Trending In Ed with Mike Palmer

Dr. Steve Joordens returns to the show with Lilaani Thangavadivelu to join host Mike Palmer in a conversation about their recent research into collaborative project-based learning approaches that enable transformative learning experiences at scale.Mike welcomes Steve back as we hear how Lilaani first experienced Steve’s Intro to Psychology course back in the Fall of 2019. Then she and Steve share the findings of their research into a new study of 450 teams of students working with Swab the World to create public service announcements to share the importance of stem cell research in non-Caucasian communities in Toronto and around the world. They use a peer-to-peer feedback tool called peerScholar that was designed in Steve’s lab to power all of this. What lessons can we learn about the importance of relevance, the skills that lead to a growth mindset, and how this all connects to building a portfolio that’s well-suited to the rapidly-changing future of work? And how are humility and failure part of the secrets of Steve’s success? Listen in to find out. Don’t miss this deep dive into how scalable experiential learning can happen everywhere.Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of learning.

Anthony Salcito is the Chief Institutional Officer at Varsity Tutors where he's been focused on bringing high-quality tutoring to teachers and schools across the country. He joins host Mike Palmer in a conversation that digs into the power of using tutoring and emerging AI to empower teachers to drive student learning around the globe.We begin with Anthony's origin story which culminated as Vice President of Worldwide Education at Microsoft before joining Nerdy to establish its school-facing offerings with Varsity Tutors. Then we explore his unique combination of AI and Tutoring expertise to understand his vision for increased personalized instruction powered by live online tutors and AI, providing the much needed help to our frontline teachers. Anthony imparts years of insight regarding emerging trends and foresees a world where new technology tools like generative AI serve to empower rather than replace teachers. Are we entering an age of an IEP for all? Don't miss this teacher-centered look at the intersection of tutoring and AI to learn more.Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you listen to podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on what's emerging in learning.

Dr. Monique Chism is the Under Secretary for Education at Smithsonian Institution. She joins host Mike Palmer to share what it’s like to lead education efforts for the Nation’s Museum and the thinking that’s gone into designing their National Education Summit that’s happening later this summer.We begin with Monique’s origin story starting in a classroom teaching for 8 years before moving on to work at a nonprofit organization focused on closing achievement gaps and culturally proficient instruction. She then worked in the Department of Education before and at American Institute for Research focusing on taking education research into practice. This all led to Monique joining the Smithsonian Institution two years ago as its Under Secretary for Education. Monique describes the amazing free resources that the Smithsonian provides to educators as we learn what it's like to lead the education program there. We hear what she's got cooking for the 2023 Smithsonian National Education Summit: "Together We Thrive" which is coming in July, touching briefly on each of the themes of the summit: Life on a Sustainable Planet, STEAM Education, Reckoning with Our Racial Past, and An Integrated Arts Education. As we conclude, Monique shares advice for folks passionate about careers in education and provides her perspective on emerging AI and its potential impact on the future of work. It's a thought-provoking deep dive with a learning thought leader that you won't want to miss!Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of education.

Jeremy C. Young is the Program Director of Freedom to Learn at PEN America where he focuses on defending academic freedom in schools and on campuses across America. He joins host Mike Palmer in a conversation about the unprecedented assaults on the New College of Florida and what we all can do about it.We begin with Jeremy's origin story as a US History Professor who grew increasingly involved in defending academic freedom during his time with the American Historical Association before joining PEN America to lead Freedom to Learn. Jeremy touches on the work PEN America is doing fighting against book bans in K12 before digging into the challenges facing New College. New College is important not just for New College's sake but also because it is a test of a playbook that will likely be repeated across the country if successful. Don't miss this deep dive into the underdog story of our host's alma mater which has become the front lines of the Culture Wars on campus in these tumultuous times.Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for a more sharp perspective on what's emerging in education. Check out our other episodes relating to New College with our new dedicated playlist as we prepare for the launch of the Palm Court Podcast focused exclusively on the stories and cultural relevance of this small but proud liberal arts college.

Michael Chasen in the Founder and CEO of Class and the Founder and former CEO of Blackboard. He joins host Mike Palmer in an exploration of his career defining new categories while driving innovation in educational technology.We start by hearing the Founder’s Tale of Blackboard, the industry-leading learning management system (LMS). Then Michael explains what led him to found Class in the Fall of 2020. In a world transformed by the pandemic and Zoom, Michael seized the opportunity to launch a differentiated virtual classroom experience on top of Zoom. From there, we learn how Class is integrating AI into its offering, how Michael is thinking about the power of real-time human connection, and what innovations of the day are piquing his curiosity. Don’t miss this chance to learn from an EdTech innovator who is looking to transform the world of learning for a second time.Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of learning.

Heather Harding, Ed.D., is the Executive Director of the Campaign for Our Shared Future. She joins host Mike Palmer in a conversation about the recent wave of book bans that have rolled out across the US over the past few years and the work that she and team are doing to counter this.We begin by hearing Heather's origin story as a teacher in rural North Carolina for Teach for America where she taught middle school and high school in underserved communities. Since then, her mission has been to improve education opportunities for all children, regardless of their class, color, or neighborhood. We learn how she gained experience in non-profits and philanthropic work, before joining COSF to help raise awareness and drive towards positive outcomes in defense of academic freedom in K12. We highlight the heroic efforts of school librarians and others defending free expression and literacy across the nation before digging into the work being done with the Let America Read campaign. As we wrap up, Heather shares her advice for folks who want to get involved to help turn the tide on this critical issue. Don't miss this deep dive into a troubling trend that is cascading across our nation's classrooms.Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on emerging trends from the world of education.

Miriam Plotinsky is a writer and instructional specialist who recently wrote the book Lead Like a Teacher: How to Elevate Expertise in Your School. She rejoins host Mike Palmer in a discussion about lessons in leadership by embracing empathy with what it's like to teach and openness to the critical input that teachers can provide in a flourishing school culture.We begin by welcoming Miriam back to the podcast with a nod to her previous appearance to discuss Teach More, Hover Less, her first book. From there, we dive into lessons for school leaders and for all of us on how to build psychological safety and trust with teachers as frontline workers. They are closest to where the learning happens and therefore deserve a seat at the table. Miriam walks us through practical tips in the book that build trust and drive engagement with teachers who are struggling in today's complex world. We also hear a bit about Miriam's next book Writing Their Future Selves while getting her quick takes on teaching writing in the age of Chat GPT. If you're a teacher, a leader, or someone who wants to deepen your empathy and support for the frontlines of this noble profession, don't miss this episode.Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you listen to podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of education.

Adam Dalton is the Founder and CEO of Imagine Robotify, a company that helps kids learn to code using virtual robots. He rejoins host Mike Palmer in a conversation about STEM education, the future of work, and the massive shifts we’ve seen in AI since we first met Adam last August.We hear how Adam got to this point in his career, founding, growing, and ultimately selling Robotify to Imagine Learning when he was 23. Then he shares his concerns about using AI with young learners before exploring its potential upsides. Adam reflects on what resonates with the rising generations and concludes with his thoughts on entrepreneurship as a career path for Gen Z. Don’t miss this conversation about the future of education with a successful young entrepreneur with unique insights into designing fun and engaging learning products that teach coding as well as durable skills.Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp perspectives on what’s emerging in the world of learning.

Hasan Ali is the Founder and CEO of AirTutors, an EdTech company delivering high-dosage online tutoring at scale. He joins host Mike Palmer to talk about emerging trends in tutoring, AI, learning loss, and more.We begin by hearing of Hasan's roots in Stockton, California, before heading to Cal Berkeley and then Los Angeles with an initial goal of becoming a doctor. Despite his mother's concerns, he founded AirTutors after tapping into the tutoring market in private schools around LA. From there, we learn how Hasan and team have crossed over into providing the same kind of solutions at scale in public schools with work like what they're doing with the LA Unified School District. Hasan shares his takes on AI and its upside for teachers, his experiences leading an online tutoring startup through the COVID years, and his plans to continue to grow by reaching students who need to catch up but historically haven't had access to tutors to help with the journey. Don't miss it!Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more deep dives into what's emerging and impactful in the world of education.

Dr. Jeff Duncan-Andrade is a Professor of Ethnic Studies at San Francisco State University and he’s the author of Equality or Equity: Toward a Model of Community-Responsive Education. He joins host Mike Palmer in a conversation about shifting the foundations of our educational system to focus on the wellness of our most wounded and vulnerable students.We begin by hearing Jeff’s origins as a community member, a father, an academic/researcher, and a practitioner in education in Oakland, California. We trace the failed history of desegregation in the US dating back to Brown vs the Board of Ed in Topeka, Kansas, and examine how a new model of community-responsive education is the path to help heal kids who have been left out. By making our most disaffected, struggling kids whole, we can elevate all kids in the school and the community around it. It’s a thought-provoking examination of a different model for K12 education. Don’t miss it.Subscribe to Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more sharp takes on the future of education.