Leading for Deeper Learning Podcast

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.

Leading for Deeper Learning Trailer

“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.”

Watch the Latest Episode

Episode 7: Leading for Deeper Learning Podcast : Our Why: Student Voice

In this inspiring episode of Leading for Deeper Learning, Dr. Jonah Schenker sits down with three remarkable students—Olivia Butler, Matthew Parkhurst, and Jada Valles—from Ulster BOCES to explore what truly motivates them and how student voice shapes meaningful learning. Recorded at the Q29 Studio, this conversation dives into the power of purpose, the importance of being heard, and the impact of deeper learning experiences that are co-created with students at the center. From personal reflections to powerful insights, Olivia, Matthew, and Jada share their “why”—what drives them, what they value in education, and how having a voice has changed the way they learn and lead. This episode is a must-listen for educators, leaders, and anyone passionate about student-centered education and authentic engagement.

Past Episodes

Episode 6: Inspiring Change: Leading with Purpose and Possibility in New York’s Educational Future

In this special episode, Dr. Jonah Schenker, District Superintendent of Ulster BOCES, sits down with two of New York State’s leading voices in education policy—Deputy Commissioners Angelique Johnson-Dingle and Jason Harmon of the New York State Education Department. Recorded on location in the historic Medical Library of the NYSED Building in Albany, this powerful and candid conversation explores the New York Inspires initiatives and the bold reimagining of the state’s Portrait of a Graduate.

This isn’t a small movement—it’s a pivotal moment. The Graduation Measures initiative signals more than a shift in assessment; it’s a call to fundamentally change the container in which education is taught. Johnson-Dingle and Harmon share why now is the right time for these changes, what they mean for students and communities, and how New York is working to align its educational vision with the needs of today and tomorrow.

Tune in now for a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective on how education leaders are working with the NYS Education Department to empower students to be the architects of their own future.

Episode 5: Creating Conditions for Deeper Leading and Learning

How can leaders in non-student-facing roles cultivate a strong leadership culture while keeping students at the center?

In this episode of Leading for Deeper Learning, host Dr. Jonah Schenker, District Superintendent of Ulster BOCES, explores this critical question, as well as dives into how to cultivate the conditions needed for dreaming and designing a new future for education. The discussion highlights how Educator Edge supports teachers beyond traditional models to include the integration of culture-building with instruction—ensuring that joy, learning, and student voice remain at the heart of education.

The conversation also highlights the role of the Instructional Services team at Educator Edge in designing meaningful professional development experiences that empower educators and foster a culture where deeper learning thrives. Through CREW structures–which center on the power of relationships–and deeper learning practices, Ulster BOCES professional learning offerings help schools foster an environment where educators feel supported, students are heard, and teaching is infused with joy, purpose, and possibility.

Featuring: Sarah Dudley Lemek - Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Design - Educator Edge Dr. Juli Ross-Kleinman and Yaa-Yaa Whaley-Williams, both Supervisors of Instructional Services at Educator Edge

Episode 4: Redignifying Career & Technical Education – Pathways to Success

Recorded in the Phoenix Lab at the Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center, this episode of Leading for Deeper Learning arrives just in time for Career & Technical Education (CTE) Month.

Ulster BOCES CTE programs are redefining learning—empowering students with technical, workplace, and personal skills while fostering identity and community. With over 60% of CTE graduates pursuing college and others entering the workforce directly, these programs go beyond preparing students for the next four years—they prepare them for life. From project-based learning and industry partnerships to dismantling outdated systems, this conversation highlights CTE’s transformative role in shaping futures and fueling workforce development.

Join host Dr. Jonah Schenker, District Superintendent of Ulster BOCES, in an inspiring conversation with: Peter Harris, Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Design
Stephen Casa, Supervisor of Workplace Learning
Karen Riche, Assistant Principal for Career & Technical Education

As a proud CTE graduate, Karen Riche shares her personal journey—proving that CTE isn’t a backup plan; it’s a pathway to success. Plus, get an inside look at exciting plans for the future of CTE at iPark 87 in Kingston, NY!

Episode 3: Building Bridges – How Systems and Structures Drive Deeper Learning

Recorded as a snowstorm rolled into the Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center in Port Ewen, NY, this episode of Leading for Deeper Learning explores the vital behind-the-scenes work that supports meaningful learning for both students and staff.

Join Amanda Stokes, Assistant Superintendent for Administration, and Ed Forgit, Assistant Superintendent for Operations, as they discuss how Ulster BOCES aligns its systems and processes with the organization's "North Star" vision of equity, collaboration, and academic excellence—hosted by Dr. Jonah Schenker, District Superintendent, Ulster BOCES.

Topics include:

Equity-based practices in budgeting and technology to foster belonging
Breaking down silos through empathy-building, cross-training, and collaboration
How operational teams and educators work together to support deeper learning
Connecting non-instructional roles—like custodial services and tech support—to classroom impact

Amanda and Ed share powerful insights on how focusing on why creates a united community that drives success for all.

Episode 2: Portrait of a Leader

The second episode of the Leading for Deeper Learning podcast features a roundtable discussion with educational leaders on how heartset and bold leadership can transform learning. Explore how community, collaboration, and passion drive deeper learning and revolutionize education.

Hosted by:
Dr. Jonah Schenker, District Superintendent, Ulster BOCES

Featuring:
Dr. Jill Berardi, Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Design – Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning, Ulster BOCES

Sarah Dudley-Lemek, Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Design – Educator Edge, Ulster BOCES

Peter Harris, Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Design – Career Pathways Program, Ulster BOCES

Episode 1: Leading for Deeper Learning

In this first episode of the Leading for Deeper Learning with Ulster BOCES, Dr. Jeffrey Matteson, Senior Deputy Commissioner for Education Policy for New York State, joined Dr. Jonah Schenker, District Superintendent at Ulster BOCES, to discuss the latest educational changes being rolled out in response to the Graduation Measures recommendations from the New York State Blue Ribbon Commission. Dr. Schenker and Dr. Matteson dive into the evolving landscape of education, focusing on upcoming changes in the State's graduation requirements and exploring innovative approaches to expanding opportunities for all students to find success. Recorded in the historic New York State Education Building in Albany, this conversation is both timely and essential as we rethink the future of education in New York.

Listen & Subscribe Today

The Leading for Deeper Learning podcast is available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, as well as on YouTube.

Join us for our Leading for Deeper Learning Conference in July!