Trending In Ed with Mike Palmer

In this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer speaks with Matthew Kennard, CEO of BetterLesson, about the complexities and importance of professional development for teachers. With a career transition from investment banking to edtech, Kennard shares his insights on the evolving landscape of K-12 education. They discuss the traditional and future models of professional learning, emphasizing job-embedded support, continuous improvement, and career pathways for educators. Kennard underscores the crucial role of effective professional development in achieving optimal student outcomes, teacher retention, and overall systemic improvement in education.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:39 Matt Kennard's Professional Journey02:53 Challenges in K-12 Professional Learning06:15 The Importance of Continuous Improvement10:00 Rethinking Professional Development17:44 The Role of Technology in Education28:20 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

In this episode of Trending in Education, we talk with Dr. Eileen Wilson-Oyelaran and Dr. Terrence J. MacTaggart, co-authors of 'The New College President: How a Generation of Diverse Leaders is Changing Higher Education.' We delve into their respective backgrounds, the challenges faced by college presidents today, and the importance of diversity and resilience in leadership. Eileen and Terry share insights from their extensive research, including seven compelling case studies of university leaders who have thrived amidst adversity. We also discuss the future of higher education, the importance of mission-driven leadership, and how to identify and support potential candidates from diverse backgrounds.Don't miss this surprising deep-dive into what it takes to thrive in higher ed leadership in challenging times.Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more.

Roger Spitz is the Author of the new book Disrupt with Impact. He's also the President of Techistential and the Chairman of Disruptive Futures Institute. This is a bonus episode from when Mike first interviewed him about The Definitive Guide to Thriving on Disruption which he coauthored. We look forward to having Roger back on to talk about his new book, Disrupt with Impact, soon.We begin by hearing Roger's origins in investment banking and M&A before shifting to his focus to futures thinking and the Disruptive Futures Institute. In a wide-ranging conversation that explores concepts and frameworks from the Guide, we learn what it takes to excel in a world of continuous disruption. We explore what we can learn from antifragility, Zen Buddhism, and existential philosophy to equip ourselves with the tools and mindsets essential to thriving in the new state of play. We hear how agency is key to navigating emerging complexity. We touch on the importance of humor, dig into the case study of Israel, and conclude with Roger's takes on the role of education in the emerging zeitgeist. It's a provocative exploration of the transformative work coming out of the Disruptive Futures Institute. 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.

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Howard Gardner, a Harvard education professor and pioneer of the multiple intelligences theory, shares his journey through developmental psychology. He discusses the critical importance of ethics in education and the implications of AI on our lives. Gardner emphasizes mentorship and the community's role in education while exploring self-actualization amidst modern challenges like mental health and social media's influence. His insights encourage a blend of humanism and creativity in the evolving educational landscape.

 Mike Palmer speaks with Rekha Magon, co-founder and head of education at Boundless Life, who joins from Bali to discuss her innovative approach to global education. We explore how Rekha's background in mindfulness and her experience homeschooling her children led her to create a network of micro-schools across beautiful locations including Portugal, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, and Spain.Rekha shares how Boundless Life provides a turnkey solution for families wanting to slow travel the world, combining furnished apartments, co-working spaces, and Montessori-inspired education with Finnish pedagogical methods. We discuss how the pandemic created the perfect conditions for reimagining education, leading many families to seek alternatives that blend travel, community, and experiential learning.The conversation delves into how Boundless Life's educational model emphasizes real-world problem-solving, cultural immersion, and mixed-age learning environments. Rekha explains how these experiences help develop crucial soft skills like adaptability and communication that will serve children well in an uncertain future.Key takeaways: Mixed-age classrooms foster natural leadership and collaboration while reducing unhealthy competition among peers Slow travel and cultural immersion help children develop essential soft skills like adaptability and communication that AI cannot replicate Parents can nurture their children's natural love of learning by thinking outside traditional educational models, whether traveling or staying local We conclude with advice for parents and educators about nurturing children's natural love of learning, whether through travel or finding creative alternatives closer to home.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more.

In this episode of Trending in Education, Mike Palmer sits down with Josh Wright, Executive Vice President of Growth, Education and Government for Lightcast, to discuss the future of work and workforce demographic shifts. We dive deep into Lightcast's report "The Rising Storm: Building a Future Ready Workforce to Withstand the Looming Labor Shortage." Josh shares insights on the demographic drought facing the workforce, including accelerated baby boomer retirements, declining birth rates, and decreasing labor force participation.We explore the potential impacts of these trends on various industries and regions, as well as possible solutions such as automation, immigration, and improved career navigation. The conversation highlights the crucial role of community colleges and local workforce development initiatives in addressing these challenges.Key takeaways: The US is facing a significant workforce shortage due to demographic shifts, with impacts varying by industry and region. Local, data-driven approaches to workforce development and education are essential for addressing these challenges. There's a growing need for skills-based hiring and more agile, adaptable training programs to prepare workers for the changing job market. Don't miss out on more insightful conversations like this one – Subscribe to Trending in Ed wherever you get your podcasts.

In this special bonus episode recorded at the HolonIQ Back to School Summit in New York City, we catch up with Sara Leoni, CEO & Founder of Ziplines Education, for a candid hallway conversation. Sara shares her journey from Division I softball player to EdTech entrepreneur, discussing how her athletic background shaped her leadership style and business acumen.We dive into Ziplines Education's mission to accelerate careers by partnering with higher education institutions to deliver industry-focused certificates. Sara explains how they're addressing the skills gap for adult learners, particularly in Middle America, by offering programs in digital marketing, business analytics, project management, and more.The conversation touches on the rapidly evolving landscape of tech-enabled careers and the increasing importance of continuous learning. We explore how Ziplines is integrating generative AI into their curriculum and why they've launched a course on AI prompting.Key takeaways: Ziplines Education focuses on partnering with public institutions to serve the underrepresented middle-American market. The half-life of skills is shortening, necessitating ongoing education and upskilling. Understanding the unique needs of the education market is crucial for EdTech entrepreneurs. Join us for this insightful discussion on the future of work, the importance of industry-recognized credentials, and how Ziplines Education is helping adult learners navigate the rapidly changing job market. Subscribe where you pod. Spread the word.

In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer welcomes back Jane Oates, senior policy advisor at Working Nation, for her third (fridge-magnet-earning) appearance on the show. Jane and Mike dive deep into workforce development, education, and the role of technology in shaping the future of work. We discuss Working Nation's "Breaking Barriers" series, the challenges of implementing new technologies in education and workforce development, and strategies for encouraging employee upskilling and AI literacy.Key takeaways: Employers should provide time and opportunities for employees to explore and learn new technologies, including AI, in the workplace. Diversity in all forms, including diversity of thought and experience, is crucial for innovation and problem-solving in the workforce. Short-term credentials and stackable certificates can provide accessible pathways for career advancement, especially for those who may not pursue traditional college degrees. Don't forget to subscribe to Trending in Education to ensure you don't miss out on more insightful conversations like this one with Jane Oates and other leaders in the education and workforce development space.

Marcio Sequeira, the Founder and CEO of MOLA, shares his journey from frustration with abstract engineering classes to creating innovative physical model kits for teaching structural concepts. He emphasizes the importance of hands-on, visual learning in architecture, particularly in K-12 education. The conversation covers the integration of emerging technologies like BIM and VR in architecture, alongside addressing environmental concerns. Marcio's insights underscore the balance between artistic vision and functionality, inspiring aspiring architects with tales of persistence and long-term commitment.

Steve Daly, CEO of Instructure and former mechanical engineer, discusses his unique journey into education technology. He highlights the shift towards flexible education pathways that recognize diverse skills over traditional degrees. Daly delves into the promise of AI in reducing administrative burdens while emphasizing the necessity of human interaction. He also shares insights on how technology is reshaping workforce readiness and the importance of personalized learning experiences. Finally, he offers valuable career advice drawn from his extensive experience in the tech industry.