In this episode, Cindy Blackburn sits down with Rachel Gorsky, Director of Institutional Research and Data Analytics at Gilman School, to explore how schools can actually use data to drive meaningful change.

They unpack what institutional research looks like in K–12 independent schools, how to move from vague questions to actionable insights, and why combining qualitative and quantitative data is essential for understanding school culture.

Rachel shares her process for analyzing school climate surveys, navigating sensitive topics, and turning complex data into findings that leaders can actually use. The conversation also dives into a real research project on women’s experiences in boys’ schools, offering a powerful example of how data can surface hidden patterns and inform leadership decisions.

They also explore the ethical challenges of working with sensitive data, how to build trust through transparency, and why sharing findings is often the hardest part of the process.

If you're a school leader, educator, or anyone interested in data-informed decision-making in education, this episode offers practical insights you can apply right away.

On this episode of the School Leaders Project, host Cindy Blackburn sits down with Dr. Danielle Mirliss, Director of Research and Academic Innovation at Pingry School, to explore how schools can build AI literacy with purpose, ethics, and trust.

Danielle shares how Pingry has shifted from creating rigid AI policies to grounding its approach in clear values, keeping relationships, critical thinking, and student agency at the center of teaching and learning. Together, they unpack what families are most concerned about when it comes to artificial intelligence in schools, from academic integrity and misinformation to the future of education and work.

The conversation dives into practical strategies for supporting teachers, engaging parents, and developing an AI literacy curriculum that helps students understand how AI works, how to use it responsibly, and how to think critically about its ethical impact.

If you’re a school leader, educator, or parent looking for a thoughtful, real-world approach to teaching AI in K–12 schools, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and actionable ideas.

On this episode of the School Leaders Project, host Cindy Blackburn sits down with Antonio Vigil, Director of Innovative Classroom Technology at Aurora Public Schools, to explore what it really takes to transform public education in a moment of rapid change.

Together, they unpack how Aurora Public Schools is rethinking equity, AI, and instruction through its districtwide strategy, Destination APS. Antonio shares powerful stories of using AI to support multilingual learners, build belonging through real-time translation, and strengthen relationships between schools and families.

The conversation dives into the “both and” philosophy of education: creating rigorous, engaging learning experiences while also centering relationships, empathy, and student voice. You’ll hear practical insights on data literacy, dashboards for educators, street data for equity, liberatory design, and why adaptive leadership matters when schools are moving beyond improving the status quo.

If you’re a school leader, educator, or anyone interested in the future of teaching and learning, this episode offers a hopeful, grounded look at how systems can change in meaningful ways.