Keystone Education Radio: Recent Episodes
Keystone Education Radio
Keystone Education Radio is a bi-weekly podcast leading the conversation on popular topics that impact public education.
Beyond the known monthly meetings and bake sales, today’s Parent Teacher Association or PTA is a leading child advocacy organization comprised of millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders all devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools.
On this episode of Keystone Education Radio, hear from PSBA’s president-elect and Parkland School District’s board president David Hein on his district’s drive to continuously learn, grow and communicate effectively, and what he calls failing forward.
Learn more about the Institute’s research and what the report’s author Tom Arnett has to say about their findings in this Keystone Education Radio conversation with host Annette Stevenson.
Mister Rogers was a learning scientist, and his approach with children was certainly ahead of his time. Today, learning scientists are focusing on the same things Mister Rogers taught children through the lens of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” — things like developing curiosity, finding creative solutions, communication skills, collaboration, and self-acceptance, how to be a good friend and a loving person.
Discover the work being done in Philadelphia schools between the Office of School Safety (OSS) and its students, particularly young black males, through its Leaders Encouraging Achievement and Development, or LEAD, mentoring program.
A growing body of research reveals tangible and measurable social and emotional benefits for students and teachers when nature-based lessons and spending time outdoors are incorporated in students’ studies.
On this episode of Keystone Education Radio, host Annette Stevenson speaks with Dr. Beegle about her passion and commitment to breaking the poverty cycle.
On this episode of Keystone Education Radio, host Annette Stevenson speaks with Grace Wheeler, NOVA’s director of education and prevention on the organization’s efforts on this front.
Kimberly Reed has spent her career inspiring and guiding some of the most influential business leaders in implementing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies and practices.
Helping local communities better understand the role and authority of school boards will support a collaborative and effective relationship between elected school officials and their constituency.
On today’s episode of Keystone Education Radio, host Annette Stevenson speaks with Jane Clements, chief executive officer of Feeding PA, on the programs and partnerships the organization has with farmers, schools and even county fairs to support those in need.
On today’s episode of Keystone Education Radio, host Annette Stevenson speaks with Murray on scaffolding literacy instruction using adaptive online programs for English learners, and the remarkable growth and achievement these programs are bringing to students’ thinking and reading abilities.
On today’s episode of Keystone Education Radio, host Annette Stevenson speaks with the non-profit's founders Grace Julian and Beth Horst on their group’s mission to get kids out of the classroom and into the dirt.
Learn about what it takes to operate a board effectively, efficiently and productively, and why leadership is the responsibility of seasoned board members and newcomers alike.
Meet a few leaders behind the commonwealth’s recycling industry in this episode of Keystone Education Radio.
Meet the leaders behind PSBA’s Charter School Task Force and the Keystone Center for Charter Change at PSBA in this episode of Keystone Education Radio.
The past year has exacerbated already heartbreaking statistics on cases of youth anxiety, depression and suicide. Yet only a fraction of the adolescents experiencing these mental health concerns are receiving the appropriate health interventions.
On this episode of Keystone Education Radio, host Annette Stevenson speaks with return guest Kira Heeschen, EarthDay.org’s senior education manager, on the work the organization is doing in its 51st year of advocating for the earth.
With an increase in the need for qualified candidates to fill jobs in STEM fields, educating today’s students and getting them interested in science, engineering and mathematics is now more important than ever.
About this Episode Time Stamps Q&A About our Guests Resources
Agriculture is big business in Pennsylvania. Not only does it have an enormous economic impact, but human lifestyle depends on not only sustaining but expanding the agricultural industries. Yet not every school district in the commonwealth incorporates agricultural education in its curriculum. On today’s episode of Keystone Education Radio, host Annette Stevenson speaks with Oley Valley Future Farmers of America advisor Kacey Rice and the Pennsylvania Future Farmers of America current state secretary Jessica Herr and learns just why teaching younger generations and getting them interested in agriculture is so vital economically and from a sustainability standpoint. Oley Valley’s FFA programs are also highlighted on SuccessStartsHere.org. Read the stories here and here.
Skip to: 01:26 Would you start by telling us a little about the agricultural classes being taught in Oley Valley?
“Agriculture is such a wide and broad field that encompasses so many facets that ag education has something for everyone.”
Skip to: 03:58 What I wanted to know a little bit more about from that story is the hydroponics garden and what the students are doing with the produce, as well as the newly initiated, you mentioned the vet tech classes, so how does that all fit together? “It definitely gets put to good use and then the students get that learning experience as well.” Skip to: 06:48 Can you talk about the three-tiered education model that FFA embodies? “And so all three of those play off of each other to give students a well-rounded background that's going to prepare them for future careers in the industry.” “We really like to talk about this leadership development for students . . . which is what I think makes FFA and agricultural education as a whole is so unique, and we're preparing our students for life after high school.” Skip to: 09:56 What do you see as the benefits of implementing agricultural curriculum in public school education? “And by having ag education, we're preparing students to enter into that career field. Agriculture is the number one industry in Pennsylvania, in the United States and truly in the world, because it supplies us, every single one of us as a human being, with our basic needs.” “So again, thinking from an economic impact standpoint, agriculture is huge, and we need students to be entering into this type of careers so that we can supply the food, the fiber, the fuel resources, whatever it might be for our growing population.”
“Agriculture is going to be at the forefront of continuing the lifestyle that we have here in the United States and across the globe.”
Skip to: 12:19 How would a school district go about implementing FFA curriculum in their schools? What suggestions would you have? “Reach out to other schools that have ag education. Our ag teachers are also a great resource. We will help other districts and share what we're doing.” Skip to: 13:58 Are there any K-12 initiatives that PA FFA offers prior to that age frame?
Skip to: 16:26 What were some of your experiences with FFA during your time in high school? “I think I never truly understood the importance of the agricultural industry until I got to high school and I had experience in FFA, and really my eyes were opened to what that looks like.” “And I love this industry, the agricultural industry, because of the community that I found within it. And so this year as a state officer, I really had the opportunity to be that community for other members.” Skip to: 18:23 What are your duties as the state FFA secretary? “We're also advocates for the agricultural industry.” Skip to: 20:26 You've mentioned National Ag Day which I understand is March 23rd. Can you explain a little bit about this recognized day, and what our listeners might take away from being part of the observation of that day? “National Ag Day is devoted to increasing public awaren...
Keystone Education Radio host Annette Stevenson speaks with author Kate Murphy, who discusses her book "You’re Not Listening – What You’re Missing and Why it Matters" and offers tips on honing the art of listening for today’s socially-distant communications and for always.
In this episode of Keystone Education Radio, host Annette Stevenson speaks with Erina Gilmore, marketing director at the National School Boards Association, about the upcoming NSBA 2021 Online Experience.
Meet Joe Welch, a middle school history teacher from the Pittsburgh area whose creative and adaptive methods are not only energizing his students but taking colleagues from running-on-empty to feeling inspired. Keystone Education Radio host Annette Stevenson speaks with Joe to learn how this educator is using experiential education to equalize, engage and cause students to ask, “Why?”
In this episode of Keystone Education Radio, host Annette Stevenson speaks with Richland School District’s Director of Educational Services, Brandon Bailey.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, much emphasis has been placed on students’ learning loss and their missed connections and opportunities.
In this episode of Keystone Education Radio, host Annette Stevenson speaks with Dana Guerrero, licensed clinical social worker and mediation and yoga instructor.
On this episode of Keystone Education Radio, podcast host Annette Stevenson is joined by Michelle Boon, vice president for sports, and Mike Bovino, senior advisor, both of Special Olympics Pennsylvania.
One in five individuals has a learning difference or attention challenge. While these individuals are in many cases just as capable as their peers, they face obstacles, stigma and misconceptions that others do not.
On this episode of Keystone Education Radio, podcast host Annette Stevenson discusses the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils’ Government Relations program with a panel of the organization’s leadership.
In this extended conversation (part 2 of 2), podcast host Annette Stevenson and best-selling authors, professional facilitators and speakers, Will Wise and Chad Littlefield continue discussing the topics in Ask Powerful Questions: Create Conversations that Matter.
Podcast host Annette Stevenson is joined by best-selling authors, professional facilitators and speakers, Will Wise and Chad Littlefield to discuss their work in facilitating meaningful communication among leaders and educators.
After decades as a highly regarded teacher and school leader in New Jersey, Principal Baruti Kafele began a journey to share his knowledge and experience with educators across the country.
Prompted by his upbringing and life experiences, Dr. John Hodge has dedicated his career to advocating for impoverished children and their families.
On this episode of Keystone Education Radio, podcast host Annette Stevenson is joined by Bill Thomas, chairman of the Pennsylvania Esports Coalition. Annette and Bill discuss the rise in popularity of esports (electronic sports), the connection to STEM curriculum and the potential that the industry holds, as well as how it can be implemented into schools across the commonwealth.
On this episode of Keystone Education Radio, podcast host Annette Stevenson is joined by Jerry Mitchell, an outreach specialist with the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. Jerry provides insight into what youth are doing online and offers advice to guardians and teachers.
On this episode of Keystone Education Radio, podcast host Annette Stevenson is joined by Daniel Eliot, the director of education and strategic initiatives for the National Cyber Security Alliance. Daniel provides insight into the roles that parents, teachers, school administrators and students play in staying safe online. Topics covered include protection against malware and ransomware, how to prevent cyber bullying and Zoom bombing, the distinction between personal and school-issued devices, and simple steps to maintain the integrity of devices.
On this episode of Keystone Education Radio, Annette Stevenson discusses the award-winning 409 Program with Barbara Bolas, Upper St. Clair’s board president, and Amy Pfender, assistant to the superintendent of the school district.
In this episode of Keystone Education Radio, podcast host Annette Stevenson is joined by Stuart Knade, PSBA’s senior director of legal services. Annette and Stuart discuss the role of collective bargaining in Pennsylvania’s public schools, including common misconceptions and the specific challenges schools face during the process.
On this episode of Keystone Education Radio, Podcast Host Annette Stevenson is joined by a panel of adults and students who run York Suburban Education Foundation’s Impact Foundation, a student-lead extension of the organization. The group discusses the objectives of the Impact Foundation and how it has adapted to serve the larger York Suburban community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On this episode of Keystone Education Radio, Podcast Host Annette Stevenson is joined by Angela Jerabek. Angie is the founder of BARR, a strengths-based model that provides schools with a comprehensive approach to meeting the academic, social and emotional needs of all students.
In this episode of Keystone Education Radio, Podcast Host Annette Stevenson is joined by Dr. Will Miller, a recognized and respected authority on coping with stress, interpersonal relationship and organizational health.
The PA State budget, school district budgets and the highest unemployment rate since the Great Depression—how does all of this fit into the funding our school districts require to continue educating students and serving their communities?
In this episode of Keystone Education Radio, host Annette Stevenson is joined by Dr. Delaney Ruston, a physician and documentary filmmaker who has studied and documented stress, anxiety and depression among teens in the digital age. Dr. Ruston explores the connection between mental health and technology; the role that parents, teachers and students play in addressing mental health concerns; and the impact of COVID-19 on students. This episode is brought to you in part by the Keystone Purchasing Network and the PA School District Liquid Asset Fund (PSDLAF).
On this episode of Keystone Education Radio, Annette Stevenson is joined by Dr. Heather Bennett, PSBA’s director of school equity services, to discuss the existing equity issues that the pandemic has further brought to light.
In this timely episode of Keystone Education Radio, Geoffrey D. Moomaw, President of Interstate Tax Service, Inc., provides guidance on how schools should proceed with unemployment compensation during the COVID-19 outbreak.
In this episode of Keystone Education Radio, Earth Day Network (EDN) Education Coordinator Kira Heeschen joins us to discuss Earth Day’s upcoming 50th anniversary, the world’s largest coordinated citizen science campaign, Earth Challenge 2020 and the importance of student and youth involvement.
Host Annette Stevenson talks with best-selling author, psychologist and professor at the University of Pennsylvania Angela Duckworth. Duckworth unpacks her book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance and provides further insight into her research of the characteristics of high achieving individuals.
This episode is sponsored by Siemens & Edgenuity.
During the 2019 PASA-PSBA School Leadership Conference, we sat down with keynote speakers Corey Mitchell and Robin Grey to discuss their film Purple Dreams. The duo discusses their experience advocating for arts education, the impact it has had on students they’ve mentored and their journey to creating the film.
In this episode, Asia Mason, project manager of student voice with the Pittsburgh Public School District (PPS); Sam Bisno, a senior at the Barack Obama Academy of International Studies, also known as Pittsburgh Obama 6 – 12 and Prishti Tyagi, a sophomore at Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy, discuss how their district and local community are not only permitting but prioritizing student voice in decision-making.
Author and advocate Jonathan Mooney discusses his book Normal Sucks, his journey of growing up with a learning difference and how these experiences shaped the work he is doing today.
Why is it so important to engage students, who are still in high school, in matters of politics and voting?
During this episode, Heather Masshardt, director of policy services, discusses the Commonwealth Education Blueprint with David Hutchinson, PSBA’s 2019 president, and Mike Faccinetto, PSBA’s immediate past president.
In this episode of Keystone Education Radio, we are joined by Matthew Stem, deputy secretary of the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, and Dr. Lee Burket, director of the Bureau of Career and Technical Education, as they explore career and technical education as a vital part of the broader education system.
During the 2019 PASA-PSBA School Leadership Conference, social psychologist, bestselling author, Harvard lecturer and TED talk presenter Dr. Amy Cuddy sat down with us to share her expertise on nonverbal communication and its influence in the school atmosphere. She discussed the impact of the body on the mind; how teachers, students and staff communicate; and elements to be mindful of when communicating in the education setting and beyond.
At Upper St. Clair School District, five unique programs immerse students in learning outside of the classroom and help them develop life ready skills.
This is the final episode of the three-part series focusing on how one school district in Pennsylvania has moved to embed equity into its education practice.
Montour School District saw the opportunity to teach for the future, preparing students for careers and life by launching America’s first Artificial Intelligence Middle School program in the fall of 2018.
This two-part episode out of a three-part series focuses on how one school district in Pennsylvania has moved to embed equity into its education practice.
This two-part episode out of a three-part series focuses on how one school district in Pennsylvania has moved to embed equity into its education practice. In part 1, Mr. Ken Nickson, the coordinator of educational diversity, equity and inclusion at Erie Public Schools transports us to the diverse city of Erie and its school district.
The Basic Education Funding (BEF) equation is complicated and even where there is a solid budget and an existing education foundation at the school district level, there is an integral role that a community foundation can fill.
Act 7 of 2019 has just taken effect, requiring the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to develop and provide curriculum for hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to schools, now part of required high school instruction.
Storybook summers depict kids swimming, biking and climbing trees with friends, but how does this fit into the topic of summer learning loss and the opportunity gap?
Dyslexia is a language based learning disability impacting up to an estimated 20% of the population (according to the International Dyslexia Association). Early detection and specific instructional methods have been determined as significant keys-to-success for those struggling against the challenges the disability presents.
The Pennsylvania School Boards Association, in collaboration with numerous other public education stakeholder groups came together to form a visionary roadmap for public education going forward. The Commonwealth Education Blueprint is the result and it’s in phase 2 development slated for completion in early 2020.
A child’s ability to learn and grow begins with emotional well-being. In the school environment, there may be any range of scenarios where stabilizing is required before the learning can begin. This is where a therapy dog can be a key contributor to the success stories, where occupational, speech, or physical therapy services are needed.
An education foundation can supplement a schools’ programs and new initiatives, where constrained school district budgets have little room to expand or absorb new expenses. Starting up a foundation may seem daunting. This episode focuses on the startup and growth of Warrior Run Education Foundation, founded six years ago in support of rural school district, Warrior Run.
How does equity become the lens through which all aspects of the educational experience are filtered? And why is this essential for the K-12 education system? Addressing the gaps of opportunity and supports for students goes beyond a checklist and may seem insurmountable.
Great attention will be paid to accumulating an accurate representation of the entire U.S. population, and the planning has been underway for the past ten years.
A landmark 1954 Supreme Court case, now 65 years since—what have been the impacts and progress?
Does going digital in board governance sound like more work? Diligent Corporation’s Vice President of Thought Leadership, Dottie Schindlinger joins us on this episode to discuss digital best practices for board business.
Sen. Bartolotta (part one) and leaders of Trinity Area School District (part two) with their Freight Farm provide perspective around how agriculture can be introduced to students focused on different post-graduation paths.
Talking with leaders from the Central Columbia School District, we’ll hear about how one district has created the Career Pathways high school, a unique program that creates a spark, and leads students to meaningful professional paths.
Talking with author, speaker, consultant and generational studies authority Chuck Underwood, this episode is centered around today’s living generations and pre-generation (the current K-12 student populace) and how they communicate, learn, live, and work based on distinct core values and experiences.
As second in our series on suicide prevention; this episode is focused on the importance of early intervention and upstream approaches. To help us understand this complex and potentially grave topic, we’ll talk with Dr. Perri Rosen with the PA Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services at the Department of Human Services.
Host Annette Stevenson talks with Dr. Robyn Jackson, keynote speaker, educator, author, and founder of Mindsteps, Inc. a company that offers workshops, courses, online resources and consulting in support of empowered educators and the students they teach.
Host Annette Stevenson talks with Thomas C. Murray, director of innovation for Future Ready Schools, a project of the Alliance for Excellent Education, about how technology plays a role in personalized learning, and how educators can be empowered, to in turn, empower their students.
Host Annette Stevenson talks with Darrell Scott, writer and founder of Rachel’s Challenge. Creating a school climate less susceptible to harassment, bullying and violence is possible. Darrell will talk about the impact of fear and harassment and likewise the difference that can be made through kindness and respect.
Our guests in this episode, Jason Hovey, director of school partnerships with Khan Academy, a non-profit organization, and Dr. David Baugh, superintendent of schools for the Centennial School District join us to take a multi-perspective look at how online learning can fit into the needs of diverse and unique learning communities.
This episode focuses on financial literacy for students. Host Annette Gray is joined by Mid Penn Bank’s Director of Education and Development, Scott Bostjancic, and Retail Market Manager, Amanda Brigaman.
Dr. G. Terry Madonna joins podcast host, Annette Gray covering topics pertaining to education funding, the upcoming gubernatorial election, the impact of the female vote, and the evolving political landscape.
Violet Marrero, consumer safety administrator for NJM Insurance Group will help us cover teen driving, safe practices and the essential role parents play.
This episode begins a multi-part series on suicide awareness and prevention, where we’ll focus on the multi-layered issue faced by schools, educators and administrators.
In this episode, we go behind the scenes with Elizabethtown Area School District to learn about their innovative mountain-biking club, which is seeing a surge in popularity among students, parents and the community.
In this episode of Keystone Education Radio, we travel to Ephrata Area School District (Lancaster Co.) to talk to students, staff and administrators involved in their Attollo Recruit program, an innovative program supporting equity in the district.
PSBA CEO and podcast host Nathan G. Mains talks about equity with Dr. Heather Bennett Esq., PSBA's director of Equity Services. Dr. Bennett clarifies the difference between equality and equity, and talks about Pennsylvania schools most urgent equity needs.
In this episode of Keystone Education Radio, we talk to students and teachers from East Stroudsburg, West Jefferson Hills and Colonial school districts, all of whom share a commitment to giving back to their communities.
Recorded live at this year's annual School Leadership Conference, podcast host Nathan Mains first talks with the winners of the newly created Pennsylvania Education Innovation Awards.
This episode takes listeners to Williamsport Area High School for an in-depth discussion about their backpack program.
In this episode, host Nathan Mains travels to Berks County to visit an innovative summer learning program,Teachers in the Parks.
In this episode, host Nathan Mains talks with Karen Krisch, principal of Bellefonte Elementary School in Centre Co., to learn how staff, teachers and students are using mindfulness practices to focus learning and create a culture of kindness.
In the latest episode, PSBA’s Nathan Mains talks with Andy Christ, PSBA’s education policy analyst – the gentleman behind the data presented in the recently released "State of Education" report.
In this episode, PSBA’s Nathan Mains talks with PIAA Executive Director Robert Lombardi about changes in athletics, including new league classifications that contributed to near-record attendance at this year’s basketball tournament, as well as new and potential changes impacting student-athlete health and safety.
Transgender students' use of school restrooms continue to be a much-discussed topic. Later in the program, we'll be joined by Emily Leader for the latest developments. We also will be discussing a pen pal program at Oley Valley School District.
In this episode, PSBA Executive Director Nathan Mains interviews Dr. Joseph Roy, superintendent of Bethlehem Area School District about using social media to interact with students and how he makes the call on weather-related closings and delays.
In this episode, hear three experts discuss technology’s effect on increasing learning and engagement in schools. PSBA Executive Director Nathan Mains talks with Dani Finkel, creative director at FUSFOO, Dr. Shirley Disseler, Lego Education trainer and education chair at High Point University, and Andrew VanWylen, Eidex Client Engagement Manager.
In this episode, PSBA Executive Director Nathan Mains talks with Dr. David Volkman, executive deputy secretary of the Department of Education, about PA’s transition to the ESSA. Also, learn more about the public awareness campaign for PA public education – Success Starts Here.
In this episode learn about Teachers In the Parks (TIPs), Exeter Township SD’s innovative approach to teaching students during the summer. Also PSBA Executive Director Nathan Mains talks with Brent Camalich, CEO of “Dude. Be Nice,” an apparel company that strives to inspire individuals. The company recently featured a Reading High School volunteer in a video that went viral.
This episode focuses on the benefits of extracurricular activities. PSBA Executive Director Nathan Mains talks with PIAA Executive Director Robert Lombardi about trends in school athletics and then discusses the Freddy Awards – the nation’s only televised high school performing arts awards ceremony – with the its creator and executive producer, Shelley Brown.
In this episode, Nathan Mains discusses the newly passed Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) with a panel of co-facilitators from the recent ESSA Study Group held in Harrisburg. The group worked through suggestions on implementing the new law in Pennsylvania.