For Neda Anasseri of OTAN, adult education is personal. She joins Jolene Levin to share how her parents' immigrant journey inspired her mission to create opportunity and access for her people through education, equity, and heart. Listen now and get inspired by how purpose can power real change.
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Being sensitive doesn't make you weak-it makes you real. In this inspiring episode of BWC Backstory, host Jolene Levin sits down with Dr. Tammy Andreyko, Superintendent of Quaker Valley School District, for an honest conversation about what it means to lead with heart, integrity, and authentic sensitivity.
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In this episode, Jolene Levin sits down with Erika Robichaux, an educator from Bass Lake Joint Union School District, to discuss how answering the call to teach has shaped her life and community. Erika shares how teaching continues to bring purpose and growth, both for her and her students. Listen now and be inspired by Erika's journey of teaching with heart and passion.
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Leadership is about making intentional decisions that create lasting impact. In this episode, Jolene Levin is joined by Linda Gail Walker, Executive Director of Innovation & Impact at Meteor Education and author of Surviving the Storm: Leading Through Post-Traumatic Growth. They discuss how intentional leadership drives growth, resilience, and purposeful change.
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In this inspiring episode, join Jolene Levin as she sits down with Lindsey Blass, Group Manager, Global Education Community at Adobe at Spring CUE 2025. They delve into the theme of overcoming challenges-both professionally and personally-and discuss why life is not a dress rehearsal. Lindsey shares her inspiring journey, starting as an elementary teacher, a role that laid the foundation for her path of leadership and change. With perseverance and a commitment to embracing challenges, she has become a passionate advocate for shaping the future of education. This episode is a powerful reminder that life isn't about just surviving tough times-it's about thriving. Life is a one-time performance-let's make it count.
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In this episode, host Jolene Levin, K–12 Advocate & Consultant, is joined by Dr. Deb Kerr, Superintendent of St. Francis Public School District, and Darlene Akers of Akers Business Solutions, for a powerful conversation with Susan Jackson-Lee, Founder of Field2Future Consulting. Together, they explore how mentorship shapes strong leadership, the importance of staying the course, and the honest truth that no one has all the answers. It's a thoughtful, inspiring discussion on growth, guidance, and leading with purpose.
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In this episode, Jolene Levin and Dr. Deb Kerr, Superintendent of St. Francis Public School District, are joined by Future Cain, M.Ed., a Certified Culture Facilitator and Speaker. Future is deeply passionate about supporting students' and educators' mental health and well-being. Together, they explore the vital importance of women filling their own buckets—putting their well-being first to sustain themselves as leaders, caregivers, and educators. As a mother of two, Future believes that women can create lasting, positive change in their communities and schools by nurturing self-awareness and prioritizing self-care.
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In this episode, join Jolene Levin as she sits down with Traci Bonde, District Administrator at Santa Clara Unified and CUE board member. They discuss the importance of creating a supportive and healthy environment for all school employees and students. The conversation centers on promoting educator wellness, fostering inclusive school communities, and ensuring that every individual-staff and students alike-can thrive in a positive, well-supported setting. Also, be sure to check out the Struggle for Change podcast.
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In this episode, join Jolene Levin and Dr. Deb Kerr, Superintendent of St. Francis Public School District, as they sit down with authors Kristi Wilson and Susan Enfield. They discuss their book On Fire, Under Fire, or Fired: Superintendents in the Pandemic, which shares the personal stories behind superintendents' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. By humanizing these leaders, the book offers a unique perspective on the unprecedented challenges they faced, the transformative opportunities that emerged, and the valuable lessons that can guide the future of education.
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In this episode of BWC's Backstory, join Jolene Levin as she sits down with Rae Fearing, M.S. - Director of Programs at CUE, during the Spring conference. Together, they explore how technology and innovative strategies are reshaping the classroom. Rae shares insights into her work at CUE and how they empower educators to connect and harness the power of tech in their teaching practices. If you're passionate about the future of education, this conversation will inspire and challenge you to think differently about how we engage with learning in today's rapidly changing world.
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In this episode, join Jolene Levin as she sits down with Pam Dempsey, Director of Partnerships at Meteor Education, at the AASA National Conference. Pam shares her inspiring journey, discussing how her unwavering passion for education and empowerment led her into this impactful industry. She reflects on the challenges she's faced along the way and how they've shaped her ability to create new opportunities-not just for herself, but for others in the education space. Tune in for a truly inspiring conversation!
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Rita is the Founder & CEO at Arc Capital Development is a recognized leader in education strategy, STEM, and the Future of Work. With over 30 years of experience, she has dedicated her career to advancing educational innovation and creating meaningful opportunities for students, educators, and communities. Moderators: Jolene Levin, Founder & Consultant Deb Kerr, Superintendent, St. Francis School District Darlene Akers, Founder & CEO, Akers Business Solutions Join us for a compelling discussion on the future of education and the role of innovation in shaping tomorrow's leaders.
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Lorraine Moore (MooreCo) and Polly Moore share their journey of triumphs and challenges in the educational marketplace. They're joined by Darlene Akers, Jolene Levin, and Dr. Deb Kerr for a lively conversation on resilience, innovation, and bold leadership.
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The latest Better Learning Podcast episode shines a spotlight on EDmarket's Bold Women Collective, a platform dedicated to empowering women in the education market. We are joined by Dr. Deb Kerr, Superintendent at Francis Public School District, Darlene Akers, Owner at Akers Business Solutions, and Jolene Levin, K-12 Advocate and Consultant as they discuss how this collective fosters a vibrant and safe community where women can connect, share experiences, and grow together. Episode Notes
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NexGen'r Aaron Evans discusses the importance of supporting teachers as they adapt to new learning environments, given the rapid changes in educational approaches. He emphasizes the need to create adaptable and dynamic student-centered spaces. The episode highlights the importance of using data to continuously improve education. Aaron passionately discusses capturing and analyzing data to drive ongoing enhancements in education. Episode Notes
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Dr. Rachel Moya is the Chief Revenue Officer at The Amos Group. Her career path has taken her from wanting to be a fashion designer to working in law and eventually becoming a school board member. She provides insights into the intricate world of school finances and funding models, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that shape educational equity. Episode Notes
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The Better Learning Podcast focuses on improvement at all levels of K-12 education. It features discussions with education leaders. industry experts, and changemakers covering various aspects of the learning experience. The podcast provides valuable insights and practical advice to break down the silos of education and actively drive change!
The Better Learning Podcast is hosted by Kevin Stoller, co-founder of Kay-Twelve and author of Creating Better Learning Environments. If you are interested in being a future guest or have a topic suggestion for the Better Learning Podcast, you can apply here!
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Nikki Snellinger is an interior designer who specializes in the education market sector. She is passionate about ensuring equity in the built environment, and strives to level the playing field for all students. Nikki has been working with JCJ for five of the nine years, and has worked on a variety of projects ranging from pre-K to K-12, as well as local Boys and Girls Clubs. Nikki is involved in all aspects of the project, such as designing solutions, selecting finishes, producing construction documentation, choosing FF&E, and overseeing furniture installation. Episode Notes
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NexGen'r Katelyn Forcucci's decade-long experience as an educator has given her a deep understanding of the importance of preparing learners for the future. She believes educators play a critical role in imparting knowledge and nurturing essential skills to empower students to thrive in an ever-changing world. Katelyn's passion for teaching is inspiring, and her reflections remind us of the profound impact that teachers can have on their students' lives. Episode Notes
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Kelsey Jordan, an architect specializing in educational design, emphasizes the pivotal role collaboration and empathy play in shaping learning environments. Her passion for equity in the built environment and leveling the playing field for all students is commendable. Kelsey highlights the need for open-mindedness and reframing questions to foster creativity and innovation. She also shares her predications for the future and the importance of storytelling in inspiring change in education. Episode Notes
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