BPN Mega Feed

Ignite Reading - Co-Founder & CEO Jessica Reid Sliwerski

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 10:04:27 -0500

Reading intervention is failing too many kids because schools keep trying to solve a first-grade problem years too late. Jessica Reid Sliwerski, co-founder and CEO of Ignite Reading, shares the model she built to help students learn to read on time with one-to-one, daily, evidence-based support.

As a lifelong educator who started in the Bronx and saw firsthand how inequity and poor reading instruction leave students behind, Jessica explains why the right intervention has to be precise, urgent, and built around the realities teachers face every day. She also breaks down how Ignite Reading pairs live tutors with adaptive tech, detailed formative data, and a simple 15- to 20-minute daily routine that fits inside the school day without overwhelming classroom teachers.

You’ll discover:

- Why so many schools misunderstand the science of reading
- How Ignite Reading uses one-to-one tutoring to target exactly what each child needs
- Why data should be translated for principals and district leaders, not buried in a dashboard
- What it takes to train and certify tutors to a high bar
- How the program supports teachers instead of adding to their workload

Jessica also explains why Ignite Reading focuses on first grade, why “read by grade 3” can be dangerously late, and why the company will walk away from districts that are not truly committed to solving literacy gaps. It’s a candid look at what effective reading intervention actually requires, from classroom implementation to tutor quality to mission-driven leadership.

Jessica Reid Sliwerski is the co-founder and CEO of Ignite Reading, a public benefit company focused on early literacy. A lifelong educator, she has worked in classrooms, school leadership, district support, and national curriculum reform, bringing deep experience in the science of reading and instructional design.

Essential listening for teachers, principals, district leaders, and anyone who believes every child deserves the chance to become a confident reader on time.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Powerful Communication Skills For Leadership Success w/ David Firth

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 10:15:13 -0400

Author, Consultant & Speaker

David Firth!

David helps global clients institute profound practices for leadership engagement that encourages all people to be the source of change - rather than its victims or objects. This, he suggests, is not a top-down or even bottom-up shift, but an inside-out one.

Communication should cause change, not just talk about it.

David helps you discover the true and empowering nature of communication, so you can create an efficient workplace, fulfilling culture and profitable business.

Connect with David:
Website: https://www.davidfirthconsulting.com/

Listen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/powerful-communication-skills-for-leadership-success/id1614151066?i=1000788480393
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5KDg7vD5fOMgKLJtQJeLia?si=6e9876b396cb484f
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5KDg7vD5fOMgKLJtQJeLia
YouTube:

AI Should Think With Us, Not For Us: Coty Gonzalez on Human Decision-Making

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 06:41:14 -0700

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Dr. Cleotilde “Coty” Gonzalez, Research Professor of Decision Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University, founding director of the Dynamic Decision Making Laboratory, and Research Co-Director of the NSF National AI Institute for Societal Decision Making.

Drawing on more than two decades of work across cognitive science, decision-making, and artificial intelligence, Coty explores an important distinction between machine AI and Cognitive AI. Rather than simply recognizing patterns across massive datasets, Cognitive AI seeks to model how humans actually learn from experience, adapt to uncertainty, and make decisions in changing environments.

The conversation dives into human-AI teaming, automation bias, cognitive offloading, and the idea of complementary intelligence—designing AI to strengthen human judgment rather than replace it. Coty also explains why these questions become especially important when AI is involved in high-stakes decisions ranging from emergency response to public health.

For educators and higher education leaders, the conversation raises an essential question: as AI becomes more capable, how do we make sure students continue developing their own ability to think, question, evaluate, and make decisions?

Ten Habits for Busy Principals

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook, I share 10 simple habits that have helped me become a more effective leader, parent, and person. From protecting time in the morning and prioritizing exercise to disconnecting from school, focusing on family, and creating supportive routines, these habits have made leadership more sustainable and enjoyable. I also discuss the importance of healthy eating, quality sleep, lifelong learning, and building a strong support network. Rather than trying to change everything at once, this episode encourages principals to identify one habit that can create a meaningful impact on their leadership and well-being.

Get Leadership by Design: The Principal's Custom Habit System.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Rethinking Kids' Media Habits with Dr. Tiffany Munzer

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Dr. Erin Bailey talks with Dr. Tiffany Munzer, a developmental behavioral pediatrician and digital media researcher at the University of Michigan, about screen time and children's development. They discuss how screen time guidance has shifted from rigid time limits to a focus on quality, content, and connection — emphasizing co-viewing, high-quality media (like PBS Kids and Skybrary), and using screens as conversation starters rather than passive babysitters. The conversation covers differences between print books and e-books, practical strategies for setting screen time boundaries with kids, and a deep dive into AI's role in children's literacy — including its promise for interactive learning, the risks of sycophantic LLM design fostering unhealthy engagement, and the irreplaceable value of embodied human connection. Dr. Munzer closes by encouraging families not to feel guilty about digital media use and to focus on the underlying needs its meeting, while reaffirming that reading builds empathy and perspective.

About Dr. Tiffany Munzer:
Dr. Tiffany Munzer is a Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician and digital media researcher at University of Michigan. Dr. Munzer’s research program is driven by the questions that families often present with related to digital media, parenting, and young children’s development. Her work also includes work includes translation of scientific findings to actionable clinical guidance for families. She serves as the Medical Director of Reach Out and Read Michigan and University of Michigan, an evidence-based intervention providing free books for young children.

Tiffany G. Munzer | Faculty | University of Michigan Medical School

Skybrary: Children’s Reading App for Kids Pre-K through Grade 3 | Skybrary

Your Curriculum Could Be Your Best Collaboration Tool with Lily Jones - Ep 102

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Put This Into Practice ➡️ Grab the Guide - bit.ly/teamnormsguide

Use This With Your Team 🔄 Ensure you are truly engaging as a team - https://bit.ly/JLgroupteam

Is your school's curriculum a tool for collaboration, or just a box to check? In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Lorna and Kurtis sit down with Lily Jones, founder of Educator Forever, to discuss how the process of writing, reviewing, and adapting curriculum can transform school culture.

Lily shares her unique insights on engaging teachers as active creators rather than passive implementers of curriculum. We dive deep into what goes wrong when school teams try to build curriculum together, how to foster a sense of shared ownership over mandated materials, and the fascinating lessons traditional schools can learn from asynchronous, remote teacher networks.

Learn more about Lily Jones at https://www.educatorforever.com

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Connect with Lily Jones
Email: lily@educatorforever.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/educatorforever
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-jones-b940457b/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/educatorforever

Connect with Kurtis Hewson
Email: kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hewsonk27
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson

Connect with Lorna Hewson
Email: lorna.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorna-hewson-713a59104

#collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership #systems

______________________
#collaboration #education #MTSS #leadership #systems #edleader #collaborativeresponse

Are you looking to further your growth as a collaborative leader? Access numerous FREE resources and webinars designed to help you build and sustain a strong culture of collaboration. https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/free

Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial.
https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab

FREE to join!! Become a JL Insider to receive access to newly added resources and video content, advance notice for sessions/workshops, discounts for learning events and resources, plus so much more!
https://bit.ly/JLinsider

Join the Facebook Group “The Collaborative Leader”, to engage in further conversations and resource sharing with others dedicated to ensuring effective teams and collaborative structures - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecollaborativeleader

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

#91 The First Yes: How Micro-Grants Are Unlocking Youth-Led Change Around the World with RIVET's Christina Rose

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth talks with Christina Rose - co-founder and chief marketing officer of RIVET, which funds micro-grants for youth-led social innovation in 66 countries - about what actually changes in a young person when they're trusted with real resources, and what schools might take from that. RIVET's model draws on Christina's two decades in cause marketing, including work on the early launch of Bono's (RED) campaign.

Together, Seth and Christina explore RIVET's founding premise - that young people globally lack not ideas or drive, but access to capital - and the three-part framework Christina uses to describe what they actually need: financial capital, social capital, and imagination capital. They dig into why youth-led solutions to local problems tend to outperform top-down interventions, using the stories of Walter in Uganda and Stanley in Nigeria to show what that looks like in practice. They talk about patient capital, what it takes to bring skeptical communities along, and what both RIVET and schools are trying to do when they create space for young people to lead. The conversation ends somewhere Seth doesn't always get to go: a direct conversation about what education is fundamentally for, and why that question matters more than most schools are willing to admit. Walter's project, which started with a single $250 grant and a secondhand sewing machine, reduced teen pregnancies in his village by 65% within four years.

Key Topics

RIVET's micro-grant model for global youth
Financial, social, and imagination capital
Youth-led vs. top-down social innovation
Patient capital and redefining success and failure
Cross-cultural community trust-building
Connecting school curricula to real-world problems
The three purposes of education

Links & Resources

RIVET website: rivet.org
RIVETED (RIVET's Substack): rivetorg.substack.com
Katie Wales (Brighter Children) episode: https://mim.bepodcast.network/episodes/87-katie-wales

Guest Bio: Christina Rose

Christina Rose is co-founder and chief marketing and growth officer of RIVET, an organization that channels the collective consumer power of Gen Z and Gen Alpha into micro-grants for youth-led social innovation across 66 countries. She spent 20 years building brands at the intersection of profit and purpose, including work on the early launch of Bono's (RED) campaign and in strategic marketing at Thorn, the child-safety technology nonprofit founded by Ashton Kutcher. She holds a BA from Princeton University.

About the Host: Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and host of Make It Mindful: An Education Podcast. Through Banyan, he designs live virtual programs that connect K-12 classrooms to global peers and expert facilitators - building the kind of structured, human-centered learning the podcast explores. See https://www.banyangloballearning.com/programs/global-cohorts

ISTE 2026: Inside Thinkering's Mission to Empower Teachers with Evin Schwarz

Sun, 06 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Jethro D. Jones sits down with Evin Schwarz (co-founder of Thinkering) at ISTE/ASCD 2026 to discuss the partnership between Thinkering and the BE Podcast Network. They dig into why teacher voice matters more than ever, how podcasting helps educators clarify their thinking and build community, and the mechanics of Thinkering's 10-week cohort program that turns teachers into changemakers. Evin shares powerful stories — from a $80 poetry slam to a school garden that tackled food insecurity — illustrating how small acts of teacher-led innovation ripple outward. The conversation closes with reflections on teacher retention, the sub shortage, AI's disruptive role in education, and how listeners can get involved with Thinkering.

We’re proud to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

SUNDAY REWIND - Bringing New District Office Personnel into a Culture of Collaboration

Sun, 06 Sep 2026 02:00:00 -0400

See What's Possible 🚀 Build Momentum - bit.ly/layeringteams

Create Alignment 🛠️ Find Out How - bit.ly/dataevidenceplan

Join the movement 📩 bit.ly/JLinsider

In this episode of Leading Collaborative Response, Jennifer, Lorna, and Kurtis explore the nuances of bringing new personnel into key district roles where a culture of collaboration has been established. Topics include ensuring the Board is aware of the impact of Collaborative Response, how district personnel might partner with or shadow one another, and how schools might invite new district personnel to experience the positive results of Collaborative Response.

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Connect with Kurtis Hewson
Email kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
Twitter @hewsonk27
LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson

Connect with Lorna Hewson
Email lorna.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
Twitter @hewsonk27
LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson

Connect with Jennifer Ferguson
Email jennifer.ferguson@jigsawlearning.ca
Twitter @_MrsFerguson_
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-dickson-ferguson/

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Related Resources

Did you know EVERY school needs four layers of teams to not only respond to the needs of students but build instructional capacity with intentionality and focus? Learn more in a FREE webinar, Layering Team Meetings: bit.ly/layeringteams

Establishing a School-Wide Data and Evidence Plan
Planning for the effective use of data with our teachers is hard…but it doesn’t have to be! When schools have a targeted plan for the collection and utilization of data, conversations become more focused and staff can see the impact their collective practices are having for students. 👉 bit.ly/dataevidenceplan

Looking for an affordable and effective data system that can suggest, organize, and track supports for all students across the entire organization? Look No Further!! Designed By Educators For Educators wecollab.ca

The Collaborative Response 101, an ideal course for leaders to gain an understanding of this robust school-wide framework. bit.ly/CR101course

Fuel your Collaborative Response journey with a Membership packed with ready-to-use resources, videos, templates and exclusive savings. crmembership.ca

Collaborative Response Overview Sessions https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/events/collaborative-response-overview-sessions

Collaborative Response Overview
https://youtu.be/6tbgetTdAiA

Collaborative Response from a Systems Perspective Part 1
https://youtu.be/YuWPIawWhjw

Collaborative Response from a Systems Perspective Part 2
https://youtu.be/zKySQHo3Gtw

A System Mindset for Collaboration: Successfully Addressing Division Priorities (Holy Spirit Team)
https://youtu.be/OOmLYPhaTJM

Team Meeting Overview Samples https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1AYb-gavLnvVjqtCRz3oh0-WU2EeuVxeC?usp=sharing

_______________
#collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership #systems

Learn more about Collaborative Response https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tbgetTdAiA&t=0s

Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial.
https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab

Become a JL Insider to receive access to newly added resources and video content, advance notice for sessions/workshops, discounts for learning events and resources, plus so much more!
https://bit.ly/JLinsider

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

Website https://jigsawlearning.ca
Email questions@jigsawlearning.ca
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JigsawLearningAB/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/jigsaw-learning-inc
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jigsawlearningab/
Music: “Leading Collaborative Response” has been composed, recorded, and produced by Trent Ferguson for Leading Collaborative Response.

Images: Visuals included in this video not generated under agreement with Jigsaw Learning Inc. have been carefully selected under Creative Commons for their permissions.

Teaching Physics with Passion, Questions, and Active Engagement with Megan Moggach

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 07:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Craig Randall talks with Megan Moggach, an AP Physics teacher at The John Cooper School, about creating an engaging classroom through strong content knowledge, enthusiasm, questioning, and meaningful student interaction.

Megan explains how knowing the content deeply allows her to respond to students, ask better questions, and adapt lessons based on their understanding. She shares how she uses demonstrations, modeling, movement, and question-driven lectures to keep students actively thinking rather than simply listening. She also discusses using “how” and “why” questions to uncover misunderstandings and help students transfer their understanding to new problems. Finally, Megan shares how getting to know students individually—including their goals and motivations—helps her better support and engage them.

3,000 Tools Later, Schools Are Asking What Actually Works with Tracy Weeks

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0700

K–12 districts have accumulated access to thousands of digital tools, but many of those resources see little actual use. Dr. Tracy Weeks, Senior Director of Education Policy and Strategy at Instructure, joins Education Talk Radio to discuss why districts are taking a harder look at their edtech portfolios and asking which tools are actually worth keeping.

The conversation explores how tighter budgets and growing concerns about classroom screen time are pushing districts to examine cost, usage, instructional value, and evidence of impact. Tracy and David also discuss what schools should look for when evaluating technology, how AI is changing those decisions, and why experimentation still matters as districts work to determine where technology genuinely improves teaching and learning—and where it doesn't.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Uncover History - My Palace in Culpeper

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 16:13:38 -0400

Enjoy the story of several jailed preachers for the 'crime' of preaching without a state sanctioned license in Culpeper, Virginia. What role did James Madison, George Mason and Thomas Jefferson play in resolving the issue of freedom of conscience?

Ep. 128: Maybe we shouldn't monetize off of poor mental health

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Today we break down how many influencers have built a whole platform around being mentally unhealthy and how dangerous that can be

Book Me To Speak

Follow Me

Before Innovation, Fluency: Why Every New Teacher Needs Explicit Instruction

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 02:00:00 -0700

Summary

What should every new teacher know before they are asked to improvise, differentiate, or innovate? Gene Tavernetti argues that one of the most important foundations is fluency in explicit instruction—not just hearing about it in professional development, but learning to design it, deliver it, practice it, and receive feedback until the work becomes automatic.

Gene explains why that fluency matters in real classrooms: it reduces the number of decisions teachers have to make, gives them a reliable baseline for accommodations and modifications, helps schools eliminate instructional variables before moving students into intervention, sharpens their ability to evaluate purchased or AI-generated materials, and creates a common language for collaboration. The goal is not to make every lesson look the same; it is to give teachers a strong instructional foundation from which they can adapt intelligently.

Chapters

0:00 — Better Teaching introduction
0:41 — What new teachers need to know
1:52 — Why training and coaching matter
3:10 — Reason 1: Build fluency and automaticity
5:19 — Reason 2: Create a baseline for accommodations
6:22 — Reason 3: Eliminate instructional variables
8:02 — Reason 4: Evaluate curriculum and AI-generated lessons
10:08 — Reason 5: Build a common professional language
12:31 — Explicit instruction is a foundation, not a restriction
14:55 — Better Teaching outro

Show Notes

Gene Tavernetti helps educators strengthen explicit instruction, lesson design, and instructional coaching.
Gene’s website: tesscg.com
Gene’s books include Teach Fast, Focus, Adaptable Structured Teaching and Maximizing the Impact of Coaching Cycles.
Follow Gene on Bluesky and X: @gtavernetti

This podcast sponsored by:

The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here.

Summer Replay #1 - Embedding Time for Collaboration Through a District-Wide Early Dismissal with Elk Island Public Schools

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro

The Collaborative Response 101, an ideal course for leaders to gain an understanding of this robust school-wide framework. bit.ly/CR101course

In this episode of Leading Collaborative Response, Lorna and Kurtis engage in a conversation with members of the senior leadership team at Elk Island Public Schools to discuss how their division has prioritized collaboration by embedding time for it into the school calendar for 2025–2026, and what it means for their schools, staff, and ultimately, students.

Learn more about Elk Island Public Schools at https://www.eips.ca/

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Connect with Sandra Stoddard
Email: Sandra.Stoddard@eips.ca

Connect with Judy Anderson
Email: Judy.Anderson@eips.ca

Connect with Kari Huk
Email: kari.huk@eips.ca

Connect with Kurtis Hewson
Email: kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
X: @hewsonk27
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hewsonk27
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson

Connect with Lorna Hewson
Email: lorna.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
X: @LornaHewson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorna-hewson-713a59104

#collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership
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Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial.
https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

Website https://jigsawlearning.ca
Email questions@jigsawlearning.ca
X: https://www.twitter.com/Jigsaw_Learning
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JigsawLearningAB/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/jigsaw-learning-inc

You Shouldn't Have to Wait Until Summer to Feel Like Yourself Again

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Do you feel like there are two versions of you—the relaxed, present summer version and the overwhelmed, exhausted school-year version? In this episode, we explore what that gap can teach you about the way you’re leading and what overwhelm may be changing about who you are. You’ll reflect on the habits, boundaries, and patterns that disappear when the school year begins and identify what you may need to subtract to feel more like yourself all year long. You shouldn’t have to spend the entire school year waiting for summer to feel like yourself again.

Get The Principal's Overwhelm Toolkit Here

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Summer Replay #1 - Exploring Collective Impact and the Enemies of Collective Efficacy with Jenni Donohoo and Glenn Forbes

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Access a workshop guide to ensure you are truly engaging as a team - https://bit.ly/JLgroupteam

Transform Your Teams with this FREE Webinar
https://bit.ly/transformteams

In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Lorna and Kurtis engage in a powerful conversation with two leading voices in the work of cultivating collective efficacy in schools - Dr. Jenni Donohoo and Glenn Forbes, co-authors of the new book Collective Impact: Overcoming the 12 Enemies of Teacher Efficacy. In the conversation, Jenni and Glenn explore their research, share stories from the field, and discuss what it takes to create lasting collective impact in schools.

Access the book Collective Impact: Overcoming the Twelve Enemies of Teacher Efficacy - https://a.co/d/drC76Li

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Connect with Jenni Donohoo
Email: jenni.donohoo@praxis-engage.com
X: @Jenni_Donohoo
LinkedIn: Jenni Donohoo
Facebook: Jenni Donohoo

Connect with Glenn Forbes
Email: glenn.forbes1@gmail.com

Connect with Kurtis Hewson
Email: kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
X: @hewsonk27
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hewsonk27
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson

Connect with Lorna Hewson
Email: lorna.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
X: @LornaHewson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorna-hewson-713a59104

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Learn more about Collaborative Response https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tbgetTdAiA&t=0s

Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article
https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE
https://bit.ly/CR-intro - if interested in ordering the book, use the code JLPodcast10 to receive 10% off!

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE three month trial
https://jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab.ca

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

Website https://jigsawlearning.ca
Email questions@jigsawlearning.ca
X https://www.twitter.com/Jigsaw_Learning
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JigsawLearningAB/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jigsawlearningab/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/jigsaw-learning-inc

Music: “Culture of Collaboration” has been composed, recorded, and produced by Trent Ferguson for Building a Culture of Collaboration.

Images: Visuals included in this video not generated under agreement with Jigsaw Learning Inc. have been carefully selected under Creative Commons for their permissions.

#88 This Is Online Learning's Moment to Lead - with Dr. Mark Deschaine

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 03:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, Seth talks with Dr. Mark Deschaine - Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Mississippi and editor of the Journal of Contemporary Research in Education - about what online teacher preparation actually requires, and why this moment of institutional disruption represents a structural opening for distance learning. Deschaine draws on three decades of work at the intersection of online learning policy, special education research, and K-12 practitioner experience.

Together, Seth, Allyson and Mark explore why teacher preparation programs still treat online instruction as a digital extension of face-to-face teaching rather than its own discipline, and what the NSQOL standards actually get right (and why state adoption is uneven). They trace the structural roots of "à la carte education" — the pandemic-era shift in which parents bypassed school-provided content and found it wasn't that hard — and Mark argues it wasn't an anomaly but a preview. He walks through the three gojies — pedagogy, andragogy, and heutagogy — as a framework for understanding how learner agency changes across contexts, and makes the case that a heutagogical twelve-year-old with internet access could test out of their grade if the system would let them. The conversation builds toward a central claim: what traditional schooling sells isn't content, it's credential and trust — and right now, both are actively eroding through school choice legislation, educational savings accounts, and the dismantling of federal categorical funding. That erosion, Mark says, is where online learning's real opportunity lives. He closes with a preview of decentralized learning, soul-bound tokens as credentialing infrastructure, and the fourth "gogy" he's currently developing — agentagogy — a framework for learning with agentic AI he'll be presenting at AACTE.

Key topics:

Online teacher preparation as a distinct discipline (not technology added to traditional training)
NSQOL standards: what they are, why states adopt them, and where they fall short
À la carte education: the post-pandemic structural shift in family-school authority
Pedagogy, andragogy, and heutagogy — the three frameworks for learner agency
Credential and trust erosion in traditional schooling
Decentralized learning and soul-bound tokens as credentialing alternatives
Diffusion of Innovations: why the DLAC community matters

Links & Resources:

"Ala Carte Education: An Inevitable Outgrowth of COVID?" — Mark Deschaine, Academia Letters, January 2021. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348827105
"The Five Cs of Digital Curation: Supporting Twenty-First-Century Teaching and Learning" — Deschaine & Sharma, InSight: A Journal of Scholarly Teaching, 2015. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281641256
National Standards for Quality Online Learning (NSQOL): https://nsqol.org/
Michigan Virtual: michiganvirtual.org
The Sources of a Science of Education — John Dewey, 1929. Available free at Project Gutenberg
The Reflective Practitioner — Donald Schön https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/donald-a-schon/the-reflective-practitioner/9780786725366/?lens=basic-books
Diffusion of Innovations — Everett Rogers https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Diffusion-of-Innovations-5th-Edition/Everett-M-Rogers/9780743222099
Journal of Contemporary Research in Education (JCRE): https://egrove.olemiss.edu/jcre/

Guest Bio: Mark E. Deschaine, PhD

Mark Deschaine is a Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Mississippi, where he prepares MA, EdS, EdD, and PhD candidates for school and district leadership roles and serves as editor of the Journal of Contemporary Research in Education. His research focuses on online learning policy, special education in virtual school settings, and differentiated instruction — grounded in a practitioner career spanning building-level principal, special education teacher, and paraprofessional. He is a Research Fellow at Michigan Virtual and a Leadership Team Member for the National Standards for Quality Online Learning.

About the Hosts:

Seth Fleischauer is the founder and president of Banyan Global Learning and a host of Why Distance Learning. Through Banyan, he designs live virtual exchange programs that connect K-12 classrooms to global peers and expert facilitators. Find Banyan at banyangloballearning.com.

Allyson Mitchell and Tami Moehring are co-hosts of Why Distance Learning and part of the team at CILC, the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration, which connects students to real experts through live virtual field trips and experiences. Find CILC at cilc.org.

Why Distance Learning is available at whydistancelearning.transistor.fm.

Is the Traditional College Paper Broken? Jason Bock on Rethinking Assessment with AI

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Dr. Jason Bock, Director of Online Education at the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University, instructional designer, learning engineer, and AI EdTech founder.

Jason brings a fascinating perspective to the AI conversation by connecting it to higher education’s previous shift toward online learning. While COVID forced institutions to adapt quickly, generative AI presents a very different challenge: it isn’t going away, and the technology continues to improve. That reality is forcing educators to reconsider not just how students complete assignments, but what those assignments were actually designed to measure in the first place.

A major focus of the conversation is higher education’s reliance on writing as the default form of assessment. Jason explores alternatives like AI-assisted oral exams, role-play agents, and even evaluating students’ AI conversations to better understand how they ask questions, iterate, and think through problems. The conversation also tackles transparency around AI grading and why students deserve to know when AI is being used to evaluate their work.

For educators and higher education leaders, this episode offers a practical look at moving beyond the question of whether students are using AI and toward a more important one: How do we redesign learning and assessment for a world where AI is here to stay?

Legal Secrets Every Creator Needs to Know w/ Gordon Firemark

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 01:00:00 -0400

How do creatives protect their intellectual property?

Meet Gordon Firemark - Attorney At Law!

Gordon Firemark, widely known as "The Podcast Lawyer™." has decades of experience bridging entertainment, theater, media, and law,. He is a prominent entertainment lawyer based in Los Angeles, specializing in the theatre, film, and television industries.

On this episode, Gordon breaks down the essential legal foundations every podcaster, content creator, and entrepreneur needs to protect their brand and income. From avoiding trademark disputes over duplicate podcast titles to navigating the wild frontier of AI clones, holograms, and synthetic voice recreation, Gordon explains why treating your creative passion like a real business isn't optional—it's your ultimate safety net.

Gordon is also recognized for his professional contributions beyond private practice, including his role as faculty at the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law and his work as a producer and legal consultant in the entertainment sector, as noted in industry databases like IMDb.

Key Takeaways:
- why creative work requires a strong business and legal foundation
- real legal implications of AI clones, digital replicas, and holographic performances
- how trademark law protects your creation and brand from audience confusion
- financial management advice for creators to survive "lean years" and plan for retirement
- the legal difference between front-end contract protection and costly courtroom battles

...and so much more!

Listen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legal-secrets-every-creator-needs-to-know-w-gordon-firemark/id1614151066?i=1000786911022
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6YZHjtSJmBGTL55BB80Qfm?si=c2216c27d98c4259
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Amb9pge_g4o

ISTE 2026: Building a Reading Culture with Dr. Erin Bailey

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 00:54:00 -0700

In this episode, Jethro sits down with Dr. Erin Bailey, VP of Literacy Programs and Research at Reading Is Fundamental, to explore two exciting 2026 developments. Erin shares the growth of Skybrary, RIF's e-book app offering 1,000 read-to-me picture books, now with a free tier providing 100 books per household — a number rooted in research linking book access to reading and academic achievement. She also discusses RIF's acquisition of August House Publishing, bringing 185 titles focused on oral storytelling into RIF's mission of book access. The conversation turns to Erin's own podcast, Reading Inspires, covering the realities of podcast production, building thought leadership, and RIF's core belief that reading should above all be joyful.

We’re proud to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Designing a Classroom Where Students Can Create, Fail, and Grow with Emily Taylor

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 07:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Craig Randall talks with Emily Taylor, a visual arts teacher at The John Cooper School, about creating a positive classroom where students feel safe experimenting, solving problems, and developing their own ideas.

Emily explains how care, clear expectations, and thoughtful questioning shape both student behavior and learning. She shares how her design-based art projects move beyond simply making artwork by asking students to consider audience, function, color, marketing, and product design. She also discusses why she prefers guiding students with questions rather than immediately giving them answers, giving them space to experiment, reflect, and learn from what does not work.

The STUDENTS FIRST Act of 2026: Students Set the Rules for AI in Schools

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700

At America’s Youth AI Festival, 98 students representing all 50 states came together at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute to serve as a mock National AI Student Senate. After debating, negotiating, and finding common ground, they passed the STUDENTS FIRST Act of 2026—a national framework and model student-led policy for the use of AI in K–12 education.

Education Talk Radio host David Cicero is joined by Jeffrey Riley, Executive Director of Day of AI, and National AI Student Senators Shamitha Dokki and Nandana Warrier to discuss how the framework came together and what students believe adults are getting wrong about AI in schools.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

What do you want to protect this school year Danielle

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 03:46:47 -0700

In this episode, Danielle Neufer introduces Morning Motivation for Educators and explains that the show focuses on the adult in the room: the teacher’s well-being, self-understanding, and small shifts that help educators show up for students without losing themselves. She reflects on the beginning of the school year as a time when many teachers work long hours and try to get everything done. She says she is not asking for perfect balance, but she does caution against setting a pace that cannot be sustained all year. The episode centers on identifying what to protect during the school year. She asks listeners to consider what is non-negotiable, what they are not willing to compromise on, and how to protect their health and life outside school. She shares an idea from Sahil Bloom’s The Five Types of Wealth about a “life’s razor,” a simple commitment that can guide decisions. She gives her own example: wanting to be the mom who has enough energy to read a second book to her children at night. She closes by describing the school year as a season of renewal, not starting over as a different person. Renewal, she says, means returning to what matters, restoring energy, and deciding what the year should not take away.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

The Beginning-of-the-Year Energy Trap Danielle

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 03:46:34 -0700

In this episode, Danielle Neufer introduces the podcast as a space for educators to think about self-care, self-understanding, and small shifts that help them keep showing up for students without losing themselves. She reflects on her own experience in education and burnout, and emphasizes that teaching matters, as does the person doing the teaching. She then focuses on the beginning of the school year, when many new routines, systems, and expectations can make everything feel urgent. She warns against assuming that the current pace must become the pace for the entire year, and distinguishes between temporary intensity and a sustainable rhythm. The episode centers on a simple strategy for protecting what matters: “plan the work, work the plan, set a timer, begin.” She suggests starting from a larger goal or “North Star,” then working backward to what matters this season, this week, and today. She explains that a timer can help reduce constant decision-making, while a post-it note can capture distracting thoughts without losing focus. She also connects this approach to mindfulness, describing it as noticing distraction and returning to the task. She presents working on one thing at a time, stopping when planned, and leaving something for tomorrow as practices that require intention. The episode ends with a practical invitation to try one 30-minute block using this method. Danielle frames renewal as returning to what matters with fresh intention, and closes by reminding listeners that teacher well-being is an important part of school success.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Ep. 127: Why is everyone so rude right now?

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Today on the show, we talk about how everyone seems to be so rude right now. And maybe what we can do to make the world a less hostile place.

Book Me To Speak

Follow Me

Implementation Series, Part 3: What Happens to Family Engagement When Instructional Practice Changes? with Elisabeth O'Bryon and Rayna Flye

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 18:48:16 -0400

Today we're sharing part three of the implementation series from Family Engagement Lab. Elisabeth O'Bryon of Family Engagement Lab and Rayna Flye of Illustrative Mathematics join us to discuss:

When families say "this isn't how I learned math," what are they really reacting to?
What teachers understand about today's math instruction that families never get to see
Why the disconnect often starts with the day-one communication that goes home
The difference between informing families about instruction and helping them participate in it
What family math nights and bite-sized, curriculum-aligned communication actually change
Who owns this work — teachers, school leaders, or curriculum providers?
The risk a district takes when it adopts a strong curriculum but doesn't bring families along

Listen to Implementation Series, Part 1: The Missing Instructional Layer: https://etss.bepodcast.network/episodes/implementation-series-part-1-the-missing-instructional-layer-with-vidya-sundaram-and-elisabeth-obryon

Listen to Implementation Series, Part 2: Why Good Ideas Fail Quietly in Schools: https://etss.bepodcast.network/episodes/implementation-series-part-2-why-good-ideas-fail-quietly-in-schools-with-vidya-sundaram-and-elisabeth-obryon

Learn more about Family Engagement Lab: https://www.familyengagementlab.org

Learn more about Illustrative Mathematics: https://www.illustrativemathematics.org

About the guests

Elisabeth O'Bryon is co-founder and Chief Impact Officer of Family Engagement Lab. Elisabeth was previously the Director of Research and Evaluation at GreatSchools where she worked to design and implement evaluation projects, with a particular focus on rapid-cycle research approaches. Before GreatSchools, Elisabeth was a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence where she contributed to the development and evaluation of school-based social and emotional learning programming for children, teachers, and families. Elisabeth has a doctorate in psychology and experience providing school psychological services to preschool through high school-age students in both English and Spanish. Elisabeth recently co-authored 45 Strategies that Support Young Dual Language Learners, a resource that provides practical, developmentally appropriate strategies for supporting children and families from diverse backgrounds and creating inclusive early childhood classrooms that foster the success of young DLLs. Elisabeth is enjoying the many adventures of parenthood with her husband and sons.

Rayna Flye, PhD, is Senior Specialist in Market and User Insights at Illustrative Mathematics, where she leads research with families, teachers, and district leaders to understand how high-quality math curriculum is experienced in classrooms and at home. A social scientist by training, Rayna specializes in research design, survey development, focus group facilitation, and qualitative and quantitative analysis, and her work on family focus groups informs how curriculum providers and schools communicate instructional change to the families they serve.

About the host

David Cicero is the host of Education Talk Radio on the Be Podcast Network.

Listen to Education Talk Radio at https://edutalk.bepodcast.network
Learn about more shows at https://bepodcastnetwork.com

Five External Signs of Executive Dysfunction That Show Up At School

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0700

“Demand avoidance”, poor generalization, prompt-dependence, and social skills challenges seem like isolated issues.

But often they’re not. Many times they’re tied to executive functioning challenges.

That’s why when I describe “executive dysfunction”, I cluster it into five broad areas:

Attention, Learning Challenges, Behavioral Issues, Organization, and Social Skills

Usually, this is the point that the lightbulb goes on for a lot of clinicians and educators in the room as they realize executive functioning is the common sticking point behind many of their students’ challenges.

When I support clinicians in designing executive functioning intervention frameworks, I start with explaining the external signs.

Things like:

✅ Refusing to do even the simplest of tasks, and putting more effort into avoiding the work than it would take to actually do it
✅Behaviors that seem disproportionate to the situation, melt downs over things that barely phase their peers
✅ Always appearing to be several steps behind
✅ Not “reading the room” during functional tasks, and requiring tons of prompts
✅ Lack of awareness of how they’re coming across to others

In episode 266 of De Facto Leaders, I do a deep dive into these five external signs that tie back to executive functioning challenges.

In this episode, I mention the Task Execution and Planning Protocol, which gives school clinicians an intervention strategy that takes students from “demand avoidance” and prompt dependence to independence during daily academic and functional tasks.

You can learn more about the Task Execution and Planning Protocol here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/taskexecution

In this episode, I mentioned School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers design scalable executive functioning interventions to ensure students get the scaffolding they need across the school day.

You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership

Evidence-Based Schools with Glenn Whitman

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Summary

Glenn Whitman is a distinguished educator who has worked with schools around the world to support schools and teachers bringing evidence practices to their classrooms.

In this episode Glenn talks about his own school’s journey to becoming an evidence-based teaching institution, his continued role in that journey, and how his school supports schools around the world who also want to become evidence-based through The Center for Transformative Teaching.

Episode Links

Website: Home - The Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning
Glenn's Email: gwhitman@saes.org

This podcast sponsored by:

The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here.

Summer Replay #2 - Reducing our Meetings…By Adding One More at the Outreach Setting with Dr. Melissa Sperry

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 02:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Leading Collaborative Response, Kurtis is joined by Dr. Melissa Sperry, principal of Wetaskiwin Outreach School. They discuss Melissa’s insights into building collaborative practices that support all learners in an outreach setting.

Related Resources:

Wetaskiwin Outreach Team Meeting Overview - https://drive.google.com/file/d/11zprfY9q19t7z9ZNwhe9YHRf-MPtAHNJ/view?usp=drive_link

Role Cards - https://drive.google.com/file/d/120Wl5yQB2TGrwdo3oCfesGHXs9PI4Gg3/view?usp=drive_link

Wetaskiwin Outreach Tier 1 Universal Strategies - https://drive.google.com/file/d/123IeX36Tg5JMwZYGJ4NquN3vzhIin1iY/view?usp=drive_link

Continuum of Supports - https://drive.google.com/file/d/11zvVpIl7FDI-ZQ5fFTZZ4tIG9OP_sWJW/view?usp=drive_link

Claim your FREE trial and see how WeCollab can support and deepen your Collaborative Response work! https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab/FREE-trial

Register NOW! To get 5 strategies for refining your continuums of supports and 5 strategies for utilizing your continuums of supports
bit.ly/10refinecontinuum

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Connect with Dr. Melissa Sperry
Email: melissa.sperry@wrps11.ca

Connect with Kurtis Hewson
Email: kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
X: @hewsonk27
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hewsonk27
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson

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Learn more about Collaborative Response https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tbgetTdAiA&t=0s

Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article
https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE
https://bit.ly/CR-intro - if interested in ordering the book, use the code JLPodcast10 to receive 10% off!

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE three month trial
https://jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab.ca

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

Music: “Leading Collaborative Response” has been composed, recorded, and produced by Trent Ferguson for Leading Collaborative Response.

Images: Visuals included in this video not generated under agreement with Jigsaw Learning Inc. have been carefully selected under Creative Commons for their permissions.

God Doesn't Waste Your Struggles - Jake 2026

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 20:01:57 -0700

Summary

Jake Harmer returns for his second annual check-in on A Decade Never to Be Forgotten. He reflects on welcoming a fourth child, growing Family History StoryBooks to 120 titles and more than 8,000 printed books, and asking what experiences he wants his own storybook to preserve. Jake and Jethro discuss using AI to research, write, and illustrate family-history books; discerning truth in an age of synthetic video; serving in a bishopric and helping young men pursue longer-term goals; using AI to complete plumbing and electrical work in a home addition; fatherhood; and what the next year may bring.

Chapters

0:00 — Welcome & a Year of Reflection
1:30 — A New Baby and Family History StoryBooks
3:48 — What Belongs in a Life Story?
9:17 — Research, Writers, and AI-Assisted Books
12:26 — AI Image Generation and Consistent Characters
19:57 — Synthetic Media and Spiritual Discernment
22:20 — Making the Storybook Business Work
24:20 — Serving in the Bishopric and Learning Through Trials
34:03 — Sharing Faith Online
39:08 — Helping Young Men Pursue Long-Term Goals
45:37 — Using AI for a Home Addition
47:40 — Baptism and Spiritual Moments
49:35 — Being Present With Family
54:00 — What the Next Year May Bring
56:10 — AI as a Tool for Creativity

Show Notes

Journal your own decade at adecadenevertobeforgotten.com or adntbf.com
Jake's Family History StoryBooks work turns family research into illustrated books for descendants.
Topics include AI-assisted research and illustration, spiritual discernment, church service, long-term goals for youth, home improvement, and being present with family.
Referenced in this episode: President Russell M. Nelson's teaching about the Holy Ghost, Job, Ether and the brother of Jared, the Stripling Warriors, and recent AI filmmaking.

Added/created/modified by Codex on 2026.08.20 17:27 on ombee.

Why Teachers Don't Need to be the Expert in the Classroom with Stewart Brown

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 10:39:14 -0700

Matt sits down with Stewart Brown, from Code for Kids (c4k.io), to dig into why so many schools are unprepared to teach AI literacy and computer science—and what it actually takes to build a foundation that sticks. From debunking the myth that CS doesn't belong in every district to rethinking what "expert in the room" even means for teachers, this conversation goes way deeper than tech tools. It's about curiosity, vulnerability, and what gets lost when we let AI do too much of the thinking for us.

Timestamps:
2:43 | The real gap in K-8 schools: why computer science often doesn't exist as a real subject
15:12 | Stewart's no-BS way of explaining AI: "It's a machine brain."
18:07 | Matthew's viral hallucination analogy — what your breakfast 20 years ago has to do with AI
19:38 | Unpacking "future-ready education" — and why it's more than a buzzword
21:54 | The mindset shift every teacher needs before stepping into an AI-driven classroom
30:56 | A college classroom story that changed how Matthew thinks about teaching
35:09 | How Code for Kids actually started — an origin story with a wild twist
40:23 | What happens to classroom engagement when teachers admit they don't know everything
47:48 | Stewart gets curious: the big open questions driving his work
51:49 | The one thing about AI that fascinates (and unsettles) everyone in the field
57:28 | Where to find Stewart and Code for Kids

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by Renaissance and IXL.

Learn more about Renaissance:

As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

An Interview with Anne Meyer UDL Design Award 2026 Recipients, Wellbeing Mantras founders, Vineeta Garg & Gunjan Tomar

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 06:30:00 -0400

How do you design learning environments that support both achievement and wellbeing? In this episode, Bryan Dean talks with Vineeta Garg and Gunjan Tomar, co-founders of Wellbeing Mantras and recipients of the 2026 Anne Meyer UDL Design Award.

Drawing on their work with more than 25,000 educators across 10 countries, Vineeta and Gunjan share how they integrate UDL, social-emotional learning, technology, and wellbeing into a cohesive approach to teaching and learning. They discuss designing for multilingual learners, neurodivergent students, learners with disabilities, and underserved communities, while exploring how educators can adapt UDL across diverse cultural contexts.

The conversation also examines what it takes to move beyond accessible resources and create learning ecosystems that foster agency, belonging, and success for every learner.

Transcript

Resources:

Home | Pedagogy Of Learning
- Pedagogy of Learning is an educator-focused resource hub that promotes inclusive, student-centered teaching through Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and practical professional learning resources.
Hearts and Minds: Life Lessons Through UDL and SEL
- Hearts and Minds: Life Lessons Through UDL and SEL is a story-based guide that helps educators, caregivers, and families foster inclusive, emotionally supportive learning by combining Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies for everyday practice.

Your Calendar Is Showing Your Real Leadership Priorities

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Your calendar reveals more about your leadership priorities than your intentions do. In this episode, learn how to audit your calendar to see whether your time is being spent reacting to problems or proactively leading your school. Discover how to schedule priorities first, create space for instructional leadership, and build a realistic calendar that focuses on consistency over intensity. This episode also shares practical strategies for spreading out observations, reducing unnecessary meetings, and protecting time for the proactive work that prevents future problems. Because the goal isn’t to fit more into your calendar—it’s to make sure your calendar reflects the leader you want to be.

Get The 8 to 4 Principal Planner.

Get The 8 to 4 Principal Blueprint.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Lighting the Way to Reading Joy with Rina Madhani

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:47:00 -0700

In this episode, Dr. Erin Bailey speaks with Rina Madhani, co-founder of Start Lighthouse, about transforming underutilized school libraries into vibrant literacy hubs across New York City public schools. Rina shares how her time as a Bronx classroom teacher revealed deep inequities in access to books, inspiring her to launch an organization that staffs full-time educators in school libraries, curates culturally representative book collections, and hosts author visits to help students see themselves reflected in stories. The conversation explores the power of representation in children's literature, building sustainable school partnerships rooted in trust and listening, and how joy and belonging — not just academic metrics — are central to fostering lifelong readers.

About Rina Madhani:
Rina Madhani is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Start Lighthouse, a Bronx-based nonprofit advancing childhood literacy through culturally responsive programming. She leads the organization’s efforts to transform underutilized public school libraries into vibrant, fully staffed Literacy Hubs that provide daily book access, literacy instruction, and author engagement opportunities for students in historically under-resourced communities. Under her leadership, Start Lighthouse has partnered with multiple NYC public schools and distributed tens of thousands of books to children, with a focus on representation and identity affirming literature. Rina is passionate about building joyful reading cultures in schools and believes that when children see themselves reflected in books, they become more confident learners and leaders.

https://www.startlighthouse.org/

https://www.instagram.com/startlighthouse/?hl=en https://x.com/StartLighthouse

Summer Replay #2 - Establishing Systems That Reinforce Relationships and Distributed Leadership with Principal JL

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Access a workshop guide to help your team STOP focusing on things outside of our locus of control - https://bit.ly/JLlocus

DOWNLOAD Your FREE Collaborative Meeting Spaces Guide
bit.ly/spacechecklist

In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by Jeff Linden, principal of Hastings Public School in Nebraska. “Principal JL”, as he is known online, shares numerous insights when it comes to building effective systems for collaboration

Learn more about Jeff Linden at dot.cards/principal_jl

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Connect with Jeff Linden
Email the.principal.jl@gmail.com
X @ThePrincipal_JL
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/the-principal-jl
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PrincipalJL

Connect with Kurtis Hewson
Email kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
X @hewsonk27
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hewsonk27
LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson

Connect with Lorna Hewson
Email lorna.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
X @LornaHewson
Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorna-hewson-713a59104

---------

Learn more about Collaborative Response https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tbgetTdAiA&t=0s

Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article
https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE
https://bit.ly/CR-intro - if interested in ordering the book, use the code JLPodcast10 to receive 10% off!

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE three month trial
https://jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab.ca

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

Music: “Culture of Collaboration” has been composed, recorded, and produced by Trent Ferguson for Building a Culture of Collaboration.

Images: Visuals included in this video not generated under agreement with Jigsaw Learning Inc. have been carefully selected under Creative Commons for their permissions.

31. Zack Fava of Methean.io Talks Great Houses

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 13:00:00 -0700

In this episode of The Great Houses Forum, Gregory Treat sits down with Zack Fava, founder of Methian, an AI-powered homeschooling operating system built to give parents full sovereignty over their children's education. Zack shares his journey from 15 years in the Department of Defense to building a platform that handles curriculum creation, state compliance documentation, mastery-based tracking, and AI-assisted grading, all customizable to each family's principles and pedagogy. The conversation explores how AI can restore household sovereignty by replacing institutional dependence with parent-controlled tools, and how platforms like Methian and Runcible might eventually form an integrated household AI stack covering education, business management, and domestic life. Gregory and Zack also discuss the dystopian risks of hosted AI, where employers gain deep insight into users' profiles, and argue that family-held data sovereignty is the healthier alternative. Read Ronald Dodson's article "House-Centric AI and the Return of the Aristoi" here.

The Keys to a Successful Catholic School

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 06:13:00 -0400

The Keys to a Successful Catholic School

Host: John Mihalyo

You can walk into a Catholic school and know within thirty seconds whether it's thriving or just getting by, before you've seen a test score, an enrollment sheet, or the trophy case.

In this episode, John breaks down the six keys he's identified after twenty years in Catholic school leadership and years of working with schools across the country: Catholic Culture and Identity, Community Engagement, Faculty and Workforce, Individual Student Growth, Operational Vitality, and Leadership. Each one is drawn from his free resource, The Keys to a Successful Catholic School, and John walks through what each key actually looks like in a thriving school and the question every leader should be asking about it.

This isn't a fix-it-in-fifteen-minutes guide, and John says so directly. It's a framework built around the right questions, the kind meant to be brought to your teachers' meetings, your advisory committee, and conversations with your pastor and leadership team, so your school can figure out where its focus needs to be right now, not where anyone else's does. John leaves you with one challenge: pick the key that made you a little uncomfortable, and bring it to your next leadership meeting.

LINKS AND RESOURCES

Connect with John Mihalyo! Grab the free resource, The Keys to a Successful Catholic School, at elementaryadvancement.com

If this episode was helpful, share it with another Catholic school leader who could use it.

Learn more about today's sponsor, Renaissance:

#90 What Thinking Should Stay Human? AI Governance with Travis Moyer

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 03:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth talks with Travis Moyer - Banyan Global Learning's Director of Programming - about AI governance: the difference between AI policy and AI governance, and why so many schools have bought AI tools without building the shared language to use them well. Moyer has written previously that tech policy should start with human values rather than device restrictions, and that argument underlies the five-pillar governance framework he describes here.

Together, Seth and Travis explore what AI governance actually means as distinct from policy - the difference between rules and instructional purpose - and walk through the five-pillar framework Banyan has built around one central question: what thinking needs to stay human for learning to occur. They get into the classroom-level inconsistency this creates when one teacher bans AI and the one next door doesn't, why governance is a moving target rather than a document you write once, and what Travis actually tells other parents when they ask him what to do. The conversation closes on a specific, low-stakes way parents can start: showing kids what AI is capable of by helping them build something they already care about.

Key topics:

AI governance vs. AI policy — what's the difference
Banyan's five-pillar AI governance framework
"Thinking must stay human" as the framework's center
Why inconsistent classroom-level AI rules undermine trust
Cognitive offloading and critical thinking risk
Prompt engineering and the case for a dedicated AI class
Practical guidance for parents navigating AI at home

Links & Resources:

"Why Tech Policies Should Start with People: An Ethical Dilemma" — Banyan Global Learning blog, May 16, 2025
"Artificial Intelligence in Education: AI Professional Development for Teachers" — Banyan Global Learning blog, August 5, 2025
Banyan Global Learning AI Governance services: https://www.banyangloballearning.com/ai-governance

Guest Bio: Travis Moyer

Travis Moyer is Banyan Global Learning's Director of Programming, where he oversees new program development, including Banyan's AI governance work. He spent over a decade as an elementary and high school science teacher in the U.S., and with Banyan he specializes in live, synchronous distance learning. He holds an M.Ed. from Pepperdine University and a B.S. in Biology from Duke University.

About the Host: Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and host of Make It Mindful: Insights for Global Learning. Through Banyan, he designs live virtual programs that connect K-12 classrooms to global peers and expert facilitators — building the kind of structured, human-centered learning the podcast explores. See https://www.banyangloballearning.com/programs/global-cohorts

What AI Should—and Shouldn’t—Do in Education with Matthew Rascoff

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 03:00:00 -0700

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Matthew Rascoff, Vice Provost for Digital Education at Stanford University, lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and education advisor to Anthropic. With a rare vantage point spanning both a leading university and one of the world’s frontier AI labs, Matthew brings a uniquely informed perspective on what AI can—and cannot—do for education.

The conversation tackles one of the most important questions facing higher education: does using AI actually improve learning? Matthew warns against “cognitive surrender,” where students offload too much of the thinking process, and argues that institutions need more rigorous evidence about which AI-supported practices genuinely strengthen learning.

He also challenges the idea that increasingly intelligent AI will automatically become a great teacher. Teaching requires more than knowledge—it requires empathy, pedagogy, context, and an understanding of how people learn. Rather than waiting for frontier labs to build education for them, Matthew believes educators and students should become active builders, creating domain-specific tools that address real academic problems.

The episode explores open-source educational AI, new forms of student assessment, and a future where papers may evolve into interactive agents and shareable digital artifacts. For higher education leaders, this is a thoughtful conversation about preserving meaningful cognitive work while taking full advantage of what AI makes possible.

The Empathetic Leader: How to Build Trust, Stop Burnout, and Retain Top Talent w/ Michelle J. Howe

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 01:00:00 -0400

Why is empathy necessary in running an organization?

Meet Michelle J. Howe!

Michelle is former CPA, strategic consultant, and founder of Empath Evolution™. They delve into why modern leadership requires a fundamental shift from rigid, transactional dynamics to empathetic, relationally aware leadership.

Michelle shares her unique transition from numbers and financial precision to deep perceptual intelligence, highlighting how leaders can leverage empathy, active listening, and self-alignment to lead high-performing teams without burning out or losing themselves in the process.

Key Takeaways

moving away from traditional, authoritarian frameworks
developing soft skills, emotional regulation, and authentic connection
how high achievers often "give pieces of themselves away"
how to reclaim your internal alignment
heightened perception and empathetic awareness
grounded, strategic decision-making
why empathetic communication builds psychological safety
how to increase team retention and reduce communication silos
how to have self-empathy and presence

...and so much more!

Connect with Michelle:

Website: Empathevolution.com
Special Resource / Private Intensive: Michelle J. Howe - Recalibration Intensive
LinkedIn: Michelle J. Howe

Listen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-leaders-need-to-have-empathy-w-michelle-j-howe/id1614151066?i=1000785406699
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6363qJm3rsfbq5L6DN3RvJ?si=JotK73LdQqyJaKLue64QGA
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6363qJm3rsfbq5L6DN3RvJ
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqacSrkdgzw

Coaching and Leadership Studios with Kate O'Connell

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Kate O'Connell, an international education consultant and leadership coach based in Cambodia, joins the podcast to discuss her journey from classroom teacher to headship across four countries. She unpacks the difference between coaching and mentoring, and how she blends both to help school leaders find their own answers. The conversation also covers Link Leaders' new "Leadership Studios"—peer cohorts that create safe spaces for leaders to connect and grow—and why differentiated, problem-based support is key to effective professional development. Kate closes with her mission to humanize education through leadership, and simple advice: get a coach.

We’re proud to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

ISTE 2026: ClassVR's Vision for VR in Education

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Jethro D. Jones sits down with Simon and Jill from ClassVR at ISTE 2026 to talk about the company's newest VR innovations in education. They dive into Thrive, a sensory regulation product designed to support students who struggle with dysregulation, and preview ClassVR's new STEM library, which lets students safely experience hands-on experiments (like chemistry reactions and dissections) that are often limited by budget or safety concerns in real classrooms. The conversation also explores how VR builds "organic skills" that develop over time, why immersive, judgment-free environments help students practice soft skills, and what schools should consider before adopting VR — from full-solution onboarding to keeping VR sessions short and focused for maximum engagement.

We’re proud to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Engaging Students Through Fast-Paced Collaborative Learning with Toartou Kargou

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 07:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Craig Randall talks with science teacher Toartou Kargou of The John Cooper School about a fast-paced collaborative activity he uses to introduce new units. Students work in pairs, research a scientist, create a concise presentation, and teach their findings to the class, all within one 80-minute block.

Toartou explains how time limits, small groups, random pairings, teacher proximity, and strategic questioning keep students engaged while helping them process information more deeply. He also shares how strong teacher-student relationships create the trust students need to participate, take risks, and learn from mistakes.

School Is Having a Napster Moment with Dr. Eric Wearne

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Dr. Eric Wearne, Assistant Professor of Economics at Kennesaw State University and Director of the National Hybrid Schools Project, joins Education Talk Radio to explore why he believes education is having a “Napster moment”—a period of experimentation and disruption as families mix traditional schools, hybrid models, homeschooling, online learning, and other options.

We discuss what hybrid schools are teaching us about the future of education, why smaller and more local models are growing, what may be lost as schooling becomes more individualized, and what traditional schools should double down on when they no longer have to do everything themselves.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

You Don’t Have to Lead Alone with Dr. Vince Cascone Building Ownership Around Your School’s Mission

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 04:00:00 -0700

You Don’t Have to Lead Alone with Dr. Vince Cascone

Building Ownership Around Your School’s Mission

What makes a great Catholic school? After 19 years as a principal and seven years as a superintendent, Dr. Vince Cascone believes it starts with strong leadership—but strong leaders don’t do everything alone.

In this episode, Vince shares how principals can stay focused on mission amid the daily noise, build trust through relationships, involve teachers, parents, and students in meaningful ways, and create a sense of shared ownership throughout the school community. From enrollment and retention to leadership teams and student voice, the conversation explores how bringing the right people to the table can help principals carry the load while keeping everyone moving in the same direction.

If you need help with how to center your community on the same page, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together

To receive a copy of the Catholic School Excellence Toolkit - A Reflective Workbook for Visionary Catholic School Leaders, click here. It is the companion to the podcast: In Search of Catholic School Excellence.

Dr. Vince Cascone spent 19 years as a Catholic school principal and 7 years as a superintendent.He’s been where you are. He understands the weight of leading a school community — and he’s seen firsthand what becomes possible when principals have the right support.

His school earned a U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon award. He’s been recognized as both the NAESP National Distinguished Principal and the NCEA Distinguished Principal of the Year. He also teaches a Master's-level School Leadership course at Benedictine College.

"I built Seton Educational Services because no principal should have to do this alone."

https://setoned.org/

vcascone@setoned.org

The In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team.

When technology doesn’t work, Catholic school leaders lose time, trust, and momentum. We partner with schools to restore reliable systems, empower teachers, and create the foundation for innovative learning centered on students.

Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team.

Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible.

Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com

Ep. 126: I lost another friend to depression

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:00:00 GMT

I wish I wasn't making this episode today. Another friend of mine, another man, passed away from depression. We need to change the way we talk about mens mental health. For the sake of our men, and for the sake of our kids.

Book Me To Speak

Follow Me On IG

AI Literacy with Kate Meyer and Nicole Davis

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Summary

Kate Meyers and Nicole Davis, AKA Two Maine Teachers and authors the EduProtocol Field Guide: AI Literacy Edition, discuss AI, AI in schools, AI for teachers, and AI for literacy for students.

Show Notes

LinkedIn: two-maine-teachers
Facebook: Facebook
Website: twomaineteachers.com
Book: The EduProtocol Field Guide AI Literacy Edition

This podcast sponsored by:

The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here.

Summer Replay #3 - Aligning Tier 1 with Research Based Practice

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Join us for the online, on-demand workshop “Overview of Collaborative Response”, part of our Supporting Collaborative Response series. 👉 bit.ly/10refinecontinuum

In this weeks podcast, Kurtis and Lorna review the value of co-creating a continuum of supports with your staff team and how to, over time, refine tier 1 practices to reflect research-based practices to impact all students across all classrooms.

Connected Resources:

Developing a Continuum of Supports Process slides - https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1baY39_8pEbfpgSO_rdBSLlfofD13PrGZzgR5KKI9SxM/view
Continuum of Supports resources and samples - https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/resources-and-samples/continuum-supports

So We've Established our Continuum of Supports...Now What? podcast episode - https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications/blog-posts/so-weve-established-our-continuum-supportsnow-what-ep-18

Articulating Your Big Rocks: Establishing Tier 1 in Your Continuum of Supports podcast - https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications/blog-posts/articulating-your-big-rocks-establishing-tier-1-your-continu

#collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership
_______________________
Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial.
https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

Website https://jigsawlearning.ca
Email questions@jigsawlearning.ca
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JigsawLearningAB/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/jigsaw-learning-inc
Music: “Leading Collaborative Response” has been composed, recorded, and produced by Trent Ferguson for Leading Collaborative Response.

Images: Visuals included in this video not generated under agreement with Jigsaw Learning Inc. have been carefully selected under Creative Commons for their permissions.

An Interview with David Rose UDL Research Award 2026 Recipient, Sean Smith

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 06:30:00 -0400

What does it take to advance Universal Design for Learning while ensuring research leads to meaningful change in classrooms? In this episode, Bryan Dean sits down with Sean Smith, recipient of the 2026 David Rose UDL Research Award, to reflect on more than two decades of leadership, innovation, and impact in the UDL field.

Sean shares key moments from his professional journey, discusses how projects like WRITE, WritingClassroom.org, and VOISS connect research to classroom practice, and explores the opportunities and challenges AI presents for learners with disabilities and learner variability. He also looks ahead to the future of UDL, offers advice for emerging leaders, and reflects on what receiving the David Rose UDL Research Award means to him.

Whether you're an educator, researcher, instructional designer, or accessibility advocate, this conversation offers valuable insights into the future of inclusive teaching and learning.

Transcript

Resources:

VOISS | VOISS Advisor-
- VOISS is a virtual reality social learning platform that helps students build and apply social skills through 140 interactive scenarios spanning 10 social skill domains, with built-in supports for educators and families.
AI Score | Life Span Institute
- AI SCORE is an AI-powered writing assessment tool that instantly evaluates student writing for content, organization, and style, providing personalized feedback to support stronger written expression.
Writing Classroom | Writing stRategies for Instructional Technology in Education
- WRITE is a research-based educational technology initiative that helps educators support struggling writers by translating evidence-based writing interventions into practical classroom tools and strategies.

Stop Letting Other People’s Urgency Run Your Day

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Not everything that feels urgent actually is. In this episode, I share a simple red, yellow, and green framework to help you decide what truly needs your immediate attention, what can be scheduled for later, and what proactive work you need to protect. You’ll learn how to stop letting other people’s urgency control your day so you can spend more time on the work that actually moves your school forward.

Get the mini-course From Reactive to Proactive Leadership

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Building Confident Readers Through High Quality Decodables with Christine Hjorth, Cherish Mims & Letitia Truslow

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Dr. Erin Bailey hosts Christine Hjorth (author of the Aligned Decodables and CEO of Aligned Educational Resources), Cherish Mims (Epic's Manager of Education Relations), and Letitia Truslow (leads Epic School Plus) to discuss Epic's expansion of 250+ decodable books on its platform. The conversation covers what makes decodable texts effective for early readers, how they're aligned to 23+ different curricula scope-and-sequences, common misconceptions (that they're only for struggling readers or inherently boring), and how Epic's digital library complements print literacy initiatives like RIF's. The guests share the serendipitous origin story of the partnership, creative techniques for making decodables engaging (surprise illustrations, vocabulary building, nonfiction topics), and how the collection supports differentiation, family engagement, and English language learners.

About the guests:

Christine Hjorth is the author of the ALIGNED Decodables and CEO of Aligned Educational Resources. An expert on decodables, she has written a set of 260 decodable titles and aligned them to the scope and sequences of 22 different ELA curriculums. She has sold over 550,000 books over the last 3 years, which are in use around the country and are now found on EPIC! She is certified in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Gifted Education, with over 25 years of experience in the field, including many years as a first-grade teacher. She recently presented about the use of decodables at the International Society for Technology in Education conference and will be presenting again at the National Convention of Teachers of English in the fall.

Cherish Mims serves as the Manager of Educator Relations at Epic, where she builds relationships with educators and develops professional learning, webinars, campaigns, and community initiatives that connect teachers with engaging digital reading resources. She brings ten years of classroom experience and passion for literacy together to help educators make meaningful use of technology to support students and inspire a love of reading.

Letitia Truslow leads the Epic School Plus and Customer Experience teams at Epic, supporting school district administrators, educators, parents and students. In this role, she works closely with school communities to ensure they get the most out of Epic's platform, translating feedback from the field into meaningful improvements to the product and support experience.With a background in customer success and education technology, Letitia is passionate about building strong, lasting relationships between Epic and the districts it serves. She believes that great customer experience starts with genuinely listening to the people who use the product every day—whether that's a superintendent managing a rollout, a teacher navigating a new tool, or a parent trying to support their child's learning and literacy journey at home.

Epic! Decodable Texts: New Decodable Books on Epic

All of the amazing decodables discussed on this podcast, and found on EPIC, are available as physical copies at Decodables.com.

Summer Replay #3 - Leading Teams as a Purpose-Driven Principal with Michelle Sloan

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Access a FREE webinar to transform how you plan and facilitate effective team meetings - https://bit.ly/transformteams

In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by Michelle Sloan, a former teacher, principal, and Head of School who now coaches and mentors school leaders through her Purpose Driven Principal Framework. Central to the discussion is the importance of focusing on purpose as a leader to serve as the foundation for leading collaborative cultures.

Learn more about Michelle Sloan at https://sloanleadership.com/ and subscribe to her weekly newsletter at https://sloanleadership.mykajabi.com/newsletter-registration

You can also join the VIP Lounge with Michelle at https://sloanleadership.mykajabi.com/the-leadership-lounge-membership

______________________
#collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership #systems

Connect with Michelle Sloan
Email: msloan@sloanleadership.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sloanleadership
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-sloan-9b80112a2
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SloanLeadershipSolutions

Connect with Kurtis Hewson
Email: kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
X: @hewsonk27
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hewsonk27
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson

Connect with Lorna Hewson
Email: lorna.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
X: @LornaHewson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorna-hewson-713a59104

---------

Learn more about Collaborative Response https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tbgetTdAiA&t=0s

Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article
https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE
https://bit.ly/CR-intro - if interested in ordering the book, use the code JLPodcast10 to receive 10% off!

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE three month trial
https://jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab.ca

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

Music: “Culture of Collaboration” has been composed, recorded, and produced by Trent Ferguson for Building a Culture of Collaboration.

Images: Visuals included in this video not generated under agreement with Jigsaw Learning Inc. have been carefully selected under Creative Commons for their permissions.

Hiring When Everyone Looks Perfect

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 23:35:04 -0600

EP 31 - Hiring When Everyone Looks Perfect

Applicant agents are flooding every posting with applications that look perfect. Companies are tired of it. Aaron Makelky and Dan Yu start with a Claude outage and ugly token bills, then get into why the volume game still loses and why recruiters went back to LinkedIn.

A real photo. A headline that isn't your default title. Pinned posts that show how you think. LinkedIn's new Connected Apps section as proof of work. John was out this week.

Co-hosts:
Aaron Makelky - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-makelky-m-a-ed-038b852a3/
Dan Yu - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danoyu/

Links:
FutureProof You - https://futureproof-you.com
FutureProof You on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/futureproof-you

(00:00) - Intro
(01:08) - When Claude goes down
(02:24) - The token bill
(07:06) - The human element
(08:54) - Thousands of perfect applications
(10:10) - The volume game
(12:50) - They're hunting on LinkedIn
(14:14) - Profile basics
(16:04) - Pinned posts
(21:36) - Connected Apps

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments
🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

30. Cursus Honorum of the AI Future Part 3

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 12:50:31 -0700

In Episode 30 of The Great Houses Forum, Gregory Treat continues his series on the “Cursus Honorum of the AI Future," arguing that AI will collapse today's thousands of specialized roles into three core skill sets: Code, Content, and Command. He stresses that humans are not obsolete, there is always a human in the loop, and that claims of "fully automated" systems really just mean people are insulated from responsibility, a legal doctrine he expects to fail under pressure. Gregory walks through industry vignettes showing this convergence in action, including Marc Andreessen's "Builder" role collapsing programmers, product managers, and designers into one; a solo marketer running a full content operation with AI agents; and a one-doctor cataract practice with zero employees thanks to AI automation. He covers Figure AI's factory where humanoid robots build themselves, drawing an analogy to the electric motor revolution to argue that corporations need redesigning around distributed judgment rather than departmental handoffs. In a major segment on agriculture, Mr. Treat explores how laser weeding, UV pest control, and robotic harvesting could enable polyculture and permaculture at industrial scale, replacing the toxic chemical inputs and monocultural practices of modern farming. He ties these civilian applications back to military skill sets, noting that the same scout-classify-strike loop applies whether you're defending a field from blight or a battlefield from threats, meaning the most valuable peacetime professional and the most dangerous wartime operator will increasingly look the same. Next episode will tackle where the "safe" professions are and the economics of a "Prime" someone who has mastered all three core skills.

AI in Law School: Corbin Winward on Learning the Fundamentals Before Using the Shortcut

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0700

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Corbin Winward, a 3L at Baylor University School of Law and President of the Baylor Plaintiff’s Law Association, to explore how the next generation of lawyers is navigating AI in real time.

Corbin offers a student perspective on one of the biggest tensions facing legal education: students need to understand how to use AI, but they also need enough foundational knowledge to recognize when it is wrong. He explains why learning to research cases, analyze precedent, and draft legal arguments manually still matters—even when AI can dramatically accelerate those same tasks.

The conversation also explores AI as a force multiplier in plaintiff’s law, where smaller teams often face opponents with far greater resources. Corbin makes the case that responsible AI use can help level that playing field, while also creating a new ethical responsibility for lawyers to balance efficiency with verification and professional judgment.

For law professors, students, and legal professionals, this episode offers a grounded look at what AI literacy should actually mean: not outsourcing the work, but understanding the work well enough to use AI intelligently.

Master the Art of Negotiation: Win High-Stakes Deals with Heart & Confidence w/ Arlene Cohen Miller

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 06:45:17 -0400

How do you truly negotiate?

Meet Arlene Cohen Miller!

Arlene is an AV Preeminent® Rated Colorado Attorney, Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation, and CEO of Jewel Consultancy, a firm based in Longmont, Colorado, specializing in work-life harmony, leadership coaching, and healing.

Drawing from over 3 decades of legal experience, Arlene breaks down what it truly takes to negotiate effectively and win—without resorting to aggression or high-stress conflict.

She shares practical strategies for navigating high-stakes conversations, regulating your nervous system during tense discussions, and shifting from a rigid, control-oriented mindset to "negotiating from the heart."

Key Takeaways

why standard positional bargaining often fails both parties
how stress and anxiety trigger the fight-or-flight response
higher-level critical thinking and problem-solving
transitioning from adversarial tactics to collaboration
focusing on mutual gains and long-term relationships
listening to understand (rather than listening to reply)
hidden leverage and priorities revealed when actively listening
how to establish clear boundaries
maintaining key professional relationships

...and so much more!

Connect with Arlene:
Website: Jewel Consultancy
LinkedIn: Arlene Cohen Miller
Facebook: Jewel Consultancy / Arlene Cohen Miller
Instagram: @jewelcoach2
YouTube: @arlenecmiller

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-negotiate-and-win-communication-101-w-arlene/id1614151066?i=1000783849755
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3iSnITeCg5yhJB5v1zvfao?si=92210c1027424715
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3iSnITeCg5yhJB5v1zvfao
YouTube: https://youtu.be/JLHV2bN-nFs

#87 Public by Design: Running the Statewide Virtual School in Missouri with Dr. Nichole Lemmon

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 03:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, Seth, Allyson, and Tami speak with Dr. Nichole Lemmon, Executive Director of Virtual Learning and Strategic Planning at Springfield Public Schools and founder of Launch Virtual Learning — about what it takes to run the only statewide K-12 virtual school in the country inside a public school district. Launch serves more than 400 Missouri districts and 23,000 students annually, with 85% of those students enrolled in just one or two courses at a time, a structure Nichole has maintained deliberately for fifteen years.

Together, Seth, Allyson, Tami, and Nichole explore how Missouri's public education funding flows through virtual providers and why roughly $60 million of it is going to out-of-state for-profit companies. They get into the three reasons Launch outperforms the field on state assessments: Missouri-specific curriculum, class sizes that mirror what the state mandates for seated schools, and in-state testing. They talk about what drove the decision to add synchronous instruction after years of building async-first, and what it looked like when Nichole told the governor of Missouri she could put the entire state on her platform in 2020 - and then had to deliver on it. The conversation also covers how Launch now runs direct-to-consumer ad campaigns on Hulu targeting millennial women on Sunday evenings, and why a public school program decided it had to compete on marketing terms with the companies it's trying to outperform.

Key Topics

Public vs. for-profit virtual school funding in Missouri
Course-access model and why 85% of Launch students take one or two classes
Class size standards and how Launch mirrors seated school requirements
Why Launch added synchronous instruction — and what wasn't working without it
COVID-era overextension: saying yes to the governor and the two-year recovery
Virtual special education and medically fragile learners
Direct-to-consumer marketing for a public school program

Links & Resources

Launch Virtual Learning: https://launchvirtuallearning.com
Virtual Learning Leadership Alliance (VLLA): https://virtuallearningalliance.org
VLLA Accred accreditation program: https://accredved.org/
Digital Learning Collaborative (DLAC): https://www.digitallearningcollaborative.com
KSMU: Launch Virtual Learning Serves Thousands (May 2025): https://www.ksmu.org/news/2025-05-21/launch-virtual-learning-serves-thousands-from-its-office-in-springfield
Pulitzer Center — Cash and Consequences: For-Profit Online Education in Missouri (2021): https://pulitzercenter.org/stories/cash-and-consequences-profit-online-education-missouri
Pew Charitable Trusts — Virtual Classrooms, Real-World Disparities (Nov 2025): https://www.pew.org/en/research-and-analysis/issue-briefs/2025/11/virtual-classrooms-real-world-disparities

Guest Bio: Dr. Nichole Lemmon

Dr. Nichole Lemmon is the Executive Director of Virtual Learning and Strategic Planning at Springfield Public Schools in Missouri, where she founded SPS Online in 2011 - now known as Launch Virtual Learning - and grew it into the only statewide K-12 virtual school in the country operating inside a public school district, serving more than 400 districts annually. She serves on the Executive Board of the Virtual Learning Leadership Alliance and as the Missouri State Affiliate for the Digital Learning Collaborative. Dr. Lemmon holds a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Lindenwood University.

About the Hosts

Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and a host of Why Distance Learning, a podcast for education leaders and practitioners making real decisions about how virtual learning gets designed, adopted, and sustained. Through Banyan, he designs live virtual programs that connect K-12 classrooms to global peers and expert facilitators. See https://www.banyangloballearning.com/programs/global-cohorts

Allyson Mitchell and Tami Moehring are co-hosts of Why Distance Learning and members of the team at CILC, the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration, which connects students to real experts through live virtual field trips and experiences. See https://cilc.org

ISTE 2026: Rethinking Career Readiness with Jamie Candee

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Jethro D. Jones interviews Jamie Candee (CEO of Edmentum) about bridging the gap between K-12 education and career readiness. They discuss how AI is reshaping the job market, why "durable skills" matter more than ever, and how schools can expose students to career paths early through career exploration tools, workplace internships, and real-world partnerships (like Edmentum's MajorClarity platform and Roadtrip Nation videos). Candee shares personal stories — including her son Milo's journey exploring baseball-adjacent careers — to illustrate how students can find purpose beyond the traditional "doctor, lawyer, teacher" track. The conversation also covers practical advice for principals looking to build career-connected learning pathways in their own schools.

We’re proud to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Building Thinking Classrooms with Laura Godard

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 07:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Craig Randall talks with Laura Godard, an upper school math teacher at The John Cooper School, about how Building Thinking Classrooms changed the way her students engage with math. Laura shares how visible workspaces, random groups, and carefully designed tasks encourage students to think more deeply, teach one another, ask better questions, and take greater ownership of their learning. She also explains how collaborative problem-solving helps her give more timely feedback while keeping students actively engaged.

Stop Saying 'It Was Nothing.' It's Killing Your Credibility.

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 07:07:00 -0600

That "humble" leader everyone trusts? They might be running on fear, not virtue — and it's costing them more than they know.

In this episode of The Humility Advantage, based on the book The Humility Advantage by J. Alexander, we expose the mask that gets cultural applause instead of scrutiny: false modesty. It looks like humility on the surface, but underneath, it's self-doubt in disguise — and it quietly erodes credibility, confuses teams, and drives leaders straight into burnout.

You'll hear the study proving people trust you less when you fake-deflect praise instead of owning your wins. You'll learn what neuroscience says happens in your brain the moment you shrink yourself to avoid exposure — and why it's treated as a literal threat. And you'll hear how Satya Nadella turned Microsoft's culture around by modeling the opposite of self-erasure.

Then, we walk through a 5-step, evidence-based playbook for closing the gap between the leader you perform and the leader you actually are.

This isn't about being modest. It's about being real. Tune in, and start leading like it.

Small Promises, Big Trust

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 06:06:00 -0400

It's the first week of school, the handbook says doors open at 8:00, and a mom is standing outside a locked door at 8:04 wondering if your school means what it prints. In this episode, John talks about the side of integrity that never makes it onto a banner in the front hallway: doing exactly what you said, exactly when you said you'd do it.

From faculty meetings that actually start at 3:30 to fundraising dollars that go where you promised they'd go, John walks through why the small, unglamorous promises you keep, or don't, are quietly building or breaking trust with your parents, teachers, and donors. He's upfront that integrity shows up in the big, costly decisions too, that's not in question, but this episode is about the promises nobody's watching for.

John also flips the conversation around. Starting on time only earns you the right to be worth showing up for. He shares what it looks like to run a faculty meeting your staff actually wants to attend, not just tolerate, and why that's the same muscle as keeping your word.

LINKS AND RESOURCES

Work with John If you want help building the kind of trust that grows enrollment and advancement in your school, reach out at elementaryadvancement.com

If this episode was helpful, subscribe and share it with another Catholic school leader in your network. Thank you for the integrity you bring to your building every day, especially in the moments nobody's watching.

Learn more about today's sponsor, Renaissance:

When Convenience Comes at a Cost to Learning with Dr. Jonathan Strecker

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Technology promises to make learning faster, easier, and more personalized. But what happens when convenience begins to replace the experiences students need to grow?

David Cicero talks with Jonathan Strecker, Head of School at Valley School of Ligonier and author of Emergence, about the difference between achievement and development, why struggle and even boredom matter, and how AI can support learning without doing the learning for students. The conversation explores Strecker’s five dimensions of human development—intellectual, social, emotional, ethical, and physical—and what schools should consider as technology becomes increasingly capable of removing friction from students’ lives.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Community Engagement - Building Relationships, Strengthening Our Schools, Together

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 04:00:00 -0700

Community Engagement—Building Relationships, Strengthening Our Schools, Together

A thriving school isn't built only by what happens inside its classrooms—it grows stronger through the relationships it builds with the people and businesses around it.

In this episode, Thomas and Becky explore practical ways schools can become active members of their neighborhoods instead of simply existing within them. From partnering with local restaurants and businesses to collaborating with neighboring schools, senior centers, and community organizations, they share real examples of how authentic relationships create opportunities that benefit students, families, staff, and the broader community.

You'll discover how community engagement strengthens enrollment through word-of-mouth, creates meaningful learning opportunities, provides valuable resources, and helps schools become trusted neighborhood institutions. Most importantly, you'll be encouraged to take small, intentional steps that can lead to lasting partnerships and a stronger sense of belonging for everyone connected to your school.

Whether you're looking to improve marketing, enrich student experiences, or simply become a more visible presence in your community, this episode offers practical ideas you can begin implementing right away.

If you need help with developing your community engagement plan, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together

Becky Wong has been a teacher, admin, tech coordinator and innovator in Catholic Schools for over 25 years. She not only assists schools as part of the Tech Team but has been instrumental in guiding the Archdiocese of San Francisco as it navigates the edtech decisions and ever-changing landscape of classroom technology.

The In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team.

Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team.

Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible.

Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com

Ep. 125: I triggered some parents

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 09:00:00 GMT

This week on the podcast, I dive into how I had the AUDACITY to post about cell phone ban policies and BOY did I trigger some parents. I also exposed some of the root problems we are seeing as well, and they aren't with kids!

Book Me To Speak

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History Repeats! United We Stand!

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 13:36:59 -0400

Have we ever been this divided as a country? Were we able to resolve our differences? Can we do that today with all of our differences?

You don’t need “buy in” from teachers to get executive functioning support into classrooms.

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0700

Many school clinicians know executive functioning is important.

They also know that their entire team should be supporting it across general and special education settings.

But they don’t always know what exactly that looks like in practice…

And if they do, they don’t know HOW they can change the practices of classroom teachers.
There are a lot of unanswered questions.

…How can I find time to think about changing teacher’s practices when I barely have time to manage my own workload?

…What is my role if students don’t “qualify” for services on an IEP?

…Doesn’t adding executive functioning to my plate open up a whole can of worms I’ll never be able to manage as a related service provider?

…Even if I should be involved, how do I get teachers and administrators to “buy in?”

In this episode, I share how I help school clinicians not just answer these questions, but actually get executive functioning support in place…

Even if they’re not administrators…

Without taking them away from their existing responsibilities or causing role confusion…

And, even if they don’t have “buy in” from everyone on their team that they SHOULD be involved with executive functioning.

As you listen, I invite you to consider that you MIGHT NOT need to get buy-in to start.

The buy in comes with the process because it helps to “stack” the evidence you need to gain traction along the way.

And…the reason that no one can give you a clear answer on how or what your role is because a clear framework doesn’t exist.

People don’t give you an answer because most people don’t know HOW executive functioning support should look in schools.

That’s an opportunity for YOU to define how that looks. Which you are one of the most qualified people in your building to do if you’re an SLP, social worker, psychologist, counselor, or other related service provider.

And if you do it the right way, it can save you time and get better support for students in place at the same time.

I share why that’s the case in episode 265 of De Facto Leaders.

In this episode, I mentioned my free training where I share three mistakes professionals make when supporting executive functioning (that result in prompt-dependence and dysregulation).

In this training, I cover the following:

✅ Already working on executive functioning, and not seeing results? It could be because you're NOT truly working on executive functioning, even though you think you are. Learn how to make the subtle shifts that make all the difference.

✅ Are severe behaviors preventing ANY true skill development? Learn the common mistakes school teams make (related to executive functioning) that create prompt-dependence and dysregulation, and what to do instead.

✅ Are students struggling with peers, even though you're working on social skills? I'll share why "social skills groups" rarely result in good skill-transfer, and how to shift your service-deliver model to help students self-advocate and form relationships.

✅ Not sure your team will buy-in to supporting executive functioning in classrooms? Learn the 3-part framework I teach SLPs, social workers, psychologists, counselors, and other interventionists that helps them implement building-wide executive functioning intervention, even with a huge caseload.

You can sign up for this training here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/efleadership

You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership

How to Start Coaching Faster and More Effectively

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode, I talk about how to get a faster and more effective start to coaching this year.

This podcast sponsored by:

The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here.

Summer Replay #4 - Educational Assistants in Collaborative Team Meetings

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 02:00:00 -0400

In this week's podcast, Kurtis and Lorna discuss why educational assistants are a critical voice to consider being included in collaborative team meetings and share some strategies that schools are employing to have their support staff involved.

Connected Resources:
Unlock the power of consistency in your school! In this workshop, we’ll show you how to implement Tier 1 practices that work across every classroom—ensuring every student experiences effective, high-quality instruction every day. Join US! 👉 bit.ly/refinetier1

Educational Assistant Involvement in the Collaborative Team Meeting blog - https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications/blog-posts/role-educational-assistants-collaborative-team-meeting

Observing a Collaborative Team Meeting resources - https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/observing-collaborative-team-meeting

#collaborativeresponse #collaboration #MTSS #PLC #leadership #systems #education ______________
Interested in learning MORE? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE 3 month trial.
https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

An Interview with UDL Innovative Practice Award 2026 Recipient, Paul Miller

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 06:30:00 -0400

How do institutions move Universal Design for Learning (UDL) beyond compliance and into campus culture? In this episode, Bryan Dean talks with Paul Miller about Montgomery College's UDL journey, the development of the CLEAR Framework, and what it takes to create lasting institutional change.

Paul shares practical advice for higher education leaders, explores emerging opportunities and challenges for UDL, and highlights innovative practices shaping the future of learning.

Whether you're a faculty member, administrator, instructional designer, or accessibility professional, this conversation offers inspiration and actionable ideas for advancing inclusion across higher education.

Transcript
Resources:

The CLEAR Framework: Digital Accessibility

What Actually Matters in the First 30 Days of School

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400

The first 30 days of school can make everything feel urgent, but effective leadership starts with knowing what matters first. In this episode, we’ll focus on the foundations that need your attention right away: clear behavior expectations, clarity for new teachers, and making sure staff understand the curriculum they are expected to teach.

We’ll also talk about what can wait, including interventions, MTSS, and other systems that may be better introduced once the school year is underway. Leadership by Subtraction isn’t about ignoring important work—it’s about sequencing the work so you can build a strong foundation without overwhelming yourself or your staff.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Reclaiming, Reading, and Living the Story with Dr. Valarie Lee, Dr. Marjorie Madden & Dr. Susan Browne

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode, host Erin Bailey sits down with Dr. Valerie Lee, Dr. Marjorie Madden, and Dr. Susan Browne — longtime colleagues and co-authors from Rowan University — to discuss their book Literary Life Histories: Reclaiming, Reading, and Living the Story. The three educators share how their RISP framework (Read, Interpret, Script, Perform) invites students of all ages to go beyond surface-level comprehension by embodying literary and historical characters through collaborative writing and performance. The conversation explores how life histories cultivate deep empathy (not just sympathy), support ELA and social studies standards, and create space for meaningful discussion around complex and provocative themes. The episode also touches on the power of collaborative reading, the importance of building background knowledge, and practical advice for teachers looking to reclaim authentic reading experiences in their classrooms.

About the guests:
Valarie Lee is Associate Professor of Literacy in the Department of Critical Literacy, Technology, and Multilingual Education at Rowan University, USA. With 28 years in high school and university teaching, Valarie researches adolescent literacy and lesson study. She is a co-founder of The Literacy Consortium and the Rowan University Writing Project. She serves on the RIF Early Childhood Advisory Board. Connect with her at leev@rowan.edu

Susan Browne is Professor of Literacy in the Department of Critical Literacy, Technology, and Multilingual Education at Rowan University, USA. Susan teaches reading courses and advises graduate thesis research. A former Philadelphia teacher, she researches critical pedagogies, urban education, and diverse youth literature. She co-founded the Rowan University Writing Project. She serves on the RIF Middle School Family Literacy Initiative Advisory Board. Connect with her at brownes@rowan.edu

Marjorie Madden is Associate Professor of Literacy in the Department of Critical Literacy, Technology, and Multilingual Education at Rowan University, USA. With over 40 years of experience in education, Marjories’s researches underserved students, inclusive literacy practices, and critical pedagogy. She co-founded The Literacy Consortium and the Rowan University Writing Project. She serves on the RIF Early Childhood Advisory Board. Connect with her at madden@rowan.edu

Literary Life Histories: Reclaiming Reading and Living the Story: Literary Life Histories: Reclaiming Reading and Living the Story | Springer Nature Link

RIF blog: From Reading to Performance: Reimagining Literacy with Life Histories

Summer Replay #4 - Harnessing AI to Impact Collaboration and Other Leadership Nuggets with Principal Mo

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Access a FREE webinar to transform how you plan and facilitate effective team meetings - https://bit.ly/transformteams

In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Kurtis is joined by Chrissy Beltran, better known to her instructional coaching community as “Ms. B”. Chrissy brings both practical classroom knowledge and the heart of a coach to her work, as we explore lessons learned when helping to build strong, collaborative cultures in schools and beyond.

Learn more about Chrissy Beltran at http://www.buzzingwithmsb.com and check out her podcast Instructional Coaching with Ms. B

Instructional Coaching with Ms. B podcast: Ep.224 Collaborative Team Meetings with Kurtis Hewson
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/224-collaborative-team-meetings-with-kurtis-hewson/id1496989397?i=1000700564533
---------

Access a workshop guide to ensure you are truly engaging as a team - https://bit.ly/JLgroupteam

Connect with Chrissy Beltran
Email: chrissy@buzzingwithmsb.com
X: @buzzingwithmsb
Instagram: @buzzingwithmsb
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissy-beltran-898756263/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuzzingWithMsB

Connect with Kurtis Hewson
Email: kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
X: @hewsonk27
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hewsonk27
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson

---------

Learn more about Collaborative Response https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tbgetTdAiA&t=0s

Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article
https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE
https://bit.ly/CR-intro - if interested in ordering the book, use the code JLPodcast10 to receive 10% off!

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE three month trial
https://jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab.ca

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

Music: “Culture of Collaboration” has been composed, recorded, and produced by Trent Ferguson for Building a Culture of Collaboration.

Images: Visuals included in this video not generated under agreement with Jigsaw Learning Inc. have been carefully selected under Creative Commons for their permissions.

29. James McPherson Talks Great Houses

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 12:00:00 -0700

In this episode of The Great Houses Forum, host Gregory Treat sits down with James McPherson, author of the Substack "Aegis of Zeus," a former teacher, and an edtech entrepreneur for a wide-ranging conversation rooted in the question of what gets lost when civilization loses its institutional memory. James traces his intellectual lineage from a Georgetown professor steeped in Aristotle and Hesiod, through years building boys' schools and launching STEM businesses, to his current work on AI solutions, weaving together themes of leadership, household economics, Catholic social capital, and the Zeus principle as a model for fatherhood and kingship that the modern world quietly discarded after World War I. Gregory and James explore how trusts and family legal structures mirror ancient household governance, why edtech's promise to close the achievement gap was always wishful thinking, how AI will accelerate existing hierarchies of competence rather than flatten them, and why the Ivy League's transformation from seminary-inspired formation into a prestige-signaling game represents the same kind of hollowed-out magic that runs through so much of late-stage American institutional life.

Find more of James' work here:
https://jalmcpherson.substack.com/

Find more of Gregory's work here:
https://avaloncircle.substack.com/

AI in the Courtroom: Sarah Lanier on Judgment, Ethics, and the Future of Legal Work

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 04:00:00 -0700

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Sarah Lanier, a trial attorney at the Lanier Law Firm, to explore how artificial intelligence is changing legal research, trial preparation, professional judgment, and the skills young lawyers will need moving forward.

Sarah shares how she has used AI in surprisingly practical ways—from simulating jury selection to accelerating massive document reviews—and why those use cases work best when AI is treated as an ideation and synthesis partner rather than the final decision-maker. The conversation also digs into the legal risks of hallucinated citations, unverified quotes, and over-reliance on generated content.

A central theme throughout the episode is the growing value of original human thought. Sarah explains that AI can generate options, organize evidence, and speed up preparation, but it cannot stand before a judge, exercise real professional judgment, or take responsibility for an argument. For legal educators and institutional leaders, the episode makes a strong case for teaching AI proficiency and ethics together.

The conversation ultimately offers a practical framework for responsible adoption: experiment actively, build clear review protocols, preserve independent thinking, and prepare students to use AI without surrendering the human judgment that defines the profession.

#89 Designing Global Cohorts with Travis Moyer

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 03:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth talks with Travis Moyer - Banyan Global Learning's Director of Programming - about Global Cohorts, the four-week virtual exchange program he piloted this spring with three classroom cohorts, and what happens when students design their own festivals for an international audience. Moyer has written previously about designing for flow and deep engagement in virtual classrooms, and that thinking shows up directly in how the program's activities are structured.

Together, Seth and Travis explore the origin of Global Cohorts in Banyan's 18-year partnership with Tsai Hsing School in Taipei, the recurring failure points of ad hoc classroom-to-classroom partnerships, and how running multiple cohorts in parallel solves for one partner dropping out mid-unit. They walk through the festivals unit step by step - how students share their own local festivals, study festivals from around the world, get matched with partner schools ahead of time, and eventually use AI to visualize a festival of their own design. The conversation lands on what happened when the exercise reached a cohort of Ukrainian students who'd been scattered by the war: without being prompted to, nearly every student built a festival about family and cultural preservation.

Key topics:

Global Cohorts program design and origin
Banyan's 18-year partnership with Tsai Hsing School, Taipei
Solving classroom-partnership dropout with parallel cohorts
The festivals unit: weekly structure and cadence
Using AI to visualize student-designed festivals
Ukrainian student cohort and displacement
Place-based identity themes across cohorts (Minneapolis, Calgary)

Links & Resources:

Banyan Global Cohorts program: https://www.banyangloballearning.com/programs/global-cohorts
"The Flow State and Education: Deep Focus, Engagement, and Productivity" — Banyan Global Learning blog, December 20, 2024

Guest Bio: Travis Moyer

Travis Moyer is Banyan Global Learning's Director of Programming, where he oversees new program development, including Global Cohorts. He spent over a decade as an elementary and high school science teacher in the U.S., and with Banyan has specialized in live, synchronous distance learning. He holds an M.Ed. from Pepperdine University and a B.S. in Biology from Duke University.

About the Host: Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and host of Make It Mindful. Through Banyan, he designs live virtual programs that connect K-12 classrooms to global peers and expert facilitators — building the kind of structured, human-centered learning the podcast explores.

How To Have Executive Presence: Voice Coaching w/ Sandra Bargman

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 01:00:00 -0400

What does it truly take to command a room, lead with authority, and project executive presence without putting on an artificial "mask"?

Meet Sandra Bargman!

Sandra is a seasoned voice and presence coach with over 35 years in performing arts, theater, and voiceover. She breaks down why traditional "authoritarian" leadership is dying, how soft skills like empathy and active breathing drive true authority, and why developing executive presence isn't about finding yourself—it’s about setting down what's blocking your authentic voice.

Key Takeaways

executive presence and being the loudest or most aggressive voice
emotional grounding and solid self-identity
how to regulate your nervous system in high-stakes meetings
choosing a courageous, thoughtful response instead of a knee-jerk reaction
why high-performing teams demand empathy, collaboration, and vulnerability
is the authoritarian persona and style outdated?
traveling outside yourself to "find who you are."
how to shed defense mechanisms and masks you've built up over time
actionable tools anyone can use to communicate authority effortlessly

...and so much more!

Connect with Sandra:

Sandra Bargman's Website: sandrabargman.com
Book a Consultation / Magic Thread Media: magicthreadmedia.com
Sandra's Podcast: The Edge of Everyday Podcast (Streaming on all major platforms)
YouTube: Sandra Bargman on The Edge of Everyday

Listen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-have-executive-presence-voice-coaching-w-sandra/id1614151066?i=1000781371307
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1MPWlv1AbVroFsrvBCmHRX?si=EDxs1an7RDu-m7wm1TL28g
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1MPWlv1AbVroFsrvBCmHRX
YouTube: https://youtu.be/hpR50dBjntw

When People Struggle, the System Is Speaking with Eric Rowe and Locha Brooks

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Eric Rowe and Locha Brooks explore why many of the challenges schools attribute to students, teachers, or leaders may actually originate within the systems that shape their experiences. Rather than focusing on fixing people, the conversation examines how assumptions, structures, and processes influence behavior, decision-making, and organizational outcomes.

Together, they discuss why meaningful improvement begins by understanding the system behind a problem, how leaders can become better listeners before becoming problem solvers, and why asking better questions may be the most important step toward lasting change.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Building in Public: A Big Podcasting Day and Spokane Fire Relief

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 19:33:33 -0700

Summary

Today was a big podcasting day, with updates about the BE Podcast Network and its search for new hosts. Jethro also shares an update from Spokane, where wildfires have displaced about 650 people, and highlights Matt Brunner's Fire Relief effort connecting people displaced from their homes with people who can help.

Chapters

00:00 — A big day of podcasting
00:08 — The BE Podcast Network and new hosts
00:33 — Spokane wildfires and Fire Relief
00:51 — Connecting displaced people with help
01:09 — A call for help and prayers
01:16 — Wrap-up

Show Notes

Project Spokane Fire Relief: https://projectspokane.com/fire-relief

Transcript

The full transcript is included with this episode.

Ep. 124: I'M BACK BABY! 5 habits I think every kid needs

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:00:00 GMT

I'm back yall! After almost 2 years of not recording a single episode, I am back at the mic! Today I lay down 5 habits I think every kid needs right now.

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AI Doesn't Reduce the Work, It Moves the Work

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:38:04 -0700

Summary

Jethro shares a quick August 5 update after a full day of client conversations and podcast interviews. He also explains the idea behind his new long-form video: AI does not make the work disappear; it moves the work into judgment, orchestration, verification, and getting ideas into the world.

The episode closes with a reminder to check out My Bonus Money, including the conversation with Dan Ye about investing.

Chapters

0:00 - A big day of client work and interviews
0:15 - AI moves the work
0:22 - A 22-minute long-form video
0:44 - My Bonus Money and investing with Dan Ye
0:56 - Closing the August 5 update

Show Notes

Watch the long-form video: AI Does Not Reduce Work - It Moves the Work
My Bonus Money: https://mybonusmoney.com
The episode mentions Jethro's conversation with Dan Ye about investing.

Six Brands Every Catholic School Leader Should Study

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 15:30:23 -0400

Six Brands Every Catholic School Leader Should Study

Host: John Mihalyo

Every day, families walk through your doors already trained by six companies to expect something incredible, and they don't even realize it.

In this episode, John looks at Apple, Amazon, Nike, Southwest, Disney, and Chick-fil-A, six brands that have earned a level of trust and loyalty most organizations only dream of, and asks the question every Catholic school leader should be asking: what would it look like if we did the same thing our way, rooted in our mission and our faith?

From Apple's gift for building anticipation to Amazon's obsession with removing friction, from Nike's unmistakable identity to Southwest's 47 years of profitability built on culture, from Disney's intentional design of every single detail to Chick-fil-A's hospitality that never apologizes for what it stands for, each company has something to teach us. John breaks down what each one does well and what the Catholic school version of that could actually look like in your building this year.

The bigger point, though, is that recruitment and culture were never just one person's job. Your front desk, your cleaning team, your teachers at pickup, all of them are shaping the experience a family remembers. John leaves you with one challenge: pick the thing from this episode that made you a little uncomfortable, and change it this month.

LINKS AND RESOURCES

Connect with John Mihalyo!
If you want help turning any of these ideas into something real for your school, reach out at elementaryadvancement.com

If this episode got you thinking, send it to another Catholic school leader who could use a fresh way of looking at their building this week.

Learn more about today's sponsor, Renaissance:

Win Dan Ye's Money: A Lecturer's $10,000 Challenge to Beat the Market

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:01:45 -0700

Summary

What would you do if a lecturer challenged his students to beat his investment performance by 20%? In this episode, Jethro talks with Dan Ye about "Win Dan Ye's Money," a classroom investing challenge that turns portfolio performance into a real-world lesson. Dan explains how the challenge works, why real-money investing changes risk tolerance, and what he learns from students who uncover signals before Wall Street does.

The conversation then looks at investing in the age of artificial intelligence: why Dan discourages day trading, how the class studies emerging technologies and human behavior, and how the "picks and shovels" approach can help investors think about the infrastructure behind new trends. Dan also shares how listeners can join his open Zoom class.

Chapters

0:00 — Welcome to My Bonus Money
0:35 — The $10,000 investing challenge
3:51 — What changes when students invest real money
5:13 — Finding market insight on the front lines
8:21 — Social arbitrage and signals Wall Street misses
9:30 — Why financial education matters
12:58 — How to join the open investing class
14:18 — Investing in the age of artificial intelligence
15:58 — Reading human behavior and the future
19:05 — The picks-and-shovels approach to emerging tech
22:34 — Scholarships, diversification, and the challenge to beat Dan

Show Notes

Guest: Dan Ye, lecturer and investor
Learn more and sign up for the class: https://professordanye.com/
The class explores portfolio performance, emerging technology, human behavior, and long-term investing.
Dan's challenge: beat his returns by 20% with a diversified portfolio, with rewards available for qualifying participants.
This episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Do your own research and consult a qualified professional before making investment decisions.

From the Archives: Teach FAST with Gene Tavernetti

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Everyone says one of the most effective ways to teach new content is by using explicit instruction. But fewer teachers than you might think can deliver an effective explicit instruction lesson. Dr. Tavernetti wrote Teach FAST to help remedy that situation and help guide teachers to more effective explicit instruction lesson.

In this episode Gene lists and explains the differences between this book and other books on explicit instruction.

Andrew Bixler, a friend and colleague of Gene Tavernetti, turns the tables and interviews Gene about his book Teach FAST: Focused Adaptable Structured Teaching.

Get Teach FAST here.

This podcast sponsored by:

The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here.

Summer Replay #5 - Navigating the "I Tried That" Trap Through Intentionally Layered Teams at Grimshaw Public School

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Looking to learn more and get started with a powerful meeting structure that will transform your school’s MTSS efforts? Access the Collaborative Team Meeting Starter Kit at https://bit.ly/ctmstarter

5 considerations for every school trying to take their school support teams to the next level because the School Support Team is critical and how that team is organized. The workshop that will help you coordinate and optimize support beyond the classroom bit.ly/5sstmeetings

In this episode of Leading Collaborative Response, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by Jessica Shaw, principal of Grimshaw Public School in the Peace River School Division. In their conversation, the threesome dives into the amazing work her school has done to establish a robust Collaborative Response and how it has transformed conversations and perspectives for staff teams.

Access a copy of Grimshaw Public’s School Support Team Meeting Notes Template - https://drive.google.com/file/d/11rMXr36qVpW8DMvthhBiEjuFXTjb4EV_/view?usp=sharing

---------

Connect with Jessica Shaw
Email: shawj@prsd.ab.ca

Connect with Kurtis Hewson
Email: kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
X: @hewsonk27
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hewsonk27
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson

Connect with Lorna Hewson
Email: lorna.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
X: @LornaHewson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorna-hewson-713a59104

---------

Learn more about Collaborative Response https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tbgetTdAiA&t=0s

Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article
https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE
https://bit.ly/CR-intro - if interested in ordering the book, use the code JLPodcast10 to receive 10% off!

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE three month trial
https://jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab.ca

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

Music: “Leading Collaborative Response” has been composed, recorded, and produced by Trent Ferguson for Leading Collaborative Response.

Images: Visuals included in this video not generated under agreement with Jigsaw Learning Inc. have been carefully selected under Creative Commons for their permissions.

Building in Public: Animal Escape Hits TestFlight

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 20:00:00 -0700

Summary

Jethro shares an August 4 building-in-public update: an AI-assisted story video is finished, Animal Escape has reached TestFlight, client and workshop work moved forward, and AI helped make a 26-family DocuSeal signature process more accurate. He also reflects on the limits of unattended agent workflows after a frustrating day trying to keep a Claude-led gauntlet loop on task.

The episode closes with an invitation to try Animal Escape through TestFlight.

Chapters

0:00 - Building in public on August 4
0:13 - An AI-assisted product story video
0:26 - Animal Escape reaches TestFlight
0:47 - Client work and Building a Second Brain invitations
1:28 - Using AI to improve 26-family DocuSeal signatures
2:21 - Why the Claude-led gauntlet loop is hard to trust
4:10 - Google's Antigravity completes the video task
4:26 - Try Animal Escape on TestFlight

Show Notes

Try Animal Escape on TestFlight
Jethro mentions client AI work, Building a Second Brain, DocuSeal, and the challenge of making multi-agent development reliable.

Don Wettrick - STARTedUP Foundation

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 06:30:00 -0500

Real innovation begins when teachers and students stop just talking and start doing. Don Wettrick (STARTedUP Foundation) reveals how entrepreneurial thinking, AI, and real-world problem-solving are transforming high schools—and why most educators are just scratching the surface.

In this candid conversation, Don shares why he stepped down from his CEO role to focus on inspiring teachers and students directly. He explains how the quality of student pitches has evolved—and how AI tools can both hype mediocrity and push talented students to even greater heights. Discover how students who once pitched imaginary ideas are now solving real problems, building companies, and even getting accepted into Y Combinator, all before graduation.

You'll uncover:
- Why the best entrepreneurs are the ones who embrace rejection and keep trying
- How to differentiate between being busy and truly productive as a founder or educator
- The importance of storytelling in building momentum and community
- How grassroots movements and local partnerships accelerate change
- Why teacher support and school culture are critical to nurturing innovative habits

This episode dives deep into the challenges and opportunities of modern education—showing that the future belongs to those willing to disrupt the factory model. Whether you're a teacher, school leader, parent, or student, you’ll learn practical ways to foster entrepreneurial spirit that prepares youth for careers as problem solvers, creators, and leaders.

Don Wettrick is an education innovator and founder of the Started Up Foundation, known for creating high-impact programs that encourage students to see challenges as opportunities. His work has transformed classrooms nationwide, empowering young entrepreneurs to think bigger and act faster.

Perfect for educators hungry to reimagine their classrooms, entrepreneurs seeking fresh talent, or anyone passionate about how real change happens—from the ground up. Listen now and discover how to turn social media sparks, startup challenges, and even AI hype into powerful opportunities for growth and impact.

Will you lead the next wave of educational innovation? Tune in to find out.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Designing Inclusive Assessments That Work for Every Learner

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 06:30:00 -0400

What does it take to make assessments more accessible, inclusive, and fair? In this episode, CAST speaks with Carnegie Learning about their journey to embedding accessibility and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) into assessment design. Together, they explore how a partnership centered on learner variability has transformed product development, strengthened access for all learners, and helped reimagine what equitable assessment can look like.

Transcript

Resources

Carnegie Learning
Upgrade Platform
CarnegieLearningWeb/UpGrade on GitHub
@carnegielearning on Instagram
Carnegie Learning on LinkedIn
@carnegie.learning on TikTok
Carnegie Learning on YouTube
@carnegielearn on X

How to Make This School Year Sustainable (Instead of Just Surviving It)

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Too many principals spend the school year just trying to survive. In this episode, you'll learn four practical strategies to make your leadership more sustainable by simplifying your work, protecting your time, building a life outside of school, and growing your confidence. If you're tired of constantly feeling overwhelmed, this episode will help you focus on what matters most so you can lead with more clarity, energy, and purpose all year long.

Highly Recommended
Free workshop: From Self-Doubt to Confidence
The 8 to 4 Principal
The Discipline Toolkit

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Toddlers Can Read with Spencer Russell

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode, host Dr. Erin Bailey sits down with Spencer Russell, founder of Toddlers Can Read, to discuss his journey from a struggling reader to a literacy advocate and educator. Spencer shares how his own challenges with reading as a child shaped his mission to empower parents as the most powerful — yet underutilized — tool in fighting illiteracy.

About Spencer Russell:
Spencer Russell is an award-winning early literacy educator, former kindergarten and first-grade teacher, and founder of Toddlers CAN Read, a science of reading–based program that helps parents teach their young children to read at home. After spending six years teaching in the classroom and three years coaching educators, he created Toddlers CAN Read to make evidence-based reading instruction accessible to families through simple, practical lessons. Spencer's work has reached tens of thousands of families, and he is a sought-after speaker on early literacy and family engagement. His mission is to empower parents with the confidence and tools to help every child become a joyful, successful reader.

@toddlerscanread

Toddlers Can Read: About – Toddlers Can Read

Skybrary: Children’s Reading App for Kids Pre-K through Grade 3 | Skybrary

Summer Replay #5 - Why Focusing on Intentional Habits is Critical for Purposeful Collaboration with Ms. B

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Access a FREE webinar to transform how you plan and facilitate effective team meetings - https://bit.ly/transformteams

Learn more about Chrissy Beltran at http://www.buzzingwithmsb.com and check out her podcast Instructional Coaching with Ms. B

Access a workshop guide to ensure you are truly engaging as a team - https://bit.ly/JLgroupteam

Connect with Kurtis Hewson
Email: kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
X: @hewsonk27
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hewsonk27
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson

---------

Learn more about Collaborative Response https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tbgetTdAiA&t=0s

Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article
https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE
https://bit.ly/CR-intro - if interested in ordering the book, use the code JLPodcast10 to receive 10% off!

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE three month trial
https://jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab.ca

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

Music: “Culture of Collaboration” has been composed, recorded, and produced by Trent Ferguson for Building a Culture of Collaboration.

Images: Visuals included in this video not generated under agreement with Jigsaw Learning Inc. have been carefully selected under Creative Commons for their permissions.

28. Will Tanner Talks Great Houses

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 08:30:00 -0700

Gregory Treat interviews Will Tanner about rebuilding “great houses” and why asset ownership matters more than wage income, using late-17th-century Virginia yeomen and planter society as a model of adaptation and competence. Tanner outlines a Virginia-style cursus honorum, from plantation management to unpaid church and county roles to the House of Burgesses, as a system for cultivating leadership, public virtue, and second- and third-order thinking. They contrast aristocracy with plutocracy and discuss how AI and emerging technologies may reward cross-domain “builders,” long-term legacy planning, and localized power.

#86 You Already Agreed to This: Digital Accessibility as Civil Rights with Ray Rose

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 03:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, Seth Fleischauer and Allyson Mitchell talk with Raymond Rose - President of Rose & Smith Associates and Public Policy Chair at the Texas Digital Learning Association- about what digital accessibility actually requires of educational institutions, and what it means to be out of compliance with an agreement you've already signed. Rose came to this work through civil rights enforcement, not ed tech, and it shows in how he frames the problem. For most institutions, the legal commitment to full accessibility is already on record. The question is whether anyone knows it.

Together, the hosts and Raymond explore the Office of Civil Rights' operational definition of accessibility - same information, same interactions, same time frame - and why the "same time frame" clause changes what compliance actually looks like in practice. They work through the most common failures in online courses: PDFs that are images rather than readable text, missing alt text on graphics, videos without adequate captions, and data tables used for layout. Raymond explains why Universal Design for Learning is the right design framework for all learners - not just those with identified disabilities - and points to a simple test: 25% of males have some form of colorblindness, and roughly half your audience is already using closed captioning on their television. The episode also covers how to ask vendors for a VPAT before purchasing third-party tools, where automatic captioning still falls short, and what shifts when the students are K-12. The episode closes with Raymond making the case that most institutions are not deliberately ignoring accessibility - they just haven't been told they were already responsible for it.

Key topics

Digital accessibility as a civil rights obligation under Section 504 and ADA
The OCR definition: same information, same interactions, same time frame
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) — the three components and why it benefits all learners
Common compliance failures: PDFs, alt text, captioning, color contrast, data tables
How automatic captioning has improved and where it still falls short
VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) and how to vet third-party vendors
The 504 coordinator gap: most schools have never trained this role for the web context
K-12 vs. higher ed: where the compliance pressure sits and why K-12 has been slower

Links & Resources

WAVE Accessibility Checker — free tool for identifying accessibility errors on any website. wave.webaim.org
CAST — Universal Design for Learning — the national headquarters for UDL frameworks and resources. cast.org
TxDLA Digital Accessibility Course — Texas Digital Learning Association's multi-session course on digital accessibility. txdla.org
Quality Matters — standards and training for quality online course design. qualitymatters.org
National Standards for Quality Online Programs — Aurora Institute. https://www.aurora-institute.org/wp-content/uploads/national-standards-for-quality-online-programs.pdf
Rose, R. & Blomeyer, R. (2007). Access and Equity in Online Classes and Virtual Schools. iNACOL / Aurora Institute. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED509623.pdf
Rose, R. (2014). Access and Equity for All Learners in Blended and Online Education. Aurora Institute (formerly iNACOL). aurora-institute.org
Raymond Rose's blog — e-Learning Evangelist rmrose.blogspot.com

Guest Bio: Raymond Rose

Raymond Rose is President of Rose & Smith Associates and serves as Public Policy Chair and Digital Accessibility Liaison at the Texas Digital Learning Association (TxDLA). He co-directed the Virtual High School at the Concord Consortium - one of the first large-scale K-12 online programs in the country - and wrote the nation's first virtual school Special Education Policy. For two decades he has focused on digital accessibility as a civil rights obligation for K-12 and higher education, working with institutions, policymakers, and federal funders on what compliance actually requires. He was inducted into the TxDLA Hall of Fame in 2026.

About the Hosts

Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and host of Why Distance Learning. Through Banyan, he designs live virtual programs that connect K-12 classrooms to global peers and expert facilitators - building the kind of structured, human-centered distance learning the podcast explores. See https://www.banyangloballearning.com/programs/global-cohorts

Allyson Mitchell works with CILC, the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration, to help educators implement high-quality live virtual learning experiences across grade levels. Discover more at CILC.org.

What Is Mental Health? Busting Myths w/ Bryan Gastelle PsyD

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 01:00:00 -0400

What do we get so wrong about mental health?

Meet Bryan Gastelle, PsyD!

Dr. Bryan Gastelle is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the founder of Empower Psychotherapy. Licensed in Arizona, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas, he brings a direct and collaborative approach to mental health care. Dr. Gastelle specializes in evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, and ACT to support individuals and couples navigating trauma, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, remote therapy to empower each client’s unique healing journey.

Bryan also delves deep into adult ADHD diagnostic testing, why "narcissist" has become the most overused label in relationships, and actionable tools to rebuild communication with your partner before it’s too late.

Key Episode Takeaways

The Burnout Paradox: what really causes burnout
Adult ADHD vs. Common Stereotypes: how adults mask ADHD
The "Narcissist" Myth: why we throw labels around
Primary vs. Reactive Communication: what really goes on with us emotionally
Telehealth vs. In-Person Care: the pros and cons of each

...and so much more!

Connect with Bryan:

Website: EmpowerMyTherapy.com
(Book a free 20-minute consultation or access free mental health guides)

Listen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-truth-about-mental-health-busting-myths-w-bryan/id1614151066?i=1000779629654
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/45Wezy52k5RG5Wzf2iPOkg?si=p7wRi_JkRGGNkc9pGBLwKg
https://open.spotify.com/episode/45Wezy52k5RG5Wzf2iPOkg
YouTube: https://youtu.be/I40uA4M5yWo?si=87x5SyaMB4q33SzP

ISTE 2026: Hugging Porcupines with Mike Anderson

Sun, 02 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700

At ISTE 2026, Jethro Jones sits down with Mike Anderson to discuss his new book, Hugging Porcupines: Practical Strategies for Supporting Kids Who Struggle with Behavior in School. They explore why some students disengage, resist connection, and act out — and how teachers can respond with strategies built on the "three-legged stool" of academic engagement, respectful discipline, and positive relationships. The conversation covers building classroom rules collaboratively, the difference between consequences and punishments, and why problem-solving conferences (not just sending kids to the office) are key to real behavior change.

We’re proud to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Solving Software Problems by Voice After LASIK

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 21:08:23 -0700

Summary

Jethro shares a productive August 1 update after a LASIK follow-up left him mostly unable to use his eyes. A voice agent on his computer was not perfect, but it was good enough to help him keep moving and get real work done.

He also walks through a production problem in P-Day Emails: oversized photo attachments were causing repeated delivery failures, and the lack of error feedback made the experience confusing. With Codex, he improved the flow so photos, attachments, and shared Google Photos albums can be handled more gracefully, with clearer delivery summaries for users. The day wraps with worker-agent experiments for cheaper bounded tasks and an iPhone game moving toward TestFlight.

Chapters

0:00 - Welcome and August 1 update
0:09 - Recovering from a LASIK follow-up
0:18 - Using a voice agent when screens were hard to use
0:59 - Debugging oversized email photo attachments
1:30 - Fixing the delivery pipeline with Codex
1:51 - Improving error reporting and sender feedback
2:05 - Making attachments, embedded photos, and links all work
2:30 - Delivery summaries and future attachment exports
3:15 - Creating cheaper worker agents for bounded tasks
3:59 - Why software problem-solving feels fun
4:40 - Resting Sunday and iPhone game TestFlight progress

Show Notes

Voice agents can be useful even before they are perfect, especially when normal computer use is temporarily hard.
The P-Day Emails fix focused on oversized photo attachments, Google Photos album links, clearer delivery feedback, and better handling of media.
Jethro is experimenting with bounded worker agents to save tokens and improve handoffs.
The iPhone game is still in progress and moving toward TestFlight.

Uncover History - Steeples of Liberty

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 15:57:22 -0400

What was the grand bargain of 1738 that birthed religious liberty in small Shenandoah Valley town?

Checking in on the HashTags!

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Most educators and tech enthusiasts overlook the hidden chaos brewing behind the scenes of our schools — and the stakes couldn’t be higher. From AI missteps to robot classroom aides gone wrong, this episode pulls back the curtain on the wild, unpredictable future of education technology. If you think the classroom chaos of today is intense, wait until you hear about the bizarre AI failures, educator burnout, and state-level battles over robotic teachers that could redefine how our kids learn or fail to learn in the coming years.

In this episode, we uncover the latest buzz on AI policies sweeping across states like Ohio, where mandates force districts to develop formal AI guidelines. We explore shocking real-world AI mishaps, like students accidentally generating inappropriate images using school software, and discuss whether these are teachable moments or just headlines begging for regulation. You'll discover how the push for robotic tutors, like the humanoid avatars slated for high schools, is meeting fierce public and political pushback, revealing a deep unease with relying on machines for human interaction.

But it’s not just about the tech; we break down the burnout epidemic racing through your schools, fueled by endless demands, staffing shortages, and the overwhelming responsibilities placed on teachers. You'll learn why districts are juggling special needs students without adequate support, why educator disillusionment is soaring, and what it all means for the future of classroom learning. Plus, get insights on how social media hashtags reveal a clear snapshot of the real trending issues—teacher burnout, AI missteps, and the ever-present fight over funding.

Why does this matter? Because ignoring these warning signs risks creating a generation of students disconnected from their teachers, while over-reliance on AI and robots could erode the core human relationship integral to education. The broader landscape is shifting rapidly, with regulations, budgets, and tech innovations all vying for control. If you’re an educator, parent, or policymaker, understanding these behind-the-scenes threats and opportunities is your best shot at shaping a smarter, safer future for learning.

This episode is essential listening for anyone passionate about education’s future—whether you’re in the classroom, a district leader, or simply curious about how technology will shape our schools. Join us as we explore the chaos, challenges, and opportunities lurking just beneath the surface of today’s education system. Don't miss the insights that could help you navigate, and perhaps even influence, the next era of teaching and learning. Visit: EduTechGuys.com

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

When Success Becomes a Mask

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 04:44:00 -0600

What if the greatest obstacle to your leadership isn't a lack of knowledge or experience—but the mask you've learned to wear?

In this episode of The Humility Advantage Podcast, we explore Chapter 2: The Cost of the Mask from Dr. J. Alexander's book, The Humility Advantage. Together, we examine why so many capable leaders feel the pressure to appear strong, flawless, and always in control, and how that constant performance can quietly undermine trust, connection, and personal growth.

Join us as we discuss the hidden cost of self-protection, the impact of imposter syndrome, and why authentic leadership begins when we have the courage to let go of perfection and lead with humility.

Whether you're an executive, entrepreneur, educator, or emerging leader, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what true leadership looks like—and inspire you to lead with greater authenticity, confidence, and purpose.

📖 Ready to go deeper? Get your copy of The Humility Advantage at www.excelerateyoucoaching.com and continue your journey toward becoming the kind of leader people trust, respect, and choose to follow.

EdTech Isn't the Innovation with Chris Dede

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Dr. Chris Dede, Senior Research Fellow at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, challenges one of the most common assumptions schools make when evaluating educational technology. Rather than starting with AI or the latest product, he argues that leaders should first identify the learning experiences they want students to have—and only then determine whether technology has a meaningful role to play.

The conversation explores why so many edtech implementations fall short, how learning science should guide technology decisions, what it means to use technology to "do better things" rather than simply do existing things more efficiently, and how school leaders can build a more thoughtful framework for choosing and implementing educational technology.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Let's Talk Books - Voices of Reason: Lessons from Liberty's Leaders. A Conversation with author Robert Begley

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0700

Let's Talk Books - Voices of Reason: Lessons from Liberty's Leaders.

A Conversation with author Robert Begley

Great leaders aren't just good communicators—they're people whose words reflect their character.

In this episode, Thomas sits down with communication coach and author Robert Begley to discuss Voices of Reason: Lessons from Liberty's Leaders. Drawing from some of history's most influential speeches, Robert shares practical lessons that can help educators, school leaders, and students become more confident, ethical, and persuasive communicators.

Together they explore:

Why communication begins with character, not charisma
How great speakers combine credibility, logic, and emotion
Practical ways to overcome the fear of speaking in front of others
Why schools should intentionally teach students how to think, speak, and listen well
How effective communication builds trust, strengthens leadership, and helps people speak with courage when it matters most

Whether you're leading a faculty meeting, teaching a classroom, or helping students find their voice, this conversation offers timeless principles for communicating with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Robert Begley - Most speakers talk. Few connect. Even fewer move people to act. At Speaking With Purpose LLC, I help executives, entrepreneurs, and rising leaders transform their communication so they both inform and influence. Whether you’re in a boardroom, on a stage, or pitching investors, your message needs to land with clarity, stick emotionally, and inspire change.

I’ve coached NYPD officers aiming for promotion, immigrants telling their freedom story, and CEOs selling big ideas to tough rooms. In each case, we didn’t just “polish” a talk—we built a message that commands the room and cements leadership as part of their identity. If you’re an expert who’s tired of being overlooked because your message doesn’t come across as confidently as your ideas deserve. Let’s change that. Ready to lead with your voice? Let’s speak with purpose.

https://www.speakingwithpurpose.llc/

https://rbegley.substack.com/

If you want to see how the lessons of this book can influence your school, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together

The In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team.

Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team.

Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible.

Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com

Building an iPhone Game With AI Agents

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 22:03:22 -0700

Summary

Jethro shares today's build-in-public update: testing a "gauntlet loop" approach for AI-assisted game development after hearing about similar workflows being used to create Call of Duty-style projects. He started the project in Claude Code, hit token limits, and then moved work over to Grok and Codex subagents to keep the build moving.

The big takeaway is that AI coding is powerful, but it still is not truly hands-off. Even with a PRD and a hoped-for one-shot workflow, the process required repeated check-ins, course correction, and supervision. The game is now running in the simulator, with the next step being a real-device test on Jethro's phone.

Chapters

0:00 — Starting a gauntlet-loop app build
0:17 — Running into Claude token limits
0:31 — Switching to Grok and Codex subagents
0:53 — Why one-shot AI coding still needs supervision
1:28 — Keeping the AI responsible for the changes
1:58 — Simulator success and next device test

Show Notes

Project: AI-assisted iPhone and iPad game build
Tools mentioned: Claude Code, Grok, Codex, subagents
Key lesson: A detailed PRD helps, but AI coding still needs active oversight
Next step: Install and test the game on a real phone

Working on "regulation", but seeing students get more dysregulated? Here's why that's happening.

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0700

Many school teams AREN’T actually working on executive functioning when they think they are.

As a result, they’re being more flexible and accommodating than ever, giving students a chance to process after behavioral escalations…

Yet they’re seeing students continue to be dysregulated. In some cases, it’s getting worse.
The same thing goes for helping kids stay organized and manage work.

Kids refuse to use organizers and lists, forget to use them when it’s relevant, or require a ton of adult prompting when they actually ARE using them.

In my free training, I share why these things happen. This free training, which I’ve recently updated, is called “How to Be Evidence-Based and Neurodiversity-Affirming With Executive Functioning Support”.
In the training, I cover three common mistakes school teams make when implementing “executive functioning interventions”.

In episode 264 of De Facto Leaders, I share two of those three mistakes.

When you listen to this episode, you’ll discover:

✅ Why students sometimes seem MORE dysregulated when asked to talk about melt downs or why they made a poor choice.
✅ The relationship between executive dysfunction, anxiety, and time perception.
✅ Why students aren’t more organized, even though you’ve giving them organizing tools like lists and planners

Plus, I share two case studies, including:
✅ The student who was melting down during passing period, and why giving him more time to process his feelings was the last thing he needed (and how we supported him)
✅ The student who could make himself throw up whenever we asked him to do a non-preferred task who became MORE distrustful of adults the more flexible we were.

In this episode, I mentioned my free training where I share three mistakes professionals make when supporting executive functioning (that result in prompt-dependence and dysregulation).

In this training, I cover the following:
✅ Already working on executive functioning, and not seeing results? It could be because you're NOT truly working on executive functioning, even though you think you are. Learn how to make the subtle shifts that make all the difference.
✅ Are severe behaviors preventing ANY true skill development? Learn the common mistakes school teams make (related to executive functioning) that create prompt-dependence and dysregulation, and what to do instead.
✅ Are students struggling with peers, even though you're working on social skills? I'll share why "social skills groups" rarely result in good skill-transfer, and how to shift your service-deliver model to help students self-advocate and form relationships.
✅ Not sure your team will buy-in to supporting executive functioning in classrooms? Learn the 3-part framework I teach SLPs, social workers, psychologists, counselors, and other interventionists that helps them implement building-wide executive functioning intervention, even with a huge caseload.

You can sign up for this training here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/efleadership

You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership

Show Your Work with Beth Hawks

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:41:00 -0700

Beth Hawks talks about her new book, Show Your Work: Teaching Smarter with the Science of Learning as well as her professional path to the Science of Learning and how she utilized it in her teaching.

This podcast sponsored by:

The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here.

Summer Replay #6 - Accessing All Voices in Collaborative Team Meetings

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 02:00:00 -0400

In this week's podcast, Kurtis and Lorna engage in a discussion about why all voices need to be accessed in the collaborative team meeting and provide some practical strategies for how to bring forth all voices to increase engagement and develop high levels of psychological safety for teams.

Connected Resources:
If you’re ready to lead collaborative meetings that actually drive change, get the tools, strategies, and structures to transform your team meetings from routine discussions into powerful problem-solving sessions. Enroll in NOW!
👉 bit.ly/facilitatectm

Building a Culture of Collaboration podcast - How to Bring in EVERY VOICE in Your Team Meetings - https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications/blog-posts/how-bring-every-voice-your-team-meetings-ep-10

Examining the Collaborative Team Meeting blog series - https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications/blog-posts/27-ideas-going-deeper-collaborative-team-meetings
___________________
Interested in learning MORE? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE 3 month trial.
https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

Education Talk Radio’s Conversation about UDL: Accessibility by Design with CAST's Christine Fox & Niel Albero

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 06:30:00 -0400

We're excited to share an episode that was originally published on EduTalk Radio. CAST's Christine Fox, Chief Growth & Innovation Officer, and Niel Albero, Professional Learning Specialist, spoke with host David Cicero to explore Universal Design for Learning (UDL)—a framework that encourages educators to proactively design learning environments that embrace learner variability, reduce barriers, and build student agency.

Christine and Niel also share details about UDL-Con Live Online, taking place July 21–22, where educators, leaders, researchers, and innovators from around the world will come together to explore Universal Design for Learning in practice. Learn more at udlcon.cast.org.

The Learning Experience and EduTalk Radio are both part of the Be Podcast Network. Learn about more great shows for educators and subscribe at bepodcastnetwork.com

Transcript

Resources

Subtracting the Noise as a Principal

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode, you'll learn the first principle of Leadership by Subtraction: subtract the noise. As a principal, it's easy to feel like every email, interruption, parent concern, and staff request deserves your immediate attention, but not everything is urgent or important. This episode explores how constant reacting keeps school leaders from focusing on the work that has the greatest impact and shares three simple questions to help you filter out distractions, protect your time, and lead with greater clarity and purpose.

Join the group coaching program Leadership by Subtraction HERE.

Get the Leadership by Subtraction Starter Kit HERE.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Race to Kindness with Orion Jean

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0700

At just 15, Orion Jean — TIME's 2021 Kid of the Year and founder of Race to Kindness — joins Dr. Erin Bailey to discuss how a fourth-grade kindness speech contest sparked a movement that's grown into initiatives distributing toys, meals, and over 500,000 books. Orion shares the origins of his nonprofit, his current Race to One Million Acts of Kindness campaign, and lessons on leadership drawn from his books "Race to Kindness" and "A Kids Book About Leadership" — including the idea that quiet, everyday acts of leadership matter as much as being out front. The conversation turns to literacy, where Orion reflects on how reading built his empathy and worldview, why book access (and closing "book deserts") is so critical, and the joy of watching kids' faces light up at free book fairs. He closes by encouraging listeners that anyone, at any age, can create meaningful change — as long as they find the right community to race alongside.

About Orion Jean:
Orion Jean is a youth philanthropist, author, speaker, and founder of the Race to Kindness movement. Best known as TIME’s 2021 Kid of the Year, Orion has inspired millions through his message that anyone can make a difference through simple acts of kindness. His service initiative has provided more than 100,000 meals to families in need, donated over 500,000 books to children, and distributed hundreds of toys to hospitalized children and underserved communities. Through his Race to Kindness campaign, Orion encourages people of all ages to become changemakers by identifying needs in their communities and taking action to help others. He is the author of the children’s picture book Race to Kindness and A Kids Book About Leadership, which empower young readers to lead with compassion, courage, and purpose. As a sought-after speaker, Orion shares his belief that kindness is a powerful force for change and reminds audiences everywhere that when we race to kindness, everybody wins.

Race to 1 Million Acts | Race to Kindness

Orion’s summer read: Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins amazon.com/Sunrise-Reaping-Hunger-Games-Novel/dp/1546171460

Summer Replay #6 - The Importance of Systems When Supporting Effective Collaboration with Hunter Flesch - Ep 42

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Don’t let your next meeting feel like it should’ve been an email FREE Webinar - 10 Considerations To Transform Your Team Meetings
bit.ly/transformteams

Access a FREE webinar to learn about 5 mistakes leaders make when organizing data for teams…and how to correct those mistakes - https://bit.ly/5mistakesdata

In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by Hunter Flesch, an Associate Principal in Des Moines, Iowa, and the host of The Ed Essentials Podcast. They discuss practical strategies that foster collaboration, improve instructional practices, and enhance school-wide systems.

Learn more about Hunter Flesch at www.edessentials.net

---------

Connect with Hunter Flesch
Email: edessentials.network@gmail.com
X: @edessentials_
Instagram: @edessentials_
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-flesch-669a36122/
Facebook: @edessentialscollection

Connect with Kurtis Hewson
Email kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
X @hewsonk27
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hewsonk27
LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson

Connect with Lorna Hewson
Email lorna.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
X @LornaHewson
Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorna-hewson-713a59104

---------

Learn more about Collaborative Response https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tbgetTdAiA&t=0s

Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article
https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE
https://bit.ly/CR-intro - if interested in ordering the book, use the code JLPodcast10 to receive 10% off!

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial
https://jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab.ca

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

Music: “Culture of Collaboration” has been composed, recorded, and produced by Trent Ferguson for Building a Culture of Collaboration.

Images: Visuals included in this video not generated under agreement with Jigsaw Learning Inc. have been carefully selected under Creative Commons for their permissions.

I Replaced My Virtual Assistant With AI Agents

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 20:14:55 -0700

Summary

Build in Public Daily is back, and the shape of it is changing. Jethro talks through a full day of building Optimization Doc, using OpenClaw and Hermes agents to log and execute work, and the strange shift from hiring a virtual assistant to having AI assistants generate hundreds of lines of daily work history.

This first revived episode covers the Ryan Ray AI brain conversation, a Thinkering Collective partnership opportunity, updates to jethrojones.com, the new What I Built Today process, faceless TikTok automation ideas, and the early positioning for GrantMemory and Scholar Second Brain.

Chapters

0:00 - Restarting Build in Public Daily
0:32 - Daily logging, AI agents, and 646 lines of work
1:40 - Virtual assistants vs. AI assistants
2:14 - Ryan Ray and an AI brain vault prompt
2:59 - Thinkering Collective and podcast network opportunities
3:23 - AI disclosure and the What I Built Today process
4:09 - TikTok automation, GrantMemory, and Scholar Second Brain
4:55 - A full day of building and token usage

Show Notes

Optimization Doc is Jethro's new business focused on helping companies improve operations with AI automation.
OpenClaw and Hermes are doing meaningful background work: scripts, jobs, logging, and task execution.
Jethro reflects on the difference between hiring a virtual assistant and building AI assistants that can actually keep up with his operating system.
The Ryan Ray conversation led to a custom AI brain vault prompt based on how Jethro is using his own vault.
The Thinkering Collective may bring fellows into shows on the BE Podcast Network.
Jethro is rebuilding jethrojones.com with explicit AI disclosure and a What I Built Today feed.
GrantMemory and Scholar Second Brain are being positioned as second-brain setup services for academics.

Added/created/modified by OpenClaw on 2026.07.27 20:15 on ombee.

#88 AI Policy and the District Reality in Texas with Dr. Alfonso Mendoza, Jr.

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth talks with Dr. Alfonso "Fonz" Mendoza Jr. — Teaching and Learning Coordinator at Kami and host of My EdTech Life, a 373-episode podcast that has reached more than 8,500 educators — about what AI actually does and doesn't do for teachers, and what it means to find meaning in work when automation keeps changing what work looks like. This is a crossover episode, appearing on both Make It Mindful and My EdTech Life.

Together, Seth and Fonz explore the argument that teachers remain the ultimate technology in the classroom — not because AI isn't capable, but because the ability to read a room, improvise, and form genuine relationships with students isn't something that scales to a statistical prediction machine. They talk about the difference between cognitive offloading and cognitive stunting, the concern that students aren't just delegating skills they've developed, but missing the chance to develop them at all. Fonz pushes back on the language of "neural networks" and "learning," drawing on Dr. Emily Bender's stochastic parrots framework to argue that borrowing human vocabulary for these tools obscures what they actually are. They get into AI governance at the district level, including why Texas still has no state AI policy, what it looks like when a task force actually follows through versus when the conversation dies at back-to-school season, and why equal stakeholder representation (including parents) changes what a policy can do. The episode closes with Fonz's signature speed round, with finding meaning in the concept of NOW.

Key topics:

The teacher as the ultimate technology in an AI-saturated classroom
Cognitive stunting vs. cognitive offloading in student AI use
Stochastic parrots and the danger of anthropomorphizing LLMs
AI governance failures at the district level
Trust between students, teachers, and parents in the AI era
Finding purpose and meaning when automation reshapes work
Generational differences in AI attitudes (Gen Z vs. Gen Alpha)

LINKS & RESOURCES

My EdTech Life podcast — myedtech.life
Kami — kamiapp.com (Fonz's current employer)
Dr. Emily Bender — Stochastic Parrots paper — Bender, E.M., Gebru, T., McMillan-Major, A., & Shmitchell, S. (2021). "On the Dangers of Stochastic Parrots: Can Language Models Be Too Big?" FAccT 2021. https://s10251.pcdn.co/pdf/2021-bender-parrots.pdf
Katherine Heavers episode — Make It Mindful https://mim.bepodcast.network/episodes/85-katherine-heavers
Banyan Global Learning / Global Cohorts — https://www.banyangloballearning.com/programs/global-cohorts

GUEST BIO: Dr. Alfonso "Fonz" Mendoza Jr.

Dr. Alfonso "Fonz" Mendoza Jr. is the Teaching and Learning Coordinator at Kami and host of My EdTech Life, a podcast now six years old and 373 episodes in. His work focuses on responsible AI adoption in K–12 education, cutting through the hype to examine what technology actually does for teachers and students, and what it can't replace. He is a Google Innovator, Adobe Education Innovator, and 2024 EdTech Digest Leadership Award winner for Best EdTech Author/Speaker or Podcaster.

ABOUT THE HOST

About the Host: Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and host of Make It Mindful: Insights for Global Learning. Through Banyan, he designs live virtual programs that connect K-12 classrooms to global peers and expert facilitators — building the kind of structured, human-centered learning the podcast explores. See https://banyangloballearning.com/

Change on Purpose: John Strong on Failure, Grit, and the Human Side of AI

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 02:00:00 -0700

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with John Strong, a full professor in the SUNY system, coordinator of the Personal Training Certificate program, and a nationally recognized expert in health, fitness, and physical education.

John challenges the idea that younger generations are automatically better with technology simply because they grew up surrounded by it. Instead, he argues that curiosity, experimentation, and a willingness to fail are what allow people of any age to confidently learn new tools—including AI.

The conversation explores why education should focus less on grades and final products and more on the processes that create meaningful growth: asking better questions, collaborating, reflecting, and developing a sense of purpose. John also discusses the relationship between grit and intrinsic motivation, why educators should help students recognize their existing power rather than “empower” them, and how intentional language can reshape the way we approach challenges.

For educators and leaders navigating rapid technological change, this episode is a powerful reminder that growth begins when we embrace uncertainty, learn from failure, and reconnect our work to a deeper purpose.

27. Cursus Honorum of the AI Future Part 2

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 00:14:00 -0700

Gregory Treat continues his series on AI as an aristocratic technology, arguing that AI will collapse society's need for thousands of specialized roles down to a small handful of masterable skills — code, content, and command — allowing a single "prime" or small team to run what once required vast managerial bureaucracies. He illustrates this through military disruption: cheap drone operators using AI can now neutralize million-dollar tanks, jets, and infrastructure, meaning defense will increasingly depend on a small number of highly skilled, locally-present human commanders rather than large institutions. He argues this points toward the need for a modern cursus honorum — a deliberate training ladder — to produce these rare, high-value operators.

How to Escape Your Comfort Zone: Leadership & Imposter Syndrome w/ Stan Lewis

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 01:00:00 -0400

Are you staying in your comfort zone because it feels safe, or is it secretly holding you back from your true potential?

Meet Stan Lewis!

Stan is a Leadership Expert who explores how to shatter self-imposed limitations, master 360-degree leadership, and break free from mental captivity.

An empowerment advocate with over 25 years of experience, Stan unlocks the full potential of ambitious professionals and leaders. As the founder of Nward Journey and a Certified John Maxwell Guide, he combines deep expertise in organizational leadership, communication, and servant leadership to equip corporate executives, managers, and organizations with the proven Maxwell Method to break down communication silos, increase employee retention, and unlock high-performance leadership.

Endorsed personally by leadership legend Dr. John C. Maxwell, Stan’s unique Freedom From Mental Captivity Philosophy inspires transformational growth by challenging limiting beliefs and empowering confident action. Join Stan and the Nward Journey community to bridge the gap between your team’s current reality and their desired future, turning dreams into actionable, life-changing results.

On this episode, he shares actionable insights—including his powerful "Vantage Point Shift" model and his "Doubt Detox" framework—to help you stop letting negative self-talk squat rent-free in your mind and step boldly into your full capability.

Key Takeaways & Highlights
- why staying "safe" often causes more pain
- how early conditioning creates invisible chains
- how changing your perspective exposes limiting beliefs
- why you don't need a title to lead
- how active listening transforms team performance
- how to identify, confront, and eliminate imposter syndrome

...and so much more!

Connect with Stan:
Website: stanlewis.net/home

Free Resource: Download Stan's Doubt Detox Worksheet on his website.

Book: Evict the Doubts That Have Been Squatting Rent-Free in Your Mind
Here’s the pre-order link:

👉 https://go.nwardjourney.com/evict-the-doubts-purchase?am_id=Tunnel2Towers

Listen to the Podcast, subscribe, rate, and leave a review on
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-escape-your-comfort-zone-leadership-imposter/id1614151066?i=1000778490745
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2qnbpSxAyLZqnEU9GnxxKr?si=4f6387f1620948c6
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2qnbpSxAyLZqnEU9GnxxKr
YouTube: https://youtu.be/7_RztrwaVtA

ISTE 2026: Reaching Kids Who Don't Fit in the Box with Pete Hall

Sun, 26 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Pete Hall joins Jethro Jones live at ISTE 2026 to discuss his new book, Reaching and Teaching Kids Who Don't Fit in the Box. They dig into the five core reasons students disengage from school (not fitting in, academic gaps, boredom, lack of support, and emotional struggles), and share practical strategies teachers can use immediately — including setting self-concordant student goals, using AI to personalize entry tasks around student interests, and asking "cognitive interest cue" questions that spark curiosity instead of just testing recall. The conversation also explores shifting from "who knows the answer" questioning to more inclusive approaches that invite all students to participate, even with wrong answers. Pete closes with details on his book's pre-sale discount.

We’re proud to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

The Education System is 100% Dead. Here's What Comes Next... ft. Amirah Cummings

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 15:39:13 -0700

What if curiosity, not content, is the most important skill we can teach kids? In this episode of Real Talk: The Curiosity Connection, host Matt Karabinos sits down with Amirah Cummings, founder of KIO (Kids in Orbit), to explore how AI is unlimiting education, why the traditional school system is 100% obsolete, and what it truly means to become a self-driven learner.

Amirah is a former software engineer turned educator whose work spans multilingual Montessori schooling, mission-based learning, and an entire ecosystem designed to turn kids into "Kionauts"—curious, compassionate explorers of Earth and the cosmos.

At a time when AI is "making learning infinite" and "unlimiting" students' potential, the real mission of education comes into question. Listen to the whole episode for some memorable hot takes about education and what we can do instead.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Why curiosity disappears around 3rd grade, and what we can do about it
How AI makes learning infinite (and what that really means for classrooms)
Why Amirah believes the traditional education system is 100% dead
The difference between motivated learners and self-driven learners
How mission-based learning replaces outdated standards and metrics
Why millennials are uniquely positioned to lead the future of education
What "the new literacy" really looks like in an AI-powered world
How to develop curiosity in kids — and adults — starting with one question: "Why?"

Connect with Amirah Cummings:

Connect with Matt & the Show:

(00:00) - Introduction
(00:57) - KIO: Kids in Orbit
(02:02) - The Origin of KIO
(07:49) - AI and Infinite Learning
(15:36) - Rethinking Education
(16:12) - Amirah's Personal Journey
(23:14) - Student-Centered Learning & AI
(35:50) - The Future of Education & AI
(42:50) - Developing Curiosity
(59:21) - Closing: What Are You Most Curious About?

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by Renaissance and IXL.

Learn more about Renaissance:

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Season 11 - July Bonus with Kevin Honeycutt

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 16:28:55 -0500

Most educators feel overwhelmed by the rapid pace of change—until they discover how AI can become a trusted co-pilot, turning classroom chaos into creative momentum. In this episode, Kevin Honeycutt (https://www.kevinhoneycutt.org) shares the old-school wisdom and modern tech hacks that help teachers stay engaged, efficient, and future-ready.

You’ll hear how Kevin uses AI to streamline lesson planning, organize resources, and spark student innovation through projects in fashion, STEM, and hands-on learning. He also makes the case for teaching kids not just to use AI, but to understand it—so they become thoughtful co-creators rather than passive consumers.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

ISTE 2026: Start a Conversation, Not an Accusation with Mike Lawrence

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode recorded at ISTE 2026, Jethro Jones talks with Mike Lawrence. Mike shares how his school district built a culture of AI transparency using disclosure badges instead of bans, why teachers need to model the same openness they expect from students, and what's next as schools cautiously explore AI agents.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by Renaissance and IXL.

Learn more about Renaissance:

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

26. Cursus Honorum of the AI Future Part 1

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 00:50:00 -0700

Gregory Treat launches a new series arguing that AI is an "aristocratic" technology — one where cheap access doesn't produce equality, but instead rewards rare skill and intensive training, creating steep, durable hierarchies. He traces this pattern through history (knights, longbowmen) and more recently through CAD/3D printing, which democratized tools but ultimately consolidated value around certified experts and dominant platforms like Autodesk and Dassault.

Beyond Vape Detection with Tom McDermott

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Tom McDermott, K–12 Safety and Security Coach for CEIA USA, discusses why student vaping has evolved from a discipline issue into a broader leadership challenge for schools. Rather than focusing solely on detection technologies, the conversation explores how school leaders can shift from reacting to incidents toward building a comprehensive prevention strategy grounded in school culture, behavioral health, and student well-being.

Together, they examine the hidden operational costs of vaping, why understanding the root causes matters more than simply catching students, and how schools can balance prevention, intervention, and detection to create safer, healthier learning environments.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

ISTE 2026: Epson's New Vision for Learning Spaces with Nima Gardooni

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 12:13:00 +0000

At ISTELive 2026, Jethro D. Jones sits down with Nima Gardooni from Epson to unpack the company's newest lineup of classroom technology — nine projectors and a debut DVLED display. Nima breaks down Epson's push into large-format displays for shared spaces like cafeterias and amphitheaters, explaining how schools can use them to showcase student work, announcements, and event highlights. The conversation also covers major upgrades across Epson's projector line: higher brightness (up to 5,200 lumens), 4K enhancement, built-in Wi-Fi 6E, AirPlay/Miracast support, and new collaborative software for ultra short-throw models that lets up to 50 students connect and up to 4 share screens simultaneously.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and Renaissance.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Learn more about Renaissance:

Let's Talk Books - Controlled Chaos - A Conversation with author Eric Hall

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0700

Let's Talk Books - Controlled Chaos

A Conversation with author Eric Hall

What if the most memorable lessons in school weren't found in a worksheet, but in an experience students never forgot?

In this episode, Thomas sits down with retired teacher and author Eric Hall to discuss his book, Controlled Chaos, a collection of stories and lessons from 27 years in the classroom. Eric shares how creativity, humor, and meaningful relationships transformed everyday lessons into unforgettable learning experiences—and why engagement is one of the most powerful teaching tools we have.

Together they explore:

How to create classrooms where students want to come to school
Building strong classroom communities through trust and connection
Practical ways to make ordinary lessons extraordinary
How small changes can create lasting memories and deeper learning

Whether you're a classroom teacher, principal, or instructional leader, this conversation will inspire you to look at your school through your students' eyes and discover new ways to make learning meaningful, memorable, and full of joy.

Eric Hall is an award-winning educator, writer, and storyteller who has spent more than 27 years inspiring students in the classroom. A fifth-grade teacher in Cheboygan, Michigan, Hall is a three-time Teacher of the Year recipient, a winner of the American Red Cross Everyday Hero Award, was named one of the Top Educators of America, and has received a special teaching tribute from the Governor of Michigan. Known for his humor, creativity, and heart, Eric has built a career helping students see learning as both meaningful and fun.Beyond the classroom, Hall is a contributing writer for Edutopia, We Are Teachers, TEACH Magazine, and The Educator's Room. His reflections on teaching blend practical insight with laugh-out-loud storytelling, reaching educators and parents alike. His unique approach to education has even been featured on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where his classroom adventures reached a national audience.

If you want to see how the lessons of this book can influence your school, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together

The In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team.

Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team.

Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible.

Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com

The 5-Minute Habit That's Rewiring Great Leaders

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:44:00 -0600

Leadership isn’t just about making calls—it’s about clearing your head so you can make smarter ones.

This episode of The Humility Advantage digs into what happens in your brain when you take just 5 to 12 minutes a day for mindfulness. Turns out, those few quiet minutes can sharpen your focus, steady your emotions, lower your stress, and give you an edge when it’s time to make tough decisions. We break down Dr. Amishi Jha’s research, showing that regular mental workouts don’t just shift your mood—they actually reshape your brain, making you more resilient in stressful situations.

Humility starts with knowing when to stop, listen, and act from a place of clarity—not just pure reaction.

Here’s what you’ll get:

- How mindfulness rewires your brain
- Why it’s showing up every day that matters, not meditating for hours
- How humility links with emotional intelligence
- Short, practical tips to build focus and bounce back faster—even on a busy schedule

So if you’re leading a team, building something new, or just want to lead with more intention, this episode arms you with real, science-backed tools you can use right away.

Building Star Lab with Alison Rini

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:43:00 -0700

In this episode Alison Rini, founder of Star Lab school in Sarasota, Florida, describes her journey in education and how her vision of a microschool became a reality.

After 25 years of teaching and leading public, private, and charter schools, Alison Rini left the school system and designed a microschool called Star Lab. In order to bring the vision to reality, Alison received a fellowship from The Drexel Fund, providing support and training to design an outstanding educational program accessible to low-income families. Alison is passionate about brain science, learning principles, and human flourishing. She intentionally set Star Lab in a low-income zip code of Sarasota to test the assumption that 95% of children can learn to read given proper instruction. Star Lab is entering its third year of operation, growing from 5 students in its first year, to 20 students last year, to 50 students for the school year starting this August. Many of the students who come to Star Lab have had struggles in their previous placements, and Alison’s goal is to prove that children growing up in public housing can achieve at the highest levels when school is designed around how children actually learn. Alison has three degrees from Columbia University in Neuroscience, Curriculum, and Leadership, but she has learned the most in the past few years of her school design journey.

X/Twitter: @Educ8Liber8

LinkedIn: @AlisonRiniStarLab

Facebook: @StarLabSRQ

Instagram: @StarLabSRQ

Star Lab donation page: https://www.starlab.world/donate.html

This podcast sponsored by:

The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here.

25. The Architecture of Trust Part 4

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Gregory Treat argues that modern institutions (pensions, public schools, student loans) are failed substitutes for functions the household historically performed, and that society has run out of the trust needed to sustain them. Drawing on the ordo amoris(rightly ordered loves), the biblical concept of the "guarantor," and Ricardo's comparative advantage, he argues that mutually beneficial relationships require a shared ultimate authority — and that neoliberal economics abstracts away from the individual to the nation-state precisely because we've lost the will to sort people into roles despite being very good at it. He calls for rebuilding households, churches, and patron-client relationships as intermediary structures that can restore genuine, hierarchy-based trust — including offering people risk mitigation (education, pensions, guarantees) in exchange for loyalty and specialization.

Summer Replay #7 - Getting to the Root for Behaviour and Attendance

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Join us for the online, on-demand workshop “Overview of Collaborative Response”, part of our Supporting Collaborative Response series. 👉 bit.ly/10refinecontinuum

In this week's podcast, Kurtis and Lorna discuss the key shift needed when looking to co-create continuums of support related specifically to behaviour and attendance, to ensure we are getting to "root causes" when articulating and tiering our responses.

Connected Resources:

Four Tier Support Overview - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZeiaY_XB8zmoPpi1L90C2qXY5XuToPDX00WCMW-h2r8/view

Overview of Continuum of Supports video - https://youtu.be/9_3gK7-3TZc?si=rhcJV9io0p2k9kZr

Seeing Poor Student Behaviour in a NEW Light video - https://youtu.be/dS6x94UCTF8
______________
Interested in learning MORE? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE 3 month trial.
https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

INCH360 2025: James Alves-Foss

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 23:06:25 +0000

This episode is a part of a special series of interviews conducted at the INCH360 Cybersecurity Conference in Spokane, Washington. Visit their website to learn more about INCH360 and their mission.

Host Jethro D. Jones interviews Dr. James Alves-Foss, distinguished professor of computer science at the University of Idaho, about the evolution of technology and cybersecurity over the past several decades. James shares insights on the impact of AI, the importance of critical thinking and evaluation when using new tools, and the need for responsible innovation. The conversation highlights lessons from teaching, the risks of over-reliance on automation, and the value of foundational expertise in a rapidly changing tech landscape.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and Renaissance.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Learn more about Renaissance:

INCH360 2025: Deb Wells

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 23:06:10 +0000

This episode is a part of a special series of interviews conducted at the INCH360 Cybersecurity Conference in Spokane, Washington. Visit their website to learn more about INCH360 and their mission.

Host Jethro D. Jones interviews Deb Wells of BECU. She discusses receiving a cyber achievement award and the importance of protecting members from cyber threats. Deb shares insights on balancing security, compliance, and efficiency, the human side of cybersecurity, and the value of thoughtful technology adoption. The conversation also explores the role of community, personal connection, and the importance of not losing the joy in meaningful work.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and Renaissance.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Learn more about Renaissance:

INCH360 2025: Grant Erickson

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 23:05:54 +0000

This episode is a part of a special series of interviews conducted at the INCH360 Cybersecurity Conference in Spokane, Washington. Visit their website to learn more about INCH360 and their mission.

Host Jethro D. Jones talks with Grant Erickson of IntelliTect about the evolving role of security in business and daily life. They discuss the importance of balancing innovation and protection, the human impact of cybersecurity, and how organizations can foster both safety and flexibility. The conversation also explores real-world risks, trust, and the value of freedom in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and Renaissance.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Learn more about Renaissance:

The Hidden Cost of Too Many Priorities as a Principal

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we explore why so many principals feel like they're constantly putting out fires and why the real issue often isn't time, but too many competing priorities. You'll learn how trying to improve everything at once leads to scattered leadership, overwhelmed staff, and slower progress. Barb shares lessons from her own leadership journey and introduces the idea of focusing on one high-impact initiative at a time to create lasting change. If you're ready to stop reacting and start leading with greater clarity and purpose, this episode is for you.

Join the coaching program Leadership by Subtraction HERE.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Summer Replay #7 - The Happy Music Teacher's Guide to Engagement and Collaboration with Jeanette Mihalchik

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Access a workshop guide to ensure you are truly engaging as a team - https://bit.ly/JLgroupteam

This invaluable article will provide you with ten possible steps to consider when you introduce Collaborative Response to your team https://youtu.be/HNOgMOH_FN0

In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by Jeanette Mihalchik, a National Board Certified Music teacher, arts integration specialist, and author of "Stories That Sing." They discuss how the arts can foster student engagement, practical strategies for integrating music and literacy, and powerful insights on staff collaboration among teachers and specialists.

Learn more about Jeanette Mihalchik at https://thehappymusicteacher.com

---------

Connect with Jeanette Mihalchik
Email: morethanmusic83@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehappymusicteacher/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themusicteachergroup
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehappymusicteacher

Connect with Kurtis Hewson
Email: kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
X: @hewsonk27
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hewsonk27
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson

Connect with Lorna Hewson
Email: lorna.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
X: @LornaHewson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorna-hewson-713a59104

#collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership
---------

Learn more about Collaborative Response https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tbgetTdAiA&t=0s

Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article
https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE
https://bit.ly/CR-intro - if interested in ordering the book, use the code JLPodcast10 to receive 10% off!

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE three month trial
https://jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab.ca

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

Music: “Culture of Collaboration” has been composed, recorded, and produced by Trent Ferguson for Building a Culture of Collaboration.

Images: Visuals included in this video not generated under agreement with Jigsaw Learning Inc. have been carefully selected under Creative Commons for their permissions.

Why Comics Belong in Every Classroom with Shannon Live

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 08:30:51 -0700

In this episode, host Dr. Erin Bailey sits down with Shannon Live, founder of Bat City Comics, at Comic-Con to explore how comics and graphic novels can transform literacy education. Shannon shares her journey from reluctant educator to comics advocate, explains the research behind why graphic novels boost vocabulary and lower the "affective filter" that blocks learning, and offers practical advice for parents and teachers on nurturing young readers through comics. The conversation covers the history of anti-comics stigma, using comics to teach history and identity, book recommendations for every age, and how finding your voice through reading builds lifelong confidence.

RIF's Graphic Novel collection: Graphic Novel Collection | RIF.org

About Shannon Live:
A life-long adventurer of imaginary worlds, Shannon Live knew her path would someday include advocating for creativity. After working as a Reading and Writing Specialist creating pop culture curriculum for Title I schools, Live went on to co-found Bat City Comic Professionals, a 501(c)(3) non-profit comic bookstore that focuses on cultivating reading, writing, art, and imagination skills for young people. As President of Bat City, Live works to develop programming that inspires creative learning using comic books as the primary resource. Through workshops, content, and resource development, Live is hoping to inspire a new generation to find their voice.

Shopping for Superman documentary by Wes Eastin: Shopping for Superman Homepage : Shopping for Superman

Shannon's TedTalk: Your voice as a superpower | Shannon Live | TEDxBradenton

YouTube channel Wine Down Your Weekend: https://www.youtube.com/@batcitycomicbooks

Shannon's comic recommendations for families:

Dog Man - because it inspires every young reader to jump in to reading AND creating

The Cartoonists Club - because you get Reina Telgemeier's coming of age story mixed with Scott McCloud's teaching comics. Great for using to teach comics and for kids who find themselves in making art. And maybe it will encourage them to start a club!

March - A great way to showcase history and inspire readers to take action themselves. Great for the older readers and history teachers.

Beyond Efficiency: Paul LeBlanc on Reinventing Higher Education for the AI Era

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0700

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Dr. Paul LeBlanc, former president of Southern New Hampshire University and current visiting scholar at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, for a conversation about what higher education must become—not just what it must improve—as AI reshapes the future.

Drawing on decades of leadership and his work alongside disruptive innovation pioneer Clayton Christensen, Paul argues that most institutions are focused on using AI to do existing work more efficiently, when the greater opportunity is to fundamentally redesign how education is delivered. Through powerful analogies and real-world examples, he challenges colleges and universities to rethink outdated systems, embrace experimentation, and create cultures capable of meaningful transformation.

The conversation also explores the growing importance of human-centered skills in an AI-driven world. From ambient AI that frees advisors to focus on relationships, to the ethical questions surrounding increasingly human-like AI agents, Paul makes the case that higher education has a unique responsibility to lead—not follow—the conversation around the future of AI.

For educators, institutional leaders, and anyone thinking about the future of learning, this episode is a compelling vision for what it will take to move beyond simply adopting AI and toward truly reinventing education.

Bonus Episode: The Power of Group Coaching for Principals

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Principals don’t need more information—they need space to think, reflect, and actually implement what matters most. In this bonus episode, I share why group coaching is so powerful for school leaders and how learning alongside other principals can help you feel less alone, gain clarity, and create real change.

If you’re ready to stop adding more to your plate and start focusing on what matters most, join me inside Leadership by Subtraction. You’ll get coaching, accountability, and a community of principals who understand the work.

Click here to join Leadership by Subtraction.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

#85 Hot Takes: What Five Episodes of Research Taught Us with Seth, Allyson, and Tami

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0700

In this special episode of Why Distance Learning, hosts Seth Fleischauer, Allyson Mitchell, and Tami Moehring skip the guest interview and trade hot takes drawn from their recent run of research conversations — with Michael Barbour, Bobbi Sandberg, Jered Borup, and Kristen DeBruler. Each host came in with their own list, then picked which ones to dig into together. What surfaces is a set of specific, evidence-backed reframes: where parents' instincts to help go wrong, why remote isolation is a design failure rather than an inherent cost of distance learning, and what's actually breaking down when students sense their teachers are using AI on their feedback.

Together, the hosts work through the Academic Communities of Engagement framework's head/heart/hands distinction, and why the "heart" and "hands" work — trust, executive-functioning support — protects kids more than parents jumping in on academic content. They connect a CBS News piece on remote-worker isolation to Michael Barbour's finding that logging into school was, for some students, the most normal part of their pandemic day, arguing that isolation is what happens when culture isn't designed on purpose, not something baked into the medium. And they spend the back half of the episode on AI: not the cheating problem schools have mostly focused on, but the mirror-image trust break when students catch teachers using it on feedback without saying so — and why an honest, disclosed, assignment-by-assignment AI policy beats a blanket ban nobody actually follows.

Key topics:

Head, heart, hands: the Academic Communities of Engagement (ACE) framework
Why parental "head" support (re-teaching content) can do more harm than good
Remote work isolation as a design failure, not a modality problem
Michael Barbour's finding on pandemic remote learning and student mental health
Teacher-student trust and AI-generated feedback
Assignment-by-assignment AI disclosure as an alternative to blanket bans
"Improved" vs. "more" parental involvement

Links & Resources

Prior Why Distance Learning episodes referenced: Michael Barbour (Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3), Helaine Marshall, Bobbi Sandberg, Jered Borup (Part 1 & Part 2), Kristen DeBruler
Academic Communities of Engagement (ACE) framework: https://edtechbooks.org/encyclopedia/academic_communities_of_engagement_ace_framework
Behind the Screen: Exploring Parental Roles in K-12 Online Education (Sandberg & Borup, Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 2025): https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15391523.2024.2447729
Cuccolo, K. & DeBruler, K. (2024). A Look Back At 3 Years of Michigan Virtual Research. Michigan Virtual. https://michiganvirtual.org/research/publications/a-look-back-at-3-years-of-michigan-virtual-research/
Make It Mindful episode with Katherine Heavers on the biology of trust (referenced by Seth): https://mim.bepodcast.network/episodes/85-katherine-heavers
CBS News piece on remote work and isolation (referenced by Tami): https://www.cbsnews.com/news/remote-work-job-isolation-mental-health/
Derek Thompson, "A World Without Work," The Atlantic (July/August 2015): https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2015/07/world-without-work/395294/
Ikigai (Japanese concept referenced by Allyson): https://www.japan.go.jp/kizuna/2022/03/ikigai_japanese_secret_to_a_joyful_life.html

Note: this is a hosts-only episode, so there's no guest bio or guest-provided links to confirm — just the items above referenced on air.

About the Hosts:
Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and host of Why Distance Learning. Through Banyan, he designs live virtual programs that connect K-12 classrooms to global peers and expert facilitators — building the kind of structured, human-centered distance learning the podcast explores. See https://banyangloballearning.com/

Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell work with CILC, the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration, to help educators implement high-quality live virtual learning experiences across grade levels. Discover more at CILC.org.

24. The Valerian Gens Part 2

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:09:00 -0700

This episode continues the story of Gens Valeria, one of Rome's oldest and most distinguished houses, tracing its arc from the height of the Republic through its decline under the Empire.

How To Redefine Success: What Is Your Definition? w/ Grammy-Winning Kate Kayaian

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 01:00:00 -0400

Are you feeling stuck in a career that looks successful on paper but no longer fulfills you?

Meet Kay Kayaian!

Kate is an Author, Speaker, Career Strategist, and Grammy Award-winning former Cellist. She shares her powerful journey of walking away from a high-profile classical music career to help others rethink their own definitions of success, identity, and "what's next."

If you are struggling with career transitions, imposter syndrome, or the heavy guilt of letting down your mentors and family, this episode is your ultimate guide to turning the page and writing your next chapter.

Key Takeaways:

the internal guilt of quitting
battling imposter syndrome.
chasing benchmarks without defining success
turning points from listening to your body
how fear of failure holds us back
why waiting for confidence is a trap
overcoming the story of betrayal
how to rewrite your excuses and reignite your goals

...and so much more!

Additional Resources

Get Kate's Book: Beyond Potential: A Guide for Creatives Who Want to Reassess, Redefine, and Reignite Their Careers
Visit Kate's Website: KateKayaian.com (For coaching, speaking inquiries, and her podcast Tales from the Lane)
Connect on Instagram: @kkayaian

Listen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-redefine-success-and-choose-courage-with/id1614151066?i=1000777505300
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4vLB3VQBjXfm3A1ujfpUKI?si=kVhqTTgGSTmm7hsLSk4pCQ
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4vLB3VQBjXfm3A1ujfpUKI
YouTube: https://youtu.be/V_juzuOq_XE

Building Iowa's Charter School Movement from Scratch with Mike Huguelet

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 00:12:00 -0700

In this episode, Mike Caldwell interviews Mike Huguelet, Executive Director of the Iowa Coalition of Public Charter Schools, about building Iowa's charter school movement from the ground up. Huguelet shares his path from teaching in Chicago (co-founding Noble Schools) to leading counseling programs in Des Moines Public Schools, and eventually launching the Iowa Coalition in 2023 — a state with one of the newest charter laws in the country (passed 2021).

We’re proud to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Doan Winkel: Building Friction, Autonomy, and Design with AI

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 11:13:07 -0700

Building Friction, Autonomy, and Design with AI | Doan Winkel

What if the best thing AI can do for students is refuse to help them? Matt sits down with entrepreneur and educator Doan Winkel to dig into why "helpful AI" might be the worst thing to happen to learning and what to do instead.

In this episode:

The philosophy behind AI Friction Labs and why deliberately frustrating students might be the most effective teaching tool yet
Why Doan thinks the "easy button" problem isn't really an AI problem
The ungrading experiment that revealed something startling: students aren't cheating at teachers. Teachers never even cross their minds.
How one small prompt change turned a skeptical lawyer into an AI evangelist overnight
Why the most resistant person in the room might be exactly who you need on your AI committee
The inertia problem: education hasn't fundamentally changed in decades. Will AI finally be the thing that breaks it?
Doan's take on student autonomy, and the uncomfortable question he ends with that has no clean answer

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction & Guest Welcome
1:04 What Is AI Friction Labs?
5:01 The Sparring Partner Concept & Mike Kentz
5:43 Student Autonomy vs. the Easy Button
7:39 The Ungrading Experiment & AI Cheating Reality
14:54 Teacher Risk-Taking & Finding the Opening
15:56 AI in Rural Schools & Learning from Others' Mistakes
25:08 Designing Learning Experiences with AI
31:55 Bandwidth, Training & Building Champions
41:02 Curiosities: Breaking the Inertia of Education
44:33 Outro & Where to Find Doan

Find Doan:

LinkedIn
Newsletter: How to Teach AI on Substack (free, weekly, practical)
Website: doanwinkel.com

(00:00) - Introduction & Guest Welcome
(01:03) - What Is AI Friction Labs?
(05:01) - The Sparring Partner Concept & Mike Kentz
(05:43) - Student Autonomy vs. Easy Button AI
(07:39) - The Ungrading Experiment & AI Cheating Reality
(14:54) - Teacher Risk-Taking & Finding the Opening
(15:56) - AI in Rural Schools & Watching Others Learn from Mistakes
(25:08) - Designing Learning Experiences with AI
(31:55) - Bandwidth, Training & Building Champions
(41:02) - Curiosities: Breaking the Inertia of Education
(44:33) - Outro & Where to Find Doan

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by Renaissance and IXL.

Learn more about Renaissance:

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

When the Community Becomes the Classroom with Dr. Carol Birks & Rebecca Bodnar

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Dr. Carol Birks, Superintendent of the Allentown School District, and Rebecca Bodnar, Principal of Central Elementary STREAM Academy, share how a partnership with the Da Vinci Science Center has transformed the learning experience for elementary students. By making the Science Center an official secondary campus, students regularly move beyond the classroom to apply their learning through hands-on investigations, engineering challenges, media production, and real-world exploration.

The conversation explores how interdisciplinary learning can help more students see themselves in science, why authentic application deepens understanding, and what happens when schools intentionally connect learning to careers, community, and student interests.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Let's Talk Books - The Dip by Seth Godin Conversation with Pete McPherson of PeteMcpherson.com

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0700

Let's Talk Books - The Dip by Seth Godin

Conversation with Pete McPherson of PeteMcpherson.com

What separates successful schools from those that struggle to gain momentum? Sometimes, it's knowing what to keep pursuing—and what to let go.

In this episode, Thomas is joined by entrepreneur Pete McPherson to discuss The Dip by Seth Godin and explore how its lessons apply to Catholic school leadership. Together, they unpack the difference between the temporary challenges that lead to growth and the dead-end initiatives that consume valuable time and resources.

The conversation explores:

How to recognize when perseverance is the right choice—and when it's time to quit
Why defining what your school does best is essential to long-term success
The danger of trying to be everything to everyone
How leaders can continually reassess priorities and focus on what matters most
Practical ways to build a school culture that is intentional, distinctive, and always improving

Whether you're evaluating a new initiative, refining your school's mission, or deciding where to invest your team's energy, this episode offers practical insights to help you focus on the work that truly moves your school forward.

Pete McPherson is an entrepreneur, app builder, podcaster, and content creator who helps people build meaningful businesses and creative projects. A former CPA, Pete left corporate accounting to pursue entrepreneurship and has since launched multiple apps, websites, and podcasts, including the award-winning Do You Even Blog. Today, he focuses on building useful tools, experimenting with new ideas, and helping others think differently about work, creativity, and business.

If you want to see how the lessons of this book can influence your school, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together

The In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team.

Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team.

Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible.

Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com

23. The Valerian Gens Part 1

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:10:00 -0700

Continuing the Ancient City Series, Gregory examines House Valerius — Rome's oldest patrician family and the architects of Roman liberty. From the founding oath sworn over Lucretia's body to the Lex Valeria (Rome's first right of citizen appeal), the Valerii built their power by publicly surrendering it. Gregory profiles Publicola, who demolished his own house to prove he wasn't a tyrant, and Corvus, who ended a military mutiny through amnesty rather than punishment. The episode argues that the Valerian method — converting power into trust through visible self-restraint — is the root technology of classical liberalism, and explores both its remarkable 500-year run and the limits that ultimately made it obsolete.

INCH360 2025: Kayne McGladrey

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:36:00 +0000

This episode is a part of a special series of interviews conducted at the INCH360 Cybersecurity Conference in Spokane, Washington. Visit their website to learn more about INCH360 and their mission.

Host Jethro D. Jones interviews Kayne McGladrey, CSO in residence at Hyperproof, about effective risk management and communication in cybersecurity. Kayne shares insights on translating technical risks into business impacts, building strong relationships across leadership teams, and using key risk indicators to drive better decision-making. The conversation highlights the importance of bridging the gap between technical and business perspectives to improve organizational resilience.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and Renaissance.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Learn more about Renaissance:

Consulting and Career Updates - Thinking Out Loud #7

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 08:26:54 -0700

This is latest in our series of Thinking Out Loud. In this episode Zach Grosell and I talk about your year in consulting and a plethora of other topics.

Links:
Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Teaching

Maximizing the Impact of Coaching Cycles

This podcast sponsored by:

The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here.

Still trying to do social skills intervention with a 20-minute social skills group? Do this instead.

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0700

You’ve been told that social skills interventions are ableist.

But you’ve also been told that we need to prepare students for real-world expectations. You have teachers and administrators coming to you with concerns about behavior, participation, and social interaction, and you’re expected to address it.

Then you’re told to make your intervention more “functional.” To collaborate more. To focus on generalization.

And somehow, all of that responsibility gets funneled into a 20-minute social skills group.

What are you supposed to do when you know that a short, isolated session isn’t going to result in meaningful carryover?

The issue isn’t that social skills intervention is a bad idea. The problem is we're using the wrong model to support them.

When we think of "social skills intervention" as beginning and ending within a siloed therapy session, we'll continue to see poor skill transfer.

A therapy session with students is ONE layer. We can keep that layer, but we need to add more layers to it to bridge the gap.

In this video, I walk through how to shift from relying on one intervention bucket (a.k.a. the isolated social skills group) to building a service delivery model that frames social skills as "executive functioning for human interactions".

This episode was created based on a video I previously published on YouTube. You can view the original video here: https://youtu.be/vdpzfG5l6wo

You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership

The Hidden Cost of Imposter Syndrome: Why Great Leaders Still Feel Like Frauds

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 05:25:00 -0600

Are you successful on the outside—but secretly wondering if you're just one mistake away from being "found out"?

You're not alone.

In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest hidden struggles high performers face: imposter syndrome. Why do accomplished leaders still question whether they truly belong? And how does that quiet self-doubt affect the way they lead, make decisions, and build trust?

You'll discover:

Why imposter syndrome is so common among high achievers
How fear quietly shapes leadership behaviors
The connection between humility, emotional intelligence, and psychological safety
Practical strategies to replace self-protection with authentic confidence
How to uncover the "gold" that's already within you

Whether you're a healthcare leader, executive, entrepreneur, or someone striving to make a greater impact, this episode will challenge the story you've been telling yourself, and remind you that your greatest leadership strength isn't perfection.

It's authenticity.

🎙️ You are not a fraud. You are becoming.

Summer Replay #8 - Engaging as a Learning Organization Through Collaborative Response with Divine Mercy

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Join us for the online, on-demand workshop “Overview of Collaborative Response”, part of our Supporting Collaborative Response series. 👉 bit.ly/10refinecontinuum

Creating Focus for Collaborative Planning WITHOUT Micromanaging Your Teams
Access a workshop guide to help your team STOP focusing on things outside of our locus of control - https://bit.ly/JLlocus

In this episode of Leading Collaborative Response, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by Amy Cooper, principal of Divine Mercy Catholic Elementary School in Edmonton Catholic Schools. Amy brings a wide range of insights to the conversation about leading Collaborative Response in an elementary context and the importance of being a learning organization

In the episode, we mention a previous podcast with Darrin DeForge, principal of Joan Carr Catholic School - check out the episode at https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications/blog-posts/deepening-instructional-clarity-and-support-through-collabor

10 Considerations When Refining and Utilizing Your Continuums of Support
In this on-demand workshop, Lorna will reveal 5 strategies for refining your continuums of supports and 5 strategies for utilizing your continuums of supports
bit.ly/10refinecontinuum

Creating Focus for Collaborative Planning Without Micromanaging Your Teams
Why collaborative planning is an essential layer of a school’s Collaborative Response.
6 considerations for leaders trying to ensure alignment and focus, while avoiding the need to micromanage.
bit.ly/collabfocus

---------

Connect with Amy Cooper
Email: amy.cooper@ecsd.net

Connect with Kurtis Hewson
Email: kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
X: @hewsonk27
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hewsonk27
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson

Connect with Lorna Hewson
Email: lorna.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
X: @LornaHewson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorna-hewson-713a59104

---------

Learn more about Collaborative Response https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tbgetTdAiA&t=0s

Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article
https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE
https://bit.ly/CR-intro - if interested in ordering the book, use the code JLPodcast10 to receive 10% off!

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE three month trial
https://jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab.ca

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

Music: “Leading Collaborative Response” has been composed, recorded, and produced by Trent Ferguson for Leading Collaborative Response.

Images: Visuals included in this video not generated under agreement with Jigsaw Learning Inc. have been carefully selected under Creative Commons for their permissions.

Ep 135 Tools not Rules Featuring Marlene Moyer & Claudia Bertolone-Smith

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 11:18:33 -0700

Visit us at https://www.thelearningnerds.com

Tools Not Rules: Transforming Classroom Behavior with Compassion and Clarity

Discover how shifting from traditional rules to empowering tools can revolutionize classroom behavior management. Find out how these strategies foster connection, trust, and student ownership in learning environments.

Main Topics:

The core concept of tools, not rules, in behavior management
The importance of language and semantics in student interactions
Practical strategies for implementing tools in classrooms of all ages
How connection and curiosity impact student behavior and learning
The role of positive reinforcement and community-building tools

In this episode:

How early childhood familiarity with tools sets the foundation for lifelong behavior habits
Using specific language, like “assertive” versus “passive,” to build awareness
Teachers’ experiences with implementing the “Tools Not Rules” framework in diverse settings
The significance of understanding students’ perspectives and underlying needs
Practical tools: posters, star charts, and shared language to reinforce positive behavior
The importance of consistency, connection, and giving students a sense of control
Insights from a year-long study on the impact of tools versus rules on student motivation

Resources & Links:

Tools Not Rules Website
Tools Not Rules Book
Posters and materials for classroom behavior management
Study reports and examples of implementation

Connect with Claudia & Marlene:

Final notes:

Consistent language and shared expectations foster ownership
Focusing on behaviors as actions, not identities, reduces shame
Early adoption and routine implementation build trust and success
Recognize the power of positivity and connection in transforming classrooms

The Secret to Better Leadership Isn't Doing More

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook, we explore why becoming a better leader isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing less with greater intention. You’ll learn how trying to tackle too many initiatives at once can create burnout, reduce momentum, and keep your building from making meaningful progress. The episode introduces the Leadership by Subtraction framework, helping you identify the one area that will have the biggest impact on your school through three simple reflection questions. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by competing priorities, this conversation will help you lead with more focus, clarity, and confidence.

Join the Leadership by Subtraction Waitlist HERE.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

22. Mike Faulkner Talks Great Houses

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:23:00 -0700

In this episode, Greg sits down with Mike Faulkner — a British-born financier who built and took multiple companies public — to explore the intersection of faith, wealth, and kingdom-minded leadership. The conversation centers on Romans 12 giftings as the foundation of good business: the leader's primary job is placing people in roles that match how God designed them. From there they discuss covenant as a practical technology for protecting families and businesses, the importance of "getting clean" before covenanting, and why unequal measures and fools in the org chart are the two most common deal-killers Mike sees. The episode closes with a vision for a kingdom investment company — a holding structure that lets kingdom-minded businesses access capital, share equity with employees, pay dividends, and give Christians a way to go long on their community rather than short it.

Authentic Disability Representation in Children's Books with Jenna Elyse Johnson

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Reading Inspires, host Dr. Erin Bailey talks with author, educator, and bookseller Jenna Elyse Johnson about writing authentic disability representation for kids. Jenna shares her path from teacher to author, her personal experience with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, and how her books Every Body Move and I Spark Like Lightning celebrate mobility tools and epilepsy with joy and honesty. The conversation covers common pitfalls in disability representation, the difference between "disability books" and authentic incidental representation, and practical advice for building inclusive classroom and home libraries year-round.

Summer Replay #8 - What Does the Kitchen Sink Tell Us About an Organization’s Collaborative Culture with New Myrnam School

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 02:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Kurtis is joined by the leadership team from New Myrnam School — a small rural school with big ideas and a strong sense of community. Kurtis explores with the leadership team how they’re building and sustaining a truly collaborative culture within their school, taking a robust, project-based approach to learning

Check out the New Myrnam School projects: https://www.newmyrnamschool.ca/a-for-energy-grant-projects

https://www.newmyrnamschool.ca

Learn more about New Myrnam School at https://www.newmyrnamschool.ca/

Access the FREE Guide for Leaders to Develop and Reinforce Team Norms - http://bit.ly/teamnormsguide

Access a workshop guide to ensure you are truly engaging as a team - https://bit.ly/JLgroupteam
---------

Connect with Danielle Eriksen
Email: erikdani@sperd.ca

Connect with Robert Tymofichuk
Email: robert_tymofichuk@sperd.ca
X: @rtymofichuk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EK482zcGN/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Connect with Alyssa Kalynchuk
Email: kalyalys@sperd.ca

Connect with Kurtis Hewson
Email: kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
X: @hewsonk27
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hewsonk27
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson

#collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership
---------

Learn more about Collaborative Response https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tbgetTdAiA&t=0s

Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article
https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE
https://bit.ly/CR-intro - if interested in ordering the book, use the code JLPodcast10 to receive 10% off!

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial
https://jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab.ca

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

Music: “Culture of Collaboration” has been composed, recorded, and produced by Trent Ferguson for Building a Culture of Collaboration.

Images: Visuals included in this video not generated under agreement with Jigsaw Learning Inc. have been carefully selected under Creative Commons for their permissions.

AI in Education: There’s a Lot at Steak!

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 21:21:35 -0500

In this episode of the EduTech Guys, Jeff and David take a playful, thought-provoking swing at one of the biggest questions in education today: how should AI actually be used in the classroom?

Using A1 steak sauce as a surprisingly sharp metaphor, they explore how AI can enhance teaching without replacing the human side of learning. From differentiated instruction and faster feedback to administrative relief, personalized learning, multilingual support, academic integrity, equity, and data privacy, the conversation stays grounded in real classroom challenges while keeping the tone lively and approachable.

The heart of the episode is simple: AI should act like a helpful “sauce,” not the whole meal. When used thoughtfully, it can give teachers time back, help students get what they need sooner, and make instruction more responsive. But if schools lean too heavily on automation, they risk widening inequities, weakening trust, and shortcutting the thinking that education is meant to build.

Whether you’re an educator, school leader, or policymaker, this episode offers a practical framework for thinking about AI with curiosity, caution, and optimism.

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

#87 Investing in Relentless Visionaries: How Venture Philanthropy Creates Global Impact with Brighter Children's Katie Wales

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth talks with Katie Hurley Wales — Executive Director of Brighter Children, an all-volunteer nonprofit that funds primary education across India, Colombia, Honduras, Kenya, and Guatemala — about what venture philanthropy actually looks like in practice, and what it takes to build schools that outlast the funders who supported them. Brighter Children doesn't bring educational models to the communities it works in; it identifies local leaders who already have the vision and the trust of their communities, and invests in their capacity to execute it.

Together, Seth and Katie explore what distinguishes a philanthropic investment from a transaction, why primary education is Brighter Children's specific lever for breaking generational poverty, and how a rigorous 46-factor due diligence process sits alongside gut instinct when finding school partners. They trace the arc of Brighter Children's work in Honduras, where Shin Fujiyama moved into a community with 65-70% out-of-school rates and gang violence severe enough that the school competed directly with MS-13 for recruits — and where this summer marks the fifth high school graduating class in an area that had a 0% graduation rate when they started. They also talk about what children in these communities understand about education that children in wealthier contexts often don't: not as an abstraction, but as a concrete pathway tied to health, economic mobility, and the stability of their family. The episode closes with a Kenyan student named Peter, a top-scoring secondary school student who wants to be an oncologist because his little sister died of cancer — and the question of what it means to invest in one child who might save hundreds.

Key topics:

Venture philanthropy vs. transactional charity in education funding
Trust-based philanthropy and local leadership
Due diligence for selecting school partners (46-factor framework)
Primary education as a lever for breaking generational poverty
Community-led school models across India, Honduras, Kenya, and Guatemala
Patient capital and long-term investment in schools
What families in under-resourced communities understand about education

Links & Resources:

Brighter Children: brighterchildren.org

Guest Bio: Katie Hurley Wales

Katie Hurley Wales is Executive Director of Brighter Children, an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) venture philanthropy organization that funds primary education for children in marginalized communities across five countries. Brighter Children's model centers on identifying exceptional local leaders — people who already have the vision and trust of their communities — and providing long-term financial and advisory support to help them build sustainable school systems. Before Brighter Children, Katie served as Executive Director of Invest for Kids and Interim Executive Director of Luminarts Cultural Foundation, and has spent her career in the Chicago-area nonprofit sector.

About the Host:
Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and host of Make It Mindful: Insights for Global Learning. Through Banyan, he designs live virtual programs that connect K-12 classrooms to global peers and expert facilitators — building the kind of structured, human-centered learning the podcast explores. See https://banyangloballearning.com/

How To Develop Soft Skills: Teaching The Next Generation w/ John Kwon

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:05:00 -0400

How is the next generation supposed to learn soft skills?

Meet John Kwon!

John is a finance expert and investor currently based in South Korea. He has lived in 4 countries, mostly in the United States. During the course of his career, he managed a $23 billion equity fund, amongst other portfolios.

On this episode, John focuses on soft skills development, particularly examining why young people struggle with social skills and how cultural differences impact communication styles. He also narrated his experience managing funds and dealing with sales pitches from Wall Street fund managers, highlighting how effective social engineering and soft skills can be in sales.

Listen as John shares:
- how children's soft skills are developed at home
- cultural conditioning in how soft skills are perceived
- what is missing in the school curriculum
- technology and social media's impact on children's personal interaction
- the importance of teaching conflict resolution at a young age
- generational differences in work values and career aspirations
- how soft skills will never go out of style
- the "real" definition of soft skills
- how technology has changed the workplace learning hierachy

...and so much more!

Connect with John:
Email: jkwonwork10@gmail.com

Listen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-develop-soft-skills-teaching-the-next/id1614151066?i=1000776536485
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3NkYjBmQaG5FvulCIgYUPk?si=d8c0a85a344648a3
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3NkYjBmQaG5FvulCIgYUPk
YouTube: https://youtu.be/oaeqZSH63kY

Burn the Script with Jo Lein

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 00:27:00 -0700

In this episode, host Mike Caldwell sits down with Jo Lane, an educator support and instructional coach with 16 years of experience, who is currently a principal coach based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Jo shares insights from her new book, Burn the Script: How Great Coaches Disrupt Thinking and Transform Practice, released May 19th.

The conversation dives deep into the concept of "mental fossils" — the ingrained beliefs and behavioral scripts educators develop from past professional experiences that often hold them back from growth. Jo breaks down how beliefs are anchored by three factors: skill, identity, and value, and explains why simply teaching a skill isn't enough to change behavior if underlying beliefs aren't addressed.

Show Notes:

Substack: EduCoach by Jo Lein

LinkedIn: Jo Lein

Book: Burn the Script: How Great Coaches Disrupt Mindsets and Transform Practice

Instagram/TikTok: @educoachbyjo

We’re proud to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Pathologically Uncurious About AI ft. Jake Rupp

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:00:42 -0700

Jake Rupp teaches AP Lang and public speaking, and he built his TikTok following by breaking down rhetoric in bite-sized lessons. In this episode we get into what voice actually means, why AI-written text is so easy to spot, and why Jake has decided AI has no place in his classroom at all.

Jake grades without points. He built a feedback and revision system years before AI showed up, and students are still using AI to write their own reflections on their own AI-generated work. That single fact reshapes the whole conversation. We talk about a student who told him flat out she wasn't thinking about getting caught; she just needed the assignment done. We talk about the curse of knowledge and why group work and presentations fail when we assign them without ever teaching them. And we talk about whether early AI exposure builds better judgment later or just moves the desensitization earlier.

This one gets a little heated, a lot honest, and ends with Jake handing me one of the best lines I've recorded on this show.

Find Jake on TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and beyond!
Connect with Matt on LinkedIn!

Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction

2:00 Jake's background teaching rhetoric and how his TikTok lessons grew out of the classroom

21:00 AI and student voice, the cognitive offload problem

24:00 The student who said "I wasn't thinking about you at all"

30:00 Jake's gradeless classroom and why it hasn't stopped AI misuse

36:00 The curse of knowledge and why we assign skills we never teach

41:00 Tech giants, AI in schools, and the shift from preference to reliance

50:00 The doctor question, and proving what you actually know

56:00 Gen Z, work ethic, and whether AI anxiety is about something else

1:01:00 Student disgust at AI generated feedback and Jake's non-negotiables

1:05:00 Being curious about the future, without AI

1:07:00 Wrap-up and where to find Jake

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by Renaissance and IXL.

Learn more about Renaissance:

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Future 2: Building Human Advantage in an AI-Enabled World with Mike Miles

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Artificial intelligence is changing how we think about teaching, learning, and the future of work. As schools begin introducing AI literacy and new technologies, a deeper question is emerging: What human qualities become even more valuable in an AI-enabled world?

In this conversation, Mike Miles, Superintendent of Houston ISD, shares the thinking behind Future 2—an initiative that responds to AI not by centering technology, but by intentionally building the human competencies students will need to thrive alongside it.

Rather than focusing solely on AI tools, Future2 expands opportunities for critical thinking, communication, collaboration, design thinking, emotional intelligence, and real-world experiences, while continuing to strengthen core academics. Mike explains why these competencies are becoming central to the curriculum, how Houston is embedding them into the school day, and why he believes schools must prepare students not simply to use AI, but to work, create, and lead in a world where AI is everywhere.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Stop Talking, Start Telling: A Storyteller's Case for Catholic Schools

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 16:34:27 -0400

Host: John Mihalyo | Guest: Sloane Heffernan, Founder, Storymore

Your school has an incredible story happening inside its four walls every single day. So why does almost nobody outside those walls know about any of it?

Sloane Heffernan spent the majority of her career in broadcast news at NBC affiliates in Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina before the weight of the stories she was covering started eating away at her. She left the newsroom and founded Storymore, where she now helps organizations, including Catholic schools across the country, find and share their stories through video and clear messaging. She's also sent all three of her own kids through Catholic school, so this conversation is personal for her too.

In this episode, Sloane and John dig into why so many Catholic schools are sitting on one of the best kept secrets in education, and what it actually takes to stop keeping it. They talk about the real difference between putting information out there and telling a story people feel, why the school leader usually isn't the right person to be the face of that story, and how any school, regardless of budget, can start capturing what is already happening in their classrooms today.

Here is some of what they get into:

Why storytelling beats "drill and kill" messaging, and the difference between noise and sound
How to find your one target person and talk directly to them instead of a crowd
Why parents and teachers make better storytellers than principals
The two most common excuses schools give for not telling their story, and how to move past them
Why you do not need a big budget or a film crew, just a phone and the willingness to hit record
How to "story mine" your own school to uncover what actually sets you apart
Why that old COVID era welcome video still sitting on your homepage might be quietly costing you trust
A two week summer challenge to keep your families connected before the fall

If you have ever looked around your school and thought, "we are doing amazing things and nobody knows it," this one is going to give you a lot to think about and a lot to go do.

Connect with John If you want to talk about your school's story, enrollment, or advancement strategy, head over to www.elementaryadvancement.com and let's set up a time to connect.

Learn more about Story-more here!

If this episode was helpful, subscribe and share it with another Catholic school leader who needs to hear this. Thank you for everything you do for your students, your families, and the mission of Catholic education.

Learn more about today's sponsor, Renaissance:

Let's Talk Books - Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck - A Conversation with Erika Bryant of Piece of Cake Marketing

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 05:05:00 -0700

Let's Talk Books - Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck

Conversation with Erika Bryant of Piece of Cake Marketing

This is our summer series where we talk about a book that all teachers should know and use to shape their strategies for the coming year. Read, Re-read, Recharge and Recommit to your students.

This episode explores the ideas in the book Mindset and how adopting a growth mindset can transform the way educators, leaders, parents, and business owners approach challenges, learning, and success. Thomas is joined by Erika Bryant for a conversation about recognizing fixed mindset thinking, celebrating progress instead of outcomes, and creating environments where people feel safe to learn and grow.

They discuss practical strategies such as praising effort, embracing small experiments, replacing labels with curiosity, and viewing setbacks as opportunities to improve rather than signs of failure. The episode concludes with practical advice for school leaders on fostering a culture where students, teachers, and staff continually grow by focusing on the learning process rather than perfection.

Piece of Cake Marketing is your guide to marketing and business advisory services that turn great ideas into actionable steps. We help you find (and keep) your customers so you can get back to focusing on the parts of the business you love.

I’VE ALWAYS LOVED LEARNING AND HAVE A NATURAL KNACK FOR PROBLEM SOLVING.

That means I’ve spent the majority of my life consuming every strategic marketing resource out there, building a collection of tools and strategies I can leverage at any time. I’ve tried, failed, and succeeded countless times in the last 20 years – so I know exactly which resource to pull out to help you get unstuck… no matter the business challenge you’re facing.

I’ve spent the last five years specifically helping B2B service providers and other marketing experts reassess their businesses, create new revenue streams, and adjust their messaging and strategy to gain bigger market share – and now I want to help you too.

Here are a couple of links discussed by Erika.

If you want to see how the lessons of this book can influence your school, please schedule a time to talk with us today. https://bit.ly/Build-IT-Better-Together

The In Search of Catholic School Excellence Podcast is brought to you by I Love My Tech Team.

Lead Your School Into What’s Possible with I Love My Tech Team.

Restoring What’s Broken. Advancing What’s Possible.

Find out more at https://ilovemytechteam.com

21. Silas Mähner Talks Great Houses

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:21:00 -0700

In this episode, Greg Treat sits down with Silas Mähner, Catholic entrepreneur and founder of Catholic Founders, to discuss long-term employment relationships, corporate lifers, and what it takes to build institutions that compound over generations. Drawing on Japanese firm models, Dunbar's number, and the economics of defection, they explore why short-termism hollows out companies and communities alike — and what the covenant-based alternative looks like. The conversation covers the spiritual, legal, and economic pillars required to make lifer employment work; how AI is accelerating idiosyncratic corporate stacks that will demand deeper specialization; and why the coming economic order will likely resemble feudalism — with Christianity, Confucianism, or caste as the only real frameworks to choose from. The episode closes on how beauty, walkabout traditions, and keeping your own children are the real drivers of a lasting great house.

The Challenges of Maintaining a Quality Thematic School with Jane Wagner

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:29:00 -0700

Jane Wagner spent more than 30 years as a teacher and driving force of an award-winning K-8 Visual and Performing Arts magnet school. In this episode we discuss the challenges of maintaining a quality thematic school.

Gene's Books:
Teach Fast
Maximizing the Impact of Coaching Cycles
Digital Captives

X: (1) Gene Tavernetti (@gtavernetti) / X

LinkedIn:(7) Gene Tavernetti | LinkedIn

www.tesscg.com

Substack: Gene Tavernetti | Substack

This podcast sponsored by:

The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here.

Summer Replay #9 - Establishing a Robust Collaborative Community through Collaborative Response with Mother Teresa School

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 02:00:00 -0400

STOP TIERING YOUR STUDENTS!! Transform your organization by tiering your supports, not your students. Learn how in a FREE webinar at https://bit.ly/stoptieringstudents

Planning for Fall Start Up! Create a foundation for your school’s Collaborative Response by reflecting on the past year and planning for the year to come. Learn how in this workshop. Part of our Supporting Collaborative Response workshop series! https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications/workshops

In this episode of Leading Collaborative Response, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by Cody Young, Vice Principal and Learning Support Teacher at Mother Teresa School. In this conversation, Cody shares how his educational community at Mother Teresa has grown and evolved through their focus on Collaborative Response.

---------

Connect with Cody Young
Email: cody.young@mhcbe.ab.ca

Connect with Kurtis Hewson
Email: kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
X: @hewsonk27
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hewsonk27
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson

Connect with Lorna Hewson
Email: lorna.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
X: @LornaHewson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorna-hewson-713a59104

---------

Learn more about Collaborative Response https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tbgetTdAiA&t=0s

Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article
https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE
https://bit.ly/CR-intro - if interested in ordering the book, use the code JLPodcast10 to receive 10% off!

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE three month trial
https://jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab.ca

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

Music: “Leading Collaborative Response” has been composed, recorded, and produced by Trent Ferguson for Leading Collaborative Response.

Images: Visuals included in this video not generated under agreement with Jigsaw Learning Inc. have been carefully selected under Creative Commons for their permissions.

From Self-Doubt to Confidence for Principals

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 10:01:12 -0400

Self-doubt is something every principal experiences, but it doesn't have to define your leadership. In this episode, I share my ACT Framework to help you recognize the thoughts fueling your self-doubt, uncover what's causing them, and replace them with confidence-building beliefs. You'll learn practical strategies to stop second-guessing your decisions, navigate difficult conversations with greater confidence, and trust yourself as a leader. If you're ready to lead with more clarity, confidence, and peace of mind, this episode is for you.

Get my free workshop: From Self-Doubt to Confidence HERE

Get The Confident Principal Reset: A 14-Day Action Plan and Mini-Course

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Do the Well WorkThe Danielle Nuhfer

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0700

In this enlightening episode of "Morning Motivation for Educators," host Danielle Neufer delves deeply into the challenges facing teachers today, emphasizing the critical importance of self-care and sustainability in the profession. Drawing upon her nearly 25 years of classroom experience and personal encounters with burnout, Danielle urges her listeners to shift their perspective on dedication. She passionately advocates for a teaching environment where being well is prioritized over mere exhaustion, reminding us that to effectively nurture the next generation, educators must first take care of themselves. As the school year progresses into the demanding and often overwhelming final stretch, Danielle addresses the common feelings of fatigue and pressure that both students and teachers experience. She prompts educators to reflect on their mindset during this period. Are they focusing on the aspects they cannot control, like standardized testing schedules and student behavior? Or are they actively seeking out the potential for growth and learning, even in the face of challenges? This intersection of mindset and resilience forms the cornerstone of her discussion. Danielle introduces the concept of "well work," an essential ingredient in the teaching equation that transcends traditional content and pedagogy. She explains that well work encompasses the ability to remain grounded and regulate oneself in high-pressure moments. It represents the emotional intelligence necessary to connect with students, particularly when they display resistance or disengagement. By fostering a learning environment where students feel safe, respected, and understood, teachers can create a more effective educational experience. In an era where students are becoming increasingly aware of their emotions, the need for this proactive approach to wellbeing is more pressing than ever. Throughout the episode, Danielle emphasizes that superficial self-care strategies, like bubble baths or surface-level relaxation techniques, are not sufficient. Educators require systemic support and structured environments that acknowledge their humanity and allow them to thrive both personally and professionally. She poignantly highlights the importance of effective leadership that sees teachers as vital contributors rather than mere cogs in the educational machine. The overarching message is that when teachers are cared for and supported, students ultimately reap the benefits. Listeners are encouraged to engage in self-reflection about their own educational environments and to voice their needs for systemic improvements. Danielle passionately believes that every educator’s voice matters, and she urges teachers to articulate their requirements to their school administration proactively. This call to action is not only about fostering dialogue but also about creating a culture where the wellbeing of educators is recognized as a pivotal factor in achieving school success. To further explore these themes, Danielle invites listeners to delve into additional resources available at her website, including links to her book, "The Path of the Mindful Teacher." The episode serves as a rallying call for educators to prioritize their health and wellbeing, reinforcing the crucial idea that a thriving teaching staff ultimately leads to better outcomes for students. In closing, she asserts that the greatest predictor of a school's success is the health and well-being of its teachers, a reminder that resonates deeply in today’s educational landscape.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

The Principal Reset Series: The Self-Doubting Principal

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook Summer Reset Series, we explore the patterns and habits of the self-doubting principal. Through the example of a principal who struggles with second-guessing decisions, seeking approval, and comparing herself to others, we uncover how self-doubt impacts leadership effectiveness. Using the TEA Cycle, we examine how thoughts create emotions and actions that either build or erode confidence. You'll learn practical strategies to strengthen self-trust, make decisions with greater confidence, and stop letting mistakes or feedback define your leadership. If you've ever questioned yourself as a leader, this episode will help you lead with more clarity, courage, and confidence.

Find out your confidence score with the FREE Confidence Scorecard for Principals.

Get The Confident Principal Reset: A 14 Day Action Plan for Principals

Get free resources at principalfreebies.com.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

20. The Architecture of Trust: Part 3

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:30:00 -0700

In this episode, Gregory Treat continues the "Architecture of Trust" series, exploring why modern communities trap themselves in poverty by boosting demand and restricting supply without capturing any of the upside. Greg walks through the Cantillon effect, three types of economic loops, and what it means to "short" your own family by betting on the system instead of your children. Drawing on Jewish, Amish, and Japanese corporate models, he argues that closing the loop requires mediators with skin in the game, internal stores of value, and pre-negotiated chains of mutual obligation — and challenges builders to create the infrastructure that makes betting on your family economically rational.

Artfully Teaching Reading with Project-based Learning with Dr. Chase Young, Dr. Seth Parsons & Dr. Allison Ward Parsons

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Dr. Erin Bailey is joined by three literacy educators and co-authors — Dr. Chase Young (Sam Houston State University), Dr. Seth Parsons, and Dr. Allison Ward Parsons (both from George Mason University) — to discuss their book Artfully Teaching Reading with Project-Based Learning and the Future of Engaging Literacy Instruction. Together, they make a passionate case for bringing creativity, joy, and synergy back into literacy classrooms. The group explores how evidence-based reading instruction doesn't have to mean boring instruction — and how project-based learning, student choice, collaboration, and authentic tasks can coexist with (and even strengthen) the science of reading. From tongue twister phonics lessons to word surgery morphology activities, they share practical, research-backed ideas that give teachers permission to be creative again. The episode also tackles the missing "pillar" of motivation and engagement in the science of reading conversation, the toll scripted curricula are taking on teachers, and why building lifelong readers matters just as much as teaching decoding skills.

About Dr. Chase Young:
Dr. Chase Young is a literacy researcher, professor, author, and educator known for making reading instruction practical, engaging, and research-driven. He is the author of several influential professional books, including Artfully Teaching the Science of Reading, Artfully Teaching Reading with Project-Based Learning, and Build Reading Fluency. His work focuses on reading fluency, literacy interventions, active learning, and effective classroom practices that bridge the science and art of teaching. In addition to his writing and research, Dr. Young serves as an editor for Reading Research Quarterly, one of the leading journals in literacy research. A sought-after speaker, he is known for energetic presentations that blend scholarly expertise with humor and practical classroom application.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chase-young-68586625/

X: https://x.com/ChaseJYoung1

About Dr. Seth Parsons:
Seth A. Parsons, PhD, is a professor in the Sturtevant Center for Literacy at George Mason University. He is the co-author and co-editor of several books, including Artfully Teaching Reading with Project-Based Learning (Routledge, 2026), Accelerating Learning Recovery for All Students (Guilford, 2023), and Principles of Effective Literacy Instruction, K–5 (Guilford, 2021). Dr. Parsons serves as co-editor of the Journal of Literacy Research, associate editor of Reading & Writing Quarterly, and executive editor of cognition and motivation for The Journal of Educational Research.

www.linkedin.com/in/prof-seth-parsons

https://www.facebook.com/seth.parsons.796/

Instagram: @sethaparsons

https://kappanonline.org/motivation-science-of-reading-parsons-erickson/

About Dr. Allison Ward Parsons:
Allison Ward Parsons is a Professor and Director of the Elizabeth G. Sturtevant Center for Literacy at George Mason University. She is former Title I kindergarten teacher who strives to support teachers’ literacy instruction as they build lifelong readers who love learning. Most recently she has been focused on building a statewide initiative to support literacy in Virginia with a grant from the US Department of Education (see leap.cehd.gmu.edu). Dr. Ward Parsons currently serves as Vice President of the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers. She is a co-author of Artfully Teaching Reading with Project-Based Learning, and her award-winning research has been published in numerous outlets, including Literacy Research and Instruction, Reading Research Quarterly, The Elementary School Journal, The Reading Teacher, and Review of Educational Research.

LinkedIn:

linkedin.com/in/allison-ward-parsons-ph-d-83664b7

Instagram: allisonwparsons

Summer Replay #9 - Connecting Parents for Aligned Collaborative Success with Christina Hidek

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Access a workshop guide to help your team unpack their norms and help them have a greater impact on your collaborative efforts - https://bit.ly/jlnorms

In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by Christina Hidek, a former litigation attorney turned professional organizer and parent leader. Through her work with PTO Answers, she helps parent groups avoid overwhelm and focus on what truly matters: creating joyful, collaborative school communities.

Learn more about Christina Hidek at https://ptoanswers.com

Get the PTO Family Engagement Opportunity Assessment: https://ptoanswers.com/principals/

5 No Brainer Ways to Improve the Teacher/Parent Relationship: https://ptoanswers.com/teachers/

Super Star PTO Leaders Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/ptoleaders

The Principal’s Parent Group Playbook: https://ptoanswers.com/principals-parent-group-playbook/
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Connect with Christina Hidek
Email: christina@ptoanswers.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinahidek/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptoanswers
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ptoanswers

Connect with Kurtis Hewson
Email: kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
X: @hewsonk27
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hewsonk27
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson

Connect with Lorna Hewson
Email: lorna.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
X: @LornaHewson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorna-hewson-713a59104

#collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership
---------

Learn more about Collaborative Response https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tbgetTdAiA&t=0s

Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article
https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE
https://bit.ly/CR-intro - if interested in ordering the book, use the code JLPodcast10 to receive 10% off!

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial
https://jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab.ca

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

Music: “Culture of Collaboration” has been composed, recorded, and produced by Trent Ferguson for Building a Culture of Collaboration.

Images: Visuals included in this video not generated under agreement with Jigsaw Learning Inc. have been carefully selected under Creative Commons for their permissions.

The Quiest of Exhaustion of March Danielle

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0700

In this episode of *Morning Motivation for Educators*, host Danielle Neufer, an experienced educator and founder of TeachingWell, delves into the often-overlooked challenges that arise during the month of March in the school year. Drawing from her own experiences of burnout and recovery, Danielle emphasizes the importance of building personal capacity and resilience as educators. This podcast serves as a reminder that teaching is not just about enduring the tough days; it’s about cultivating a steady presence that significantly impacts students and the classroom environment. March is framed as a transformative period—not unlike the transition period in nature where winter gives way to spring. This analogy highlights the "quiet exhaustion" that educators commonly feel as the end of the year approaches. Danielle encourages listeners to recognize this state of emotional and physical fatigue, which is exacerbated by societal expectations to merely push through the difficult times. She contrasts the intense pressure to continue working at full capacity with the more natural rhythm of the seasons, calling for a conscious pause to regroup and reflect. Listeners are invited to engage in introspective questions that can help them reclaim their energy and vision for the remainder of the school year. Danielle prompts her audience to consider how they wish to feel on the last day of school, what burdens they may be carrying that do not belong to them, and what it truly means to finish strong. By examining these questions, educators can cultivate a more intentional approach to their remaining time in the classroom. The episode culminates with an exciting announcement about an upcoming guided spring regroup session, intended for March 26th. This session is designed to provide a supportive space for reflection and planning, creating an opportunity to approach the final 60 days of the school year with renewed clarity and purpose. Danielle reinforces that this isn't about increasing workload but about fostering a sense of completion and satisfaction as the school year wraps up. Listeners are reminded of the profound truth that the well-being of educators is a critical predictor of school success. With resources available at TeachingWell and insights from her book, *The Path of the Mindful Teacher*, Danielle equips educators with the tools to take charge of their well-being and positively influence their classroom environments. This episode serves as a powerful call to pause, reflect, and reclaim the joy and effectiveness in teaching.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Beyond the Code: Forrest Close on AI, Data Science, and Standing Out in a Changing Job Market

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0700

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Forrest Close, data scientist and recent University of New Hampshire graduate, to explore what it’s really like entering the workforce in the age of AI. From navigating college during the rise of generative AI to competing in today’s challenging job market, Forrest offers an honest perspective from the student side of this technological shift.

The conversation explores how AI has transformed learning, including the growing gap between homework performance and actual understanding. Forrest shares why students should use AI as a guide rather than an answer machine, allowing it to strengthen learning instead of replacing it.

The episode also highlights an important lesson for educators and employers alike: as AI makes technical work more accessible, the value of communication, collaboration, and translating complex ideas becomes even greater. Forrest reflects on discovering that his greatest contribution wasn't writing code—it was connecting technical solutions to real human needs.

For educators, students, and higher education leaders, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how AI is reshaping learning, hiring, and the skills that will matter most in the future.

#84 Why Is Teaching Online Still Not Part of Teacher Prep? with Michael Barbour

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, your hosts talk again with Michael Barbour — the most-cited researcher in K-12 online and distance learning — about what it would actually take to fix how teachers are prepared to teach online, and why thirty years of K-12 virtual learning hasn't produced that change yet. Drawing on his 2024 paper with Charles Hodges, Michael lays out six concrete steps — two focused on building the research base, four focused on teacher preparation programs — and explains why none of it happens without explicit mandates from states and accreditation bodies. The assumption under examination: that teacher prep programs will gradually incorporate online pedagogy on their own as demand grows. The evidence suggests they won't, for the same reason they never properly integrated technology in the first place.

Together, the hosts and Michael explore the structural reasons teacher preparation programs can't make room for online pedagogy without a mandate, even when they want to. They dig into a counterintuitive finding from Newfoundland and Labrador — where students with K-12 online learning experience actually performed worse in college online courses than their peers, not because online experience is harmful, but because of how that particular program's heavy synchronous structure coddled students in ways that didn't transfer. They examine what the research actually shows about online learning and mental health (short version: the modality isn't the problem, and during the pandemic, logging into school may have been the most normal part of a child's day). And they work through the affordances and tradeoffs of synchronous versus asynchronous instruction — a framework any practitioner can apply immediately. Michael closes with the two big questions currently driving his research: where is the field of K-12 online learning thirty years in, and how much of what gets regulated in the US is driven by ideology rather than evidence?

Key topics:

Six-step framework for reforming online teacher preparation (Barbour & Hodges, 2024)
Why teacher prep programs don't change without state or accreditation mandates
The Newfoundland counterintuitive finding: when prior online experience hurts
Site-based facilitators / e-deans and the role of on-site support in distance programs
Synchronous vs. asynchronous instruction: affordances, tradeoffs, and how to choose
Online learning and student mental health: what the research actually shows
Governance and regulation of K-12 online learning in the US vs. other jurisdictions

Links & Resources:

Michael Barbour's website: michaelbarbour.com
Barbour, M. K., & Hodges, C. B. (2024). Preparing teachers to teach online: Steps for teacher education. Open Praxis. https://openpraxis.org/articles/10.55982/openpraxis.16.4.727
Barbour, M. K., Moore, S., & Veletsianos, G. (2023). Online/remote learning and mental health. https://touroscholar.touro.edu/tucse-pubs/29/
Digital Learning Collaborative / Community for Advancing Digital Learning (DLAC): Research agenda report and special issue of the Journal of Online Learning Research https://www.deelac.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/DLAC-Research-Agenda-Phase-2-Final-1052025.pdf

Guest Bio: Michael Barbour

Michael Barbour is widely cited as the most prolific researcher in K-12 online and distance learning. His work spans student success and persistence in virtual environments, teacher preparation for online instruction, and the governance and regulation of K-12 online programs across jurisdictions. He is currently focused on building a research agenda for the field and examining how political ideology shapes online learning policy in the United States compared to other countries. Barbour holds a faculty position and has previously held posts at Wayne State University, among others.

How To Be A Presentation Rockstar w/ David Thomas

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Are your presentations inspiring your team, or are they putting them to sleep?

Create Authority! Control the Room! Be a Rockstar!

Meet David Thomas!

In this episode, international keynote speaker and elite presentation coach David Thomas shares his expert strategies on how corporate leaders, politicians, and public speakers can break out of the "vanilla" presentation trap and become communication rockstars.

From preparing clients for the intense environment of the UK Houses of Parliament to analyzing Barack Obama’s dramatic public speaking transformation, David breaks down the exact science of high-stakes communication. You'll learn how to master the first 60 seconds of any speech, inject humor without losing your professional edge, and use storytelling to drive emotional connection and real action.

📈 Key Takeaways & Timestamps
Presenting in the Halls of Power: Why do leaders consistently deliver boring presentations even when they want to be engaging?

Hooking Your Audience Emotionally: Facts tell, but emotions sell.

The Secret Weapon: Humor and Storytelling

The 60-Second Rule & The "Lightning Rod Theme": Minimalist slides that maximize visual impact.

The Barack Obama Transformation: Public speaking is a trained skill, not an innate talent.

Sir Ken Robinson's TED Talk: Used as a prime case study for embedding humor (roughly one-third of the presentation) into an educational speech.
Barack Obama’s Early Speeches: The "before-and-after" video footage David uses to inspire confidence in his coaching clients.
Toastmasters International: Recommended as an excellent baseline resource for developing public speaking habits.

Connect with David:
Website: https://www.creatingpresentationrockstars.com

Listen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-be-a-presentation-rockstar-w-david-thomas/id1614151066?i=1000775602140
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6qiGFJHTyMwUrIgxgdQOYd?si=ObD8saRoRXy1wHoag5KtRQ
YouTube: https://youtu.be/jtIOhGu4RGE

Being a Cautious Advocate with Dr. Alfonso Mendoza Jr.

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 11:32:24 -0700

What does it mean to be a "cautious advocate" in the age of AI?

In this episode of Artificial Intelligence Real Talk, host Matthew sits down with Dr. Alfonso Mendoza Jr. ("Dr. Fonz"), educator, ed-tech veteran, and host of the My EdTech Life podcast, for a wide-ranging and deeply honest conversation about what it really means to bring technology into classrooms with intention.

Dr. Fonz brings over a decade of experience as a digital learning coordinator, a doctoral perspective on data and ed tech policy, and a refreshing willingness to pump the brakes when everyone else is flooring it. Together, Matt and Dr. Fonz dig into the lessons learned from the early days of generative AI hype, the growing tech backlash, and what cautious advocacy actually looks like in practice.

In this episode, you'll hear:

How a term coined by Dr. Nneka McGee ("cautious advocate") changed the way both hosts approach AI in education
Why the hype cycle of blockchain, NFTs, and Web3 shaped Dr. Mendoza's skepticism about generative AI
What "data rentiership" means and why it should make every educator pause before adopting a free tool
The difference between substitution and genuine transformation in classroom technology use
Why professional development for teachers is underfunded, rushed, and often set up to fail
How looking at teaching through a marketing lens can help educators actually reach every learner
Real strategies for bite-sized, flexible professional learning that actually works ("PD in Your PJs," choice boards, micro-modules)
Why students with IEPs, 504 plans, and multilingual learners are most at risk when schools cut their tech stacks
What the future of higher education might look like as generative AI challenges the value of a degree

What are you most curious about when it comes to AI and the future of education?

Connect with Dr. Fonz:
MyEdTechLife podcast
LinkedIn

Timestamps

0:00 — Introduction & Guest Welcome
0:59 — The "Cautious Advocate" — How Dr. Mendoza Approaches AI & EdTech Hype
11:14 — Tech Backlash, Screen Time & What We Owe Kids
21:45 — Student-Centered Learning & What Real EdTech Use Looks Like
24:43 — Teacher Training, Professional Development & the Time Problem
36:20 — AI Policy, Stakeholder Voice & the AI Readiness Audit
1:07:51 — What Are You Curious About? The Future of Higher Ed & AI

(00:00) - Introduction & Guest Welcome
(00:59) - The Cautious Advocate: Lessons from EdTech Hype
(08:01) - Tech Backlash & Screen Time
(17:19) - Student-Centered Learning & EdTech in Practice
(19:28) - Teacher Training & Professional Development
(49:35) - The Future: Higher Ed & AI Curiosity

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by Renaissance and IXL.

Learn more about Renaissance:

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Rejection Proof Career with Jason Leshowitz

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 00:12:00 -0700

In this episode of the Transformative Principal podcast, host Mike Caldwell talks with Jason Leshowitz, a New Jersey arts administrator and founder of Rejection Proof Career, about his upcoming book The Rejection Proof Educator. Jason shares how educators and school leaders can translate their skills and experience into compelling resumes and interview answers, whether they're pivoting upward into leadership or transitioning into education-adjacent careers like ed tech and instructional design. The conversation covers reframing your professional story, building relevant experience before an opportunity arrives, using LinkedIn (and Facebook) to network effectively, and practical strategies for standing out in a competitive job market.

Show Notes:
Website: rejectionproofcareer.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jason-leshowitz
Instagram: @rejectionproofcareer
Book: The Rejection-Proof Educator: Translating Your Experience into Better Pay and Bigger Opportunities (coming soon)

We’re proud to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

BOOM! Goes the Podcast!

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:08:21 -0500

Jeff’s back from ISTE 2026, July 4th is just hours away, AND our country is 250 years young! These guys are probably gonna (and they do) talk a lot of smack (and Sugar Smacks), laugh, show their age, and put down everyone and everything. Then they’ll nicely apologize, gives some kudos to the Education Czars and wish every a Happy Independence Day!

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Some Serenity with Your Stress Danielle Nuhfer

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0700

In this enlightening episode of "Morning Motivation for Educators," host Danielle Neufer draws on her extensive experience in the classroom to address a pressing and important issue in the field of education: the unsustainable expectation for teachers to operate on empty. With a career spanning nearly 25 years and two personal encounters with burnout, Danielle emphasizes that effective teaching begins with self-care and maintaining personal well-being. This podcast aims to guide educators toward a healthier, more balanced approach to their vocation, highlighting that true dedication does not equate to exhaustion. Through honest reflections and practical strategies, this episode delves into the common sentiments many educators share—feeling overwhelmed and stuck in a cycle of overdrive. Danielle acknowledges that there are systemic challenges within education that educators face daily, but she stresses the significance of recognizing where one allocates their energy. Rather than glossing over these real challenges, Danielle encourages listeners to confront them purposefully, offering a clear directive: we must acknowledge our limitations and focus our efforts on what truly matters. Drawing from a personal anecdote about a transformative moment during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Danielle shares how she learned that even in adversity, there are elements within her control—what she consumes, how she moves, and how she nurtures her mind. She introduces the Serenity Prayer as a framework for educators to distinguish between what they can influence and what lies beyond their grasp. This introspection invites educators to accept the reality of their profession while reclaiming the power they have to shape their immediate environment, from the tone they set in their classrooms to how they prioritize their own self-care throughout the day. Danielle’s discussion highlights that acceptance does not mean complacency; instead, it underscores the importance of discerning what workloads are sustainable and what burdens are not theirs to carry. She asserts that teaching does not require one to shoulder every challenge, but rather, it calls for wise moments of choosing where to invest one's emotional and physical energy. With thoughtful pauses for reflection, Danielle invites educators to consider how they can create spaces of impact within their classrooms, becoming beacons of positivity and strength for their students even amid systemic challenges. As the episode wraps up, listeners are encouraged to explore their own paths to mindfulness in teaching, recognizing that choice exists within their practice. Danielle emphasizes a profound truth: that while the educational landscape may be difficult, educators can still make deliberate choices that align with their values. Educators don’t have to succumb to the weight of everything on their shoulders; they can innovate and inspire by showing up grounded, steady, and empowered in their roles. For further exploration of these themes, resources are available through Danielle's platform, Teaching Well, and her book, "The Path of the Mindful Teacher." This episode serves not only as a source of motivation but as a powerful call to action for educators to prioritize their well-being for the benefit of their students and their profession.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

UDL: Accessibility by Design with CAST's Christine Fox & Niel Albero

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Every classroom is filled with learner variability, yet many educational systems are still designed around the idea of an "average" student. What if we approached learning differently? What if accessibility wasn't something we added after students struggled, but something we designed for from the very beginning?

In this episode, David sits down with Christine Fox, Chief Growth & Innovation Officer at CAST, and Niel Albero, Professional Learning Specialist at CAST, to explore Universal Design for Learning (UDL)—a framework that encourages educators to proactively design learning environments that embrace learner variability, reduce barriers, and build student agency.

🎟️ Education Talk Radio listeners can save 10% on registration using promo code: PL10

Learn more and register at udlcon.cast.org.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

The Power of Story with Mary Pope Osborne

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:15:01 -0700

In this episode, Dr. Erin Bailey sits down with Mary Pope Osborne — author of the beloved Magic Tree House series — to explore how a life of adventure, imagination, and a love of words led to one of the most iconic children's book series of all time. Mary shares the origin of Jack and Annie's tree house, her dedication to literacy access through the Magic Tree House Classroom Adventures program and Gift of Books initiative, and why reading builds far more than academic skills — it builds resilience, empathy, and the imagination to envision a different life. She also previews her newest History Heroes series, featuring real-world figures like Mary Anning and Thomas Edison. A beautiful reminder that reading is a doorway to anywhere.

About Mary Pope Osborne:
Mary Pope Osborne is an ardent advocate and supporter of children’s literacy, and the award-winning author of more than 100 books for children and young adults, including novels, retellings of mythology and folklore, picture books, biographies, and mysteries. From 1993–1997, Mary served as president of the Authors Guild, the country’s leading organization for published authors. She has traveled extensively in the U.S. and abroad, visiting schools and speaking on issues related to children’s literacy.

Mary spoke at the UN regarding the importance of worldwide literacy and was profiled on NBC’s Rock Center with Brian Williams for her continued efforts. Mary's personal contributions through her Gift of Books Program have placed over 1.2 million books in the hands of underserved children in Title 1 schools across the country.

The creator of the Magic Tree House series, Mary is also co-author of the companion Magic Tree House Fact Trackers series with her husband, WILL OSBORNE, and her sister, NATALIE POPE BOYCE. Mary is active on Instagram, YouTube, and X and loves to connect with readers, former readers, teachers, and parents. She resides in Great Barrington, Massachusetts with Will and their two rescue dogs, Captain Wilson and a Yorkie named Penny.

Classroom Adventures Program: Mary Pope Osborne's Classroom Adventures Program

Mary Pope Osborne (@mary_pope_osborne) • Instagram photos and videos

How I Write a Magic Tree House Book (Sea Otter Sunrise)

Mary Pope Osborne (@MaryPopeOsborne) / X

Magic Tree House | Facebook

19. The Architecture of Trust: Part 2

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:47:00 -0700

INCH360 2025: Kurtis Shelton

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:27:00 +0000

This episode is a part of a special series of interviews conducted at the INCH360 Cybersecurity Conference in Spokane, Washington. Visit their website to learn more about INCH360 and their mission.

Host Jethro D. Jones interviews AI researcher Kurtis Shelton. Kurtis shares insights on the offensive and defensive sides of AI in cybersecurity, discusses prompt injection and model vulnerabilities, and explains how machine learning is transforming security practices. The conversation highlights the importance of critical thinking, continuous learning, and the evolving landscape of AI-driven threats and defenses.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and Renaissance.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Learn more about Renaissance:

Do the Well WorkThe Danielle Nuhfer jethro jones

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:19:07 -0700

In this episode, Danielle Neufer introduces Morning Motivation for Educators and shares her perspective after many years in the classroom and two experiences with burnout. She explains that sustaining teaching is not about pushing through exhaustion, but about building capacity and staying well enough to keep doing the work. She reflects on the pressures of the school year, especially testing season and the end of the year, when teachers and students are tired and expectations remain high. She contrasts focusing on what cannot be controlled with looking for what is still possible, including student potential, the importance of relationships, and the idea that behavior is communication. The episode centers on what she calls “well work,” which she describes as the third ingredient alongside content and pedagogy. This includes regulating oneself in difficult moments, responding instead of reacting, staying grounded in chaos, holding boundaries, and creating a classroom environment where students feel safe enough to learn. She also argues that teachers need more than individual self-care advice. She says they need systems, structures, and leadership that recognize their humanity and support them through the hardest parts of the year. She ends by encouraging listeners to reflect on what their schools are missing, speak up about their needs, and remember that teacher well-being affects student success.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Have some true fun Danielle Nuhfer (1)

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 10:57:02 -0700

In this episode of "Morning Motivation for Educators," host Danielle Neufer delves into essential practices that empower teachers to manage stress and rekindle their passion for teaching. Drawing from her extensive 20-year experience in the classroom, along with her personal journey through burnout, Danielle emphasizes the importance of self-care and provides actionable strategies for educators feeling overwhelmed. This episode serves as a gentle reminder that thriving educators contribute to a robust school community, and Danielle is dedicated to facilitating this positive cycle. As she celebrates her birthday month, Danielle reflects on the subtle personal shifts she's experiencing, despite the stillness of her external environment. She introduces the concept of “recharge rooms”—dedicated spaces designed for educators to engage in activities that foster genuine fun and connection. Through her insights, Danielle underscores how critical it is for teachers to step back from their busy schedules, advocate for their wellbeing, and prioritize moments of playfulness and shared experiences. She draws attention to the stark reality that today’s fast-paced world often necessitates intentionality in cultivating downtime, which once was a natural part of life. The discussion spotlights Catherine Price’s enlightening idea of “true fun,” which encompasses playfulness, connection, and flow. Danielle elaborates on the significance of pinpointing one’s personal sources of joy and making room for them amidst a busy life. By structuring recharge rooms that encapsulate these elements, teachers can embrace a healing environment that encourages spontaneity and community bonding—inviting them to discover new dimensions of engagement that don't solely revolve around instructional responsibilities. Danielle boldly advocates for educators to explore opportunities for enjoyment without the heavy burden of planning and organizing. She encourages teachers to seek out structured activities led by others, providing the essential space for relaxation and connection. Sharing her recent experiences of attending local art classes, she offers practical examples of how educators can embrace their own downtime while allowing qualified individuals to lead activities-encouraging the culture of fun and community. The recharge rooms Danielle creates are described as informal, inviting spaces filled with engaging activities grounded in positive psychology. Teachers are free to participate at their own pace, fostering a non-judgmental atmosphere rooted in shared experiences. Importantly, every activity is designed to reinforce well-being, without the pressure of being explicitly labeled as therapeutic, allowing participants to truly enjoy themselves and build meaningful connections with their colleagues. Listeners are invited to join this movement of self-care and community-building through practical resources shared in the show's shownotes, including insights on creating their own recharge rooms and discovering how to collaborate with peers to establish safe spaces for fun. Danielle inspires educators to prioritize their wellness as a means to best serve their students, reinforcing the adage that self-care translates to better care for others. Ultimately, this episode is a heartfelt call to educators everywhere to acknowledge their worth, embrace moments of joy, and cultivate environments where both they and their students can thrive. Danielle’s passion shines through as she invites listeners on a journey towards greater fulfillment in their teaching careers, ensuring that the ripple effects of individual wellness extend throughout the entire educational community.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

The Impact of Overaccommodation in K–12 on Independence in College and Beyond (with Jill Fahy)

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 10:00:00 -0700

“Accommodation” is a loaded word. On one hand, we want to provide reasonable accommodations in K-12 so kids can access their education.

But determining what is “reasonable” accommodation or modification can be messy.

Both parents and educators can unintentionally “overaccommodate” in the moment without realizing it, which over time can impede a child’s ability to work through daily challenges and solve problems on their own.

This can be in the context of adding too many “cookie-cutter” accommodations on a 504 Plan or IEP, or it can be unofficial accommodations in the way we interact with kids.

My colleagues who work on college campuses are seeing the impact of this “overhelping” in K-12.
And it’s not just kids with neurodevelopmental disorders. It’s the neurotypical kids too.

That’s why I invited my colleague, Jill Fahy, back to De Facto Leaders to talk about the state of college readiness, the upstream impacts of what’s happening in K-12 on success both during and after college.

Jill Fahy, Professor in the Department of Communication Disorders & Sciences, serves as the Director of STEP, a transitional education program for EIU students with autism. STEP programming supports the development of executive functions, social communication, self-appraisal, and self-regulatory skills to facilitate students' management of their academic and university living demands. Ms. Fahy specializes in the assessment of executive dysfunction, particularly as it is associated with concomitant disorders of language, cognition, or social/pragmatics. She is a widely-known lecturer in the area of executive functions, speaking nationally and internationally on aspects of evaluation and treatment of executive dysfunction, and the role of language in executive functions. Ms. Fahy is co-author of The Source for Development of Executive Functions, 2nd edition, and various articles on self-talk and executive functions. Ms. Fahy teaches graduate courses in Aphasia/Right Hemisphere Dysfunction, Cognitive-Communication and Executive Function Disorders, and Medical Grand Rounds. She previously taught undergraduate courses in Neurology and Advanced Clinical Practicum and Diagnostics. Prior to teaching at EIU, Ms. Fahy worked for several years as a medical SLP providing services for patients with acquired neurological deficits resulting from stroke and TBI, including those in acute care, inpatient and day rehabilitation, and home health.

In this conversation, we discuss:

✅ The difference between accommodations and modifications, what “overhelping” looks like, and why it impedes development of important metacognitive skills.

✅ The state of college student mental health, and how it relates to the opportunities students have to practice self-regulation and experiencing failure.

✅ Skills many college students are lacking, including managing due dates, extended writing assignments, study skills, working through conflict, and managing their daily life.

✅ How and when to start fading supports, and how to recognize if you’ve been “overaccommodating” for a student

You can connect with Jill at jkfahy@eiu.edu or on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-fahy-250478b/

Learn more about the Students with Autism Transitional Education Program (STEP) Program at Eastern Illinois University here: https://www.eiu.edu/step/

Be sure to listen to my first interview with Jill on De Facto Leaders here: Executive Functioning for College Students: Beyond Checklists and Planners (with Jill Fahy)
Link here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-122-executive-functioning-for-college-students-beyond-checklists-and-planners-with-jill-fahy/

You can also listen to my commentary on her first interview in this episode: Balancing Language, Academic Content Areas, and Executive Functioning (featuring Jill Fahy)
Link here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-232-balancing-language-academic-content-areas-and-executive-functioning-featuring-jill-fahy/

In this episode, I mentioned Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that gives speech pathologists a scalable framework for building language skills needed to thrive in school, social situations, and daily life. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapy

I also mentioned School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers design scalable executive functioning interventions to ensure students get the scaffolding they need across the school day. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership

The Timing of Implementation

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode, I talk about what takes more time than we think when it comes to implementation, and what takes longer than we think.

Links:
Gene's Books:
Teach Fast
Maximizing the Impact of Coaching Cycles
Digital Captives

X: (1) Gene Tavernetti (@gtavernetti) / X

LinkedIn:(7) Gene Tavernetti | LinkedIn

www.tesscg.com

Substack: Gene Tavernetti | Substack

This podcast sponsored by:

The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here.

Summer Replay #10 - Leadership Moves and Solution-Focused Conversations with Percy Baxter School

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Access the FREE Guide for Leaders to Develop and Reinforce Team Norms - http://bit.ly/teamnormsguide

Join US!! At the Annual Collaborative Response Retreat
https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/events/retreat

How do the structures of Collaborative Response—the meetings, tiers, and data—actually "breathe" in a middle school? In this episode, Kurtis and Lorna Hewson are joined by Jennifer Ferguson (Principal) and Ashlee Jodry (Assistant Principal) of Percy Baxter Middle School.

The team discusses the leadership moves required to build trust, how to shift teacher conversations toward solutions, and what it looks like to lead implementation when you already have a deep background in the framework.

Learn more about Percy Baxter Middle School at https://www.percybaxter.ca/

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Connect with Jennifer Ferguson
Email: jennifer.ferguson@ngps.ca
X: https://x.com/_MrsFerguson_
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-dickson-ferguson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jfer79

Connect with Ashlee Jodry
Email: ashlee.jodry@ngps.ca

Connect with Kurtis Hewson
Email: kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
X: @hewsonk27
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hewsonk27
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson

Connect with Lorna Hewson
Email: lorna.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
X: @LornaHewson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorna-hewson-713a59104

#collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership #systems
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Access the FREE Guide for Leaders to Develop and Reinforce Team Norms - http://bit.ly/teamnormsguide

Learn more about Collaborative Response https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tbgetTdAiA&t=0s

Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article
https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE
https://bit.ly/CR-intro - if interested in ordering the book, use the code JLPodcast10 to receive 10% off!

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE three month trial
https://jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab.ca

Join for FREE!! Become a JL Insider to receive access to newly added resources and video content, advance notice for sessions/workshops, discounts for learning events and resources, plus so much more!
https://bit.ly/JLinsider

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

Music: “Leading Collaborative Response” has been composed, recorded, and produced by Trent Ferguson for Leading Collaborative Response.

Images: Visuals included in this video not generated under agreement with Jigsaw Learning Inc. have been carefully selected under Creative Commons for their permissions.

The Principal Reset Series: The Perfectionist

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook Summer Reset Series, we explore the mindset and habits of the perfectionist principal. You'll learn how perfectionism shows up in school leadership through overthinking decisions, constantly revising work, fear of mistakes, and spending too much time trying to get everything just right.

Using the TEA Cycle, we examine how perfectionistic thoughts create stress, anxiety, and delays that impact both leadership effectiveness and personal well-being. This episode offers practical strategies to help you let go of impossible standards, focus on what matters most, and take action with confidence. If you've ever felt like your work is never truly finished, this episode will help you reset your approach and lead more effectively.

Get free resources at PrincipalFreebies.com.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Building Young STEM Readers with Jay Flores

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Dr. Erin Bailey sits down with Jay Flores — engineer, author, and upcoming American Ninja Warrior competitor — to explore the powerful intersection of literacy, STEM, and representation. Jay shares how his lifelong curiosity, nurtured by a supportive family, led him from tinkering with pots and pans as a child to becoming an engineer and now a children's book author. His bilingual picture book Engineer Someday introduces 10 types of engineering through familiar childhood play, with rhymes that work in both English and Spanish — not as a translation, but as a true bilingual experience. The conversation covers why reading is one of the best tools for sparking STEM curiosity in young children, why representation in books and media matters, and how bilingualism is a cognitive superpower worth celebrating.

About Jay Flores:
Jay Flores is a Global STEM Ambassador, founder of Invent The Change, and author of the bilingual STEM children’s book series, Engineer Someday! He is a two-time semifinalist on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior, recently starred on Amazon Prime Video’s Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? and has hosted PBS’s innovation show Make48. Jay also starred on Telemundo's Exatlon and competed on ESPN in primetime! With additional appearances on local news channels across the country, Jay has become a leading advocate for Hispanic representation in STEM, using his platform to inspire the next generation of innovators.

As one of the most influential voices in K-12 STEM education, Jay reaches millions of students each month. He serves as a Mystery Guide on Discovery Education’s Mystery Science, the most widely used K-5 science resource in the United States. Jay is also the creator and host of It's Not Magic, It's Science!, an innovative brand dedicated to providing equitable access to entertaining STEM experiences. His live science shows, which feature experiments disguised as magic tricks, continue to engage and inspire students in classrooms and communities nationwide.

Jay is launching an international book tour for his bilingual STEM children’s book series, designed to introduce engineering to kids ages 0-8 through playful rhymes, fun analogies, and engaging illustrations. By making engineering concepts accessible in both English and Spanish, Jay aims to inspire the next generation of innovators while supporting bilingual education. His goal is to place the Engineer Someday series in classrooms, libraries, science museums and homes across the country, ensuring young children see themselves in STEM from an early age.

Jay's work empowers students, educators, and industry leaders alike, solidifying his role as a pivotal figure in the global STEM landscape.

Jay Flores | LinkedIn

Jay Flores Santa (@jayfloresinspires) • Instagram photos and videos

Jay Flores - YouTube

Jay Flores (@jayfloresinspires) | TikTok

Summer Replay #10 Harnessing the Power of People with AI to Enhance Collaboration with Teacher Time Machine

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Access a workshop guide to ensure you are truly engaging as a team - https://bit.ly/JLgroupteam

Access a workshop guide to help your teams craft effective goals to guide their collaborative work - https://bit.ly/jlgoals

In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Kurtis and Lorna meet with two of the founders of Teacher Time Machine, an AI powered tool for teachers. Sharon and Richelle share how AI can enhance and build upon staff collaborative efforts and why teams are critical when maximizing AI to steal back time for teachers!

Learn more about Sharon Skretting, Dan Vanden Dungen, Richelle Marynowski and Teacher Time Machine at https://teachertimemachine.com/

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Connect with Teacher Time Machine
Email: sharon.skretting@teachertimemachine.com
Email: richelle.marynowski@teachertimemachine.com
Email: dan.vanden@teachertimemachine.com
X: https://twitter.com/TeacherTMachine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teacher_timemachine/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-skretting-4659129a/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551726065458
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNnLfnJqkD3lWT6x3wZmNxA

Connect with Kurtis Hewson
Email: kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
X: @hewsonk27
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hewsonk27
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson

#collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership
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Learn more about Collaborative Response https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tbgetTdAiA&t=0s

Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article
https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE
https://bit.ly/CR-intro - if interested in ordering the book, use the code JLPodcast10 to receive 10% off!

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial
https://jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab.ca

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

Music: “Culture of Collaboration” has been composed, recorded, and produced by Trent Ferguson for Building a Culture of Collaboration.

Images: Visuals included in this video not generated under agreement with Jigsaw Learning Inc. have been carefully selected under Creative Commons for their permissions.

#86 Pitchforks for Edtech: The Techlash with Tiger Team Edu

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 07:32:57 -0700

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth talks with Dr. Grant Atkins and Dr. Caroline Miller — a researcher who studies how educational technology gets implemented and whether it works, and a former high school teacher who left the classroom just as generative AI was beginning to reshape how students write — about the current backlash against ed tech and what's actually driving it. The conversation takes place inside Seth's long-running professional learning community, which gives it a candor that more formal interviews rarely allow.

Together, Seth, Grant, and Caroline explore what's getting lumped together under "ed tech backlash" — social media, pandemic-era screen fatigue, and generative AI — and why those distinctions matter for the decisions teachers and administrators actually have to make. Early in the conversation, a detail surfaces that reframes the whole discussion: a twelve-year-old who told Seth she could tell when her teachers were using AI to write her feedback, and that it bothered her because she felt it was their job to do it themselves. They look at the research on when technology supports learning and when it substitutes for the human relationship at the center of teaching, and at the SAMR framework as a lens for evaluating whether any given tool is doing something genuinely new or just digitizing what was already there. The conversation also turns to what parents should be asking schools about technology use, and why that gets harder when it requires parents to examine their own screen habits alongside their children's. It closes on something Grant says plainly and without hedging: he doesn't think anyone knows yet what acceptable AI use looks like, and the conversation schools and families need to be having is still largely unfinished.

Key topics

Ed tech backlash and what's behind it
Social media, classroom tools, and AI as separate conversations
SAMR framework for evaluating technology integration
Teacher burnout and technology as workload support
Parent-teacher communication about screen use
AI disclosure and student-teacher trust
Professional learning communities for educators

Links & Resources

Brookings Institution report on AI and education — Rebecca Winthrop, Senior Fellow and Co-Director of the Center for Universal Education at Brookings, and co-author of a ~200-page report on AI risks and potential in education drawing on research from 50 countries. Note: Seth referred to her as "Rebecca Chapman" during the recording — her name is Rebecca Winthrop. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/a-new-direction-for-students-in-an-ai-world-prosper-prepare-protect/
Justin Reich, MIT Teaching Systems Lab — researcher on ed tech hype cycles and lateral reading as a source-evaluation strategy: https://tsl.mit.edu/
SAMR framework — Ruben Puentedura's model for technology integration in education (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition): https://www.3plearning.com/blog/connectingsamrmodel/
Banyan Global Learning — Seth's organization, connecting K-12 classrooms to global peers through live virtual exchange programs: https://banyangloballearning.com/
Equity Maps — participation-tracking tool for discussion-based classrooms: https://equitymaps.com/
NoRedInk — adaptive writing and grammar platform: https://www.noredink.com/

Guest Bio: Dr. Grant Atkins

Dr. Grant Atkins is a researcher who studies professional development and the effectiveness of educational technology in classrooms. His work examines how ed tech tools are implemented at the school and district level and whether they achieve the learning outcomes they promise. He and Seth have been colleagues since meeting at Princeton University.

Guest Bio: Dr. Caroline Miller

Dr. Caroline Miller spent nearly a decade teaching advanced high school students before leaving the classroom as generative AI was beginning to reshape how students approach writing. Her teaching experience spanned discussion-based and writing-intensive classrooms, where she worked closely with students on critical thinking, source evaluation, and independent inquiry. She and Seth have been colleagues since meeting at Princeton University.

About the Host

About the Host: Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and host of two podcasts: Make It Mindful: Insights for Global Learning and Why Distance Learning? Through Banyan, he designs live virtual programs that connect K-12 classrooms to global peers and expert facilitators — building the kind of structured, human-centered learning the podcast explores.

Health and Wellness For Professionals and Leaders w/ Dr Melanie Gray

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:16:07 -0400

How can leaders create healthier workplace cultures for their teams?

Meet Dr. Melanie Gray!

Dr. Gray is a Registered Nurse of over 25 years and trauma-informed leadership expert from Wisconsin. She shares her transition from nursing to helping leaders create healthier workplace cultures.

Dr. Gray's experience during COVID-19, particularly seeing the impact on younger nurses, led her to formalize her work supporting employees struggling with workplace trauma and burnout.

Dr. Gray emphasized the need for creating a human-centered workplace culture during challenging times. Strategies for leaders including encouraging PTO use without punishment, limiting meeting schedules, and implementing regular one-on-ones are all part of a bigger wellness program.

On this episode, Dr. Gray breaks down her "STOP" acronym for professionals experiencing burnout: Scan, Tell yourself the truth, Own your truth, and Prioritize yourself.

Listen as Dr. Gray shares:
- how leaders often miss recognizing introverted team members
- how leaders can be trauma-informed in their communication
- practical strategies for leaders to implement
- creating a supportive culture for employee well-being
- structuring boundaries around work hours and communication
- lessons from European work-life balance cultures
- advocating for workplace wellness
- burnout from excessive change and poor communication
- why wellness helps retain great talent

...and so much more!

Connect with Dr. Gray:
Website: https://drmelaniegray.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelaniegray/

Listen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/health-and-wellness-for-professionals-and-leaders-w/id1614151066?i=1000774703757
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3LkkDJ9YJQOWrr5ZU3w89F?si=qFfcUwXAQPG8V-3Hmjfnog
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3LkkDJ9YJQOWrr5ZU3w89F
YouTube: https://youtu.be/TdNAcn_-xDk?si=8wKpw24NutUKIHJQ

Preparing Students for What’s Next: Kevin Stump on Skills, AI, and the Future of Higher Education

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0700

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Kevin Stump, Chief Program Officer at the Education Design Lab, to explore how higher education can better prepare learners for a rapidly evolving workforce shaped by AI and emerging technologies.

Kevin shares why the conversation can no longer be limited to degrees alone. Instead, he advocates for a future built around stackable credentials, visible skills, and stronger partnerships between colleges and employers. By bringing educators, industry leaders, and learners into the same design process, institutions can create more flexible pathways that keep pace with workforce needs while expanding opportunities for students.

The conversation also examines the leadership challenges surrounding AI adoption. Kevin discusses why many institutions feel stuck between today's realities and tomorrow's uncertainty, and why empowering early adopters is often the fastest path toward meaningful change. Throughout the episode, he reminds listeners that while AI can accelerate planning and organization, the deeply human work of reflection, writing, and critical thinking remains essential.

For higher education leaders, this episode offers a thoughtful roadmap for building more responsive institutions while ensuring students graduate with both meaningful credentials and the ability to clearly communicate the value of their skills.

Life Ready Students with Glenn Robbins

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 00:01:00 -0700

In this vault episode of Transformative Principle, host Jethro Jones interviews Glenn Robbins, principal of Northfield Community School in New Jersey and NASSP Digital Principal of 2016. Glenn shares how he builds a culture of innovation by prioritizing autonomy, transparency, and authentic collaboration among staff, students, and community. He discusses meeting daily with his union president to take the pulse of the building, using design thinking charettes to co-create a school-wide "Life Ready Manifesto," encouraging staff and students to bring problems paired with two solutions, and how owning his own mistakes publicly broke down trust barriers early in his tenure. Glenn measures success not by test scores, but by the enthusiasm of kids who don't want to leave school.

We’re proud to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

SUNDAY REWIND - Onboarding New Leaders to a District with a Culture of Collaboration

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Leading Collaborative Response, Jennifer, Lorna, and Kurtis explore the scenario of bringing new school leaders into a district where a culture of collaboration has been established within and between schools. Where these leaders may not have the lived experience of the journey of the district that has implemented Collaborative Response over time, there are steps that can be taken to bring them up to speed.

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Connect with Kurtis Hewson
Email kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
Twitter @hewsonk27
LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson

Connect with Lorna Hewson
Email lorna.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
Twitter @LornaHewson
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorna-hewson-713a59104

Connect with Jennifer Ferguson
Email jennifer.ferguson@jigsawlearning.ca
Twitter @_MrsFerguson_
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-dickson-ferguson/

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Related Resources

Collaborative Response Overview
https://youtu.be/6tbgetTdAiA

Collaborative Response from a Systems Perspective Part 1
https://youtu.be/YuWPIawWhjw

Collaborative Response from a Systems Perspective Part 2
https://youtu.be/zKySQHo3Gtw

Putting the Pieces Together with Jigsaw Learning Podcast
https://puttingthepiecestogether.transistor.fm/

A System Mindset for Collaboration: Successfully Addressing Division Priorities (Holy Spirit Team)
https://youtu.be/OOmLYPhaTJM

Team Meeting Overview Samples https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1AYb-gavLnvVjqtCRz3oh0-WU2EeuVxeC?usp=sharing

Collaborative Response 101 Course https://jigsawlearningonline.ca/course/collaborativeresponse101

Collaborative Response Overview Sessions https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/collaborative-response-overview-sessions

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#collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership #systems

Learn more about Collaborative Response https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tbgetTdAiA&t=0s

Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial.
https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

Images: Visuals included in this video not generated under agreement with Jigsaw Learning Inc. have been carefully selected under Creative Commons for their permissions.

The $20,923-a-Day Problem (Real Life Case)

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 09:40:00 -0600

On this episode of The Humility Advantage, we talk with "Ray Coleman," a senior operations executive who oversees 25 long-term care communities. Ray opens up about a Workforce Capital Audit that flipped his thinking about turnover, leadership, and company culture on its head.

*We’ve changed the names to keep things confidential, but everything else (the organization, the audit, and all the financial details) is completely real.*

Ray walks us through his thought process before the audit, the surprises buried in the data, and the moment he saw more than $9.2 million in workforce costs spelled out right in front of him. That kind of number made him question the usual line that turnover is just “part of the business.”

We get into the real cost of preventable turnover, why exit interviews rarely get to the heart of why people quit, how procrastinating on these problems can get expensive fast, and why leadership (not just tough labor markets) shapes staff retention.

This isn’t a slick sales talk. Just a real, candid conversation with an executive about the moment data challenged his assumptions and pushed him to make measurable changes.

Less ego. More impact.

Chronic Absenteeism: The Relationship Behind the Absence with Jen Perry

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Chronic absenteeism is often treated as an attendance problem, but is often a signal of something deeper.

In this conversation, strategic learning and leadership advisor Jen Perry explores the relationship between student connection and attendance, why schools often miss the early warning signs of disengagement, and how relationship-centered approaches can help educators identify and support students before absence becomes chronic. Together, we examine what attendance data can—and cannot—tell us, and why improving attendance may begin with helping every student feel seen, known, and connected.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

FRIDAY FOCUS - A Simple Way to Increase Every Voice

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0400

______________________
#collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership #systems

Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial.
https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

18. The Architecture of Trust: Part 1

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0700

This episode explores trust through the lens of two Substack articles: one critiquing African funeral traditions for keeping people poor, and another on how to become trustworthy. Gregory Treat uses cryptocurrency concepts — proof of work and token burning — as an extended metaphor to argue that what looks like "wasted" wealth in kinship rituals is actually a conversion into social currency on a different ledger.

Central to the discussion is the distinction between traders' games (short-term, transactional, frictionless) and farmers' games (long-term, consistent, relationship-based). Gregory argues that modern financialism has tried to convert everything into traders' games, but many of life's most important things — parenting, marriage, elder care, community — only work as farmers' games, sustained by multi-generational family structures.

Strong Collaboration in Classroom Spaces! - Ep 101

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0400

In this weeks episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Kurtis and Lorna share considerations and ideas to ensure that classroom spaces are intentionally adjusted to support effective adult collaboration.

Resources:
Collaborative Meeting Spaces Guide - https://bit.ly/spacechecklist

Classroom Setup Checklist for Team Meetings - https://docs.google.com/document/d/11MXHJo0f0h4iOciAiNDu2Cvqtqa8BMnudQCYJ_PAxzE/edit?usp=sharing

______________________
#collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership #systems

Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial.
https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

Aaron Makelky on AI Scouts, Snow Globes, & Building vs. Consuming

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 10:00:31 -0700

Matt Karabinos sits down with Aaron Makelky—former history teacher turned Community & Developer Relations Manager at Descript—to explore the wild, humbling, and often hilarious journey of discovering AI. From a student showing Aaron ChatGPT after a Thanksgiving break to both men leaving the classroom within a month of each other, this episode is a real conversation between two educators who went all-in on AI before it was mainstream. They dig into the "tech lash" in schools, Aaron's powerful "snow globe" analogy for how schools operate, why every staff needs AI scouts, how they're raising AI-literate kids at home, and what vibe coding is really unlocking for everyday people. After this episode, you should be asking yourself, "are you consuming, or are you building?"

Timestamped Show Notes

0:00 — Intro: How Matt & Aaron Met — A LinkedIn DM friendship and parallel paths out of teaching
2:56 — Aaron's AI Origin Story — A student shows Aaron ChatGPT after Thanksgiving break; he's never the same
11:59 — From Classroom to Dev Relations — Aaron describes his new role teaching creators and developers instead of students
14:08 — The Snow Globe: Schools & AI — Aaron's analogy for how schools operate in isolation and why that's a problem
16:01 — AI, Cheating & Classroom Conversations — Why students are confused about AI cheating rules and what we should be teaching instead
16:22 — Raising AI-Literate Kids — Aaron's 8-year-old wants an AI agent; the Ozzy Osbourne AI fact-check lesson; his son as the classroom's AI scout
20:15 — Vibe Coding & Building Things — Aaron vibe codes a full summer routine tracking app from handwritten notes in one hour
23:58 — Consuming vs. Building: The Final Takeaway — AI puts everyone in one of two categories; which one do you want to be in?

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by Renaissance and IXL.

Learn more about Renaissance:

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Helping Kids and the Adults Supporting Them Understand How the Brain Learns to Read (with Lori Josephson)

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0700

Are we really “overteaching” phonics, or should there be a hard stopping point where it’s not taught past a certain grade?

Are current stories trending on popular news outlets aligned with best practices for supporting dyslexic learners?

Is the public becoming more educated on how we learn to read, write, and spell?

I invited my colleague, Lori Josephson, an author, consultant, and former teacher to discuss these questions.

In this episode, we discuss:

✅ Common literacy “urban legends”, including “Dyslexia is seeing words backwards” and “look at the picture and guess the word”

✅ Why phonics gets a bad wrap and where the Science of Reading is often misunderstood

✅ Handwriting, keyboarding, and how they relate to neural connections

✅Making instruction more effective by integrating language, print, spelling, and executive functioning instead of siloing.

Lori Josephson is an Author, Dyslexia Specialist, and Educational Consultant who is a Fellow of the Orton-Gillingham Academy, a retired Wilson Language Trainer, and holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education-Learning Disabilities. She has had the privilege of teaching hundreds of struggling students how to make sense of print and text, as well as the honor of working with thousands of teachers training them how to teach and reach their students using methods based upon the complex brain processes involved in attaining literacy, the body of knowledge referred to as the Science of Reading. Her recently published book, “Calling All Neurons! How Reading and Spelling Happen”, explains how the human brain attains literacy in a fun, easy to understand manner where specialized neurons take the stage to provide this explanation. Lori serves as a Moderator of the wildly popular Facebook Group, Science of Reading-What I Should Have Learned in College, and is on the Advisory Council of The Northern Ohio Branch of The Dyslexia Association.

You can connect with Lori in the following places:
o Website: lorijosephson.com
o LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-josephson/
o X: @lorijosephson2
o Facebook: Lori Josephson
o Instagram: @calling_all_neurons
o Medium: https://lorijosephson.medium.com/
o Substack: @lorijosephson686067

We mentioned the following resources in this episode:
Lori’s book, “Calling All Neurons! How Reading and Spelling Happen”: https://lorijosephson.com/calling-all-neurons-how-reading-and-spelling-happen/

The Cost of Over-Teaching Phonics by “Liana Loewus”: http://bit.ly/4eIKJAQ

Has Technology “Broken” an Education System That was “Just Fine”? by Natalie Wexler: https://nataliewexler.substack.com/p/has-technology-broken-an-education

“Don’t Blame Technology” by Holly Korbeyhttps://hollykorbey.substack.com/p/dont-blame-technology

The Digital Delusion: How Classroom Technology Harms our Kids’ Learning-And How to Help Them Thrive Again: https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Delusion-Classroom-Technology-Learning/dp/B0G5622DQQ

Building a Apprenticeship Program That Keeps Great Teachers in the Classroom with Anthony Fitzpatrick

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode Dr. Anthony Fitzpatrick talks about a unique apprenticeship program designed to enhance skills of teachers and facilitate movement on the salary schedule all without intrusive amounts of time after regular school hours. Who benefits? Everyone!

Links:

LinkedIn: Anthony Fitzpatrick, Ed.D. | LinkedIn

Facebook: (1) anthony fitzpatrick - Search Results | Facebook

Instagram: antfitz55

Website: Anthony Fitzpatrick | Enhance Education Today – Get Inspired

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@antfitzy

Anthony's most recent book:

The Evolving Science of Reading: Building a Continuum from Foundations to Fluent Thinking

This podcast sponsored by:

The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here.

How to Prepare for Fall Now: Simple Steps for Success - Ep 114

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0400

In this weeks episode of the Leading Collaborative Response podcast, Kurtis and Lorna provide some ideas that leaders should be considering in June when planning for the fall start-up in relation to establishing, sustaining and deepening your Collaborative Response efforts.

Connected Resources:
Planning for Fall Start Up on-demand workshop - https://www.jigsawlearningonline.com/planning-for-fall-start-up

Planning for Fall Organizer - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YPwjJvc07Zri_jCHybwKDmLh_k3wh-euI-hX8cSnrUY/edit?usp=sharing

Year End Reflections - resource - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NBIua8ChSvVtOVgr2kXt-qX3rzhosTX55qKhuGDFi9g/edit?usp=sharing

Collaborative Team Meetings Participant Exit Slip - resource for feedback - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lx1FzdUeB7V6tR9HDZtkY02TegSgBkomxdQLtQo4uOk/edit?usp=sharing

Team Data Analysis - resource - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1djSb8gQrxwtCqdNLtSgXH7MGgKRwj-K38ahpP3efrLc/edit?usp=drive_link

______________________
#collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership #systems

Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial.
https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

The Principal Reset Series: The People Pleaser

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook, we explore the challenges of being a people-pleasing principal and how the need for approval can impact leadership decisions. You'll learn how people-pleasing shows up through avoiding difficult conversations, watering down feedback, delaying decisions, and taking responsibility for other people's emotions. Through the TEA Cycle, we examine how thoughts about disappointing others create anxiety and lead to actions that weaken leadership effectiveness. The episode offers practical strategies for leading with clarity, confidence, and values instead of seeking approval. If you've ever worried about upsetting staff, parents, or teachers, this episode will help you lead with greater courage and authenticity.

Get free resources at PrincipalFreebies.com.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Live at NSTA: Inside the Hiller Aviation Museum with Tanya

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:22:00 -0700

In this episode live from NSTA, Tanya, a staff member at the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos, CA, shares what makes the museum special — from Wright Model B replicas and a real 747 cockpit to drones, simulators, and VR. She talks about their field trips and summer camps for kids K–8, the excitement around the Artemis launch, and the museum's popular "Biggest Little Air Show" featuring a drone show.

5 Books Every Leader Needs to Build a Culture of Collaboration - Ep 100

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Looking for the 102 books from Kurtis and Lorna’s bookshelf that will have a dramatic impact on your collaborative culture? Download the free 1012 Must-Reads for Educational Leaders at https://bit.ly/102reads

Welcome to the milestone 100th episode of the Building a Culture of Collaboration podcast!

In this special episode, Kurtis and Lorna are diving into their ultimate summer reading list for leaders: 5 essential books (plus one powerful bonus) designed to help you move your teams, break down organizational silos, and build high-functioning, sustainable cultures of collaboration.

Whether you're relaxing by the lake or prepping for the upcoming quarter or new school year, these masterclass texts provide the exact blueprints you need to transform how your team works together.

📚 The Summer Reading List & Key Takeaways:

1. Smarter Faster Better by Charles Duhigg Discover why psychological safety is the true engine of collaboration and how managing intentional group norms can radically drive your team's collective intelligence.
2. Drive by Daniel Pink Learn why traditional "If-Then" incentives crush creative teamwork and how to leverage Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose to build resilient, self-organizing teams.
3. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni A classic pyramid framework flipped to the collaboration angle. Learn why vulnerability-based trust and productive conflict are required to achieve true commitment and shared goals.
4. Right Kind of Wrong by Amy Edmondson Shift your culture from blame to curiosity. Explore how to reframe failure into "intelligent failures" and create low-stakes laboratories for cross-departmental innovation.
5. Hidden Potential by Adam Grant Discover how to look beyond "superstars" by building structures of peer-to-peer scaffolding, shifting from brainstorming to brainwriting, and rewarding "givers."

🔥 BONUS: Reset: How to Change What’s Not Working by Dan Heath Get unstuck! Learn how to scale organic collaboration by finding internal "bright spots," focusing on the "goal of the goal," and going directly to where the work happens.
#Leadership #Collaboration #TeamCulture #SummerReading #BookRecommendations #PsychologicalSafety #BuildingACultureOfCollaboration

Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial.
https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

Keep Shining: Nancy Richmond on AI, Human Connection, and the Future of Learning

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 09:36:20 -0700

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Dr. Nancy Richmond, professor at Florida International University, co-chair of the College of Business AI Teaching Forum, author, and speaker, for a conversation about one of the most important questions facing education today: how do we embrace AI while preserving what makes us human?

Drawing from her background in digital marketing, career development, and student wellbeing, Nancy explores how technology has transformed the way we learn, connect, and communicate. While AI offers remarkable opportunities for personalization and accessibility, she argues that the growing importance of human connection, empathy, and authenticity cannot be overlooked.

The conversation examines everything from AI influencers and digital companionship to personalized learning experiences that adapt to different student needs and learning styles. Throughout, Nancy emphasizes that experimentation—not perfection—is the path forward. By embracing curiosity, collaboration, and a willingness to fail, educators can discover new ways to support students while maintaining the human relationships that sit at the heart of education.

For educators and leaders navigating rapid technological change, this episode is a thoughtful reminder that innovation and humanity are not competing priorities—they must advance together.

#83 Can Flexibility Hurt Online Learners? What Pacing Data Reveals with Kristen DeBruler

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, your hosts talk with Kristen DeBruler — Assistant Director of the Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute — about what makes online learning work for K-12 students, and what quietly undermines it. Drawing on survey data from over a thousand virtual teachers and fresh findings on student and teacher AI perceptions, her work reveals where the conventional promises of online learning diverge from what the data actually shows. The episode centers on a tension that practitioners rarely name directly: the flexibility that makes online learning valuable for some students can work against those who are still developing the self-regulation skills to use it well.

Together, the hosts and Kristen explore how a researcher inside a state virtual learning organization sets and pursues a research agenda — including the unusual advantage of having direct access to student data. They examine common failure modes in classroom-level research, particularly how vague research questions leave teachers vulnerable to the biases they're trying to surface. Kristen walks through her team's findings on the gap between how students and teachers define acceptable AI use, and why that ambiguity is already showing up in the classroom. The conversation turns to teacher feedback as the connective tissue of asynchronous online learning — and what the data shows about what makes it work and what makes it hollow. And Kristen makes a pointed case about applying adult learning research to K-12 populations: the data doesn't transfer as cleanly as the field sometimes assumes, and the consequences land on students who are still building the executive functioning skills that adult learners already have. Her pacing research is illustrative: students who cross unit boundaries — not just move around within one — end up with final grades 9.5 points lower on average, a gap large enough that teachers should treat it as a warning signal, not background noise.

Key topics:

Researcher role inside a state virtual learning organization
Setting a research agenda: legislative directives vs. internal needs
Avoiding bias in classroom-level research
The AI acceptable-use gap between students and teachers
Teacher feedback as the primary relationship-building mechanism in async courses
What makes feedback substantive (personal, formative, actionable) vs. hollow
AI-generated feedback and trust erosion in online learning
Student pacing deviation and its effect on learning outcomes
Executive functioning support for K-12 online learners
Cautions in applying adult learning research to adolescents

Links & Resources

Michigan Virtual: https://michiganvirtual.org
Michigan Virtual Digital Backpack (blog): https://michiganvirtual.org/blog/
Michigan Virtual research publications: https://michiganvirtual.org/research/publications/
Cuccolo, K. & DeBruler, K. (2024). A Look Back At 3 Years of Michigan Virtual Research. Michigan Virtual. — Source of the AI policy gap data (30%/80%) and AI facilitator vs. task-completion findings. https://michiganvirtual.org/research/publications/a-look-back-at-3-years-of-michigan-virtual-research/
Cuccolo, K. & DeBruler, K. (2024). Out of Order, Out of Reach: Navigating Assignment Sequences for STEM Success. Michigan Virtual. — Source of the 9.5-point pacing deviation finding. https://michiganvirtual.org/research/publications/out-of-order-out-of-reach-navigating-assignment-sequences-for-stem-success/
DeBruler, K. & Harrington, C. (2024). Key Strategies for Supporting Disengaged and Struggling Students in Virtual Learning Environments. Michigan Virtual. https://michiganvirtual.org/research/publications/key-strategies-for-supporting-disengaged-and-struggling-students-in-virtual-learning-environments/
Harrington, C. & DeBruler, K. (2021). Key Strategies for Engaging Students in Virtual Learning Environments. Michigan Virtual. https://michiganvirtual.org/research/publications/key-strategies-for-engaging-students-in-virtual-learning-environments/
Michigan Virtual report on student and teacher AI perceptions (2026): [LINK — get from guest; published ~2 weeks before recording]
Jared Borup's ACE for Community Framework: https://edtechbooks.org/encyclopedia/academic_communities_of_engagement_ace_framework
Virtual Learning Leadership Alliance (VLLA): https://virtuallearningalliance.org/
Karle Delo, Michigan Virtual (AI policy): https://michiganvirtual.org (search staff directory)
Why Distance Learning Michigan Virtual Episodes: See list for episodes with Dr. Tovah Sheldon and two with MV alum Chris Harrington. https://www.cilc.org/News-(1)/Why-Distance-Learning-Podcast.aspx
Make It Mindful Michigan Virtual Episodes: See list from Seth's other podcast for episodes with Karle Delo and two with Aaron Baughman. https://mim.bepodcast.network/episodes

Guest Bio: Kristen DeBruler

Kristen DeBruler is the Assistant Director of the Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute, where she has spent more than 14 years studying K-12 online learning — including student pacing, teacher communication, mentor support, special populations, and AI use in virtual environments. Her research is oriented toward practitioners: she publishes findings in formats designed for teachers, administrators, and program leaders to act on, not just cite. She holds a PhD in Educational Psychology and Educational Technology from Michigan State University.

About the Hosts

Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and host of Why Distance Learning. Through Banyan, he designs live virtual programs that connect K-12 classrooms to global peers and expert facilitators — building the kind of structured, human-centered distance learning the podcast explores. See https://banyangloballearning.com/

Best of The Authority: The 5 Types of Wealth with Sahil Bloom

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In this "Best Of," we revisit my conversation with Sahil Bloom about his first book, The Five Types of Wealth: A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life, a New York Times bestseller.

We talk about:

What curiosity is and isn’t
Making the case that being curious about new ideas is an objective good
What’s impressive and disappointing when meeting a new person
Five types of wealth: Time, Social, Mental, Physical, Financial
Prioritizing when there’s a conflict
What 80 and 90 year olds say about their lives
The most compelling thing Sahil learned about learning

About today’s guest

Sahil Bloom is an inspirational writer and content creator, captivating millions of people every week through his insights and bi-weekly newsletter, “The Curiosity Chronicle.” Sahil is a successful entrepreneur, owner of SRB Holdings, and the managing partner of SRB Ventures, an early-stage investment fund. Sahil graduated from Stanford University with an MA in public policy and a BA in economics and sociology. He was a four-year member on the Stanford Baseball Team. Connect with Sahil:

About the host

Ross Romano is a co-founder of the Be Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm that helps organizations and high-performing leaders in the K-12 education industry communicate their vision and make strategic decisions that lead to long-term success. Connect on LinkedIn or Bluesky.

I also host Sideline Sessions, a podcast for coaches and parents of student-athletes. The show features conversations with coaches and performance experts in the NFL, NBA, NCAA, Olympics, and more. Listen here: https://bit.ly/3Rp0QGt

How To Get What You Want: Persuasion 101 w. Joshua Bandoch

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0400

How do you get what you want?

Meet Joshua Bandoch!

Joshua is a persuasion expert and TEDx speaker, an internationally recognized persuasion expert and keynote speaker. He has spent two decades mastering the art and science of persuasion.

On this episode, he discusses his book "How to Get What You Want: Mastering the Art and Science of Persuasion."He shares insights on effective persuasion techniques, emphasizing the importance of adopting a "persuader's mindset".

Joshua has spent over a decade uncovering the secrets of persuasion. He’s mined psychology, neuroscience, economics, public policy, and history for cutting-edge techniques that actually work—and he’s used them in speeches written for senior government officials, national leaders, business executives, and dozens of his own talks to audiences around the world.

Josh shared that he works for a public policy think tank focusing on anti-poverty and pro-opportunity initiatives, working with various elected officials regardless of party affiliation. He touched on political polarization in America, with Josh explaining that people have forgotten how to engage in constructive dialogue with those who don't share their views.

Listen as Joshua shares:
- how to create win-win situations
- effective persuasion techniques
- how to adopt a "persuader's mindset"
- persuading through storytelling rather than data
- being "right" versus making a difference in negotiations
- how non-verbal elements impact persuasion outcomes
- the importance of listening and asking questions
- understanding the other person's priorities and goals
- identifying overlaps with one's own priorities
- how clarity can be a superpower

...and so much more!

Connect with Joshua:
Website: https://joshuabandoch.com/

Additional Resources:
"How To Get What You Want" by Joshua Bandoch

Listen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-get-what-you-want-persuasion-101-w-joshua-bandoch/id1614151066?i=1000773687193
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7wzWP8Q7iLJRR672GToJF5?si=dBbnpeqvTIi0YwMQrANqhw
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7wzWP8Q7iLJRR672GToJF5
YouTube: https://youtu.be/oj_-KxFhCmU?si=ODGX56ghrmJP0M9E

How to Change Careers w/ Ana Denis

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 08:01:47 -0400

How do you make a career transition?

Meet Ana Denis!

Ana Dennis is a storytelling and communications expert from The Hague, Netherlands.

On this episode, she narrates her career transitions and cross-cultural communication experiences. Ana shared her journey from starting as a translator in cybersecurity to moving through marketing and business development roles, eventually becoming an entrepreneur selling pre-loved designer handbags.

Listen as Ana shares:
- the importance of curiosity, self-awareness, and direct communication
- navigating cultural differences in the workplace
- adjustment challenges when moving countries and cultures
- communications and storytelling
- having a desire for growth
- reinventing your career and identity
- how to prevent the ego from decision-making
- how to proactively communicate their expectations
- clarification rather than making assumptions

...and so much more!

In her book, "Reinvento", she shares tools with anyone reinventing their career or searching for their next chapter. Through stories from women whose careers span more than 20 countries — women who rebuilt their work, their identity, and their sense of self far from home — it reveals the emotional architecture of starting over: the disorientation, the grief, the unexpected joy, and the quiet courage it takes to reinvent yourself in midlife.

Connect with Ana:
Website: https://anadenis.com/superpowers

Additional Resources:
"Reinvento" by Ana Denis

Listen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-careers-w-ana-denis/id1614151066?i=1000773601753
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7LvoKgTLxZWeXz20gt5lMU?si=khc9T6txQKyRydStm9s-bw
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7LvoKgTLxZWeXz20gt5lMU

Listening to Students to Transform School Culture with Amy Fast

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:08:00 -0700

In this vault episode of Transformative Principal, Jethro Jones revisits an interview with Amy Fast, then assistant principal at McMinnville High School in Oregon, originally recorded for the Transformative Leadership Summit. Amy shares how a tragic college shooting in nearby Roseburg prompted her and her principal to proactively survey all 2,100+ students about their wellbeing, connectedness, hopefulness, and sense of significance — rather than simply reacting with more security measures.

We’re proud to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

SUNDAY REWIND - Onboarding New Staff to a School with a Culture of Collaboration

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Leading Collaborative Response, Jennifer, Lorna, and Kurtis discuss one of many scenarios around bringing new personnel into an established collaborative culture. This conversation focuses on how to bring in new staff to a school where Collaborative Response is already “the way things are done”.

---------

Connect with Kurtis Hewson
Email kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
Twitter @hewsonk27
LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson

Connect with Lorna Hewson
Email lorna.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca
Twitter @hewsonk27
LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson

Connect with Jennifer Ferguson
Email jennifer.ferguson@jigsawlearning.ca
Twitter @_MrsFerguson_
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-dickson-ferguson/

---------

Related Resources

Ten Considerations When Introducing Collaborative Response, FREE pdf: https://bit.ly/top10-cr

Getting Better Together (Putting the Pieces Together with Jigsaw Learning Episode with Principal Dave Fender) https://youtu.be/hMRUwDYRPWQ

Overview of Collaborative Response https://youtu.be/6tbgetTdAiA

Team Meeting Overview Samples https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1AYb-gavLnvVjqtCRz3oh0-WU2EeuVxeC?usp=sharing

Collaborative Response 101 Course bit.ly/CR101course

Collaborative Response Overview Sessions https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/collaborative-response-overview-sessions
_______________
#collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership #systems

Learn more about Collaborative Response https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tbgetTdAiA&t=0s

Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial.
https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

Images: Visuals included in this video not generated under agreement with Jigsaw Learning Inc. have been carefully selected under Creative Commons for their permissions.

How to Build a School That Goes All In on Catholic Culture

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 09:19:00 -0400

Host: John Mihalyo | Guest: Deacon Dave Kerski, Former Catholic School Principal, Diocese of Raleigh

What does it actually mean to be a Catholic school — not just in name, but in everything you do, every single day?

Deacon Dave Kerski knows the difference. He spent ten years turning around a Catholic school in New Bern, North Carolina that was on the brink of closing. He earned his master's from Notre Dame's ACE program, served as a deacon, and built the kind of school culture that students, families, and teachers genuinely wanted to be a part of. Not by accident — by being relentlessly intentional about it.

In this episode, Deacon Dave and John have a real conversation about what authentic Catholic identity actually looks like in a school building. Not the surface stuff. The deep stuff. The kind of culture that changes how kids grow up, how teachers show up, and how families understand what they are signing up for.

Here is some of what they get into:

Why Catholic identity is an anthropological question, not just a checklist of Catholic stuff you do
How to build a school playbook that ties everything — from morning drop-off to the awards you give out — back to your root beliefs and core values
What to do when a fourth grader asks you something you have no idea how to answer
Why your eighth graders may have been at a Catholic school their whole life and still have a malformed conscience — and what to do about it The difference between Catholic culture and Catholic identity, and why getting that wrong will cost you
How to build teacher formation that actually prepares your staff for the hard conversations kids are already having
Why it is better to be a year too early than a minute too late when it comes to forming your students in the faith
What AI in the classroom has to do with Catholic pedagogy — and why Catholic schools may have the upper hand if they take it seriously
The one thing every Catholic school principal has to have in place before they can lead anyone else

If you are a principal, pastor, superintendent, or school leader who has ever looked around and wondered whether your school is actually Catholic or just kind of Catholic — this one is going to give you a lot to think about and a lot to go do.

Connect with John If you want to talk about your school — enrollment, advancement, culture, or whatever is keeping you up at night — head over to elementaryadvancement.com and let's set up a time to connect.

Learn more about today's sponsor, Renaissance:

Teaching What Matters Most in the Age of AI with Troy Jollimore

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how we access information, complete tasks, and even create work. But what happens when the things technology can do begin to overlap with the things we once believed were essential to learning?

In this conversation, Professor Troy Jollimore explores the difference between knowing and understanding, how learning alongside other human beings shapes not only what students know but what they come to value, and why education may be about far more than acquiring information or producing outcomes. Together, we examine what becomes most important to teach—and most important to preserve—as education enters the age of AI.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

FRIDAY FOCUS - The Impact of Non-Verbals on Team Trust

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0400

______________________
#collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership #systems

Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial.
https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

Ethical EdTech with Priten Soundar-Shah — How Educators Can Lead on AI and Digital Safety

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 05:15:00 -0400

Priten Soundar-Shah is CEO of Pedagogy.Cloud, which provides innovative technology solutions to help educators navigate global challenges in a rapidly evolving world, as well as founder of the civics education nonprofit United 4 Social Change. He also hosts the podcast Margin of Thought here on the Be Podcast Network.

In this episode, we discuss:

The guiding principles of engaging with AI. Why engage at all?
Risks if schools go all in on AI — or if they don’t
Other emerging technologies to look out for
What drives ethical decision-making
Do we have to compromise between innovation and responsibility or can we have it all?
Keys to making policies clear, consistent, and school-wide

Listen to Priten’s podcast, Margin of Thought, on the Be Podcast Network: https://listen.priten.org

Listen to my previous episode with Priten, on this book AI and the Future of Education.

About today’s guest

Priten Shah, M. ED and B.A, Harvard, is the CEO of Pedagogy.Cloud, which provides innovative technology solutions to help educators navigate global challenges in a rapidly evolving world. Priten is also the founder of United 4 Social Change, a civics education nonprofit that focuses on helping teachers integrate interdisciplinary education into their curricula through animated videos, lesson plans, and innovative classroom activities.

About the host

Implementation Series, Part 2: Why Good Ideas Fail Quietly in Schools with Vidya Sundaram and Elisabeth O'Bryon

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Today we're sharing part two of the implementation series from Family Engagement Lab. Co-founders Vidya Sundaram and Elisabeth O'Bryan join us to discuss:

When schools launch family engagement initiatives, what typically happens over time?
What does it mean to "fail quietly?"
What it typically looks like when a strong idea starts to lose momentum in a school system
The most common (and least visible) reasons these efforts break down
What do we miss when we treat this as a teacher or family problem instead of a systems problem?

Listen to Implementation Series, Part 1: The Missing Instructional Layer

Learn more about Family Engagement Lab: https://www.familyengagementlab.org

About the guests
Vidya Sundaram is co-founder and CEO of Family Engagement Lab. Over her nearly 20-year career in family engagement, Vidya has managed development, research, and strategy for digital resources used by more than half of US families with school-aged children. Before founding Family Engagement Lab, Vidya led research and insights at GreatSchools, championing a test and learn culture across the organization. Vidya also has an extensive background in software engineering and technology project management to engage diverse partners, and implement and study digital programs. She holds a degree in electrical engineering from Stanford University, a Masters in Public Policy from UCLA and her MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management. Vidya is mom to two kids and proud to be part of a lively multigenerational household.

About the host
Ross Romano is a co-founder of the Be Podcast Network and host of The Authority Podcast.

Listen to The Authority at https://authoritypodcast.net
Learn about more shows at https://bepodcastnetwork.com

17. Colton Murray Talks Great Houses

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0700

This episode features a conversation with Colton Murray, a second-generation entrepreneur whose father built and sold major candy brands including Dynamic Confections and Tru Fru (acquired by Mars). Colton shares how his family's identity was shaped by ancestor stories, faith, and a deep sense of stewardship — and how he came to understand these as rare and intentional practices only by contrast when meeting other families.

Building Spaces That Foster Adult Collaboration in Schools - Ep 99

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0400

In this weeks episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Kurtis and Lorna share considerations when purposefully designing a space for teams to collaborate.

Connected Resources:

Collaborative Meeting Spaces Guide - https://bit.ly/spacechecklist
Five Mistakes Leaders Make When Organizing Data free webinar - https://bit.ly/5mistakesdata

______________________
#collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership #systems

Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial.
https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

INCH360 2025: Benjamin Ross

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:32:00 +0000

This episode is a part of a special series of interviews conducted at the INCH360 Cybersecurity Conference in Spokane, Washington. Visit their website to learn more about INCH360 and their mission.

Host Jethro D. Jones talks with Benjamin Ross of Torchlight about bringing enterprise-level IT and cybersecurity to small and medium businesses. Benjamin shares insights on the importance of human connection, long-term relationships, and community in the tech industry, emphasizing that technology should serve people and foster positive impact beyond just business outcomes.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL and Renaissance.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Learn more about Renaissance:

"I Walked Away" — Dr. Brandon Bentz on Burnout, Survival, and Starting Over

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 05:56:00 -0600

Dr. Brandon Bentz spent over two decades as a Head and Neck Surgical Oncologist — training at Northwestern, fellowshipping at Memorial Sloan Kettering, serving as a Naval officer on September 11th, and building a career that most physicians only dream of. Then, in his final year of practice, his mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, his father with Alzheimer's — and his hospital posted his job without a single conversation.

In this episode, we unpack Dr. Bentz's story: the residency nights, the moral injury, the emotional weight of cancer care, and the moment he made the hardest decision of his career. This is not a burnout statistic. This is what burnout actually looks like from the inside of a surgical career.

If you work in healthcare — or love someone who does — this one is not optional.

From the Archives: Teaching the Language of Math with Dr. Randy Palisoc

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:48:00 -0700

In this episode, Gene Tavernetti speaks with Dr. Randy Palisoc, a passionate educator known for his innovative approach to teaching math. Dr. Palisoc shares his experiences and strategies for making math easy for students, focusing on the importance of understanding math as a language. They discuss Dr. Palisoc's background, including his work at Synergy Academies, the development of the Core Advantage Math Fluency System, and his current role at James Jordan Middle School. The conversation also covers the challenges of teaching math, the significance of consistent language in math instruction, and the impact of professional development.

Get in touch with Randy:
randypalisoc@mathfluency.com or randypalisoc@gmail.com

MathFluency.com

linkedin.com/randypalisoc/

Math isn't hard, it's a language | Randy Palisoc | TEDxManhattanBeach (youtube.com)

This podcast sponsored by:

The Bell Ringer, a weekly newsletter providing news, tools, and resources on the science of learning, written by education reporter Holly Korbey. Subscribe here.

The Best Collaborative Response Ideas We Saw This Year - Ep 113

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0400

In this week's episode of Leading Collaborative Response, Kurtis and Lorna share some of the most innovative and impactful ideas they've encountered after reviewing more than 85 school frameworks over the past year.

Drawing from 60 school reviews and 25 Collaborative Team Meeting (CTM) feedback sessions, they unpack a collection of practical strategies, creative adaptations, and powerful practices being used in schools to strengthen Collaborative Response. Rather than focusing on theory, this episode highlights real-world examples from educators and leadership teams who are finding new ways to improve collaboration, clarity, and student support.

From AI-enhanced meeting workflows and digital planning tools to visual data displays and innovative team structures, this fast-paced conversation is filled with ideas you can adapt and apply in your own context. If you're looking for fresh inspiration and actionable strategies to enhance your Collaborative Response efforts, this episode is packed with takeaways you won't want to miss.

Connected Resource:
See treasured template
Access the Collaborative Response Membership for one month free! Go to http://crmembership.ca

Rich Valley School Tier 2 Resource Bank - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1UjBz8BsWxHmN_zEndRog0FgLb6dKR_o3JLB-ty89uVY/view

Clairmont School Behaviour Data Criteria - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1h7nEYi4mVSTaCoNpj0bgZRT7hkfZCm86lRlVdQqjZ6U/view

CTM Agenda Poster - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1J7sIEx1nMJuf02nzNa_-VmV7acE_Q9QmclGns5dvF1I/view

______________________
#collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership #systems

Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial.
https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow

V-Lab-ulous: Learning Gets Immersive with Mercy Johnson

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 09:21:12 -0700

In this episode, Shannon sits down with Mercy Johnson, Marketing Director for VLab Education, to explore how virtual reality is transforming science education. Mercy shares how VLab offers immersive, entry-level chemistry labs — from safety training and glassware basics to flame tests, precipitation reactions, heat capacity experiments, and even an explosion lab — all designed to let students learn through trial and error without real-world risks. The conversation digs into the value of gamified, open-ended learning, the importance of staying an education-first company (not a tech company), and why human customer service still matters. Mercy also shares her unconventional path into the VR space, the exciting Next Generation Science Standards rollout driving demand, and why the team believes immersive learning is the classroom shift education has been waiting for.

Episode Links:
Website: VLab Education

Shannon's Links:
Putman XR
XReps

The Principal Reset Series: The Reactive Principal

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook Summer Reset Series, we explore the common patterns of the reactive principal and why so many school leaders feel stuck in a cycle of constant firefighting. Through the example of a reactive principal, you'll see how urgency, problem-solving, and interruptions can crowd out the leadership work that matters most. We also break down how thoughts influence emotions and actions through the TEA Cycle. Most importantly, you'll learn practical strategies to reset your leadership, protect your priorities, and become more proactive in your daily work.

Get The 8 to 4 Principal Blueprint Here.

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

The 1% Kid with Channing Chasten

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:10:00 -0700

In this episode host Dr. Erin Bailey sits down with Channing Chasten — former Ohio State and professional soccer player, author of The 1% Kid, and founder of the 1% Kid Foundation. Channing shares how growing up with a teacher mom, a love of Percy Jackson, and a determination to get "1% better every day" shaped both his athletic and academic journey. He opens up about navigating the demands of Division I athletics, the power of saying no, and why third-grade reading proficiency is a statistic every parent and educator should know. Channing also dives into the work of his nonprofit, which combines soccer, literacy, and mindset workshops to inspire young people — especially reluctant readers — to discover the joy of books.

About Channing Chasten:
Channing Chasten, Executive Director, The 1% Kid Foundation Channing Chasten is a children’s author, speaker, and former professional soccer player dedicated to empowering the next generation. A graduate of The Ohio State University, where he played Division I soccer, Channing went on to play professionally for Phoenix Rising. He is the author of The 1% Kid and the founder of the 1% Kid Foundation, a student-centered, literacy-focused, and athletics-driven organization committed to helping young people build confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset both on and off the field.

Find him online:
@channingchasten @the1percentkidfoundation @the1percentkid

His book: The 1% Kid

Channing’s favorite books:

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Captain Underpants
Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

How to Build a Connected K-12 Universe Through Impact Standards with Jeff Bradbury - Ep 98

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0400

Wondering which leadership books help build strong, collaborative teams?
We’ve got you covered! Download the list! - https://bit.ly/102reads

Access a workshop guide to help your team unpack their norms and help them have a greater impact on your collaborative efforts - https://bit.ly/jlnorms

In this episode of the Building a Culture of Collaboration podcast, we sit down with digital learning strategist, TEDx speaker, and creator of TeacherCast, Jeff Bradbury. We dive deep into his brand-new book, "Impact Standards: Designing District Systems That Power K–12 Learning," to discuss how districts can build sustainable, time-saving professional learning structures.
Jeff shares how to break down the silos between curriculum and technology, how districts can use media and podcasting to amplify teacher collaboration, and why building a school culture is a lot like building a pop-culture universe (complete with a few Star Wars and He-Man analogies!).
…

Learn more about Jeff Bradbury at https://www.teachercast.net or at https://www.jeffreybradbury.com
---------

Connect with Jeff Bradbury
Email- jeff@teachercast.net
X - https://x.com/teachercast
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreydbradbury/