AAEA: The Voice

Balancing Pressure, People, and Purpose

In this episode of AAEA: The Voice, host Dr. Megan Duncan, Executive Director of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators, is joined by Dr. Debbie Jones, Superintendent of Bentonville School District, and Dr. Karen Walters, Superintendent of Bryant School District, for a conversation on leadership, growth, and the realities of stepping into the superintendent role. Together, they reflect on the path to leadership, emphasizing the importance of gaining experience in every role, seeking out mentorship, and building strong operational and financial understanding along the way. The discussion explores what it takes to lead with confidence—even before feeling fully prepared—and how systems thinking and continuous learning shape effective administrators. The conversation also highlights the human side of leadership, including the role of emotional intelligence, the need for direct and sometimes difficult conversations, and the importance of staying grounded in core values under pressure. They share practical insights on communicating with school boards, navigating unpopular decisions, and managing the constant problem-solving that comes with the role. They look ahead to emerging challenges, including the impact of AI in education, and what future leaders need to succeed in an increasingly complex environment.
 
AAEA: The Voice is produced by Association Briefings.

Coming Full Circle: Leading the District That Shaped You

In this episode of AAEA: The Voice, host Dr. Megan Duncan, Executive Director of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators, sits down with Dr. Lloyd Jackson, Superintendent of the Texarkana Arkansas School District, to discuss his inspiring and non-linear leadership journey. From first-generation college student to leading the very district he once attended, Dr. Jackson reflects on the educators who guided him, his early years as a math teacher, and the leadership roles that shaped his path across Arkansas and Kansas City. He shares candid insights on pacing change to prevent burnout, building authentic relationships with students, and learning from mentors along the way. The conversation also highlights his work with the Arkansas American Legion Boys State Program and his perspective on the value of AAEA membership in supporting and connecting school leaders across the state.
 
AAEA: The Voice is produced by Association Briefings.

The Business of Education: Stewardship, Service, and Community

In the inaugural episode of AAEA: The Voice, host Dr. Megan Duncan, Executive Director of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators, sits down with Charles Warren, Chief Financial Officer of Fort Smith Public Schools and President of the AAEA Board. Mr. Warren shares his personal journey growing up in a family of educators, his early career in private accounting, and what ultimately drew him back to public service in education. The conversation explores the vital role of financial stewardship in school leadership, the importance of trust and collaboration with communities, and why strong relationships are essential to effective educational administration. Mr. Warren also discusses the opportunity to attract non-traditional candidates into education and reflects on the collaborative, mission-driven culture that continues to make the education sector a powerful place to serve and lead.
 
AAEA: The Voice is produced by Association Briefings.

AAEA: The Voice Trailer

AAEA: The Voice is the official podcast of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators. Hosted by Dr. Megan Duncan, the show features candid conversations with school leaders from across Arkansas about leadership, district operations, policy, and the realities of leading in today’s education landscape. With no scripts and no sound bites, each episode elevates the perspectives of the educators doing the work every day. Whether you’re a district leader, building leader, or aspiring administrator, this podcast is your space—and your voice. New episodes launch January 2026. Check out the podcast's trailer.
 
AAEA: The Voice is produced by Association Briefings.