A New Definition of Student Success: A Conversation With Dr. Andrea Trotter

A New Definition of Student Success: A Conversation With Dr. Andrea Trotter

January 21, 2026 · 33 min · Episode 13

About this episode

The episode explores a new definition of student success with Dr. Andrea Trotter, focusing on alternative education pathways and the importance of soft skills in today's classrooms.

What does student success really look like in today's classrooms? On this episode of Active Listener, Dominique Johnson-Lindsay sits down with Dr. Andrea Trotter, assistant principal at Monticello High School, to explore a new definition of student achievement. Dr. Trotter makes the case for alternative education pathways and student-centered leadership that creates space for learners who don't thrive in traditional systems - and she doesn't shy away from the importance of soft skills and career readiness in getting them there. The conversation digs into post-COVID learning recovery and what it's revealed about the students we've been overlooking. Dr. Trotter also explores how classroom technology and instructional audio can support learning when used with intention—and why educators need to reconsider who we're really designing schools for.

People in this episode

Host: Dominique Johnson-Lindsay

Guest: Dr. Andrea Trotter

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Monticello High School

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