This week on Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Torrance Lewis, Assistant Superintendent of Lincoln Public Schools, for a thought-provoking conversation on leadership, instructional practice, and the future of education in the age of artificial intelligence.
Drawing from a career that spans public schools in Georgia, international schools in Brazil, and district leadership in Massachusetts, Torrance reflects on the experiences that shaped his educational philosophy. Together, Rick and Torrance explore why authentic human relationships remain at the center of learning, what schools should prioritize as AI becomes more prevalent, and why leadership requires much more than simply managing systems.
They also discuss the importance of productive struggle, the value of foundational learning, how educators should approach AI responsibly, and why preparing the next generation of school leaders requires deeper investment in experience, mentorship, and professional growth. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or district leader, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective on leading schools through a rapidly changing educational landscape.
What You'll Learn
- Torrance's unconventional journey into education through international experiences
- What teaching in Brazil revealed about students and learning across cultures
- Why authentic relationships matter more than geography in education
- How intervention systems can support students beyond traditional special education
- Why AI should enhance educators instead of replacing human learning
- The importance of protecting students' critical thinking and developmental skills
- How districts can thoughtfully implement AI through professional learning
- Why productive struggle is essential for meaningful learning
- The role of homework in reinforcing understanding instead of measuring performance
- Why educational leadership should be viewed as organizational leadership
- The importance of experience and mentorship when developing future school leaders
Episode Timestamps
01:16 From International Affairs to Education
08:00 Teaching in Brazil and Lessons Across Cultures
12:20 Building Student Intervention Systems
13:20 AI's Role in Education and Child Development
20:37 Should Schools Embrace AI Faster?
26:34 Why Instruction Must Continue to Evolve
29:25 Moving Beyond Right Answers
33:35 The Value of Productive Struggle
38:49 Preparing the Next Generation of School Leaders
44:34 Supporting Educational Leaders More Effectively
47:12 Why Teaching Experience Shapes Better Leadership
Connect with Us
Host's LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/
Company's LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group
Special Thanks
To Torrance Lewis for sharing his global perspective on education, leadership, and instructional practice. His thoughtful insights on human-centered learning, responsible AI adoption, and developing future education leaders provide valuable guidance for school systems navigating today's challenges.
Stay Connected
Follow, like, and subscribe to Solve for X for more conversations where curiosity meets collaboration. Until next time--keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.
What is Solve for X?
Solve for X is the podcast where district leaders and EdTech innovators come together to tackle the real challenges in K–12 education. Hosted by Dr. Rick Fernandez, each episode explores what schools truly need, how vendors respond, and how stronger partnerships can lead to smarter solutions and better outcomes for students.