In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna welcomes Steve Bowen, Executive Director of the Hoover Education Success Initiative, to discuss the evolving challenges and opportunities in education policy and reform. With a rich background as a former Maine legislator, educator, and education commissioner, Bowen brings unique insights into the intersection of state leadership and education reform.

Bowen shares his journey from teaching middle and high school social studies to shaping education policy at a state level. His experience in the Maine legislature and as commissioner of education helped him understand the critical relationship between policymakers and educators in enacting meaningful reforms.

At the Hoover Institution, Bowen focuses on ensuring research informs public policy. He discusses the initiative's current projects, including a deep dive into the lessons learned over the 40 years since A Nation at Risk, and the exploration of systemic changes in education. With his role at Hoover, Bowen aims to translate rigorous academic research into actionable insights for policymakers, helping address pressing issues like COVID-19 recovery, funding models, and the evolving role of education in civic health.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the need for a shift in how education systems operate and the importance of focusing reforms on student achievement while balancing the unique needs of rural and urban communities.

Key Moments

00:00 Teacher turned legislator and education policy advisor.

04:55 Hoover excels in thorough, rigorous educational research.

08:53 Considering new governance for sustainable education reform.

09:49 Rethink educational reform beyond constant lists.

13:23 Focus on civic education, schools' role emphasized.

17:26 Effective school funding requires strategic capacity building.

21:26 Seeking new educational reform catalyst post-COVID.

24:06 Embrace continuous learning for adapting to change.

26:04 Children are 100% future; subscribe for more.

Connect with Steve Bowen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenbowen207

Website: https://www.hoover.org/

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna speaks with Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education in Tennessee. The discussion centers around the state's efforts to retain local talent and prevent companies from needing to recruit out of state. Lizzette highlights the importance of creating strong pipelines for local employment to ensure Tennessee's economic success.

Lizzette also shares her excitement about the ongoing educational reforms in Tennessee, emphasizing the long-term impact that will be seen in the next 20 years. The episode wraps up on a lighter note as Lizzette reveals a fun fact about Tennessee: the famous Moon Pie was founded in Chattanooga, adding a bit of local flavor to the conversation.

Listeners are left with a strong sense of Lizzette's passion for her work and a glimpse into Tennessee's efforts to build a brighter future for its students and workforce.

Key Moments

00:00 Inspired to work for Governor Bill Lee.

05:10 Governor Lee focuses on long-term educational impact.

07:51 The Achievement indicator had been student proficiency.

12:03 The Team worked hard, ensuring schools' performance data.

15:16 Improving literacy and math: Adjusting policies needed.

17:53 Refocus education on academics for student success.

21:11 Tennessee invested $500M in career technical education.

Connect with Lizzette Reynolds

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzetteg

Website: https://www.tn.gov/education/

In this episode, the host Tom Luna dives into a conversation with Lisa Coons, the superintendent of public instruction for the Common Wealth of Virginia. Lisa shares her remarkable journey from a high school English teacher to key educational leadership roles across Tennessee and Virginia. We dive into her experience with modernizing the funding formula in Tennessee, tackling literacy challenges, implementing high-dosage tutoring, and rethinking accountability systems.

Tune in for an enlightening conversation about courageous leadership in education and the inspiring changes being made to support students and educators alike.

Key Moments

00:00 Tennessee's progress in education funding and reform.

04:03 The Tennessee formula simplifies education funding for students.

07:32 Legislators consider funding formula impact on constituents.

11:08 Improving literacy through teacher training and support.

14:10 Targeted tutoring accelerates learning and avoids remediation.

17:25 ESSA accountability aims to clarify student progress.

20:09 Superintendent Lisa Coons discusses tackling difficult issues.

Connect with Lisa Coons

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-lisa-coons/

Website: https://www.doe.virginia.gov/

In this episode, host Tom Luna is joined by a familiar face, Ellen Weaver, the State Superintendent of South Carolina. Ellen sits down with Tom at the Excel in Ed conference to reflect on her first year in office and the strides her state has made in education. From the sense of urgency she brought to her role to the transformative focus on literacy through the science of reading, Ellen shares her journey and the bold initiatives she's spearheading.

They discuss the importance of professional development for teachers, the power of leadership at the school and community levels, and the ambitious goals laid out in her strategic plan. Plus, Ellen reveals the secret sauce of success found in some of South Carolina's Title 1 schools and introduces us to initiatives like the Hope Network and the CARE program.

Tune in to hear how Ellen Weaver is not just keeping her head above water, but swimming upstream to ensure every child in South Carolina is prepared for college, career, or the military.

Key Moments

00:00 Education conference featuring state superintendent Ellen Weaver.

04:21 Investing in teacher training to improve literacy.

09:18 Projects to support mental health and education.

10:03 Supporting teachers, visiting schools, leading by example.

14:22 Education key to rebuilding hope in communities.

18:15 Social media age restriction and civic values.

20:11 South Carolina, known as Palmetto state.

Connect with Ellen Weaver

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-weaver-53a3a269/

Website: https://ellenweaver.com/

In this episode, I'm Tom Luna, your host, and today we have an insightful conversation lined up with the distinguished state superintendent of public instruction from Idaho, Debbie Critchfield. Debbie shares her experiences over the past year, from the whirlwind transition into office to the significant accomplishments in her first year.

We'll delve into her on-the-ground approach to understanding schools' needs, the successful implementation of financial literacy as a graduation requirement, and the transformative steps Idaho is taking toward career readiness. Additionally, we'll explore the modernization of Idaho's funding formula and the state's efforts to enhance literacy education.

Tune in for a deep dive into the innovative steps Idaho is taking to ensure a brighter future for its students.

Key Moments

00:00 Elected, sworn in, and working stressful but interesting.

05:07 Exploring unique town features, like unexpected ice skating.

08:30 Schools received waivers, and interest in the program.

09:51 Platform focused on action for career tech programs.

14:36 Accelerated plans, large group, student-centered state funding.

19:36 Quality teaching is key to student success.

21:46 Encouraging Idaho students to apply for the program.

Connect with Debbie Critchfield

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-critchfield-b926446b/

Website: https://boardofed.idaho.gov

Welcome back to another episode of Swimming Upstream with your host, Tom Luna. Today, we are thrilled to have Trent Van Leuven, the Idaho Teacher of the Year, joining us. Trent's journey began on a dairy farm in Roberts, Idaho, leading him to a prestigious career in education influenced by his early involvement with the FFA and a pivotal encounter that steered him toward teaching.

Throughout this episode, we'll explore Trent's transformative impact on his students through innovative agricultural and aquacultural programs at Mackay High School. We'll delve into how his upbringing on a farm ingrained a robust work ethic and sense of urgency that he now embeds in his teaching, preparing his students for academic success and real-world challenges. Trent's story is a testament to the power of local resources and educational ingenuity in shaping the future of young minds.

Join us as we dive into this inspiring tale of dedication, innovation, and community impact.

Key Moments

00:00 Received encouragement and switched careers to teaching.

04:12 Idaho dairy farm work ethic and perspective.

08:35 Teacher of the year in rural Idaho schools.

10:52 Mackay's rural history and innovative agricultural program.

14:06 Pinching baskets for height, public speaking development.

20:07 Students innovated the Venturi aerator to improve the school.

23:30 Encouraging words for award-winning Idaho teacher.

25:09 A Teenage inventor conceptualized television in a potato field.

Connect with Trent Van Leuven

Website: https://www.sde.idaho.gov/

In this episode, we grapple with the ever-evolving landscape of schooling and discuss how to modernize the educational experience for the 21st century. Senator Lent shares his insights on key developments from around the country, from school board dynamics and professional development to legislative efforts to revolutionize education funding formulas. We'll explore initiatives like Launch, which is reshaping how students transition from high school to the workforce and delve into the intricate dance between state legislators and superintendents as they navigate policy and leadership in education.

And for a little fun, stick around for some surprising Idaho trivia that will leave you pondering the unexpected!

Join us as we swim against the current in pursuit of a brighter future for our students on Swimming Upstream.

Key Moments

00:00 The Podcast features leaders challenging norms in education.

03:20 The Industrial Age mindset in education needs updating.

07:38 The Finnish education system promotes independence and choice.

11:29 Training for counselors and addressing outdated funding formulas.

13:44 Teachers need support and recognition for impact.

17:00 Superintendent-legislature relationship is pivotal for the education system.

Connect with David Lent

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-lent-2a3225b8

Website: https://legislature.idaho.gov/

In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna interviews Sydnee Dickson, the State Superintendent of Utah, a leader steering education toward a future as bright as the minds she's nurturing. From humble beginnings in a two-room schoolhouse to modern classrooms, Sydnee shares how personalization is key to educational growth.

We'll navigate through the unique challenges faced by rural education, such as limited resources, and discuss how Utah's proactive digital strides, with the support of a robust legislative framework, fortified the state when the unprecedented occurred – making a swift pivot into remote learning during the COVID-19 school closures.

It's about developing the full picture – where the love for ice cream in Utah is as much a part of the state's identity as its pioneering educational initiatives. Utah’s focus on digital teaching and integrating durable skills like critical thinking is preparing students to be agile and adaptable for lifelong learning. With insights on technology in classrooms and the ongoing push for enhancing early literacy, we're ready to scoop up some knowledge and sprinkle it with experiences.

Key Moments

00:00 Rural Utah schools face resource and personnel challenges.

06:25 Developed master plan for digital teaching in Utah.

09:13 Scale up software packages to support education.

11:13 Tribal leaders improve connectivity in rural areas.

15:15 Kids are glued to social media and need guidance.

20:29 Utah develops a portrait of a successful graduate.

22:37 Promoting care, integration, and durable skills in education.

24:50 Engage students, focus on competencies, and individualized learning.

28:29 Challenges in education and Utah's impact.

Connect with Sydnee Dickson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydnee-dickson-506b9b11/

Website: https://schools.utah.gov/

Mentioned in this episode:

Literacy to Leadership: Sydnee Dickson's Vision for Utah's Schools

In this episode of "Swimming Upstream," host Tom Luna interviews Sydnee Dickson, the State Superintendent of Utah, a leader steering education toward a future as bright as the minds she's nurturing. From humble beginnings in a two-room schoolhouse to modern classrooms, Sydnee shares how personalization is key to educational growth. We'll navigate through the unique challenges faced by rural education, such as limited resources, and discuss how Utah's proactive digital strides, with the support of a robust legislative framework, fortified the state when the unprecedented occurred – making a swift pivot into remote learning during the COVID-19 school closures. It's about developing the full picture – where the love for ice cream in Utah is as much a part of the state's identity as its pioneering educational initiatives. Utah’s focus on digital teaching and integrating durable skills like critical thinking is preparing students to be agile and adaptable for lifelong learning. With insights on technology in classrooms and the ongoing push for enhancing early literacy, we're ready to scoop up some knowledge and sprinkle it with experiences. Key Moments 00:00 Rural Utah schools face resource and personnel challenges. 06:25 Developed master plan for digital teaching in Utah. 09:13 Scale up software packages to support education. 11:13 Tribal leaders improve connectivity in rural areas. 15:15 Kids are glued to social media and need guidance. 20:29 Utah develops a portrait of a successful graduate. 22:37 Promoting care, integration, and durable skills in education. 24:50 Engage students, focus on competencies, and individualized learning. 28:29 Challenges in education and Utah's impact. Connect with Sydnee Dickson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydnee-dickson-506b9b11/ Website: https://schools.utah.gov/