In this episode of Achieving Joy and Mastery in Public Schools, I sit down with Dr. Jonah Schenker, District Superintendent of Ulster BOCES and host of Leading for Deeper Learning, for a timely conversation about the future of public education in New York State.

At the center of our discussion is NY Inspires, New York State’s multi-year effort to rethink what it means for students to graduate truly prepared for their futures. Jonah helps unpack the major shifts ahead, including the development of a statewide Portrait of a Graduate, new approaches to credits and learning experiences, changes to diploma assessment requirements, and the movement toward a single New York State diploma.

But this conversation goes well beyond policy.

Jonah shares why meaningful transformation must be human-centered, placing students, families, educators, belonging, and access at the center of the design process. We explore the NY Inspires Playbook developed by Ulster BOCES, a practical resource designed to help school communities move from conversations about change to the actual work of redesigning teaching and learning.

We also discuss the power of student voice, the challenge of leading through ambiguity, the resistance that often accompanies meaningful change, and why simply layering innovation on top of outdated systems will never be enough.

As Jonah reminds us, policy alone does not transform schools. People do.

Whether you are a superintendent, principal, teacher, board member, or anyone interested in the future of public education, this episode offers both inspiration and practical ideas for moving from vision to action.

To learn more or to access the "Playbook" follow this link: https://www.ulsterboces.org/educator-edge-home/consulting-for-program-development-support/playbooks

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