Professional Dialogue

FocusED Show Notes with Dr. Brad Johnson In this episode of FocusED, we sit down with Dr. Brad Johnson for a thoughtful conversation about how meaningful change in schools rarely comes from massive initiatives—but from small, intentional shifts grounded in relationships. Brad shares why he’s leaned into storytelling through his recent books, including Room 212, […]

FocusED Show Notes with Dr. Michael Lubelfeld This episode of FocusED features superintendent and author, Dr. Michael Lubelfeld. The episode centers on leading “tomorrow’s schools today,” with Dr. Michael Lubelfeld unpacking how change leadership, mindset, and systems thinking shape the future of K–12 education.​ Lubelfeld and his co-author Nick Polyak use eight real-world case studies […]

FocusED Show Notes with Guest Gregg Behr Gregg Behr, executive director of the Grable Foundation and co-author of When You Wonder, You’re Learning, joins Joe and TJ on FocusED.​ The episode centers on Mr. Rogers’ lessons in creativity, curiosity, care, and what they mean for schooling today.​ Fred Rogers is framed as an innovator who used the […]

Principal EL Brings a Tons of Experience to FocusED Listeners Dr. Salome Thomas-EL lives in Pennsylvania with his family and has been a teacher and principal since 1987. He is currently a K-8 principal in Wilmington, DE and received national acclaim as a teacher and chess coach at Vaux Middle School in Philadelphia, where his […]

The Instructional Leadership Imperative with Principal Kafele This episode of FocusED features Principal Baruti Kafele, one of the nation’s most influential voices in school leadership and equity. With over 35 years of experience as a celebrated teacher, award-winning turnaround principal, bestselling author, and keynote speaker, Principal Kafele shares powerful insights drawn from transforming schools like […]

Cultivating Hope, Authenticity, and Focus with Julia Bialeski This is Episode 85 of FocusED, featuring Julia Bialeski, author of Leading with Grace. Julia shares lessons from her leadership journey in education, emphasizing reflection, consistency, and personal routines as keys to sustaining growth, balance, and clarity throughout the ever-changing phases of leadership. ________________________________________________________________ Julia Bialeski a […]