The Next Class 2.0

Education veterans Rob Birdsell and Tom Burnford interview industry leaders about a wide range of topics related to the future of K-12 education. Sponsored by Catholic Virtual.

The Next Class 2.0 is a education podcast hosted by marketing@catholicvirtual.com, with 55 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

marketing@catholicvirtual.com hosts The Next Class 2.0, a education show with 55 episodes published.

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  Episode #2

  Season 7 - Episode 1 (Part 2) - Sucession Planning

  Aug 21, 202641 minS7

  In Part 2 of Succession Planning in The Next Class, Rob Birdsell and Kent Hickey join governance expert Rich Barth to unpack how proactive succession planning strengthens Catholic school leadership and preserves mission continuity. Drawing on experience across military, tech, nonprofit, and Catholic education, Rich shares practical strategies for boards and their presidents to define roles, build trust, and prepare future leaders long before transitions occur. Listeners will gain actionable insights on stewardship-driven governance, communication, and leadership development—tools to help Catholic schools sustain strong, faithful leadership for generations.

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  Episode #1

  Season 7 - Episode 1 (Part 1) - Succession Planning

  Aug 7, 202637 minS7

  In Part 1 of Succession Planning, hosts Rob Birdsell and Dr. Erin Barisano welcome Amanda Livermore, Founding President of Cristo Rey Orlando, and Dave Mason, President of San Miguel Cristo Rey Tucson, to discuss why succession planning is vital to the long-term health of Catholic schools. The discussion highlights how Catholic schools prepare future leaders, document succession plans, and invest in leadership development across all levels. Rooted in Catholic leadership principles, the discussion underscores that succession planning safeguards mission over position. Through examples of both smooth and challenging transitions, the panel demonstrates how intentional planning builds trust, minimizes disruption, and sustains thriving Catholic schools for generations.

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  Episode #9

  Season 6 - Episode 9 - End of the year

  May 28, 202625 minS6

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  The Next Class 2.0

  Season 6 - Episode 9 - End of the year

  May 28, 202625 min

  This season‑ending episode brings together reflections on Catholic education’s future, the rise of school choice, and the urgent need for mission‑driven leadership. The hosts revisit standout conversations—from higher‑ed fragility to thriving models and succession planning—offering school leaders practical wisdom, renewed hope, and a compelling vision for the year ahead.

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  Episode #8

  Season 6 - Episode 8 - Fabrice Gautrat

  Mar 24, 202642 minS6

  <p>This inspiring episode highlights leadership lessons relevant to school leaders: add outrageous value, build unparalleled environments, and meet people where they are. Coach Gautrat emphasizes clear vision, extreme ownership, communication, and culture-building. He champions self-awareness, joy, coachability, and developing others. His leadership approach—rooted in humility, discipline, growth, and care—offers a strong blueprint for transforming school culture and inspiring teams.</p>

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