The KASA School Leaders Podcast features a variation of guests who provide in-depth conversation connected to their areas of expertise.

🎧 Latest Episodes

 

  • Substitute Teacher Toolkit

    Wayne Young on Leadership, Law, and Legacy

    Posted: November 2025

    In this episode of the KASA School Leader Podcast, Executive Director Rhonda Caldwell and General Counsel Wayne Young unpack KASA’s powerful trifecta of legal protections for school leaders — from counsel and cost coverage to liability insurance. Learn about new member benefits, including the Win with Wayne video series and a must-attend webinar on public employee free speech..

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  • Substitute Teacher Toolkit

    Pre-K for All: Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman on Building Kentucky's Future

    Posted: October 2025

    In this episode of the KASA School Leader Podcast, Executive Director Dr. Rhonda Caldwell sits down with Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman to discuss the ambitious Pre-K for All initiative. Lt. Gov. Coleman outlines why early childhood education is critical to student success, how pre-K impacts third-grade literacy and even long-term prison rates, and what it will take to move from just 27% of four-year-olds in public pre-K to full access statewide.

  • Substitute Teacher Toolkit

    Teacher, Legislator, Leader: A Conversation with Rep. Tina Bojanowski

    Posted: August 2025

    Representative Tina Bojanowski is both a special education teacher and a Kentucky legislator, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of classrooms and policy. In this episode, she shares her journey, unpacks key education challenges, and offers insights on advocacy, accountability, and the future of public schools in Kentucky. 

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  • Substitute Teacher Toolkit

    Rep. Scott Lewis: From Classroom to Capitol

    Posted: May 2025

    Join us in this episode of the Ed Leader Podcast as host Rhonda Caldwell sits down with Chairman Scott Lewis, a prominent figure in Kentucky's educational landscape.

    From his roots as a dedicated teacher and coach to his current role as Chairman of the Primary and Secondary Education Committee in the Kentucky House of Representatives, Scott Lewis shares his inspiring journey and vision for Kentucky's youth. Discover his insights on the challenges and triumphs of the education system, his advocacy for early literacy, and his strategies for building a brighter future through education.

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    • Substitute Teacher Toolkit

      Substitute Teacher Toolkit

      Posted: April 2025

      Rhonda speaks with Garrett Frank, Bryan Lile & Chris Barrier about this essential new toolkit for substitutes. Ensures safe, productive classrooms for everyone.

    • Navigating Exec Orders

      Navigating Trump-Era Executive Orders

      Posted: February 2025

      Rhonda interviews KASA General Counsel Wayne Young on how Trump Administration orders affect public education and what leaders need to know.

    • Amendment 2 Q&A

      Amendment 2 – Q&A

      Posted: September 2024

      Dr. Rhonda Caldwell and Wayne Young discuss Amendment 2 and its implications for public school administrators ahead of Election Day.

    • Chris Bentzel

      Chris Bentzel: Coalition to Sustain Education

      Posted: February 2024

      Rhonda interviews Chris Bentzel about the Coalition to Sustain the Education Profession and its work in Kentucky.

    • Working Conditions

      Working Conditions in Kentucky Schools

      Posted: September 2023

      A working conditions survey revealed top challenges for teachers. Rhonda talks with superintendents Thom Cochran and Carrie Ballinger.

    • HB32 Kevin Jackson

      HB32: Rep. Kevin Jackson

      Posted: February 2023

      Rhonda speaks with Rep. Kevin Jackson & Bob Rowland about House Bill 32 and what it means for Kentucky schools.

    • Health & Well-Being

      Prioritizing Health & Well‑Being

      Posted: December 2022

      Rhonda and Brian Creasman explore wellness for educators and students—because health matters in learning.

    • Coats & Flood Relief

      Coats for Christmas & Flood Relief

      Posted: November 2022

      Sandra Combs shares about KASA’s coat drive and relief efforts after Eastern KY floods—supporting families in need.

    • School Safety HB63

      School Safety & HB63

      Posted: July 2022

      Ben Wilcox, Kentucky’s State School Security Marshal, joins Rhonda to talk school safety and House Bill 63.

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      Todd Whitaker on Educational Leadership

      Posted: July 2022

      Dr. Todd Whitaker joins Rhonda to discuss leadership strategies from his bestselling book *What Great Leaders Do Differently*.

    • Engaging Students

      Engaging Students: Goodwin & Bennett

      Posted: July 2022

      Bob Bennett and Bryan Goodwin join Rhonda to discuss strategies for engaging and re‑engaging today’s students.

    • Casey Allen Interview

      Interview: Casey Allen

      Posted: April 2022

      Dr. Casey Allen, superintendent of Ballard County Schools, speaks with Rhonda about leadership and school progress.

    • Rick Lasley

      Humanity in Peril: Rick Lasley

      Posted: (Date N/A)

      Veteran principal Rick Lasley talks about public education challenges—from funding and infrastructure, to teacher shortages and privatization.

    • Jacqueline Coleman

      Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman

      Posted: (Date N/A)

      Lt. Gov. Coleman discusses state budgeting, priorities, and supports for students and educators in Kentucky.

    • Dr Derek Black

      Dr. Derek Black on “School House Burning”

      Posted: (Date N/A)

      Dr. Derek Black discusses his book *School House Burning* and strategies against privatization and charter or voucher efforts in education.

    • Rep Tina Bojanowski

      Rep. Tina Bojanowski – Early Literacy

      Posted: (Date N/A)

      Rep. Bojanowski and Rhonda discuss SB9/HB226 and what early literacy legislation means for Kentucky learners and Read for Success.

    • Rep James Tipton

      Rep. James Tipton – Literacy Legislation

      Posted: (Date N/A)

      Rep. Tipton joins Rhonda to discuss early literacy bills and the Read for Success program in episode two of the series.

    • Rep Ed Massey

      Rep. Ed Massey – 2022 Recap

      Posted: (Date N/A)

      Rep. Massey and Rhonda reflect on the 2022 legislative session, pandemic impacts, funding, and teacher shortages in public education.