

Getting Smart Podcast
Getting Smart
This podcast has over 500 episodes highlighting developing trends in K-12 education, postsecondary and lifelong learning. Each week, Getting Smart team members interview students, leading authors, experts and practitioners in research, tech, entrepreneurship and leadership to bring listeners innovative and actionable strategies in education leadership.
Be sure to also check out GettingSmart.com to stay on the cutting edge of innovations in learning.
Be sure to also check out GettingSmart.com to stay on the cutting edge of innovations in learning.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 31, 2024 • 38min
Todd Smith and Stacey Ocander on Pathways Strategies to Address the Healthcare Workforce Shortage in Nebraska and Beyond
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.

Jul 24, 2024 • 39min
Conrad Wolfram on Computational Thinking and Revolutionizing Math Education
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.

Jul 17, 2024 • 28min
Candy Van Buskirk on Learn Outside and Disrupting the Status Quo in Education
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.

Jul 10, 2024 • 35min
Jean-Claude Brizard on a Career of Transformation and the League of Innovative Schools
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!

Jun 28, 2024 • 30min
Shane Doyle on Place and Story
Dr. Shane Doyle, an Indigenous educator, discusses the importance of teaching indigenous history, storytelling in education, integrating indigenous wisdom in land management, benefits of outdoor activities, and the need for a curriculum with Native American perspectives.

Jun 26, 2024 • 31min
Chris Coxon and Ryan Franklin on Opportunities and Equity with P-TECH
On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we’re joined by two members of the Communities Foundation of Texas team: Chris Coxon, Managing Director of Programs; and Ryan Franklin, Senior Director, Policy & Advocacy. Educate Texas has been in a leadership role in college and career readiness school models for over two decades, and has been the lead intermediary supporting the successful growth of both the Early College High School and P-TECH school models. Outline: Overview of Educate Texas and Its Initiatives Challenges and Strategies in Policy Implementation Funding, Policy, and Sustainability Advice and Conclusion Links: View Full Transcript Accelerate ED Texas Accelerate ED Texas - Bexar County Educate Texas Communities Foundation of Texas Subscribe to our newsletter!

Jun 19, 2024 • 32min
Dr. Gholnecsar Muhammad on Joy within Education
This episode of the Getting Smart Podcast is sponsored by Mrs. Wordsmith, learn more at mrswordsmith.com and save 15% on your order by entering discount code GETTINGSMART15 at checkout, (edited) On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers is joined by Dr. Gholnecsar Muhammad. You might know her as Gholdy. Dr. Muhammad is an associate professor of curriculum and instruction at the University of Illinois Chicago. She is the author of the essential 2020 book “Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy,” and the 2023 book, “Unearthing Joy: A Guide to Culturally and Historically Responsive Curriculum and Instruction.” Outline Introduction to Joy in Education The Power of Poetry and Freedom Implementing Joy in the Curriculum Links Detailed Shownotes & Transcription Hill Pedagogies Cultivating Genius Interview Cultivating Genius Unearthing Joy Gholdy Muhammad Subscribe to our newsletter!

Jun 12, 2024 • 21min
Melissa Byrne on Connecting a Learner Profile to Pathways and Postsecondary Workforce Readiness.
Melissa Byrne, Assistant Superintendent at Barrington Community 220 in Illinois, discusses the Learner Profile, Pathways, and Gem program for students in the Barrington district. They focus on integrating academic and personal success skills, enhancing literacy with tools like Mrs. Wordsmith, and empowering students through personalized interdisciplinary projects at Barrington High School.

Jun 7, 2024 • 32min
Jennifer Brandsberg-Engelmann on Teaching and Updating Economics in High School
On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Mason Pashia is joined by Jennifer Brandsberg-Engelmann to discuss a new approach to teaching economics and why it is critical to teach economics to K-12 students as a way of understanding the world. Links Regenerative Economics Course Link to the course Recent Webinar on the Generative Economics Curriculum Doughnut Economics Kate Raworth GCSE Requirements Revised GCSE Syllabus Mason’s Biomimicry Blog

Jun 5, 2024 • 35min
Professor Carl Gombrich on Interdisciplinary Learning and Nurturing Curiosity
Join Carl Gombrich, Dean at the London Interdisciplinary School and an expert in educational innovation, as he shares his journey from UCL to pioneering interdisciplinary education. He discusses how traditional educational structures can limit real-world problem-solving. Gombrich explores the importance of practical learning experiences, such as internships, and highlights the transformative power of the performing arts in education. He also examines the role of AI and immersive technologies in enhancing interdisciplinary learning, preparing students for the future.