KEDC Podcast Empowering EdTalks

What if AI could give you more of the one thing every teacher needs—time? In this episode, AI Summit presenter Christy Hoots shares how she’s using Microsoft Copilot to streamline lesson planning, allowing her to spend less time creating materials and more time where it matters most: working one-on-one with students. Hear how AI is helping make teaching more efficient while strengthening meaningfu...

Can Canva do that ? According to AI Summit presenter Breanna Adams, absolutely. In this episode, Breanna gives a preview of her AI Summit session, “You Can Do That in Canva?” and shares how she’s using Canva’s growing collection of AI tools to create more engaging, interactive classroom experiences. From saving time on lesson planning to designing activities that capture students’ attention, you’l...

A group of educators want you to think about how we traditionally teach math. A student memorizes that 3 + 4 = 7 . They can get the answer right on a worksheet, but do they actually understand what 7 means? Perceptual learning is about helping students see the relationships behind the numbers. Instead of memorizing facts, students begin to recognize patterns: • 3 + 4 = 7 • 4 + 3 = 7 • 5 + 2 = 7 •...

Brian Buffington brings the kind of energy that makes people want to be in the room. In our conversation, he talked about using AI not to replace the human side of education, but to bring more of it back. His focus is on helping teachers create experiences students cannot just Google, copy, or click through. He also made a powerful point about students needing connection now more than ever. AI can...

Dr. Jordyne Carmack is a dynamic communication strategist, educator, andthought leader who empowers individuals and organizations to thrive throughtransformative learning experiences. As the Founder and CEO of AuthentiLEAD,Dr. Carmack delivers coaching and workshops on authentic leadership,communication skills, and personal branding, specializing in fostering genuineconnections in an increasingly...

We are all so proud of students from across the region and we will try to honor as many as I can. It just so happens that I, Jim Caldwell, was in Elliott County on Thursday.  Noah and Braxton just earned 3rd place in Knowledge Bowl at the JAG Kentucky State Career Development Conference… and now they’re headed to the JAG National Career Development Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. They invited...

In this episode, Sam Adkins and Mark Ryles join Brandy Breeze to discuss the role of PurchasePros in supporting educational districts with their facility needs. The conversation covers the importance of effective procurement processes, the impact of facilities on student learning, and the significance of long-range planning. Our guests emphasize the need for collaboration with local vendors and th...

In this episode of the KEDC podcast, Bryan Quillen discusses his journey from teaching English to cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of vibrant learning and student engagement. He shares insights on creating an engaging classroom environment, the role of trust in education, and the significance of community involvement in real-world applications of learning. Bryan highlights the need for in...

In this conversation, Craig discusses the transformative approach of Trust-Based Observations, emphasizing the importance of psychological safety and strength-based feedback in educational settings. He highlights how traditional observation methods can hinder teacher performance and self-efficacy, advocating for a model that fosters trust and encourages risk-taking. Through personal anecdotes and...

Welcome to Season 4 episodes. We are happy that you are here to listen. In this conversation KDE's Dr. Sean Jackson discusses the importance of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and computer science into content. He emphasizes the need for educators to adapt to new technologies while ensuring that students are equipped with the necessary skills to navigate the evolving landscape of AI....

In this conversation, Jennifer Reiff, the Director of Innovation in CTE for Whitley County, Indiana discusses the innovative approaches taken to prepare students for their careers post-high school. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships with students, creating diverse career pathways, and collaborating with the community to meet industry needs. The conversation highlights the sign...

Check out New Horizons Academy website for more information! Welcome to this bonus episode from season three. We are getting ready to launch season four, which will bring a new exciting visual aspect and audio and will be recording on YouTube. So you'll get to see both me and my guests as we interview and discuss things for season four. And you'll also get to listen to it like you have bee...

Host, Brandy Breeze, and guest, Matt Miller, discuss the transformative shifts in education, focusing on the integration of technology and AI in the classroom. Matt shares his journey from traditional textbook teaching to creating engaging learning experiences, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with students. They explore the impact of the pandemic on digital learning and the ev...

Guest Kristina Ishmael is an educator, speaker, and consultant with nearly two decades of experience advancing equitable and transformative education policies. As the founder of Ishmael Consulting, she partners with leaders to promote digital equity, inclusive technology, and accessible learning for all. Kristina served as Deputy Director of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational...

KEDC’s, Dr. Rachel Holbrook, joined the podcast to describe experiences planned for the upcoming KEDC AI Summit, scheduled for July 7th and 8th at the Marriott Griffin Gate in Lexington. They discuss the importance of AI in education, the keynote speaker Dr. Rochelle Denae-Poth, and the various breakout sessions designed for administrators, teachers, and tech staff. The summit will feature interac...

Tenisha Castle, Morgan County senior, discusses her journey as a senior preparing to graduate and her passion for helping others through her Miss Kentucky service initiative, Don't Miss the Mark , which focuses on addiction recovery. She shares her personal experiences with addiction in her family, the impact of her father's struggles, and how she aims to inspire others through her work in...

Our guest, Suzanne Dailey, an instructional coach and author, discusses the importance of happiness in education. In this episode we discuss the significance of reflection, practical strategies for educators to cultivate happiness, and the role of gratitude in enhancing well-being. Suzanne emphasizes that happiness is a discipline that requires consistent practice and offers insights on how educat...

Let’s go back to March Madness in KY!  Thanks for tuning into the KEDC Podcast—where we spotlight the people and partnerships making powerful moves in education, innovation, and community engagement across Kentucky. In this episode you'll hear from four guests live from Rupp Arena. Basketball excitement never gets old. Our first guest on this episode is no stranger to this iconic event or to the B...

In this episode guest, Dr. Kim Zeidler-Watters, discusses the Numeracy Counts Academy, focusing on the role of administrators in enhancing math education. May 1st is the deadline for applying for this administration professional experience.  Listen to this conversation to gain more understanding about how the Numeracy Counts Academy for Administrators came to exist and what it will consist of for...

Kelly Stone, the Executive Director of the Kentucky Center for Mathematics, discusses the exciting developments at the KCM, particularly the launch of the Numeracy Counts Academy. This initiative aims to enhance math instruction across Kentucky by providing teachers with effective resources, professional learning opportunities, and a supportive community. Kelly emphasizes the importance of collabo...

Congratulations to Great Crossing boys basketball team for their win of the state title at Rupp Arena.  Wow!  This was such a fun event and episode to make.  So many students were willing to sit down with me at the KEDC booth and talk about their experience getting to the game, supporting their team, and their schools and communities.   You will hear many compliments for those who serve as coaches...

This episode is being published as Great Crossings and Bowling Green boys basketball teams are competing for the title of the state championship at Rupp Arena.  Wow!  This was such a fun event and episode to make.  So many students were willing to sit down with me at the KEDC booth and talk about their experience getting to the game, supporting their team, and their schools and communities.   You...

Susan Dugal and Karen Perry from UK Next Gen to discuss the critical theme of local accountability in education. They explore how communities can play a vital role in shaping educational standards and practices, emphasizing the importance of inclusive dialogue among educators, students, and community members. The conversation highlights innovative practices being implemented across Kentucky, such...

Guests Lu Young, Susan Dugle, and Karn Perry join me to discuss details about Kentucky United We Learn Council, Profile of a Learner, and Local Accountability.  All of these components are included in the new Accountability Framework that will be presented at the KDE Town Hall by Commissioner Dr. Robbie Fletcher. There have been years of work to get Kentucky to this point with a lot of stakeholder...

Thanks for joining our KEDC Podcast Empowering EdTalk Community!  This episode highlights the challenges of implementing HQIRs and curriculum-based professional learning to ensure teachers are equipped to deliver high-quality instruction. The discussion also touches on the future vision for educational partnerships and the impact of literacy coaching in supporting teachers and students.  If you ha...