de•code


In this episode of Decode, host Stanley Buchesky sits down with Mike Miles, Superintendent of Houston ISD and a nationally recognized leader in education reform. Mike shares his journey from the military and diplomacy into education, and how those experiences shaped his bold, systemic approach to transforming schools.

He discusses the challenges and opportunities of leading the largest school district in Texas, his vision for high-quality instruction in every classroom, and the urgency of preparing students for a rapidly changing world. From rethinking teacher development to building cultures of excellence, Mike offers candid insights into what it takes to drive meaningful change in public education.

Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or simply passionate about the future of learning, this conversation will leave you with fresh perspective on leadership, equity, and the power of setting a clear mission.


Key Moments

03:18 Unlikely Journey Towards Education

09:12 Handling Public Criticism

11:49 "Unsung Dedication to Educational Reform"

13:51 "Urgent 2035 Readiness Needed"

16:59 Turnover Reduction Amid Political Strife

20:39 "Figures Don't Lie"

25:37 "Science of Reading vs. Whole Language"

30:09 Prioritizing Student Achievement

32:22 "Art of Thinking Course Overview"

37:19 "AI Impact on Meetings & Education"

40:21 Adaptive AI Policies Needed

42:30 Embrace AI in Education


Connect with Mike Miles:



Creators and Guests

Host
Stanley Buchesky
CEO of pi-top, Founder at EdTech Fund, Interim CFO at U.S. Department of Education | Paid Speaker | VC | Computer Science
Producer
Matthew Millstein
Podcast Alchemist | Crafting Relationships through Podcasts | B2B Storytelling with Soul | Founder & CEO at Old Soul

What is de•code?

"de•code" is a K12 Education Podcast that delves into the narratives behind computer science data in school districts. Hosted by Stanley Buchesky, former CFO of the Department of Education and CEO of pi-top, Stanley invites superintendents to discuss how their unique stories and experiences shape CS education trends. The podcast aims to uncover insights on access, equity, and the impact of leadership in evolving the landscape of K12 computer science education.