In-depth insights into pivotal issues shaping our schools and our children's future. Engage in interactive discussions with regional Virginia superintendents and participate in live Q and A segments addressing concerns relevant to families like yours.
On this edition of Education Matters, Dr. John B. Gordon III visits us again from Suffolk. Superintendent Gordon has been at the helm of Suffolk Public Schools since 2019 and was recently recognized as Virginia's Superintendent of the Year. He disucsses his path to statewide recognition, the initiatives the division has taken during his tenure, and his advice for parents preparing their children for a successful school year. He also answers your questions. Suffolk Public Schools are a member of HRETA, which holds the license for WHRO stations.
17 Feb 2026
Education Matters: Gloucester County Public Schools
On this edition of Education Matters, Dr. Anthony Vladu, Superintendent of the Gloucester County Public Schools, joins Dr. Barry Graham. Dr. Vladu assumed head of the division in 2023 after serving in the military, and after beginning a career in education as a classroom teacher, school principal, and division administrator. They discuss the state of Gloucester's schools now, what initiatives are being implemented to ensure student success, and what's included in the newest budget. Gloucester County Public Schools are a member of HRETA, which holds the license for WHRO.
24 Sept 2025
Education Matters: Williamsburg James City County
On this edition of Education Matters, Dr. Daniel Keever, Superintendent of the Williamsburg James City County Schools discusses how the unique jointly run system is moving forward after it briefly talked of dissolving. Also, what is the division doing to address absenteeism, teacher recruitment, and new History SOLS? Dr. Keever discusses his vision for the division on Education Matters. Williamsburg James City County Schools are a member of HRETA, which holds the license for WHRO.
9 Jul 2025
Education Matters: Hampton
Dr. John Caggiano is the Deputy Superindendent of Hampton City Schools. He also serves as the Chief of Staff for the divison - and on this installment of Education Matters, we speak with him about how parents can keep their children engaged in learning over summer break, the impact of Hampton Schools Academies on college and career readiness, and the statewide award the division won for its unique instructional toolkit. Hampton City Public Schools are a member of HRETA, which holds the license for WHRO.
9 Apr 2025
Education Matters: Suffolk
Dr. John B. Gordon III has been the Superintendent of the Suffolk City Public Schools since 2019 and he joins host Doug Boynton on this edition of Education Matters. They discuss the unique challenges facing Suffolk schools - between fast growing populations, national teacher shortages, and the new accoutability system set by the State Board of Education that has received some controversial feedback. Suffolk City Public Schools are a member of HRETA, which holds the license for WHRO.
15 Jan 2025
Education Matters: Portsmouth
Dr. Elie Bracy shares insights on the challenges facing Portsmouth City Public Schools, including teacher recruitment and retention, and the impact of the State's proposed new accountability system.
30 Oct 2024
Education Matters: Surry County
We are continuing the discussion with area educators about the issues facing today's classroom teachers. We spoke with Dr. Herbert Monroe, the newly appointed Superintendent of Surry County Public Schools. We sat down to explore how the district is faring in the fight against chronic absenteeism, the ways they address teacher and student mental health, and several other factors school divisions across the country face today. SCPS is a member of HRETA, which holds the lisense for WHRO.
15 Aug 2024
Reading and Writing Challenges in the Classroom
The reading disorder dyslexia affects roughly 1 in 5 students- adding to the challenge classroom teachers face engaging students to read and write. What are the strategies teachers are using to improve reading and writing skills? Heidi Lewis, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Portsmouth Public Schools and Tony Quaranta, who was diagnosed at an early age with dyslexia and has mentored students, are the in-studio guests.
24 Apr 2024
Education Matters: Northampton County
What's it like to teach on Virginia's Eastern Shore? Like other divisions, attracting and keeping teachers is an on-going issue in Northampton County Schools. They started this school year with a shortage. Also, the large migrant population of the region creates unique challenges for students and teachers when English is a second language, so what are some of the solutions? And, the division broke ground on a new middle and high school facility, but what are the politics of convincing the public to invest in school infastructure? In this installment of Education Matters, we tackle these topics and more with Dr. Lisa Martin, Superintendent of Northampton County Schools. NCPS is a member of HRETA, which holds WHRO's license.
19 Jan 2024
Education Matters: Chesapeake and Williamsburg James City County
Stats show 15-percent of students statewide are chronically absent. The culture wars explode again, this time around Chesapeake's schools when a controversial after-school club petitioned to meet. Also, a long-standing agreement between two localities to create a unified school division will most likely be coming to an end. Today's guests are Superindendents Dr. Jared Cotton of Chesapeake City Public Schools and Dr. Olwen Herron of the Williamsburg James City County Schools. They will discuss timely topics in education and answer questions from listeners. CPS and WJCC are members of HRETA, which holds WHRO's license.
9 Oct 2023
Education Matters: Virginia Beach
This is the first episode of Education Matters. Hear WHRV Host Doug Boynton and the acting Superintendent of Virginia Beach City Public Schools, Dr. Don Robertson discuss topics and issues addressing Virginia Beach students and families. Education Matters is a live, call-in program featuring local school superintendents. The guest superintendents will discuss timely topics in education and welcome questions from the audience. VBCPS is a member of HRETA, which holds WHRO's license.
25 Sept 2023
Education Matters premieres October 9
Talk about the key issues shaping our schools and our children with superintendents across the Southeastern region of Virginia.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
4,079,662
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
3.7 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 32 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
7
Social presence
0
YouTube
93
Engagement
50
Contact Education Matters
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Education Matters?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
