In a recent episode of the Praxis Journeys podcast, Sydnee Dickson—lifelong educator and former Utah State Superintendent—joined host Vinay Ganti for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of educator preparation, leadership development, and the evolving role of schools in their communities.

With over four decades of experience in public education, Dickson’s insights are both deeply rooted and refreshingly forward-looking. Now serving as a special advisor at the University of Utah’s College of Education, she continues to champion innovation, equity, and continuous improvement across the educator pipeline.

From Isolation to Interdependence

Dickson reflected on the culture of isolation that often defines the teaching profession—and how leadership roles can feel even more solitary. “We’ve constructed schools in ways that unintentionally discourage collaboration,” she noted. Her solution? Build systems where learning is everyone’s job, and where educators—from aides to principals—are supported through shared practice and real-time feedback.

Redefining Career Pathways

One of the most powerful themes in the conversation was the need to rethink educator career trajectories. “We’ve treated careers as ladders with one-way gates,” Dickson said. “But today’s educators want flexibility, impact, and leadership opportunities beyond traditional roles.” She highlighted Utah’s Teacher Fellows program and other organic leadership models that empower teachers to influence policy, engage communities, and shape their profession—without leaving the classroom.

Preparing Leaders for Today’s Challenges

Dickson emphasized that school leaders must be equipped not only to manage change, but to drive it. “The core function of a good leader is to create a culture where high levels of learning can thrive,” she said. That means understanding effective instruction, engaging families proactively, and building systems of continuous improvement.

She also called for more responsive educator preparation programs—ones that reflect the diversity of today’s learning environments, from micro-schools to afterschool networks. “We need to prepare adults to support students in a world of opportunity,” she said.

The Promise of Technology and AI

The conversation turned to the role of technology in scaling high-quality teacher development. Dickson expressed excitement about the potential of AI-powered simulations to help educators practice classroom management and receive formative feedback in safe, dynamic environments. “If we can use AI to personalize learning for teachers the way we want to for students, that’s a game-changer,” she said.

Credentialing for the Future

Dickson also shared Utah’s vision for every student to graduate with a “first credential”—whether an associate degree or an industry certificate. Through partnerships with companies like Stadler Rail and Boeing, students are gaining real-world experience in high-demand fields. “It’s about giving students a pathway to the middle class,” she said, “and helping them see their futures differently.”

Advice for the Next Generation

When asked what advice she’d give her younger self, Dickson offered two guiding principles: be a problem solver, and put relationships first. “Don’t just admire the problem—solve it,” she said. “And surround yourself with people who care deeply and get things done.”