for moving beyond industrial-era education models. T...

2 months ago

1 hour 9 minutes

The Growth Over Grades Podcast

Doug Roberts on Rebranding Public Education, Retaining Leaders, and Building Trust Across the System

In the season finale of Season 3 of Growth Over Grades, Jordan sits down with Doug Roberts, Founder & CEO of the Institute for Education Innovation (IEI). Doug shares what he’s learned from years of working with superintendents across the country—and why retention, relationships, and rebranding public education are more urgent than ever. This episode explores the real impact of leadership churn, how districts can build trust across the system through better storytelling, and why systems t...

4 months ago

1 hour 3 minutes

The Growth Over Grades Podcast

Paul K. Smith on Community-Rooted Portrait of a Graduate and Skills That Stick for Life

In the twenty-second episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan sits down with Paul K. Smith, Founder & CEO of SchoolWorks Consulting and former superintendent of East Hampton Public Schools. This episode explores what it takes to bring a Portrait of a Graduate to life through inclusive, community-rooted design. Paul shares his eight steps to success framework, the importance of student voice, and why skills like compassion and creativity are more than soft skills—they’re survival skills. He a...

4 months ago

1 hour 1 minute

The Growth Over Grades Podcast

Michelle Cavazos on Student Voice, Experiential Learning, and Progress Over Perfection

In the twenty-first episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan sits down with Dr. Michelle Cavazos—2024 ESC Region 2 Superintendent of the Year and Superintendent of Gregory-Portland ISD—for a powerful conversation about leading with authenticity, empowering student voice, and making progress over perfection. With 30 years in education and a deep belief in the potential of every learner, Michelle shares how Gregory-Portland ISD is evolving its model to prioritize real-world readiness through exper...

5 months ago

52 minutes

The Growth Over Grades Podcast

Damian LaCroix on Leadership Loneliness, Reflection, and the Power of Purpose

In the twentieth episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan sits down with Damian LaCroix—former superintendent, executive coach, and education consultant—for a candid conversation about leadership loneliness and how to move through it with intention. Drawing on 33 years in education, including 19 as superintendent, Damian shares deeply personal stories that shaped his leadership—moments of grief, crisis, and transformation. The conversation explores how loneliness shows up in education leadership...

6 months ago

1 hour 11 minutes

The Growth Over Grades Podcast

Dr. Chad Lang on Family Engagement and Standards-Based Grading Reform

In the nineteenth episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan sits down with Dr. Chad Lang, Assistant Superintendent of School Improvement at Glenwood Community School District. This episode dives into what it takes to successfully lead standards-based grading reform, why clear communication with families is critical, and how building a strong adult learning culture supports lasting change. Chad also shares insights on shifting mindsets, strengthening family partnerships, and keeping high expectati...

6 months ago

1 hour 2 minutes

The Growth Over Grades Podcast

Dr. Joshua Matthews on Local Accountability and Making Learning Real for Students

In the eighteenth episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan sits down with Dr. Joshua Matthews, Superintendent of Shelby County Public Schools. They dive into how Kentucky’s Portrait of a Learner is reshaping instruction, why local accountability matters, and how real-world programs like Ranger Academy help students connect learning to life. Josh also shares practical advice on building school culture, supporting teacher creativity, and bringing joy back into classrooms.

6 months ago

49 minutes

The Growth Over Grades Podcast

Jeff Petty on Rethinking Classrooms and the Power of Reflective Teaching

In the seventeenth episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan is joined by Jeff Petty, a longtime educator, coach, and school founder affiliated with Big Picture Learning. Jeff reflects on his unconventional start in education as a mountaineering instructor and how that immersive, reflective experience shaped his view of teaching and learning. Together, they explore the importance of rich dialogue around instruction, student agency, and designing learning experiences without the boundaries of a tr...

7 months ago

1 hour 2 minutes

The Growth Over Grades Podcast

Reimagining Learning with Jed Stefanowicz: From Compliance to Creativity

In this episode, we sit down with Jed Stefanowicz, Director of Digital Learning and Innovation at Nashoba Regional School District, to explore the power of content creation in education. Jed shares insights on shifting from a compliance-driven curriculum to a student-centered learning model, emphasizing the importance of digital literacy, learner competencies, and authentic engagement. We dive into his work on the Portrait of a Graduate framework, strategies for fostering a culture of content...

7 months ago

52 minutes

The Growth Over Grades Podcast

Dr. Matt Townsley on Reimagining Assessment Through Standards-Based Grading

In this episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan speaks with Dr. Matt Townsley, associate professor of educational leadership at the University of Northern Iowa. They explore how standards-based grading provides a more meaningful diagnosis of student learning compared to traditional point-based systems. Matt shares his journey from high school math teacher to leading district-wide grading reform at Solon Community Schools, and introduces his "Four P's" framework: Purpose, Policies, Pilot, and Pr...

8 months ago

57 minutes

The Growth Over Grades Podcast

George Philhower on Cultivating Joy and Growth Through Community-Centered Education

In this episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan speaks with George Philhower, Superintendent of Eastern Hancock Schools in Indiana. They explore Eastern Hancock's innovative approach to education built on four key promises: joy, connection, growth, and success. George shares insights on hosting the Joy Jam conference, transitioning from teacher evaluation to a teacher growth system, and developing a Portrait of a Graduate through meaningful community partnerships. Drawing from his background in...

8 months ago

51 minutes

The Growth Over Grades Podcast

Brenda Pena on Building Holistic Student Support Through Social-Emotional Learning

In this episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan speaks with Brenda Pena, Director of Mental Health, Social-Emotional Learning, and Specialized Student Supports at Chelsea Public Schools. They explore Chelsea's comprehensive approach to student wellbeing, including their successful restorative practices and district-wide SEL leadership model. Brenda shares insights on integrating social-emotional learning with academics, engaging families in multiple languages, and creating sustainable cultural ...

9 months ago

1 hour 1 minute

The Growth Over Grades Podcast

Brandi Kelly on Leading School Districts with H.O.P.E

In this episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan sits down with Dr. Brandi Kelly, Superintendent of Mount Olive School District and author of the upcoming book "Lead with Hope." They explore how personal tragedy inspired her journey into education and shaped her transformative leadership framework centered on H.O.P.E (Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Passion, Purpose, and Perseverance, Excellence). Brandi shares powerful insights on building positive school culture, fostering authentic accountability...

9 months ago

54 minutes

The Growth Over Grades Podcast

PJ Caposey on Building Durable Skills for Student Success

In this episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan sits down with PJ Caposey, Superintendent of Oregon Community Unit School District 220 and Meridian CUSD 223. They discuss the critical importance of durable skills in K-12 education, how to effectively measure student growth, and preparing students for future success beyond traditional academics. PJ shares practical insights on implementing durable skills assessment and explains why these enduring competencies matter more than ever in today's rap...

10 months ago

1 hour 3 minutes

The Growth Over Grades Podcast

Cynthia Ritchie on Flexible Learning Models and Student-Centered Change

In the tenth episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan sits down with Cynthia Ritchie, Superintendent of New London Schools in Connecticut. They discuss innovative instruction, flexible learning models, and the shift away from the traditional school-year calendar. Finally, Cynthia shares her insights on driving innovation in school districts while keeping students at the heart of the work.

10 months ago

51 minutes

The Growth Over Grades Podcast

The Road to Future-Ready with Michael Crawford

In this episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan sits down with Michael Crawford, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at America Succeeds. Together, they explore the transformative impact of prioritizing durable skills in teaching and learning. Drawing from his own experience, Michael shares valuable advice for leaders and educators striving to adopt skills-based approaches in education.

11 months ago

57 minutes

The Growth Over Grades Podcast

Alissa Muller and the Power of Mastery-Based Learning

In the eighth episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan sits down with Alissa Muller, Director of Policy at the Washington State Board of Education, to discuss mastery-based learning (MBL). Together, they explore the concepts of culturally responsive-sustaining MBL and examine the challenges and benefits of these teaching models. Alissa also shares valuable insights on how to gain traction in implementing MBL, including strategies for engaging both teachers and parents.

11 months ago

55 minutes