Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators

LeeAnne Lavendar, a leader in service learning and global citizenship, discusses transforming education to make it meaningful for students. She emphasizes the power of experiential learning and community engagement to foster curiosity and joy in the classroom. LeeAnne shares practical strategies for educators to adapt their curriculum, ensuring it resonates with today's students. The conversation also highlights the importance of future-proofing education by equipping students with skills essential for navigating the complexities of the modern world.

In this episode, Jeff Utecht interviews Jack Brewster, CEO of Newsreel, discussing the importance of news literacy, the impact of misinformation, and how Newsreel aims to engage students with high-quality news. They explore the role of social media and AI in journalism, the skills needed for future journalists, and how educators can utilize Newsreel to enhance students' critical thinking and media consumption habits. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Newsreel and Its Mission 02:29 The Role of News Literacy in Education 05:09 Engaging Students with Newsreel 09:00 Misinformation on Social Media 09:49 Skills for Future Journalists 14:04 AI's Role in Journalism 17:32 Data Insights for Educators 21:49 Ensuring Accurate News Reporting Jack has written for The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Time Magazine, Vice, Fortune, Newsweek, and The New York Daily News.  His reporting has been covered by The New York Times, Bloomberg, CNN The Washington Post, and other news outlets.  In September 2024, Jack and his then-colleague Sam Howard broke the story uncovering the source of the viral claim that Haitian migrants were eating pets in Springfield, Ohio. In 2022, he led the team that conducted a landmark study on TikTok’s algorithm, which revealed its propensity to feed misinformation to young users. Jack was previously a Fulbright scholar in Germany conducting research on news avoidance and young people’s changing media habits. Get started exploring NewsReel today: https://newsreel.co/about  

Tricia Friedman and Dr. Joshua Scacco explore the evolving landscape of political communication, emphasizing the impact of technology and attention fatigue on democracy. They discuss the dual nature of change in political engagement, the importance of understanding human behavior, and the challenges posed by the entertainmentification of politics. Scacco highlights the need for future researchers to adapt to new communication styles and the role of regulation in shaping political messaging. The conversation concludes with a focus on building community and preparing individuals for meaningful democratic engagement. Joshua M. Scacco (PhD, University of Texas at Austin) is the founding Director of the Center for Sustainable Democracy at the University of South Florida. He also is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication. Dr. Scacco specializes in political communication, media content and effects, and quantitative research methods. He is the co-author, with Kevin Coe, of "The Ubiquitous Presidency: Presidential Communication and Digital Democracy in Tumultuous Times" (Oxford, 2021). Dr. Scacco also serves as a Faculty Researcher with the award-winning Center for Media Engagement at the University of Texas at Austin. Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of Political Communication 03:02 Navigating Attention in Modern Politics 06:54 Emerging Technologies and Political Engagement 12:30 Understanding Human Behavior in Politics 17:15 The Entertainmentification of Politics 21:28 Preparing Future Researchers 27:12 Regulating Information in Democracy 32:58 Building Community for Democratic Resilience   Connect with our guest https://www.linkedin.com/in/jscacco/   Learn more about our show sponsor https://www.alongside.care/shifting?utm_campaign=Shifting

Dr. Annalies Corbin, Chief Goddess and Founder of the PAST Foundation, discusses transformative educational practices. She shares insights on the importance of student agency, cultural relevance, and problem-based learning. The conversation highlights the challenges educators face, especially amid standardized testing and traditional expectations. Annalies underscores the need for innovative strategies to bridge the gap between education and real-world employment, preparing students for active citizenship and a dynamic workforce.

What if AI could help schools not just support educators as they work to manage student mental health needs, but prevent crises before they start? In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Elsa Friis, licensed clinical psychologist from Alongside, returns to discuss how her team is using clinician-built AI tools to support students, educators, and families. From building trust through anonymity to boosting classroom attendance, Elsa shares research, real stories, and the myths she’s constantly debunking. 🎧 You’ll hear about: Why mental health support doesn't need to be 55 minutes long to make an impact The surprising issue most students anonymously seek support for (hint: it's not test anxiety) The difference between ChatGPT and what Alongside is actually doing with AI Learn more about our guest: Dr. Elsa Friis, Ph.D., Msc-GH, is a licensed psychologist, researcher, and behavioral health advocate who specializes in utilizing technology to expand access to youth mental health support. She received her MS in Global Health and PhD in Clinical psychology from Duke University where she leveraged human-centered design to develop an app to support the implementation of a family therapy intervention in Kenya. Dr. Elsa Friis has published over 20 peer-reviewed articles on the co-development, adaptation, and implementation of culturally salient youth interventions in the US and globally. Clinically, Elsa has worked and trained in a variety of settings in NC and GA including schools, primary-care clinics, academic medical centers, and hospitals. She is trained in a variety of third-wave cognitive behavioral treatments for youth including DBT-A, ACT, and TF-CBT. She specializes in family-based approaches to treating anxiety, severe behavior concerns, and suicidal ideation. Elsa firmly believes in co-creating products in partnership with the youth and stakeholders who will utilize them.   Learn more about the ground-breaking resarch they are doing: https://www.alongside.care/shifting?utm_campaign=Shifting   [02:15] – What Alongside Does How Alongside supports students through tier one mental health interventions. [05:30] – AI and Mental Health: What Makes Alongside Different Why this isn't just another ChatGPT wrapper—and how clinician-built tools matter. [10:45] – The Power of Single Session Interventions How 5-minute check-ins can drive lasting change in student well-being. [15:20] – What the Research Says About the Youth Mental Health Crisis Surprising findings about stress, social pressure, and how even fourth graders are feeling overwhelmed. [20:00] – How Alongside Supports Educators Too Reducing burnout, building staff confidence, and offering private coaching tools for teachers. [25:30] – What’s Next for Alongside New research, upcoming findings, and how to bring Alongside into your school or district.

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Tomasz Hollanek, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Cambridge, dives deep into the ethical complexities of AI companions. He discusses the emotional manipulation risks of AI grief bots and the necessity of ethical design in AI systems. Dr. Hollanek emphasizes the importance of AI literacy for educators to safeguard vulnerable populations and navigate regulation challenges like the EU AI Act. He also shares promising examples of AI's role in preserving cultural histories, urging educators to shape a mindful AI future.

In this episode of Shifting Schools, Jeff Utecht speaks with Jackie Insinger and Monica White about their book, 'Spark Brilliance for Educators.' They discuss the application of positive psychology in education, the importance of addressing teacher burnout, and the transformative impact of the Spark framework on both teachers and students. The conversation highlights the significance of authentic connections in the classroom and the need for a systemic approach to improve school culture and mental health.   Learn more: https://www.sparkeducators.org/   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Brilliance and Positive Psychology 02:40 Impact of Positive Psychology in Education 04:43 Teacher Burnout and Student Empowerment 09:37 The Platinum Rule: A Mindset Shift 13:37 Implementing the Spark Framework in Schools 20:37 Being Present: The Importance of Authentic Connection   Huge thanks to our series sponsor: Alongside

In this engaging discussion, Tania Tasopoulou, a seasoned business psychologist and founder of OrgDesignWays, sheds light on the evolving landscape of work shaped by AI. She emphasizes the critical role of adaptability and curiosity, especially for children, in navigating rapid technological shifts. Tania discusses the interplay between psychology and technology, advocating for experiential learning that fosters confidence in youth. Listeners are encouraged to rethink leadership and education in this digital age, equipping future generations to thrive.

In this conversation, Rachael Mann, an experienced educator, keynote speaker, and author, dives into the transformative power of AI in education and the workplace. She emphasizes the urgent need for educators and students to engage with AI technologies. Mann discusses AI's role in enhancing creative fields and Career and Technical Education, urging a mindset of curiosity and balance. With real-world insights, she explores AI's impact on workplace culture and shares resources for navigating an AI-driven future.

In this conversation, Tricia Friedman speaks with Jerome James about the evolving landscape of engineering, the importance of curiosity and problem-solving skills, and how AI is changing the profession. They discuss the intersection of engineering and mental health, the significance of effective communication in energy management, and the qualities employers seek in engineers. Jerome shares insights on finding one's niche in engineering and the unexpected joys of making a positive impact through one's work. Chapters 00:00 Engineering the Future: An Introduction 03:05 Curiosity and Problem Solving in Engineering 05:57 The Impact of AI on Engineering Mindsets 08:50 Engineering Meets Mental Health 12:00 Communicating Change in Energy Management 15:07 Experimenting with Change: A Personal Approach 18:52 What Employers Seek in Engineers 21:46 The Role of Hobbies in Building Confidence 24:55 Finding Your Niche in Engineering 27:57 Unexpected Delights of Being an Engineer   Learn more about our guest: An active volunteer, Jerome donates time and energy to Global Shapers – a global forum dedicated to creating social change within local communities around the world – and the World Partnership Walk in Calgary – a non-profit organization dedicated to making significant and positive steps towards ending global poverty in the developing world. He also cares deeply about international and sustainable development and has spent time overseas volunteering in India with a micro-finance non-profit focused on supporting women to become economic engines in their own communities. As a mechanical engineer who has worked in the power industry, Jerome believes in a balanced approach when it comes to developing our resources. He also believes that economic prosperity goes hand-in-hand with diligent stewardship of our precious environmental resources. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesjerome/ We are so thankful for our show sponsor! Join Alongside for a free webinar this June 26th Be among the first to dive into Alongside’s Pulling Back the Curtain on Youth Mental Health report — packed with insights from over 250,000 teen chats and activities during the 2024–25 school year. This free webinar breaks down what today’s teens are really facing—and how schools can respond. Join Dr. Elsa Friis, Ph.D., Head of Product and Clinical at Alongside, veteran educator Jess Bell, M.Ed., and teen advisor Priya Antony for a candid conversation on the year’s biggest mental health trends.Inside the report Inside the report: > Teens are struggling with sleep more than ever > School-life balance feels out of reach at every age > Boys are looking for new ways to ask for help > Confidential, self-guided tools are resonating deeply with students. Save your seat now and be among the first to receive the full report.