What does the future of education look like? Dr. Jonah Schenker, District Superintendent at Ulster Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), aims to uncover the answer in its new podcast, Leading for Deeper Learning with Ulster BOCES, where he and his guests explore the bold ideas and innovative leadership transforming today’s schools—starting with a timely look at New York State's evolving graduation standards. 

“We’re in the midst of a revolution in education, and the stories that we are co-authoring will become the roadmap to a new, a better, and a more equitable educational experience for students,” says Dr. Schenker. “Through this podcast, we will have conversations with and ask questions of educational leaders, educators, policymakers, and thought partners. By elevating these voices and stories, we can move our systems forward to achieve our desired state.”  

The inaugural episode features a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Jeffrey Matteson, Senior Deputy Commissioner for Education Policy for New York State. Recorded in the historic New York State Education Building in Albany, Dr. Schenker and Dr. Matteson discuss the latest educational changes being rolled out in response to the Graduation Measures recommendations from the New York State Blue Ribbon Commission. The episode explores the emerging changes and the innovative approaches already underway to expand opportunities and ensure all students are given equal opportunities for success in the State’s educational system.

“At Ulster BOCES, we’ve been helping guide our region towards the Blue Ribbon Commission’s aspirations for some time,” says Schenker, noting that many of the proposed statewide changes, especially those related to expanding the pathways available to students to earn credits through work-based learning, service projects, and participation in Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs, as well and creating meaningful opportunities to meet the expanding needs for students with disabilities, have been a part of the Ulster BOCES model for many years. 

“This deeply informative format represents a high-level exchange of ideas directly related to New York’s educational news of the day,” said Dr. Matteson. "This initial episode will set the stage for what should become ‘must subscribe’ listening for those interested in connecting with current directions of education policy and programming in the Empire State. It was a privilege to participate in the first episode, but I truly believe this will become a dynamic learning opportunity with Dr. Jonah Schenker as the host of future iterations of this podcast.”

The Leading for Deeper Learning podcast is available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher, as well as on YouTube at www.YouTube.com/UlsterBOCES.