The Good Life EDU Podcast: Recent Episodes
Andrew Easton
The Good Life EDU Podcast is dedicated to discussing all things education in the state of Nebraska and across the US. This program is presented by the Nebraska Educational Service Unit's Coordinating Council.
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Andrew Easton is joined by members of the NEMTSS leadership team: Amy Rhone, Scott Eckman, and Brooke Kahl for a preview of the 2026 NEMTSS Summit.Together, they discuss the history and evolution of Nebraska’s MTSS work, including its roots in supporting improved outcomes for students with disabilities and its growth into a statewide system of support focused on all learners. This year’s Summit's theme, Destination Impact: Turning MTSS Systems Into Literacy-Driven Student Outcomes, reflects Nebraska’s continued emphasis on strengthening literacy instruction and using multi-tiered systems of support to improve outcomes for every student.The conversation highlights what educators can expect at the summit, including keynote speakers, school spotlight sessions, practitioner stories, and opportunities for school teams to learn together. Amy, Scott, and Brooke also share why MTSS is not a one-time initiative or isolated program, but a systems-level approach to supporting both students and the adults who serve them.Resource Mentioned:NEMTSS website: Learn more and register for the Summit at https://nemtss.unl.edu/
For nearly three decades, the E-rate program has helped schools and libraries across the country afford the connectivity and internal networks essential to their work. Now, as federal officials reconsider the program’s purpose and future, education leaders are being called upon to explain why dependable connectivity remains vital to America’s schools.In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Andrew welcomes Keith Krueger, CEO of the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), for a timely conversation about the history of E-rate, the questions now surrounding it, and what could be at stake for students, educators, and communities. Learn More and Take ActionVisit SaveOurERate.com to access advocacy resources, review the E-rate funding received by your district or community, and share the local stories that demonstrate what reliable connectivity makes possible for students and schools.
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Andrew welcomes Cynthia Curry, Project Director, and Jena Fahlbush, Technical Assistance Specialist, from the National Center on Accessible Digital Educational Materials & Instruction, known as NCADEMI. Together, they unpack what digital accessibility means for K–12 schools and why this work is about much more than compliance.The conversation explores accessibility as a civil right, the relationship between ADA Title II and IDEA, and the importance of designing digital materials, websites, communications, and instructional resources to be accessible from the beginning rather than retrofitted later. Cynthia and Jena also explain the role of WCAG 2.1 Level AA, the POUR framework, and the practical first steps educators and school leaders can take to build accessibility into everyday practice.Listeners will hear examples that connect directly to school life, from websites and learning management systems to classroom documents, PDFs, social media posts, lunch menus, and instructional materials. The episode also highlights how accessibility benefits students, families, staff, and community members while helping schools create more inclusive and efficient systems.Resources Mentioned:NCADEMI Accessibility Basics: https://ncademi.org/create/basics/NCADEMI ADA Title II Roadmap for SEAs and LEAs: https://ncademi.org/sustain/roadmap/Nebraska Learning Network Accessibility Essentials Course: https://canvas.education.ne.gov/courses/accessibility-essentials
Across her previous visits to The Good Life EDU Podcast, Dr. Katie Novak has helped listeners understand the foundations of Universal Design for Learning, its role within MTSS, and the possibilities created when educators bring UDL and artificial intelligence together. In this return conversation, Katie and Andrew take the next step by examining what educators must understand themselves before they can use AI to design learning responsibly and effectively.Drawing from her latest book, The UDL Shift, Katie explains why strong instructional design begins with firm goals and flexible means. Through a live example, she demonstrates how an AI-generated “UDL lesson” can unintentionally remove the very skill students are expected to learn and why standards alignment, pedagogical knowledge, and human review must remain central to the design process. The goal is not simply to generate something quickly, but to use AI within a thoughtful cycle of planning, analysis, revision, and human transformation.The conversation also extends beyond lesson planning. Katie explores how educators can prepare students for standardized assessments without abandoning flexible and inclusive instruction, why interleaving is more effective than last-minute test preparation, and how students can build the metacognitive awareness needed to transfer their learning into less-flexible settings. Katie and Andrew also address growing concerns about screen time, accessibility, and device use, making the case for purposeful technology integration rather than an all-or-nothing approach.This episode is a reminder that AI does not reduce the need for educator expertise; it makes that expertise even more important.Resources Referenced in This EpisodeThe UDL Shift: Designing Inclusive Learning That Works by Katie NovakElevating Educational Design with AI: Making Learning Accessible, Inclusive, and Equitable by Catlin Tucker and Katie NovakNebraska Learning Network, where Nebraska educators can access Katie’s free three-course UDL learning series.AI-Enhanced Processes by Alex McMillanKatie Novak’s UDL Flowchart
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Andrew Easton welcomes back Amanda Bickerstaff, CEO and Co-Founder of AI for Education, for a timely conversation about where schools are in their generative AI journey and what practical next steps can help educators, leaders, and students move forward with greater clarity.Amanda shares the thinking behind AI for Education’s new SEE Framework, which defines generative AI literacy as the knowledge, mindsets, and practices that allow individuals to use GenAI safely, ethically, and effectively. The conversation explores why AI literacy cannot be limited to teachers or leaders alone, why schools should avoid gatekeeping these conversations from students, and how clear guardrails can help learning communities make more intentional decisions about AI use.Andrew and Amanda also discuss the practical dilemmas schools are facing right now, including AI-generated feedback, AI grading, AI detection, student use of chatbots, Google AI Overviews, and the need to move beyond simple “AI is good” or “AI is bad” binaries. Amanda emphasizes that the work is not about adopting every AI tool or avoiding AI altogether, but about building the judgment to know when AI use is appropriate, when it is not, and how to remain intentional, critical, transparent, responsible, and committed to continued learning.This episode also previews Amanda’s keynote and breakout session at the Future Ready Nebraska Conference, where she will explore the SEE Framework and provide practical examples, including “SEE snapshots,” that help educators think through real-world AI decisions using the framework’s lenses of safe, ethical, and effective use. Resources:AI for EducationResource hub for AI literacy, guidance, prompt libraries, webinars, and practical supports for schools. https://www.aiforeducation.io/The SEE Framework: A Practical Guide to Building Generative AI LiteracyAI for Education’s generative AI literacy framework focused on the knowledge, mindsets, and practices needed to use GenAI safely, ethically, and effectively. https://www.aiforeducation.io/the-see-framework-for-generative-ai-literacyAI Course for Educators — AI for EducationA free, self-paced, two-hour course designed to help educators get started with AI, developing prompting strategies, considering ethical implications, and introducing AI to students responsibly. https://www.aiforeducation.io/ai-courseBeyond the AI Inflection PointA futurist piece from AI for Education that explores a fictional school district’s AI journey from 2023 to 2030 and invites educators to think through the choices schools are facing now. https://www.beyondtheaiinflectionpoint.com/Future Ready Nebraska ConferenceAmanda Bickerstaff’s keynote and breakout session will highlight the SEE Framework and practical AI literacy decisions for schools. https://nefutureready.com/
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we welcome author, coach, and educator Elena Aguilar, along with Jeremy Stoll and Ted Dondlinger from Westside High School, for a conversation about emotional resilience, educator well-being, and the power of teachers supporting teachers.The episode highlights Westside High School’s ongoing use of Elena Aguilar’s book Onward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators and its accompanying workbook. Ted shares how the work began during a difficult post-COVID season, when he was searching for something that could help him and his colleagues process the weight of the work and reconnect with hope, purpose, and one another. What started as a book study has grown into a meaningful, recurring space for reflection, connection, and support among educators.Elena shares the story behind Onward, including how her decades of experience as a teacher, coach, and leader shaped her focus on educator resilience, burnout, agency, compassion, gratitude, and belonging. She explains why the book is organized around the rhythm of the school year and how its monthly structure helps educators return to the practices they need at different points in the year.This episode is a powerful reminder that educator well-being is not simply an individual responsibility. It is strengthened through connection, shared language, purposeful reflection, and school cultures where educators are invited to care for themselves and one another. Resources MentionedOnward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators by Elena Aguilar https://www.brightmorningteam.com/resources/books/onwardThe Onward Workbook: Daily Activities to Cultivate Your Emotional Resilience and Thrive by Elena Aguilar https://www.brightmorningteam.com/resources/books/onwardElena Aguilar’s work on transformational coaching and educator resilience https://www.brightmorningteam.com/Westside High School, Omaha, Nebraska https://whs.westside66.org/
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Andrew Easton welcomes Dr. Kanyon Chism, Chief of Staff and Administrator at ESU 19/Omaha Public Schools (OPS), for a thoughtful conversation about de-implementation and the importance of creating space for the work that matters most in education.Dr. Chism shares how OPS began exploring de-implementation as part of its broader strategic work connected to the district’s moonshot goal of having all students reading on grade level by 2030. Inspired in part by Leidy Klotz’s book Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less, Dr. Chism explains how the district began thinking not only about what to add or implement, but also what to refine, reduce, replace, or stop doing altogether.This episode offers a valuable look at how school systems can move beyond initiative overload and begin building intentional processes for subtraction. For any educator or leader working to create coherence, protect time, and focus energy on the highest-impact work, this conversation provides both practical insight and a powerful mindset shift. Resources:Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less by Leidy Klotz. This book helped frame the episode’s conversation around why individuals and organizations often default to adding more, even when subtraction may be the better path forward. https://leidyklotz.com/subtract/“De-implementation: Creating the Space to Focus on What Works” by Peter DeWitt. This article offers a helpful education-specific overview of de-implementation, including the distinction between informal and formal de-implementation processes. https://corwin-connect.com/2022/05/de-implementation-creating-the-space-to-focus-on-what-works/
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we welcome Jill Pancoast, President of The Breakthrough Coach, for a conversation about how school leaders can reclaim time, strengthen office systems, and focus more fully on the instructional leadership work they were hired to do.Jill shares the history of The Breakthrough Coach, a management training and coaching firm that has supported school administrators and their secretaries since 1998. The conversation explores how principals, superintendents, and central office leaders can shift away from the “administrivia” of the front office and toward the work that most directly impacts teaching and learning.Throughout the episode, Andrew reflects on his own experience participating in The Breakthrough Coach Foundations Course and highlights the program’s practical focus on role clarity, delegation, executive support, and sustainable leadership practices. Jill also explains why the administrator-secretary partnership is central to the model and how strong systems can help leaders spend significantly more time in classrooms, coaching teachers, supporting staff, and improving student outcomes.This conversation is especially relevant for school leaders who feel stretched thin, overwhelmed by daily tasks, or pulled away from the instructional leadership work they value most. It is also a timely reminder that taking care of systems, roles, and personal sustainability is not separate from leadership; it is foundational to leading well. For more information about The Breakthrough Coach Program, visit https://www.the-breakthrough-coach.com/
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Kristen Mattson—author, educator, and co-creator of the Edvolve Framework—returns for a deep and timely conversation on digital citizenship in today’s rapidly evolving, AI-driven world.Together, Kristen and Andrew explore how Nebraska is moving from fragmented, siloed efforts toward a coherent, statewide approach to digital citizenship, grounded in shared language and practical application. Kristen breaks down the four strands of the Edvolve Framework—Digital Safety, Media & Information Literacy, Digital Wellbeing, and Social Responsibility—and explains how these elements overlap in real-world learning experiences.This episode challenges the idea that digital citizenship is a one-off lesson or compliance task. Instead, it reframes the work as ongoing, inquiry-based learning that can be embedded across content areas—from elementary author studies to high school social studies discussions on AI and society.Kristen also shares a powerful reminder: educators don’t need to have all the answers—they need to create the conditions for students to ask better questions and think more deeply.Whether you're a classroom teacher, school leader, or parent, this episode offers both big-picture clarity and practical entry points for supporting students as thoughtful, responsible participants in digital spaces.
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we sit down with Nebraska ESU regional literacy coaches (RLCs) Claudine Kennicutt (ESU 10) and Caryn Ziettlow (ESU 2) to explore the evolving work of Nebraska’s statewide literacy initiative. Together, they unpack the foundation of the Nebraska Literacy Project, including the role of high-quality instructional materials, the science of reading, and the intentional development of a statewide coaching system designed to support educators and leaders alike.Claudine and Caryn share insights from the first year of implementation—highlighting the roadshow approach to building leadership capacity, aligning with systems like Nebraska MTSS, and creating coherence across districts of all sizes. The conversation also dives into the power of coaching as a lever for meaningful instructional change and how a collaborative, statewide network is driving both educator growth and student outcomes.Looking ahead, the episode offers a hopeful vision for year two and beyond, as the team expands its reach, deepens coaching practices, and works toward sustainable, system-level impact. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in literacy, leadership, and building effective educational systems at scale.
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Andrew Easton reconnects with educator, author, and speaker Tisha Richmond to explore her unexpected return to the classroom and the powerful insights that have come with it.After years of supporting educators at a systems level and working globally, Tisha shares what it’s been like to step back into a Career & Technical Education (CTE) classroom, rediscover the intensity and joy of teaching, and reconnect with students in deeply meaningful ways.Tisha also shares insights from her new book, The Magical CTE Classroom, offering actionable ideas for both new and experienced teachers—whether in CTE or beyond.This episode is a reminder that while teaching is complex and demanding, it is also deeply human, creative, and full of opportunity for meaningful, magical connections.ResourcesThe Magical CTE Classroom by Tisha RichmondMake Learning Magical by Tisha RichmondBrisk Teaching (for its AI podcast feature)Canva Code (for its AI-powered interactive creation)Register Today for the Nebraska Career Education (NCE) Conference
Artificial intelligence continues to evolve at a pace that challenges educators and leaders to think not only about what AI means today, but where it may take us in the years ahead. In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, host Andrew Easton sits down with Matt Winters, Artificial Intelligence Specialist at the Utah State Board of Education, to explore how futures thinking can help education systems prepare for the opportunities and risks emerging alongside AI.Their conversation spans everything from the rapid evolution of generative AI tools to the deeper questions about learning, assessment, and the balance between process and product in the classroom. Matt also shares insights from national collaborations examining how AI may shape education over the next three to five years—and why thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and policy work will be essential as schools navigate both the promise and the “big scary” implications of this technology.Whether you're a classroom educator, school leader, or policymaker, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how we can work together to navigate the changing landscape of AI in education.Resources & Links Referenced in the EpisodeAI 2027 Future Scenario: ai-2027.com (opens the site in a new window)Beyond the Inflection Point Report: https://www.beyondtheaiinflectionpoint.com/ (opens the site in a new window)AI for Education: https://aiforeducation.io (opens the site in a new window)Future Ready Nebraska Conference – June 1–2: nefutureready.com (opens the site in a new window)
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we welcome back Nebraska native Trevor Goertzen, Regional Vice President at SchoolAI and former teacher and principal, for an honest and practical conversation about artificial intelligence in schools.Two years after our first discussion, Andrew and Trevor reconnect to explore how the national conversation around screen time, technology rollback, and AI integration has evolved and what that means for educators today.Rather than chasing headlines or hype, this conversation focuses on:What intentional technology use actually looks like in classroomsWhy AI should be viewed as a tool to get to the thing, not the thing itselfHow AI can support differentiation, MTSS, and Tier 2 interventionsThe importance of teacher-designed, teacher-controlled AI learning environmentsWhy good pedagogy still matters more than any platformHow leaders can thoughtfully introduce AI into their districtsThe power of AI as a thought partner for administrators and educatorsTrevor shares practical classroom examples — from structured learning “agenda steps” to multilingual support and small-group differentiation — demonstrating how AI can expand what’s possible without replacing the human relationships at the heart of teaching.
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Andrew Easton is joined by Tony Frontier, author of AI With Intention and director of the AI Center for Effective Teaching and Learning.Rather than approaching artificial intelligence as a technical problem to solve, this conversation grounds AI in what educators already know to be true about effective teaching and learning. Tony shares why AI represents an inflection point for the profession—and why this moment demands greater intentionality, not abandonment of core instructional practices.Together, Andrew and Tony explore how AI can either undermine or strengthen learning depending on how it’s used, the importance of productive struggle, and what it means to prepare students to use AI as a thinking partner rather than a shortcut. The episode also digs into practical guidance for schools and districts around transparency, explainability, integrity, and creating shared expectations for both teachers and students.Referenced Links & ResourcesAccess Tony's book, AI With Intention: https://www.amazon.com/AI-Intention-Principles-Teachers-Leaders/dp/1416633626 Contact Tony Frontier: tonyfrontier@gmail.comAccess the AI Center for Effective Teaching and Learning https://firsteducation-us.com/ai-center
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we welcome back Dr. Nick Ziegler for a conversation on the current state of language education in Nebraska and the power of intentional collaboration across the state.Dr. Ziegler shares updates on the Seal of Biliteracy, competency-based credit, and how districts can leverage Title III funds to expand opportunities for English learners and world language students. We also explore the evolving role of the Nebraska Languages Association (NEBLA), upcoming World Language Week activities, and a preview of a statewide, hybrid language education conference planned for October 2026.The episode highlights how high-quality, live distance learning is helping address teacher shortages while increasing access to world language instruction, and why language learning remains essential even as AI-powered translation tools continue to advance.To learn more about the ESU 5 World Languages Program, visit https://www.esu5.org/about/news/esu-5s-world-language-department-best-nebraskaTo learn more about the Nebraska Languages Association and related events and opportunities, visit https://www.nebla.org/To access the new Distance Learning Teacher Support Series as a YouTube playlist, visit https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJpETmv954jNB7fLD5G-V-gQYiCP28-ko
Inclusive education doesn’t happen by accident—it takes intentional systems, shared mindsets, and sustained collaboration.In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, host Andrew Easton is joined by Allison Kelberlau (Assistant Director of Student Services, ESU 3), Eileen Heller (Education Consultant, Professional Learning, ESU 3), and Jill Guenther (Nebraska MTSS Regional Support Lead, Region 2) to unpack the story and impact of ESU 3’s Inclusive Practices Academy (IPA).The conversation traces the origins of the IPA from statewide coherence efforts led by the Nebraska Department of Education’s Office of Special Education, through its design and implementation, and into what the work looks like now in year two. Together, the group explores how mindset, systems and structures, and instructional practices intersect to support meaningful inclusion for students with disabilities—and how ESUs can model the very collaboration they hope to see in schools.Listeners will hear how the academy brings general education teachers, special educators, related service providers, and building leaders together around:Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a foundational frameworkCo-planning and co-teaching as levers for inclusive practiceData-informed decision-making tied directly to classroom instructionAction planning that bridges professional learning and daily practiceThe critical role of building leadership in sustaining inclusive systemsThe episode also highlights what the ESU 3 team learned themselves through cross-department collaboration—and why inclusive professional learning must be designed with the same care and flexibility we expect in classrooms.Whether you work in a service agency, district leadership role, or classroom, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical entry points for advancing inclusive education—starting wherever you are.
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we explore Nebraska 250—the state’s effort to commemorate the nation’s upcoming semi-quincentennial through learning, creativity, and community connection.We're joined by Bre Wilton, Social Studies Content Specialist at the Nebraska Department of Education; Cody Talarico, Arts Education Specialist at NDE; and Anne Alston, Arts Education Program Specialist at the Nebraska Arts Council. Together, they unpack how a cross-agency collaboration led to the My Nebraska, Our America Public Art Design Challenge, a statewide opportunity for students to explore history, civic identity, and sense of place through public art.The conversation highlights how educators—across grade levels, content areas, and learning environments—can use a flexible, standards-aligned toolkit to help students design public art that reflects both local stories and national ideals. Listeners will also learn how student artwork can be submitted for a statewide exhibition, including a traveling display at the Nebraska State Capitol, the Museum of Nebraska Art, and the Nebraska Department of Education.Referenced Links & ResourcesNebraska 250 Art Challenge website:http://www.ne250artchallenege.com/Contact email:neartschallenge@gmail.com
Nebraska is exploring a new approach to addressing teacher shortages—one that invites experienced professionals to bring their real-world expertise directly into the classroom.In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we’re joined by State Senator Kathleen Kauth, who shares the story behind Nebraska’s new Pathway to Educator (P2E) program. Senator Kauth unpacks how this initiative came to life, why the timing and collaboration were right for this effort, and how school districts and ESUs across the state may choose to implement flexible, locally designed pathways into teaching.From workforce development to mentorship models—and from policy nuance to practical classroom realities—this conversation offers valuable insight for school leaders, educators, and anyone interested in innovative solutions that strengthen Nebraska’s education system without relying on new legislation.For more information, please reach out to Dr. Larianne Polk with the ESU Coordinating Council via ESUCC.org.
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Andrew Easton is joined by Kris Hagel, Chief Information Officer of Peninsula School District. Peninsula has been thoughtfully implementing artificial intelligence in K–12 education since early 2023.Now in their fourth year of AI work, Peninsula offers an honest look at what it takes to move beyond one-off trainings and instead build a sustainable, values-driven approach to AI adoption. Chris shares how early collaboration between instructional leaders and technology teams shaped the district’s direction, why universal design for learning (UDL) remained non-negotiable, and how teachers—especially in English and social studies—have reimagined assessment by focusing on student process rather than just final products.The conversation also explores practical system-level considerations, including data privacy, vetted tools, local AI models, and the realities districts face when balancing innovation with responsibility. As the episode closes, Andrew and Chris wrestle with one of the most pressing and unresolved questions in education today: students’ growing use of AI for companionship, mental health support, and social connection.Whether your district is just beginning its AI journey or refining systems already in place, this episode offers grounded insight, cautionary wisdom, and a reminder that meaningful change takes time, trust, and intentional leadership.To learn more about the tremendous work being done with AI in Peninsula Schools, visit https://psd401.ai/ to access all the resources discussed in this episode.
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we are joined by Becky Keene, CEO of Phygital Labs and author of AI Optimism: A Guide to Redefining Artificial Intelligence in Education. Drawing from 25 years in public education and a decade of global consulting work, Becky shares why she chooses to lead with possibility over fear in the age of generative AI.Together, Andrew and Becky explore what AI optimism really means for K–12 systems, how educators can move beyond simple substitution toward meaningful redefinition and transformation, and why human-centered practices like creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking matter more than ever. Becky introduces her AI Optimism Framework, unpacks the role of praxis, privacy, and prompting, and offers practical examples of how AI can elevate—not replace—great teaching.This conversation challenges leaders and educators to rethink not just how they use AI, but why they use it, and how small, intentional shifts can shape powerful learning experiences for students.Connect with Becky Keene:Website: https://beckykeene.com/Social Media: @beckykeeneeduDaily AI reflections and practical examples via TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook
How can AI truly transform teaching without adding another fragmented tool to an educator's already overflowing plate?
In this thought-provoking episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we welcome Arman Jaffer, CEO and Founder of Brisk Teaching, to share his journey with working to solve the problem of ever-increasing teacher workload and EdTech fragmentation.
Arman explains how Brisk is fundamentally different from other AI tools. Instead of a separate dashboard, it functions as a Chrome extension/Edge add-on, delivering AI capabilities directly where the teacher is working, whether it's drafting feedback in Google comments or instantly changing a text's reading level.
Key Takeaways You'll Explore:
- The Three Phases of AI in Education: The shift from initial fears over academic integrity to a focus on educator productivity, and finally to the emerging era of student-facing AI.
- The Power of AI for Formative Data: Why student-facing AI tutors provide richer, more targeted instructional data than traditional exit tickets, helping teachers identify and address student misconceptions.
- Defining "Teacher In The Loop": Arman clarifies this buzzword, emphasizing the importance of the teacher initiating and setting up AI activities intentionally to ensure equitable use and hold students accountable for the learning objective.
- The Spectrum of AI Exposure: A discussion on what intentional AI integration looks like across grade levels, from K-5 (focusing on voice and prescriptive tasks) to high school (preparing students for ubiquitous AI use in college and career).
- Action-Oriented Design: How Brisk simplifies the teacher's process into just five core buttons, ensuring the technology supports high-quality instructional actions without becoming overwhelming.
Whether you're a classroom teacher looking for genuine time savings, an administrator seeking a strategic approach to AI, or a leader focused on driving student outcomes, this conversation offers an essential roadmap for leveraging the next generation of EdTech.
Learn more about Brisk Teaching at https://www.briskteaching.com/
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, welcomes Adam Spark, Nebraska native and co-founder of Short Answer, to discuss his journey from teaching at Louisville and Milford Public Schools to studying learning design and technology at Stanford University, where his idea for Short Answer was born.
Adam shares how formative assessment research—particularly from Dr. Dylan Wiliam’s Embedded Formative Assessment—inspired the creation of Short Answer, a digital platform designed to make peer feedback, writing practice, and student engagement more meaningful and fun. The two explore:
- The Nebraska roots that shaped Adam’s journey—from the ESU 6 EdTech Leadership Cadre led by Dr. Lynn Herr to presenting at NETA.
- How Short Answer uses peer feedback, gamification, and comparative judgment to build literacy and critical thinking across all subjects.
- The role of AI in education, including both its risks and opportunities for literacy, writing, and teacher workload.
- Adam’s concept of being a “radical centrist” on AI—recognizing both the benefits of AI efficiency and the challenges it poses to authentic literacy development.
- New features in Short Answer like “Pen Pals,” which use AI characters to help students debate and reflect on their writing.
- Practical AI policy, communication, and enforcement strategies for educators—featuring resources like:
- AI Trust You (from Laguna Beach USD)
- Brisk Teaching for revision-tracking in Google Docs
- SchoolAI for safe, monitored AI interactions
- The Red-Yellow-Green AI Policy Framework by Australian educator Adrian Cotterall
- The Washington OSPI AI Guidance Matrix, inspired by the work of Leon Furze and Mike Perkins
Adam also shares his balanced take on how educators can help students develop AI literacy, writing fluency, and critical analysis skills—ensuring that technology amplifies learning rather than replacing it.
???? Resources Mentioned* Short Answer * Embedded Formative Assessment – Dr. Dylan Wiliam * AI Trust You * Brisk Teaching * SchoolAI * NETA Conference * Washington OSPI AI Guidance * Leon Furze and Mike Perkins * Adrian Cotterall’s AI Traffic Light Framework
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we sit down with Jane Davis, Superintendent of Hershey Public Schools, and Anna Weber, Owner of A-Plum Creative, to explore how Hershey Public Schools turned a community concern into a model initiative for digital citizenship education.
After recognizing the growing challenges of student cell phone use, social media, and online behavior, Hershey launched a campaign that has brought students, parents, and staff together around a shared goal: helping kids become thoughtful, kind, and safe digital citizens. With creative support from A-Plum Creative and in partnership with the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association (NRCSA), Hershey has developed a visually branded, age-appropriate, and interactive social media initiative grounded in six core principles for digital citizenship.
Jane and Anna share how the campaign evolved from early board discussions to data-driven outcomes, and how it’s expanding to include AI literacy and guidance for ethical and responsible use of emerging technologies. Listeners will learn how Hershey’s approach supports both local needs and broader statewide efforts to equip students for the digital age.
???? Contact Information:
- Jane Davis: Jane.Davis@hpspanthers.org
- Anna Weber: Anna@a-plum.com
- NRCSA: https://www.nrcsa.net/
Follow Hershey Public Schools on social media to see the campaign in action!
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Adam Vinter, Nebraska's outreach manager with Common Sense Media, joins the show to share about the significant updates to their digital citizenship curriculum. The conversation explores the reimagining of digital literacy and well-being education, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the rapidly changing technological landscape. Adam discusses the six core topics of the curriculum, the integration of AI literacy, and the engaging lesson formats designed to foster critical thinking and essential skills in students. The episode also highlights the developmental progression of digital literacy education from kindergarten through eighth grade and provides resources for educators to effectively implement these lessons in their classrooms.
To learn more, visit Common Sense Media's education page at https://www.commonsense.org/education
In this thought-provoking episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Dr. Tricia Bertram Gallant, author, academic integrity expert, and Director of the Academic Integrity Office at UC San Diego, joins us to reframe how schools approach academic integrity in the age of AI. Rather than relying on surveillance or reactive discipline, Tricia invites educators to view integrity as a practice that can be cultivated through intentional school culture, character education, and authentic assessments.
Drawing from her experience in higher education and adapting those insights for K–12 contexts, Dr. Bertram Gallant explores how AI technologies like ChatGPT are reshaping conversations around cheating, learning, and trust. She discusses how schools can shift from punitive mindsets to proactive ones, drawing parallels to PBIS frameworks and the importance of building ethical communities.
Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or policymaker, this episode offers practical ideas and a powerful call to action: Let’s teach students how to live with integrity, not just how to avoid getting caught.
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Jamie Cook, Literacy Officer at the Nebraska Department of Education, joins the pod to explore the future of literacy in Nebraska and the exciting opportunities ahead with the Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) grant.
Jamie shares her journey as a teacher, coach, and principal, and how those experiences ground her leadership in this new role. Together, we unpack why third grade is such a pivotal moment for reading, the role of the science of reading in shaping high-quality instruction, and how Nebraska’s literacy journey builds on years of strong statewide work.
Listeners will learn:
- Why the CLSD grant is a powerful accelerant for Nebraska’s literacy efforts.
- How high-quality instructional materials and curriculum-based professional learning empower teachers.
- The importance of coaching, family engagement, and alignment across districts and ESUs.
- Nebraska’s measurable goals for literacy and the collective responsibility it will take to achieve them.
Whether you’re a classroom teacher, coach, administrator, or policymaker, this conversation highlights the thoughtful, research-based approach Nebraska is taking to ensure every child becomes a confident and capable reader.
To learn more about this literacy effort in Nebraska, visit https://www.education.ne.gov/clsd-2/
In this reflective and wide-ranging conversation, longtime collaborator and Good Life EDU Podcast guest Otis Pierce of ESU 7 joins the pod to unpack some key takeaways from a summer of professional learning. From AI integration and academic integrity to distance learning innovations, digital citizenship initiatives, and math instruction practices, Otis and Andrew explore what’s new, what’s next, and what's front-of-mind as Nebraska educators head into a new school year.
This episode highlights the spirit of statewide collaboration across Nebraska’s ESUs and the Department of Education, while also celebrating the continuous growth mindset educators embody year-round.
Whether you're starting the year with fresh energy or looking for meaningful insights to elevate your practice, this episode offers inspiration and resources to support your journey.
This week on The Good Life EDU Podcast, we close out the summer by welcoming internationally renowned education expert Dr. Dylan Wiliam to the show for a timely conversation at the intersection of formative assessment, teacher growth, and artificial intelligence in education.
As AI tools become more accessible in schools, this discussion explores how educators can respond thoughtfully, leveraging technology to enhance instruction while staying grounded in proven practices that support deep learning.
Dr. Wiliam shares insights from decades of research, addresses the limitations of AI in feedback and assessment, and offers practical ideas for how teachers and school leaders can begin to navigate this emerging era. Whether you’re curious about AI’s role in instructional coaching, redesigning assessment, or creating space for meaningful professional growth, this episode provides a powerful and thought-provoking perspective from one of education’s leading voices.
Where to find the book Making Room for Impact: https://www.corwin.com/books/room-for-impact-284976?srsltid=AfmBOoqkoq2ZtYt0kKWhbVCcmHaS7C7-j5lyzoCjcQ0tHqfusVUhVKXB
Connect with Dr. Dylan Wiliam at https://www.dylanwiliam.org/Dylan_Wiliams_website/Welcome.html
What happens when a school leader brings a coach’s mindset, a heart for people, and a relentless commitment to culture into their role as principal? In this episode, West Dodge Station Principal Benji Hoegh joins The Good Life EDU to reflect on the systems, habits, and heart behind building a thriving school culture. From his “TRAIN” acronym that powers the school’s values to his commitment to daily visibility and over 200 personal phone calls home, Benji shares practical strategies that promote connection, consistency, and care.
Whether you're an aspiring leader or a veteran administrator, this episode offers energizing insights for creating a school where students, staff, and families all feel seen, supported, and inspired.
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Phillip Alcock (CEO and Co-Founder) and Thom Markham (Creative Director) of PBL Future Labs join the show to share how they’re fusing the best of project-based learning (PBL) with the transformative possibilities of AI.
With decades of experience in PBL design, coaching, and implementation, Phil and Tom reflect on PBL’s origins, the challenges that have limited its widespread adoption, and how AI can break down those barriers—saving teachers time, elevating student voice, and unlocking more authentic, community-connected learning.
They share real examples of “learning missions” that help schools move beyond static standards and worksheets, using AI to co-create meaningful projects and connect students’ learning to real-world impact in the students' local community. This conversation is an inspiring look at how educators can tap AI as a partner to reignite student engagement and prepare learners to solve the complex problems of tomorrow.
Learn more about PBL Future Labs, visit pblfuturelabs.com.
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we sit down with Elizabeth Dampf, a school administrator in the Chicagoland are and author of the new book from ASCD, Am I Cut Out for This? An Educational Leader’s Guide to Navigating Self-Doubt. Together, they explore the often unspoken realities of school leadership from early career challenges and feeling like an “instructional imposter” to facing difficult meetings and the isolation many leaders experience.
Elizabeth shares candid insights from her own journey as an administrator, explains why self-doubt is so prevalent (yet taboo) in the field, and offers practical strategies that leaders can use in real moments of uncertainty. Whether you’re a veteran principal or a new admin, this conversation — and Elizabeth’s book — will remind you that you’re not alone and that leadership skills can be learned and strengthened over time.
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, host Andrew Easton reconnects with longtime friend (and podcast guest) Rachelle Dene Poth for a timely and insightful discussion about the legal implications of AI in education. Drawing from her experience as an educator, speaker, and attorney, Rachelle unpacks some of the critical and often overlooked considerations educators should keep in mind when integrating AI tools into schools and classrooms.
Listeners will learn:
- Why AI literacy goes far beyond knowing how to use tools
- How AI is being misused in cases of cyberbullying—and what educators should know
- What legal considerations (like FERPA and COPPA) apply to AI tools in schools
- The dangers of uploading PII to generative AI models
- How to foster a district culture of responsible AI use for both staff and students
Whether you're just starting to explore AI or you're leading its implementation in your district, this conversation offers valuable guidance on what to prioritize and how to stay compliant and ethical in the process.
Connect with Rachelle and explore her work:
- Website/Blog: www.rdene915.com
- Socials: @Rdene915 (Instagram, X, Threads, LinkedIn)
- Recent Books Released: How to Teach AI and What the Tech
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, John White, the CEO of Great Minds and former Louisiana State Superintendent of Education, joins the show for a timely conversation on why curriculum matters more than ever in today’s evolving educational landscape. Drawing from his national leadership experience and current work supporting schools across the country, John reflects on the critical role that high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) play in advancing student learning, supporting educators, and ensuring equity.
Together, we explore how well-designed curriculum can reduce teacher workload, foster student curiosity, and drive meaningful, long-term achievement. From national policy to the classroom level, this episode offers a compelling look at how curriculum, when done well, can serve as a catalyst for sustained student growth and achievement.
Whether you’re a classroom educator, instructional leader, or policymaker, this conversation offers valuable insights into how curriculum can serve as a powerful lever for meaningful and lasting change
To learn more about Great Minds, visit: https://greatminds.org
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we’re joined by Suzie Fogarty and Theresa Hamer of Smart Gen Society (SGS), a Nebraska-based nonprofit working at the intersection of digital wellness, education, and youth empowerment. Together, Suzie and Theresa share the story behind SGS’s founding and its evolving mission to equip young people, families, and schools with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate today’s digital world safely and responsibly.
From uncovering online exploitation risks to advocating for stronger school-community partnerships, this conversation explores the unique approach SGS takes in engaging students, leading educators, and supporting parents. We also highlight how Smart Gen Society is making an impact beyond Nebraska and offers practical insights for anyone concerned about the well-being of digital-native youth.
To with connect and learn more about Smart Gen Society, visit https://www.smartgensociety.org/
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we welcome Lauren Heil, a passionate learning experience designer and the creator of the Stickity Add-On. Lauren shares her journey and insights on how thoughtful design enhances learning experiences and addresses crucial accessibility needs in digital environments.
Discover practical tips for optimizing digital materials, as Lauren also introduces Stickity, a free Google Workspace add-on. Stickity offers a library of graphics that boosts communication, supports student independence, and fosters a positive class culture.
To explore Stickity, search for it under extensions and add-ons within Google Docs, Forms, Sheets, or Slides.
Don't miss Lauren Heil live at the Future Ready Nebraska Conference on June 2nd and 3rd! There's still time to register -- and it's FREE --- at nefutureready.com.
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, national edtech speaker, Brian Buffington, returns to the show to preview his upcoming session at the 2025 Future Ready Nebraska Conference. Known for his energetic style and practical insights, Brian shares timely encouragement for educators navigating change, embracing AI, and leaning into creativity with confidence.
This conversation touches on the mindset shifts needed to innovate in schools, the importance of adaptability in the face of emerging technologies, and how teachers can remain rooted in their purpose while exploring new tools and approaches.
Whether you're looking for inspiration, strategy, or just a refreshing take on the future of learning, this episode delivers.
To learn more about Brian and to subscribe to his newsletter, visit: https://briankbuffington.com/
To register (It's FREE) for the Future Ready Nebraska Conference (June 2–3, 2025), visit: https://www.futurereadyne.org
In this special follow-up episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Dr. Larianne Polk (CEO of the Nebraska ESU Coordinating Council) and Dr. Dan Schnoes (CEO of ESU 3) return to reflect on their recent educational exchange in Singapore and South Korea. Their journey, part of a national effort to build global education partnerships through AESA, opened new doors for reimagining how service agencies and school systems can prepare students—and educators—for an increasingly interconnected world.
From cutting-edge innovations in polytechnic schools to globally collaborative student research projects, Dr. Polk and Dr. Schnoes share insights on what global learning really looks like and why it matters. They also discuss practical ways ESUs in Nebraska might engage in global partnerships through distance learning, teacher exchanges, and student collaborations—making international experiences more accessible than ever before.
Whether you're an educator, administrator, or policymaker, this conversation highlights why cultivating a global mindset isn't just a “nice-to-have”—it's a necessity for the future of education.
To learn more about ACES International, visit https://www.aces.org/schools-programs/aces-international/aesa-aces/overview
To learn more about AESA, visit https://www.aesa.us/
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Brian Lamb, CEO of Swivl, joins the show to discuss the M2—an innovative AI-powered co-teacher that’s transforming instructional support. Designed to enhance—not replace—the work of educators and coaches, the M2 leverages AI to deliver in-the-moment teaching tips, facilitate whole-group dialogue and feedback, and provide on-demand student support in multiple languages.
Brian unpacks the product’s roots in reflective video coaching, its current capabilities as a voice-activated classroom partner, and the ways it elevates differentiation, station rotations, and formative feedback to new heights. This episode also previews his upcoming presentation at the 2025 Future Ready Nebraska Conference.
If you're curious about how AI can empower real-time teaching and learning, this episode offers a forward-thinking look at the evolving role of technology in today’s classrooms.
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, English teacher, blogger, and national thought leader Jen Roberts joins the show to discuss the evolving intersection of literacy instruction and artificial intelligence. With humor, candor, and classroom-tested wisdom, Jen shares how she models ethical AI use, fosters student agency, and navigates the challenges of writing instruction in a world where generative AI is just a few clicks away.
From teaching critical reading with AI tools to maintaining authenticity through peer writing groups, Jen offers concrete strategies and stories from her high school classroom—along with a compelling case for why educators must adapt instruction without abandoning the human elements that matter most.
This conversation also serves as a preview of Jen’s upcoming virtual session at the 2025 Future Ready Nebraska Conference, where she’ll dive deeper into these ideas and equip educators with tools to support their students in this new era of learning.
To learn more about Jen’s work, visit litandtech.com
To register for the free Future Ready Nebraska Conference (June 2–3), visit https://www.nefutureready.com
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we welcome back renowned UDL expert and author Dr. Katie Novak to discuss her latest work at the intersection of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Building on her keynote at the 2024 NeMTSS Summit and ahead of her upcoming presentations at the 2025 Future Ready Nebraska Conference, Katie introduces a four-step framework for lesson design that embraces AI as a tool that both supports and enhances educator creativity and expertise.
Katie and Andrew discuss how AI can empower teachers to design inclusive, rigorous, and personalized learning experiences while fostering student agency and resilience. This timely conversation highlights practical strategies, real-world examples, and honest reflections on the challenges and opportunities AI presents in K-12 education today.
If you're curious about how AI and UDL can work together to create stronger, more supportive classrooms—and how we can prepare students for a future shaped by these technologies—this is an episode you won't want to miss!
Resources Referenced:
- Novak Education
- Future Ready Nebraska Conference Info and Registration
- Peninsula School District AI Integration Resources
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Larianne Polk, CEO of the Nebraska ESU Coordinating Council, and Dr. Dan Schnoes, CEO of ESU 3, ahead of their journey to South Korea and Singapore as part of AESA's Global Leadership Academy. This unique opportunity—coordinated through the national AESA organization and ACES International—offers service agency leaders the chance to learn from and build partnerships with education systems abroad.
On the pod, Dr. Polk and Dr. Schnoes share their motivations for going, the preparation that’s gone into this learning experience, and what they hope to bring back to Nebraska. From conversations on local control to AI integration and teacher training in other countries, this episode highlights how global collaboration is shaping the future of educational leadership.
Listen in to learn how Nebraska is stepping onto the international stage—and stay tuned for a follow-up episode after their return!
To learn more about ACES International, visit https://www.aces.org/schools-programs/aces-international/aesa-aces/overview
To learn more about AESA, visit https://www.aesa.us/
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Tara Gossman, a Teaching and Learning Specialist at ESU 4, returns to share insights from the continued work with Pawnee City Elementary around high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) in math. This follow-up conversation highlights the critical instructional strategies of purposeful questioning, student discourse, and productive struggle that are the bridge between effective materials and deep student learning. Tara also offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at her recent experience publishing an article on this work with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).
Listen in to learn how ESU collaborations are fostering meaningful instructional growth and inspiring educators across Nebraska.
To access Tara’s published article, visit the NCTM website at nctm.org or email the ESUCC to request a copy.
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we explore how Vosaic—a powerful video-based platform developed by Nelnet—is transforming professional learning, coaching, and instructional reflection in Nebraska schools. Terry Chvatal, Director at New Ventures, Emir Plicanic, General Manager of Vosaic, and Mikki Brooks, Education Consultant at ESU 3, join us to unpack the tool’s features, including its innovative AI-driven feedback capabilities.
Together we explore firsthand stories of how Nebraska educators use Vosaic to build instructional skills, streamline coaching and evaluation processes, and foster deeper self-reflection among teachers and administrators alike. This conversation underscores the critical role of reflective practice in continuous improvement and how thoughtful integration of technology can positively impact educational outcomes for all learners.
For more information on Vosaic, visit https://vosaic.com.
This episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast explores a timely and impactful initiative from Nebraska's ESU network focused on the integration of artificial intelligence in writing instruction. Along with Katrina Gotschall, professional development coordinator at ESU 8, we unpack a collaborative project designed to help educators navigate the nuanced, often contentious space between embracing AI and maintaining traditional writing practices.
The conversation covers the genesis of the initiative, inspired by real classroom scenarios and fueled by a grassroots effort from educators across the state. We discuss practical strategies for integrating AI thoughtfully, emphasizing both the efficiency gains for teachers and the opportunities to enhance student writing skills and independence. This episode provides listeners with valuable resources, key considerations, and guidance for thoughtfully incorporating AI into their classrooms—painting the gray areas of writing in the age of AI.
Here's your way to access the Writing & AI resources from the ESU network's project:
- The ESUCC Writing & AI Document - bit.ly/NEWRITINGAI
- The ESUCC Writing & AI Google Doc - bit.ly/NEWRITINGAIDOC
- The ESUCC Writing & AI Video Playlist - bit.ly/NEWRITINGAIVIDEOS
In this insightful episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we're joined by Nick Potkalitsky, a secondary writing teacher, adjunct professor, and the founder of Pragmatic AI Solutions, as we explore the nuanced roles AI can play in the classroom.
Nick introduces his innovative framework that visualizes the teacher-student-AI interaction as a dynamic triangle, emphasizing collaborative, intentional, and thoughtful use of AI tools in education. This conversation moves beyond the binary debates about AI as merely a shortcut or "cheating tool," highlighting instead its potential to enhance critical thinking, creativity, and deeper learning experiences.
Listen in to discover practical examples from Nick’s classroom, how educators can intentionally integrate AI literacy into their teaching practices, and why understanding this triangular relationship might just be the key to unlocking AI's true potential in education.
To learn more about Nick's work...
Visit his Substack at https://nickpotkalitsky.substack.com/
...and check out Pragmatic AI Solutions at https://pragmaticaisolutions.com/
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we explore how Hemingford Public Schools is transforming instructional leadership, curriculum alignment, and school culture through its partnership with the NDE SEED Team. Join us as Dr. Julie Downing of NDE/ESU 13 returns to the podcast alongside Hemingford’s leadership team—Eric Arneson, Mandy Plog, and Dr. Travis Miller—to share the story of how a simple request for a better walkthrough tool sparked a journey of systemic change.
From refining evaluation processes to fostering collective efficacy among educators, this episode highlights the power of collaboration, intentional leadership, and a student-first mindset.
For more information about Hemingford Public Schools, visit: https://www.hemingfordschools.org/
To learn more about the Nebraska SEED Team, visit: https://www.education.ne.gov/educatoreffectiveness/seed/
Navigating the educator certification process can feel overwhelming, but Nebraska’s Educator Certification team is working to change that! In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we sit down with Katelyn Larsen, Director of Educator Certification, and Molly Barnett, Assistant Director, to discuss how their team at the Nebraska Department of Education is improving communication, streamlining processes, and enhancing support for teachers and school leaders across the state.
Listen in to learn about key updates, resources, and proactive steps educators can take to ensure a smooth certification or renewal process. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or district leader, this conversation offers valuable insights into Nebraska’s evolving approach to educator certification.
Looking to learn more? Visit the NDE Educator Certification page at https://www.education.ne.gov/tcert/
This special episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast explores the latest initiatives supporting world language education in Nebraska! Dr. Chrystal Liu, a World Language Specialist at NDE, and Dr. Nick Ziegler, a World Language Coordinator at ESU 5, join the pod to share some exciting updates, including competency-based crediting, the Seal of Biliteracy, and the new high-ability learner identification for world languages.
The episode also highlights Nebraska World Language Week 2024, an exciting statewide celebration happening February 17–23. Chrystal and Nick discuss the daily language themes, live student engagement activities, educator webinars, and the special collaboration with the Embassy of Spain, connecting Nebraska students with the global language community.
Listen to learn how students, educators, and families can participate, celebrate, and advocate for world language learning in Nebraska!
To learn more, visit NDE's World Language page https://www.education.ne.gov/worldlanguage/ or check out details about NE World Language Week at https://www.education.ne.gov/worldlanguage/world-language-week/
Kick off the new year with this insightful solo episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast! Host Andrew Easton explores the latest advancements in AI technology from OpenAI’s "12 Days of OpenAI" and updates within Google’s Notebook LM. Dive into the transformative potential of these tools for education, from enhancing lesson planning and student engagement to supporting professional learning and legislative bill analysis.
Through an innovative demonstration of Notebook LM’s new interactive audio overview features, this episode provides practical applications and thought-provoking ideas to inspire your educational journey in 2025.
Learn more about the 12 Days of OpenAI: https://openai.com/12-days/
Explore Google's NotebookLM: https://notebooklm.google/
In this episode, we reconnect with the Nebraska SEED Team—Dr. Julie Downing, Jeff Gilbertson, and Dr. Ryan Ricenbaw—to explore their ongoing commitment to supporting leadership and learning across the state. The team shares insights into their work, which centers on moving from a compliance-driven mindset to a focus on growth and development, all while fostering collective efficacy and effective leadership in Nebraska schools.
Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on how the SEED Team leverages change theory, strategic leadership, and shared leadership to create impactful learning environments.
To connect with the SEED Team and learn more about how their work is empowering educators and driving change in Nebraska, visit https://www.education.ne.gov/educatoreffectiveness/meet-the-s-e-e-d-team/
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we spotlight the JAG Nebraska (Jobs for America’s Graduates) effort and its mission to prepare students for the future. We're joined by Jessica Hedlund, JAG Nebraska’s Senior Expansion and Onboarding Manager, and Brock Paul, a JAG student leader at Tekamah-Herman Community Schools and the Nebraska State Vice President, to discuss how this transformative program is equipping students with the skills and leadership experiences needed for lifelong success.
Jessi and Brock share insights into the program’s trauma-informed approach, project-based learning curriculum, and employer engagement initiatives, which are driving workforce readiness and leadership development in the JAG students. From fostering communication and soft skills to creating real-world connections with employers, this conversation highlights the statewide impact of JAG.
To learn more about JAG Nebraska, visit https://jagnebraska.org/
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: https://www.education.ne.gov/science/
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 https://greatminds.org/science/phdscience
To access the Nebraska Department of Education's repository of formative tasks for grades 5-8, visit https://www.education.ne.gov/assessment/science-classroom-formative-task-repository-for-grades-5-8/ and contact NDE.
To learn more about the science support and upcoming science-related events hosted by ESU 10, reach out to Dianah Steinbrink https://esu10.org/about/staff-directory
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/
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/
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 related to the Social Studies Inquiry Project at https://www.esucc.org/instructional-materials/social-studies/
Access the Nebraska OER Hub at https://oercommons.org/groups/nebraska-social-studies-inquiry-project/11856/?&__hub_id=55
The Nebraska Page of the C3 Teachers site https://c3teachers.org/nebraska-c3-hub/
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: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-c3-teachers-and-nebraska-esus-are-transforming/id1512974122?i=1000641983055
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 https://www.edsurge.com/news/2024-06-17-ai-might-save-teachers-time-but-what-is-the-cost
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 an d learn from Katie Novak, live and in-person, on September 26-27 in Kearney, Nebraska!
https://nemtss.unl.edu/2024/02/23/2024-nebraska-mtss-summit-super-systems-for-success/
LEARN MORE FROM KATIE...
Novak Education: https://www.novakeducation.com/
The Education Table Podcast: https://www.novakeducation.com/theeducationtablepodcast
SEE ALSO...
CAST's UDL Guidelines 3.0 (released on July 30, 2024): https://udlguidelines.cast.org/
Tom Gusky on Professional Learning: https://tguskey.com/
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 https://networknebraska.ne.gov/ 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:
TeachDigCit.com
TeachDigCit.com/framework
TeachDigCit.com/picturebooks
https://www.pinterest.com/DrKMattson/dig-cit-discussions/ (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 https://www.tisharichmond.com/
Fresh off of her keynote appearance at the Future Ready Nebraska Conference and following up a busy week at the 2024 ISTE Conference, Jaime Donally revisits The Good Life EDU Podcast to share some of her summer learning and where she sees technology for education trending next. Our conversation spans AI, augmented reality, virtual reality, and more -- so don't miss out on this opportunity to see into the future of ed tech.
To follow Jaime and learn more, visit www.arvrinedu.com
To learn more about Kai's Clan (mentioned in the episode), visit https://kaisclan.ai/
In this special episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we bring you a live recording from this summer's Future Ready Nebraska Conference. We recorded a session titled, "All Things Digital Learning," which features Dorann Avey and Shaun Young with NDE and Bill Pulte of ESU 3 sharing their insights on current initiatives, resources, and collaborations taking place within Nebraska's education community. The conversation moves frequently across a myriad of topics, and you can listen in to gain the same insights and learning opportunities as those who were present to participate in this engaging session.
In this inspiring episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we sit down with Dawn Ferreyra and Derek Gangwish, the educators behind the EMIL Maker Lab at ESU 3 in LaVista, Nebraska. Discover how this dynamic makerspace fosters creativity and innovation, providing students with hands-on experiences in 3D printing, laser cutting, embroidery, and more. Learn about the impact of maker education on student engagement and curriculum reinforcement, and how this is just one of the many ways our ESUs serve Nebraska education.
To learn more, visit https://tech.esu3.org/emil
In this enlightening episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we chat with happiness coach and motivational speaker Kim Strobel. Together, we explore Kim's key message about the power of happiness and its profound impact on our personal and professional lives. Kim shares research-backed strategies and actionable insights that educators can implement to foster a positive, joyful environment in their schools and classrooms. Special thanks to Kim Strobel for inspiring us to prioritize happiness and well-being in education.
To learn more about Kim's work and message, visit https://strobeleducation.com/
To access Kim's Gratitude Tracker, visit https://strobeleducation.com/gratitude-habit-tracker/
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/
In this episode, Dani Potter (B-FIT Coordinator) and Cassie Houser (Behavior Specialist) of ESU 4 join us to share their commitment and work in support of students with behavior needs. Our conversation illustrates how Cassie and Dani's roles differ but work in tandem to ensure that not only the student but also those supporting the student(s) have the strategies, communication, and input needed to have a positive impact.
To learn more about ESU 4, visit https://www.esu4.org/
To learn more from ESU 4's Behavior Bites and Newsletter, visit https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057413861341
This episode picks up the conversation from a previous episode that told the backstory behind the purchase and distribution of robotics solutions across K-12 schools in Nebraska. On the pod, Dr. Josh Snyder and Mr. Erik Emerson of Wahoo Public Schools share the story of the devices their district received and how they are introducing products such as Bee-Bots, Tello EDU drones, and the Tetrix Prime robot to students in Wahoo schools. We are also joined once again by Pitsco's regional representative, Preston Fraizer, whose outstanding support both in-person and online has ensured easy onboarding for educators and implementation success statewide.
For more on the ESUCC+Pitsco Robotics purchase and related resources, visit https://resources.pitsco.com/ne-geer-up-program
Dr. Paul Darvasi is back for his annual episode on all things serious play and learning! In this episode, Paul explains his new role as the Executive Director of the Serious Play Conference and how innovation so often comes from utilizing ideas and techniques from one domain in a new or different context. We also delve into educators as learning experience designers, and how viewing an educator's work from that lens has been transformative to his work with teachers and with his company, Gold Bug Interactive.
To learn more about the Serious Play Conference, visit https://seriousplayconf.com/
To learn more about Gold Bug Interactive, visit https://www.goldbuginteractive.com/
Paul recommends James Paul Gee's What Video Games Have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy
In this episode, Superintendent Brian Rottinghaus, 4th Grade teacher Aeden Ghyra, and 5th Grade teacher Hadley Sejkora share Pawnee City School's transformative approach to math education. Together with Tara Gossman of ESU 4, this great collection of educators detail the implementation and impact of Eureka Math, highlighting how it has not only accelerated learning but also enhanced students' understanding and retention of math concepts. This group, with the support of NDE and Instruction Partners, illustrates how coherence led to a new standard for educational excellence in math in Pawnee City.
Visit the Pawnee City Public Schools Site: https://www.pawneecityschool.com/
Visit the Nebraska Dept of Education's Math Page: https://www.education.ne.gov/math/
Visit the Eureka Math site: https://greatminds.org/math/eurekamath
Visit the Instruction Partners' site: https://instructionpartners.org/
This week, we are joined by Bridget Peterkin and Grace Clausen, the co-founders of Dyslexico. Dyslexico is a Nebraska-based AI tech company that provides spelling and grammar correction tools designed specifically for those with dyslexia. Listeners will learn the origin story of this effort and how it has been built out through the support of the Raikes School of Computer Science and Management at the University of Nebraska. The pod also discusses current efforts to pilot these supports in schools, and both Bridget and Grace encourage anyone interested in utilizing this technology to reach out to learn more.
Link to the Dyslexico site: https://dyslexi.co/
In this episode, Dr. Mike Dulaney and Kyle McGowan of the Nebraska Council of School Administrators and Dr. John Skretta, Administrator of ESU 6, discuss several education-related bills that will be heard during this year's legislative session in Nebraska. Together, these leaders and education advocates provide context and details that are sure to support anyone interested in learning more about the prominent topics and themes in education in our state.
To learn more about NCSA, visit https://www.ncsa.org/
To stay up to date on the 2024 Legislative Session, visit https://nebraskalegislature.gov/
To watch Nebraska's Legislative Session live, visit https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/watch/live/
This episode highlights the shift to inquiry for social studies instruction. On the pod, John Lee of C3 Teachers conveys the details of their national efforts with the C3 Inquiry Design Model that Nebraska ESUs utilized in their collaborative efforts to develop inquiry units of study for grades 4-8. Mark Brady of ESU 7 also joins us to share the history of this effort in Nebraska that has produced 60+ inquiry units developed by Nebraska teachers for Nebraska teachers (that are aligned to the Nebraska State Standards).
To access the C3 Teachers' site and resources, visit https://c3teachers.org/
To access the Nebraska Hub on the C3 Teachers' site, visit https://c3teachers.org/nebraska-c3-hub/
If you are a Nebraska teacher who would like more information about joining the 2024 Summer Inquiry Project, reach out to your local ESU for more details.
In this first episode of 2024, we are joined by Seth Fleischauer of Banyan Global Learning for a conversation that spans an array of topics all related to teaching learners Digital Citizenship, whether that be in your own home or in the school environment. On the pod, Seth shares his passion for connecting with students and schools through a live virtual connection to make space for conversations that can help them to better navigate the digital world we live in.
To learn more about Banyan Global Learning, visit https://banyangloballearning.com/
To listen to his podcast, Make It Mindful, visit
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-mindful-an-education-podcast/id1676546196
To listen to his podcast, Make It Mindful, visit
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/why-distance-learning/id1677170895
This episode features two return guests to our show, Dr. Dan Schnoes of ESU 3 and Dr. Larianne Polk of ESU 7. Dan and Larianne each serve their respective ESUs as the Chief Administrator, and this past October, they had the opportunity to travel to Washington DC to meet with Congressmen and women and advocate for Nebraska education. In this episode, they highlight the six main topics from those collective conversations.
To learn more about the national efforts and opportunities for service agency advocacy at the federal level, visit AESA's page https://www.aesa.us/federal-advocacy/
Media Literacy speaker, author, and evangelist, Julie N. Smith, joins The Good Life EDU Podcast this week to talk about the impact generative artificial intelligence is having on media literacy efforts in education. On the pod, Julie highlights examples of how AI is being used to create content and what consumers (like educators, learners, and the general public) can do to keep from being misled by fake news and misinformation.
To connect with Julie, visit heyjuliesmith.com
For access to resources mentioned in the episode, visit...
Google Sheet of 200+ AI Tools
Hot PDF of digital forensics tools
This week The Good Life EDU Podcast features the work of five Nebraska ESUs that received an Educator Pipeline Grant from the Nebraska Department of Education. John Skretta, Molly Aschoff, and Drew Harris join the pod to speak to the unique models that each ESU designed as a way to meet the specific local needs of the districts that they respectively serve. The conversation spans opportunities for education administrators, new-to-the-profession classroom practitioner support, Educator Rising pipeline efforts, fostering substitute teacher pools, and more.
For more information on the ESU in your area of Nebraska, visit https://www.esucc.org/esu-coordinating-council/
Dr. Nicholas Ziegler, World Languages Coordinator at ESU 5, is back on the show this week to give an update on Distance Learning in Nebraska. On the pod, Dr. Ziegler also speaks specifically about the Distance Learning World Languages Program at ESU 5 and the tremendous successes that students are experiencing through those DL courses. Listeners can expect to learn about the content area of World Languages, Distance Education, and how 76 districts across the state are turning to distance learning as an effective avenue for staffing courses when an in-person instructor is not available.
To learn more about the ESU5 World Language Program, visit https://www.esu5.org/services/distance-learning
To learn more about the Nebraska OER Commons, visit
https://oercommons.org/hubs/nebraska
Amanda Bickerstaff, CEO and co-founder of AI for Education, joins The Good Life EDU this week to share how teachers can take a more nuanced approach to prompting generative AI chatbots to save time during the lesson design process and enhance learning opportunities for students. Our conversation builds from there to include insights on generative AI for student use, AI literacy, and the next wave of AI tech tools that are closer to the classroom than one might think.
To connect and continue learning from Amanda, visit aiforeducation.io
This week, we welcome Dr. John Schwartz, Superintendent of Millard Public Schools, to The Good Life EDU to share how schools across Nebraska are telling their stories through the Rooted in Nebraska campaign. Dr. Schwartz is one of a number of leaders in our state who are committed to this effort to highlight how we are "Rooted in Academics and Grown for Success" in Nebraska.
To learn more about the Rooted in Nebraska campaign and access available resources, visit https://www.rootedinnebraska.org/
Also, be sure to check out the hashtag #RootedNE
This week on the podcast, we're joined by Rob Dickson and Dyane Smokorowski from Wichita Public Schools. They take us through their district's venture into generative AI, which kicked off with the introduction of ChatGPT in November 2022. In our conversation, Rob and "Smoke" delve into the motivations behind their initiative, the implementation process, and the significant shifts they've witnessed since then, impacting their dedication to advancing teaching and learning.
To learn more about technology at Wichita Public Schools, visit https://www.usd259.org/domain/904
To read the Edweek article about this effort, visit https://www.edweek.org/technology/chatgpt-is-everywhere-in-this-district-heres-what-it-looks-like/2023/08
This week on The Good Life EDU Podcast, John Meehan of EMC2 Learning joins us for a conversation on student engagement, playful learning, and how educators can get connected to the resources and support that he and Michael Matera provide through their company. John will be in Nebraska for two days of fun and professional learning in November as he works with our ESU PDO TLT affiliate, and this episode previews the ideas, energy, and thoughtful approach to lesson design that educators can expect from that experience.
To learn more about EMC2 Learning, visit https://emc2learning.com/
To register your entire staff for a subscription to EMC2 Learning's resources, contact the ESUCC Coop Purchasing at https://www.esucc.org/cooperative-purchasing/
In this episode, we welcome Peg Coover of ESU 10, co-leader of the Digital Citizenship Symposium effort statewide, to preview the upcoming live and in-person DigCit event on October 16th. We are also joined by this year's keynote speaker Dr. Marialice BFX Curran, who shares her heart for this important topic and what attendees can expect from the event.
To learn more and/or register for this event, visit bit.ly/NEDigCit
To learn more from the DigCit Institute and Dr. Marialice BFX Curran, visit https://digcitinstitute.com/
Education speaker and author Lainie Rowell joins The Good Life EDU Podcast this week with an uplifting message and a number of great ideas for fostering and maintaining an attitude of gratitude. Lainie recently released Bold Gratitude, an interactive journal that serves as a practical companion to her book, Evolving with Gratitude: Small Practices in Learning Communities That Make a Big Difference with Kids, Peers, and the World, and she shares insights and examples from that project on the pod. We ourselves are grateful to Lainie for sharing on the show as there's no time like the start of a school year to effectively integrate new strategies into the rhythms of the day!
To learn more from Lainie, visit https://www.lainierowell.com/
This week on The Good Life EDU Podcast, we welcome Dr. Kathryn Nieves Licwinko to discuss how generative AI technology can help educators reach all learners and design experiences that account for learner variability. We explore how teachers can use generative AI to enhance and expedite their efforts to apply a universal design to learning (UDL). UDL is a framework that helps educators make learning accessible to all students, regardless of their abilities or learning styles.
Dr. Licwinko has extensive experience in developing and implementing generative AI ideas and strategies for educators. To continue to learn from her, listeners can visit her website at http://katienieves.com/
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Sheyanne Smith, who is the High Ability Learning Specialist for Nebraska's Department of Education, joins us to speak about the present efforts to build upon and enhance services for Nebraska's H.A.L. students. We also discuss resources and support for the H.A.L. educators who teach and lead in those spaces.
For more information, the resources mentioned in the episode, or to contact Sheyanne Smith directly, please https://www.education.ne.gov/hal/
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 Meetings, and details easily implemented, practical strategies for each main section of the text. This episode is a must-listen for all educators who facilitate staff meetings and professional learning throughout the year.
For more info and resources on Lead with Collaboration, visit https://leadwithcollaboration.net/
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 to this conversation. We focus on generative AI and how things like intellectual property rights, copyright law, and the crafting of a school plagiarism policy are all being challenged as this technology continues to evolve.
For more on how to cite a generative AI site as a source, visit https://style.mla.org/citing-generative-ai/
If you are looking to extend your learning on AI, here's an article that points to five free courses you can take to learn more about artificial intelligence: https://fortune.com/education/articles/here-are-5-free-ai-classes-you-can-take-online-from-top-tech-firms-universities/
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 to talk about the NREA's current work, the present challenges facing rural education in America, and the innovative and collaborative efforts being made to address them. We also chat about the myriad of ways in which NREA helps keep rural educators connected and informed.
To learn more about NREA (and to register for their annual conference), visit https://www.nrea.net/
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 lives of LPS learners can enhance the level of empathy and understanding that educators and students alike feel toward others in their school community.
To learn more, access LPS Library Services' "The Seat Beside You" site at https://home.lps.org/seatbesideyou/
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 Council toward ensuring that learners have the resources they need to learn and grow in the Fine Arts.
For more information about the grant, visit https://www.education.ne.gov/finearts/ or reach out via email to nde.artsedgrants@nebraska.gov
Cody Talarico can be reached via email at cody.talarico@nebraska.gov
Anne Alston can be reached via email at anne.alston@nebraska.gov
Visit the Nebraska Arts Council's site at https://www.artscouncil.nebraska.gov/ to learn more about their work and for information on additional grant opportunities.
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 advocates for all educators to connect and collaborate with one another in our shared effort to support learners in the new landscape for learning that AI provides.
To learn more from Heather, visit https://www.heathertechedu.com/ or follow her on Twitter @HeatherTechEDU
Julie Downing and Ryan Ricenbaw of the NDE SEED Team are back again this week with an update on their efforts with the Nebraska Teacher and Principal Performance standards. This episode highlights educator effectiveness as the "connective tissue" supporting a variety of education initiatives in Nebraska. In this NDE Admin Days preview, Julie and Ryan identify those connections that they will be presenting on across six sessions at our statewide conference later this month.
To learn more about the NDE SEED Team, visit https://www.education.ne.gov/educatoreffectiveness/
This week on The Good Life EDU Podcast, Scottsbluff High School principal Justin Shaddick joins us to share about their unique approach to career academies and how that programming has enhanced student learning and fostered a career pipeline between their school and local businesses. While Justin is quick to point out that programs like this need to evolve to fit a local context, anyone can listen in and learn from the episode as he shares insights from over a decade invested in this work.
For more information on the Career Academies at Scottsbluff HS, visit https://www.sbps.net/families_and_students/students/career_academies
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 https://digcitinstitute.com/
List of resources mentioned in this episode... Follow Jaime Donally @jaimedonally Follow Heather Brantley @HeatherTechEdu Follow Mrs. Jalland @ellieprimary1 Follow Noa Daniel @iamnoadaniel
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 first 100 days. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Maher on the pod and look forward to our continued collaboration with NDE in support of education in our state.
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 the world, some potential implications of AI on the future of education, and his personal love for all things Harry Potter! We certainly enjoyed this fun and insightful episode and hope you do as well!
For more, visit Curipod.com, create an account, and begin designing your own AI-enhanced lessons.
Also, be sure to stop by Curipod's vendor booth at this year's ISTE Conference!
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, and Challenge All Learners. Paula will be keynoting day two of the FR Nebraska Conference on June 13th, 2023.
To register for the Future Ready Nebraska Conference (it's FREE), visit nefutureready.com
To learn more from Dr. Paula Kluth, visit inclusionrules.com
To learn how to turn on live captioning in PowerPoint, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=847QVGk3jVo
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
This week the ESUCC's Executive Director Dr. Kraig Lofquist takes over as the host of The Good Life EDU Podcast to interview our usual host, Andrew Easton! Andrew will be keynoting this summer's Future Ready Nebraska Conference, sharing his message from his recently released book, Empowered to Choose: A Practical Guide to Personalized Learning. This episode previews Andrew's various sessions that will be featured at this FREE hybrid professional learning event!
To register for the Future Ready Nebraska Conference (free to in-person and virtual attendees), visit nefutureready.com
To connect with Andrew Easton, visit andrewdeaston.com
Listeners can contact Dr. Lofquist at klofquist@esucc.org
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 '23-'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.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1q_mxlnrVOM71n3QxZ_XcAtGAFsor9IXuMl7UFDzxbSc/edit?usp=sharing
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 for this FREE hybrid conference, visit 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 https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/grant-announcements/sm-22-007
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 https://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-education-health-and-human-sciences/moec/index.php
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. https://www.amazon.com/Educators-Strategies-Efficiencies-Artificial-Intelligence/dp/1956306471
- 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. https://ditch.link/aicourses
- 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. https://ditch.link/ai
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 https://www.education.ne.gov/sped/journey-to-inclusion/
This week on The Good Life EDU Podcast, we asked Shelby Aaberg (Scottsbluff HS), Heidi Rethmeier (ESU 8), and Trever Reeh (Westside HS) to join us for a conversation on Nebraska's new data literacy standards in mathematics. The episode captures everything from the origin story of these standards to how math departments and math teachers might approach embedding them into current coursework. We were also grateful to learn more about the upcoming mathematics conference hosted by the Nebraska Association of Teachers of Mathematics (NATM) along with the myriad of other resources shared that are relevant to professionals in their work in this area.
Visit the NATM site for more info and to register for the conference at https://www.natmathematics.org/
Additional resources referenced in the episode include...
- Skew the Script: https://skewthescript.org/
- Stats Medic: https://www.statsmedic.com/
- Mathigon: https://mathigon.org/
- Graspable Math: https://activities.graspablemath.com/
- Desmos: https://www.desmos.com/
- GeoGebra: https://www.geogebra.org/?lang=en
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.
To learn more about AR/VR from Jaime Donally's blog, access https://www.arvrinedu.com/blog
During the episode, Jaime references Digital Citizenship leader Dr. Marialice Curran, who you can connect with via Twitter at https://twitter.com/mbfxc
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.
Bill Pulte of ESU #3 and Andy Boell of the NNNC join The Good Life EDU Podcast his week to provide an update on the present efforts to ensure that Nebraska schools, educators, and students are safe from cyber-attacks. This episode highlights the concern, the current collaborations taking place, and the proposed bills being discussed in the legislature to keep information and hardware safe.
This week, we are joined by Brian Buffington who serves as a tech integration specialist at Pioneer RECA in Cleveland, Georgia. This episode focuses on some of the fun stories and innovative practices that Brian has seen and led in his region in an effort to enhance his support of school leaders and teachers. This episode previews the message of an upcoming session that Brian will be leading for AESA's Small Staff Community of Practice titled, Buff Nuggets for Leaders: Empowering Others.
For more on the AESA session, access the following link before March 23rd. https://associationofeducationalserviceagenciesaesa.growthzoneapp.com/calendar/details/2023-24-small-staff-esas-community-of-practice-822154
For more Buff Nuggets from Brian Buffington, access https://briankbuffington.com/
On this week's episode, Deanna Ingram and Zuzi Sulcova of uBEATS (from UNO and UNMC) join us to point educators and learners alike to the tremendous online materials available for free through the uBEATS program. Listeners will learn about the health science modules uBEATS has available for grades 6-12, and not only is the content vetted by university experts, but it is also aligned with national science standards AND is FERPA and COPPA compliant. Additionally, these on-demand, asynchronous materials come with their own teacher guide! So the only thing left to do is listen to the pod and then access the uBEATS website at https://www.unmc.edu/ubeats
Educators everywhere are turning to Canva as their one-stop-shop for creating any one of a number of things from presentation slides to infographics to video production, editing, and more. For this episode of The Good Life EDU, we are joined by Canva Learning Consultant, Tisha Richmond, who shares her wealth of knowledge on not only what Canva can do but also where those possibilities meet the teaching and learning going on in the classroom setting. And did we mention that - best of all - CANVA for EDUCATION is FREE!
For more on Canva for Education, visit https://www.canva.com/education/
For more from Tisha Richmond, check out her site https://www.tisharichmond.com/
Dr. Dan Schnoes of ESU 3 is back again this week to share his insights on a topic that was recently on the front page of the Omaha World-Herald, paying student teachers for their time spent student teaching. Here's the link to that OWH story.
On the pod, Dan provides the backstory of this effort, the details of its implementation, and the immediate impact it has already garnered in Nebraska. Our conversation also entertains some of the potential unintended consequences in the future while also noting just how imperative it is to be innovative in how we invite new and potential teachers into the workforce.
Preston Fraizer, Pitsco Education's Advisor for the Midwest Region, joins The Good Life EDU this week to share the story of the GEER-Funded robotics purchase that sent $1.4 million dollars worth of robotics devices into Nebraska schools. In a collaborative effort to support this monumental purchase, Pitsco Education and the ESUCC came together to develop a support site where educators and students can access video tutorials, online resources, and downloadable documents to ensure the successful implementation of these devices into student learning experiences. We even included a webinar series with implementation ideas featuring representation from Pitsco and our ESU network statewide.
For more on everything pertaining to this initiative, listen to the podcast and then access the resource page at https://resources.pitsco.com/ne-geer-up-program
This week we welcome back Gold Bug Interactive's CEO and Co-founder, Dr. Paul Darvasi, for an episode that illustrates how Gold Bug is designing creative learning experiences on an international scale. Throughout the pod, Paul shares about numerous projects, each with a very different aim. Despite their differences, every example has a common goal of seeking to understand and engage the learner in experiential opportunities for personal growth and to acquire new knowledge. This conversation offers listeners a chance to think about learning experience design from a lens that is outside of the traditional way we might think about education, and that perspective shift can incite new ideas and innovations in the way in which we support students and educators alike.
To learn more about Gold Bug Interactive, access https://www.goldbuginteractive.com/
To learn more about the iNaturalist app mentioned on the show, access https://www.inaturalist.org/
On February 8th, 2023 US Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona visited ESU 3 in Omaha, Nebraska to learn more about the innovative work being done in the state to support student and educator mental health. This episode of the pod features Dr. Dan Schnoes, CEO at ESU 3, whose advocacy led to the Secretary's visit. We also welcome several Nebraska education leaders including Dr. Kraig Lofquist, Dr. John Skretta, Dr. Scott Blum, and Dr. McKayla LaBorde who all provide their own personal insights about this event. Additionally, Dr. Joan Wade, the Executive Director of AESA, joins us to provide some national context regarding the significance of this historic visit, the first where an acting US Secretary of Education has visited a service agency.
For more on the story of Secretary Cardona's visit, access ESU 3's press release at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LGRKUQFSD8b5eKex2v3LKdPA1Tgm8tD2/view
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, ESU administrators Dr. Dan Schnoes, Dr. Larianne Polk, and Dr. John Skretta join the pod to inform our audience about Nebraska's legislative process and provide insights into several key education-related bills. In the show notes below, you will find several links referenced in the podcast. Continue to follow our show as this won't be our last update from the 2023 session!
Nebraska Legislature Main Page: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/
Nebraska Public Media Page (Where Viewers Can Watch the Live Session): https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/watch/live/
Where to Access the Unicameral Update: http://update.legislature.ne.gov/
Bills Referenced in the Episode
LB48: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/Intro/LB48.pdf
LB153: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/Intro/LB153.pdf
LB324: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/Intro/LB324.pdf
LB516: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50447
LB527: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/Intro/LB527.pdf
LB583: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/Intro/LB583.pdf
LB638: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/Intro/LB638.pdf
LB753: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/Intro/LB753.pdf
LR24CA: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50236
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Shara Johnson of ESU 2, Matthew Burg who is a business teacher at Freemont High School, and Jess Bland who is the superintendent at Oakland-Craig Public Schools join us for a conversation that speaks to the impact that the learning management system, Canvas, has had in their building. On the pod, Shara notes that schools only have until February 28th, 2023 to join the Canvas Consortium this spring and have their implementation costs covered by NDE. To learn more about Nebraska's Canvas Consortium, access https://www.education.ne.gov/educational-technology/canvas-statewide-consortium/.
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
This week on The Good Life EDU Podcast, we learn more about teaching learners with low-incidence disabilities and the unique educator training programs and supports in place for anyone interested in becoming certified to teach students who are deaf or hard of hearing. This conversation features insights from a panel of experts that includes Darsha Pelland the Director of Low Incidence Disabilities with the Nebraska Department of Education, Dr. Julie Delkamiller the Associate Professor of Special Education & Communication Disorders at UNO, and Anne Thomas the Assistant Professor of Practice for Special Education & Communication Disorders at UNL.
For more information, access Special Education – Nebraska Department of Education
In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we are joined by Danna Thomas, founder and CEO of the Baltimore-born, international movement The Happy Teacher Revolution. On the pod, Danna provides insight into the causes contributing to teacher burnout and its prevalence at this time. She goes on to share how both individual educators, as well as entire teams and/or school systems, can make space for teachers to “feel, deal, and be real” in support of educator wellness.
To learn more from Danna and The Happy Teacher Revolution, access https://www.happyteacherrevolution.com/
Dr. Sonny Magana joins us on The Good Life EDU Podcast this week for a conversation about his new book, Learning in the Zone. In the episode, Dr. Magana shares his 7 Habits of Meta-Learners and explains the vital role that “head-and-heart tech” play in the learning process.
To learn more, access https://maganaeducation.com/
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 […]
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 also explain how educators came together this past summer to create a differentiated set of student-facing, self-assessment checklists to promote learner engagement and metacognition.
You can find access to the standards and also the self-assessment checklists at https://www.education.ne.gov/worldlanguage/
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 blended learning through that lens, highlighting the importance of blended learning and a few of the building blocks that support that work and its implementation.
You can listen to Matt and Holly's show, The Digital Learning Podcast, wherever you get your podcasts.
The Good Life EDU Podcast welcomes back Pam Brezenski who now serves as the Project Manager for Get SET Nebraska, a grant by the 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 the state. This effort, which is in its first pilot year, aims to grow from six districts to fifty districts between this school year and the next, and all districts in Nebraska are eligible to participate. For more information on their administrative leadership academy and/or their mentoring and induction programming for special education teachers, please reach out to Pam directly at Pbrezenski@esu13.org.
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 […]
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 the second half of the pod, Eileen Heller of ESU 3 describes the recent efforts of the blended learning workgroup towards living out their new purpose statements. Those efforts include the "What's N.E.X.T. with Blended Learning" live show, which airs across the ESUCC's social media pages at 9:30 am CT on the last Tuesday of each month. Regardless of whether you live in or outside of Nebraska, this episode offers great ideas and avenues for new learning that we hope you find useful and enjoy!
Links
Access our ESUCC live shows on our Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube sites.
Access the ESU's Digital Citizenship Symposium (Resources) and Contest at bit.ly/NEDigCit
Here's a document that highlights the history of the ESUCC's efforts with Blended Learning
Here's the impact study that illustrates the data derived from that initiative.
Here's the blended learning rubric referenced in the episode.
You can watch the first episode of the What's N.E.X.T. with Blended Learning live show here.
For more information, please contact us via our website at esucc.org
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 practical strategies that are easy to implement.
To learn more from Allyson, visit allysonapsey.com/
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, and Diane Meyer explain the full scope of services for our deaf and hard of hearing children and their families. Listeners will appreciate learning about the statewide structure, the programming available, and the heartfelt examples these great educators share from their personal experiences with serving their students.
To learn more about this program and to contact a regional coordinator, access https://nrpdhh.esu9.org/ for more details.
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 Next Education Workforce Learning Cohort, you can do so here:
https://www.aasa.org/edu-workforce.aspx
If you only have 10 minutes, check out this video that captures the big idea of the Next Education Workforce and click around the Next Education Workforce website.
Here is the Resource Collection related to budget-neutral financial models that support innovative staffing (referenced in the episode).
Recent press on the Next Education Workforce
The Nevada Independent, “Reimagining Teaching” (July 28, 2022) AZ Republic OpEd, “Arizona needs great teachers, not just warm bodies, in classrooms. Here's how to get them” (July 30, 2022) EdWeek, “It’s Time to Rethink the ‘One Teacher, One Classroom’ Model” (July 20, 2022) Ed Surge, “Arizona Needs Teachers. Does the Answer Lie Beyond Recruitment?” (July 20, 2022) Scottsdale/Paradise Valley Independent, “Leaving the classroom: 30% of Scottsdale Unified teachers resign, retire” (July 6, 2022) CNET, “The Great Resignation Hasn’t hit School Teachers Yet. Here’s Why it Still Might.” (Feb 14, 2022).
Recently, The Good Life EDU podcast has been exploring a variety of ways in which the education community at large has responded to the present teacher shortage. In this episode, the superintendent of Morrill Public Schools, Barry Schaeffer, and the coordinator for the world languages program at ESU 5, Dr. Nicholas Ziegler, explain how distance learning courses are helping Nebraska schools offer students learning experiences that would be challenging to provide without this programming.
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 came about as a result of Dr. Shurtleff's recent AESA Perspectives journal article by the same title, "What Do We Really Know About the Teacher Shortage and What Can We Do?" which can be accessed at https://www.aesa.us/blog/?p=405.
This is the fifth episode in a five-part series with members of the NDE SEED Team as they share their work with establishing the Educator Effectiveness Standards in Nebraska. This particular pod hones in on school leadership through the Educator Effectiveness lens. Ryan Ricenbaw, co-lead of the NDE SEED Team, opens the episode with a recap of the June Educator Effectiveness Summit, and he is joined by Reid Ehrisman, principal at Madison Middle School, who provides his learning and reflections following that two-day Summit.
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 train, lead, and support this select group of 4th-8th grade teachers as they designed units of study to implement in their own classroom practices and to share with others across our state!
For more information on the SS special project, the inquiry design model, the NE social studies standards and shifts, and to receive access to the resource collection (including the inquiry training itself), access https://www.esucc.org/instructional-materials/social-studies/
Have a pen and paper ready to take notes because this week we are joined by tech integrationist, Eric Curts of Stark Portage Area Computer Consortium (ESC) who shares a myriad of tech tools, sites, and insights that educators can look to integrate into their lesson design and professional learning in the school year ahead.
In the episode we discuss...
Eric Curts's Control, Alt, Achieve Blog: https://www.controlaltachieve.com/
Google's Screencast App for ChromeOS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHyPcIHvlxo
Feedly: https://feedly.com/
Steve Wick's Blog: https://rechargelearning.blogspot.com/
75 Super Ed Tech Blogs to Follow: https://www.controlaltachieve.com/2021/04/edtech-blogs.html
No Sign-Up Tools: https://www.nosignup.tools/
Geo Artwork from Google: https://artsandculture.google.com/experiment/geo-artwork/wgEPVBAUiRVlEQ?hl=en
EmojiMix: https://tikolu.net/emojimix/
Google Educators Group of Ohio: https://sites.google.com/view/geg-ohio/home
Erica Johnson, Assistant Special Education Director at ESU 10, and Pam Brezenski, Special Education Director at ESU 13, join the pod this week to explain the individualized programming that our 18 to 21 special education learners receive in Nebraska as they work towards completing their IEP goals.
Dr. Chris Haeffner of Lincoln Public Schools (ESU 18) joins The Good Life EDU this week to share out about the work that their district is doing to create resources to support school librarians in their district and across Nebraska. Those materials include clear identification of learning objectives by grade level bands, an at-a-glance pacing guide, and lesson plans specific to each objective. Best of all, the team at LPS wants this work to be available to all school librarians, so if you are interested in accessing their resources, now and as they develop more, you can access those at https://home.lps.org/libraries/
In this episode, educator, author, and consultant Lainie Rowell joins us to discuss her latest book, Evolving with Gratitude. Our conversation takes a deep dive into Lainie's learning on the topic of gratitude, and she shares a myriad of practical practices that educators can implement both personally and professionally for the health and wellness of themselves and the students they serve.
Learn more from Lainie at https://www.lainierowell.com/
Nebraska's Educational Service Unit 3 is the only service agency in the country that owns and operates a fully-functioning farm. In this episode of The Good Life EDU podcast, we chat with Troy Glock, the Executive Director of Program Services for ESU 3's Gifford Farm to learn more about the unique learning opportunities and services this special place is providing students in the Omaha Metro Area and across the state of Nebraska.
For more info on Gifford Farm, access http://www.esu3.org/GF/Home
This week, we dive into a data dialogue with Amy Trauernicht of ESU 13 and Melissa Engel of ESU 16, the co-chairs of the Data Cadre in our state. In the episode, Amy and Melissa explain all things data related to education from what data is collected, how it is housed, the process for facilitating data dig conversations, and the logistics for how the Data Cadre supports teaching, learning, and other edu-initiatives across Nebraska.
Should you be interested in learning more about the data cadre, accessing their resources, and potentially signing up to become a member of this group, please visit the Nebraska Data Cadre website at https://sites.google.com/esucc.org/data-cadre
Brandon Mowinkel, principal at Milford Jr/SR High School in Milford, Nebraska, joins us for the pod to preview his message for his keynote and breakout sessions at the upcoming Future Ready Nebraska Conference. In this episode, Brandon shares insights about the culture at Milford and the guiding principles that have led his school, staff, and students through his tenure there.
Register for the #FRNebraska Conference at nefutureready.com
Andy Boell of the Northeast Network Nebraska Consortium and Gary Needham of ESU 9 join us on the pod this week for a conversation on the topic of cyber security in education. In this episode, Andy and Gary provide insights regarding the current work being done to thwart cyber attacks on Nebraska schools. They also spend some time advocating for where this work could go next to ensure that information stays secure.
This week, Dr. Dan Schnoes, the chief executive officer of Nebraska's ESU 3 shares about his new appointment to the Executive Board of AESA, the Association of Educational Service Agencies. In this episode, Dr. Schnoes provides insight into the role ESAs play broadly in the US while also underscoring AESA's efforts to lead, grow, advocate, and connect agencies to one another and the larger conversations happening in our country.
For more on AESA, check out their website at aesa.us
The Good Life EDU podcast is back again this week with yet another preview from a Future Ready Nebraska Conference featured speaker! Award-winning school librarian and school board member, Elissa Malespina, joins us to share her insights on the important role school librarians play in supporting learning and school culture.
Register for the in-person or virtual experience at the Future Ready Nebraska Conference, visit nefutureready.com
In this episode, Kim Snyder and Ryan Ricenbaw of the NDE SEED Team invite school attorney and education advocate Bobby Truhe to join them for a discussion on teacher and principal evaluation practices. This conversation encourages a mindset shift when it comes to evaluation, emphasizing educator support and development over mere compliance to a prescribed checklist of basic standards.
In this episode, educator, author, and speaker John Spencer joins us to preview his upcoming keynote message and afternoon workshop that he will deliver at this year's Future Ready Nebraska Conference on June 13th and 14th, 2022. John shares on the topic of choice and voice along with advocating for frameworks such as project-based learning and genius hour.
If you're interested in participating in the Future Ready Nebraska Conference, you can register to join in-person or remotely at https://nefutureready.com/
For additional info, resources, blogs, and more from John Spencer check out https://spencerauthor.com/blog/
This episode is the third of five pods we are hosting with the NDE SEED Team on their work with the Nebraska Teacher and Principal Performace Standards (NTPPS). Julie Downing, Kim Snyder, and Ryan Ricenbaw join us this week to discuss the upcoming Educator Effectiveness Summit on June 16 & 17, 2022.
In this episode, we feature ESU 9's efforts to support the mental health and wellness of the students in their region through their special services, specifically discussing their LIMHP and LMHP supports. Joe Haney, the Director of Special Services at ESU 9, along with Liesel Hogan, a licensed independent mental health practitioner at ESU 9, speak to their experiences serving and supporting schools in this critica area of education.
In this week's episode, Dr. John Skretta, administrator of ESU 6 and all-around ed advocate in our state, joins the show to provide a detailed summary of the education-related legislation that was passed into law during the 2022 session in Nebraska.
For information specific to each bill, you can follow the timestamps associated with each in the notes below.
Legislative Bill #: Time in the Episode
LB 852: 20:18
LB 1112: 22:25
LB 1143 & 1146: 27:45
LB 1034: 29:52
LB 1218: 32:14
LB 945: 35:47
LR 374: 38:51
LR 397: 40:40
LR 401: 41:10
What a fun episode this week as Alison Smith of ESU 16 and Mellissa Donohoe of Mullen Public Schools joined us to share their story of how our ESUs support professional learning in Nebraska with personalized professional learning. In this episode, Mellissa explains how she capitalized upon her PLC's learning and implemented strategies that enhanced engagement, learner motivation, and the culture in her business class.
In this episode, Julie Downing and Kim Snyder of the NDE SEED Team discuss how school leaders can take action to retain teachers and recruit the best new hires by focusing on fostering for their staff a sense of belonging, having a voice, feeling supported, and receiving excellent professional development. Julie and Kim speak from their lens as a part of the educator effectiveness team, a group charged with developing the teacher and principal standards in Nebraska.
To learn more about the NDE SEED Team and/or to contact its members directly, please visit https://cdn.education.ne.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Educator-Effectiveness.Utilizing-Supporting-Educator-Effectiveness-through-Development-S.E.E.D.-to-Grow-Systems.pdf
This week, Julie Downing of ESU 13 kicks off a five-part pod series that communicates the various aspects of the NDE SEED Team's work. In this episode, she is joined by Kellen Conroy, our SDA chair from ESU 1, and Brooke Kavan of ESU 7. Together, they share how our ESU staff developers are able to integrate the educator effectiveness lens into their conversations and cognitive coaching when those individuals meet with and support schools and teachers in their respective regions of Nebraska.
ESU 3's Aaron Bredenkamp joins The Good Life EDU this week for a conversation on the MTSS work being done in region 3 and across the state of Nebraska. This is an insightful and fun conversation that explores how the MTSS umbrella can unify a school or district and its various initiatives under a mindset of continuous improvement across all facets that support learner growth and achievement.
This week, immersive learning enthusiast, Jaime Donally, joins us again for an episode on the impact of augmented reality and virtual reality in education today. We also devote some time to discussing the metaverse and the future potential learning opportunities that technology might provide.
To learn more from Jaime through her collective works and the #31DaysofARVRinEDU initiative, visit her website at https://www.arvrinedu.com/
This week, Scott Butler of Project Harmony in Omaha, Nebraska speaks to the powerful role that hope plays in the learning process, both for the learner and the educator alike. The pod shares research, first-hand experiences, and practical examples of the process from which educators can begin to implement this layer of learning into the educational experiences they design.
For more on Project Harmony visit https://projectharmony.com/
Katie Novak joins us for a great conversation on Universal Design for Learning and the role those practices can play in the MTSS model in this episode of The Good Life EDU podcast! For more on UDL and the work Katie has elevated, check out her site at https://www.novakeducation.com/
This week, Dr. James Rickabaugh, the Former Director and now Senior Advisor for the Institute for Personalized Learning, joins us for a fascinating conversation that takes a deep look at personalization and its place in education today and moving forward. In this episode, Dr. Rickabaugh also entertains the future impact of virtual reality and artificial intelligence on education as technology continues to advance.
In this episode, Dorann Avey, the Digitial Learning Director with NDE, and Shara Johnson, Digital Learning Coordinator at ESU 2, join us to share the history, current work, and vision for the future of the Canvas Consortium in Nebraska. Learn how Canvas is having a profound impact on learning in our state and how you can get your local school, district, or institution involved.
Show Resources To learn more about the Canvas Consortium, visit https://www.education.ne.gov/educational-technology/canvas-statewide-consortium/
and for questions, please contact necavas@esu2.org
In this episode of The Good Life EDU podcast, we are joined by author and educator Rachelle Dene Poth for a conversation about her latest book, "Things I Wish ... Knew." On the pod, Rachelle shares the backstory of this project and advocates for the importance of being a connected educator with a growth mindset. If you are interested in more information about the book, you can find it on Amazon or through Rachelle's site at https://rdene915.com/.
This week, the great games-in-education guru, Dr. Paul Darvasi, is back on the show to discuss the topic of participatory culture and its impact on education today. The conversation delves into how educators might leverage engagement strategies and techniques found in social media and games to engage students and enhance the learning experience design for our Gen Z learners. Paul also shares about his recent venture, Gold Bug Interactive, which you can learn more about at https://goldbuginteractive.com/.
This week, Bill Pulte of ESU 3 makes his third appearance on The Good Life EDU and explains what Eduroam is and the potential benefits of their services for Nebraska schools and the learners that they serve. Eduroam's impact on cyber security is notable and will also enhance student internet access, which makes this conversation a valuable listen for any and all educators in our state.
In this episode of The Good Life EDU podcast, Andi McNair, Digital Innovation Specialist at ESC Region 12 in Texas and author of Genius Hour and A Meaningful Mess, joins us to discuss how we might apply what we know about PBL, passion-based learning, to our approach to professional development in education. Andi advocates for PBT, passion-based teaching, on the pod and outlines the steps teachers might take in order to reignite their passion for the work that they do. At the close of our conversation, Andi points listeners to consider joining her Passion-Based Teaching Academy, which is set to start on February 2nd, 2022. To register for the academy, visit bit.ly/PBTAregister.
This episode captures the backstory and present collaborative efforts being made by our ESU colleagues across Nebraska to develop and share high-quality instructional materials for social studies, grades 4-8. The pod features Lori Broady, leader of the SDA Social Studies cadre, and Nick Ziegler, co-leader of the TLT affiliate, as they discuss the Why, How, and What regarding this work. The call to action for this conversation is to invite current social studies teachers in Nebraska to apply to be a part of this initiative. To receive an application, please contact Andrew Easton at aeaston@esucc.org directly if you or someone you know is interested in being a part of this fun and unique opportunity.
In this episode, we are joined by four different educators from across our ESU network as they share about the work they do on behalf of the students and school systems that they serve in our state. The pod opens with a conversation about paraprofessionals with ESU 9's Joe Haney. Part two of the pod takes us to the ESU 4 region where Sally Scheiner explains the unique partnership between ESU 4 and NDE that supports the Nebraska Center for the Education of Children who are Blind or Visually Impaired. Part three features Jean Anderson of ESU 10 and Brittany Shackleton of ESU 2 as they explain Part C services, Part B services, and the supports that the ESU special services provide learners with special needs from birth to age 21.
In this episode, Kellen Conroy of ESU 1, Marci Ostmeyer of ESU 7, and Alison Smith of ESU 16 share about the work being done by the ESU staff development affiliate in our state. The pod begins with Kellen explaining what SDA is and how it functions as an intermediary between the Nebraska Department of Education and the local districts. Marci Ostmeyer then joins us for part two of the episode to discuss the ESU SIMPL process, which is instrumental in helping districts self-assess, identify, and then address (with ESU support) the needs in their respective systems. Finally, Alison Smith goes into further detail regarding the day-to-day life of an SDA member in support of the diverse needs of the numerous districts her ESU supports.
In each episode of this series, we chat with educators from different ESUs across Nebraska to learn more about how they serve and support the school systems in their respective regions of the state. This conversation focuses on the topic of social-emotional learning and wellness and features Jen McNally of ESU 5, Theresa Ritta-Olson of ESU 10, and Lynne Herr of ESU 6. Each of these ESU colleagues shares insights about the work they do in support of SEL and wellness on behalf of educators and learners in their area schools.
Link to Jen McNally's Wellness Printables (from Part 1 of the pod)
Link to Lynne Herr's "Take Care of You" Slide Deck (from Part 3 of the pod)
This episode is the first in a series of pods dedicated to highlighting the local and collective efforts the Nebraska ESUs are making in service to education in Nebraska. Each week, we will focus on a topic and showcase the current conversations and work being done in that area. Episode 1 takes a look at ed-tech and the breadth of the ESUs statewide support, ranging from pairing tech integration with instructional best practices (Dr. Lynne Herr, of ESU 6 - 0:00) to the Canvas Consortium and districtwide LMS implementation (Shara Johnson of ESU 2 - 22:00) and the latest on Cyber Security in Nebraska schools (Bill Pulte of ESU3 - 35:40). We hope you enjoy this pod and the entire series!
Laurie Smith, 4th-grade teacher at Sumner-Eddyville-Miller Elementary, was recently recognized by the National Rural Education Association as the National Rural Teacher of the Year. In this episode, Jack Moles, the executive director of NRCSA (the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association) joins Laurie for an insightful conversation about teaching, leading, and fostering relationships in the rural school setting.
Learn more about NRCSA on their website NRCSA.net.
In this episode, Peg Coover of ESU 10 joins us to share the ESUPDO TLT Digital Citizenship work group's efforts to take what was once their in-person Digital Citizenship Symposium online. In the spring of 2021, their number of participants multiplied by nine times to involve 2,000+ Nebraska students on this important topic. In the pod, you will learn more about how students can access this year's DigCit content and get involved in the statewide competitions. For more information, listen to this conversation and then visit bit.ly/NEdigcit.
In this episode, we are joined by Andi McNair, author of Genius Hour: Passion Projects that Ignite Innovation and Student Inquiry -- and -- A Meaningful Mess: A Teacher's Guide to Student-Driven Classrooms, Authentic Learning, Student Empowerment, and Keeping it All Together without Losing Your Mind. Andi shares on the topic of interventions, looking specifically at the strategies, voice, and motivation being utilized when a learner is struggling to grasp a concept. This pod shares a great reframing of the approach to intervention along with strategies for how to practically make those adjustments in the classroom.
Mentioned in this episode... Daniel Pink's Ted Talk, The Puzzle of Motivation https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pink_the_puzzle_of_motivation?language=en
Connect with Andi McNair at http://www.andimcnair.com/
In this episode, CEO and co-founder of Peekapak, Ami Shah, shares her backstory and the formation of her ed-tech company. Peekapak provides CASEL-aligned stories, lessons, and learning games that help keep social-emotional learning (SEL) engaging wherever learning happens. For information on Peekapak, visit their website at peekapak.com to learn more about the work that they do in support of SEL for students.
In this episode, Tisha Richmond, author of Make Learning Magical, joins us for a conversation on the M in her M.A.G.I.C.A.L. acronym, Meaningful Beginnings. Tisha shares about ideas for how to build culture and community at the start of the school year.
To connect with Tisha via her website at https://www.tisharichmond.com/
In this episode, professional learning specialists Amy Schultz and Kristen Slechta of ESU 9 join us for an energetic and practical conversation about supporting new-to-the-profession teachers. Join us to learn more about everything from relationship building strategies to routines and procedures, and we enjoy as we have some karaoke fun along the way!
In this episode, we take a close look at what it means for learners to earn the Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy and how that distinction can be a future academic, career, and financial benefit to students. To explore this topic, we are joined by Chrystal Liu, World Language Specialist with the Nebraska Department of Education, and Nick Ziegler, World Language Coordinator and Tech Integrationist at ESU 5. Together, Chrystal and Nick share a wealth of information that speaks to the amazing work being done to enhance language learning and development across our state.
The Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy Site
Distance Learning Courses on the ESUCC's NVIS Site
For more on how Distance Learning Courses work in Nebraska, access this testimonial from Barry Schaeffer, Superintendent of Arthur County Schools.
Contact Nick Ziegler at nziegler@esu5.org for information on receiving World Language Courses via Distance Learning.
This week, Bill Pulte of ESU 3 joins the pod for a fascinating conversation on cyber security in education and the steps schools can take to keep their students and staff information safe.
This week we talk Special Ed and SRS with McKayla LaBorde, Director of Student Services at ESU #3, and Stuart Clark, Director of Special Education at ESU #1. In this episode, McKayla and Stuart share about the work being done to update the website and forms within SRS to improve the collaborative conversations taking place when educators and their learners create and modify IEPs. We also touch upon the impact that LB 527 is having as the age to begin post-secondary goal setting conversations and transition plans shifts from 16 years of age to 14 years old.
In this episode of The Good Life EDU podcast, we are joined by Christine Haeffner of Lincoln Public Schools and Sara Churchill of the University of Nebraska Omaha for an insightful look at the impact school librarians have on learning in the contemporary school setting. The role of the school librarian has expanded significantly over the past twenty years, and in this conversation, we discuss the breadth of support that this vital position plays on behalf students, teachers, and learning in schools today.
In this episode, Tara Martin joins us once again for a conversation on how the very things that help us recharge during the summer can be the key ingredients to professional growth in the year to come. In a summer where many educators are burnt out and in need of a break, this episode considers how personal growth can be some of the best and most applicable PD an educator experiences in the summer.
This is the third pod in our three-part series previewing the Future Ready Nebraska Conference that will take place from 9am-1pmCT on June 14 and 15th. In this episode, we are joined by Melissa Pilakowski, ELA teacher from Valentine High School and Mike Mohammad, physics teacher from Brookfield Central High School in Wisconsin. In this chat, Melissa and Mike reflect on their experiences over the past year, highlight their takeaways, and look optimistically to the future of education in the post-pandemic classroom.
Register for the Future Ready NE Conference at nefutureready.com
Dr. Cory Epler of the Nebraska Department of Education joins us this week for a conversation on the work being done around High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIMs) in Nebraska. This episode is a Future Ready Conference preview of Dr. Epler's breakout session, #MaterialsMatter, which will be delivered at 11:35amCT on June 14th.
Resources Referenced in the Pod
The Future Ready Nebraska Registration Link: https://nefutureready.com/
The Nebraska Instructional Materials Collaborative: https://nematerialsmatter.org/
The Nebraska OER: https://www.oercommons.org/hubs/nebraska
This week, Matt Miller, author of Ditch That Textbook and Tech Like a Pirate, joins the pod as a Future Ready Nebraska Conference preview. Matt will be keynoting and leading a breakout session at that FREE virtual event on June 14. In this episode, our conversation focuses on how the pandemic era of learning has accelerated tech integration in education, and we discuss the promise this shift holds for the future of education as a result. Additionally, Matt delves into his work supporting teachers, TikTok for professional development, ideas from his latest book, and more.
Register (It's FREE) for the Future Ready Nebraska Conference: https://nefutureready.com/
Access Matt Miller's Ditch That Textbook Site: https://ditchthattextbook.com/
Link to Resources Matt Mentioned in the Pod: https://ditchthattextbook.com/101
In this episode, Brooke Kavan (ESU 7) and I visit Millard West High School in Omaha, Nebraska to chat with Brooke's 17-year-old cousin, Camille O'Neill. Camille, a junior at MWHS, navigates her school day with significantly limited vision due to a condition called retinopathy of prematurity. In the pod, Camille shares about the challenges she faces on a daily basis and her ability to persevere, learn, and succeed with the support of her physics teacher, Mr. Tyler Berzina.
In this episode, international best-selling author and licensed clinical social worker, Amy Morin, joins us to share out about her new book, 13 Things Strong Kids Do. This conversation delves into Amy's own personal backstory as the impetus driving the Why behind her work, and we explore some of the thirteen talking points in this text, making connections to an educational context.
To learn more from Amy, check out her website at https://amymorinlcsw.com/ where you can find courses, her podcast, books, and more.
Link to purchase 13 Things Strong Kids Do: https://www.amazon.com/13-Things-Strong-Kids-Do/dp/0063008483
If you are curious about the future of education and the role technology will play in supporting student learning, this conversation with Dr. Helen Crompton reveals that what many of us might perceive as the future is actually happening now. Dr. Crompton joins us as one of the leaders and coaches for the ISTE+GM Artificial Intelligence Exploration program, and she shares out about how AI is changing the way teachers can support their learners.
You can access the following link for more information on the ISTE+GM AI Explorations program: https://sites.google.com/docs.iste.org/isteaiandstemnetwork/home
In this episode, Alan Wang, the executive director of the Omaha-based non-profit Prairie STEM, shares out about the myriad of initiatives that Prairie STEM is currently invested in to provide engaging and authentic learning opportunities for all students in Nebraska (and beyond) in the areas of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics. This conversation is as informative and it is inspirational, and if you are interested in learning more about Prairie STEM, you can reach them at https://prairiestem.org/.
This week, we are joined by Rachelle Dene Poth, who is a Spanish teacher, national speaker, author, and education technology consultant. In the pod, Rachelle shares her personal love for learning and the many avenues through which she has collaborated with educators from around the world through social platforms. Our conversation looks specifically at the Clubhouse app along with StreamYard as two relatively new ways in which the education community has been able to share ideas and communicate with one another throughout the pandemic.
This week on the pod, we welcomed Sydney Kobza, the Assistant State Director for CTE with the Nebraska Department of Education, for a chat about the latest in career & technical education in our state. In this episode, we explore the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the extraordinary efforts being made to continue to provide quality learning experiences and statewide competitions despite the challenges of the present time. Our conversation also delves into the details about the DTE reVision Action grant, which can be applied for at https://www.education.ne.gov/nce/action-grant/
This week, The Good Life EDU hosts author, speaker, and ed-tech consultant Jaime Donally for a conversation about immersive learning through augmented reality and virtual reality experiences. Jaime is an educator who never puts the tech before the standards and the learning goals, and she advocates for that approach to tech integration while also sharing her insights on how AR and VR can enrich the learning experience for all students.
In addition to this pod, you can learn from Jaime at the NETA conference where she will be a featured speaker later this month. Also be sure to check out Jaime's blog/social media campaign for March, #31DaysofARVRinEDU.
LINKS
NETA Conference Registration Link
Purchase Jaime's Latest Book, The Immersive Classroom, on Amazon.
In this episode of The Good Life EDU podcast, the NDE SEED Team is back to share an update on their work with revising the teacher and principal effectiveness standards for Nebraska. This pod delves into personal insights and stories from each of the SEED Team members that helps communicate the thinking behind their efforts and the heart these leaders have for the admin, teachers, and learners across the state.
In this episode, we are joined by Dani Beerbohm, Principal of Bellwood Elementary (David City Public Schools), and Tammy Carlson, Principal of Fullerton Elementary (Fullerton Public Schools), for a conversation on leadership during the pandemic. In the pod, Dani and Tammy delve into their own self-care strategies, their lead by example approach to principalship, and they close the show with several practical ideas for how to improve the culture and morale in their building in the face of these trying times.
This week we are joined by Sally Nellson Barrett, Andy Marinkovich, and Brittany Mascio of Nebraska Public Schools who give their behind-the-scenes insights on the latest I ❤️ Public Schools film, The Mind Inside, Episode 3. This docuseries explores the landscape of mental health issues in Nebraska's public schools, with this particular episode focusing on the North Platte Public Schools' Brandy Buscher (Director of Student Services NPPS) and Officer Jay Johnson (School Resource Officer NPPS) in their efforts to support the students they serve.
Click here to view The Mind Inside, Episode 3: https://iloveps.org/films/the-mind-inside-episode-three
On this week's pod, Ebony McKiver, a social studies education specialist with the Nebraska Department of Education, joins us for a discussion on Black History Month, on the NE social studies standards, and how teachers might approach their work in a way that integrates marginalized voices into the curriculum.
Resource Referenced in the Show:
https://www.education.ne.gov/socialstudies/
Past Episode with Lori Broady on the NE Social Studies Standards:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-studies-shifts-and-remote-learning/id1512974122?i=1000489046450
In this episode, Jennifer Casa-Todd, author, speaker, and teacher-librarian at Cardinal Carter CHS in Aurora, Ontario, joins us to share her expertise and insights on the topic of digital citizenship. Jennifer's message promotes that educators think about this work not simply as a list of things students should avoid doing, and instead look to foster digital leadership skills in the students they serve. You can learn more from Jennifer at https://jcasatodd.com/.
Additionally, the Nebraska ESUCC is currently promoting a Digital Citizenship competition where students are being asked to share a PSA or poster that helps to educate others on the topic of Digital Citizenship. For more info and the entry form, access this link bit.ly/NEDigCit2021.
In this episode, Tricia Pettis and Kaela Loo of Edina Public Schools in Minneapolis, Minnesota join us for a conversation on their work with personalized learning and their approach to helping learners develop the capacity to learn independently. Edina Public Schools was the recipient of the 2019 Trailblazer Award at the National Convening for Personalized Learning, and in this pod, Tricia and Kaela share about the work being done in their district before the pandemic and also how that has influenced their approach to delivering remote teaching and learning during this time.
In this episode, Julie Moore, the Executive Director for NETA, joins us for a conversation on the multitude of efforts the NETA organization has made and is making to support education in our state throughout the pandemic. The pod captures the NETA board's vision for supporting education and illustrates how that leadership group has held true to that mission despite the challenges facing everyone in education over the course of the past year.
In this episode, Paul Darvasi joins us for a practical conversation on the thinking that goes into developing an Alternate Reality Game (ARG) unit. This pod takes an in-depth look at this unique style of unit design that leverages both game-based learning and gamification elements to create an immersive and engaging narrative experience.
This episode shares audio recorded from an hourlong Q&A session that the ESU TLT group had with author, speaker, and blended learning expert Dr. Catlin Tucker. In this chat, Catlin shares her insights on a myriad of important topics and scenarios related to remote learning and also concurrent or hyflex learning. The pod covers quite a bit of ground in this area in a relatively short period of time.
In this episode, three students from Tri County High School in Nebraska share how they created a self-care resource to support their peers' mental wellness during this challenging time during the pandemic.
There is some exciting new work being done by the Nebraska Department of Education as they look to update the current teacher and principal standards for educators statewide, and in this episode, the leaders of that work, Kim Snyder, Julie Downing, and Ryan Ricenbaw, join us to share the vision and work being done in that space. This pod is the first of several that we will release about this initiative in an effort to keep everyone informed as this work evolves.
This week, Quim Sabrià, the co-founder and CEO of the ed tech tool Edpuzzle, joins us on the pod to share the ways in which Edpuzzle can add accountability and engagement when learners are assigned instructional video content. Our conversation spans everything from Quim's personal story from classroom teacher to CEO to the nuances of how. teachers might use Edpuzzle in their class. We also delve into how Edpuzzle can enhance learning both in the remote setting and also when we return to our future, new normal.
In this episode, NRCSA's executive director Jack Moles, ESU 6 Administrator John Skretta, and Superintendent of Gibbon Public Schools Vernon Fisher join us to discuss their most recent collaborative efforts to develop remote learning supports for rural Nebraska schools. Our conversation provides the backstory and vision behind the initiative, a detailed look at the work currently being done, and a preview of what districts can expect to see from this work as early as December.
In this episode, Julie N. Smith, media literacy advocate and author of Master the Media, speaks to just how important it is for educators to equip learners with media literacy skills, regardless of content area or grade level. In this pod, Julie offers useful insights for how we might better identify fake news and misinformation while also sharing a myriad of practical examples of how teachers might integrate media literacy into their current teaching practices/units.
Ann Kozma from Flipgrid joins us for this episode of The Good Life EDU podcast to share some of the best ideas for how educators might look to leverage Flipgrid during the multitude of learning models occurring during the pandemic. In this episode, we talk ways Flipgrid can support SEL, student creation, relationship and community building, and more.
Wow. We covered a lot of content in this pod! In this episode, Shara Johnson of ESU 2 shares her insights and expertise with how everyone from classroom teachers to school administrators to ESU employees (and even the state of Nebraska as a whole) might seek to leverage Canvas to enhance communication, collaboration, and ultimately learning. Shara has been an integral part of the Nebraska Canvas Consortium's statewide implementation, and so it was great to have her on the show to relay some of the amazing things that Canvas can do in support of education in our state.
This week, we revisit the topic of mental health with ESU 5's Jen McNally and Tri County Public Schools administrators Jesse Gronemeyer and Ryan Clark. In this pod, we explore how Tri County Public Schools have made wellness a part of the school culture as a result of their collaboration with ESU 5's Wellness for All support. In these trying times, this is a critical topic to keep at the forefront of our thoughts and conversations, and this episode shares one district's efforts to be intentional about building an environment where it is okay to not be okay.
This episode is a must listen as Amy and Kristen of ESU 9 go through five engagement strategies that lead to powerful learning experiences for students. Amy and Kristen do a phenomenal job in this pod of first establishing what these practices look like in a traditional classroom setting before then delving into how those same strategies can be utilized in a digital environment for remote learning.
Doug Fisher, co-author of The Distance Learning Playbook, joins us this week on the pod for a discussion on remote learning best practices and strategies. This pod is a fun kick-off to our ESU network's bi-monthly book study of this text! Our first DL Playbook Lunch Bunch session starts today! Whether you are an ESU employee or an edu-friend of the pod, be sure to pick up your copy of The Distance Learning Playbook as a way to extend your own work with remote teaching and learning.
Author, blogger, and teacher self-care advocate Mandy Froehlich joins us on this week's episode as we identify some of the emotional struggles teachers are facing in the present moment. Our conversation explores how giving words to your feelings and fostering empathy for others can help us all get through these hardships together. If you would like to continue to learn from and with Mandy, you can access her blog and resources at https://mandyfroehlich.com/
In this episode, Otis Pierce joins us as our first return-guest of the show to share the work the ESU Perkins Cadre memebers do in support of CTE Teachers statewide. This pod is part of a series showcasing our ESUs' respective cadre groups in the hopes of sharing insights and resources to help teachers navigate the current hybrid or remote learning experiences they are designing for students.
In this episode, Lori Broady of ESU 4 speaks as the ESU Social Studies cadre co-chair and shares her insights regarding the new shifts in the social studies standards, making sure to relay resources and remote learning ideas along the way. Lori is incredibly knowledgable and passionate about this content area, and that truly shines through in this fantastic conversation.
As the saying goes, no significant learning occurs without a significant relationship, and finding ways to foster and maintain those relationships may prove to be more challenging than ever this fall as more and more learning moves online. In this episode, Kindergarten teacher and Apple Distinguished Educator Dustin Carlson and high school ELA teacher Melissa Pilakowski share their ideas for how we might stay connected with our learners during a hybrid and/or remote learning setting.
Catlin Tucker is a bestselling author, international trainer, and a keynote speaker who is at the forefront of the blended learning movement. In this episode, Catlin shares her perspective and ideas for how educators can enhance their effectiveness when teaching remotely, so join us for a conversation full of useful insights and great ideas for how to take the next step forward in your remote teaching practices.
What a fun conversation this was with ESU 2's Kelly Georgius. Kelly also serves as the current math cadre leader for our ESUs statewide, and so in this episode she shares her philosophy on math along with some resources and strategies that educators should look into for both at-school and remote learning.
In mid-March, while schools were closing and the country was shutting down, Dr. Hunter Flodman, a professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Jan tenBensel, chair of the Nebraska Ethanol Board, were just getting started with their plan to help create what became 200,000 gallons of hand sanitizer for essential institutions across the state. In this episode, Dr. Flodman and the ESUCC's own Craig Peterson tell this incredible story of statewide collaboration in an effort that truly showcases the type of hard work, determination, and selflessness that typifies what it means to be a Nebraskan. This pod is a must listen, and on behalf of the ESUCC and educators everywhere, we certainly want to express our appreciation to everyone involved with bringing this effort to fruition.
In mid-March, while schools were closing and the country was shutting down, Dr. Hunter Flodman, a professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Jan tenBensel, chair of the Nebraska Ethanol Board, were just getting started with their plan to help create what became 200,000 gallons of hand sanitizer for essential institutions across the state. In this episode, Dr. Flodman and the ESUCC's own Craig Peterson tell this incredible story of statewide collaboration in an effort that truly showcases the type of hard work, determination, and selflessness that typifies what it means to be a Nebraskan. This pod is a must listen, and on behalf of the ESUCC and educators everywhere, we certainly want to express our appreciation to everyone involved with bringing this effort to fruition.
This week's pod features two of ESU 7's finest, administrator Larianne Polk and profession development director Marci Ostmeyer, for an episode that details how our ESUs collaborate with the districts in their region towards developing strategic, data-driven plans for the services they provide/utilize and implement. Their collaboration follows the SIMPL program (Service Implementation Matrix Process & Log), which ESU 7 developed.
This week, we welcome Dr. Robert Dillon to the pod for a practical conversation on how educators might think through designing our classroom spaces given the social distancing measures that have come with the pandemic. We also take time to discuss ideas for supporting learners in a remote setting. Listeners will leave this conversation with several new ideas to consider implementing within their learning environment that will help make the space more conducive to optimizing student learning.
In this week's episode, Tara M Martin reminds us to be "R.E.A.L." as educators, even in a remote setting, by putting our relationships first. We discuss the need for and applicability of this message across all levels of our educational system, particularly in the present moment, so join us as we discuss strategies such as humble inquiry, #Booksnaps, being the mirror holder, and more.
You can access many of the coaching resources Tara mentions in the pod, including her #Booksnaps idea, by accessing her blog at http://www.tarammartin.com/
In this episode, games in learning guru Paul Darvasi joins the show to chat about the concept of utilizing games to enhance the learning experience for students. This pod covers everything from terminology to alternate reality games to video games as texts to the potential role of games and gamification in a remote setting.
You can follow Paul on Twitter at @PaulDarvasi or read about The Ward Game on his blog at http://www.ludiclearning.org/.
For more on utilizing video games as a central text of a unit, check out iThrive Games' Museum of Me curriculum over the video game "What Remains of Edith Finch" at https://ithrivegames.org/
The Good Life EDU podcast is proud to bring you this episode with educator Lisa Hermann who has found a number of ways to be innovative and build/maintain positive and supportive relationships with her students despite the challenges she has faced teaching remotely. In this episode, Lisa shares about tools such as Seesaw and Zoom and how she used her new tech savvy to create innovative learning experiences for her students.
In a time when new tech tools are being shared and implemented at a record rate, are educators taking the time to pause and put their student's data privacy first? In this episode, ESU 3's own Bill Pulte and Robbie Jensen share their knowledge and insights on student data privacy laws and what teachers, tech leaders, and administrators can do to ensure that their student's data stays safe.
If you want to learn more from Bill and Robbie, they will both be presenting at the FUTURE READY NEBRASKA CONFERENCE on June 15 & 16, 2020. This online learning opportunity is free, just be sure to register ahead of time at bit.ly/FRNebraska
In this episode, ESU 5's Nick Ziegler and Eileen Barks from ESU 2 share the work that they have done in collaboration with ESUs from across the state in developing remote learning supports for teachers. This pod delves into the thinking that can potentially drive a remote learning plan, and throughout that discussion, Nick and Eileen reference tolls, tips, tricks, video, resources, and more as a way to equip educators with the tools they need to be successful in this remote learning space.
To learn more about the Digital Age Pedagogy's Remote Learning Plan, be sure to check out Nick and Eileen's presentation at the Future Ready Nebraska Conference on June 15th and 16th. It's a virtual conference, it's free to register, and don't miss their session from 10:00-10:45am on 6/15/20.
Register for the FUTURE READY CONFERENCE at http://bit.ly/FRNebraska
For more on the Digital Age Pedagogy initiative, check out the resources available at http://bit.ly/ESUDAP
This episode is the first of the three shows this week that feature speakers presenting at the Future Ready Nebraska Conference on the mornings of June 15th and 16th. This pod takes us to the Nebraska panhandle for a conversation with ESU 13's own Julie Downing. Julie shares her personal experience with seeking out self-care strategies as a reminder to all educators that they too should be mindful of their own mental health and well-being during these trying times.
If you enjoy the episode and want to hear Julie's Future Ready presentation, she will be presenting from 10:50am to 11:15am on June 15th. Just be sure to visit bit.ly/FRNebraska ahead of time to register for this free virtual event.
Andi McNair is an innovative educator and thought leader who that also authored several books on the topic of passion projects and student-centered learning experiences. In this episode, Andi and I discuss remote learning, and she shares her perspective on how we might think about engaging learnings, designing learning experiences, and empowering our students in a remote setting. We hope you enjoy this Nebraska/Texas ESU collaborative conversation!
In this episode, Hannah reflects back on her experiences with remote learning this spring, and we explore what it might look like to grow in those spaces over the summer in preparation any similar experiences in the fall.
In this episode, Katie and I discuss the current state of remote learning and also look to what it all might mean when we return to school in the fall. This pod shares insights, great ideas, tech tool recommendations, and the story of one teacher's efforts to leverage technology as a way to bring both a sense of closure and comfort to her students in these troubling times.
For this first episode of our show, Otis Pierce joins me as we discuss the state of remote learning and ideas for ways in which the Nebraska ESUs can help districts, buildings, and teachers during these unprecedented times.