Bridging Gaps with AI: Frank Esposito on Innovative Education Solutions

More Than a Test

In this episode, we'll explore the innovative ways Frank and his team are tackling staffing shortages, embracing technology, and creating impactful educational interventions without additional staff. We'll uncover the compelling story of their adoption of the Amira learning platform to support student literacy in a groundbreaking way.

Frank shares anecdotes, from his challenges in learning to read fluently to the pivotal moments in his career that have shaped his leadership style. These moments include eye-opening international experiences and transformative initiatives back home.

With the intimate details of Frank's journey from finance to leading a district of 575 students and the surprising elements like the absence of busing and the district's robust financial health, this episode promises to reveal leadership lessons, underscore the importance of community, and showcase innovative programs shaping the educational landscape.

So tune in, subscribe, and learn together about the passion and strategies driving change in education with Frank Esposito on the More Than a Test podcast.

Timestamps

00:00 Washington borough has 575 students, some challenges.

06:14 Good budget, state-funded preschool benefits, surplus used.

10:26 Returned to the innovative district, interviewed for superintendent.

11:28 Excited about a new position, ready to innovate.

14:41 Career change inspired by mother's teaching.

18:09 Rejection spurred determination, which led to the new job.

23:07 Family's unique job fair interview in a snowstorm.

24:35 Funny parallels in personal and professional life.

29:45 Returned home, isolation, sought international position.

32:14 Enthusiastic staff leads successful district improvement plan.

36:49 Experience taught me that confidence and flexibility matter.

39:56 Inspiring conversation about embracing failure and growth.

43:55 The Amira program promotes children's reading engagement and self-reflection.

46:31 Tim Pernell mentored, inspired, and influenced me.

49:27 Publishing student work boosts academic performance.

Connect with Frank Esposito

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankaesposito

Website: https://www.washboroschools.org/

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About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology.

Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-a-test/id1685012543

Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/

About Amira Learning

Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency.

About your Host, Laura Glaab

Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management.

Everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems.

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/

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Visit Amira Learning: https://www.amiralearning.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amira-learning

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amira-learning

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amira_learning/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Amira-Learning-App-100064672554061/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmiraLearning

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Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD