

EdSurge Podcast
EdSurge Podcast
A weekly podcast about the future of learning. Join EdSurge journalists as they sit down with educators, innovators and scholars for frank and in-depth conversations.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 13, 2025 • 4min
Live from ISTE+ASCD with Crystal Yang
Carl Hooker brings us a live podcast from the ISTE+ASCD conference in San Antonio, Texas. He connects with conference attendees — friends old and new — asking each to share a problem they're working to solve in their corner of the education world. In other words: "What is your idea spark?"
In this episode, Carl speaks with Crystal Yang, a college student and entrepreneur, CEO + founder of Audemy Games.
This episode of The Idea Spark is brought to you by EdSurge Solutions Studio.

Aug 13, 2025 • 6min
Live from ISTE+ASCD with Tony Vincent
Carl Hooker brings us a live podcast from the ISTE+ASCD conference in San Antonio, Texas. He connects with conference attendees — friends old and new — asking each to share a problem they're working to solve in their corner of the education world. In other words: "What is your idea spark?"
In this episode, Carl speaks withTony Vincent, an educator, speaker, and independent consultant.
This episode of The Idea Spark is brought to you by EdSurge Solutions Studio.

Jun 12, 2025 • 21min
Dual Enrollment Unpacked
Laura Weiss, Senior Director at Pearson, discusses how dual enrollment transforms student pathways. She emphasizes the benefits of high-quality virtual courses that help students earn college credits while still in high school. The conversation tackles misconceptions about dual enrollment and highlights its growth, especially during the pandemic, which has notably supported underrepresented students. Weiss also shares insights on how dual enrollment programs enhance college readiness and reduce financial burdens, making education more accessible.

May 1, 2025 • 22min
The Evolving Landscape of CTE
Elyse Monahan, a former CTE educator and current National Product Sales Specialist at Pearson, dives into the dynamic world of Career and Technical Education. She discusses how CTE programs are shifting to better align with workforce needs, emphasizing real-world skills. Monahan also highlights the growing importance of financial literacy and its integration into education, plus the economic benefits of investing in local education. Throughout, she inspires a passion for lifelong learning, encouraging educators and students alike to embrace continuous growth.

May 1, 2025 • 2min
IdeaSpark Episode 0
IdeaSpark Episode 0 by EdSurge Podcast

Jan 14, 2025 • 54min
How a Vacant School Building Became a Symbol of Loss, and Then Hope, for a Dying Small Town
In this engaging discussion, Jean-Marie Laskus, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh and the creator of "Cement City," shares her insights on the closure of the only school in Donora, Pennsylvania. She highlights how education shapes community identity and the potential revival through a community college initiative. The stories woven into her podcast reveal the deep emotional connections locals have to the vacant school, showcasing resilience in the face of decline. The episode touches on powerful themes of loss, hope, and the importance of documenting small-town narratives.

19 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 58min
How AI Has Changed Student Cheating — And How to Respond
Trisha Bertram Gallant, Director of the Academic Integrity Office at UC San Diego and co-author of "The Opposite of Cheating," delves into the complexities of student cheating in the AI era. She discusses the importance of understanding students' motivations behind cheating and how this can inform teaching practices. The conversation emphasizes the need for educators to adapt assessment methods to prioritize creativity and engagement. Trisha also highlights the evolving role of academic integrity amidst new technologies, calling for collaboration and open dialogue between students and educators.

Dec 10, 2024 • 55min
Inside the Push to Bring AI Literacy to Schools and Colleges (Encore Episode)
Susan Gonzalez, founder of the nonprofit AI and You and member of President Biden's National AI Advisory Committee, teams up with Leo Lowe, a professor at the University of New Mexico focused on AI literacy. They discuss the crucial need for AI literacy in education, comparing it to foundational skills like reading. The duo examines ethical implications of AI, the challenges faced by library professionals, and how AI can enhance writing processes. They also emphasize initiatives to close knowledge gaps in underrepresented communities, advocating for curiosity and adaptation in the face of AI advancements.

Dec 3, 2024 • 43min
What We Learned About Teaching and Creativity By Commissioning a New Podcast Theme Song
We found the theme song for the EdSurge Podcast on a free music library years ago, after spending hours clicking around searching for the right sound. The music turns out to have an unusual origin story, as we learned when we tracked down the artist this week for a conversation about the intersection of music, creativity and teaching.

Nov 19, 2024 • 35min
Want To Find Highly-Engaged Students at 4-Year Colleges? Look At Transfer Students.
Tim Lum, a transfer student in his 30s from a two-year college to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, shares his enlightening cultural adjustment journey. He discovers that transfer students often bring higher motivation and engagement than their straight-from-high-school peers. Benjamin Selznick, an associate professor, highlights the need for better support systems and the unique perspectives of these students. They explore how recent challenges, like the pandemic, reshape student experiences and the importance of integrating AI in education for fostering engaged learners.