Exploring Heroism and the Therapeutic Joy of Gardening

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen and Mason Pashia explore the intersection of education innovation, policy updates, and emerging technologies. From the role of AI in fostering human flourishing to the potential of CTE centers and ISDs as innovation hubs, they dive into transformative ideas reshaping education. The discussion also delves into ethical considerations for AI, federal funding impacts on schools, and the power of decentralized networks to accelerate change. Tune in for insights on how education marketplaces and collaborative ecosystems can create future-ready learning environments.

• (00:00) Introduction and Catching Up
• (03:20) Scholarship Granting Organizations and Education Marketplaces
• (08:34) Innovative Education Models and Networks
• (22:49) Ethical Considerations in AI
• (28:45) AI in Education and Dependency Concerns
• (33:24) Human Expression and Storytelling
• (38:08) What's That Song?

• Watch the full video here
• Read the full blog here
• Free pre-K, kindergarten expanded under new law signed by governor (New Jersey Monitor)
• School choice causes confusion for families. Can edtech companies help? (EdSurge)
• CTE in 2025: The evolving pathway to opportunity in a tech-driven world (Strategos Group)
• Regional Education Agencies: The Critical Link Between the State and the Classroom (SISEP)
• ESA State-by-State Report – March 2021 (WAESD)
• EducationCounsel Policy Brief PDF
• The Flourishing Hub – Research (Gloo)
• Google Drive Document (PDF or File Link)
• Chat GBT Study Mode
• Google NotebookLM Video Overviews & Studio Upgrades
• National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Article