Vetted by Mark Vetter

Cyber threats facing K–12 schools are growing more sophisticated every year, but districts don't have to face them alone. In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, Mark sits down with Bre Urness-Straight (OSPI), Garren Shannon, and April Mardock to discuss the development of the Washington Cyber Incident Response Team (CERT). Together, they explain how this statewide volunteer initiative will prov...

In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, Mark sits down with Teshon Christie, Chief Digital Transformation and Information Officer at Highline School District and a self-described culture-building innovator. Teshon shares his journey from early days at AOL and network engineering to leading large-scale digital transformation in K–12 education. The conversation dives deep into what leadership real...

Technology in the classroom has evolved far beyond textbooks and projectors. In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, Mark sits down with Cindel Green, Public Sector Account Manager at Logitech, to explore how modern classroom technology is changing the way students learn, create, and demonstrate what they know. From high-quality webcams and microphones to esports equipment and hybrid learning so...

In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, cybersecurity leader Chester Wisniewski, Field CISO at Sophos, breaks down today’s real threats facing schools and public organizations. From social engineering and data breaches to the growing pressure on understaffed IT teams, Chester explains how the cybersecurity landscape has shifted and why schools are increasingly in the crosshairs. He shares practi...

In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, I sit down with Dr. Missy Wittman, co-founder of Neural Education and a visiting assistant professor at Pacific Lutheran University. We explore her journey in educational neuroscience, highlighting the importance of neuroplasticity in learning. Dr. Wittman shares insights on how technology and movement can enhance student engagement and discusses her recen...

Artificial intelligence is transforming every industry—so what can education learn from it? In this episode, Mark Vetter talks with Andy Hashimoto, Vice President of Insight Financial Services, about how AI is changing the way we work, communicate, and make decisions. From meeting transcriptions to instant coaching and data privacy, Andy shares how his team is embracing AI responsibly—and what les...

How can schools embrace AI without losing sight of equity, privacy, and academic integrity? Dr. Tara Nattrass, Chief Innovation Strategist at Lenovo, joins Mark Vetter to share her journey from classroom teacher to district leader to edtech innovator. Together, they explore the opportunities and risks of AI in K–12, the importance of teacher voice in driving meaningful change, and the challenges o...

AI is no longer on the horizon—it’s already reshaping classrooms. In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, we sit down with Kris Hagel, CIO of Peninsula School District and one of the nation’s leading voices in K–12 AI integration. Kris shares how his district became an early adopter, what authentic assessment could look like in an AI-powered world, and why school leaders must act now to protect...

In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, we sit down with Courtney Bock—Library & Technology Specialist and incoming Digital Literacy Coordinator at Mead School District. From early AI work with chatbots to helping shape policy in K–12 schools, Courtney shares her journey, optimism, and concerns around AI in education. Hear how she's leading district-wide conversations on data privacy, teacher tr...

In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, I sit down with Liza Francisco Voss, Executive Director of Ed Tech and Strategic Innovation at Franklin Pierce School District. We delve into her inspiring journey from a former nurse to a leading figure in educational technology. Liza shares her experiences as a woman of color navigating the tech industry, highlighting the challenges and triumphs she has...

This week's episode is packed with valuable recommendations for safeguarding school data. It features Jeff Wheat, the CTO of Lumu, as he discusses his career in cybersecurity and his focus on protecting K-12 schools from cyber threats. The discussion explores the vulnerabilities within school systems and highlights how student data has become a prime target for attackers due to its long-term value...

In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, I sit down with Dr. Jeremy Sullivan from North Kitsap School District to explore the dynamic landscape of technology in K-12 education. Dr. Sullivan shares insights into the district’s journey with one-to-one device initiatives, AI integration, and cybersecurity strategies. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in adopting new technologies, includi...

In this episode of Vetted by Mark Vetter, I sit down with Dr. Chase Cunningham, widely known as Dr. Zero Trust, to explore the evolving landscape of cybersecurity in K-12 education. Dr. Cunningham shares his unique journey from a Navy diesel mechanic to a leading cybersecurity expert, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities in adopting Zero Trust principles. Episode 2 Guest: Dr. Ch...

Dive into the critical topic of student digital safety, from protecting their personal online experiences to securing your district’s networks and valuable data. With classrooms going high-tech, we’re breaking down how to navigate the digital world responsibly and securely. Guest Speaker: Sue Thotz Director of Outreach, Education Common Sense Media