Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators

John Gardner, author of "Manufacture Local," passionately discusses the pivotal role of manufacturing in the economy and its integration into K-12 education. He highlights the urgent need to shift perceptions surrounding manufacturing, showcasing its high-tech advancements and lucrative career opportunities. With a potential deficit of 2.1 million jobs by 2030, Gardner emphasizes reconnecting education with vocational training. He advocates for real-world applications in classrooms and collaboration with local businesses to inspire students towards rewarding manufacturing careers.

Cheri Sterman, a nationally recognized leader in child development and creativity advocacy, shares her insights on nurturing creativity in children. She highlights the upcoming Crayola Creativity Week, a global initiative that inspires creative engagement among millions of kids. Cheri emphasizes the importance of parents and educators in fostering creative confidence and offers practical strategies for integrating creativity into daily life. She also discusses the significant role of visibility in creative tools, enhancing community interaction and personal well-being.

Erich Bolz is deeply versed in the field-tested Powerless to Powerful transformation frameworks developed by Gonzaga University professors Chuck Salina and Suzann Girtz which, when implemented with fidelity, are proven to increase student achievement and staff satisfaction. Utilizing cognitive coaching approaches, Erich helps school leaders and central office administrators (including Special Education directors) make sense of their day-to-day challenges while fostering transformational breakthroughs in both their work and personal lives. Today on the show Erich and Jeff have a conversation about effective educational transformation. They also emphasize the importance of servant leadership and mission clarity in creating a positive school culture. The conversation also touches on leadership coaching, data-driven decision-making, and strategies for narrowing the achievement gap. They conclude by discussing the challenges of recruiting and retaining teachers in the current educational landscape. Connect with Erich, his work and podcast: https://bolzleadership.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/outliers-in-education-from-cee/id1577590456    

In this conversation, Jeff Utecht and Professor Brent Warner explore the intersection of AI and education, particularly focusing on multilingual learners. They discuss how AI can empower students to take control of their learning, the innovative techniques for vocabulary building through prompting, and the importance of teaching prompt engineering skills.  Brent shares insights on redesigning rubrics to be more equitable and effective, while also emphasizing the importance of transparency in using AI in educational settings. The conversation culminates in Brent's upcoming book aimed at helping teachers integrate technology into their classrooms for multilingual learners. Learn more about our guest: Brent Warner is an award-winning community college professor focusing on integrating technology and innovation into the language learning process. He works with teachers and organizations across the globe to provide practical advice for helping English Language Learners take advantage of tech to help them communicate more clearly. He blogs about technology integration in the ESOL classroom for TESOL International, and he is the co-host of The DIESOL Podcast, focusing on innovation in ESOL. www.BrentGWarner.com  www.DIESOL.org https://brentgwarner.com/book/ https://www.tesol.org/blog/posts/using-ai-to-build-vocabulary-3-approaches/     Thank you to our show sponsor: https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1        

Explore the revolutionary role of AI in education, particularly through the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Discover IntelliTier, a groundbreaking tool that simplifies data collection and personalizes student interventions. Hear inspiring insights from an innovator whose journey spans tech giants like Microsoft and Netflix. The conversation emphasizes the importance of user experience for teachers and how technology can alleviate administrative burdens, allowing educators to focus on what truly matters: connecting with their students.

Laura Germishuys, a disability consultant and speaker specializing in accessibility and workplace accommodations, joins the discussion to explore how AI intersects with ableism and education. She shares her insights on using AI as an assistive device to promote access and equity in learning environments. The conversation highlights the potential of AI to foster curiosity and agency among learners, particularly those with disabilities. Laura emphasizes the importance of community support in creating inclusive educational spaces and the transformative role of technology in enhancing educational equity.

Reed Hepler, a digital initiatives librarian and AI practitioner, explores the evolving role of archivists in the age of generative AI. He demystifies archival work, highlighting how AI can enhance the collection and preservation of historical records. Reed compares AI tools to musical instruments, emphasizing the human touch needed for effective use. He advocates for open access to educational resources, ensuring equitable access to information for all students. His insights reveal that curiosity and attention to detail are key skills for archivists navigating this changing landscape.

Fiona Goodall, a special educator with over 20 years of experience, discusses the transformative potential of AI in assisting neurodivergent learners. She shares practical insights on using AI to enhance social interactions, helping students simplify friend invitations and foster connections. Fiona addresses the importance of thoughtful integration of AI in literacy support while highlighting ethical concerns. With a cautious yet optimistic view, she emphasizes the need for educators to harness AI responsibly to enrich personalized learning experiences.

Dr. Federica Fornaciari, a Professor and children's book author with expertise in emerging technologies and privacy, explores the delicate balance between innovation and ethics in education. She discusses the importance of incorporating ethical considerations in AI, emphasizing critical media literacy to combat misinformation. Federica highlights how innovation can foster emotional connections within educational communities and stresses the need for transparency in technology use. Her insights delve into AI's role in enhancing creativity while addressing the ethical implications of its deployment.

Professor Anna Mills, a community college writing teacher and advocate for critical AI literacy, delves into the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into education. She discusses the importance of fostering intrinsic motivation in students while navigating AI's role in writing assignments. Mills emphasizes the need for clear boundaries and collaboration between K-12 and higher education. Additionally, she highlights innovative methods to maintain writing integrity and enhance student privacy in the age of AI.