Getting Smart Podcast

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Nate McClennen and Monique Uzelac, the Executive Director of the Washtenaw Educational Options Consortium in Michigan explore the innovative approach to educational choice within the consortium, discussing how it offers diverse programs like competency-based learning and early college opportunities. Monique shares insights into the consortium's collabo...

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Shawnee Caruthers has a vibrant conversation with Superintendent Dr. George Philhower to explore how joy, alongside connection, growth, and success, forms the core of their educational commitments. Learn about their innovative initiatives, like the Joy Integration Specialist role and Joy Jam conference, which transform learning experiences by fostering...

In this episode of Catching Up, Nate McClennen and Mason Pashia explore the evolving landscape of education with a focus on AI leadership, applied humanities, and innovative learning spaces. They dive into key topics such as the role of AI in transforming educational practices, the shift towards applied humanities in higher education, and the potential of community spaces in schools to enhance lea...

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Victoria Andrews sits down with educational leaders BB Ntsakey and Kelly Niccolls to explore the transformative power of liberatory assessment. Discover how these innovative approaches move beyond traditional metrics to create personalized, student-centered learning experiences that emphasize growth and empowerment. By reimagining assessment as a...

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, hosts Jordan Luster and Victoria Andrews delve into the critical aspects of sustainability within the microschool movement. They are joined by insightful leaders like Amar Kumar and Andrew Lee, who share their expertise on maintaining financial health, ensuring leadership succession, and prioritizing equity in education. Through candid discussions, the...

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Jamie Merisotis, CEO of the Lumina Foundation, about the evolving landscape of work and education in the age of artificial intelligence. As industries rapidly adopt AI technologies, Jamie shares insights on how human work is transforming and the crucial role of credentialing in ensuring econ...

In this enlightening episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark and Dr. Kaleb Rashad engage in a thought-provoking dialogue with Dr. Michael Fullan, an internationally acclaimed advocate for deeper learning. Together, they explore whether deeper learning is the key to addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the new age of AI. Dr. Fullan introduces the concept of "systemn...

In this episode of "Catching Up!", Mason and Nate dive into a vibrant discussion on the evolving landscape of education, focusing on how vibe coding, curiosity, and judgment are poised to redefine learning priorities. They explore the shifting dynamics of computer science education in the age of AI and highlight the importance of fostering experience-based learning opportunities across diverse edu...

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we delve into the transformative assessment practices of One Stone, a unique high school that prioritizes student agency and real-world skills. Host Victoria Andrews engages in an enlightening conversation with Celeste Bolin, Executive Director of One Stone, and students Sophie Gunther and Raya Naymik. They discuss the school's innovative approach to a...

Join Shawnee Caruthers and Carlos Moreno in an enlightening conversation on the Getting Smart Podcast as they delve into the transformative power of leading with love, care, and vulnerability in education. This episode, recorded live at South by Southwest, explores the theme of Humanizing Pathways Leadership. Carlos Moreno, co-director of Big Picture Learning, shares his insights and experiences i...

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Rebecca Midles delves into the essential competencies of modern-day leadership with Laura Hilger, Senior Director of Teaching and Learning at KnowledgeWorks. Joined by Carmen Coleman and Estrada, the conversation explores the development and impact of the Lead for Learners Network and the Portrait of a Leader. These initiatives aim to guide educat...

In this episode of "Catching Up!", hosts Mason and Nate dive into a lively discussion on the future of education, exploring how learning spaces, AI readiness, and global innovations are reshaping the landscape. From the creative redevelopment of community hubs in former malls to the pressing need for media literacy amidst a wave of information overload, this conversation covers a range of critical...

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Kathleen deLaski, author of "Who Needs College Anymore?" to explore the ever-evolving landscape of higher education. DeLaski challenges traditional views on college education, delving into how the rise of alternative pathways like apprenticeships and dual enrollment are reshaping post-secondary education. They discuss the im...

On the latest episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Mason Pashia engages with Will Richardson, co-founder of The Big Questions Institute, to explore the evolving role of education in the face of global complexity and potential collapse. Richardson shares insights from his new manifesto, emphasizing the importance of repairing human and ecological relationships as a core educational mission. Togeth...

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Tom Vander Ark engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Sara Schapiro, the director of the Alliance for Learning Innovation. Together, they explore the critical need for enhanced research and development (R&D) within the education sector—an area historically underfunded compared to other industries like healthcare. The discussion delves into th...

In this episode of "Catching Up!", join Mason Pashia and Nate McClennen as they explore the intersection of learning spaces, AI readiness, and global education innovations. Discover how AI-assisted teams outperform conventional groups and what New Zealand's competency-based education system can teach us about learner records. Delve into the role of technology adoption inspired by the Amish and how...

On this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Jordan Luster explores the transformative potential of relational intelligence in education with Isabelle Hau, Executive Director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning and author of " Love to Learn ." Together, they explore the concept of relational intelligence (RQ) and its importance in shaping relationship-centered learning environments. Isabelle...

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast,  Tom Vander Ark  chats with  Don Wettrick , CEO of the StartEdUp Foundation, to explore the future of entrepreneurship education. Don Wettrick talks about how the foundation is transforming high school students into proactive problem-solvers and innovators through initiatives like the Innovate Within pitch competition. This program empowers young minds...

In this episode of "Catching Up," Mason Pashia and Nate McClennen dive into the endless potential of AI across various sectors, with a focus on education and music. They explore the implications of AI-generated music, the concept of unbundling education to expand learning ecosystems, and the emerging importance of digital credentials and learner records. The discussion also highlights a new framew...

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, Mason Pashia and his guests talk about how YouScience is transforming career navigation for students and educators. Joined by an achieved panel of guests, including Peter Van Mondfrans from YouScience, Kaitlyn Tyler from the Greater Springfield Partnership, Christina Walters of Knight Dispatch, and Jamison Truebenbach from the Global Impact STEM Academ...

In the latest episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Victoria Andrews engages in an enlightening conversation with Tiffany Green, the visionary founder of Uprooted Academy. This innovative platform is designed to transform the college application journey for young students by incorporating holistic elements such as financial literacy, wellness, and community engagement. Tiffany shares her pers...

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Rebecca Midles sits down with Aylon Samouha, the CEO of Transcend and a visionary in education reform. They delve into the concept of The Third Way, an approach that blends community insights with proven educational practices to create lasting change in schools. Aylon shares his insights from years of experience in the field, discussing the limita...

In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, host Nate McClennen explores the topic of teen engagement with guests Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop, authors of "The Disengaged Teen." They delve into the four modes of learning—passenger, achiever, resistor, and explorer—offering insights on how students move between these modes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of agency and engagemen...

Welcome to the Getting Smart Podcast, in today's episode, we dive into the innovative initiatives of District 214, a leader in creating personalized, real-world learning experiences for students. Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, District 214 is part of the Illinois Accelerate Ed cohort, focusing on bridging K-12 education with postsecondary opportunities and careers. Join us as...

In this episode, Mason Pashia is joined by Michael Horn to discuss his new book, "Job Moves: Nine Steps for Making Progress in Your Career." They explore the jobs-to-be-done theory and how it applies to career choices, highlighting the iterative process of career pathways. Michael shares insights on hiring your job, storytelling in career development, and the role of experiences in credentialing....