Austin ISD is rewriting the playbook on equity in advanced academics. In this Back to School edition of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner is joined by Cody Pruitt, Blake Haygood, and Tony Castilleja of Riverside Insights to explore how the district is leveraging the CogAT to expand opportunity and disrupt traditional measures of achievement.

Together, they unpack how Austin ISD is redefining giftedness, creating new pathways into AP and IB programs, and ensuring underrepresented and multilingual learners are recognized for their true abilities. From breaking down systemic barriers to reimagining identification practices, the conversation highlights how culture, mindset, and access are being reshaped in ways that elevate both student confidence and academic success.

With practical insights and bold vision, this episode showcases what it means to center equity, embrace strength-based learning, and build systems that prepare every student—not just a select few—to thrive in the AC (After COVID) stage of education.

In this Back-to-School edition of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Dr. Bill Bradford, Assistant Superintendent of Academics and School Leadership for Fayette County Public Schools (KY). Together they unpack how Fayette County is transforming education through its Portrait of a Graduate 2.0, aligning a five-year strategic plan with classroom practice, and preparing students for the demands of the 22nd century.

Dr. Bradford shares how his district has embedded four promises—lifelong learning, civic engagement, future readiness, and resiliency—into every student’s journey from preschool through graduation. He explains how Fayette County empowers teachers as leaders, pilots defenses of learning, and scales innovation across 80 schools.

The conversation also explores Fayette’s early work with AI integration, professional learning for both staff and students, and the power of “yes, and” thinking in balancing traditional achievement measures with future-focused competencies.

Dr. Bradford closes with his three C’s for the future: communication, collaboration, and confidence—pillars that he believes every system must cultivate to thrive in an unpredictable world.

In this episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Candice Sears, Director of Instructional Services at the Montgomery County ESC and a leading voice in AI and educational innovation. From remote learning and alternative education programs to statewide AI policy and workforce development, Candice shares how her work is reshaping instruction, aligning systems, and meeting the needs of Gen Alpha and Gen Beta learners.

Together, they unpack how Ohio is building statewide coherence around AI readiness, the role of empathy in educational leadership, and the urgent need to shift educators from experts to facilitators. Candice introduces the concept of the “learnerverse,” explains what future-ready learning truly means, and offers practical strategies for implementing AI in ways that enhance—not replace—human connection.

This episode is a powerful exploration of how emerging technologies, thoughtful design, and human-centered leadership can transform education from the classroom to the policy level.

In this thought-provoking episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Steven Iglesias—Chief Innovation Officer at Doral Academy and one of Florida’s most forward-thinking voices in educational AI. Together, they explore the urgent need to reimagine the education system for the era of AI, automation, and superintelligence.

The conversation challenges outdated assumptions, including the overreliance on test scores and one-size-fits-all models, and calls for a radical reframe: from teaching tools to teaching thinking. Steven breaks down why schools need to emphasize resilience, agency, and relevance—equipping students with real-world skills through experiential learning, not just rote instruction.

They also unveil the AI Mindset Institute—a new professional learning initiative launching Fall 2025, built to help educational leaders develop the strategic mindset, fluency, and practical frameworks needed to integrate AI into learning ecosystems with confidence and clarity.

This episode is a must-listen for education leaders ready to move beyond theory and take action in shaping a future-ready generation.

In this episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Wes Kriesel, Administrator of Innovation and AI at the Orange County Department of Education, to unpack what real innovation in education looks like. Together, they explore the difference between flashy tech and meaningful use, the need for a two-brain approach to AI governance and experimentation, and why equity, fluency, and humanity must drive every decision we make. Wes offers a grounded, systems-level perspective on aligning AI tools with instructional goals, preparing students for emerging careers, and building learning communities rooted in purpose, curiosity, and joy.

What does it really take to lead with courage, clarity, and conviction—especially when the political winds are shifting?

In this powerful episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with the unstoppable LK Monroe—former Alameda County Superintendent of Schools and founder of TeamED Up for Good—to unpack what legacy leadership looks like in the A/C (After COVID) era of education.

From navigating the political realities of elected leadership to building bridges between athletes, artists, and educators, LK shares her lived experience as a third-generation educator who never intended to follow in her family’s footsteps—but did so with bold vision and unshakable purpose.

Together, they tackle:

• The real meaning of leadership when kids come first—even when it costs you.
• How to help non-educators (like NBA stars) support schools the right way.
• Why culturally responsive teaching isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the reality of who’s in our classrooms.
• The uncomfortable but necessary tension of integrating AI and innovation in learning.
• Why LK’s leadership mantra—Justice, Partnership, Excellence—is more relevant than ever.

Whether you’re a superintendent, a system leader, or someone passionate about transforming education for the next generation, this conversation will leave you challenged, inspired, and better equipped to lead.

In this special episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner takes the guest seat as Executive Producer Serena Reynolds steps in as host.

Together, they unpack the vision, research, and real-world impact behind the Agile Diagnostic and AI Platform—a groundbreaking system transforming how school districts approach strategy, change management, and continuous improvement.

Dr. Conner shares the origin story of the platform, the science behind the Disruptive Effect Model, and why preparing for the 22nd century starts now. The conversation explores how AI-powered insights, research-driven frameworks, and future-ready thinking are helping education leaders design more responsive, equitable systems.

With powerful takeaways on continuous improvement and what it means to lead in the A/C stage of education (After COVID), this episode offers a bold, behind-the-scenes look at the future of education—and the tools to help leaders shape it.

In this episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Jennifer Womble—Chair of the Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) and District Administration—to explore how AI, innovation, and authentic leadership are reshaping the education landscape. They discuss what it takes to build scalable professional development, the power of one-on-one tutoring powered by AI, the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades, and how schools can start building intentional, human-centered strategies for today—not tomorrow. With real-world insight and boundless optimism, Jennifer offers a roadmap for school leaders to embrace the now and lead with purpose.