It’s a full house! The entire team is back together for our first episode this year-but we are looking back at our previous year first! Expect plenty of laughter, friendly debate, and maybe a little blue cheese-fueled chaos as we kick things off with the Blue Cheese Wars—who’s winning this round?

We’ll dive into spirit animals (prepare for wildly creative comparisons), celebrate what we’re most proud of in our professional learning work, and give well-earned shoutouts to teammates who’ve inspired us this year.

Then we’ll turn our gaze forward—dreaming big about next year’s PLOs, projects, and possibilities—before closing with a powerful reflection: one word that sums up the year, and one that captures our hopes for what’s next.

Grab your coffee, tea, or favorite seltzer—it’s time to SIT, Sip, and Celebrate the journey together! ☕✨

In this special episode, Kevin and Nick hit the road to Ellicottville for the Genesee Valley BOCES Leadership Institute 2025. Over two days of morning registration, they connected with regional education leaders for rapid-fire questions and thoughtful conversations on leadership, learning, and today’s most pressing topics.

The Leadership Institute is an annual summer gathering for regional leaders, offering professional learning, networking, and inspiring keynote speakers. This year featured Dr. Michelle Storie & Dr. Doreen Mazzye on the Science of Reading, Kristine Earl from the UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, and sessions with acclaimed author Natalie Wexler.

On the podcast, you’ll hear from:

• Betsy Brown – Director of Instructional Services, Byron-Bergen CSD

• Dr. David Russell – Principal, LeRoy Jr./Sr. HS

• Dr. Amanda Cook – Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Pavilion CSD

• Gretchen Rosales – Superintendent of Schools, Elba CSD

• Connie Rockow – Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment, Oakfield-Alabama CSD

Join us for an episode packed with insights, inspiration, and friendly conversation from educational leaders across the region!

Nick and Kevin sit down with the Maverick himself—Erik M. Francis, founder of Maverik Education, lover of movies (especially Top Gun), and internationally recognized expert on Depth of Knowledge (DOK). With over 30 years in education and a diverse background, Erik breaks down the Feynman Technique, talks about why DOK is more than just a rubric, and shares how teachers can rethink standards to leverage deeper, more meaningful learning.

In this high-flying episode:

• We rapid-fire questions (yes, including wings and karaoke 🍗🎤)

• Dive into what DOK really means and how to visualize it in practice

• Talk student work, lesson planning, and powerful questioning strategies

• And ask Erik: What’s the one thing teachers and leaders should prioritize for next year?

Whether you're diving into Level 1 or aiming for Level 4, this episode will have you thinking differently about assessment, instruction, and student thinking.