Welcome back to Education Influencers. Today Dr. Carla Sparks interviews Dr. Sarah Lukas, Dean of Florida Programs at National Louis University. Dr. Lukas shares her diverse experiences in education, from starting as a middle school civics teacher to becoming an assistant principal, district administrator, and now a dean in higher education. She and Dr. Sparks delve into her career and her extensive work in improving reading instruction.

Dr. Lukas also discusses the development of reading endorsement programs, her passion for supporting future school counselors, and her role in guiding educational change. Check out Dr. Lukas’s co-authored book 'Be the Manatee', offering unique insights into managing leadership challenges and change.

Find more about Dr. Lukas

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:54 Dr. Sarah Lucas' Educational Journey

01:20 Impact of Doctorate on Career

04:10 Transition to Higher Education

06:21 Reading Endorsement and Curriculum Development

14:55 Role as Dean and Program Development

17:51 Leading Change in Education

24:03 Bestselling Book and Metaphors in Leadership

28:46 Final Thoughts and Advice for Educators

Welcome! and thank you for joining us on the very first episode of Education Influencers. Today Dr. Carla Sparks interviews Dr. Lisa Hassler, who earned her doctorate in 2021 from National Lewis University. Dr. Hassler shares her remarkable achievements, including becoming a national conference advisor, a peer reviewer for academic journals, and collaborating with renowned theorist Dr. Michael G. Moore.

She discusses her influential podcast 'The Brighter Side of Education,' now CPD accredited, offering professional development credits to educators. Additionally, she and Dr. Sparks talk about her bestselling book, 'America’s Embarrassing Reading Crisis,' and its impact on education policies and practices. Dr. Hassler also highlights her role as a school board member, environmental educator, and the significance of service in influencing change and making a difference in educational communities.

⁠Find more about Dr. Lisa Hassler⁠

⁠Connect with Dr. Sparks!⁠

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to Education Influencers

00:18 Meet Dr. Lisa Hassler

01:46 Dr. Hassler's Post-Doctoral Journey

02:27 Impactful Roles and Achievements

12:08 Transforming a Podcast into Professional Learning

16:37 America's Embarrassing Reading Crisis

29:22 Environmental Advocacy and Community Engagement

34:28 Advice for Aspiring Change Makers

35:41 Conclusion and Gratitude