ASCD Master Class Leadership Series

with Claudio Sanchez

Watch excerpts

The ASCD Master Class Leadership Series is an advanced seminar that examines the toughest and most thought-provoking education issues of the day. Hosted by Claudio Sanchez, education correspondent for National Public Radio, each episode takes an in-depth look at what's working in schools today and what isn't through conversations with teachers, administrators, and education experts.

ASCD Master Class Leadership Series: Program 1: Teacher Evaluation

Claudio Sanchez talks with educator and researcher James H. Stronge about finding, keeping, and improving great teachers. Stronge is the Heritage Professor in the Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership Area at the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia.

ASCD Master Class Leadership Series Program 2: School Culture

Award-winning author, education consultant, and motivational speaker Baruti Kafele joins Claudio Sanchez in the studio to discuss how to create a positive school culture, with a special emphasis on the challenges faced by young black males. Principal Kafele has won numerous awards and recognition for his work as an educator. He is also the author of five education books, including his national ASCD best-seller, Motivating Black Males to Achieve in School and in Life.

ASCD Master Class Leadership Series Program 3: Professionalism

Education and communications consultant Jennifer Abrams talks with Claudio Sanchez about professionalism and what that means in a school environment. Abrams is the author of several books, including Having Hard Conversations (Corwin, 2009).

ASCD Master Class Leadership Series Program 4: Student Achievement

Claudio Sanchez talks with Yvette Jackson and Veronica McDermott about the principal's role in student achievement. Jackson is the chief executive officer of National Urban Alliance for Effective Education; McDermott, a former school superintendent, is the regional director of the National Urban Alliance for Effective Education. They are coauthors of the ASCD book Aim High, Achieve More: How to Transform Urban Schools Through Fearless Leadership.

ASCD Master Class Leadership Series Program 5: Instructional Leadership

Claudio Sanchez talks with Mike Schmoker, author of the ASCD book, Focus: Elevating the Essentials to Radically Improve Student Learning, about the impact of varied education reform movements on instruction—particularly around reading and writing, teacher control, and student achievement. Schmoker is a former school administrator and teacher who now travels the country speaking on education issues and consulting with schools.

Watch Excerpts from the Series

About the Host

Former elementary and middle school teacher Claudio Sanchez is an education correspondent for National Public Radio (NPR). He focuses on the "three p's" of education reform: politics, policy and pedagogy. Sanchez's reports air regularly on NPR's award-winning newsmagazines Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and Weekend Edition. For more information, visit his page on NPR’s website.