Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators

Explore the profound impacts of digital literacy and political engagement initiatives by CIVIX, and discover resources that can transform classrooms into hubs of critical thought and respectful discourse.  We sit down with Dimitri Pavlounis, the Director of Research at CIVIX. Our discussion unravels around two pivotal programs at CIVIX: CTRL-F and PoliTalks, which are meticulously crafted to bolster digital literacy and political awareness among the youth. Our guest  explores the resources and tools available for educators aiming to ignite engaging political discussions in classrooms. They share a vision of nurturing students to practice active listening, perspective-taking, and respectful self-expression, laying down a robust foundation for contextual awareness in political discourse. Links: - [CIVIX Official Website](https://civix.ca) - [CTRL-F Program Overview](https://civix.ca/programs/ctrl-f/) - [PoliTalks Program Overview](https://civix.ca/programs/politalks/) - [Center for Research And Evidence on Security Threats](https://www.crestresearch.ac.uk) Dimitri Pavlounis is the Research Director at CIVIX, a Canadian educational charity dedicated to building the skills and habits of active and informed citizenship among youth through experiential learning opportunities. As part of his work, he helped manage the development and evaluation of CTRL-F, a digital literacy program aimed at helping students navigate our polluted information environment. Prior to joining CIVIX, he completed his PhD in Media Studies at the University of Michigan. Huge thanks to our amazing sponsor: Mackin! https://home.mackin.com/ Want to continue your learning with Jeff and Tricia this week? Their three week AI playground kicks off this Tuesday, November 7th Learn more: www.shiftingschools.com

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Erin Olson, an advocate of news literacy and a representative from the News Literacy Project (NLP). Drawing from her rich experience as a middle and high school teacher, Erin shares a poignant anecdote that underscores the indispensable role of news literacy in every classroom. She delves into the importance of educators adopting a systemic and strategic approach to news literacy, emphasizing its relevance in today's rapidly changing media landscape. Celebrating over a decade of service, the News Literacy Project has been a beacon for educators navigating the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. Erin discusses the evolving role of AI in the news realm and how it has amplified the need for news literacy skills.  Journalism, as Erin articulates, is a cornerstone of a well-informed society. With the proliferation of information sources, understanding the role and responsibilities of journalists has never been more crucial. Erin shares insights into the ethos of NLP, which, while being a valuable resource for educators, also emphasizes a community-centric approach. This belief that news literacy is a collective responsibility resonates throughout our conversation. Whether you're an educator, student, or just a curious individual, this episode provides invaluable insights into navigating the complex world of news in the era of AI. Join us for an engaging conversation that underscores the importance of discerning fact from fiction in today's information age. Connect with our guest: https://newslit.org/about/team/#staff-erin-olson Learn all about NLP: https://newslit.org/ Connect with our show sponsor! https://home.mackin.com/  

Discover how Sherard Duvall went from spinning beats to spinning tales that captivate and educate. In a surprising twist, this DJ-turned-filmmaker found that the language of screens held the key to bridging the gap between storytelling and education. Join him on a journey where the power of human connection meets the magic of screen language. Get ready to dive into the world of screen language, where the episode dives deep and enables listeners to: Discover the power of media literacy education and how it can enhance student learning. Understand the importance of screen language in our digital world and its impact on communication. Learn effective strategies for teaching screen language skills to students of all ages. Explore practical ways to integrate media literacy into the curriculum and make learning more engaging and relevant. Empower your students to become critical thinkers and responsible consumers of media through media literacy education. In this episode of the Shifting Schools podcast, you'll hear an insightful conversation between hosts Jeff Utecht and guest, Sherard Duvall.  Sherard shares his passion for media literacy education and its importance in today's screen-driven society. Duvall encourages teachers to incorporate media literacy into their classrooms, providing resources and suggestions on how to get started. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes the need for individuals to understand and analyze screen language, as it is essential for navigating the digital world. With his expertise and practical advice, Duvall offers valuable insights for educators and parents alike, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in fostering media literacy skills and empowering students in the age of screens.  Learn more about our amazing guest: Born Sherard Duvall in the Ridgewood neighborhood of Columbia, S.C., at 8 years old, “Shekeese” discovered his love for filmmaking, turning a personification tale about a day’s journey of a stamp into his first script. But it was Hip-Hop that first captured his heart after his mom gave him a hand-me-down fisher price record player and a 45” of LL Cool J’s Go Cut Creator Go - lying down in the bathroom near the space heater with headphones on, he became a child of hip-hop culture. At 15, he began his hip-hop career, first djing basement and backyard parties for high school friends and sometimes during lunch, then after purchasing his first pair of Technics 1200s at 16, Shekeese Tha Beast was born. Exploding on the scene in 1996, his senior year of high school, at 17 he began djing first on Columbia’s WWDM then Hot 103.9FM, going on to DJ on several radio stations along the east coast from New York to Florida. He released several mixtapes and made his first appearance on BET with Dj Shakim at SC State’s Homecoming and MTV the same year on the infamous “Spring Break” filmed in Myrtle Beach. In 1998, in his freshman year at the University of South Carolina he met Dj Kingpin and the two started the NonStop Hip-Hop 2-hour radio show on WUSC 90.5FM. The radio show evolved into “NonStop HipHop Live!” where Shekeese and Kingpin would hold weekly events showcasing hip-hop culture. It was during this time that Shekeese hooked up with SC Hip-Hop juggernaut Fat Rat Da Czar, becoming his manager and DJ. Eventually Czar, along with his longtime business partner LJ Chisholm, became part of NonStop Hip-Hop Live, the crew that established the nonprofit Love Peace and Hip-Hop in 2013. Love Peace and Hip-Hop’s World Famous Hip-Hop Family Day became one of the largest festivals in South Carolina music history, bringing over 20,000 attendees annually to Columbia’s Main Street. It was in 1998 as a African-American History minor and Media Arts Film major that Shekeese first started exploring film as a creative expression. After graduation in 2001, he took a job first as Production Assistant at Columbia’s Mad Monkey, then in 2004 as an editor at Genesis Studios in Cayce, South Carolina. At Genesis he began to grow his filmmaking career; becoming an accomplished editor, director, and producer for commercial and documentary projects for VH1, Discovery Channel, ESPN,the American Cancer Society and many more. In 2009, Shekeese transitioned to filmmaking full time, adding Media Literacy and Film Education to his skillset. In 2013, he became the Director of Media Education at the Nickelodeon Theatre in Columbia, SC.  During this time Shekeese began to become more involved with community work, serving on boards for the Columbia Economic Development Corporation, The RAM Education Foundation and The City of Columbia Board of Zoning Appeals. He has served on advisory committees for SCETV, Historic Columbia, The North Columbia Business Association, and the Justice 360 Death Penalty Resource. Shekeese is also a 2022 SC Arts Commission Fellow, a 2023 Aspen Global Leadership Fellow, a 2021 Liberty Fellow, a 2016 Riley Fellow, a 2016 Leo Twiggs Arts Leadership Scholar, 2015 South Carolina 40 Under 40 and a 2014-2015 American Graduate Champion. While continuing to satisfy his creative passion with art, music, film, and education projects, in 2012 he established OTR Films with guidance from his longtime partner turned entrepreneur FatRat Da Czar. In 2017, he launched OTR Media Group, a nonfiction entertainment, media literacy, and media strategy house that works with businesses and organizations that want to experiment with new ways of seeing and sharing the human experience through the moving image.  Today, Sherard “Shekeese'' Duvall is a film and messaging professional who resides in Columbia, S.C. He’s focused on nonfiction storytelling, media literacy education, media strategy, and is an ambassador of South Carolina Hip-Hop culture. He is currently in development of his documentary shorts series Blaktastik: Celebrating South Carolina’s Creative Black Culture. Connect with him: www.otrmg.com // FB - OTR Media Group // Twitter/IG: @otrmediagrp // @ShekeeseSMD ---------------------------------------------------- Special thanks to our amazing sponsor: Mackin!  

In this episode Dr. Craft shatters misconceptions and reveals the power of gaming for building social-emotional skills. How can educators effectively integrate gaming into their SEL programs?  Are You Ready To Unlock the Power of Gaming? The power of gaming can be harnessed to forge strong peer connections among students. By instilling the elements of gaming in social-emotional learning, students can be encouraged to reflect on their emotions and reactions in gaming scenarios, apply insights to real-life contexts, and foster belonging within their peer groups. Thus, far from being a mere recreational activity, gaming can be a potent tool for facilitating improved student well-being and social-emotional growth. Learn more about our amazing guest: Dr. Kristen Craft has served as a teacher, principal, and district administrator in public education for the past 27 years. A champion of students, Dr. Craft is currently the Scholastic Esports Specialist for Generation Esports. She helps normalize esports in education by supporting schools and districts to create a scholastic esports pipeline.  Mentoring educational leaders, teaching aspiring principals at the university level, presenting at multiple conferences, and connecting with leaders across the country, Kristen knows the impact leaders can have on a school or district. The culmination of her time in administration at both levels represents a lifetime of love spent in the greatest profession.   She is the Gaming Concepts Podcast host and has been featured in several ed leadership podcasts and publications.  Kristen was named the 2021 Kansas Principal of the Year. Twitter - @KristenEsports @GamingConceptsU @JoinGenEsports @HSELesports   LinkedIn - KristenEsports, Generation Esports Links explored in this episode ‍LGBTQ Students Finding Hope in Declining Mental Health via Esports in Schools https://www.gamingconcepts.gg/ Huge thanks to our amazing Sponsor for this episode! Mackin For highlights from this conversation: 00:06:52 - Gaming as a Tool for Connection and Belonging  Dr. Craft explains how gaming at school provides an opportunity for students to find their peer group, build friendships across different social circles, and strengthen connections, ultimately promoting a sense of belonging. 00:09:31 - Rethinking Social Emotional Learning (SEL)  Dr. Craft reflects on traditional approaches to SEL and suggests that incorporating gaming into SEL programs can make them more authentic and relevant to students. By addressing real-life challenges and experiences in gaming, students can develop skills like anger management and empathy. 00:11:08 - Using Gaming to Teach Emotional Regulation  Dr. Craft shares an example of using gaming to teach emotional regulation. By discussing instances of toxic behavior and anger in gaming, students can learn how to manage their emotions and react appropriately, not only within gaming but also in other aspects of life. 00:15:34 - The Stigma of Video Games  The guest discusses the common misconception and stigma surrounding video games, particularly among parents. She shares her own experience and emphasizes the need to normalize esports in schools. 00:17:21 - Esports and Marginalized Populations  The guest highlights the positive impact of esports on marginalized populations, specifically LGBTQ+ students. She mentions a study that showed significant growth in self-esteem among students who had mental health moments integrated into their gaming concepts curriculum. 00:18:13 - Rapid Transformation with Esports  The guest discusses the transformative effects of implementing esports in schools. She shares the results of a study where students showed tremendous gains in self-esteem within just ten weeks. Esports provides a sense of community and inclusivity for students who may feel marginalized. 00:22:12 - Leadership Skills and Career Opportunities  The guest emphasizes that esports develops leadership skills and opens up career opportunities in a rapidly growing industry. She mentions the diverse range of professions related to gaming, such as chiropractors, accountants, and lawyers. Esports prepares students for the future and helps them become successful adults. 00:25:50 - Getting Started with Esports  The guest encourages educators to reach out for support in getting started with esports. She assures that starting is not as difficult as it may seem and that they can provide guidance and solutions for challenges related to attendance, grades, student engagement, and mental health. 00:30:25 - Combatting Pushback  Dr. Craft discusses the importance of being prepared to combat pushback when championing initiatives for students, such as Esports. Leaders in education may face resistance, but pushing past it can make a tremendous difference in the lives of students. 00:31:16 - Creating a Welcoming Culture  Dr. Craft emphasizes that adding initiatives like Esports can create an inclusive and welcoming culture in schools. It is essential for educational leaders to see and fight for all students, rather than discounting or shaming them. 00:31:52 - The Role of Educational Leaders  Dr. Craft reminds leaders that their focus should be on the students, not themselves. Turning a blind eye to the needs of students is not who educational leaders should be. They should actively advocate for and support all students. 00:32:15 - Ending on a Powerful Note  Tricia thanks Dr. Craft for sharing her expertise and passion. The conversation serves as a reminder that it is ultimately about the kids and their well-being. Dr. Kraft's insights provide inspiration for educational leaders to prioritize the needs of students.

In this episode of the Shifting Schools podcast, you'll join Tricia and Jeff as they dive into their recent experiences and reflections on AI and education. They're excited to share the consulting work they've been doing and the innovative ways they're incorporating AI into the classroom. Tricia discusses her passion for teaching creative writing and how she's been using AI-generated art to fuel students' creativity. Jeff, on the other hand, shares his experiences working with school leaders and presenting at conferences, highlighting the importance of teaching AI as an equity issue. They also discuss AI literacy and the need for everyone to advocate for fair and just AI systems. Throughout the conversation, Tricia and Jeff emphasize the transformative potential of AI in education and the importance of educators being actively engaged in the conversation.    Tricia and Jeff unveil their new offering, the Shifting Schools cohort, a three-week transformative program for educators. With access to live webinars, generative AI resources, and a supportive online community, this cohort promises to revolutionize the way educators integrate technology.    Check out Tricia's LinkedIn profile for more information on her work with AI-generated art for creative writing. Google Be My Eyes to learn about the life-changing technology that helps blind and visually impaired individuals navigate the world. Read more Google's partnership with the healthcare system to see the potential uses of AI in administrative tasks like filling out forms. Join the Shifting Schools cohort to become part of a community of educators exploring the use of AI in education and receive personalized support and resources. Follow the Unhinged Collaboration podcast for interviews and discussions about AI literacy and its impact on society. Share your own experiences and insights with AI in education to inspire and support other educators at Shifting Schools Camp Interested in learning more about our team discount for the 3 Week Cohort? Email info (at) shiftingschools.com   Timestamped summary of this episode: 00:00:18 - Introduction Tricia and the host catch up and discuss their recent work in education consulting, including using AI-generated art in creative writing and exploring the potential of AI art in the business world. 00:02:01 - AI and Equity The host shares his experience of presenting on AI to school leaders and how they are embracing it as an equity conversation. They discuss the importance of AI literacy and its potential to be used for good in transformative ways. 00:04:57 - AI in Healthcare and Education The host mentions Google's partnership with hospitals to use AI in the healthcare industry, as well as the potential for AI to assist with administrative tasks in education. They highlight the early days of AI and the exciting possibilities it offers. 00:06:34 - AI for Good The conversation focuses on the ways AI can be used for good, such as the app "Be My Eyes" that helps blind or vision-impaired individuals by describing images and offering cooking suggestions. They emphasize the importance of understanding both the positive and negative aspects of AI. 00:09:47 - The Shifting Schools Cohort The hosts discuss the success of their cohort model in building a community of educators interested in AI. They highlight the benefits of diverse participation and the opportunity for rich dialogue and personalized support. 00:14:23 - The Power of Collaboration in Education The speaker discusses the importance of having a community to bounce ideas off and how technology can support educators in their work. 00:15:27 - New Offering for Winter Break The speaker announces a three-week cohort starting in November for educators who want to experiment with technology in their classrooms. 00:16:16 - Tailoring Content to Educators' Needs The speaker highlights the benefit of gathering feedback from participants to create relevant and engaging webinars that meet the needs of educators. 00:18:24 - Three-Week Cohort Overview The speaker outlines the structure of the three-week cohort, including live webinars, generative AI resources, weekly challenges, and a supportive online community. 00:19:25 - Team Discount and Limited Spots The speaker offers a team discount for schools that sign up with ten or more participants and emphasizes the limited availability of spots in the cohort.

SWAPNA KRISHNA writes about space, science, and technology. You can find her at the YouTube channel Ad Astra, and her work has been published at outlets such as Wired, Engadget, The Verge, NPR, and Slate. Her new book provides a novel approach to mindfulness while learning more about science and history. Pocket Nature: Stargazing: Contemplate the Cosmos to Find Inner Peace Part of the Pocket Nature series, this petite volume features helpful tips for stargazing, plus thoughtful meditations related to stars, space, and the universe. In a cool palette with celestial illustrations, Stargazing is a must-have companion for amateur astronomers, space enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and anyone looking to slow down and find time for contemplation. In these pages, learn about features of the night sky, from the Milky Way to moon craters to the planets in our solar system; read a brief history of stargazing in cultures around the world; and discover seventeen notable constellations to observe in the northern hemisphere throughout the year. With ruminative meditations on the universe, moonlight, stardust, and more, this pocket-size guide to the cosmos has everything you need to better understand and appreciate the night sky.   Learn more with Shifting Schools this year: https://www.shiftingschools.com/   Thank you to our amazing show sponsor: Mackin https://home.mackin.com/

For nearly thirty years, Jennifer Miller has worked with educators and families to help them become more effective with children through social and emotional learning (SEL). She authored and illustrated the book “Confident Parents, Confident Kids: Raising Emotional Intelligence In Ourselves and Our Kids” and founded the organization by the same name ten years ago growing an international platform through her blog with more than 23,000 followers in 152 countries world-wide. She has served as a regular expert contributor to NBC’s TODAY Parenting, PBS WNET and Parent Magazine. She conducted and published original peer-reviewed research on parenting with SEL.” She co-founded SEL for Ohio, a statewide network to champion social and emotional learning and serves on the SEL for U.S. Leadership Council. She consults with schools, conducts research and offers webinars on parenting and SEL with partners in Ohio and nationally. She has her master’s degree in Instructional Leadership with a focus on social and emotional development and lives with her husband and fifteen-year-old son in Columbus, Ohio.   In this episode we dig into her research and her book Confident Parents, Confident Kids: Raising Emotional Intelligence in Ourselves and Our Kids--From Toddlers to Teenagers Explore your copy soon Connect with Jennifer Miller online: https://confidentparentsconfidentkids.org  https://twitter.com/JenniferSMiller  https://www.facebook.com/confidentparentsconfidentkids  https://www.instagram.com/jennifersmithmiller1/ We are so grateful to our amazing sponsor: Mackin They have made our special mini series on SEL possible. Please be sure to learn more about their resources: https://home.mackin.com/  

On this week... We were so excited to have a conversation with Dr. Charles A. Barrett to dive deeper into his book: Social Justice in Schools A Framework for Equity in Education Our conversation explores: Ensuring equitable access to key opportunities Centering Relationships Reflecting on how to build community Find your copy: Via this link Learn about our special guest Charles A. Barrett, PhD, NCSP, a district-level administrator in Virginia, practiced as a school psychologist for 13 years at the elementary and secondary levels. He serves as an adjunct lecturer at several universities, where he is actively involved in the training and development of future school psychologists. Dr. Barrett was named a School Psychologist of the Year by the Virginia Academy of School Psychologists. His past leadership positions within the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) include co-chair of the Social Justice Task Force and African American Subcommittee, chair of the Multicultural Affairs and Social Justice Committees, and Virginia Delegate to the NASP Leadership Assembly. Dr. Barrett serves on the editorial boards of School Psychology Review and School Psychology. He is a frequent speaker and workshop presenter for educators, families, and community organizations. His website is www.charlesbarrett.org   We are so grateful to the team at Mackin for sponsoring this episode and the full SEL series. Learn more about them: Mackin  Want to discuss your thoughts on this episode? send us an email info (at) shiftingschools.com or catch us at camp: camp.shiftingschools.com

On this week... We were so excited to have a conversation with Dr. Novak and Dr. Rodriguez about their latest book In Support of Students: A Leader's Guide to Equitable MTSS Our conversation explores: How to make change happen What schools can do to better support ALL students How leaders can upskill in order to foster inclusion in schools Find your copy: On Sale Now via Bookshop Check out their special book group guide Learn about our special guests https://www.novakeducation.com/ https://kristanrodriguezcc.wixsite.com/ccapr We are so grateful to the team at Mackin for sponsoring this episode and the full SEL series. Learn more about them: Mackin  Want to discuss your thoughts on this episode? send us an email info (at) shiftingschools.com or catch us at camp: camp.shiftingschools.com

Jessica Lahey is the author of the New York Times bestselling book, The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed and The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence. Jess was awarded the Research Society on Alcohol’s Media Award for “outstanding journalistic efforts of writers who cover empirical research on alcohol” […] “for her book The Addiction Inoculation and advocacy for the recovery community.” Over twenty years, Jess has taught every grade from sixth to twelfth in both public and private schools, and spent five years teaching in a drug and alcohol rehab for adolescents in Vermont, and serves as a prevention and recovery coach at Sana, a medical detox and recovery center in Stowe, Vermont. She has written about education, parenting, and child welfare for The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and her biweekly column “The Parent Teacher Conference” ran for three years at the New York Times. She designed and wrote the educational curriculum for Amazon Kids’ award-winning animated series The Stinky and Dirty Show, and was a 2019 Pushcart Prize nominee. Jess holds the dubious honor of having written an article that was later adapted as a writing prompt for the 2018 SAT. She co-hosts the #AmWriting podcast from her empty nest in Vermont. This week as Jeff and Tricia launch the new Social Emotional Learning series they talk with Jessica specifically about her book The Gift of Failure. Find your copy: On Sale Now via Bookshop Learn about Jessica Lahey's other work: https://www.jessicalahey.com/ We are so grateful to the team at Mackin for sponsoring this episode and the full SEL series. Learn more about them: Mackin  Want to discuss your thoughts on this episode? Join us at our camp! camp.shiftingschools.com Continue your learning with Jeff and Tricia Learn how www.shiftingschools.com