Getting Smart Podcast

Joining the podcast in this episode is Marni Baker Stein, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at the Western Governors University (WGU). For over 25 years, Marni has been designing and scaling programs to improve access, affordability, and student success. Prior to joining WGU, she worked for educational institutions in the United States and abroad on the development and administration of pioneering high school, undergraduate, graduate, continuing, and professional programming models delivered through competency-based, online, and hybrid formats. Marni was selected by the Department of Education to serve as a member of the National Technical Working Group, charged with expanding the 2016 National Education Technology Plan and using technology to transform higher education. Join in on today’s conversation as Tom and Marni talk about the future of higher ed and the role of advisors and skills. Marni shares experiences during her education as well as her career, how the learning model at WGU has changed in the last three years (and what’s next on the roadmap), about WGU’s new “achievement wallet” and how it will help transcript students’ competencies, how the education landscape has been shifting away from degrees to more skill-based progression (and what this means for traditional higher education), and much, much more.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Marni Baker Stein. [1:05] Tom Vander Ark welcomes Marni to the podcast. [1:14] Why did Marni study French and Economics at Penn State University? [2:15] When Marni was pursuing her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at Penn State, did she already have her sights set on higher ed? [2:43] Marni shares how she came to launch the first English language MBA programming in the former Soviet Union after finishing up her Master’s Degree (and later in Japan and Turkey). [4:01] The big takeaways from Marni’s experiences developing English programs abroad. [5:07] Marni’s experience as a Curriculum Coordinator at UC Santa Barbara. [6:28] In 1998, while helping Penn State launch their online learning program, did Marni have any visibility to Western Governors University (WGU) starting out in Salt Lake City? [8:04] Background on the founding of WGU. [8:33] Highlights from Marni’s four years as Chief Innovation Officer at the University of Texas System. [11:14] Three-and-a-half years ago, Marni became the Provost and Chief Academic Officer at the Western Governors University (WGU). She shares about the state of the university at the time; what she saw that they were doing well and areas she saw as an opportunity for improvement. [14:21] How the learning model at WGU has changed in the last three years and what’s next for the learning model. [15:54] Marni elaborates on the progress they’ve made at WGU with regards to focusing on what learners need to know, how they know what learners know, and how they can communicate and capture that. [16:54] About WGU’s “achievement wallet” that they’re rolling out in the spring and how it will help transcript students’ competencies. [18:42] At WGU, mentors play a really important role. Marni describes this role and how they guide the learning journey for students. [21:01] How a mentor helps a learner find out if they’re in the right academic program. [22:22] If a learner is struggling with a concept in a class, do they go to their mentor or their course instructor? How would they connect to academic support? [23:30] Are they using a Case Management approach? Is software involved in keeping the learner up-to-date? [24:39] With a set of partners, Marni launched the Open Skills Network. She describes what it is and its overall mission and vision. [27:42] Lately the education landscape has been shifting away from degrees to more skill-based progression. What does this mean for traditional higher education? [32:40] Does Marni predict that more learners will be mixing and matching to create unique pathways? [32:59] Have enrollments increased at WGU since COVID-19? How is WGU participating in the lifelong learning space going forward? [34:41] Is WGU the largest school of education in the country? [35:01] Marni gives an update on Mark Milliron, their Senior Vice President and Executive Dean, as well as an exciting initiative that is being worked on right now. [36:25] Where to learn more about WGU. [36:46] Tom thanks Marni for her leadership at WGU. [37:05] How many learners are enrolled right now at WGU? [37:16] Tom thanks Marni for joining the Getting Smart Podcast.   Mentioned in This Episode: Marni Baker Stein’s LinkedIn Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 228: “Michael Horn on Choosing College” The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State/PSU) Western Governors University (WGU) University of Texas System University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Open Skills Network (OSN) WGU 2019 Annual Report   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today’s episode features a conversation with Dr. Donna Housman. Dr. Housman is a clinical psychologist and founder of the Housman Institute, a Boston-based, early childhood training, research, and advocacy organization. This institute also features its own lab school, Beginnings. In these challenging times, Dr. Donna Housman has been providing insights to parents who are having to not only adjust to the stress of having to self-quarantine and social distance but also become full-time teachers and caregivers to their children. Listen in as Dr. Housman talks with Rebecca Midles, the Vice President of Learning Design at Getting Smart, about the importance of mental health among parents, teachers, and students.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Dr. Donna Housman. [:50] Welcoming Dr. Donna Housman to the podcast. [1:02] Dr. Housman shares about her work and background. [2:35] Why teachers are becoming increasingly stressed and burned out; and how they can get the help, support, and feedback they need in order to be able to serve students and their schools. [6:26] Dr. Housman highlights a study. [8:26] A big piece to why teachers are stressed right now and why they need, more than ever, SEL. [9:45] What teachers need to do in order to be available for the children that they teach. [10:38] Strategies, advice, and hope in moving forward during this time. [13:56] The importance of relationships, especially between teachers and their students during this pandemic. [14:48] About Housman Institute’s ECSEL Program and how it benefits both teachers and students. [18:38] Rebecca thanks Dr. Donna Housman for joining the podcast.   Mentioned in This Episode: Housman Institute Housman Institute’s ECSEL Program “Teachers Are Anxious and Overwhelmed. They Need SEL Now More Than Ever.” (YCEI with CASEL) April 7th, 2020 Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence (YCEI)Collaborative for Social Emotional and Academic Learning (CASEL) Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 202: “Jared Cooney Horvath on Cognitive Neuroscience”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today the Getting Smart team is joined by Donna McDaniel to discuss professional learning and real-world learning. Donna is a longtime educator who has bridged the world of business and education. Through her experience and numerous school settings, Donna has invaluable experience for knowing the ins and outs of what qualifies as real-world skills. She has taken this knowledge to create the CAPS program in the Blue Valley School District, which has gone on to create a network of more than 70 professional learning-centric schools in the United States. Now, Donna is supporting Kansas City’s Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, as they seek to implement a novel regional movement towards ensuring that all students graduate with valuable professional experiences. Also joining the conversation in this episode is Rashawn Caruthers, the Director at Getting Smart. Previously, she was the Director of Career and Technical Education at Kansas City Public Schools and, prior to that, the Assistant Director of Career and Technical Education at Kansas City Missouri School District. Together, Tom, Donna, and Rashawn take a look at Donna’s journey in business and education, the importance of professional learning and market value assets, the real-world learning initiative she is a part of, and the kind of impact she has seen through real-world learning experiences. The Getting Smart team found Donna’s commitment to the intersectionality of education and the workplace inspiring and is sure you will too!   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Donna McDaniel. [1:00] Tom welcomes Donna McDaniel to the podcast. [1:05] Tom shares that they are also joined by Rashawn Caruthers. [2:35] Going in the “wayback machine,” Donna shares why she decided to study education in Kansas City. [3:40] What attracted Donna to being a teacher (and later, a school leader) as someone who used to personally struggle in school. [4:21] Where Donna started her career in education. [4:59] Rashawn reflects on her early career in education and how her and Donna’s paths have aligned. [5:19] About Donna’s pivot from the world of business to the world of education and why she believes this experience was crucial in her ability to lead in education. [7:26] The origin story of Blue Valley’s program, CAPS. [9:42] Rashawn shares her experience with CAPS. [10:10] How CAPS helps students develop an entrepreneurial mindset. [13:20] CAPS is a next-generation career center. Donna further describes what the program itself looks like. [14:56] Tom shares his appreciation for CAPS and how it has become a national movement in real-world learning. [15:46] How did the idea of “market value assets” from Susan Wally turn into a regional initiative sponsored by the Kauffman Foundation? [20:02] Rashawn speaks of the key pieces in real-world learning and what she most loves about the initiative. [21:00] Donna shares why she believes that this real-world learning initiative has had such strong, positive support across the region. [23:11] Which kinds of high schools are involved in the initiative and how many are involved in the initiative? [24:21] Donna shares a specific example of how the initiative has had an impact on a school that was greater than expected. [26:19] Tom highlights some rural communities and schools that have successfully modeled real-world learning experiences. [27:55] Challenges that high schools have faced trying to expand access to real-world learning. [30:45] As a district leader in Kansas City, Rashawn shares her perspective on the challenges of trying to create real-world learning experiences in a classroom. [33:00] Does Donna find the commissioners of Missouri and Kansas to be generally supportive of what the districts are trying to do? [34:41] Donna elaborates on how she has been a strong advocate across the region for getting students core credits for real-world learning opportunities. [36:03] Could this real-world initiative be replicated in other states? [37:04] What does Donna hope to see in the next five years as it relates to real-world learning? [39:07] Tom underscores one of his favorite parts about the real-world learning initiative. [40:05] Donnas shares how she thinks the pandemic has created even more of an opportunity to create jobs. [41:13] Tom thanks Donna for her leadership and for joining the podcast! [41:51] Rashawn shares some parting thoughts about the real-world initiative. [42:31] Donna shares some parting words and gives her thanks to Getting Smart.   Mentioned in This Episode: Donna McDaniel Blue Valley School District Blue Valley CAPS Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Rashawn Caruthers Northland CAPS Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation’s Real World Learning Initiative PREP-KC Hickman Mills School District Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 265 — “Corey Mohn and Shameka Montgomery on Next-Gen Career Education”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

In this week’s episode, Tom is talking with Dr. Beth Rabbitt and Dr. Asaf Bitton about the state of global health, how it relates to schools, and a new initiative called the Parabola Project, which offers education leaders tools and strategies to minimize health risks while maximizing learning when reopening schools. Dr. Beth Rabbitt is the CEO of The Learning Accelerator, a national non-profit that is working to make the “potential” possible and practical for every teacher and learner. Underpinning TLA’s work is a drive to ensure that each student receives an effective, equitable, and engaging education that supports them to reach their full, unique potential. Dr. Asaf Bitton is Executive Director of Ariadne Labs, a joint center for health systems innovation at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Together, Dr. Beth Rabbitt and Dr. Asaf Bitton have partnered to launch The Parabola Project to help schools minimize COVID-19 health risks while maximizing learning. Listen in as Tom speaks with Beth Rabbitt and Asaf Bitton about what schools should be doing during the pandemic, and what the current research shows.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Beth Rabbitt and Asaf Bitton. [1:05] Tom welcomes Beth and Asaf to the podcast! [1:24] Dr. Bitton shares about Ariadne Labs; their mission, vision, and what they have accomplished thus far. [2:27] Dr. Beth Rabbitt speaks about The Learning Accelerator (TLA); their mission, vision, and what they have accomplished thus far. She also shares about the origin of The Parabola Project. [6:50] Should kids be in school right now? Dr. Bitton shares his insights. [9:03] What can schools do to safeguard staff members in an in-person school setting? [10:51] Dr. Bitton’s thoughts on the risk associated with staff members’ circles of interaction outside of a school setting. [13:43] Practices that can be put in place to minimize transmission risk. [15:07] Beth offers some suggestions on how superintendents could frame a community dialogue to bridge the gap between parents who want their children back in school and teachers with concerns about returning to a public setting. [18:08] Should schools be paying attention to testing, tracking, and tracing when it comes to COVID-19? And if so, how might they? [20:04] What could school districts and the government be doing better? Does Dr. Bitton see things getting better in the next few months in terms of a coordinated public health response? [23:34] What Beth is telling schools about sports. [25:27] If a school or a district doesn’t have room to bring all of their students back in a safe and distant way, is a hybrid schedule still the best approach? [27:12] Dr. Bitton’s advice for local health officials and school officials on how they can build a sense of trust about the path forward in terms of precautions, protocols, vaccinations, and strategies. [31:31] How should school and system leaders think about the gaps that seem to be accelerated for the most vulnerable students? [34:44] Dr. Bitton offers some holiday advice to keep in mind in the coming months. [36:43] Where to learn more about The Parabola Project. [37:33] Tom thanks Dr. Rabbit and Dr. Bitton for both joining the podcast.   Mentioned in This Episode: The Parabola Project Beth Rabbitt Asaf Bitton Learning Accelerator Ariadne Labs   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

In this week’s episode, Tom is talking with author and thought leader, David Price, on the power of us. David is an author, educator, consultant, and public speaker based in North Yorkshire, UK. He has written two Amazon best-selling books, the latest titled, The Power of Us: How We Connect, Act, and Innovate Together. David has led innovation in education projects around the world for the past twenty years, following leadership roles in community, adult, further, and higher education. David is an advisor to the Mastery Transcript Consortium in the United States, the Canadian Education Association, Learnlife in Spain, and New York-based cultural consultancy, Sparks & Honey. In 2009, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by the Queen for services in education. Tune in for the conversation as Tom speaks with David about his most recent book, The Power of Us, and some of its most important takeaways.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with David Price. [1:02] Tom welcomes David to the podcast! [1:10] David speaks about his early life, where he grew up, where he has traveled, life as a freelancer, and growing up as a musician. [4:35] About seven years ago, David wrote a famous book called, Open, which previewed the new age of open source and open talent. He shares what led him to write the book and what he wanted to accomplish by writing it. [6:58] Open both encouraged people and companies to operate in a transparent and open manner. It also outlines the new open economy and how people can lead really fulfilling and productive lives in the freelance and gig space; what John Winsor would call the open talent space. Would David agree that for everyone to be able to step into this space that it would require a new social contract? [9:25] Tom congratulates David on his new book, The Power of Us: How We Connect, Act, and Innovate Together, and reads an excerpt from the introduction. [10:44] David tells the story of his update to The Power of Us and how he came to a conclusion that felt more true than ever. [13:55] A summary of Chapter 2 of David’s book, The Power of Us, on scalable learning. [16:11] An explanation of chapter 3 on people-powered innovation. [18:22] The second part of The Power of Us is on mindsets. David speaks about two mindsets he writes about in the book. [20:12] The next section of the book talks about the operating system; a shorthand way of describing how an organization works (the culture, the structure, and the systems that either collectively inhibit or enable innovation). David elaborates on how organizations either block or promote innovation. [21:41] Part 4 of the book talks about leadership. David argues that it requires a very different kind of leadership to enable bottom-up innovation. He describes what this leadership looks like in practice. [24:20] Part 5 in the book is a great toolkit with sections on trust and transparency, engagement and equity, and mastery and meaning. David elaborates on these sections in the toolkit. [28:07] David offers some advice to school heads on how they can incorporate key ideas from The Power of Us into their schools. [30:02] Tom and David further elaborate on the importance of schools focusing on agency and community. [31:30] Tom and David share what they love about High Tech High. [32:15] Why the work that the Mastery Transcript Consortium does is important to David. [35:19] Tom shares a profound excerpt from The Power of Us. [36:37] Tom thanks David for his book, The Power of Us, and shares why you should pick it up! [37:03] David gives a closing thought that sums up the opportunity that’s available to us right now. [38:14] Tom thanks David for joining the podcast.   Mentioned in This Episode: David Price The Power of Us: How We Connect, Act, and Innovate Together, by David Price Open: How We'll Work, Live and Learn in the Future, by David Price Mastery Transcript Consortium Canadian Education Association Sparks & Honey Learnlife Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 275: “John Winsor on the Open Talent Economy” Garry Ridge | CEO of WD-40 Larry Rosenstock | High Tech High Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 208: “Esther Wojcicki on Raising Successful People” Difference Making at the Heart of Learning, by Tom Vander Ark and Emily Liebtag — Enter code Smart20 to save 20% off the cover price!   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast we are giving you a look at a new conversation series led by Getting Smart team member Rebecca Midles. She has been having informative and inspiring conversations with leaders in the field of competency-based education and they are all available to you at GettingSmart.com/CBE. On this episode, she is speaking with Claudette Trujillo Principal of Metropolitan Arts Academy, a PK-8 Arts innovation school in Westminster Public Schools and a longtime advocate of CBE. Claudette Trujillo is in her 21st year in the education field and her 12th year of competency-based implementation.  She also has a Masters in Educational Counseling, in addition to her administration license and Bachelors of English with a secondary endorsement. Today Rebecca and Claudette unpack what it takes to successfully implement a competency-based learning model, share stories from the field and much more.

In this week’s episode, Tom is speaking with Karen Cator and Vic Vuchic. Karen Cator began her career in Alaska as a teacher and a special assistant for telecommunications for the governor of Alaska. This led to Apple, where she directed their leadership and advocacy efforts in education. She then was appointed to lead the office of ed-tech in the Obama administration which culminated in her joining the Digital Promise effort as CEO in 2013. Vic Vuchic is the Chief Innovation Officer at Digital Promise Global. Before his time at Digital Promise Global, Vic consulted with a number of foundations and organizations on education technology, innovation, and philanthropy. Prior to consulting, Vic developed strategies and managed over a hundred million dollars in technology-focused grants at the Hewlett Foundation to launch and grow the open educational resources movement and create and advance the deeper learning strategy. Listen in as Tom talks with these esteemed guests about ed-tech and the invention opportunity.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with special guests, Karen Cator and Vic Vuchic. [1:09] Tom welcomes Karen and Vic to the Getting Smart Podcast! [1:17] Karen reflects on the launch of Digital Promise in 2011. [2:11] Tom shares his appreciation for Karen’s leadership during her role as the Director of the Office of Education Technology for the U.S. Department of Education. [2:44] Karen shares what it was like launching Digital Promise while leading the office of ed-tech. [4:09] Digital Promise has had an important and unique role in the research and development (R&D) space of helping to link science to practice. Was that part of Digital Promise’s initial mission? [8:13] When Vic took a break from studying as an engineer, he picked up the jazz flute! Does he still practice it or have a favorite flutist? [9:54] In Vic’s career, he in part launched the age of open educational resources (OER) during his career at the Hewlett Foundation. [10:37] Karen highlights the innovations in learning and development that she is most excited about and thinks are potentially the most important. [13:28] Has Digital Promise’s work with Verizon Innovative Learning Schools helped to advance technology and reliable internet access into the hands of students? [14:32] Vic highlights and the innovations in learning and development that he is most excited about. [17:45] Originally launched in 2011, the League of Innovative Schools now includes 114 districts and almost 3,900 schools. What is the role that the League of Innovative Schools plays in relationship to innovation? [20:02] All 114 districts within the League of Innovative Schools share the common attribute of stable and effective leadership which indicates that building support for an agenda over a long period is critical in letting innovation take root and be brought to scale. [21:02] Another important lesson from the League of Innovative Schools: the combination of a leader and their own mindset/view of innovation and the leadership of the district is critical. [21:57] Digital Promise and their partner districts have been making a push toward more inclusive leadership. Recently, they announced their Center for Inclusive Innovation. Karen elaborates on its vision and mission. [23:55] Over the last two years, Vic has developed an amazing web of research that is now searchable by case study or symptom. It helps teachers connect with important resources. As Vic thinks about the potential impact that the learner variability project can have, where and how does he think it’s going to make the biggest difference? [28:05] Tom’s lightning round on the theme of innovations (for both Karen and Vic): 1. When you think of the category of “learner experience,” what are the innovations that you’re most excited about? 2. Why are you excited about challenge-based learning? Why is it important? 3. What are you excited about with regard to measurements and credentialing? What about the challenges? [39:35] How Digital Promise has done a fantastic job of leading innovation for equity. [40:03] Learning formats and new school models that Karen is excited about. [41:22] Is Vic a fan of micro-schools or nano-schools? What does he think about new learning formats? [43:19] Tom highlights the incredible work that Karen has done in the last twenty years. [44:13] Vic thanks Karen for the great work she is doing in the world. [44:44] Tom thanks both of the guests for joining the podcast.   Mentioned in This Episode: Digital Promise Karen Cator’s LinkedIn Vic Vuchic’s LinkedIn The Aspen Institute Verizon Innovative Learning Schools National Center for Research in Advanced Information and Digital Technologies League of Innovative Schools Virtual Teaching Academy Session One (with Tom Vander Ark and Dewayne McClary) Dewayne J. McClary | Director of League of Innovative Schools at Digital Promise Center for Inclusive Innovation — Digital Promise Difference Making at the Heart of Learning: Students, Schools, and Communities Alive With Possibility, by Tom Vander Ark High Quality Project Based Learning (HQPBL) Tuva Labs Desmos Newsela Concord Consortium   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

In this week’s episode, Tom is speaking with a father-daughter duo, Mark and Alex Milliron. Mark Milliron serves as Senior Vice President and Executive Dean of the Teachers College at Western Governors University (WGU). In addition to his work with WGU, Mark helps catalyze positive change in education through his Catalytic Conversations blog and podcast series, and through service on boards and advisory councils of leading-edge education organizations. Alex Milliron is a rising senior in the College of Education at the University of Texas at Austin. During her time at Dripping Springs High School in Texas, Alex was an honor student, a three-year varsity basketball player, a high jumper, and a regular community volunteer. Now, both Mark and Alex are co-authors as well with their new book, The Sugar Chair Stories. The Sugar Chair Stories tells three stories on the theme of learning how to “slow down, look around, and figure out how to sweeten things up.” Listen in to learn more about their wonderful new book and what Mark and Alex are up to in the world of education!   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Mark and Alex Milliron. [1:01] Tom welcomes Mark and Alex Milliron to the podcast. [1:10] Mark shares his thoughts and perspective on the current state of American higher education amid a global pandemic. [3:01] With four children, has Mark had a lot of family time during the pandemic? What have they spent their time doing? [4:04] The genesis of Mark and Alex’s book, The Sugar Chair Stories. [4:35] About Mark’s history with WGU and his return to WGU as the Senior Vice President and Executive Dean. [5:10] Is WGU the biggest school of education in America? [6:01] How Mark thinks about the value proposition for learners in the school of education? [6:41] Has Mark seen as big of a jump in the enrollment at the school of education during the pandemic as other parts of the college? [7:48] To what extent has the school of education embraced the idea of competency and focusing on important skills? [9:59] Having grown up with one of America’s great educators, what motivated Alex to pursue education as well? [10:46] What are Alex’s plans post-grad? What would she like to teach? [11:53] What is a ‘sugar chair’ (from their book, The Sugar Chair Stories)? [13:00] The meaning behind The Sugar Chair Stories’ slogan: “Slow down, look around, and figure out how to sweeten things up.” [13:57] How did Alex and Mark come up with the concept of each story being for a different age group? [16:01] Why The Sugar Chair Stories is multi-generational and perfect for the whole family. [17:01] Alex shares how they collaborated on their book together. [17:33] Did Alex bring any of her athletic experience to writing the book? [18:27] Mark shares what he learned about his daughter Alex in the process of writing the book together. [19:15] Alex and Mark share their thoughts and reflections on the editing process of the book. [20:29] Did it feel like it took forever for the book to come out? [21:12] What Alex learned writing a book. [22:15] Be sure to check out The Sugar Chair Stories, by Mark Milliron and Alexandra Milliron! [23:07] Are they planning on launching a virtual book tour? [24:05] Tom thanks Mark and Alex for joining the podcast.   Mentioned in This Episode: Western Governors University (WGU)Teachers College at Western Governors University College of Education at the University of Texas at Austin Catalytic Conversations Blog Catalytic Conversations Podcast Dripping Springs High School The Sugar Chair Stories, by Mark Milliron and Alexandra Milliron MarkMilliron.com TheSugarChair.com @MarkMilliron on Twitter   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!  

On today’s episode of the Getting Smart podcast, Rebecca Midles sits down with Tom Vander Ark to discuss the new book co-authored by him and Dr. Emily Liebtag: Difference Making at the Heart of Learning. This book stemmed out of our multi-year Future of Work campaign when our team realized that one of the hallmarks of the future of work is purposeful work contributing to communities. Through hundreds of school visits and powerful conversations with inspirational organizations across the globe, we observed changemakers in action and learners who were more ready than ever to make a difference in the world.   Difference Making at the Heart of Learning, is an inspirational, yet practical guide to help educators, counselors, and youth-development leaders build on students’ talents and interests to develop their desire for a better world, entrepreneurial mindset and personal leadership skills — so they can make a difference to their families, their communities, and society. In this episode, they discuss what difference making means, why it is the superpower of the new economy and how more schools can get involved with organizations who are dedicated to difference making. Mentioned in This Episode: Difference Making at the Heart of Learning Difference Making Campaign Ask About AI LEAD Innovation Studio Global Dignity Day Tara C. Chklovski High Resolves, Videos for Change Big Thought, Byron Sanders Olin College, KEEN Network Joanne McEachen Podcast Global Goals 5 Reasons High Schools Should Help Young People Find and Make Their Unique Contribution.

Today on the podcast, Tom Vander Ark is speaking with Deanna Mulligan on the topics of talent, leadership, and the opportunity gap. Deanna grew up in a small town in Nebraska, earned an MBA from Stanford, and became the Principal Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company. After working there for eight years, Deanna launched a career in insurance where, after a two-year sabbatical, she became the CEO of Guardian Life Insurance, one of the ten largest life insurance companies in America. Additionally, Deanna served on the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability for Young Americans from 2014–2015 and was Chair of the Board of the ACLI from 2015–2016. In 2018, Fortune named her one of the “50 Most Powerful Women in Business” and in 2019, Crain’s New York Business recognized her as one of “The 50 Most Powerful Women in New York” — the fifth time since 2011! In her new book, Hire Purpose: How Smart Companies Can Close the Skills Gap, Deanna shares how companies and education institutions can work together to close the skills and opportunity gap. Listen in as Tom talks with Deanna about her career journey and her new book, Hire Purpose.   Key Takeaways: [:10] About today’s episode with Deanna Mulligan. [:55] Tom welcomes Deanna Mulligan to the podcast. [1:00] About Deanna’s life and early education in a small town in Nebraska. [1:18] How Deanna came to work at McKinsey & Company after graduating from Stanford. [2:29] The lessons Deanna learned and the experience she gained during her eight years at McKinsey. [3:22] What drew Deanna to insurance. [4:04] About the two years Deanna took off prior to launching a career in insurance. [7:33] How Deanna came to work for Guardian. [8:11] Did Deanna’s two-year sabbatical shape her views on family leave? [9:44] Deanna shares her reflections as the CEO of Guardian for nearly 10 years; how she thought about her role, as well as the biggest takeaways and lessons from her time as CEO. [12:03] What Deanna learned about talent development as CEO of Guardian. [13:26] Where Deanna’s idea for her book, Hire Purpose: How Smart Companies Can Close the Skills Gap, came from. She also shares how she connected with Greg Shaw, her co-author. [17:40] Tom shares his experience with Greg Shaw and Deanna touches on what the overall process of writing Hire Purpose was like. [18:22] How companies and post-secondary can work together to close the opportunity gap, and examples of organizations that are already doing this. [21:54] While writing Hire Purpose, did Deanna and Greg have the chance to touch on the pandemic before it was released? [23:12] Now that we’re deep in the midst of the pandemic, are there any additional footnotes Deanna would include in Hire Purpose if she were to release it now? [23:56] While writing, did Deanna have any changes in opinion on certain topics or areas? [25:55] Both Deanna and Guardian are very purposeful and values-based. Would Deanna say that establishing partnerships with shared values is the way to overcome and power through any challenges? [26:35] Deanna gives recommendations and advice for young adults and professionals thinking about a career or starting a career during the pandemic. [28:19] Tom thanks Deanna for joining the Getting Smart Podcast and congratulates her on her success with Guardian and her new book.   Mentioned in This Episode: Deanna Mulligan Guardian Life Hire Purpose: How Smart Companies Can Close the Skills Gap, by Deanna Mulligan and Greg Shaw Clayton Christensen Hit Refresh: The Quest to Rediscover Microsoft's Soul and Imagine a Better Future for Everyone, by Satya Nadella and Greg Shaw PTech.org Infosys The Power of Place: Authentic Learning Through Place-Based Education, by Tom Vander Ark and Emily Liebtag Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 280: “Julia Freeland Fisher and Mahnaz Charania on Social Relationships and Networks”   Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe.   Is There Somebody You’ve Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You’d Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include “Podcast” in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!