In this episode of the Education Matters podcast, host Jason Buccheri speaks with Doug Roberts, founder and CEO of the Institute for Education Innovation. They discuss Doug's background, his work with school superintendents, and the importance of innovation in public education. Doug shares personal anecdotes from his upbringing in Northport, New York, and reflects on the significance of safe spaces for children. He emphasizes the need for equitable opportunities in education and highlights inspiring moments he has witnessed in K-12 education. The conversation concludes with insights into the qualities that make effective district leaders. In this conversation, Jason Buccheri and Doug Roberts explore the evolving role of superintendents, the public's perception of education, and the pressing issue of inequity within the education system. They discuss the importance of building relationships in education, the challenges faced by public schools, and the founding of the Institute for Educational Innovation (IEI) to bridge gaps between educators and ed-tech entrepreneurs. The conversation culminates in a vision for the future of education, emphasizing the need for operational efficiency and equitable funding while maintaining the core values of personal engagement and support for students.
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Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Principal Flipping the Mattress[00:00:45] Episode Introduction and Guest Overview[00:03:04] Doug Joins the Show from Northport, NY[00:04:24] Growing Up and Returning to His Hometow[00:05:58] Reflections on Community and Diversity[00:08:03] Childhood Play and Independence[00:09:31] What Doug Wishes Kids Had Today[00:12:09] Public Education’s Role in Equity[00:14:26] Early School Memories and the Arts[00:15:42] High School and College Influences[00:16:32] Learning to Write and Study History[00:18:31] Understanding Multiple Perspectives[00:20:47] Graduate School at Harvard and Educational Philosophy[00:21:29] Most Inspiring Moments in K–12[00:24:41] The Principal Who Went to Wake Up a Student[00:27:10] Gaining Back Accreditation in Kansas City[00:30:30] Frustration with School Board Politics[00:32:14] Role and Potential of School Boards[00:34:32] Leadership Qualities Doug Respects[00:36:50] Shifting Perceptions of Superintendents[00:39:12] Culture, Community, and Walking the Halls[00:39:40] What the Public Should Understand[00:41:40] Hardships of Educational Leadership[00:44:00] Brain Drain in the Public System[00:45:38] The Biggest Challenge: Inequity[00:47:40] Funding Disparities and Their Impacts[00:49:48] Defining the Narrative of Education[00:51:52] Why Doug Founded IEI[00:54:19] Building a Better Connection Between EdTech and Educators[00:55:57] Structuring Events That Build Trust[00:58:08] Success of the IEI Format[01:00:21] Focusing on Leadership Development[01:02:30] Advice for Startup Founders[01:06:10] What Education Should Look Like in 50 Years[01:08:36] Operational Efficiency in the Future[01:09:46] Media Recommendations[01:11:45] Transparency and Social Media Strategy[01:12:54] Post-Election Perspective on Federal Changes[01:15:20] Funding and Local Budget Realities[01:17:21] Opportunities Amidst the Turmoil[01:18:58] AI’s Role in Flat Organizational Structures[01:21:19] Final Advice for District Leaders