LinkedUp: Breaking Boundaries in Education

Strong leadership starts with strong communication, but it's a skill that's often overlooked. This week, Jerri and Jamie join Dr. Chantel Manahan to discuss her new book, Communication Essential, Capes Optional, and why intentional communication is one of the most valuable tools district leaders have. From strengthening communication with staff to building trust with families and the commu...

What happens when trust in information starts to break down but the pace of change in education keeps accelerating? This week, Jerri and Jamie sit down with internationally respected education leader and thought partner Al Kingsley for a candid conversation on the challenges and opportunities shaping education worldwide. From AI and literacy to leadership and governance, Al shares practical insigh...

This week, Jerri and Jamie sit down with internationally recognized sketchnote artist and creativity champion Manuel Herrera to explore creativity, visual thinking, and the power of simply getting started. Known for his dynamic visual storytelling and innovative use of technology, Manuel shares how creativity isn’t reserved for artists: it’s something anyone can develop with curiosity and confiden...

Did you know only a small percentage of podcasts ever make it to 200 episodes? Welcome to Episode 200 of the LinkedUp Podcast: a milestone that means so much to us! Many podcasts end after just a handful of episodes, making this moment a true testament to the power of meaningful conversations, innovative ideas, and a community committed to breaking boundaries in education. To celebrate, Jerri and...

AI in the classroom isn’t the headline anymore. What students do with it is. In this episode of LinkedUp, Holly Clark joins Jerri and Jamie to shift the focus from teacher use to student impact. A globally recognized speaker and co-author of The AI Infused Classroom , Holly shares how schools are using AI to fuel thinking, not shortcuts. They dig into AI as a true thought partner, the impact of re...

How do you teach balance in a world that never logs off? Jamie and Jerri sit down with Carl Hooker, author of Zengaged and AI Evolution, to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing students today: navigating screens, social media, and everything in between. Carl keeps it real with us; this isn’t about restrictions, it’s about intention. From modeling healthy habits to building digital awareness...

What if every student is already a leader just waiting to be activated? This week, authors (and hosts of The Play Ed3 Podcast) Tisha Poncio and Rick Butterworth are flipping the script on leadership with their new book, Today's Learners, Tomorrow's Leaders . Together, we dig into Tisha and Rick's tools and practical strategies to bring leadership and entrepreneurship into everyday lear...

This week, we sit down with Amiya—a student who isn't just learning about leadership... she's living it. Alongside educator Alana Winnick, Amiya is part of a dynamic, student-led team redefining what leadership looks like in the age of AI. From delivering a keynote at FETC to launching an international, student-driven conference, they are creating space for real conversations around the et...

This week, Eric Curts sits down with Jamie and Jerri to share a story that proves just how powerful one educator can be. The kind of impact that does not just shape a classroom, but an entire life. If you know Eric, you know he is all about making tech make sense. From Google tools to what is next, he has helped thousands of educators cut through the noise and focus on what actually works. Togethe...

What does edtech look like beyond your borders? This week, we're going global. Jennifer Surujpaul joins LinkedUp to share an international perspective on educational technology — what's working, what's evolving, and what's keeping leaders up at night. From the exciting possibilities of AI and innovation to the very real concerns around privacy, equity, and implementation, Jennifer...

The rapid spread of GenAI has schools at an unprecedented inflection point. While districts may not have all the answers yet, the need to act is clear. Preparing students for a future shaped by AI requires more than reactive guardrails. It calls for thoughtful planning, clear policy, and classroom practices that put student need—not technology—first. That’s why this week we’re sitting down with Am...

School leadership isn’t getting simpler. It’s getting louder, faster, and far more complex: surprise challenges, constant interruptions, a to-do list that multiplies by the hour. This week on LinkedUp, we’re joined by educator, speaker, and author Rich Czyz to talk about his new book, Autopilot , and what it really takes to lead without burning out. Rich makes the case for “going on autopilot,” no...

Robert Martellacci is known for a simple mantra: "Keep the learning curve steep." In this episode, he sits down with Jamie and Jerri to break down how curiosity, humility, and a commitment to continuous learning have shaped his work across countries, cultures, and classrooms. From building global edtech communities to connecting educators and innovators worldwide, Robert reminds us that...

Edtech isn't about more technology: it's about better purpose. This week we're joined by Stacy Hawthorne (Board Chair, CoSN) to talk about what purpose-driven digital learning really looks like in today's schools. From unpacking CoSN's Screentime Toolkit and exploring the focus of her book-in-progress " Purposeful Technology, Powerful Learning ," Stacy shares her insi...

At a time when school districts are facing rapid change, rising complexity, and the growing influence of AI, traditional strategic plans aren’t cutting it anymore. In this episode, we explore a bold alternative: the Strategic Change Agenda. Together, Steve McCammon (President & CEO) and George Thompson (Former President & Current Director of Strategic Initiatives) at the Schlechty Center,...

AI isn’t coming to classrooms: it's already there. This week on LinkedUp, we sit down with Jeff Riley (Co-Founder, Day of AI) for an accessible conversation about what artificial intelligence really is and what it's not—especially for young learners. Tune in as Jeff walks us through the basics: how AI works at a high level, where students already encounter it in their daily lives, and why...

What does the future of learning look like? In this episode, we go behind the scenes with Jenn Womble, the visionary driving the Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC), to get an exclusive look at what’s coming to Orlando in January 2026. Jenn reveals the bold ideas, immersive experiences, and innovative programming shaping one of the world’s most influential edtech gatherings. From step...

AI is evolving fast, but the next leap isn’t about smarter chatbots. It’s about systems that support learners in new ways. In this episode, Jerri and Jamie sit down with Darren Coxon: a trailblazer in agentic AI and one of today's most insightful voices on how AI can enhance learning. Darren unpacks the shift from generative AI to agentic AI, where systems don’t just answer questions; they tak...

What happens when classical learning meets cutting-edge technology? In this episode, we sit down with Kim Abel, the visionary behind Optima Academy, to find out. She shares how VR, AI, and intentional design create unforgettable student experiences, the leadership lessons learned along the way, and the stories that fuel her passion. Tune in as Kim shares the story of Optima Academy’s founding, the...

In this special episode of LinkedUp, Jamie flips the script and interviews her co-host, Jerri Kemble, about her newly released book, The Badass Firefly Effect. Their conversation is heartfelt and illuminating, exploring the stories behind the book and its central message: everyone has the power to shine and help others light up, too. Far from your typical leadership book, The Badass Firefly Effect...

When it comes to personalized learning, high school principal Nicki Slaugh is proving it’s less about tools and more about trust. This week, Jamie and Jerri sit down with Nicki to discuss her new book and learn why she believes personalization is about more than just tech: it's about truly knowing each student and creating the conditions for them to thrive. Tune in for Nicki's real-world s...

This week, Jerri and Jamie are joined by Tony Vincent, an educator whose creative, practical ideas have inspired teachers for years. As the mind behind Learning in Hand, Tony has dedicated his career to helping educators design student-centered, technology-rich learning experiences that spark curiosity and creativity. Tony shares how thoughtful design and meaningful choice can transform engagement...

In this episode, we sit down with author and thought leader Zuica Donev to explore her new book, Inside Job. Zuica shows us why the most impactful leadership starts within and how lasting change comes from the work of self-discovery, resilience, and purpose. Together, we unpack key themes from her book: quieting the noise, leading with authenticity, and building the inner strength to thrive in tod...

School is only the starting line. The real question is: How do we prepare students to drive and thrive in a future economy we can barely imagine? In this episode, we sit down with Brad Baird, founder of Penda Learning, and Dr. Steve Miller, a leading researcher on learning platforms, to discuss the future of education and explore what it takes to connect learning with real-world opportunities. Tog...

What happens when a high school student’s big idea meets a classroom full of learners? In this episode, you’ll meet Ronil Dubal, a high school senior and founder of Studysnap, and Meghan Killeen, a curriculum specialist who put the app to work with her students at Temple University. After inviting Ronil to share Studysnap with her English language learners, Meghan discovered just how powerful the...