KINL Podcast Network

It’s been a minute, but there are MANY things going on. Good things - but MANY things. I think about episodes and topics for this podcast all the time because there are always good math and other things to talk about! I also have two episodes I still need to produce, so I’m sorry to my guests that those aren’t out yet. Trust that they’ll be very good!  BUT today’s episode is a breaking news episod...

Is there any place more magical in the summer than the public library? In Episode 46, "Stacked for Summer: Library Picks & Programs," Lit Gals Anna, Morgan, and Martie are showing some major love to our favorite community hubs. Before heading out on their summer hiatus, the trio is sharing their favorite tips for diving into library programs and curating the perfect warm-weather read...

Did you know that April is the Month of the Young Child? In this episode, we speak with Kristin Parisi about authentic assessment, inclusion, play, and behavior supports for young learners. We discuss observation-based assessment, the importance of play, best practices in co-teaching and inclusive education, and how to support social-emotional development in young children.

Is there anything better than the first breath of spring air?  In Episode 45, the Lit Gals are heading outdoors! Join Anna, Morgan, and Martie for "Books That Breathe Fresh Air" as they explore the transformative power of nature in literature. From the rustle of leaves to the vastness of the sky, the Lit Gals are sharing titles for all ages where the natural world takes center stage. Whe...

We’re trying a new podcast series called: Stories from the Field . This is where we highlight the work we are encountering in the field and share what we’re noticing, the conversations we can’t stop thinking about, and what it’s all teaching us about the teaching and learning of math - and of course, other things. In this episode, Ryan Flessner and I reflect on a quick story about how our daughter...

Innovation Coaches Dianna Knox and Melissa Walley explore blended learning as a strategic blend of digital and in-person instruction. They emphasize designing with purpose (using frameworks like SAMR, Bloom’s Taxonomy, and UDL) to increase engagement, student voice, and meaningful learning. They discuss the role of feedback, reflection, and choice in blended learning. Listen in to gain practical w...

I sat down with a panel of teachers doing the work of building their thinking classrooms, some for several years now. Listen and gain some valuable insights into the day-to-day workings of a thinking classroom.

Counselors are curious and we want to support our students and families in making informed decisions as we navigate the new Indiana diploma and assist our students in planning for their futures! Episode Resources:  Clarification: As referenced in the podcast, IUB enrolls more Indiana residents in a beginner cohort than any other university. Redesigning the Indiana Diploma Indiana Pre-Admissions &a...

During this episode two school social work leaders discuss the power of school social work. They will discuss the role of the school social worker, why it varies from district to district and how districts and school social workers can elevate the role.  Moderator Names & Titles:  Alma Dabrowski, Social Worker for Special Populations/Homeless Liaison, Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation ...

In this episode, Innovation Coaches Amy Stevens, Dianna Knox, and Brenny Kummer explore Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a proactive framework for supporting the diverse needs of today’s classrooms. UDL is not about creating multiple versions of a lesson or simply differentiating, but about intentionally designing learning experiences that offer flexible options for engagement (why), represe...

What makes a book a "read-aloud" winner? In this episode, "The Magic of Reading Aloud," Anna, Morgan, and Martie explore the special connection built through shared stories. As we look ahead to World Read Aloud Day (2/4/26) and Read Across America (3/2/26), the Lit Gals are sharing their absolute favorite titles - the ones that have sparked the best discussions and the biggest...

Supporting students in using AI for deeper learningIn Episode 3, KINL Innovation Coaches Stevie and Karisa explore what it really means to use AI as a student learning co-pilot. Together, they unpack common concerns around cheating and academic integrity and offer a perspective on how AI can support student thinking, creativity, and voice. Through real classroom stories and practical examples, thi...

Today’s guest is Deborah Peart Crayton. My apologies in advance (again!), but this is a longer episode because again, we are talking about things that are just so important for educators to know and every minute is well worth it! Deborah is a teacher, author, PhD candidate, and overall incredible contributor to the world of mathematics education. Her new book, Readers Read, Writers Write, Mathers...

Dr. Chase Huotari, Superintendent of Franklin Township, is a leader in the intentional integration of AI into K-12 education. He focuses on building a responsible framework that empowers teachers and prepares students for a technology-driven future.

In Episode 2, the KINL Innovation Coaches return to break down what the Science of Reading and writing look like in real Indiana classrooms, focusing on practical instructional moves that help students strengthen phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing. Innovation Coaches Jonathan, Nicole, and Sara share examples from their districts, highlight simple ways tech...

Today’s guest is Liesl McConchie. This is a little bit longer of an episode for two reasons. One, I couldn’t stop asking questions and making connections to my own evolution of teaching math and two, Liesl is simply amazing. She is a teacher, author, mom, international speaker, and who we should all be reading and listening to if we are thinking we need to transform the way we think about the teac...

How do you bring the truth to life? Join Lit Gals Anna and Martie for Episode 40 of Season 5 as they explore the transformative power of Narrative Non-Fiction!  This genre blends factual accuracy with the storytelling techniques of fiction, making real-life events, history, and science truly irresistible. Whether you teach elementary schoolers or you're an adult reader looking for your next ca...

Today’s guest is Vanessa Vakharia - also known as The Math Guru. She is the author of the book (and narrator of the audio book) Math Therapy, the host of the Math Therapy Podcast and overall badass advocate of building positive math identities in our students, the schools in which they learn, and society in general.  Something about Vanessa is that she is fiercely committed to what she is doing -...

The  Teaching Forward  podcast kicks off with a practical, no-fluff tour of artificial intelligence (AI) in K-12 education: tools and tips that give teachers time back without replacing what matters most. Keep Indiana Learning Innovation Coaches Karisa Schwanekamp and Tim Arnold share classroom-tested stories, UDL-aligned planning, faster feedback loops for students, and smarter family communicati...

 In this episode, Dr. Whitney Newton and Nadia Nibbs from TNTP explore the power of consistency in schools—how reliable routines, expectations, and supports help students thrive. Drawing on TNTP’s Opportunity Makers research, they share stories from schools that have built strong, consistent cultures and discuss practical strategies for educators and leaders. Listeners will hear actionable insight...

Ready to level up your reading life? Join Anna, Morgan, and Martie for episode 39 of Season 5 as they dive into a topic near and dear to their hearts: the immense importance and wonderful impact of book clubs! Tune in to hear why starting or joining a book club can be the best next step for your reading journey... regardless of your age. The Lit Gals are proud to be part of the Keep Indiana Learni...

We're re-releasing this episode with some added audio from our interview with 94 yr. old former camper, Harrison Harker and his wife Natalie, also a former camper. The impact Camp Whitley has had on the community is immeasurable, and all because a teacher saw a need and tried to help. Teachers rule!

This week, we speak with Jason Walke. Jason is a recognized leader in EdTech, known for helping schools create ethical AI policies and teaching students how to use AI as a powerful efficiency tool.

In this episode, Ryan Flessner joins me in welcoming Chris Luzniak and Rob Baier, hosts of the DebateMath podcast (and so much more) to talk about Hot Topics in Math Education. Although we recorded this over Labor Day weekend, I wanted to wait until before the annual NCSM/NCTM conferences to release as I thought the timing would be perfect for those attending and thinking about what sessions they...

Join us for a chat about school culture with middle school principal, Carrie Wisehart, not someone you just meet, but someone you learn from. Catch more of Carrie on TikTok @carriewisehart.