Episode Details

A Quick Note to Listeners:

Before this week’s interview, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke take some time to answer a listener question. This week’s question is:

I’ve been invited to apply to a school but the time available to interview is not when I’m able to be there. Should I go around the person who is doing the scheduling?

Here is a link to a resource Will mentions from Jimmy Casas, on tips for Hiring for Excellence. Listen in to hear their response!

Meet Ann Cummins Bogan:

Ann Cummins Bogan began her career as an elementary school teacher, spending 20 years in both urban and suburban schools. During that time, she took every opportunity to learn and grow, and to take on leadership roles to advance teaching and learning. She saw firsthand the challenges teachers face — limited time for planning and collaboration, limited resources, frustration, burnout, and a sense of being undervalued.  Through her collaborative work with district and school leaders, she realized the power of the teacher voice and experience, and realized the system needed reimagining.

In 2012, she founded ACB Consulting, and since then, she’s partnered with more than 250 schools nationwide. Her consulting work has ranged from support with instructional practices at the classroom level, to strategic planning at the district level.   At the heart of her work is the belief that, for schools and school districts to be successful, engaging teacher voice in decisions about teaching and learning is critical. Ann works with a system to design and build collaborative teams at all levels (district, school, grade level/department, and classroom) focused on a common vision of excellence and accountability, through shared commitments to ensure that all students thrive.

In this episode, Ann Cummins-Bogan, veteran educator and founder of ACB Consulting, discusses how school systems can better align leadership, teacher voice, and student learning. Here are some takeaways:

Bridging the Teacher–Leader Gap:

Ann explains that tension between teachers and administrators often stems from hierarchical structures and siloed roles. While accountability differs at each level, the shared purpose—student success—remains constant. Building trust, clarity, and shared ownership helps close this gap.

Clarity Around Core Priorities:

Ann centers systems around three foundational practices: high-quality instruction, a culture of belonging and rightful presence for all students, and effective systems and teams. Collaborative leadership teams that include teacher voice are essential to defining and advancing these priorities.

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