In this episode, Wendell Sumter explores how HR leaders can move beyond simply managing people to influencing culture from the inside out through emotional intelligence, courageous conversations and the daily practices that sustain leadership energy. Listeners will leave with practical insights on how to build trust, protect their energy, and lead with courage in the face of uncertainty.

In this week’s episode, Ali Stinson shares what it really takes to build an HR chatbot that actually works for schools. From simplifying complex benefits questions to creating a tool employees can trust, this conversation is full of practical insights and real-world lessons. Hear what worked, what didn’t and how thoughtful chatbot design can make a meaningful difference for both employees and HR teams.

How can schools hire not just to fill positions—but to build teams that stay and thrive? In this episode, Patty Grow shares insights on aligning hiring practices with district vision, creating a more intentional and collaborative process and partnering with school leaders to make stronger staffing decisions. We explore how equity and inclusion drive better outcomes for students—and how data can support smarter, more strategic hiring.

In this episode of AASPA’s Promising Practices Podcast Series, Jocelyn Cosgrave shares insights on creating and using AI chatbots to support HR teams, streamline communication and improve efficiency.

Recruiting and retaining staff in rural districts looks different and it’s changing fast. In this episode, Casey Alderson shares practical insights on how hiring has evolved, what effective “grow-your-own” programs look like in action, and the small, intentional moves that can strengthen culture and keep staff committed for the long term.

Live from the 2026 School HR Winter Bootcamp, we sit down with Sarah Marriott, Assistant Superintendent of HR at Liberty Public Schools, to talk about the real cost of avoidance, how to recognize a “crucial conversation” and one practical step you can take this week to lead with clarity and accountability.

In this episode of AASPA’s Promising Practices Podcast Series, Marva Tutt shares how stay interviews can strengthen retention, build trust and provide actionable insight into what keeps educators engaged. Tune in to learn practical strategies you can implement in your school district.

Gabe Cappozzo and Dr. Cherrissa Gibson share how, with BloomBoard's support, investing in paraprofessionals and support staff is creating sustainable, on-the-job pathways into special education teaching. From funding strategies and implementation hurdles to retention gains and powerful participant success stories, this conversation offers practical insight and inspiration for HR leaders ready to rethink recruitment, strengthen their workforce pipeline, and build long-term solutions from within.