Journey to Greatness: Navigating the K-12 Landscape
Welcome to "Journey to Greatness: Navigating the K-12 Landscape," the podcast dedicated to exploring the ever-evolving world of K-12 education. Hosted by Gary Springer and Dr. Christiansen from Charter Schools USA, this engaging series tackles the critical issues and exciting innovations that shape the educational experiences of students, educators, and families.
Join us as we dive deep into the mission of fostering student greatness in school and in life, guided by our core values of Purpose, Passion, Integrity, and Grit. Each episode features insightful discussions on pressing topics, including the importance of adult champions in schools, the role of extracurricular activities, community service, and responsible social media usage. All of this is aimed at our promise of Strong Minds, Good Hearts™.
We invite educators, parents, students, and advocates to share their experiences and perspectives, creating a dynamic community dedicated to improving the K-12 landscape. Together, we will uncover strategies for empowering the next generation while celebrating the achievements that lead us all on this journey to greatness.
Subscribe now and embark on a path filled with inspiration, insight, and advocacy for a brighter future in K-12 education!
Episode 11 - Recap of the 24-25 School Year The 2024-2025 school year has come to an end. In today's episode, Gary and Dr. C chat about the growth and sucesses of the CSUSA family of school this school year, positive trends they have seen, and where we will be going in the next school year. For more information about our podcast or to reach out to the hosts, please email us at [email protected]. /episode/index/show/736070a7-f4c1-42e3-8ea7-63c9651f4a9d/id/37260150
Episode 10 - Mid-Year State of the 24/25 School Year In our past 4 episodes, Gary and Dr. C spoke to leaders at all four Charter Schools USA states. In this follow up meeting, our hosts will chat about the mid-year state of Charter Schools USA and education in the 24/25 school year as a whole. Topics include focusing on how adult mentorship positively affects both students and teachers, student engagement in class and in the school culture, the ever-changing nature of technology in education, and more. For more information about our podcast or to reach out to the hosts, please email us at [email protected]. /episode/index/show/736070a7-f4c1-42e3-8ea7-63c9651f4a9d/id/35744605
Episode 9 - Interview With Susan GibsonOn today's episode, our hosts Gary and Dr. C interview Susan Gibson, Director for the State of South Carolina at Charter Schools USA. During this interview, Director Gibson talks about her experiences working with charter schools, the growth currently being seen in the state, the strong connections being built between the schools and their communities, and much more. For more information about our podcast or to reach out to the hosts, please email us at [email protected]. /episode/index/show/736070a7-f4c1-42e3-8ea7-63c9651f4a9d/id/35253880
Episode 8 - Interview with Dave MachadoOn today's episode, our hosts Gary and Dr. C interview Dave Machado, Superintendent for the State of North Carolina at Charter Schools USA. During this interview, Superintendent Machado talks about his early experiences with charter schools and the school choice movement, his positive experiences with adult champions for students, creating service projects and the positive impacts this will have on students, restricting phone usage, and much more. For more information about our podcast or to reach out to the hosts, please email us at [email protected]. /episode/index/show/736070a7-f4c1-42e3-8ea7-63c9651f4a9d/id/34955065
Episode 7 - Interview with Dr. Eddie RuizOn today's episode, our hosts Gary and Dr. C interview Dr. Eddie Ruiz, Superintendent for the State of Florida at Charter Schools USA. During this interview, Dr. Ruiz talks about his lengthy educational background in Florida and beyond, how adult champions helped to shape and support him in his childhood, his excitement for Leader In Me schools where students take greater ownership of the school environment, the positive reports of removing cell phones in Florida schools, and much more. For more information about our podcast or to reach out to the hosts, please email us at [email protected]. /episode/index/show/736070a7-f4c1-42e3-8ea7-63c9651f4a9d/id/34772470
Episode 6 - Interview with Dr. Lonnie Luce On today's episode, our hosts Gary and Dr. C interview Dr. Lonnie Luce, Deputy for the State of Louisiana at Charter Schools USA. During this interview, Dr. Luce talks about his background in education and education leadership, the existing and upcoming schools currently in Louisiana, involving adult champions and local governments in the lives of their students, how Charter Schools USA has been helping families that have been deeply affected by recent natural disasters, and how CSUSA schools in Louisiana have been working with the changing face of technology in education. For more information about our podcast or to reach out to the hosts, please email us at [email protected]. /episode/index/show/736070a7-f4c1-42e3-8ea7-63c9651f4a9d/id/34598515
Episode 4 - Student Involvement and ServiceOn today's episode, our hosts Gary and Dr. C speak about the importance of student involvement and service. Topics include focusing on the community at large, how volunteering can positively affect health and wellness, and the importance of selflessness. Today's episode references the following articles: For more information about our podcast or to reach out to the hosts, please email us at [email protected]. /episode/index/show/736070a7-f4c1-42e3-8ea7-63c9651f4a9d/id/34262660
Episode 5 - Responsible Use of Cell Phones and Social MediaOn today's episode, our hosts Gary and Dr. C speak about the importance of student involvement and service. Topics include the work of Social Psychologist Joanthan Haidt, effects of prohibiting cell phone use in the classroom, and responsible use of technology (including AI) in the classroom. Today's episode references the following articles: For more information about our podcast or to reach out to the hosts, please email us at [email protected]. /episode/index/show/736070a7-f4c1-42e3-8ea7-63c9651f4a9d/id/34262690
Episode 3 - The Importance of Extracurricular Activites, Part 2On today's episode, our hosts Gary and Dr. C speak about the importance and benefits of students engaged in extracurricular activites. Topics include the rise of Esports, the role of parents in their child's extracurricular involvement, building relationships, and a final reflection on extracurriculars for the students and school environment. Today's episode references the following articles: For more information about our podcast or to reach out to the hosts, please email us at [email protected]. /episode/index/show/736070a7-f4c1-42e3-8ea7-63c9651f4a9d/id/33499612
Episode 2 - The Importance of Extracurricular Activities, Part 1On today's episode, our hosts Gary and Dr. C speak about the importance and benefits of students engaged in extracurricular activites. Listen in as they chat about their own past experience in extracurriculars and how it shaped their own academic careers, social connections and feelings of belonging, how extracurriculars can help to promote and shape the school environment, its effect on college admissions, and more. Today's episode references the following articles: For more information about our podcast or to reach out to the hosts, please email us at [email protected]. /episode/index/show/736070a7-f4c1-42e3-8ea7-63c9651f4a9d/id/33358357
Episode 1 - Welcome To Our Podcast!Welcome to Episode 1 of Journey to Greatness! On today's episode, Dr. David Christiansen and Gary Springer will dive into the impetus, reasons, and ideas behind creating the Journey to Greatness podcast, what they hope to deliver, and topics you can anticipate from each episode. If you'd like to reach out, email us at [email protected]. /episode/index/show/736070a7-f4c1-42e3-8ea7-63c9651f4a9d/id/33201987
