What’s New – ESU CC: Recent Episodes
Andrew Easton
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we explore Nebraska’s newly revised 2024 Science Standards with Kellen Conroy of ESU 1 and Dianah Steinbrink of ESU 10, co-leads of the ESU Science Cadre. Kellen and Dianah provide insights into the collaborative process behind updating the standards and the focus on supporting teachers statewide with resources and professional development.
Together, we dive into the evolution of science education in Nebraska, from the 2017 shift to three-dimensional standards to the current updates emphasizing scientific literacy, cross-curricular connections, and equity in instructional support. This conversation highlights how these standards prepare students to think critically and engage as future scientists, engineers, and informed citizens.
Whether you’re a science educator or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes efforts driving educational progress, this episode offers a deep dive into the exciting advancements shaping Nebraska’s classrooms.
Resources:
Access the Nebraska Dept of Education’s science page for more information and resources: Science Education – Nebraska Department of Education
In this episode, we take on the critical issue of school safety, featuring insights from Jay Martin, School Safety and Security Director at the Nebraska Department of Education, and Dr. Mike Lucas, Superintendent at Westside Community Schools. Together, we explore how Nebraska schools are enhancing safety through practical measures like secure vestibules and advanced technologies such as ZeroEyes, an AI-based weapon detection system.
From prevention and preparedness to response and recovery, this episode breaks down the key elements driving school safety initiatives across the state.
To access the NDE page on School Safety and Security, visit Nebraska School Safety & Security – Nebraska Department of Education
To access the NDE School Safety and Security Playlist on YouTube, visit NDE School Safety – YouTube
To learn more about ZeroEyes AI security, visit AI Gun Detection Technology: Enhancing Security and Safety | ZeroEyes
To learn more about the I Love You Guys Foundation, visit The “I Love U Guys” Foundation
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, recorded live at the Nebraska MTSS Summit, we explore how the Omaha Tribe Head Start program is transforming early childhood education through the implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). We are joined by Merissa Cruye and Shelsea Bia, who share their inspiring journey of bringing systems-level change to their Head Start program, serving children from six weeks to five years old across four townships on the Omaha Tribe reservation in Nebraska.
Merissa and Shelsea detail how the pandemic revealed gaps in early intervention services and led to a bold commitment to improving outcomes for the children in their program (and their families). They discuss the challenges and successes of integrating MTSS into their support at Omaha Tribe Head Start, including the use of data-driven practices, professional development, and building a foundation of collaboration through tools like CliftonStrengths.
This episode offers a powerful look at how systemic change and a dedicated team can create meaningful improvements for young learners!
To learn more about the Omaha Tribe Head Start Program, visit: Omaha Tribe Head Start | Omaha Tribe of Nebraska
To learn more about Nebraska’s MTSS efforts, visit: NeMTSS Framework | NDE
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, recorded live at the Nebraska MTSS Summit, we sit down with leaders from Ainsworth Community Schools to discuss their six-year journey of implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). We welcomed Ben Wright (K-6 Principal), Steven Dike (7-12 Principal), Heather Lutter (Middle School ELA Teacher and PBIS Team Leader), and Scott Steinhauser (School Psychologist and SPED Coordinator) to share their experiences fostering a culture of collaboration and student growth through effective interventions and enrichment opportunities.
From reshaping the schedule to accommodate intervention periods to focusing on reading as a foundational skill across all subjects, the Ainsworth team highlights the importance of breaking down silos and building systems that address the whole student. With personal stories of student success and reflections on professional growth, this episode provides valuable insights for educators and administrators looking to implement MTSS in their own districts.
To learn more about the NeMTSS effort in our state, visit NeMTSS Framework | Nebraska Department of Education – Nebraska MTSS
This special three-part episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast was recorded live at the Nebraska MTSS Summit. It’s the first in a series we are doing to highlight the transformative work happening in Nebraska schools through the lens of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). In part one, Amy Rhone, Nebraska’s State Director with the Office of Special Education, and Casey Hurner, the Nebraska MTSS State Coordinator, discuss the importance of building cohesive systems that remove barriers to learning.
Part two features Chris Blecha from Brady Public Schools, as he shares his summit experience and how all stakeholder groups at Brady Schools have coalesced around their shared values and brought that emphasis into how they gather and support kids.
The third and final part of the episode welcomes Teresa Casart, Director of Learning at Louisville Public Schools, for insights into her conference experience and how Louisville’s Language Lab is broadening their ability to meet secondary learners where they are with their literacy skills.
This episode captures the excitement from the summit, featuring stories from educators on the front lines implementing MTSS to support students across the state. Listen in to hear how Nebraska schools are fostering inclusive practices and developing frameworks that empower every student to succeed.
To learn more about Nebraska MTSS, visit https://nemtss.unl.edu/
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we dive into how Elm Creek Elementary is using High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) to transform the learning experience in science for their students. Elm Creek Elementary principal Terah Williams and 4th-6th grade science teacher Katie Holland join Dianah Steinbrink of ESU 10 to share their journey with implementing PhD Science. Throughout the episode, listeners will learn how hands-on learning, inquiry-based models, and innovative teaching practices are engaging students in authentic scientific thinking.
Whether you’re an educator looking to enhance your science instruction or are simply curious about new teaching methods, this episode is packed with insights and practical takeaways.
To learn more about PhD Science, visit PhD Science® – Elementary Science Curriculum | Great Minds
To access the Nebraska Department of Education’s repository of formative tasks for grades 5-8, visit the Science Classroom Formative Task Repository. This is password protected repository, contact NDE for access information.
To learn more about the science support and upcoming science-related events hosted by ESU 10, reach out to ESU 10: Dianah Steinbrink
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we are joined by national keynote speaker and restorative practices expert Ali Hearn, alongside Scott Eckman of Nebraska MTSS, to explore how restorative practices can transform school culture — and to promote the upcoming NeMTSS Summit! Ali shares her experience working with schools nationwide to help students and staff foster connections, build trust, and create safe spaces for students, educators, and learning. The conversation delves into the proactive strategies of restorative practices, the importance of embedding them into multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), and how schools can shift from a reactive to a proactive approach. Scott provides valuable insights into Nebraska’s implementation of these practices and the ongoing efforts to build sustainable systems across the state. We hope you enjoy this thoughtful discussion on reshaping education through restorative practices and creating environments where every student and staff member feels they belong.
Learn more about the Nebraska MTSS efforts and Summit at https://nemtss.unl.edu/
To connect with Ali and learn more about her work, visit https://heyalihearn.com/
Preview of the Podcast
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we spotlight the upcoming Nebraska Digital Citizenship Symposium taking place on October 16th, 2024. Peg Coover of ESU 10 joins us along with the event’s keynote speaker Jen Casa-Todd as we dive into the history and evolution of the annual NE DigCit Symposium event. In the episode, Jen previews her message, highlighting her LEAD framework, which emphasizes learning, empathy, awareness, and digital role modeling as crucial elements of student leadership online. Listen to learn how students will grow as digital citizens while engaging in hands-on activities that empower them to create positive change in their own schools.
REGISTER YOUR STUDENTS FOR THE EVENT and access the NEDigCit online resources and competition at https://bit.ly/NEDigCit
Learn more from Jen Casa-Todd at https://jcasatodd.com/
Listen to the full Podcast
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we sit down with Mike Kentz, founder and CEO of Zainetek Educational Advisors, to discuss the evolving role of AI in education. Mike shares his journey from being a financial journalist to a middle school writing teacher and eventually becoming an AI education consultant. He unpacks his unique perspective on how AI can amplify the teaching process, emphasizing the importance of depth over efficiency. From guiding teachers through the emotional side of AI adoption to grading chats instead of essays, Mike provides a thoughtful, reflective look at how AI can reshape writing instruction and assessment.
To learn more from Mike Kentz, visit https://zainetek-edu.com/
To watch Mike’s TEDx Talk on the importance of AI Literacy, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRyWDNjRWaw
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we dive deep into Nebraska’s statewide efforts to improve literacy through the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. Join us as Mary Jo McElhose (NeMTSS Systems Consultant with NDE) and NeMTSS regional support leads, Heidi Farmer and Kala Peyton, share their insights on the challenges and opportunities in advancing literacy education across the state.
This conversation explores the alarming data on student reading proficiency, the science behind how the brain learns to read, and the critical role of high-quality instructional materials and practices. Learn about the collaborative initiatives, support systems, and practical strategies aimed at empowering teachers and improving literacy outcomes from early childhood through secondary education.
To learn more and connect with these great education leaders, visit https://nemtss.unl.edu/
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we dive into the ESUCC’s statewide Social Studies Inquiry Project with Mark Brady of ESU 7 and three incredible teachers from this summer’s iteration of the project (Cassie Kenedy of Omaha Public Schools, Jeff Maddox of Creek Valley Public Schools, and Sydney Daly of Millard Public Schools). Together, we highlight the three-year journey of developing nearly 90 inquiry-based social studies units for grades 4-8, created by Nebraska teachers for Nebraska classrooms. Cassie, Jeff, and Sydney detail the challenges, successes, and insights gained from this unique professional learning experience and share how these innovative resources are elevating social studies education across the state. Join us to hear firsthand stories of statewide collaboration, creativity, and commitment to engaging students in deeper learning.
Access all resources: Social Studies Inquiry Project – ESU CC
The Nebraska OER Hub site: Nebraska Social Studies Inquiry Project Group Resources | OER Commons
The Nebraska Page of the C3 Teachers site: Nebraska C3 Hub – C3 Teachers
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT, listen to this earlier episode where we connect the SSIP to the C3 Framework and the national effort to transform instructional practices in social studies: C3 Teachers and Nebraska ESUs Are Transforming Instruction in Social Studies
In this thought-provoking episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Evie Wusk, a professor of educational technology at Peru State College, to delve into the evolving relationship between AI and education. Together, we explore how technology is not only reshaping teaching and writing but also influencing the broader human experience. Drawing from her recent EdSurge article, Dr. Wusk offers a nuanced perspective on balancing AI’s efficiencies with the need to preserve the deep, meaningful aspects of education. Join us for a compelling conversation that invites educators to critically reflect on the future of teaching and learning in the age of AI.
Read Dr. Evi Wusk’s EdSurge article: AI Might Save Teachers Time. But What Is the Cost? | EdSurge News
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we are joined by UDL expert Katie Novak to explore the latest advancements in Universal Design for Learning and how the evolution of UDL is shaping the future of inclusive education. We also delve into the role of AI in enhancing UDL practices and the critical importance of robust professional learning systems in driving meaningful change. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on how to elevate student learning experiences and outcomes through UDL.
REGISTER TODAY to be a part of the NeMTSS Summit and learn from Katie Novak, live and in-person, on September 26-27 in Kearney, Nebraska!
2024 Nebraska MTSS Summit: Super Systems for Success – (unl.edu)
LEARN MORE FROM KATIE…
- Novak Education
- The Education Table Podcast
SEE ALSO…
- CAST’s UDL Guidelines 3.0 (released on July 30, 2024)
- Tom Gusky on Professional Learning
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we explore the pivotal role of Network Nebraska in enhancing education across the state. Our conversation dives into how this collaborative statewide network provides reliable and affordable internet and telecommunications services to K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and other educational entities. Learn about the initiatives, resources, and partnerships that make Network Nebraska a critical infrastructure for educational success and innovation.
Discover how Network Nebraska can support your educational institution by exploring their resources and considering membership. Visit Network Nebraska to learn more.
Dr. Kristen Mattson joins The Good Life EDU Podcast this week for the third and final installment of our Summer Learning Series featuring speakers who shared at Nebraska education conferences this summer. In this episode, Dr. Mattson provides practical examples of Digital Citizenship in action, delves into AI in education, and makes both topics approachable for all educators in our shared responsibility to create spaces for students to learn and grow as citizens in a digital world.
Links Referenced in the Episode Include:
- Digital Citizenship | Teach DigCit
- Curricular Framework | Teach DigCit
- Must Have Picture Books | Teach DigCit
- 900+ Dig Cit Discussions ideas in 2024 | Pinterest (images for discussion)
Education author, speaker, and Canva Learning Consultant, Tisha Richmond, joins The Good Life EDU Podcast this week for the second of three episodes in our Summer Learning Series. In each of these episodes, we feature a keynote speaker from one of this summer’s Nebraska conferences to give access to those not at these events while also extending the learning for those who were there, live. Tisha shares with us her summer learning, speaks to the power of being a connected educator, praises Runza, and delves into some of the new features in Canva!
To continue to follow and learn more from Tisha, visit MAKE LEARNING MAGICAL!
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we delve into the NDE Arts NOW Grant, a transformative initiative made possible by the Nebraska Arts Council providing $180,000 that funded the purchase of materials in 23 Nebraska school districts. Together with educators from three of those districts, we discuss how this funding helped foster creativity, create community, inspire innovation, and more in arts education. Special thanks to Cody Talarico of NDE and Anne Alston of the Nebraska Arts Council for all your support of this grant and for lifting up these stories from the classroom.
For more information on the Arts Now Grant, visit https://www.education.ne.gov/finearts/arts-now-grant-program/
For more grant opportunities made possible by the Nebraska Arts Council, visit https://www.artscouncil.nebraska.gov/apply/
Brian Buffington returns to The Good Life EDU Podcast this week to share his recent work with AI in education and his continued commitment to supporting teacher and student creativity. Brian will be presenting at the Future Ready Nebraska Conference, and we encourage listeners to connect with him and others during that FREE learning opportunity on June 10-11, 2024.
Register for the Future Ready Nebraska Conference at nefutureready.com
Subscribe to Brian’s weekly Buff Nuggets newsletter at https://briankbuffington.com/
This week on The Good Life EDU Podcast, we explore how recent legislative support has paved the way for an elevated commitment to computer science education. Special guests Shaun Young, Computer Science and Technology Specialist from the Nebraska Department of Education, and Jeremy Keeshin, CEO of CodeHS, share insights on the new standards, available resources, and the future of computer science in Nebraska. Listen in to learn how these efforts are set to empower educators and heighten student interest and access to computer science.
To learn more about Computer Science in Nebraska, visit https://www.education.ne.gov/nce/cis/
To learn more about CodeHS, visit https://codehs.com/
To access the CodeHS’s Nebraska resources, go to https://codehs.com/states/NE
If you are interested in receiving educator training from CodeHS, contact hello@CodeHS.com
This week, we are joined by Dr. Larianne Polk who was recently named the ESUCC’s new Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Polk shares the context for and details about a piece of 2023 Nebraska legislation that has led to an opportunity for the ESUCC to develop and deliver statewide training on topics related to mental health and teacher support. Terri Haynes of ESU 13 and Jackie Ternus of ESU 7 also speak from their role as content developers on this important teacher training.
For more information, access our Behavior Intervention Training and Teacher Support Act flyer and related FAQs communication.
This week, we welcome Danna Thomas, CEO and founder of the Happy Teacher Revolution, back to the show to chat about her new book “Happy Teacher Revolution” and all the collaboration, research, and learning that went into its development. Throughout the episode, Danna’s passionate advocacy for educator wellness is as contagious as her message for empowering teachers with strategies for claiming and sustaining joy. We are grateful for this opportunity to revisit the Happy Teacher Revolution and wish Danna the best as she begins her book tour across the US.
To learn more about the Happy Teacher Revolution, visit https://www.happyteacherrevolution.com/
To learn more about the book by the same title (which currently sits as the #1 New Release in Adult & Continuing Education), visit https://a.co/d/3zUTT2m
To listen to our previous podcast episode with Danna, visit https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-happy-teacher-revolution-supporting-educator/id1512974122?i=1000589397622
This week we revisit a conversation from the fall of 2022 that highlighted Get SET Nebraska’s efforts toward developing effective onboard support for new-to-the-profession Special Education teachers. Since then, Get SET Nebraska has grown in its reach and impact, and this episode brings together a team of educators from Elkhorn Public Schools to speak about the Get SET program and materials. Together with Get SET’s Project Manager Pam Brezenski, the Elkhorn team of Adrienne Kennedy, Cara Schrock, and Emma Jackson share their experiences as a part of this collaboration.
To learn more about Get SET Nebraska, visit https://getsetnebraska.org/
To listen to the previous episode about Get SET Nebraska, visit https://getsetnebraska.org/podcast-explores-get-set-nebraskas-support-of-special-education-teachers/
This episode shares the story of how the Accreditation Committee in Nebraska identified a need and creatively addressed the issue through extended collaborative efforts that resulted in a new interpretation of Rule 10 to better serve Nebraska schools. Together, Dr. Decua Jean-Baptiste (Director of Accreditation with NDE), Dr. Dan Schnoes (CEO of ESU 3), and the Accreditation Committee Chair and Superintendent of Ainsworth Community Schools, Dale Hafer provide what Nebraska school leaders need to know about this interpretation while also demonstrating the culture of cooperation and shared support between the NDE, ESUs, and Nebraska Districts.
To learn more, visit the NDE Accreditation page at https://www.education.ne.gov/apac/
This week, we are grateful to our guest Zac Chase, Digital Equity Impact Fellow with the US Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology, for his time as he joins the pod to speak to the 2024 National Ed Tech Plan (NETP). In the episode, listeners can expect to learn about the context for and development of the NETP and its central tenets. While the conversation references some of the great work in US schools, the NETP includes 50+ exemplars from across the country that illustrate these efforts in action. To access those examples and the NETP, visit https://tech.ed.gov/netp/.
This week’s episode featuring Trevor Goertzen from SchoolAI kicks off a series of upcoming episodes previewing sessions at this year’s Future Ready Nebraska Conference. Trevor is joined by Eileen Heller of ESU 3 and Dr. Nicholas Ziegler of ESU 5 for a conversation highlighting the “spaces” feature within SchoolAI where educators can create a safe and student-friendly AI chatbot interaction for learners. In this episode, Trevor explains the power and potential impact of SchoolAI spaces, and Eileen and Nick share their experiences and examples in leveraging this tool in support of UDL, distance learning, and more.
To learn more about SchoolAI, visit schoolai.com/
For more info and to register for the Future Ready Nebraska Conference, visit nefutureready.com
It’s FREE and we hope to see you there in-person or virtually on June 10th-11th, 2024.
This week, K.K. Neimann, National Director of District & Strategic Initiatives at World Savvy, joins us for an episode on education innovation and how World Savvy utilizes multi-year partnerships with schools and educators to help them create inclusive, adaptive, and future-ready learning environments. On the pod, we discuss global competencies, ideas for fostering teacher empowerment, and how to enhance our support of students as they develop the skills and dispositions they need to thrive in their community and careers.
To learn more about World Savvy, visit https://worldsavvy.org/
Speaker, author, and all-around edu-rockstar, Allyson Apsey, joins The Good Life EDU Podcast this week to share ideas for school leaders who are looking to take their staff meetings to a whole new level this school year. Allyson explains the structure of her most recent book, Lead with Collaboration: A Complete Guide to Transforming Staff […]
In this episode, we welcome Justin Knight, an attorney with Perry Law Firm, to discuss several AI-related topics and potential concerns that school districts and their educators should look to address as they establish policies and practices for the use of AI. Justin brings a great perspective and a wealth of experience with education law […]
The National Rural Education Association is a strong and respected organization of rural school administrators, teachers, board members, regional service agency personnel, researchers, business and industry representatives, and others who are interested in maintaining the vitality of rural school systems across the country. In this episode, NREA’s executive director, Dr. Allen Pratt, joins the podcast […]
In this episode, Dr. Chris Haeffner with Lincoln Public Schools shares how LPS Library Services are connecting with students and their families to tell their stories through the video series, “The Seat Beside You.” This conversation illustrates Chris’ heart for helping students feel seen and understood. We also discuss how these brief windows into the […]
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Cody Talarico of NDE and Anne Alston of the Nebraska Arts Council for discussion about the Fine Arts in Nebraska and a unique grant opportunity for public schools statewide to receive funding for materials. This conversation highlights the collaborative efforts of NDE and the Nebraska Arts […]
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Heather Brantley of Pine Tree ISD in Longview, Texas joins us to share her experiences and insights about utilizing artificial intelligence as an educator and teaching her students about AI and generative AI. Heather’s energy and passion for this work are contagious. On the pod, she […]
This week on The Good Life EDU Podcast, the global connector behind the DigCit Institute, Dr. Marialice B.F.X. Curran, joins us to talk about Digital Citizenship and how we can support learners in these ever-changing, tech-forward times. To learn more about the DigCit Institute, visit DCI – Digital Citizenship Institute (digcitinstitute.com) List of resources mentioned […]
This week we have the pleasure of welcoming NDE’s new commissioner, Dr. Brian Maher, to The Good Life EDU! In this episode, Commissioner Maher shares his backstory in education and provides his vision and aspirations for his overall impact in this role. He also delves into some of what he hopes to accomplish in his […]
This week’s guest, Eirik Hernes Berre, joins us to share all about Curipod, an interactive instructional tool that uses artificial intelligence to save educators design and research time while also promoting a more collaborative and engaging learning experience for all. Eirik is Curipod’s co-founder and our conversation delves into his experiences working with schools around […]
This episode is the third of three pods devoted to previewing the keynote/featured speakers for this summer’s Future Ready Nebraska Conference! Dr. Paula Kluth joins us to share some of her work with Universal Design for Learning and the UDL Hacks found in her book Universal Design for Learning Daily: 365 Ways to Teach, Support, […]
This week on The Good Life EDU Podcast, Dr. Michael Dulaney and Kyle McGowan of NCSA join Jack Moles of NRCSA to share their insights regarding LB705, which has moved to final reading in the Nebraska legislature. This episode explains several of the 20+ measures included in LB705 and explores the potential impact of each across the education landscape in the state.
To learn more about Legislative Bill 705, access https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50370
In Nebraska, there are so many efforts being made to support teaching and learning in the area of science that we decided to record an episode that showcases the plethora of professional learning and resources available to educators this summer and into the 2023-24 school year! Dianah Steinbrink of ESU 10 and Kristen Slechta of ESU 9 join the pod as representatives of our statewide ESU science cadre to connect listeners with fun educational opportunities to learn and grow together!
Here’s the link to all the resources and registration sites shared in this episode.
All Things SCIENCE in NE – Google Docs
This week features the first of three episodes dedicated to previewing featured speakers at this year’s Future Ready Nebraska Conference. Tom Bober will present on June 12th, speaking from his role as a school librarian and as a former teacher in residence at the Library of Congress. Tom joins The Good Life EDU Podcast and shares some of his experiences along with insights regarding primary sources and news literacy.
For more information and to register, visit Nebraska Future Ready Conference – In-Person and Virtual (nefutureready.com)
ESU 3’s team of mental health leaders (Jen Pollock, Sarah Eades Hamilton, Ashlee Houy, and Avery Fleck) join The Good Life EDU podcast this week to share their work under the SAMHSA mental health grant that was awarded to Nebraska Region 6/ESU 3. The grant funds their unique and innovative approach to supporting student mental health in the rural schools in their region, and their collective hope is that this effort can be a model others adopt and build upon across the country. US Secretary of Education, Dr. Miguel Cardona, recently visited ESU 3 to learn more about this effort, and now our listeners can learn all about it as well!
To learn more about the School Mental Health Services at ESU 3, access: smhs.esu3.org/home
To learn more about Grants for the Expansion and Sustainability of Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children with Serious Emotional Disturbances, access: Grants | SAMHSA
This week, Martha Bruckner, the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Omaha Education Consortium, joins The Good Life EDU to share the history and present work of this unique organization. MOEC’s membership is comprised of Omaha-area educators from public schools, higher ed institutions, and service agencies who are collectively committed to enhancing public education through collaborative efforts that support school, teaching, learning, and kids.
To learn more about MOEC, access their website at: Metropolitan Omaha Educational Consortium | University of Nebraska Omaha (unomaha.edu)
Matt Miller joins The Good Life EDU Podcast this week to share his insights and learning from the development of his new book, AI for Educators. The episode advocates that listeners actively seek out conversations about the impact of artificial intelligence on education, as this is a topic that is rapidly evolving. Matt asks educators to see their work through the lens of what he calls their “tomorrow glasses” to acknowledge that our students will be learning and working in an AI-infused environment. So, naturally, this episode explores the implications of that reality.
For those interested in extending their learning and diving deeper into AI, check out these resources from Matt Miller…
- Book: AI for Educators — A readable, understandable primer about AI and its implications for educators in classrooms and schools. It translates AI for teachers, so you’ll know how to prepare students for the future.
- Online Course: AI for Educators — This deeper dive helps you tackle some of the bigger issues about AI alongside other educators taking the course. Join live streams to get details and discuss. Download bonus resources. Get 5 hours of professional development credit. Spring cohort: April 17 to May 12.
- Blog Post: ChatGPT, Chatbots, and Artificial Intelligence in Education — This comprehensive blog post gives you details about what artificial intelligence is, how it impacts the classroom, and how it can be implemented.
This week, we are joined by Dr. Amy Rhone, NDE’s Administrator and State Director for the Office of Special Education, to chat about the department’s focus on inclusion practices and how that work aligns with the coherence efforts going on in our state. Dr. Rhone is an inspirational leader who has a big heart for the work that she and others have the opportunity to elevate throughout Nebraska, and that aspect of her character truly shines as she shares about the guidance, pilot groups, and other resources that have been developed to support implementation in Nebraska schools.
For more on NDE’s Journey to Inclusion effort, visit – Journey to Inclusion – Nebraska Department of Education.
This week on The Good Life EDU podcast, we are joined by Jaime Donally, an expert at the forefront of augmented and virtual reality in education. Every March, Jaime dedicates herself to blogging daily about the latest and greatest AR/VR tools as part of her #31DaysofARVRinEDU effort.
On the pod, she shares a number of the tools, sites, and software highlighted in those blog posts, paying special attention to the impact that generative AI is having on the tech available in that space. Near the end of the conversation, she also speaks to the heightened role digital citizenship plays in a world with AGI.
You can learn more about AR/VR from Jaime Donally’s blog.
During the episode, Jaime references training and guidance under the Digital Citizenship Institute by Dr. Marialice Curran.
This week we are joined by Dr. Helen Crompton who is an Associate Professor of Instructional Technology, the Director of the Virtual Reality Lab, and the Director of the Technology Enhanced Learning Lab (TELL) at Old Dominion University (ODU). Dr. Crompton is on Stanford’s list of the top 2% of scientists in the world, and she is a consultant for various governments and bilateral and multilateral organizations (such as the United Nations and the World Bank) on educational technology topics. She has been researching and leading work around artificial intelligence in education for over a decade, and we are grateful to have her back on the pod to talk ChatGPT and all things generative AI (AGI) in the present while also looking to the future of this rapidly evolving technology.
In this episode of The Good Life EDU podcast, we are joined by the ESU 2’s own Mike Feit, Brad Hoffman, and Aryn Halsey for a conversation about their YouTube show, “Behavior Bites.” Our conversation delves into the backstory, creative process, and content that these three educators have experienced during their efforts to deliver concise, relevant, and practical strategies through this effort. Listeners should expect to learn, laugh, and hopefully derive some inspiration from the “Behavior Bites” Team as they strive to enhance their support of educators as they work with and serve students.
To access the episodes, follow this link to the ESU 2 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@educationalserviceunit2788.
This week on The Good Life EDU podcast, LaRaesha Kugel of ESU 9 joins us for a conversation about supporting students who are on the autism spectrum. On the pod, LaRaesha advocates from various lenses; she’s a former teacher, an ESU instructional coach and MTSS facilitator, and the mother of a son on the spectrum. As such, LaRaesha has an intimate understanding of the numerous roles that collectively serve students with autism.
In this episode of The Good Life EDU podcast, we are joined by educator, author, and consultant, Michael Matera for a conversation about learner engagement. Michael is a master teacher whose creativity and passion for gamification have fostered his unique perspective and approach to learning experience design. On the pod, Michael also delves into his work leading adult learning and his vision for the support he and John Meehan have built for on-demand and ongoing support for the schools and educators they support with their efforts with EMC2 Learning.
To learn more from Michael, access https://mrmatera.com/
To learn more about EMC2 Learning. access https://emc2learning.com/
The 2022 legislative session in Nebraska saw LB1112 pass, which led to the Computer Science and Technology Education Act. As the 2022 fall semester drew to a close, the Nebraska Department of Education released its guidance in support of districts as they ensure that all students have exposure to computer science at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. In this episode of The Good Life EDU podcast, we are joined by Katie Graham (State Director for Career and Tech Ed), John Skretta (administrator of ESU 6), and Guy Trainin (professor of education at UNL) for an insightful dialogue regarding the backstory, the guidance, and the implications resulting from the Computer Science and Technology Education Act.
For more information, access Computer Science & Technology Act Guidance – Nebraska Department of Education
In this episode, Monica Wells and Alyssa Anson of the Buffett Early Childhood Institute join us to talk about their work to connect and support early childhood care and education providers, schools and kindergarten educators, and families as they onboard learners to the kindergarten experience. Listeners can expect to learn about and receive access to […]
Chrystal Liu, world languages specialist at NDE, and Nick Ziegler, world languages coordinator and tech integrationist at ESU 5, join us for an episode dedicated to Nebraska’s World Languages Standards. This discussion highlights the 2019 prioritization of five standard strands that focus on communication, culture, connections, communities, and cognition. On the pod, Chrystal and Nick […]
Matt Miller is back this week on The Good Life EDU to share about his new show, The Digital Learning Podcast. On their pod, Matt and his co-host Holly Clark delve into the topic of blended learning and reframe how we might think of that work in our modern context. In this episode, Matt discusses […]
The Good Life EDU Podcast welcomes back Pam Brezenski who now serves as the Project Manager for Get SET Nebraska, a grant by Office of Special Education Programs (secured by NDE in collaboration with ESU 13 and UNL). Get SET Nebraska aims to help retain special education teachers in Nebraska to enhance student success across […]
For our 100th episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we welcome the author of the book Mindfulness for Teachers, Dr. Tish Jennings, to the show to frame our understanding of the many stressors currently impacting the teaching profession. On the pod, Dr. Jennings uncovers ways of addressing these very real issues that range from […]
This is a fun and informative conversation that shares about two efforts in Nebraska to support teaching and learning with technology. Peg Coover of ESU 10 takes the lead in the first half of the pod as she explains the history, current work, materials, and contest opportunities that Nebraska’s ESU Digital Citizenship group provides. In […]
In this episode, we are joined by speaker, author, and education advocate Allyson Apsey, who shares insights from her latest book, “Leading the Whole Teacher.” Listen and learn from Allyson as she highlights her six elements of how we might effectively lead and support teachers, and just like her book, this resource is filled with […]
This episode brings together all five of Nebraska’s Regional Program Coordinators for students who are deaf or hard of hearing, and the group is joined by NDE’s Darsha Pelland, who works in the Office of Special Education as the IDEA Low Incidence Director. On the pod, coordinators Heather Witte, Sara Peterson, Jill Hoffart, Lindsey Hinzmann, […]
This week, we explore a “co-teaching plus” approach to reimagining how teams of teachers can facilitate learning experiences thanks to Brent Maddin, the Executive Director of the Next Education Workforce Team and the Professor of Practice at the MLF Teachers’ College at Arizona State University. Show notes: If you are interested in joining the 2022-2023 […]
Dr. Kay Shurtleff of ESC Region 10 in Texas joins us on The Good Life EDU Podcast this week to share her recent research findings regarding teacher shortages in the US. In this episode, Dr. Shurtleff details the factors contributing to this issue and highlights several innovative efforts being made to address it. This conversation […]
This episode highlights the amazing efforts and the resulting inquiry units of study developed by thirty Nebraska educators as a part of the ESUCC’s 2022 social studies special project. This initiative brought together personnel from several ESUs, including members of SDA (the staff development affiliate) and TLT (the teaching and learning with technology affiliate) to […]