Discover innovative approaches, insights, & impactful work being done across the nation to advance K-12 education.
Leadership Voices
Claim This Podcastby Jacob Geller
6 episodes
Updated Daily
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Podcast Overview
Discover innovative approaches, insights, & impactful work being done across the nation to advance K-12 education.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
12/1/2025
2 verified contact emails on file for Leadership Voices
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Recent Episodes
April 10, 2026
Students First, Systems Strong with Dr. Ryan Smith at Bellflower Unified School District
<p><br>In this episode of Leadership Voices, host Jacob Geller sits down with Dr. Ryan Smith, Deputy Superintendent of Bellflower Unified School District, to explore what it really takes to lead systems while staying grounded in students.</p><p><br>Ryan shares a powerful journey that began not with a clear plan, but with a love for basketball, mentorship, and a willingness to take opportunities as they came. From coaching high school basketball at 18 to serving as superintendent and now deputy superintendent, his path reflects the impact of mentorship, timing, and a deep commitment to doing more for students at scale.</p><p><br>The conversation dives into leadership across levels—from classroom to cabinet—highlighting how leaders can expand their impact without losing connection to students. Ryan also unpacks the realities of district leadership: balancing system coherence with school autonomy, building strong teams through intentional hiring, and leading long-term strategic planning that centers both academic outcomes and human development.</p><p><br>From AI in education to redefining student success beyond test scores, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how forward-thinking leaders are preparing students not just for school—but for life.</p><p><strong></strong></p><p>Key Moments<br><br></p><p><br>04:53 Getting into basketball coaching</p><p><br>09:37 Balancing leadership and student focus</p><p><br>10:58 Deciding to make a bigger impact</p><p><br>15:39 Role of school superintendents</p><p><br>17:37 Responsibilities of a deputy superintendent</p><p><br>22:42 Current priorities at Bellflower Schools</p><p><br>24:03 Hiring and maintaining the right team</p><p><br>26:24 Launching the learner profile system</p><p><br>30:08 Balancing equity and school history</p><p><br>35:15 Defining and fostering collaboration</p><p><br>38:02 Implementing AI in schools</p><p><br>39:31 Using AI for deeper learning</p><p><br>45:13 End-of-year celebrations and prep</p><p><br></p><p><strong><br>Connect with Dr. Ryan Smith<br></strong><br></p><p><br>Website: <a href="https://www.busd.k12.ca.us/">https://www.busd.k12.ca.us/</a> <strong><br></strong>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandsmithedd">https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandsmithedd</a> </p><p><strong></strong></p><p>Follow Us<br><br></p><p><br>Jacob Geller LinkedIn:<br><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-geller-0bb133101/?originalSubdomain=ca">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-geller-0bb133101/?originalSubdomain=ca<br></a><br></p><p><br>Paper LinkedIn:<br><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/paperlearning/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/paperlearning/<br></a><br></p><p><strong></strong></p><p>About Leadership Voices Podcast<br><br></p><p><br>Leadership Voices is where host Jacob Geller speaks with education leaders and innovators about the future of schools, uncovering stories and strategies that create meaningful impact.</p><p><br>Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Leadership Voices for more conversations on leadership, culture, and the future of learning.</p>
February 23, 2026
Scaling Impact: District-Level Leadership and Innovations in Special Education with Dr. Sanzeri
<p><br>In this episode of Leadership Voices, host Jacob Geller sits down with Dr. Christopher Sanzeri, Assistant Director of Specialized Student Services – Curriculum & Instruction in Elgin Area School District U-46, the second largest district in Illinois.</p><p><br>Christopher opens up about his path from student-athlete and aspiring social studies teacher to special education leader, sharing how a paraeducator role changed his career trajectory and sparked a mission to scale high-impact instruction beyond a single classroom.</p><p><br>Together, they explore what it takes to lead specialized services in a complex, multilingual district where 120+ languages are spoken, about half of students are multilingual learners, and dual language programming is a defining strength. Christopher also shares how U-46 is navigating major systemwide shifts, including school closures, capital improvements, boundary changes, and moving 6th grade into middle school, while staying focused on belonging, early foundations, and academic growth.</p><p><br>From post-pandemic screen reduction to MTSS, culturally responsive instruction, and innovative program redesign, this conversation highlights how thoughtful systems work can create better outcomes for students, educators, and communities.</p><p><strong><br>Key Moments<br></strong><br></p><p><br>03:45 From Athlete to Special Educator</p><p><br>08:56 School Closures and Community Impact</p><p><br>12:21 "Special Educators: Driving School Improvement"</p><p><br>14:42 "Prioritizing Hands-On Learning"</p><p><br>19:36 "Belonging Leads to Academic Success"</p><p><br>22:09 District Literacy and Cultural Responsiveness</p><p><br>25:37 Balancing Centralization vs. Local Autonomy</p><p><br>28:26 Tracking Growth and Student Proficiency</p><p><br>33:47 Streamlining Staff Roles for Equity</p><p><br>37:55 "Multi-Abilities Classroom Launch Plan"</p><p><br>39:40 "Impactful Design and Intentionality"</p><p><strong><br>Connect with Dr. Christopher Sanzeri<br></strong><br></p><p><br>Website: <a href="https://www.u-46.org/">https://www.u-46.org/</a> <br>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-sanzeri-8a4a2b93">https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-sanzeri-8a4a2b93</a> </p><p><strong><br>Follow Us<br></strong><br></p><p><br>Jacob Geller LinkedIn:<br><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-geller-0bb133101/?originalSubdomain=ca">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-geller-0bb133101/?originalSubdomain=ca</a> </p><p><br>Paper LinkedIn:<br><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/paperlearning/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/paperlearning/</a> </p><p><strong><br>About Leadership Voices Podcast<br></strong><br></p><p><br>Leadership Voices is where host Jacob Geller speaks with education leaders and innovators about the future of schools, uncovering stories and strategies that create meaningful impact.</p><p>Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Leadership Voices for more conversations on leadership, culture, and the future of learning.</p>
February 4, 2026
Beyond Academics: Supporting Students and Staff as Whole Humans in Education Leadership
<p>In this episode of Leadership Voices, host Jacob Geller is joined by Dr. Natasha Baker, Superintendent of Norwalk–La Mirada Unified School District, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, equity, wellness, and building systems that truly serve students and staff.</p><p><br></p><p>Just over a year into her superintendency, Dr. Baker reflects on listening deeply to her community, setting clear academic and fiscal priorities, and leading change with intention in a district that serves two distinct cities and a richly diverse population. She shares how her background as an instructional leader, combined with advanced training in finance, shapes her approach to running a complex public system with clarity and confidence.</p><p><br></p><p>From quarterly data reviews and expanded learning programs to adult wellness and female leadership, this conversation highlights what it takes to lead with humanity while keeping student achievement at the center.</p><p><br></p><p><strong><br>Key Moments</strong></p><p><br></p><p>02:09 A snapshot of the district: students, cities, and community</p><p>03:30 One year in as superintendent: reflections and early priorities</p><p>04:28 Board-approved focus areas and academic excellence goals</p><p>05:21 Dr. Baker’s leadership journey and path into education</p><p>06:43 From state leadership to system leadership as a superintendent</p><p>07:34 Why earning a master’s in finance strengthened her leadership</p><p>10:31 Leading with wellness for adults and students</p><p>12:55 Navigating change while honoring district culture</p><p>14:13 Using quarterly data reviews to drive instructional decisions</p><p>17:18 Equity across two cities and diverse school communities</p><p>20:48 Expanding afterschool programs through ELO-P funding</p><p>23:06 Female leadership, confidence, and building a competitive skillset</p><p>26:10 Advice for aspiring women leaders in education</p><p>28:12 Supporting and developing leaders across the organization</p><p>30:30 Working with a seven-member school board</p><p>33:15 Lessons from leading in large and mid-sized districts</p><p>33:42 Rapid-fire leadership questions and reflections</p><p>36:19 Looking ahead: defining success for the year ahead</p><p><strong><br>Connect with Dr. Natasha Baker<br></strong><br></p><p>Website: <a href="https://www.nlmusd.org/">https://www.nlmusd.org/</a> <strong><br></strong>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-baker-ed-d-158067b">https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-baker-ed-d-158067b</a> </p><p><strong><br>Follow Us<br></strong><br></p><p>Jacob Geller LinkedIn:<br><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-geller-0bb133101/?originalSubdomain=ca">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-geller-0bb133101/?originalSubdomain=ca<br></a><br></p><p><br>Paper LinkedIn:<br><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/paperlearning/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/paperlearning/<br></a><br></p><p><strong><br>About Leadership Voices Podcast<br></strong><br></p><p><br>Leadership Voices is where host Jacob Geller speaks with education leaders and innovators about the future of schools, uncovering stories and strategies that create meaningful impact.</p><p><br>Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Leadership Voices for more conversations on leadership, culture, and the future of learning.</p>
6 total episodes available
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- What is Leadership Voices?
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This podcast updates daily.
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This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
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Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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