Getting Smart Podcast

Derek Wenmoth and Annette Thompson, authors of the Agency by Design playbook, join the host to discuss learner agency in education, emphasizing the need for choices and skills. They explore the three dimensions of agency, the potential of AI in education, and the importance of risk-taking, trust, and ownership in empowering learners.

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Mason Pashia is joined by two individuals from America’s Promise Alliance (APA), an organization that weaves people and organizations together for a positive impact. Mike O’Brien, CEO of America’s Promise Alliance, and Parvathi (Parv) Santhosh -Kumar their VP of Community Impact. Together, they talk about the importance of field building, how uniquely bi-partisan and longstanding organizations like APA can drive change through radical collaboration, what they learned from a 180-organization listening tour across the U.S. and much more.  Links: America’s Promise Parvathi Santhosh-Kumar LinkedIn Mike O’Brien LinkedIn Baratunde with Jon Alexander Kim Smith on Getting Smart Podcast

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is a part of our New Pathways campaign. In partnership with American Student Assistance (ASA), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Stand Together and the Walton Family Foundation, the New Pathways campaign will question education’s status quo and propose new methods of giving students a chance to experience success in what’s next.  On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast we’re joined by Superintendent Michael Matsuda. Superintendent Matsuda has served in his role at Anaheim Union High School District for a decade and is also the author of the great new book: Educating for Purposeful Life: A New Conception of Schooling for the 21st Century. The mission of the Anaheim Union High School District is to prepare high school graduates who possess a clear sense of purpose and the capacity to achieve their goals … talk about a pathways vision.  Links: Michael Matsuda Bio Educating for Purposeful Life: A New Conception of Schooling for the 21st Century Career Preparedness Systems Framework Anaheim Union High School District Ben Wildavsky on The Career Arts: Answering Big Questions About College and Career American Student Assistance New Pathways  

Erin Mote and Maureen Tracy Mooney discuss teacher apprenticeships, while Ryan Craig explores apprenticeships in tech. The podcast covers the challenges and benefits of apprenticeships, the crisis in college education, launching pad programs for students, and a comparison of apprenticeship programs worldwide. It delves into the difference between internships and apprenticeships and highlights the importance of apprenticeships in various sectors.

This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is part of a new short monthly series where Mason Pashia is joined by Dr. Jason Cummins, a previous guest and a friend of the podcast, to speak with indigenous leaders and academics to discuss how indigenous ways of knowing and leading can, and should, shape the education system.   Awaachiáookaate’, or Jason Cummins Ed.D is an enrolled member of the Apsaalooke Nation, and recently served as the Deputy Director for the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Native Americans and Strengthening Tribal Colleges and Universities, Office of the Secretary. Previously, he was the principal at Crow Agency Public School. As an Indigenous scholar and school leader he has innovatively worked to lead schools towards authentically serving Native American students PreK-12 and their communities by implementing culturally sustaining, trauma-informed, and restorative approaches.  We are joined by Alex Red Corn, Ed.D, a citizen of Osage Nation, where he is a member of the Tsi.zhu.wah.shtah.geh (Gentle Sky/Peacekeeper) clan. At Kansas State University, he is Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership, Coordinator of Indigenous Partnerships, CoChair of the Indigenous Faculty and Staff Alliance, Executive Director of the Kansas Association for Native American Education (KANAE) and Program Coordinator for the Indigenous Educational Leadership Graduate Links:  A Walk in My Shoes Documentary Alex Red Corn Bio The Rural Educator Journal of American Indian Education Indigenous Steam (Analise and Megan Bang) Osage Ribbon Work Lanny Real Bird Liberating Sovreign Potential  

Jean Eddy, CEO of American Student Assistance (ASA) and author of Crisis-Proofing Today’s Learners, discusses the revolution ahead in personalized education experiences, the importance of career exploration in middle grades, AI's impact on education, and the need for adaptability in preparing students for the future.

Dr. Amanda Stent and Dr. Taniya Mishra discuss AI pathways and the collaboration between Colby College and Sure Start. They highlight the importance of creating pathways to bring more people into AI and ML, the role of interdisciplinary approaches in teaching computational thinking, and the significance of an entrepreneurial mindset in the field. They also explore Sure Start, an AI-focused education startup, and discuss the importance of ethics in AI and responsible AI principles.

Shiva Rajbhandari, a freshman at UNC Chapel Hill and climate and education activist, discusses his journey in climate activism, including student-led efforts for climate action and the importance of involving students in educational decision making. They also explore the purpose of education and the transforming power of public schools.

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Victoria Andrews is joined by Producer Mickey Breeze, the 10-time Beat Battle Champion of the Twin Cities. He is also a former teacher for the “Twin Cities Mobile Jazz Project.” and a DJ for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Twins. He’s a proud alumni of the High School for Recording Arts in St. Paul, MN.  We’re also joined by Dr. H. Bernard Hall an Assistant Professor of Urban Teacher Education at Drexel University in the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum. His teaching and research interests include urban teacher education and development, social justice-oriented approaches to secondary English education, hip-hop pedagogy, anti-Black educational policy and practice, and critical qualitative research.  Links:  Mickey Breeze H. Bernard Hall HipHopEd Conference IG: Mickey. Breeze  

Tommy Thompson, a marketing and entrepreneurship teacher, and Rupa Kumaran, a student from Frisco ISD, discuss student entrepreneurship. They cover topics such as the importance of community support, the changing roles of teachers, the development of communication skills in entrepreneurship classes, and the plans for post-graduation entrepreneurship. They emphasize the significance of community involvement and call on listeners to volunteer in schools.