Today on This Educational Life, we welcome Dr. Jeremy Tucker, longtime superintendent of Liberty Public Schools and soon-to-be president of the Kansas-Missouri Superintendent Leadership Forum, for a conversation about leadership that listens, innovation that scales, and what’s possible when a superintendent leads like a learner. Rooted in a learner-centered approach shaped by his own experience growing up between countries, Jeremy reflects on how being “either ahead or behind” helped him see the importance of meeting every student where they are and keeping people at the center of the work.
Host Mariah Presley and Dr. Tucker explore what it means to lead change in complex systems without losing sight of every individual child. From learner agency and student voice to community engagement and business partnerships, Jeremy shares how meaningful progress happens with people, not to them. He describes innovation not as chasing something brand new, but as refining what works—making it more engaging, more relevant, and more responsive through intentional growth, strong learning networks, and the courage to say, “I don’t have all the answers.”
The conversation also highlights the realities of school leadership today: short superintendent tenure, the need for thoughtful entry plans, and the value of casting the net wide to build trust and inform strategy. As Jeremy looks ahead to supporting leaders across Kansas and Missouri, he returns to a central challenge—and opportunity—for education: how to care for the present while also enabling the future.
Listen to discover:
- How a learner-centered mindset can shape leadership at every level of a school system.
- Why innovation is less about novelty and more about refining what really works.
- What learning networks, community voice, and shared leadership make possible for the future of education.
What is This Educational Life?
What is This Educational Life?
Welcome to This Educational Life by Trane, a podcast sharing real stories of education leaders driving innovation in schools through purposeful, practical change.
Each episode explores how forward-thinking leaders are creating more sustainable, future-ready learning environments—making the most of existing resources, empowering students through real-world experiences, and reimagining what schools can be. From energy-saving initiatives to student-centered innovation, these conversations highlight how today’s challenges can become opportunities for long-term impact.
At Trane, we believe building the schools of the future starts with solving problems today—through sustainability, innovation, and a commitment to preparing students for the future of work. This Educational Life offers ideas educators everywhere can apply to create stronger, smarter, more resilient schools.
Hosted by Mariah Presley, Education and Industry Programs Leader for Trane, the podcast features thought-provoking conversations with leaders who are challenging the status quo and advancing relevance, competitiveness, and possibility in education.
Welcome.