In this episode of Sit & Sip, we explore the 17th Annual Tech Wars at Genesee Community College, which brought together more than 700 students from 23 schools across the GLOW region. Guests Jay Wolcott and Tim Suleski discuss how Tech Wars encourages creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and career exploration through hands-on technology competitions. They also reflect on the growth of technology education, the importance of community partnerships, and the opportunities these experiences create for students.

In this episode, the School Improvement Team discusses why performance-based learning and assessment is such an important conversation for schools right now. The group breaks down what PBLA means, how it connects to authentic and project-based learning, and why it is not about eliminating tests, but expanding the ways students can demonstrate what they know and can do.

The episode also introduces the regional PLAN Pilot, a Genesee Valley BOCES initiative designed to support teachers and leaders as they develop meaningful, discipline-based learning experiences and assessments for students.

It’s a full house! The entire team is back together for our first episode this year-but we are looking back at our previous year first! Expect plenty of laughter, friendly debate, and maybe a little blue cheese-fueled chaos as we kick things off with the Blue Cheese Wars—who’s winning this round?

We’ll dive into spirit animals (prepare for wildly creative comparisons), celebrate what we’re most proud of in our professional learning work, and give well-earned shoutouts to teammates who’ve inspired us this year.

Then we’ll turn our gaze forward—dreaming big about next year’s PLOs, projects, and possibilities—before closing with a powerful reflection: one word that sums up the year, and one that captures our hopes for what’s next.

Grab your coffee, tea, or favorite seltzer—it’s time to SIT, Sip, and Celebrate the journey together! ☕✨

In this special episode, Kevin and Nick hit the road to Ellicottville for the Genesee Valley BOCES Leadership Institute 2025. Over two days of morning registration, they connected with regional education leaders for rapid-fire questions and thoughtful conversations on leadership, learning, and today’s most pressing topics.

The Leadership Institute is an annual summer gathering for regional leaders, offering professional learning, networking, and inspiring keynote speakers. This year featured Dr. Michelle Storie & Dr. Doreen Mazzye on the Science of Reading, Kristine Earl from the UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, and sessions with acclaimed author Natalie Wexler.

On the podcast, you’ll hear from:

• Betsy Brown – Director of Instructional Services, Byron-Bergen CSD

• Dr. David Russell – Principal, LeRoy Jr./Sr. HS

• Dr. Amanda Cook – Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Pavilion CSD

• Gretchen Rosales – Superintendent of Schools, Elba CSD

• Connie Rockow – Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment, Oakfield-Alabama CSD

Join us for an episode packed with insights, inspiration, and friendly conversation from educational leaders across the region!

Nick and Kevin sit down with the Maverick himself—Erik M. Francis, founder of Maverik Education, lover of movies (especially Top Gun), and internationally recognized expert on Depth of Knowledge (DOK). With over 30 years in education and a diverse background, Erik breaks down the Feynman Technique, talks about why DOK is more than just a rubric, and shares how teachers can rethink standards to leverage deeper, more meaningful learning.

In this high-flying episode:

• We rapid-fire questions (yes, including wings and karaoke 🍗🎤)

• Dive into what DOK really means and how to visualize it in practice

• Talk student work, lesson planning, and powerful questioning strategies

• And ask Erik: What’s the one thing teachers and leaders should prioritize for next year?

Whether you're diving into Level 1 or aiming for Level 4, this episode will have you thinking differently about assessment, instruction, and student thinking.

In this special National Week of Conversation edition of SIT & Sip, Nick sits down with Dr. Lindsey Cormack, Associate Professor of Political Science at Stevens Institute of Technology and author of How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It’s Up to You to Do It). Known for her work with DCinbox, an archive of congressional e-newsletters, and her scholarship on civic engagement and veterans' policy, Dr. Cormack brings a dynamic and practical lens to what it means to raise informed, active citizens in today’s democracy.

Together, they explore the intersection of parenting, education, and political literacy—digging into how families and classrooms alike can create spaces for constructive civic dialogue. They also tackle the current state of K–12 civics education, how a lack of civic knowledge shapes public discourse, and what educators can do to foster more informed, empathetic political conversations.

Plus: Rapid-fire questions, a favorite civic memory, and a deep dive into why "politics is going to happen to us whether we like it or not" is more than just a quote—it’s a call to action.

Tune in to discover how we can all do our part to raise the next generation of engaged, thoughtful citizens.

In this episode of SIT & Sip, Nick welcomes three powerhouse guests dedicated to strengthening civic engagement and bridging divides: Karissa Raskin, CEO of Listen First Project; Kent Lenci, author of Learning to Depolarize; and Lory Warren, Executive Director of the Prohuman Foundation.

Together, they explore their personal and professional journeys, sharing what led them to this critical work. They discuss the importance of civics, their earliest civic memories, and the role of educators in inspiring engagement. With civic participation on the decline, they tackle the challenges head-on—why is this happening, and more importantly, how can we fix it?

Despite the difficulties, they also share what gives them hope for the future and offer one simple civic action that listeners can take tomorrow to help strengthen democracy and foster depolarization in their own communities.

Grab your favorite drink and join us for this inspiring and timely conversation!

Please be sure to check out our guests work below at their respective websites:

• Listen First Project
• Prohuman Foundation
• Middle Ground Schools: Kent Lenci