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In this episode of The Heart & Science of Leadership Podcast, Dr. Paulie Gavoni sits down with veteran educator Dr. Michael L. Cubbin for a spirited debate on classroom leadership. The conversation was sparked by Cubbin’s critique of Paulie’s article on establishing expectations during the first week of school, and by his own provocative piece, “Don’t Grade Student Work On-Time? Shame on You!”

What followed was an honest, challenging dialogue about:

• Whether classroom systems support or drive teachers away
• The role of values, culture, and reinforcement in shaping student behavior
• The balance between accountability and compassion in teacher expectations
• Why grading and timely feedback remain a flashpoint in education

At times direct and contentious, this discussion highlights both differences in philosophy and shared concern for improving outcomes for students and teachers. Listeners will hear two strong perspectives that push each other—and the audience—to think more critically about what true classroom leadership looks like.

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In this episode, Dr. Paul “Paulie” Gavoni sits down with Dr. Rick Surrency, Superintendent of Putnam County Schools in Florida, to explore how one of the lowest-performing districts in the state transformed into a model of success.

When Dr. Surrency took office in 2016, Putnam County Schools faced daunting challenges: a graduation rate under 55%, multiple failing schools, and a community that many considered on the decline. Fast forward to today, and the results speak volumes:

• Graduation rate increased to over 92%
• Every failing school eliminated
• $300+ million secured to rebuild aging campuses
• Recognition as Florida’s Superintendent of the Year (2023)

Dr. Surrency shares the leadership principles, strategies, and hard choices that fueled this turnaround, including how to:

• Align education with real-world opportunities through programs in aviation, advanced manufacturing, and beyond.
• Create systems that reinforce both academic achievement and vocational readiness.
• Rebuild trust and pride in a community once considered a “dying district.”

This conversation goes beyond statistics. It’s about values-driven leadership, equipping students with skills that match their passions, and building schools that serve as engines of hope for families and communities.

🎧 Tune in to hear how bold vision, relentless action, and a commitment to human behavior science can breathe life into a struggling school system.

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In this episode of The Crisis in Education Podcast, Dr. Paul "Paulie" Gavoni sits down with three-time District Teacher of the Year finalist, Tana Stanley, to explore a critical and often overlooked element of classroom success—student voice.

They dig into how giving students opportunities to provide feedback through structured surveys can foster engagement, build psychological safety, and contribute to a more learning-ready classroom environment. Tana shares practical strategies from her own teaching experience, including how she uses student surveys to guide her instruction and strengthen her relationship with learners.

From implementation tips to lessons learned, this is a must-listen for any educator looking to make student-centered learning more than just a buzzword.

📩 Want a Copy of the Student Voice & Learning Readiness Survey?
Email moreinfo@pcma.com with the subject line "Student Survey" and we’ll send it your way.

⚠️ Disclaimer:
This survey is a practical tool informed by research on student engagement, teacher-student relationships, and learning readiness. However, it is not a validated psychometric instrument. Its intended use is to open dialogue, build connection, and guide reflection—not to formally evaluate teacher performance or diagnose student needs.