Episode 4: Leading Toward a Global Future with Paula Cordeiro

In this episode of In the Lead with UCEA, Executive Director Dr. Mónica Byrne-Jimenez talks with Dr. Paula Cordeiro, Dammeyer Distinguished Professor of Global Leadership and Education at the University of San Diego, and president of UCEA from 1997-1998, about the globalization of ed leadership, and how the field has expanded internationally. Paula shares how her own journey started with a US-centric approach and expanded to international horizons, emphasizing how she saw cultural diversity enrich the fabric of academia. Paula brings with her a treasure trove of experiences, discussing the milestones that have reinvented educational leadership and policy, as well as the vital role UCEA has played in pioneering this expansive vision.

Paula and Mónica dissect the profound impact of global partnerships, the significance of study tours, and how these experiences have the power to improve our understanding of our domestic education systems. Paula also reflects on what she thinks UCEA’s role will be in this field going forward into the future. Paula’s insights shed light on the importance of cultural understanding and the transformative power of international collaboration in shaping the educational leaders of both today and tomorrow.

Episode 3: Leadership in Uncertain Times with Gerardo R. López

In episode three Mónica talks with Dr. Gerardo R. López, Professor in the Department of Educational Administration at Michigan State University’s College of Education, and president of UCEA from 2019-2020, about the layers of challenges that hit scholars and practitioners unexpectedly with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, testing many in the field on their ability to master crisis management. Gerardo provides a compassionate and critical lens on the collective trauma endured by students, families, and educators, advocating for schools to morph into sites of healing.

Episode 2: Evolution of Leadership Frameworks and Theory with Michael Dantley

In this second episode Mónica talks with Dr. Michael Dantley, Dean Emeritus of Miami University College of Education, and president of UCEA from 2005-2006. They discuss his rich experience spanning five decades in Education. Michael talks about the seismic shifts that leadership theories have undergone in that time—from the once-dominant positivist models to today's more critical and inclusive frameworks. Michael's insights shine a spotlight on how critical race theory and feminist perspectives have reshaped our understanding of educational leadership.

Episode 1: Development of UCEA and the Field with Martha McCarthy

In this first episode of season two, Mónica Byrne-Jimenez talks with Dr. Martha McCarthy, Presidential Professor Emeritus at Loyola Marymount University and Chancellor's Professor Emeritus at Indiana University, about her insights on the evolution of educational leadership and UCEA's role in shaping it. Martha discusses pivotal moments in leadership, the impact of funding on research and practice, and the importance of UCEA Conventions in fostering community and advancing the field. The conversation also touches on equity and social justice, the changing demographics of educational leadership faculty, and the personal impact of UCEA on Martha's career.

Episode 1: Faculty Leadership with Richard Gonzales

In our inaugural episode, Mónica chats with Richard about faculty members’ roles in leading program redesign. Their conversation highlights the value of strengthening trust and relationships among program faculty, along with a collective commitment to program improvement.

Episode 2: Partnerships in UPPI with Daniel Reyes-Guerra

In a similar vein, this episode explores relationship building among UPPI partners: preparation programs, school districts, and mentor prep programs. Although challenges arose across differing organizational cultures, relationship building ultimately strengthened the ability of the partners to serve the needs of all stakeholders.

Episode 3: Redesigning for Sustainability with Alejandro Gonzalez Ojeda

Improvement in the short term is important, but sustainability of improvements is essential to long-term success and viability. Mónica and Alejandro discuss the importance of developing and implementing a long-term collective vision for program improvement.

Episode 4: Diversity and Equity in UPPI with Bonnie Fusarelli

Programs kept equity at the center of every stage of the program redesign process. Through a multilayered, iterative process involving strategies like community dialogue and self reflection, Bonnie and her colleagues at NC State envisioned and worked toward collective equity goals for their program.

Episode 5: Mentoring other Programs with Shelby Cosner

While program redesign for equity is deeply challenging, support from programs who have been there before made a big impact on UPPI programs. Mónica and Shelby discuss the cycles of inquiry approach that the University of Illinois-Chicago took to supporting its partner at the University of Connecticut.

Episode 6: Learnings from RAND Research with Susan Gates

From start to finish, UPPI maintained an important collaborative research relationship with RAND, which conducted two research studies on UPPI, one at the launch in 2018 and another at the conclusion in 2022. In Episode 6: Learnings from RAND Research, Susan Gates reflects on her experiences studying UPPI and unpacks some of the most important insights from the initiative.