Getting Smart Podcast

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen and Mason Pashia explore key topics shaping education today, from the varying start dates of schools across the U.S. to the global progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They dive into data on teacher shortages, discussing challenges with retention and exploring innovative solutions like rethinking educator models. The conversation also touches on the neuroscience of adolescent identity formation, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for healthy risk-taking and personal growth in schools. Tune in to hear insights on how schools can address current challenges while fostering connection, curiosity, and purpose among learners. Outline (00:00) Introduction and Agenda (04:02) Global Goals and School Meals Progress (07:40) Public School Perception Survey Results (12:48) Teacher Shortage Data and Analysis (17:36) Rethinking Teacher Models (27:28) Identity Formation and Adolescent Development (37:23) Human Expression and Connection (42:47) What's That Song? Links Watch the full video here Read the full blog here When Do Kids Go Back to School? Exclusive Poll: As Support for Schools Plummets, Americans Resist Closing Education Department Reading for Fun: Student Experiences How an Indiana District Puts a Premium on Teacher Autonomy Overview of Teacher Shortages How Can We Keep Teachers Teaching? State of the American Teacher Survey The Teaching Model That’s Keeping Educators in Schools The Great Simplification Podcast: Taylor Guthrie Sand Talk: Indigenous Thinking in a World That’s Lost Its Way Mile-Long Table in Denver Seats Thousands of Strangers to Eat and Celebrate Community Introducing Kestrel and Other Songs  

Dr. Dave Richards, Executive Director of the Future Learning Council and former Michigan superintendent, discusses Michigan's innovative educational transformation. He highlights the shift to personalized, competency-based learning and the collaboration among school districts to enhance student outcomes. Richards shares insights on micro-schools and their role in education reform, as well as the importance of professional development for educators. The conversation emphasizes community empowerment and the future of learning in providing equitable opportunities for all students.

Michael Stone, VP of Innovative Learning at Public Education Foundation, and Kristen Burrus, a passionate program manager at the first K-14 digital fabrication center, dive into transformative education through fab labs. They discuss Chattanooga's journey in project-based learning and the Volkswagen eLab Network. With a focus on bridging education and workforce readiness, they explore credentialing and essential skills, showcasing how innovative technologies like the Fabfolio app elevate student engagement and real-world problem-solving.

Explore the fascinating intersection of poetry, art, and identity on this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast featuring Mason Pashia. Mason discusses his debut book, Kestrel and Other Songs, and dives deep into the creative process, the power of words, and the ways poetry invites us to see the world differently. From his inspirations like Robert Macfarlane to the influence of place and personal experiences, Mason shares insights that connect creativity with education, identity, and community. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that celebrates storytelling, imagination, and the transformative role of art in shaping how we view and engage with the world. Get your copy now! Outline (00:00) Introduction to Kestrel (02:32) The Art of Poetry (12:00) Writing from a Place (15:20) Art and Education (21:45) Futures Thinking and Abundance (25:44) Closing Thoughts and Reflections Links Watch the full video here Read the full blog here Into Wind Buy Kestrel Landmarks by Robert Macfarlane

Casey Evans, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs at American University's Kogod School of Business, discusses how AI is reshaping business education. She emphasizes the need to integrate AI literacy and crucial soft skills, like professionalism and communication, into the curriculum. The conversation highlights innovative initiatives, including an AI and Business Analytics major, designed to prepare students for a future driven by AI. Casey also addresses evolving professional licensure and the importance of interdisciplinary learning in fostering real-world entrepreneurial experiences.

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark dives into the intersection of education and workforce innovation with Kerry McKittrick, Co-Director of Harvard's Project on Workforce. Together, they explore the evolving job market in the AI era, discussing challenges like the "AI job apocalypse" and the importance of creating agile pathways to economic mobility. Kerry highlights the critical role of work-based learning, industry partnerships, and personalized career navigation to prepare learners for a complex and dynamic workforce. Tune in to hear about the future of work, education's response, and how regional and adaptive pathways can create equitable opportunities for all. Outline (00:00) Introduction: AI's Impact on Jobs (02:27) Pathways to Economic Mobility (04:12) Current Job Market Challenges (09:05) Education's Response to Workforce Changes (14:21) Governors' Role in Workforce Development (24:58) Conclusion and Future Work Links Watch the full video here Read the full blog here Kerry McKittrick | LinkedIn Bloomberg Philanthropies CTE Initiative Harvard Project on Workforce

Dive into the fascinating world of education innovation and the impact of AI on human flourishing. Discover the potential of Career and Technical Education centers as innovation hubs and the ethical considerations surrounding AI in education. Explore how scholarship innovations and educational marketplaces are reshaping access to learning. Delve into the complexities of human expression through storytelling and art, and enjoy a unique AI-generated song that blends nostalgia with creativity.

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Shawnee Caruthers explores the transformative power of Career Pathways Academy at iPark 87 with a dynamic panel of guests: Dr. Jonah Schenker (Ulster BOCES), John Boolukos (Archtop Fiber), and students Cameren Thibault-Edmonds and Natalie Winrow. Together, they discuss how place-based education, industry collaboration, and learner-centered design can open doors to opportunity, purpose, and belonging. From redefining Career and Technical Education (CTE) to fostering student confidence and self-direction, this episode highlights how intentional ecosystem building can create lasting community impact and prepare students to design the future.   Outline (00:00) Introduction to the Getting Smart Podcast (02:16) The Heart of Ulster BOCES: A Learner-Centered Vision (07:18) Describing the Community and Pathways (10:49) Industry Partnership: A New Era of Collaboration (24:49) The Role of Advanced Manufacturing Pathways (28:50) Workplace Learning Challenges: Real-World Experience (33:18) Building a Sustainable Ecosystem for Education and Industry (40:02) Closing Thoughts and Future Possibilities Links Watch the full video here Read the full blog iPark 87 Dr. Jonah Schenker (LinkedIn) John Boolukos (LinkedIn) Ulster BOCES Archtop Fiber Kingston City School District

In this engaging discussion, Josh Bersin, a global industry analyst and founder of The Josh Bersin Company, shares his insights on the AI revolution in HR and learning. He highlights the dynamic potential of AI tools, like the Galileo HR Agent, in reshaping talent development and HR systems. Josh emphasizes how AI can create 'super workers' through personalized learning experiences and virtual agents. He also addresses the transformative role of these technologies in education and the future of corporate training, advocating for innovative approaches to learning.

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we dive into California’s groundbreaking efforts to expand equitable access to computer science education. Joined by Dr. Caryn Lewis, Rod Garcia, and Dr. Sharisa Chan, we explore how initiatives like the Cal MSCS Professional Learning Partnership are fostering equity, building interdisciplinary approaches, and promoting AI literacy for students and educators alike. From creating immersive communities of practice to emphasizing the importance of family engagement, this conversation reveals how California is setting the stage for a future-ready generation. Whether you're an educator, policymaker, or parent, this episode is packed with insights on how to create the conditions for authentic, inclusive, and impactful learning experiences. Outline (00:00) Introduction to the Getting Smart Podcast (03:49) The Design of the CS Model (06:49) The Relevance of Computer Science Today (12:56) Equity in Computer Science Education (18:23) AI Literacy in Computer Science (26:33) Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links Watch the full video Read the full blog here CSforCA Dr. Sharisa Chan Rod Garcia Caryn Lewis UCLA Center X Monterey Department of Education California Mathematics, Science, and Computer Science Partnership