In this unforgettable episode of Driving Education, Katie sits down with Dr. Walter Gonsoulin — "Dr. G" — Superintendent of Jefferson County Schools, National Superintendent of the Year, and one of U.S. News & World Report's 25 Best Leaders in America.

Dr. G shares his extraordinary journey from a sixth-grade classroom in Louisiana to leading one of the largest school districts in Alabama — and onto the national stage. Along the way, he reveals a leadership philosophy rooted in humanity, trust, collaboration, and removing the "box" altogether.

Listeners will hear stories that define transformational leadership:

• How throwing a football eliminated discipline problems

• Why independence, belonging, and trust change school culture

• What it means to truly "see" students, teachers, and communities

• How collaboration across districts unlocked opportunity

• Why public education matters — and why public is the choice

From playground benches to national recognition, this episode is a masterclass in servant leadership, vision, and impact — and a reminder that education is, at its core, about people.

🎧 If you believe in the power of public schools and human-centered leadership, this episode is for you.

• From teaching sixth grade to leading a district the size of Rhode Island

• Why discipline problems disappeared when students were seen

• The power of collaboration across schools and communities

• Removing barriers and "no box" leadership

• Preparing students for real-world careers and opportunities

• Why public education matters now more than ever

Dr. Walter Gonsoulin

• Superintendent, Jefferson County Schools

• National Superintendent of the Year

• U.S. News & World Report Top 25 Leaders in America

Katie and Aubrey hit the road with former Alabama Teacher of the Year Jennifer Brown to visit Paul Bryant High School and see how Principal Hines has built a culture of trust, visibility, and growth. From walkthroughs to data tracking to student ownership, this episode is full of practical insight—and a little karaoke.

In this episode:

• Visiting Paul W. Bryant High School in Tuscaloosa City Schools with Jennifer Brown

• How Principal Hines builds trust and visibility

• What daily walkthroughs look like—and why they work

• Students tracking their ACT pathway data

• Metacognition and ownership in every classroom

• The "Praise–Probe–Push" model for effective feedback

• The culture of celebration and high expectations

• The importance of teacher self-efficacy

• Road trip stories, J&J Grocery, and a little karaoke

Featured Guest:
Jennifer Brown, 2016 Alabama Teacher of the Year and educational consultant with Bailey Education Group

Locations Mentioned:

• Paul Bryant High School

• J&J Grocery (the best burger in Alabama)

Resources & Ideas Discussed:

• ACT pathway proficiency levels

• Classroom walkthrough structures

• Clear learning targets and student reflection

• Attendance and school culture initiatives

What if the "end game" of education isn't test scores or standards—but preparing students to thrive in Alabama's future workforce?

Katie and Aubrey dive into that big question with Valerie Curtis, Director of the Jacksonville State Regional Inservice Center. Valerie shares how partnerships with industry, regional STEM ecosystems, and K–12 collaboration are shaping what students need right now to be ready for the jobs of tomorrow.

They discuss:

• Why durable skills (communication, collaboration, adaptability, time management) matter more than ever

• How Alabama's industries—from logistics to healthcare to aerospace—are rapidly changing

• Why kids need real-world exposure starting in elementary school

• How teachers can model thinking, problem-solving, and communication daily

• What school leaders can invest in right now to move the needle

• Why every interaction in a classroom shapes Alabama's future

Packed with inspiration and practical ideas, this episode reframes workforce development as everyone's job—starting in kindergarten.