Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators

Join Ann Nakaska, a career decision-making expert with a rich background in psychology and education, as she dives into the essential skills for thriving in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. She advocates for a GET Ready Mindset, emphasizing global, entrepreneurial, and technological perspectives. Ann discusses how automation and the gig economy are reshaping careers, highlighting the importance of adaptability and creativity. Her insights encourage a redefinition of work that values curiosity and personal fulfillment over conventional job titles.

Listeners voted and told us this summer they wanted us to tell them more about the future world of work. Jeff and Tricia will bring listeners an incredible lineup of experts from a broad range of industries to tell us more about where we are heading. The summer series is proud to partner with Alongside. Tune in June 16th to catch the first episode in our summer of great conversations.

In this conversation, Erin Williamson from Love 146 discusses the organization's core values of defiant hope and unfiltered joy, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed care in supporting youth who have experienced trafficking. She highlights the necessity of a collective effort in addressing these complex issues and the role of policy in protecting victims. The discussion also touches on the importance of teaching consent and navigating relationships, as well as how the public can support change through awareness and advocacy. Erin Williamson is the Chief Programs & Strategy Officer at Love146, where she’s spent over a decade fighting child trafficking through trauma-informed care, prevention education, and survivor advocacy. With 20+ years in the field, Erin brings deep insight into protecting vulnerable youth and driving policy change—while balancing her role as a parent and education advocate. Erin holds a Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) from American University & is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Learn more https://www.facebook.com/love146.org/ https://love146.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-williamson-5b88b58b https://x.com/Love146 Chapters 00:00 Defiant Hope and Unfiltered Joy in Action 05:03 The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care 09:13 The Collective Effort in Addressing Trafficking 15:42 Navigating Complex Relationships and Boundaries 21:26 Teaching Consent Across Generations 27:58 Rethinking Child Autonomy and Rights 33:11 The Role of Policy in Supporting Victims 39:50 How the Public Can Support Change

In this conversation, Dr. Loui Lord Nelson discusses the connections between technical theater and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), emphasizing the importance of intentional design in educational environments. The conversation explores barriers to implementing UDL, the significance of emotional connections in learning, and the necessity of fostering collaboration and community among learners. Dr. Nelson highlights the role of educators in creating inclusive and supportive learning spaces that cater to the diverse needs of all students. In this conversation, Loui Lord Nelson, Ph.D., discusses the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and how to make learning more accessible and engaging for all students. She emphasizes the importance of context in learning, the use of metaphors like sunsets to explain UDL, and provides practical resources for educators looking to implement UDL strategies. The discussion also touches on the significance of designing for barriers and fostering learner agency, as well as the iterative nature of design in educational settings. Ready to learn more from our guest? https://theudlapproach.com/ Chapters 00:00 The Intersection of Technical Theater and UDL 04:09 Intentional Design in Learning Environments 11:14 Barriers to Implementing UDL 17:44 Emotional Connections in Learning 22:14 Fostering Collaboration and Community 30:33 Accessible Learning Resources 31:33 The Sunset Analogy for UDL 36:10 Starting Points for UDL Implementation 40:31 Understanding UDL Gears 46:42 Designing for Barriers and Agency 52:44 The Design Workflow and Reflection

In this episode of Shifting Schools, Jeff Utecht interviews Nicholas Bradford, founder of the National Center for Restorative Justice. They discuss the importance of restorative justice in education, the training and engagement strategies for teachers, and the current trends in school management and student engagement. Nicholas shares insights on the future of restorative justice, emphasizing the need for empathetic approaches in handling student conflicts and the importance of community engagement through conferences and workshops.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Restorative Justice in Education 05:35 Trends in School Engagement and Management 11:31 Future of Restorative Justice in Education 17:26 Conferences and Community Engagement Meet our guest: With over 15 years of experience in the field, Nicholas has worked extensively to promote belonging, culture change, and accountability through restorative justice. He is the founder of the National Center for Restorative Justice and the author of A Real-World Guide to Restorative Justice for Schools. His work is informed by a unique blend of personal insight, academic expertise, and a 24-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, making him a dynamic and deeply knowledgeable voice in this space. https://www.nationalcenterforrestorativejustice.com/  

The discussion explores the exciting integration of AI in trade classrooms. Jeff highlights its role in optimizing material selection and enhancing safety simulations. He emphasizes preparing students for an AI-driven workforce and supports a collaborative educational approach. Practical insights showcase how AI can improve learning experiences and streamline efficiency in trade education. Educators are encouraged to maintain human oversight while using AI tools, fostering a community to share best practices in this evolving landscape.

In this episode, Jeff Utecht explores the transformative impact of AI in Career and Technical Education (CTE) classrooms, particularly in construction and welding. He discusses how generative AI tools can enhance learning and efficiency, providing real-world applications and examples. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preparing students for a future where AI plays a crucial role in skilled trades, highlighting the need for critical thinking and verification of AI-generated information. Chapters 00:00 AI in CTE Classrooms: A New Era 04:49 Generative AI in Construction and Welding 10:03 Building Information Management Software 14:45 Computer Vision in Welding Education 19:55 Preparing Students for the Future of Trades   Takeaways AI is revolutionizing CTE classrooms, making learning more interactive. Generative AI can optimize construction designs and processes. Students must learn to verify AI-generated information. There is a significant shortage of skilled labor in construction. AI tools can provide instant feedback in welding education. Building Information Management (BIM) software is essential for modern construction. Computer vision technology can enhance quality control in welding. Educators should pilot AI tools in their classrooms. Safety and critical thinking are paramount when using AI. Preparing students for the future of trades is essential.   

Dive into the world of storytelling with a month-long challenge for educators! Discover how crafting personal narratives can enhance reflection and community engagement. A new generative AI bot is introduced to assist in building compelling stories. Experimenting with these tools not only boosts confidence but also strengthens team dynamics. Listening and sharing experiences is highlighted as a vital part of growth in education. Embrace creativity and curiosity as the challenge unfolds!

This week we speak with internationally renowned physician and nutritionist, and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Michael Greger about his upcoming book, THE HOW NOT TO AGE COOKBOOK: 100+ Recipes for Getting Healthier and Living Longer is a fully illustrated cookbook filled with recipes to make you healthier as you age.   In The How Not to Age Cookbook, decades of scientific research are put to use in over a hundred recipes that will leave readers feeling nourished for years to come. Each of these simple, nutrition-packed dishes (like chickpea and tempeh breakfast burritos, edamame bisque, pinto bean spread, or mushroom hummus wraps) uses ingredients that have been proven to promote a healthy lifespan drawing on inspiration from the places around the world where people traditionally live the longest.   Grounded in the latest nutrition science, The How Not to Age Cookbook is chock-full of delicious meals, snacks, and beverages that will keep the body both nourished and youthful. In addition to discussing interventions to regulate the eleven aging pathways, Dr. Greger will also share tricks for taking unpalatable powders and tips on how to cook legumes on the stovetop.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Healthspan and Cooking 03:00 The Role of Legumes in a Healthy Diet 05:51 Practical Tips for Healthy Eating on the Go 08:58 The Gap in Medical Nutrition Education 12:13 The Importance of Communication in Nutrition 14:54 Marketing Healthy Eating and Social Influences 18:01 The Social Aspect of Healthy Eating   Thank you to our show sponsor: https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1

In this episode, Tricia Friedman discusses the importance of algorithmic literacy in media literacy, introducing a free guide designed for families and friends to engage in co-learning activities over the summer. The guide emphasizes emotional health and community engagement through various challenges that encourage participants to explore media's impact on their lives and relationships.   Grab the link to the free guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yA8cP21EaM7mTUqEH_7BfyxWnEbRZQdr/view?usp=sharing Thank you to our show sponsor: https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Media Literacy and Algorithms 01:12 Attunement Informed Media Literacy 04:33 Engaging Challenges for Media Literacy 08:25 Conclusion and Call to Action