Live In Louisville!

Recorded live at the COSSBA National Education Conference in Louisville, this special episode of Reading With Your Kids is a joyful tour through the people and ideas shaping public education today.

Host Jed Doherty kicks things off with Dr. Kathy McFarland, Executive Director of COSSBA, who explains how this nonpartisan national association supports state school board groups so they can better serve local districts. She champions student voice, urging boards to put actual students at the table when making policy.

Keynote speaker Ravi Hutheesing (author of Pivot) shares his wild journey from rock guitarist with Hanson to aviator to cultural diplomat, using his story to show why kids must learn to pivot, embrace lifelong learning, and see AI as an opportunity, not a threat.

We hear about powerful literacy and kindness movements:

    Dr. Clifford Jones of Horry County Schools describes Rise With Reading, stadium "reading under the lights" nights, and a 1,000-pages-a-month superintendent's challenge.
    Shaun Sweet introduces the United States of Kindness, inviting schools and communities to complete 250 acts of kindness to shift culture nationwide.

There are delightful detours, too: Kentucky Derby bugler Steve Buttleman shares behind-the-scenes Kentucky Derby stories, and retired educator Dr. Donna McBride delivers an inspiring tribute to public schools and the life-changing power of a single caring teacher.

Throughout, Jed and guests celebrate a simple, powerful idea: when families, educators, and communities read, listen, and act with kindness, kids win.