In this episode of Leading for Deeper Learning with Ulster BOCES, Dr. Jonah Schenker sits down with four remarkable students from across Ulster BOCES Career Pathways Programs and the Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning to explore a question at the heart of educational transformation:

What should the future of schools look like?

Joining the discussion are:
Matthew Reilly, Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning at Port Ewen
Madison Liebel, Hudson Valley Pathways Academy
Nisean Abney, Career Academies at iPark 87
Fateen Akbar, Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning at Port Ewen

As New York continues its work through NY Inspires and the development of learner-centered systems, these students offer a powerful reminder that meaningful change begins by elevating student voice. Their insights challenge educators, leaders, and communities to rethink long-held assumptions about learning, assessment, engagement, and success.

Throughout the conversation, students describe the experiences that matter most to them—authentic learning, real-world connections, community engagement, hands-on opportunities, and pathways that help them discover purpose and possibility. They speak candidly about motivation, belonging, communication, flexibility, and the importance of creating schools where students can take risks, learn from failure, and grow. These themes echo many of the priorities that are at the center of deeper learning and New York's ongoing transformation efforts.

This episode is a reminder that students are not simply recipients of educational change—they are essential partners in designing it.

In this episode:
00:00 – Why Student Voice Matters More Than Ever
Dr. Jonah Schenker introduces four student leaders and explores why listening to learners is essential as schools rethink readiness, engagement, and the future of education.

02:13 – What Makes Learning Actually Stick?
Students share the experiences that have had the greatest impact on their growth—from hands-on projects and career pathways to authentic learning beyond the classroom.

07:05 – The Power of Real-World Learning
Why internships, community partnerships, CTE programs, and applied learning opportunities help students connect school to purpose, passion, and future careers.

12:15 – Are Schools Preparing Students for the Real World?
A candid discussion about what schools do well, where they fall short, and the skills students believe matter most after graduation.

18:34 – Belonging, Relationships, and Student Success
Students reflect on the teachers, mentors, and environments that helped them feel seen, supported, and motivated to succeed.

23:48 – Why Failure Is One of the Best Teachers
From robotics competitions to technical training, students discuss resilience, risk-taking, and how learning from mistakes builds confidence and growth.

30:20 – If Students Designed School...
What would school look like if students had a seat at the design table? The group shares ideas for creating more relevant, engaging, and flexible learning experiences.

35:48 – What Adults Need to Hear from Students
The panel offers direct advice to educators and leaders about communication, trust, motivation, and creating learning environments where all students can thrive.

39:46 – The Future of School Is Student-Centered
The episode closes with powerful reflections on what students hope educators, policymakers, and communities will prioritize as they shape the future of learning.

https://www.ulsterboces.org/about-us/news-communications/podcast

What does it mean to lead school systems through a period of significant change while keeping students at the center of every decision? Together, Ulster County superintendents discuss the challenge of balancing innovation with stability as schools rethink traditional approaches to grading, engagement, and readiness through the work of New York Inspires. The conversation highlights the importance of student voice, authentic learning experiences, and community trust-building, while emphasizing that meaningful transformation requires more than adding new initiatives—it requires schools to examine longstanding systems, create space for deeper learning, and design pathways that prepare all students to thrive in an evolving world. Three superintendents with varying experience, district demographics, and community relationships share their voices on what this transformation means: Dr. Gwendolyn Roraback (Saugerties Central School District), Dr. Paul Padalino (Kingston City School District), and Anthony White (Wallkill Central School District).

Discover more tools, updates, and resources for NY Inspires–including how to get your copy of the NY Inspires Transformation Design Cycles Playbook that Dr. Betty A. Rosa, NYS Commissioner of Education, has mentioned in communication to the field—at our dedicated NY Inspires hub.

IN THIS EPISODE

00:00 – Introduction & Meet the Superintendents
04:20 – District Contexts & Community Differences
07:30 – What Students Need to Thrive
10:00 – Engagement, Joy & Student-Driven Learning
13:00 – Rethinking Success & Readiness
19:30 – Leadership in Complex Times
27:00 – New York Inspires & System Transformation
33:30 – Why This Moment Feels Different
38:00 – Building Community-Driven Change
49:20 – What Schools Need to Stop Doing
56:30 – Expanding Opportunity for Every Learner
59:50 – Final Reflections: Creating the Conditions for Success

https://www.ulsterboces.org/about-us/news-communications/podcast

In this episode of Leading for Deeper Learning with Ulster BOCES, Dr. Jonah Schenker sits down with Dr. Raymond Sanchez, Superintendent of the Tarrytown School District and 2025 NYSOSS Superintendent of the Year.

Together, they explore what it means to lead in a moment of real transformation—where student voice, belonging, and meaningful learning must take center stage. Dr. Sanchez shares how his district is working to rethink systems, elevate student experiences, and create more adaptive pathways for every learner.

From redefining learning to navigating the shifts of NY Inspires, this conversation challenges educators to move beyond compliance and design schools that truly work for students.

This is a conversation about possibility—and the responsibility to build something better.

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 – Introduction

01:00 – Meet Dr. Sanchez & District Overview

06:30 – Leading in Complex Times

10:30 – Collaboration & Collective Leadership

12:00 – Vision, Pillars & Student Voice

18:00 – What Students Are Telling Us

20:00 – Rethinking Systems & Structures

23:00 – Portrait of a Learner & Defining Success

27:00 – New York Inspires: Opportunities Ahead

31:00 – Readiness, Resistance & Change Management

40:00 – Letting Go & Redesigning Learning

46:00 – The Roadmap Forward & What Leaders Need

https://www.ulsterboces.org/about-us/news-communications/podcast