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.

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

Recorded on site in the Phoenix lab at the Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center in Port Ewen, NY, in this episode of Leading for Deeper Learning our host Dr. Jonah Schenker (District Superintendent Ulster BOCES) leads a powerful conversation with Peter Harris (Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Design), Stephen Casa (Supervisor of Workplace Learning), and Karen Riche (Assistant Principal for Career & Technical Education). Together, they explore the transformative impact of Career & Technical Education (CTE) on students, communities, and the workforce.
The discussion highlights how Ulster BOCES CTE redefines learning by equipping young scholars and young professionals with technical, workplace and personal skills, a sense of identity, and a strong sense of community. With over 60% of CTE graduates pursuing college and others directly entering the workforce, the program offers pathways that prepare students for more than just the next four years—it prepares them for life.
Key topics include the importance of partnering with industries to create real-world, equity-based learning opportunities, fostering collaboration and joy through project-based learning, and breaking down outdated systems that limit student potential. Karen, a proud CTE graduate herself, shares how the program transformed her life, proving that CTE is not a secondary option but a vital pathway to success.
The conversation also dives into CTE's role as a cornerstone of economic and workforce development, with Ulster BOCES growing internship model and innovative plans for the future space at iPark 87 in Kingston, NY that blend education, industry, and community. Tune in to discover how Ulster BOCES is leading the charge in creating a regional hub for employability, opportunity, and lifelong learning.

Featuring:
Peter Harris, Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Design - Career Pathways Programs
Stephen Casa, Supervisor of Workplace Learning, Career Pathways Programs
Karen Riche Assistant Principal for Career & Technical Education