Teaching from the Headlines: Educators Turning Breaking News into Teachable Moments

The Headline: 2025 Word of the Year: Slop Today, we're joined by a special guest! Amy White, a high school Journalism teacher from Fort Collins, Colorado. She shares with us the conversation she had with her students about AI slop, especially as it relates to journalism. JOIN THE CONVERSATION! Want to share your thoughts or have questions about today's episode? Use this link to record and...

Headline from the Associated Press: ‘Rage bait’ named Oxford University Press word of year as outrage fuels social media traffic in 2025 Today, Susan and Bo discuss rage bait, what it is, and why it's important for your students to know about. Let's take a look at feeling and fact to increase our media literacy and critical thinking skills. As always, please send us a voice message! We&#39...

Today, we're looking at a New York Times piece from a Boston English Professor who see's the benefits of A.I. in the classroom. Headline from NYT: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/magazine/ai-higher-education-students-teachers.html JOIN THE DISCUSSION! We want this to be a conversation. Please use this LINK   to record and share an audio message via speakpipe.com to be featured on our po...

A brief, seasonal message from Ed, Susan, and Bo! The Blue Strawberry Cookbook , as promised! Check out JLI at journalisticlearning.org .

Headline from NPR: Kids who use social media score lower on reading and memory tests, a study shows Today, we look at some new findings on how the digital world impacts developing brains. The study, published in JAMA, found that even low levels of social media use can impact young users' cognition. What does this mean for educators and their students in this age of social media? JOIN THE DISCU...

Headline from Time Magazine: ChatGPT May Be Eroding Critical Thinking Skills, According to a New MIT Study . Today, we look at new findings from researchers at MIT's Media Lab. The study shows decreased levels of brain activity in participants who used AI to write SAT-style essays. What does this mean for educators looking to incorporate AI tools like ChatGPT in their instruction? JOIN THE DIS...

In this episode of the Journalistic Learning Podcast , retired superintendent Ken Facin reflects on his 33-year journey in education and the values that guided his leadership—from the steel mills of Troy, NY to the superintendent’s office. He shares hard-won wisdom on building trust, leading with heart, and staying visible when it matters most.

In this episode of Education Leadership Edge , Dr. Darrell Floyd, superintendent of Blue Ridge ISD in Texas, shares insights from nearly four decades in public education. He discusses student mental health, the role of AI in schools, and why public education must continue to serve all students, regardless of background or ability.

In this episode of the Education Leadership Edge podcast, Superintendent Reed Mitchell of Florence School District 14-1 in South Dakota discusses the challenges and opportunities of leading a fast-growing rural district. Topics include post-COVID learning loss, social-emotional development, career and technical education, responsible technology use, and the importance of helping every student find...

In this episode of the  Education Leadership Edge  podcast, Dr. Gennaro Piraino—superintendent of Franklin Regional School District and president of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators—discusses how his district is reimagining education through advanced career academies, AI integration, and a focus on the “five C’s.” He shares insights on making learning more relevant, supporting...

Dr. Patrick McQueeney, Superintendent of Wanaque Borough School District in New Jersey, joins the Education Leadership Edge podcast to discuss how empathy and emotional intelligence are transforming the way schools support both students and staff. From tackling post-pandemic behavioral challenges to exploring the role of AI in personalized learning, McQueeney shares a refreshing, human-centered ap...

In this episode, JLI co-founder Ed Madison speaks with New Jersey media arts teacher Mark K. about how he uses student storytelling and media production to build agency and engagement in the classroom. Together, they explore how journalistic learning fosters creativity, trust, and real-world skills that prepare students for life beyond school.

In this episode, we speak with Andrew Dolloff, longtime Superintendent of Yarmouth Public Schools in Maine and author of  The Trust Imperative , about why building trust is the most important—and often overlooked—skill in school leadership. He shares practical insights on cultivating a culture of trust, empowering educators, and navigating the complexities of public education with empathy and inte...

In this episode, Superintendent Megan Von Fossen of the Sto-Rox School District shares how she navigates the challenges of leading a high-needs district, from implementing strict cell phone and dress code policies to fostering strong relationships with students and staff. She discusses the importance of equity, early literacy initiatives, and using AI to enhance learning while ensuring that every...

This episode of Education Edge Leadership features Amanda Hetrick , superintendent of the Forest Area School District in Tionesta, Pennsylvania, sharing her insights on managing technology, integrating AI, and strengthening school-community connections. Amanda discusses practical strategies for addressing student mental health concerns and preparing students to think critically in a tech-driven wo...

In this episode of Education Leadership Edge , Ed Madison speaks with Mike Matsuda, superintendent of the Anaheim Union High School District, about his groundbreaking work in empowering student voice, fostering career readiness, and addressing the challenges of AI in education. Matsuda shares insights on preparing students for the workforce, promoting civic engagement, and ensuring equitable acces...

In this episode, Dr. Eric Byrne, Superintendent of Rye City School District (NY), discusses student-centered leadership and the district’s RIE Commitment—Rigor, Innovation, and Engagement. He shares strategies for fostering academic excellence, supporting student well-being, and creating meaningful learning environments. Tune in for insights on shaping the future of education!

In rural Northwest Ohio, Corey Rawson Schools serves as more than just a place of learning—it’s the heart of the community. Superintendent Jay Clark understands this deeply. With 500 students in a single building, his leadership is hands-on and relationship-driven.

In this episode,  Dr. Chris Sefcheck, superintendent of the New Kensington Arnold School District in Pennsylvania and co-founder and director of curriculum at  Project Look Sharp, explores the evolving definition of literacy in the digital age. He discusses the importance of media literacy, critical thinking, and navigating misinformation in today’s information landscape. Tune in to hear how educa...

In this episode of the  Education Leadership Edge  podcast, host Ed engages in a dynamic conversation with Dr. David Miyashiro, Superintendent of Cajon Valley Union School District, about redefining student success beyond test scores. David shares how his district’s  World of Work  initiative introduces career exploration as early as kindergarten, ensuring students graduate with purpose, confidenc...

Dan Wold is an award winning educator, keynote speaker, workshop leader and top performance expert in the field of education. He's a former teacher, principal, superintendent, serving communities for nearly 40 years plus years . In this episode, Wold shares his insights into how stress can be transformed into strength in education.

In this episode of the  Education Leadership Edge  podcast, Wheatland R2 Superintendent Randy Dougherty shares his journey from high school principal to district leader in rural Missouri. He opens up about the power of relationships in education, the challenges of leading a small school district, and his mission to improve school safety with the creation of a life-saving panic-button app. Listen i...

In this episode, we explore the journey of Phillip Wooley, a faculty member at Arizona State University, who has dedicated his career to shaping education leadership. From mentoring students to coaching school principals, Wooley shares insights on fostering positive school cultures, supporting educators, and preparing students for success. Tune in as we discuss his impact on education and the futu...

In this episode of Education Leadership Edge, we speak with Elimane Mbengue, superintendent of Academy Lafayette Public Charter Schools in Kansas City, home to the nation’s largest French immersion program. Elimane shares how the program’s unique approach empowers students from all backgrounds to excel academically, develop independence, and gain a global perspective. Tune in to hear his inspiring...

In this episode of the Education Leadership Edge Podcast, Superintendent Bill Runey shares how he transformed the Dighton Rehoboth Regional Schools by implementing the Portrait of a Graduate, a community-driven framework to guide student success. He discusses overcoming post-pandemic challenges, fostering workforce readiness through Career and Technical Education programs, and embracing AI for fut...