In this episode of Leadership Voices, host Jacob Geller sits down with Dr. Ryan Smith, Deputy Superintendent of Bellflower Unified School District, to explore what it really takes to lead systems while staying grounded in students.

Ryan shares a powerful journey that began not with a clear plan, but with a love for basketball, mentorship, and a willingness to take opportunities as they came. From coaching high school basketball at 18 to serving as superintendent and now deputy superintendent, his path reflects the impact of mentorship, timing, and a deep commitment to doing more for students at scale.

The conversation dives into leadership across levels—from classroom to cabinet—highlighting how leaders can expand their impact without losing connection to students. Ryan also unpacks the realities of district leadership: balancing system coherence with school autonomy, building strong teams through intentional hiring, and leading long-term strategic planning that centers both academic outcomes and human development.

From AI in education to redefining student success beyond test scores, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how forward-thinking leaders are preparing students not just for school—but for life.

Key Moments

04:53 Getting into basketball coaching

09:37 Balancing leadership and student focus

10:58 Deciding to make a bigger impact

15:39 Role of school superintendents

17:37 Responsibilities of a deputy superintendent

22:42 Current priorities at Bellflower Schools

24:03 Hiring and maintaining the right team

26:24 Launching the learner profile system

30:08 Balancing equity and school history

35:15 Defining and fostering collaboration

38:02 Implementing AI in schools

39:31 Using AI for deeper learning

45:13 End-of-year celebrations and prep

Connect with Dr. Ryan Smith

Website: https://www.busd.k12.ca.us/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandsmithedd

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About Leadership Voices Podcast

Leadership Voices is where host Jacob Geller speaks with education leaders and innovators about the future of schools, uncovering stories and strategies that create meaningful impact.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Leadership Voices for more conversations on leadership, culture, and the future of learning.

In this episode of Leadership Voices, host Jacob Geller sits down with Dr. Christopher Sanzeri, Assistant Director of Specialized Student Services – Curriculum & Instruction in Elgin Area School District U-46, the second largest district in Illinois.

Christopher opens up about his path from student-athlete and aspiring social studies teacher to special education leader, sharing how a paraeducator role changed his career trajectory and sparked a mission to scale high-impact instruction beyond a single classroom.

Together, they explore what it takes to lead specialized services in a complex, multilingual district where 120+ languages are spoken, about half of students are multilingual learners, and dual language programming is a defining strength. Christopher also shares how U-46 is navigating major systemwide shifts, including school closures, capital improvements, boundary changes, and moving 6th grade into middle school, while staying focused on belonging, early foundations, and academic growth.

From post-pandemic screen reduction to MTSS, culturally responsive instruction, and innovative program redesign, this conversation highlights how thoughtful systems work can create better outcomes for students, educators, and communities.

Key Moments

03:45 From Athlete to Special Educator

08:56 School Closures and Community Impact

12:21 "Special Educators: Driving School Improvement"

14:42 "Prioritizing Hands-On Learning"

19:36 "Belonging Leads to Academic Success"

22:09 District Literacy and Cultural Responsiveness

25:37 Balancing Centralization vs. Local Autonomy

28:26 Tracking Growth and Student Proficiency

33:47 Streamlining Staff Roles for Equity

37:55 "Multi-Abilities Classroom Launch Plan"

39:40 "Impactful Design and Intentionality"

Connect with Dr. Christopher Sanzeri

Website: https://www.u-46.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-sanzeri-8a4a2b93

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Jacob Geller LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-geller-0bb133101/?originalSubdomain=ca

Paper LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/paperlearning/

About Leadership Voices Podcast

Leadership Voices is where host Jacob Geller speaks with education leaders and innovators about the future of schools, uncovering stories and strategies that create meaningful impact.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Leadership Voices for more conversations on leadership, culture, and the future of learning.

In this episode of Leadership Voices, host Jacob Geller is joined by Dr. Natasha Baker, Superintendent of Norwalk–La Mirada Unified School District, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, equity, wellness, and building systems that truly serve students and staff.

Just over a year into her superintendency, Dr. Baker reflects on listening deeply to her community, setting clear academic and fiscal priorities, and leading change with intention in a district that serves two distinct cities and a richly diverse population. She shares how her background as an instructional leader, combined with advanced training in finance, shapes her approach to running a complex public system with clarity and confidence.

From quarterly data reviews and expanded learning programs to adult wellness and female leadership, this conversation highlights what it takes to lead with humanity while keeping student achievement at the center.

Key Moments

02:09 A snapshot of the district: students, cities, and community

03:30 One year in as superintendent: reflections and early priorities

04:28 Board-approved focus areas and academic excellence goals

05:21 Dr. Baker’s leadership journey and path into education

06:43 From state leadership to system leadership as a superintendent

07:34 Why earning a master’s in finance strengthened her leadership

10:31 Leading with wellness for adults and students

12:55 Navigating change while honoring district culture

14:13 Using quarterly data reviews to drive instructional decisions

17:18 Equity across two cities and diverse school communities

20:48 Expanding afterschool programs through ELO-P funding

23:06 Female leadership, confidence, and building a competitive skillset

26:10 Advice for aspiring women leaders in education

28:12 Supporting and developing leaders across the organization

30:30 Working with a seven-member school board

33:15 Lessons from leading in large and mid-sized districts

33:42 Rapid-fire leadership questions and reflections

36:19 Looking ahead: defining success for the year ahead

Connect with Dr. Natasha Baker

Website: https://www.nlmusd.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-baker-ed-d-158067b

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Jacob Geller LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-geller-0bb133101/?originalSubdomain=ca

Paper LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/paperlearning/

About Leadership Voices Podcast

Leadership Voices is where host Jacob Geller speaks with education leaders and innovators about the future of schools, uncovering stories and strategies that create meaningful impact.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Leadership Voices for more conversations on leadership, culture, and the future of learning.