KEDC Podcast Empowering EdTalks

Are you looking for support in your district level role?  Leadership roles can become lonely and isolating. You may wish that you had others who are serving in similar or the same roles in other districts to learn from. KEDC may have a cadre for you!  Listen to this episode for more information to determine if this is the support that you need.  In this episode of the KEDC podcast guests Latishia...

In this episode of the KEDC podcast, Brandy Breeze interviews Wendy King about the impactful work of KEDC grants in empowering educators. They discuss the various grants available, the importance of professional development, and the strong community built among teachers. Wendy emphasizes the significance of relationships, continuous feedback, and celebrating small wins in the educational journey....

Thanks for tuning in! You may have seen social media posts with our CEO, Nancy Hutchinson; Deputy Director,Trisha Carroll; and Director of Data Services, Dr. Rachel Holbrook.  They have been traveling the country sharing about this work in Kentucky because we are the “standard” in data collection and use for students.  That level of confidence came from a guest who works with various states on thi...

These conversations explore the Kentucky Data Exchange, focusing on the critical issue of chronic absenteeism in schools. These conversations show the commitment to improve regular attendance for Kentucky students.  Stakeholders discuss their roles, the importance of data in understanding student needs, and the necessity of building strong relationships within the community to support students. Yo...

Senator Greg Elkins sits down with Brandy Breeze, the newly elected state senator for Kentucky's 28th Senate district, shares his journey into politics, his commitment to education reform, and the importance of community and parental involvement in the education system. He discusses Amendment 2, its implications for school choice, and the need for workforce development that accommodates various ed...

Barry Lee, Superintendent of Casey County Schools sat down with me at the KEDC Legislative Breakfast.  In this episode he discusses his extensive experience in education and the critical issues facing public education in Kentucky. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the implications of proposed constitutional changes regarding education funding, the challenges of misinformation, and the...

Dr. Erin Hamilton, Vice President of Educational Strategy at 95% Group, discusses the importance of effective literacy instruction and the goal of achieving 95% or more proficient readers across the country. She shares her own journey as an educator and the need for continuous learning and growth. 95% Group provides professional development and curriculum resources to support teachers in deliverin...

In this episode you will hear from participants at the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) Conference that took place at the ACTC last week.  You’ll hear from Abby Francis-Labor, the coordinator for CRSSA and deeper learning grants at KEDC, as she discusses the importance of structured literacy and the Orton-Gillingham approach in reading instruction. She emphasizes the need for high-qual...

"We serve our purpose as educators by understanding we exist to build high quality, incredible relationships with others." Deana Sexton and Dee Anna Albright join me, Brandy Breeze, to discuss social wellness and its importance for educators. We emphasize the need for positive relationships, trust, and purpose in social wellness. The book is called, Educator Wellness that guides these co...

Alex Kajitani, known as the Rappin Mathematician, is a former middle school math teacher who now inspires and supports teachers through his books, presentations, and resources. He started using rap songs to engage his students and found great success. He has written books for new teachers, teacher leaders, and administrators, providing practical and implementable solutions. His books cover topics...

In this episode you'll hear information about how the Kentucky Writing Project offers personalized support to districts and schools to improve their writing plans and instruction. You'll hear details about the KWP Summer Institute. This is a one-week training where teachers learn evidence-based strategies for teaching writing. We hope listeners take away a deeper understanding of this serv...

In this episode we discuss the importance of emotional wellness for educators. We define emotional wellness as the ability to recognize and manage emotions, and emphasize the connection between emotional wellness, physical wellness, and mental wellness. Listeners will be provided strategies for improving emotional wellness, such as mindful breathing, meditation, and journaling. Takeaways Emotional...

Traysea Moresea, the superintendent of Greenup County School District, discusses her hands-on approach to leadership and the district's innovative initiatives to prepare students for post-secondary education and the workforce. She shares the district's journey from overcoming challenges to achieving remarkable success, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and student empower...

Educator wellness is so important! We must take care of ourselves in order to be able to serve others. This is the first of a four part mini series to help educators with tips on how to prioritize their wellbeing. Summer is a great time to listen to podcasts and begin making intentional tweaks to health habits to maintain during the school year. Listen to this episode where Deana Sexton and I disc...

In this episode, Brandy Breeze interviews Jessica Sprick, an author and educational consultant, about chronic absenteeism and its impact on students. Jessica shares insights from her books and research, emphasizing the importance of a proactive, humanistic approach to attendance challenges. She discusses the correlation between poverty and absenteeism and the need for a multi-tiered system of supp...

For all of your special education support questions and upcoming opportunities listen to this episode with Stephanie Little, Mandy Carter, Lori Dehart, and Jenny Hogge. Listen as this team describes a variety of supports offered with a personalized touch for each district that they serve.   Registrations and information discussed in this episode: https://secure.smore.com/n/am0n4-jul-sep-2024-upcom...

Educator wellness is so important! We must take care of ourselves in order to be able to serve others. This is the first of a four part mini series to help educators with tips on how to prioritize their wellbeing. Summer is a great time to listen to podcasts and begin making intentional tweaks to health habits to maintain during the school year. Listen to this episode where Deana Sexton and I disc...

Listen to this conversation to get a better understanding of what the KY CEO II Rank Change program is as Latishia Sparks and Charles discuss what their enrollees experience, why, and support that they offer.  They discuss why this program is offered, pricing, micro credentials, and capstone requirements.   Listen to the end of the episode and you'll get great advice for educators from these t...

Sarah Snipes has taken on the new role as Director of Innovation for KDE since we recorded this episode. Congratulation to her and our school districts! In this episode you hear her reflection of the Department of Innovation's work and future plans for sustainability. Documents and information referenced in this episode can be found at these links. Competency Based Education

School districts are being challenged to create learning ecosystems that are different than ever before.  Challenges such as chronic absenteeism, engagement of learners, gaps in teacher knowledge and skills to plan and lead inquiry learning, and leading positive productive community engagement are common to all districts.  Brandy Carver, assistant superintendent, discusses how Rowan County school...

Stephanie Wilson and I reflect on the support that we have been able to provide for K-12 teachers who continue their growth in shifting to project based learning.  We also discuss all of the opportunities that are coming up this summer and next year to continue growing PBL for students.  There are lots of options coming up! We hope you find this informational and inspirational. We are inspired by...

"Joy is infectious. So is negativity. Don’t let anyone disturb your joy." Johnson County's Michael Conley, Principal of Central Elementary shares stories about their students', teachers', and community's achievements this past year. We think that you'll find Michael's stories similar to all of those stories in our member districts. The great thing about sharing th...

As humans we are meant to, as Kim puts it, problem solve and make sense of the world around us.  This conversation will have listeners considering math instruction and the complex shifts needed from how we identify as mathematicians to how we question math thinking.   Yes, we are all math people!  Perseverance is the key to unlocking our ability to grow new pathways in our brains and grow in mathe...

For the love of basketball! This episode features a variety of guests and hosts brought to you from the Sweet Sixteen Boy’s Basketball.  This episode showcases the different opportunities that public school districts, KSHAA, and KEDC partnership provides for the development of students.  You’ll hear the excitement of the tournament in the background of the interviews compiled.   Guests:  Nancy Hut...

Join us for information about Deeper Learning in the Commonwealth with Dr. Robb Smith. As the director of the deeper learning initiative in KY Dr. Smith works with the eight directors of the educational cooperatives promote the principles of the United We Learn campaign. He talks about the deeper learning initiative to this point as well as future plans. You'll want to listen to get informatio...