Creating Lifelong Learning: Dr. David Lawrence’s Vision for Dayton’s Future

More Than a Test

“Education is about more than just tests—it's about heart, perseverance, and community.”

Dr. David Lawrence, superintendent of Dayton Public School, reflects on his extensive journey in education, from teaching and coaching to leading as a principal. He shares school leadership's emotional and physical demands and his dedication to teacher retention through competitive pay and support systems.

As Dayton’s first locally-born superintendent, Dr. Lawrence has a deep personal connection to the community and discusses key projects under his leadership, such as the Welcome Stadium renovation. He emphasizes the importance of authentic leadership and building stable educational environments, and he has a vision for elevating Dayton schools to new heights through strategic planning and commitment to long-term success.

Key Moments

04:53 $21M for Transportation, Ongoing Litigation

14:47 Importance of Bonuses for Teacher Retention

17:27 Success of Education in Jackson, Mississippi

22:13 Celebrating Dunbar's Legacy as First Black High School

41:45 Embracing Authentic Opportunities

Connect with Dr. David Lawrence

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-e-lawrence

Website: https://dps.k12.oh.us/

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About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology.

Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-a-test/id1685012543.

Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/

About Amira Learning

Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or at home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency.

About your Host, Laura Glaab

Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management.

Everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems.

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/

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Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD