Podcasts

Leader Chat

We’re passionate about quality education and work tirelessly to help schools improve. District and system leaders bear awesome responsibility for these efforts, often without access to peers and experts who can provide solutions and insights. That’s why we offer a weekly Leader Chat with top K–12 experts, business executives, and school leaders from around the country to discuss and solve real leadership challenges.

Listen to our latest episode

In this episode of Leader Chat, Jeff converses with veteran educator and accomplished author Jay McTighe. They delve deep into McTighe’s extensive career in curriculum design, assessment, and professional development. Highlights include discussing the foundational ‘Understanding by Design’ framework, systemic integration of modern learning practices, and the importance of prioritizing competencies in today’s ever-evolving educational landscape. Tune in for part one of this insightful conversation.

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About the podcast

Leader Chat with Dr. Jeff Rose engages experts and practitioners to discuss the challenges of school leadership—from strategy to staff well-being to decision making in chaotic times—with straight talk and pragmatic approaches. To support members of Cognia’s Leadership Circle, we address the pressing issues of the day, chatting with leaders dealing with tough problems—from school board politics to school improvement and student safety. School leadership is isolating. Our Leader Chat breaks that isolation as we share solutions to help leaders in education day to day. If you’re a member of the Cognia Leadership Circle, you can join us live every Wednesday, ask questions, and contribute to the discussions.


If you like our Leader Chats, please rate us or leave a comment. We always appreciate listener feedback and would love to hear from you.

Recent episodes

Leader Chat: Fearless Schools and Leaders with Douglas Reeves
Leader Chat: Fearless Schools and Leaders with Douglas Reeves
In this episode of Leader Chat, Jeff speaks with renowned author and educational leader Dr. Douglas Reeves, about ...
Leader Chat: Critical Lessons For Leading Your District with Michael Hinojosa
Leader Chat: Critical Lessons For Leading Your District with Michael Hinojosa
In this week's episode of Leader Chat, Jeff speaks with Michael Hinojosa, a veteran leader with over 27 ...
Leader Chat Tiffany Taylor
Leader Chat: Bridging Access and Innovation: Leadership Lessons from Tiffany Taylor
In this episode, Jeff has an insightful conversation with Tiffany Taylor, a dynamic leader with extensive experience in ...
Baruti Kafele Leader Chat Guest
Leader Chat: Protecting Your Leadership Mindset, Fervor, and Authenticity with Baruti Kafele
In this episode of Leader Chat, Jeff sits down with acclaimed urban educator and transformational school leader Baruti ...
Carlos Malave Leader Chat Guest
Leader Chat: No More Dancing with Carlos J. Malave
In this episode of Leader Chat, Jeff sits down with Carlos J. Malave, author of 'Translating Your Success' ...
Jeff Rose Leader Chat
Leader Chat: Leaders Helping Leaders Navigate Conflict with Jeff Rose & Special Guests – #2
In another special episode of Leader Chat, Jeff features advice from experienced education leaders gathered at the Leadership ...
Jeff Rose Leader Chat
Leader Chat: Leaders Helping Leaders Navigate Conflict with Jeff Rose & Special Guests – #1
In this episode of Leader Chat, Jeff speaks with several education leaders from our recent Leadership Circle Summit ...
Jeff Rose Leader Chat
Leader Chat: Leadership Reflections and Collective Strength with Jeff Rose
In this episode, Jeff shares key takeaways from Cognia's recent Leadership Summit that focused on navigating turbulence and ...
Leader Chat: Strategies For and Discussions of Racial Healing with Erin Jones
Leader Chat: Strategies For and Discussions of Racial Healing with Erin Jones
Jeff chats with Erin Jones, author of Bridges to Heal Us, on identity, racial healing, and fostering empathy ...
Gustavo Balderas Leader Chat
Leader Chat: Leadership Challenges and Opportunities with Superintendent Gustavo Balderas
Jeff interviews Gustavo Balderas, the superintendent of Beaverton School District, about leadership, equity, and education's evolving landscape ...
Susana Cordova & Allen Smith Leader Chat
Leader Chat: Navigating Change and Being the First with Susana Córdova and Allen Smith
In this episode, Jeff dives into a dynamic conversation with Susana Córdova, Colorado’s first Latina Education Commissioner, and Allen Smith, ...
Julia Rafal-Baer Leader Chat
Leader Chat: Leadership Advocacy and Strategic Networks with Julia Rafal-Baer
In this week's episode, the incredible Dr. Julia Rafal-Baer talks with Jeff about the complexities of educational leadership, ...
Christina Grant Leader Chat
Leader Chat: Leveraging Education Policy Research to Action and Results with Christina Grant
In this episode, Dr. Christina Grant, the new Executive Director at Harvard's CEPR, speaks with Jeff about bridging ...
Leader Chat Zaretta Hammond
Leader Chat: Leading a Movement of Culturally Responsive Teaching with Zaretta Hammond
In this engaging episode of Leader Chat, Jeff speaks with teacher educator and author of Culturally Responsive Teaching ...
Leader Chat Alicia Hughes
Leader Chat: The World of Virtual Leadership and Relationship Building with Alicia Hughes
In this episode, Jeff is joined by Alicia Hughes, a seasoned virtual leader with over 14 years of ...
Amanda Ripley
Leader Chat: Leading Through Turbulence, Conflict, and Political Distractions with Amanda Ripley
In this episode, Jeff is joined by the New York Times' bestselling author, Amanda Ripley. They discuss strategies ...

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