
Technology and the Impact on the Developing Student Brain (from "NYSCATE Conference")
19/12/2025 | 45 mins.
In this special episode from the NYSCATE Conference, I, Mike Doughty, and Christy Bezrutczyk discuss the influence of technology and AI on the developing student brain.Ā We examine recent findings in neuroscience, the impact of screen time and blue light on learning and behavior, and the evolving role of AI in education. Our conversation stresses the importance of balanced technology integration, human connection, and systemic changes needed to enhance educational outcomes.Ā Tune in to learn how we can leverage technology purposefully to support holistic student development. If you have questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes, including great non-education books with lessons for school leaders you can email me atĀ [email protected]. I would really appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It helps a lot. And if you found this episode helpful, please share it with your colleagues. If you are interested in sponsoring the podcast, feel free to contact me directly at [email protected]. Stay connected with me here: Official Website: theschoolleadershipshow.org YouTube: youtube.com/@theschoolleadershipshow Facebook: facebook.com/theschoolleadershipshow Instagram: instagram.com/theschoolleadershipshow Ā Ā

Empowering Critical Thinking Through Media Literacy (from "NYSSBA's President's Gavel Podcast")
17/12/2025 | 20 mins.
I am excited to share a conversation I had recently with the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) on The President's Gavel podcast. This episode, based on a popular session from this year's Leadership in Education Event, explores media literacy and why it is arguably the most crucial skill set we need to teach students today. Join us as we delve into the challenges of the modern information ecosystem and explore how educators can empower students to become savvy thinkers, rather than merely "endless scrollers". Host: Ann Laszewski, Leadership Development Manager, NYSSBA Guest: Dr. Mike Doughty, Assistant Superintendent, Northeastern Regional Information Center, Capital Region BOCES (Previously joined the podcast for Episode 39: What's So Scary About AI? in 2023). Guest: Katherine Hamill, Director, Mid-Hudson Regional Information Center, Ulster BOCES Want to learn more about today's topic? Additional resources can be found in the original show notes for this episode.Ā https://soundcloud.com/thepresidentsgavel/empowering-critical-thinking-through-media-literacy If you have questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes, including great non-education books with lessons for school leaders you can email me at [email protected]. I would really appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It helps a lot. And if you found this episode helpful, please share it with your colleagues. If you are interested in sponsoring the podcast, feel free to contact me directly at [email protected]. Stay connected with me here: Official Website: theschoolleadershipshow.org YouTube: youtube.com/@theschoolleadershipshow Facebook: facebook.com/theschoolleadershipshow Instagram: instagram.com/theschoolleadershipshow

S10 E2: Understanding Pop Culture's Role in Modern Education
19/9/2025 | 46 mins.
How important is it to stay in touch with pop culture as a school leader? In this episode, I chat with Brooke Hammerling, the host of "Pop Culture Mondays⦠on Thursdays" podcast and the author of the widely read Pop Culture Mondays Newsletter. We dive into Brooke's unique journey from PR and communications to becoming a vital source of pop culture knowledge, especially for a gen Xer like me. Brooke shares how staying current with the latest trends can help educators connect better with their students, and the challenges and benefits of balancing communication in today's fast-paced, digital world. We also discuss the resurgence of 90s culture, iconic school movies, and why media literacy is crucial for today's students. Ā If you have questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes, including great non-education books with lessons for school leaders, you can email me at [email protected]. I would really appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It helps a lot. And if you found this episode helpful, please share it with your colleagues. If you are interested in sponsoring the podcast, feel free to contact me directly at [email protected]. Ā Stay connected with me here: ⢠Official Website: theschoolleadershipshow.org ⢠YouTube: youtube.com/@theschoolleadershipshow ⢠Facebook: facebook.com/theschoolleadershipshow ⢠Instagram: instagram.com/theschoolleadershipshow Connect with Brooke Hammerling and explore her insights: ⢠Podcast: Pop Culture Mondays⦠on Thursdays ⢠Newsletter: popculturemondays.com ⢠Instagram: instagram.com/brooke Ā Chapters: 00:00 IntroductionĀ 00:23 Brooke's Background and Podcast 02:22 The Pop Culture Mondays Newsletter 05:25 Impact of Pop Culture on Schools 07:54 Communication Challenges in Modern Education 28:51 The Impact of Misinformation in Schools 29:55 Pop Culture's Reflection on Education 34:18 Favorite School-Centric Movies 41:30 The '90s Revival Ā

S10 E1: Guiding Through Change (Insights from Marie Wiles)
11/9/2025 | 38 mins.
How does one navigate the journey from English teacher to Superintendent? In this episode, I sit down with the recently retired Marie Wiles in a unique in-person interview. We dive deep into her 36-year-long career, from early teaching days and curriculum development to her tenure in various leadership roles, including her time as a BOCES district superintendent. Marie shares her insights on the importance of instructional experience, the challenges of transitioning roles, the value of networks, and her unexpected journey into authoring a book, "Lessons from the Bard: What Shakespeare Can Teach Us about School District Leadership". This engaging episode unfolds Marie's remarkable experiences and her perspectives on the future of education amid financial uncertainties. Ā If you have questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes, including great non-education books with lessons for school leaders you can email me atĀ [email protected]. I would really appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It helps a lot. And if you found this episode helpful, please share it with your colleagues. If you are interested in sponsoring the podcast, feel free to contact me directly at [email protected]. Stay connected with me here: Official Website: theschoolleadershipshow.org YouTube: youtube.com/@theschoolleadershipshow Facebook: facebook.com/theschoolleadershipshow Instagram: instagram.com/theschoolleadershipshow Ā Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement 00:49 Marie Wiles' Early Career in Education 01:46 Transition to Higher Education and Doctoral Studies 05:21 BOCES Experience and Leadership Roles 08:53 Personal Life and Career Moves 17:19 Balancing Lesson Plans and Student Interaction 19:51 The Dunning-Kruger Effect in Leadership 20:31 Challenges and Realities of Leadership Roles 23:23 Gender Disparity in Educational Leadership 25:49 Concerns for the Future of Education 28:48 Hope and Faith in Youth 31:46 Writing a Book: Lessons from Shakespeare 32:03 The Process of Writing and Publishing 37:26 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

S9 E12: Are You a Pig Pen? Self-Awareness & Practical Leadership Skills for Dysregulated Times
14/8/2025 | 43 mins.
Feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of leadership today? Tune in to learn how building your self-regulation can help you navigate dysregulated times and have more effective conversations. In this episode, my co-host Jenn David-Lang and I had the pleasure of speaking with the amazing Jennifer Abrams, whom I see as a guru of interpersonal relations in education. Jennifer, a full-time international consultant and author of impactful books like Having Hard Conversations and Stretching Your Learning Edge: Growing (up) at Work, joined us to explore the critical topic of self-regulation in dysregulated times. We talked about living in a VUCA world, Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous, and how we need to build complexity fitness by developing our cognitive, emotional, and psychological skills. Jennifer shared that becoming more self-regulated involves building self-awareness, like cleaning up our emotional "dust". It turns out only about 10-15% of people are truly self-aware, and one way to improve is by bravely asking for 360 feedback from your team. We also dove into practical skills for leaders navigating challenging moments, such as learning to suspend certainty that your way is the only way. Saying "Tell me more" instead of reacting can be incredibly powerful. For extroverts like me, focusing on listening instead of jumping in is key. I shared my favorite tactic when someone is stressed: asking, "How long do we have to make this decision?". This simple question helps shift from feeling "subject" to circumstances to viewing them more "objectively". Jennifer left us with powerful parting advice: "Go have humane, growth-producing conversations. That's the goal.". Jennifer Abrams' Newsletter: jenniferabrams.com Ā If you have questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodesāincluding great non-education books with lessons for school leadersāemail us at [email protected]. Please consider leaving a rating and review on Spotify or iTunes to support the show. Every bit helps! And if you found this episode helpful, share it with your colleagues. Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Contact Mike directly at [email protected]. To explore insightful summaries of top leadership books, connect with Jenn David-Lang at [email protected] or visit TheMainIdea.net. Ā Timestamp: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:08 Understanding Dysregulation and Self-Regulation 07:08 Building Self-Awareness and Team Dynamics 24:00 Mentoring the Next Generation of Leaders 27:29 Balancing Personal and Professional Needs 37:17 Personal Insights and Fun Tangents Ā



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