In Part 2 of our conversation with District 51 Superintendent Dr. Brian Hill, educators Terry Schmalz and Miranda Bailey continue their discussion about leadership, education, and the future of schools in Western Colorado.

Dr. Hill shares his thoughts on one of education's biggest challenges today—educator burnout—and offers practical insights on how teachers and leaders can sustain their passion for the work.

He also discusses District 51's vision for educational technology, the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence, and how the district is preparing students for a rapidly changing world.

The conversation explores ways community members can best support local schools, highlights some of Dr. Hill's proudest moments as superintendent, and provides valuable advice for those considering a career in education.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Hill reflects on the importance of relationships, innovation, and keeping students at the center of every decision.

Whether you're an educator, parent, community member, or simply interested in the future of public education, this episode offers an encouraging and thoughtful look at leading through change.

Guests: Dr. Brian Hill, Superintendent of Mesa County Valley School District 51
Hosts: Terry Schmalz & Miranda Bailey

In this episode, educators Terry Schmalz & Miranda Bailey interview Dr. Brian Hill of D51 in Western Colorado.

Hill shares his journey in education, discusses the district's student cell phone policy update, explores the challenges of school funding, explains his decision-making process, and reflects on how he measures student success.

📅 Stay tuned for Part 2 on June 12, 2026, where Dr. Hill discusses educator burnout, the role of AI in the classroom, his proudest moment as superintendent, and the one word he uses to describe himself.

🎧 Episode 4: Student Voices on AI 🤖🎓

In this episode of Teaching Better Together, hosts Terry Schmalz and Miranda Bailey sit down with Central High School seniors Nic Pinnt and Pedro Medina for an honest, insightful conversation about artificial intelligence in today’s classrooms.

Both students—aspiring engineers—share how they’ve already encountered and used AI in their learning, from academic support to problem-solving, and where they see its role heading in the future. Their perspectives offer a refreshing, student-centered look at a topic that’s rapidly reshaping education.

From questions of integrity and independence to innovation and opportunity, Nic and Pedro give educators a front-row seat to how students are really thinking about AI—not just as a tool, but as part of their academic and career journeys.

✨ Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or simply curious about the future of learning, this episode brings valuable insight straight from the students experiencing it firsthand.