John Watson and Mawi Asgedom on Creating Innovative Experiences and Belonging for Adult Learners

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers gets into a profound discussion with Dr. Christopher Emdin and Sam Seidel about their latest work, "From White Folks Who Teach in the Hood." This conversation is essential for educators who are ready to challenge their own biases and rethink their roles in marginalized communities. Emdin and Seidel explore the importance of cultural competency and equity in education, asking educators to not only impart academic knowledge but also to create inclusive environments where all students feel seen and valued. They emphasize the need for educators to become agents of change, taking accountability for their impact and actively working to dismantle systemic inequities in the classroom. Outline (00:00) Introduction to Elevating Innovation Virtual Conference (01:04) Discussing 'From White People Who Teach in a Hood' (03:04) Challenges and Reflections on Cultural Competency (10:20) Practical Steps and Final Thoughts Links Watch the full video here Read the full blog here Chris Emdin STEM, STEAM, Make Dream sam seidel LinkedIn sam seidel Bio From White Folks Website  sam seidel and Olatunde Sobomehin on the Creative Hustle and Blazing Your Own Path Getting Smart and the d.school: Live from SXSW Chris Emdin on STEM, STEAM, Make Dream For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood ... and the Rest of Y'all Too From White Folks Who Teach in the Hood Joy James Imprisoned Intellectuals Justin Coen on Reframing the Holiday Dinner  

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, hosts Jordan Luster and Victoria Andrews dive into the world of microschools, exploring how these small, adaptive learning environments are making education more accessible and equitable. The conversation touches on the different strategies employed by micro school leaders across the country, emphasizing their commitment to overcoming challenges like financial barriers and geographic limitations. Through real-world examples, listeners gain insight into how microschools are expanding their reach through unique funding models, education savings accounts, and community partnerships that ensure inclusivity for all students, regardless of their background. Outline (00:00) Exploring Micro Schools and Their Impact (02:56) Challenges and Opportunities in Micro Schools (05:41) Real Stories from Micro School Leaders (16:42) Future of Micro Schools and Accessibility Links Scalability Episode Town Hall Recap: Microschools: Sustainability, Scalability and Accessibility Vita Schools of Innovation KaiPod Learning The Ferguson School Black Microschools Atlanta Elements Academy

Project Lead the Way is a proven national leader in science, technology, engineering, and math education, for Pre-K through high school. They strive to help teachers make every student in every grade STEM-successful, through interactive, problem-based learning. Learn more and find a school with Project Lead The Way near you. In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we learn about "The Solutionary Way" with Zoe Weil, co-founder and president of the Institute for Humane Education. Zoe discusses her innovative approach to education that exceeds older problem-solving by integrating ethical considerations to ensure actions do the MOST good for all involved. We explore how adopting a solutionary mindset can transform education and empower students to tackle more complex global challenges, leading to a more equitable and sustainable world. Zoe Weil introduces listeners to the concept of "solutionaries"—individuals who identify and solve systemic problems through ethical action and strategic thinking. She shares insights from her book, "The Solutionary Way: Transform Your Life, Your Community, and the World for the Better," and discusses practical ways educators can implement solutionary thinking in classrooms. By encouraging a generation of solutionaries, Zoe hopes to prepare young people to become proactive changemakers capable of addressing the world's most daunting issues with compassion, and creativity.   Outline (00:00) Introduction to STEM Education and Project Lead the Way (00:41) Introducing Zoe Weil and The Solutionary Way (02:41) The Impact and Expansion of Solutionary Education (14:46) Understanding the Solutionary Process (15:40) The Importance of Problem Identification (21:54) Implementing Solutionary Thinking in Education Links Watch the full video Read the full blog The Solutionary Way The World Becomes What We Teach: Educating a Generation of Solutionaries Institute for Humane Education Free Solutionary Guidebook for teachers Solutionary micro-credential program Online Graduate Programs with Antioch University  Difference Making  

In this podcast episode, Victoria Andrews gets into the transformative power of community in education. Joined by John Watson and Mawi Asgedom, the three discuss how fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion can lead to innovative learning environments. John Watson, the CEO of Evergreen Education Group, highlights the importance of creating spaces like the Digital Learning Annual Conference (DLAC) where educators can connect, share challenges, and learn from each other. This community-centric approach has helped educators overcome the isolation often felt in digital and hybrid learning environments. Mawi, author and CEO of Inner Heroes, shares his personal journey from a refugee camp to Harvard, emphasizing that true innovation in education begins with relationships. He highlights the need for educators to intentionally see and support "invisible" students, ensuring all learners are valued and empowered to take risks. Through tools like the Inner Heroes app, educators can gain deeper insights into students' strengths and aspirations, fostering a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. This conversation underscores that the key to successful innovation lies not just in technology, but in building strong, empathetic communities that nurture both students and educators. Outline: (00:00) Introduction and Importance of Community (01:27) Defining Community: Perspectives from John and Maui (07:16) Challenges and Innovations in Digital Learning (17:43) Empowering Leadership and Diversity Links Watch the full video here Read the full blog here DLAC John Watson Evergreen Education Group Mawi Asgedom  Recent Podcast with Mawi Beetles and Angels: A Boy’s Remarkable Journey from a Refugee Camp to Harvard Inner Heroes  

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we are joined by an inspiring lineup of educational leaders who are at the forefront of transforming Nevada's educational landscape. Our guests are Jhone Ebert, Nevada's State Superintendent, and Jeanine Collins, Chief Innovation Officer at Ed Extraordinary. They discuss their pivotal roles in the creation and implementation of Nevada's State Portrait of a Learner. Alongside them, Brently Garbutt, Principal of Jerome Mack Middle School, and Claire Romzek, Magnet Coordinator at Lied STEM Academy, share firsthand experiences of how this is already reshaping learning environments and empowering students across the state. The episode dives deep into the contents of Nevada's State Portrait of a Learner, exploring how it serves human values and a sense of belonging within educational systems. Through community collaboration and competency-based learning, the initiative shoots to equip students with essential life skills that extend beyond traditional academic knowledge. Our guests discuss the importance of industry partnerships, the integration of design thinking in school projects, and the transformative impact on school culture and student engagement. This episode is evidence of the power of collective vision and action in creating a more inclusive and future-ready educational system. Outline (00:00) Introduction and Welcome (00:11) Nevada's Educational Transformation (04:41) Community Collaboration and School Design (17:23) Reflections and Future Aspirations (23:14) Portrait at LEAD STEM Academy (28:10) Portrait at Jerome Mack Middle School   Links Watch the full video here Read the full blog here Nevada Portrait of a Learner Jeanine Collins Linkedin Jhone Ebert LinkedIn Previous podcast with Jeanine on Nevada Succeeds Brently Garbutt LinkedIn Claire Romzek LinkedIn

In this episode of the Getting Smart podcast, hosts Jordan Luster and Victoria Andrews talk to Desiree Corbin of Mindsprout Montessori, Tiffany Blasingame of the Ferguson School, Kenesha Skaggs of SOAR Academy, Coi Morefield of The Lab School of Memphis, Amar Kumar of KaiPod, and Julia Bamba from the Issaquah School District. Together. The conversation explores the opportunities and challenges of scaling microschools, highlighting different models and success stories. The hosts and their guests discuss both decentralized and centralized approaches to scaling, touching on the importance of community-based, personalized learning experiences. The episode talks about the potential microschools have to drive educational innovation and meet the diverse needs of students and families. Outline (00:00) Introduction and Overview (01:56) Scaling Microschools: Opportunities and Challenges (03:28) Innovative Models and Success Stories (15:21) Decentralized vs. Centralized Scaling (32:22) Conclusion and Future Directions Links Read the full blog Getting Smart Microschools Page Big Push for Small Schools Microschools Town Hall Lab School of Memphis MindSprout Montessori Kaipod Learning The Ferguson School SOAR Academy Issaquah Microschool Subscibe to our newsletter   

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark speaks with Rachelle Dené Poth, an esteemed educator, author, and ed tech expert, about the integration of AI in education. Rachelle shares insights from her latest book, How to Teach AI: Weaving Strategies and Activities into Any Content Area, highlighting the importance of using AI to enhance language learning and foster innovation among students. They discuss the evolving landscape of education with AI tools like Google Translate and ChatGPT, the critical need for professional development to keep up with emerging technologies, and the potential of AI to transform both teaching and learning experiences.  Outline: (00:00) Introduction and Guest Welcome (02:04) Language Learning and AI (09:53) AI in Education: Strategies and Impact (20:23) Relational AI and Voice Interfaces (28:00) Future of AI in Education and Conclusion Links Watch the full episode here View the full blog here Rachelle Dené Poth How to Teach AI: Weaving Strategies and Activities into Any Content Area  Rachelle Dené Poth Getting Smart Posts  

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers is joined by Carolyn Weir, Executive Director of the McClure Foundation, discussing Vermont's innovative Free Degree Promise. This initiative offers accelerated, debt-free pathways to post-secondary education, particularly benefiting students from rural and underserved communities. Carolyn shares insights on the successes and challenges of implementing such programs, the importance of partnerships, and how these efforts are shaping the future of education and workforce readiness. Tune in to learn how Vermont is leading the way in creating equitable and sustainable opportunities for all students. Outline: (00:00) Introduction and the Blurring Boundaries Between Education and the Workforce (01:24) Vermont’s Free Degree Promise and Its Impact on Rural Students (05:55) Measuring Success and Inclusivity  (10:15) Success Stories and Student Motivations (15:07) Challenges and Future Plans for the 13-Year Promise Links: Watch the Full Video View the Full Blog Accelerate ED Vermont McClure Foundation Vermont’s Free Degree Promise  Vermont’s Early College Program Subscribe to Our Newsletter!  

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by project-based learning (PBL) advocate Kyle Wagner to delve into the transformative power of PBL in creating student-centered environments. Kyle shares his journey from visiting innovative schools like High Tech High to becoming a global ambassador for PBL. They discuss how these educational models foster creativity, agency, and purpose among students, and explore the broader implications for education systems worldwide. Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or parent, this episode provides valuable insights into how project-based learning can reshape the future of education. Tune in to learn about Kyle's new book, "Where's the Teacher? 12 Shifts for Student-Centered Environments," and discover strategies for implementing PBL in your own educational context. Outline (00:00) Introduction to Project-Based Learning (02:20) The Magic of High Tech High (07:52) Transition to International Education (14:15) Exploring the Global Stage (33:49) The Future of Project-Based Learning Links Watch the full video here View the full blog here Kyle Wagner Transform School Kyle Wagner Author Page on Getting Smart Where’s the Teacher: The 12 Shifts for Student-Centered Environments High Tech High One Stone 12 Shifts to Move from Teacher-Led to Student-Centered Environments by Kyle Wagner Kaleb Rashad on the Getting Smart Podcast Center for Love and Justice Better Leaders Better Schools Subscribe to our newsletter!  

This town hall discussion focuses on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the education system, particularly in K-12 settings. Nate McClennen leads this riveting conversation with featured speakers such as Wes Kriesel, Kunal Dalal, and Jerry Almendarez. Listen in as the discuss the growing use of AI tools among students and educators, highlighting the importance of understanding AI’s role in education. The speakers discuss various aspects of AI, including its potential to augment human intelligence and the need to focus on uniquely human competencies in the face of technological advancements. They also emphasize the significance of student agency, with examples of student-led initiatives and feedback sessions that reveal how young learners are already engaging with AI in innovative ways. The episode underscores the necessity for educators and administrators to stay informed and actively participate in the ongoing dialogue about AI to ensure its effective and equitable implementation in schools.