In this episode of Education Influencers, Dr. Carla Sparks sits down with Alfredo Matthew III, an innovator dedicated to building an inclusive and regenerative economy. With over 25 years intersecting education, workforce development, and entrepreneurship, Alfredo has transitioned from being a public school teacher to leading significant initiatives such as co-founding ESO Ventures and establishing SPCC One.

He advocates for project-based learning as a vital educational approach and addresses the pressing need for educators and institutions to adopt entrepreneurial mindsets. Alfredo offers his insights on the importance of collaboration, the evolution of the school choice movement, and the impactful role of interconnected learning in current and future educational landscapes.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to Education Influencers

00:32 Meet Alfredo Matthew III

02:47 Alfredo's Professional Journey

04:45 The Importance of Project-Based Learning

08:58 Views on the School Choice Movement

14:52 Market-Based Approaches to Education

20:31 Current Projects and Future Vision

30:56 Recommendations for Educators and Leaders

38:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Education Influencers, Dr. Carla Sparks speaks with Dr. Libby Simpson, the education director at a major national organization and a prominent figure in STEM education. Dr. Simpson discusses the impact of her doctoral degree on her career, her approach to promoting equity in STEM, and her work at Siemens Digital Industries.

She elaborates on her contributions to educational leadership at National Louis University and her advocacy for ethical AI use in education. Dr. Simpson shares valuable advice for future change makers, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning, collaboration, and staying true to one’s purpose.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:43 Dr. Libby Simpson's Journey in Education

03:35 Understanding STEM and Its Importance

06:02 Dr. Simpson's Current Role and Impact

07:57 Innovations in STEM Education

19:05 Teaching and Mentoring Future Educators

23:07 Ethics and AI in Education

28:51 Advice for Aspiring Change Makers

32:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Welcome back to the podcast! Today Dr. Carla sits down with Dr. Danielle Brewer, the superintendent of a large school district, to discuss her rapid rise in the education sector since earning her doctorate in 2022.

Dr. Brewer shares her inspiring story from starting as a high school principal to becoming an interim superintendent, emphasizing the importance of community involvement, the influence of her early life experiences, and her ongoing efforts to improve academic outcomes and support new teachers. Their conversation illustrates how commitment and passion can lead to impactful leadership in education.

Connect with Dr. Brewer

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:15 Dr. Brewer's Career Journey

05:10 Personal Background and Early Life

09:06 Impact on Education and Community

14:24 Challenges and Achievements as Superintendent

21:59 Advice for Aspiring Change Makers

25:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of 'Education Influencers' with Dr. Carla Sparks, Dr. Lakeisha Cook shares her experiences as an education leader who has worked in various roles from teacher to regional vice president at Idea Public Schools.

Dr. Cook discusses her doctoral achievements, transformational leadership, and commitment to equity and sustainable growth. She emphasizes the importance of living in the communities she serves, navigating change with resilience, and celebrating small wins. Dr. Cook also provides valuable advice for educators on how to be influential changemakers.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:16 Dr. Cook's Educational Journey

03:35 Impact and Influence in Education

06:01 Living in the Communities Served

10:22 Navigating Change and Leadership

23:42 Celebrating Achievements and Recognition

30:51 Advice for Aspiring Change Makers

32:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Welcome back to Education Influencers. Today Dr. Carla Sparks interviews Dr. Sarah Lukas, Dean of Florida Programs at National Louis University. Dr. Lukas shares her diverse experiences in education, from starting as a middle school civics teacher to becoming an assistant principal, district administrator, and now a dean in higher education. She and Dr. Sparks delve into her career and her extensive work in improving reading instruction.

Dr. Lukas also discusses the development of reading endorsement programs, her passion for supporting future school counselors, and her role in guiding educational change. Check out Dr. Lukas’s co-authored book 'Be the Manatee', offering unique insights into managing leadership challenges and change.

Find more about Dr. Lukas

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:54 Dr. Sarah Lucas' Educational Journey

01:20 Impact of Doctorate on Career

04:10 Transition to Higher Education

06:21 Reading Endorsement and Curriculum Development

14:55 Role as Dean and Program Development

17:51 Leading Change in Education

24:03 Bestselling Book and Metaphors in Leadership

28:46 Final Thoughts and Advice for Educators

Welcome! and thank you for joining us on the very first episode of Education Influencers. Today Dr. Carla Sparks interviews Dr. Lisa Hassler, who earned her doctorate in 2021 from National Lewis University. Dr. Hassler shares her remarkable achievements, including becoming a national conference advisor, a peer reviewer for academic journals, and collaborating with renowned theorist Dr. Michael G. Moore.

She discusses her influential podcast 'The Brighter Side of Education,' now CPD accredited, offering professional development credits to educators. Additionally, she and Dr. Sparks talk about her bestselling book, 'America’s Embarrassing Reading Crisis,' and its impact on education policies and practices. Dr. Hassler also highlights her role as a school board member, environmental educator, and the significance of service in influencing change and making a difference in educational communities.

⁠Find more about Dr. Lisa Hassler⁠

⁠Connect with Dr. Sparks!⁠

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to Education Influencers

00:18 Meet Dr. Lisa Hassler

01:46 Dr. Hassler's Post-Doctoral Journey

02:27 Impactful Roles and Achievements

12:08 Transforming a Podcast into Professional Learning

16:37 America's Embarrassing Reading Crisis

29:22 Environmental Advocacy and Community Engagement

34:28 Advice for Aspiring Change Makers

35:41 Conclusion and Gratitude