Getting Smart Podcast

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Mason Pashia and Jason Cummins are thrilled to have Kara Bobroff join them to share her journey in transforming education for Indigenous communities. As the founder of One Generation and the driving force behind the Native American Community Academy (NACA), Kara passionately discusses how schools can truly reflect and serve their communities. Kara discusses the creation of NACA, a groundbreaking school built on the values of cultural identity, wellness, and academic achievement. Discover how this model has inspired a network of schools across the country, empowering Indigenous education and fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. Join us for an uplifting conversation about the power of community-driven education and the bright future it holds for learners everywhere. Outline (00:00) Introduction to the Getting Smart Podcast (02:00) Challenges and Inspirations in Native American Education (05:11) The Role of Community in Shaping NACA (08:37) Innovative Approaches to Indigenous Education (11:49) Expanding the Vision: The Native American Community Academy Network (24:56) The Broader Impact: NISN and Community Transformation (33:29) Looking Forward: One Generation and Future Goals Links Watch the full video here Read the full blog here LinkedIn | Kara Bobroff Our Past, Present, and Future | Getting Smart blog NACA Inspired Schools NACA Wellness Wheel Humanizing Education (A book by Jason Cummins)

Join us on the Getting Smart Podcast as host Mason Pashia dives into regenerative design in education with Benjamin Freud, Head of Upper School at Green School Bali and co-founder of Coconut Thinking. Together, they discuss how schools can move beyond sustainability to embrace regenerative practices that create conditions conducive to life—not just for students but for all living beings. Explore the difference between sustainable and regenerative design, how to foster emergence in learning, and why the future of education requires a life-centered approach. Tune in to rethink systems and embrace the messy, transformative potential of education! Outline (00:00) Introduction to the Podcast and Guest (03:58) Regenerative vs. Sustainable Design (06:53) Principles of Regenerative Practice in Education (11:03) Challenges and Contradictions in Regenerative Education (22:10) Exploring Growth Synergy in Education (25:52) Collaborative Learning and Assessment (29:38) Scaling and Adapting Educational Models (33:55) The Four S's Design Principle (37:39) Creating Conditions Conducive to Life Links Watch the full video here Read the full blog Benjamin Freud article Benjamin LinkedIn Coconut Thinking

Dive into the innovative landscape of education with engaging discussions on Indiana's charter micro schools and the historical Junior Republics. Discover how project management skills could start as early as kindergarten. Explore the transformative power of education in combating tribalism while fostering community. The dialogue also highlights the Global Flourishing Study, emphasizing the need for empathy in leadership amid evolving educational challenges. Prepare for actionable ideas and insights that inspire a brighter learning future!

Corey Mohn, the Executive Director of CAPS Network and a chief advocate for profession-based learning, teams up with Sophia Porter, a technical staff member at Anthropic focusing on AI safety and a CAPS graduate. They dive into how CAPS equips students with real-world skills and fosters entrepreneurial mindsets. The conversation highlights the pivotal role of AI in education, advocating for its use to enhance learning. They also explore overcoming imposter syndrome and the need for flexible, adaptable career pathways in today's evolving job market.

Don Haddad, retiring superintendent of St. Vrain Valley Schools, revolutionized his district by prioritizing equity and opportunity. He discusses transforming education through community trust and a shift from a deficit mindset. Haddad emphasizes innovative pathways, like STEM and career technical education, that boosted graduation rates, particularly for first-generation learners. He also touches on the importance of transparency in leadership and collaborative policy advocacy to create relevant school accreditation systems, all aimed at fostering a high-performing educational environment.

In this engaging discussion, Habib Bangura, Managing Director of Programs at Urban Assembly, delves into the transformative potential of AI in education. He highlights Project Cafe, an innovative tool that offers real-time feedback to enhance teaching practices. Bangura shares insights on the importance of mentorship in education and the role of technology in fostering social-emotional learning. The conversation also touches on the challenges of scaling instructional quality and how AI can enable more effective teaching and improved student outcomes.

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, join Tom Vander Ark as he explores the transformative power of community-engaged learning with guests from Elizabethton High School in rural Tennessee. Discover how educators like Dustin Hensley are redefining education by integrating real-world challenges into the classroom, allowing students to develop crucial skills and a sense of purpose. Hear inspiring stories from alumni Veronica Watson and Sadie Whitehead, who share how these experiences have shaped their personal and professional lives. This conversation highlights the importance of student-centered education and the potential for community engagement to create meaningful learning opportunities. Tune in to learn how schools can become vibrant hubs for community connection and innovation. Outline (00:00) Introduction to Community Engaged Learning (02:45) Student-Centered Learning in Action (14:20) Leadership and Community Impact (27:19) The Role of AI in Community Learning (29:43) Advice for Educational Leaders (31:52) Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links Watch the full video here Read the full blog Dustin Hensley LinkedIn Elizabethon City Schools Dustin Hensley Profile  Sadie Whitehead Chatt Foundation team 

In this discussion, Paul Herdman, CEO of the Rodel Foundation of Delaware, explores the transformative impact of pathways in education. He highlights how work-based learning and school-to-career transitions enhance student readiness. Herdman shares insights from global initiatives and emphasizes the importance of collaboration between schools and employers. He advocates for adaptive pathways that focus on equity, social-emotional skills, and preparing for an AI-driven job market, showcasing the need for scalable solutions in education.

In this conversation, Ryan Sprott, an educator and PBL advocate, joins former students Bianca Garza, Daniela Hernandez, and Annah Sanchez to discuss the transformative Borderland project. Bianca reflects on how it shaped her views on the border, while Daniela highlights the importance of real-world learning about migration. Annah emphasizes the emotional weight of storytelling in education. Together, they explore how project-based learning fosters personal growth, empathy, and critical thinking, making a strong case for its relevance in today's learning environments.

Dive into the conversation about transforming education through innovative frameworks. The speakers tackle how personalized, competency-based learning and AI can address systemic challenges. They emphasize the power of community involvement and leadership in fostering lasting change. The discussion also highlights the importance of research and development to enhance educational strategies. Discover how collaboration and well-defined design principles can revolutionize educational systems, ensuring equity and improved outcomes for all learners.