In this episode of Beyond the Syllabus, we head to rural Florida to hear from Dr. Richard Surrency, Superintendent of Putnam County School District. With decades of experience as a teacher, principal, and now district leader, Dr. Surrency brings a boots-on-the-ground perspective to one of the biggest questions in education today: How do we prepare students for a future that’s already changing?
We talk about transforming a traditional district into one grounded in career pathways, dual enrollment, and personalized purpose. From building a new ag-tech center to integrating soft skills into academic goals, Dr. Surrency shares how Putnam County is creating opportunities for every kind of learner — not just college-bound students.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How Dr. Surrency’s experience as a CTE student shaped his career and philosophy
- What it means to lead with a "workforce-first" mindset in a rural school district
- The role of career academies and dual enrollment in student engagement
- Why schools must prioritize soft skills alongside test scores
- How to foster a sense of purpose in students, no matter their path
- Lessons in leadership, equity, and community partnership
- How Putnam County is measuring student success beyond traditional metrics
Key Moments
05:23 "Teachers as Effective Coaches"
08:38 "Linking Teaching with Learning"
12:37 Leadership Emerges on Playground
14:45 Transforming Education in Florida
16:58 Graduation Accountability and Expectations
21:53 "Listening Sparks STEM Program Creation"
24:00 "Leadership Through Visibility"
28:52 "Pilot Training and Space Careers"
30:50 Competitive Education Environment in Florida
35:39 Embrace Change Responsibly
38:02 Human Connection in Future Education
39:36 Graduate Panel Reflects on School Impact
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What is Beyond The Syllabus?
Welcome to The UniqLearn Podcast, a show about reimagining education from the inside out. Every week, we sit down with the people doing the real work: superintendents, curriculum leaders, district innovators, those who are pushing against outdated models to build something more human.
Because learning should feel personal. Relevant. And grounded in who a student is.