Big Ideas in Education

This week, Ryan sits with Dr. Andi Morency, the Executive Director and Principal of the Honors Academy of Literature charter school in Reno, Nevada. Dr. Morency talks about the unique approach her school takes in integrating evidence-based practices and literature into their curriculum. Dr. Morency also talks about the AI-driven professional development model, which leverages the Edthena platform...

This week, Ryan talks about the impact of 4-day school weeks, examining Colorado's 27J district's experience and academic outcomes. Sarah talks about Tommy Orange's inspiring visit to a Bronx school, emphasizing the importance of connecting literature to students' experiences for transformative learning. Tune in! Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the has...

This week, Ryan is joined by Marshall Simmonds, the Vice President of Sales for Scribbles Software, a prominent provider of K-12 software solutions. Marshall talks about the challenges schools face with document management, discussing issues like uploading and searching documents efficiently. Marshall also talks about the limitations of commercially available document storage platforms in the K-12...

This week, Sarah talks about the integration of AI in mathematics, emphasizing its applications in the field and alignment with educational values and goals. This approach allows educators to be at the forefront of utilizing AI to enhance learning experiences. Ryan talks about the trend in schools across the country toward the removal of lockers. New school constructions are opting for locker-free...

This week, Ryan sits down with Telannia Norfar, a National Board Certified math teacher and the curriculum director of PBL Works. Telannia shares her insights on the benefits and effectiveness of project-based learning, highlighting what she enjoys most about it. Telannia also talks about how educators can reimagine math through this approach, offering valuable resources to enhance the impact of m...

This week, Ryan sits with  Chad Lewis, the Director of Technology at Tampa Preparatory School in Florida. Chad talks about the key aspects of virtual filmmaking and explores the role of artificial intelligence in the creative process. Chad also talks about the future of films and shares advice for schools eager to set up similar programs on their campus. Tune in! Don't just listen, join the conver...

This week, Ryan talks about giving students more opportunities for personal essay writing throughout their K-12 careers to improve writing skills and present a valuable opportunity for teachers to get to know their students better. Sarah talks about a traumatic experience at school, underscoring the critical importance of CPR training and the implementation of life safety education within schools....

This week, Sarah talks about a Khan Academy partnership due to learning loss which provides intensive mathematics professional development for educators, where teachers receive additional support, professional development, and weekly virtual mentorship sessions to improve mathematic instruction. Ryan talks about the importance of “feedback on feedback,” in which principals or session leaders prior...

This week, Ryan talks about the legislative landscape as some lawmakers push for a ban on college admissions preferences for "legacies"—students with familial ties to alumni or donors of the institution. Sarah talks about resources available to commemorate Black History Month, encouraging everyone to engage in research to further amplify their understanding of this significant cultural celebration...

This week, Ryan sits with Ann Garcia, certified financial planner and the author of “How to Pay For College”. On this episode, Ann talks about her work in the area of financial planning and effective communication strategies for students navigating the complexities of college financing. Ann also talks about common mistakes families make when saving for college and guidance that schools should prov...

This week, Ryan talks about how teachers can use neuroscience to help capture their student’s attention when introducing new topics to them in class. Sarah talks about critical thinking as a powerful tool designed to elevate the learning experience in the classroom through five instructional approaches to foster deeper thinking in students. Tune in! Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet...

This week, Sarah talks about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on chronic absenteeism rates and shares an innovative approach to tackle this issue through insightful home visits. Ryan talks about the use of cell phones in schools and how educators are navigating the challenges associated with limiting their usage in the classroom. Tune in! Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @A...

This week, Ryan sits with Jenna Edwards, the award-winning producer, actor, and author of Aggressive Optimism, a new novel about the coming-of-age story that explores themes of mental health and perseverance. On this episode, Jenna talks about “aggressive optimism” and what schools can do to instill a mindset of optimism in its students and teachers. Jenna also talks about distinguishing aggressiv...

This week, Ryan sits with Tammy and Marc Goldberg, two acclaimed math education innovators and the operators of Mathnasium learning centers throughout the Northeastern United States. On this episode, Tammy and Marc discuss the general state of mathematics education, shedding light on the common skill gaps observed in students that are hindering their progress in math. Our guests also talk about th...

This week, Ryan sits with Joanna Smith-Griffin, the founder and CEO of AllHere, makers of the AllHere school-to-family digital communication platform. On this episode, Joanna talks about her involvement in education and in the ed-tech space. Joanna also talks about the impacts of chronic absenteeism and how AllHere strategically addresses this challenge, offering valuable insights into the platfor...

This week, Ryan sits with Sheryl Cababa, the Chief Design Officer at the Insights, Design and Development Studio Substantial. On this episode, Sheryl talks about the difference between systems thinking and design thinking and sheds light on how they can revolutionize learning experiences. Sheryl also emphasizes the practical application of leveraging research and storytelling as powerful tools to...

This week, Ryan talks about an innovative assessment method that fosters peer learning, empowers students to articulate their thought processes, and effectively gauges student mastery. Sarah talks about a groundbreaking solution and treatment developed by a middle school student. This transformative approach revolutionizes how we address skin cancer treatment, utilizing a simple yet ingenious bar...

This week, Ryan concludes his series of interviews at the Florida Charter School Conference School Choice Summit and is joined by Sara Clements, the Vice President of State Government Relations for McGwire Woods Consulting LLC and Lindsay Hoyt, the founder and governing board chair of Cornerstone Classical Academy. Our guests talk about their roles in legislative advocacy and how to engage lawmake...

This week, Ryan continues his series of interviews at the Florida Charter School Conference School Choice Summit and is joined by Braxton Padgett, attorney at the Arnold Law Firm. Braxton talks about his interest in education law and provides insight on how schools can navigate legal controversies. Braxton also talks about the mistakes that schools can make in this area and recommends corrective s...

This week, Ryan and Sarah are on location at the Florida Charter School Conference School Choice Summit and are joined by Academica Chief Budget Officer Alina Chester. Alina talks to our hosts about how schools can effectively navigate the coming “fiscal cliff” of spending reductions in September 2024 that will take place once pandemic ESSER funds expire. Specific strategies for school leaders are...

This week, Ryan talks about the value of after-school programs and how this can be an effective solution to help students close learning gaps amid low staffing and rising operating costs. Sarah talks about Asian American and Pacific Islander month and the implementation of Asian American History in today’s curriculum. Tune in! Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia o...

This week, Sarah talks about the Junior Nobel prize formerly known as Regeneron Science Talent Search, a prestigious science competition for high school students who demonstrate exceptional ability in the field of STEM. Ryan talks about continuing to introduce the game of chess in schools to help students improve critical thinking skills, concentration, focus. Tune in! Don't just listen, join the...

This week, Ryan talks about advice from educators to help us all be at our best and have the right mindset amid the last few weeks of school. Sarah talks about use of AI in schools and how teachers can use these chatbots to develop assessments that are more effective, engaging, and efficient for better student learning outcomes. Tune in! Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @Acade...

This week, Sarah talks about the three key factors to motivate students and bring back student engagement to pre-pandemic levels. Ryan talks about a school District in Texas and its impressive reform to turn the tide on its teacher shortages. Tune in! Don't just listen, join the conversation! Tweet us at @AcademicaMedia or with the hashtag #BigIdeasinEducation with questions or new topics you want...

This week, Ryan talks about principal professional development through its Missouri Leadership Development System for aspiring and veteran school leaders, to positively impact principal retention in the state. Sarah talks about an empowerment program that targets students who are falling behind on their academic credits through six week credit recovery courses and provide students with a community...