Getting Smart Podcast

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    

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.