It’s all too easy to assume that schools need to focus only on standards and benchmarks at the expense of everything else. Baltimore-based principal Traci Mathena joins us today to explain how enriching educational opportunities are something all students should receive, and shares how her school is benefitting from play-based and place-based learning.

Traci Mathena is principal of Creative City Public Charter School in Baltimore, Maryland.

Liz Garden is principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary school in Mendon Massachusetts, and serves as fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

Scott McLeod is professor of educational leadership at the University of Colorado, Denver, and a fellow at the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership.

Today we're joined by members of NAESP's Latino+ Network to discuss the perspectives of Latino students, staff, and administrators. Whether it's the unique needs of students, engaging with the broader community, or the importance of representation in teaching and leadership, understanding these perspectives is crucial to the success of our schools.

Annette Sanchez is principal of Hampton-Moreno-Dugat Early Childhood Center in Beeville, Texas, and serves as NAESP state representative for Texas.

Chris Jackson is principal of Hollinger K-8 School in Tuscon, Arizona.

Quality early childhood education has a huge impact on any student's success as they learn and grow. Often those with limited experience with their youngest learners quickly find themselves searching for more ways improve in this crucial area. Today we talk with one educator who's commitment to improving learning in the early grades empowered her practice and made a real difference in her school.

Leslie Selberg Viveiros, is fine arts coordinator at the Carlucci American International School of Lisbon in Portugal.

Julie Bloss, a retired principal, is fellow at the NAESP Center for Early Learning Leadership and instructor for NAESP's Principal Leadership for The Early Grades program.