Connecting with Global Leaders in Education
Welcome to “Lattes & Leaders,” a podcast where Dr. Brad Johnson shares his journey of connecting with educational leaders from around the globe. Over the years, Dr. Johnson has met with his leadership mentees in the comforting ambiance of a coffee shop, believing that the relaxed environment fosters open and meaningful conversations. Inspired by these experiences, he created “Lattes & Leaders” to bring that same inviting atmosphere to discussions with influential educators worldwide. Join us for engaging dialogues over a virtual cup of coffee, as we explore leadership in education.
Tune in each week for more informing and inspiring stories.
Episode 26
Special Guest -
Jennifer Black
Jennifer Black has dedicated 17 years to serving as an elementary school administrator, finding the profession both rewarding and ever-evolving with new challenges each year. Passionate about leadership development, Jennifer enjoys mentoring new principals and aspiring assistant principals.
Episode 25
Special Guest -
Dr. Zac Bauermaster
Zac currently serves as an elementary school principal in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Zac has the tremendous opportunity to lead teachers, support staff, families, and, most importantly, the next generation daily. His greatest joy in education is seeing adults leverage their God-given talents and abilities through inspiring kids to find and use their gifts. Before becoming a principal, Zac served public education in various K-12 roles such as assistant principal, administrator of online learning, teacher, and coach. These experiences have grown Zac’s sphere of influence and allowed him the opportunity to develop and maintain lifelong relationships.
Zac received his undergraduate degree from Millersville University in secondary education and completed his master’s degree in educational technology from Pennsylvania State University. Zac returned to Penn State, where he earned his principal certification. Most recently, Zac earned his doctorate in educational leadership and superintendent letter of eligibility from Drexel University. He is a lifelong learner, always looking to learn and grow. His family jokes that he went to school in Kindergarten and hasn’t ever stopped. Most importantly, Zac is a husband to his wife Carly, and father to three young kids, Olivia, Eliot, and Isaac. Zac is a firm believer in leading his family first. The family resides in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Episode 24
Special Guest -
Donna Wright
Episode 23
Special Guest -
Randy Russell
Randy Russell, a known and celebrated speaker, author, superintendent, coach, and educator for the past 35+ years discovered through his career that success is not only a mindset, but a well-planned road map. Working with thousands of kids and adults alike, he has uncovered the keys to achieving success – in school, a career, and for a full life.
Randy believes there is greatness inside everyone, sometimes you just need guidance to bring it into focus. That is why he has created a 5-step action plan, written a life-changing book, and offers ongoing speaking and workshops to enable each of us the ability to navigate success a little better.
Episode 22
Special Guest -
Dr. Adriana Klassen
Episode 21
Special Guest -
Dr. LaTonya Goffney
Dr. LaTonya Goffney has served as Superintendent of Aldine ISD since July 2018, overseeing nearly 62,000 students and over 9,300 employees. She has improved student achievement across all districts she has led by prioritizing early childhood education, literacy, professional development, and community partnerships.
Dr. Goffney has earned numerous accolades, including being named 2017 Texas Superintendent of the Year, a 2020 AASA Superintendent Award finalist, and a recipient of the 2021 ALAS National Champions of Equity Award. In 2022, she was honored as a Top 30 Women in Houston and received The Latino Learning Center’s Humanitarian Award.
Active in organizations like Chiefs for Change, the Texas Association of Black School Educators, and the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE), she became NABSE President in 2023. A Sam Houston State University graduate, she holds a bachelor’s in history, a master’s in educational administration, and a doctorate in educational leadership. Dr. Goffney previously led Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD and Lufkin ISD before joining Aldine ISD.
Episode 20
Special Guest -
Brad Weinstein
Brad Weinstein is a co-author of the Washington Post bestseller Hacking School Discipline: 9 Ways to Create a Culture of Empathy and Responsibility Using Restorative Justice and has been featured in numerous high-profile publications and podcasts. He is also is the creator of TeacherGoals, one of the most popular educator social media accounts in the world. Brad is passionate about fostering equitable teaching and learning practices that help all students succeed.
Brad was the founding Director of Curriculum and Instruction for a network of high schools in Indiana dedicated to an innovative student-centered approach to equipping students with future-ready skills to enhance outcomes in college attainment and career success. Prior to that, he served as principal of a high school on the eastside of Indianapolis. Brad is a former teacher of the year and taught for 11 years at the middle school and elementary school level. He holds a B.A. in Education from Purdue University, an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Indiana Wesleyan University, and completed a Principal Licensure Program from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Episode 19
Special Guest -
Dr. Kristi Blakeway
Kristi Blakeway is Director of Instruction at Surrey Schools in British Columbia, where she lives with her husband Shawn and sons, Jaden and Cole. She is the Founder of Beyond HELLO, a student-run initiative that helps Vancouver’s homeless reconnect with friends and family. TEDx Speaker and winner of the YWCA Women of Distinction Award for Connecting Community, Kristi encourages everyone to step outside their comfort zone, engage in soulful conversation and connect with compassion. A storyteller at heart, she welcomes the opportunity to speak and inspire. She blogs regularly at www.hopefullearning.com and www.beyondhello.org. She can be reached at [email protected]
Episode 18
Special Guest -
Mark C. Perna
Mark C. Perna is an acclaimed speaker, author and CEO who has covered education and careers through a generational lens since 2019. In his 80+ annual keynotes and bestseller ‘Answering Why,’ Mark advocates for a much-needed paradigm shift in schools, businesses and communities nationwide. In addition to founding strategic consulting firm TFS Results, Mark also founded the Education with Purpose & Employment with Passion movement to help communities better connect pipelines between education, employment, and economic development. Mark, a graduate of John Carroll University, serves on the Advisory Council for the Coalition for Career Development and is a member of the International Economic Development Council, both in Washington, DC. Mark’s viral article on the epic crisis in education continues to resonate with readers. Follow Mark for paradigm-shifting coverage on the fast-changing landscape of education, careers and Gen Z.
Episode 17
Special Guest -
Todd Nesloney
Todd Nesloney stands out as a transformative figure in the fields of education and leadership, celebrated for authoring seven pivotal books, including “Building Authenticity: A Blueprint for the Leader Inside You.” As an internationally acclaimed speaker, his journey through various leadership roles, notably as Director of the Get Your LEAD On conference and Principal of a school encompassing over 800 students and 125 staff members, showcases his profound influence on leadership. Currently, as the Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership for the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association, he plays a critical role in shaping over 6,000 leaders statewide through his innovative content creation, professional development programs, and personalized mentoring.
Episode 16
Special Guest -
Dr. Dana Bashara
Dr. Dana Bashara is current superintendent and has served Alamo Heights ISD for 29 years in roles including teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent. She played a pivotal role in the district’s strategic planning and led initiatives like the Profile of a Learner and the regionally recognized Dual Language Program. Dr. Bashara holds degrees from Allegheny College, UT San Antonio, and Texas A&M. Her contributions have earned her numerous awards, including TEPSAN of the Year and recognition as an Inspiring Leader by the Texas Association of School Administrators.
Episode 15
Special Guest -
Kemuel de Castro
Kemuel de Castro is an experienced educational leader with who has demonstrated building cohesive teams, delivering professional development and cultivating exceptional culture. He has been dedicated to changing the world one child at a time for more than 19 years.
Episode 14
Special Guest -
Ignatius Dineen
Ignatius Dineen is an experienced educator with a background in engineering and technology. Inspired by his father, he began his teaching career in 2012, working in two very different schools, including one in a disadvantaged area. He later transitioned to a role with the Department of Education, where he led training for teachers adapting to curriculum changes. In this position, he facilitated conversations around the curriculum transformation, gaining valuable insights from his peers. Ignatius has since moved into senior leadership roles, serving as Deputy Principal in two post-primary schools, where he continues to draw from his diverse teaching and leadership experiences.
Episode 13
Special Guest -
Andrew Eunson
Mr. Andrew Eunson is responsible for all activities associated with students as well as overseeing the College Admissions Office and Student Leadership Team. Andrew joined the team at King’s in 2023.
Prior to King’s, Andrew was the Head of College Operations at St Andrew’s Anglican College on the Sunshine Coast and before that was Head of People and Organisational Engagement at St Andrew’s. Andrew spent eight years at Toowoomba Grammar School as a Boarding Housemaster and Teacher of Music and Drama before moving to St Andrew’s as Director of Co-Curricular Music in 2012.
Andrew holds a Bachelor of Music, Graduate Diploma in Learning and Teaching, MBA and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).
In addition to relevant post graduate education and tertiary knowledge, Andrew has continued a schedule of professional learning though his career, modelling the values of being a lifelong learner.
Episode 12
Special Guest -
Beccy Fox
Beccy has been in international education since 1998 when she started her adventure at the International School Seychelles. Since then she has worked in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia; Bali, Indonesia and Hong Kong. Her latest position is in Hua Hin, Thailand.
She runs workshops and has published several articles international education, including a chapter in the recently published book “Becoming an International School Educator.”
Episode 11
Special Guest -
Willie Spears
Willie Spears, M. Ed., is a critically acclaimed author, highly sought after speaker, educator, and coach. Coach Spears has taken the country by storm with his passionate, energetic, and hilarious approach to teaching life management skills to students, business leaders, organizations, and teams. Through a significant social media presence, and an average of twenty presentations per month in seven states, The Willie Spears Experience has become a reliable source of inspiration.
As lead servant of The Willie Spears Experience LLC, and with the help of his team, Coach Spears has added value to hundreds of schools, colleges, and universities. He has also spoken to several businesses including Fortune 500 companies State Farm and the Southern Company.
Episode 10
Special Guest -
Dr. Stephanie Elizalde
Superintendent Stephanie S. Elizalde, Ed.D. was elected by the Board of Trustees in June 2022 to serve as Superintendent of the Dallas Independent School District. Dr. Elizalde is a third-generation public school educator, following in the footsteps of her grandmother and father. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and a Master of Arts degree in educational leadership from UT San Antonio, and holds a doctorate in educational leadership and policy from UT Austin.
A native Texan, Dr. Elizalde is a lifelong educator committed to equity and excellence in education for every student. She has a proven track record of raising student academic achievement while building a culture of inclusion and equity. She understands the importance of developing collaborative relationships with the city and individual communities that are home to each individual school.
Her career has included working in diverse school systems from small to large urban settings, including Southwest ISD and San Antonio ISD. She has served students in various roles, including as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and deputy chief.
Episode 9
Special Guest -
Dr. Holly Ferguson
Episode 8
Special Guest -
Mimma Sayuti Mat Khalid
Episode 7
Special Guest -
Tanya Thiessen
Tanya Thiessen is a dedicated educational leader with a passion for positively impacting school culture, teachers, and students through genuine servant leadership. With a rich 17-year career, primarily at Elk Island Catholic Schools in Alberta, Canada, she has excelled as a high school teacher, school counsellor, and school leader. Tanya also served as the Principal of the Canadian International School of Guangzhou, an Alberta Accredited International School, where she led Pre-K to Grade 12 education.
Tanya holds a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education and a Master’s in Educational Psychology, both from the University of Alberta. Most recently she has completed a certificate in Executive Coaching from Royal Roads University. Currently, she is an Executive Staff Officer for the Alberta Teachers’ Association, focusing on Regulatory Affairs within the Government program area.
Episode 6
Special Guest -
Dr. Paul Walton
Dr. Paul Walton is an educational Leader, qualified leadership coach, and writer, focused on developing staff and improving student outcomes. His career has included a variety of leadership posts both globally and in the UK, as well as being an advisor for educational IT use in two international regions.
He is a qualified school inspector and has organised training courses both in person and online for educators internationally. He has set up professional development communities in various countries and TeachMeet workshops bringing schools together.
Paul has a dual Doctorate, Doctor of Education and Doctor of Educational Leadership and Management, Master’s in Education, NPQH, NPQSL, and is a member of the European eLearning and eEducation group. He is currently a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching. He has received UK national teaching, wellbeing and UK school ‘learning experience’ awards.
Episode 5
Special Guest -
Dr. Tiffany Brunson
A native Chicagoan, educational leader and Army Veteran, Dr. Tiffany Brunson is a highly sought after speaker, presenter, author and equity warrior. Dr. Brunson continues to be focused on community service and giving her gift of time to many organizations. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Alliance of Black School Educators (ILABSE) and is a member of the Superintendents’ Commission for the Study of Demographics and Diversity (SSCSD) where she serves on the Scholarship Committee. Recently, she became a contributing author of a new book, Centering Our Voices, The Anthology. This is a novel that celebrates the brilliance, persistence and significance of Black Women Educators.
In Brunson’s twenty-nine year career she has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. Presently, she is the proud superintendent of Elementary School District 159, serving the families of Matteson, Richton Park and Tinley Park. Dr. Brunson has been recruited, hired, and tasked with being a co-founding administrator of a new school, the creator of many new departments, educational programs and serving on educational task forces and commissions. She has received awards and recognition for her progressive visionary and innovative leadership. Making the invisible visible and the impossible possible is her “Superpower”.
Centering Our Voices: The Brilliance, Persistence, and Significance of Black Women Educators
Episode 4
Special Guest -
Jeni Neatherlin
Episode 3
Special Guest -
Dr. Ciara O'Donnell
Dr. Ciara O’Donnell began her career as a primary school teacher in Dublin. During that time
she was appointed to the role of Home-School-Community Liaison Co-ordinator working with
parents as first educators of their children. In 2005 Ciara was seconded to teacher education
services where she held a number of leadership positions related to curriculum, policy and
educational disadvantage. She was appointed as National Director to Ireland’s first cross
sectoral and multi-disciplinary professional development support service (The Professional
Development Service for Teachers (PDST), a position she held for ten years. Leading a
national team of teacher educators, Ciara continually advocated for teacher professional
development to be transformative, sustained and rooted in school context.
Ciara now works as an independent teacher education consultant specialising in teacher and
teacher educator learning, professional development strategy, curriculum and school
leadership. She also works as a tutor with Maynooth University on school leadership,
curriculum studies and teacher education programmes. Viewing teacher educators as a
unique group within the profession she is passionate about the need for robust induction for
the transition from teacher to teacher educator followed by ongoing teacher educator
development through signature pedagogies. Her study exploring the secondment of teachers
to teacher education described by Professor Andy Hargreaves as “ground-breaking
research”, has been presented internationally and has resulted in her evidenced based
programme for aspiring and developing teacher educators “Becoming and Developing as a
Teacher Educator”
Ciara’s published research about the professional learning of teachers seconded to work as
teacher educators in Ireland explores their career experiences in navigating and carving
out a new professional identity and the transformative impact of this career journey
highlighted by transitions and tensions .
Read it here https://doi.org/10.1080/03323315.2023.2293148
With FREE access available to the same publication at this link
http://mural.maynoothuniversity.ie/17932
Episode 2
Special Guest -
Robert Hinchliffe
Robert Hinchliffe is a successful principal in Las Vegas, Nevada, and has been an administrator for over 18 years. His career accomplishments include leading various 5-star rated schools, schools that have received distinguished awards, and he was selected to open Tyrone Thompson Elementary School in 2020.
He is the co-author of “Building Dynamic Teamwork in Schools”, “House Systems Rock”, as well as the author of “Dream Themes”, and “It’s All About Perspective” while hosting a podcast with the same title.
He leads “the model of what a public school can and should be” while fighting the status quo daily as he works to create an exciting school environment for kids and families.
Episode 1
Special Guest -
Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket
Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket is the author of the best-selling book, “The Principal’s Journey: Navigating the Path to School Leadership.” She has served for 20 years in education as a highly regarded teacher and leader, and currently serves the principal of a National Blue Ribbon school in Maryland. As the 2024 President-Elect of The Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals, she advocates on behalf of students, staff, and families to improve educational outcomes for all stakeholders.
The Elevated Leadership course: The Elevated Leadership Course Series