Kyle Wagner, a project-based learning advocate and global ambassador for PBL, shares insights on transforming education. He discusses his journey visiting innovative schools like High Tech High, emphasizing the significance of engaging, student-centered environments. Key topics include fostering creativity and agency through project-based learning, the importance of driving questions in inquiry-based learning, and the need for collaboration in educational practices. Wagner introduces his new book, providing actionable strategies for educators to reshape classroom dynamics.

Wes Kriesel, an expert on AI's impact in education, Kunal Dalal, a proponent of AI tools in K-12, and Jerry Almendarez, who addresses AI's role for students and educators, dive into the transformative potential of AI in schools. They discuss how generative AI is reshaping teaching methods and highlight the importance of human skills amid tech advancements. The conversation reveals the significance of student voices in AI integration and emphasizes fostering resilience, creativity, and lifelong learning in modern education.

Rachel Davison Humphries is the Senior Director of Civic Learning Initiative at the Bill of Rights Institute. She highlights the critical need for innovative civics education to combat societal isolation and strengthen democracy. The discussion reveals creative strategies for integrating civics into school curricula and how civic engagement fosters youth leadership. Rachel also addresses the importance of digital literacy amid misinformation and advocates for shorter election cycles to enhance political participation. A must-listen for educators and civic enthusiasts!

Betsy Revell, Senior VP of Career Connected Learning, and Marie Mackintosh, President and CEO of EmployIndy, dive into the world of tech apprenticeships in Indianapolis. They share how initiatives like Accelerate Ed are creating equitable pathways in education. The discussion highlights the importance of personalized educational pathways tied to IT and cybersecurity careers. They also emphasize empowering students to explore career options early and the critical role of community partnerships in shaping students' futures.

Lisa Gevelber, Vice President at Google and founder of Grow with Google, shares insights on career pathways through online certificates tailored for high-demand jobs. They explore the importance of skills-based hiring and how Google's initiatives are reshaping education and talent acquisition. The conversation delves into the Google Gen AI for Educators course, aiding teachers in using AI tools effectively. Lisa emphasizes practical AI applications in classrooms, aiming to empower educators and equip students with future-ready skills in a rapidly evolving job market.

In this episode of the Getting Smart podcast, Shawnee Caruthers speaks with Kathy Goodacre, Principal Gabe Oliveira, and Vice Principal Erika Raffo about the transformative work happening in Sonoma County through the CTE Foundation and its partnership with Elsie Allen High School. Kathy discusses the foundation’s mission to invest in and expand career technical education (CTE) programs across the county, emphasizing the importance of connecting classroom learning to real-world applications and high-demand careers.  The CTE Foundation of Sonoma County is a critical part of the Sonoma County California Accelerate ED cohort, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Accelerate ED is built on the idea that high schools can provide early access to quality higher education in ways that incorporate work-connected learning and have long-term benefits for students. This initiative helps state-based groups plan and build accelerated pathways between K-12 education, postsecondary education, and careers.  Outline Introduction to CTE and Sonoma County's Vision Building Pathways: Elsie Allen High School's Transformation Accelerate ED Initiative and Community Connections Funding and Policy Support for CTE Programs Future Directions and Policy Recommendations Links Watch the full episode here View the full blog post Accelerate ED Sonoma County CTE Foundation Sonoma County Kathy Goodacre Elsie Allen High School Vice Principal Erika Raffo Subscribe to our newsletter    

Todd Smith, the CEO of Symphony Workforce and former podcast host, joins Stacey Ocander, Senior Director of Workforce and Education Initiatives at the Nebraska Hospital Association, to tackle the healthcare workforce crisis. They discuss a groundbreaking curriculum for third to fifth graders, designed to ignite interest in healthcare careers through hands-on experiences. The conversation highlights the importance of early recruitment initiatives, creative partnerships, and the role of education in ensuring a robust future healthcare workforce.

Tom Vander Ark chats with Conrad Wolfram, CEO of Wolfram Research, on revolutionizing math education through computational thinking. They discuss integrating AI into education, modernizing curriculum, and preparing students for real-world problem-solving using technology.

Dr. Candy Van Buskirk, Assistant Superintendent of Career Academy Network, talks about innovative educational strategies and the pathways campaign focusing on experiential learning. They discuss dual enrollment, leading educational models like Samueli Academy, and the impact of pioneers like Larry Rosenstock. The podcast highlights efforts in Indiana to promote experiential learning and the future direction of education.

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark talks with Jean-Claude Brizard, CEO of Digital Promise They talk about the organization's unique congressional mandate and its role in educational innovation.  They explain how Digital Promise has exceptional access to U.S. government agencies, enhancing its impact on educational policy and practice. Brizard discusses the power networks like the League of Innovative Schools have in credentialing and micro-credentials for teachers, and the concept of 'powerful learning' that includes student agency and advanced pedagogies. They explore inclusive innovation processes that integrate voices from all community stakeholders, and reflect on Brizard’s past work on transforming New York City's high schools. This conversation highlights Digital Promise’s commitment to advancing education through research, technology, and innovative practices. Outline Jean-Claude Brizard's Journey Transforming New York City Schools Innovative Networks and Powerful Learning Future of Credentialing and Inclusive Innovation Links Jean-Claude Brizard LinkedIn Digital Promise  League of Innovative Schools Conversation at CoSN Michelle Cahill Joel Klein Springpoint Schools Skills Transcripts at Scale: Why The ETS & MTC Partnership is a Big Deal Christina Luke Luna Indiana Diploma Pathway Click Here to Watch The Conversation Click Here for The Full Transcript Subscribe to our newsletter!