In this inspiring episode, we are joined by two accomplished superintendents, Lisa Krueger of the West Seneca Central School District and Andrea Kersten of the Akron Central School District. Together, they delve into the critical topic of supporting and empowering women in educational leadership. With the backdrop of the NYSCOSS Women’s Initiative, this discussion highlights strategies to identify, nurture, and support female leaders aspiring to the superintendency.

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Today on our podcast we have Dr. Jeffrey Jachlewski, the Superintendent of the North Tonawanda City Schools. Dr. Jachlewski received his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Science Education from Buffalo State College (1999), his Master of Science in Administration and Supervision from Niagara University (2002), and his Doctorate in Educational Administration from the University at Buffalo (2020). In this episode we focused on the district's initiatve to focus on creating a culture of belonging within their school district. Joining us on the podcast was Mr. Scott Gauld, Social Studies teacher, unified coach and advisor to the Youth Activation Committee. Additionally we interviewed students, Aiden Raymond and Olivia Reimer. Both students were incredibly thoughtful, insightful and tremendous student leaders.

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In this episode, we talk to Dr. Venu Govindaraju, a pioneer in Artificial intelligence (AI) research and innovation, who serves as the University at Buffalo’s vice president for research and economic development. He is a SUNY Distinguished Professor and co-chair of the SUNY AI Task Force, which is shaping the future of AI in education across New York State."

In January 2023, the National Science Foundation awarded $20 million to a team led by Govindaraju to establish the National AI Institute for Exceptional Education at UB. As director and principal investigator of the award, Govindaraju is leading the development of AI tools that will screen children early for speech and/or language processing challenges. This also includes providing teachers with AI-based interventions, such as personalized learning programs.

This work is expected to alleviate the shortage of speech-language pathologists as well as help children with dyslexia, dysgraphia and other communication and language impairments.

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In this episode, we were privileged to interview Mr. Lars Clemensen the superintendent of the Hampton Bays Union Free School District. Lars has been the superintendent in Hampton Bays NY for the past 14 years and he is the current President of the New York Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS)

In this episode, Lars discusses his vision and leadership philosophy in both roles (Superintendent and President of NYSCOSS).

As President of NYSCOSS, Lars will lead a diverse and dynamic organization comprising superintendents from across New York State. His strategic vision and collaborative approach is instrumental in promoting effective educational policies and ensuring the highest quality of education for all students in the state.

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In this episode we interviewed Daniel Ljiljanich, the Superintendent of the Niagara Wheatfield Central School District. Dan announced that Niagara Wheatfield Central School District is one of 13 New York schools who have been named new National Banner Unified Champion Schools. This distinction marks the highest level of achievement for Unified Champion Schools in the nation, recognizing their leadership in creating inclusive school communities where all students are accepted and celebrated. Joining Dan in the podcast were Mrs. Melanie Proefrock, a Social Studies teacher and currently coach of boys soccer, unified bocce and unified bowling. Additionally, NW HS students Hailey Wilson and Mattingly Huff shared their perspective as it relates to participating in Unified Sports.

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In this episode of the podcast we have Jeff Sortisio, the Superintendent of the Eden Central School District. Jeff introduced us to the Chopper Club. Jeff invited Technology Teacher Stevan Jones, and two student participants Mitchell Preischel (senior) and Luke Ricigliano (Sophomore). The Eden Chopper Club is quite remarkable and offers interested students the opprotunity to build Harley Davidson motorcycles and compete with this work on a national level.

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Today on our podcast we have Michael Mansfield the Superintendent of the Dunkirk City School District. Michael started in April of 2020 and is currently in his fifth year. Previously, Michael served as the superintendent of Bemus Point for 7 years. In this episode, Michael focused on their Bilingual Education program that starts at kindergarten and includes first and second grade. Also on this podcast was Corinna Hooge the Director the district’s bilingual K-2 program and Kerry Hoffman a Kindergarten Bilingual Education teacher.

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In this episode we interviewed James Bialasik, the Superintendent of the Springville Griffith Institute Central School District along with his fourth grade teachers Mrs. Kristin Tester and Mrs. Kerri Voit. They shared information regarding a three year old interdisciplinary - project based learning program called the "Fun-tastic Fourth Grade Sellers". Joining them in this podcast are 5th graders: Sage Miess and Maggie McCarthy who shared their reflections and insights on this amazing learning expereince.

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