Getting Smart Podcast

Today, Tom is sitting down with Thomas Homer-Dixon, the author of the new book, Commanding Hope: The Power We Have to Renew a World in Peril. Thomas is also the author of the well-received book, The Ingenuity Gap, and, the Director of the Cascade Institute at Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC, Canada. Additionally, he also holds a University Research Chair in the Faculty of Environment at the University of Waterloo. In this conversation, Tom and Thomas discuss why and how the world is getting more complex, the role of complexity scientists, the focus of the Cascade Institute, the importance of young people developing a sense of agency, what schools can do to educate their students about climate change, and about his book, Commanding Hope. Key Takeaways: [:08] About today's episode with Thomas Homer-Dixon. [:38] Tom welcomes Thomas to the podcast. [:55] What is a complexity scientist? And what do they do? [3:51] The observations and systems that led Thomas to spot the ingenuity gap that he wrote about 20 years ago in The Ingenuity Gap. And is it worse today than it was 20 years ago? [7:17] Observations from Getting Smart's "20 Invention Opportunities in Learning & Development" report. [9:37] Tom highlights how, increasingly, innovation in the public space requires a combination of public, private, and philanthropic funding. [10:17] Thomas highlights an advantage we have today: our capacity to ramp up combinatorial innovation. [11:48] What the Cascade Institute is, what they do, and its mission. [15:00] Tom congratulates Thomas on his new book and reads the opening passage. [16:13] Who is Stephanie May and why was she an inspiration for Thomas's new book, Commanding Hope? [21:28] How important is helping students develop a sense of agency and knowing that they can have an impact on the world? How do students achieve a sense of agency? [24:29] How and where students should learn about climate change. [26:06] How schools and system heads should engage young people in solutions around climate change. [28:28] Simple cultural efforts schools can make to help create more awareness among their students on their environmental footprint. [29:35] The importance of creating space for young people to take on their own passion projects and go deep with them. [30:04] Thomas shares how he continuously learns. [32:38] Has Thomas read Bill's new book, How to Avoid a Climate Disaster? [32:57] Tom thanks Thomas for joining the podcast! Mentioned in This Episode: Thomas Homer-Dixon Commanding Hope: The Power We Have to Renew a World in Peril, by Thomas Homer-Dixon The Ingenuity Gap: Facing the Economic, Environmental, and Other Challenges of an Increasingly Complex and Unpredictable Future, by Thomas Homer-Dixon Cascade Institute University of Waterloo "20 Invention Opportunities in Learning & Development," by Getting Smart Staff Stephanie Middleton May Elizabeth May Greta Thunberg Difference Making at the Heart of Learning: Students, Schools, and Communities Alive With Possibility, by Tom Vander Ark and Emily Liebtag How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need, by Bill Gates Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe. Is There Somebody You've Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You'd Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include "Podcast" in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

This week, the Getting Smart team is speaking with Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski about their new book, When You Wonder, You're Learning: Mister Rogers' Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids. Gregg Behr is the Executive Director of The Grable Foundation, a father, and a children's advocate whose work is inspired by the legacy of his hero, Fred Rogers. His co-author, Ryan Rydzewski, is an award-winning author, reporter, and speechwriter whose science and education stories span everything from schools to space travel to Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Listen in as they discuss their new book and the themes of community, collaboration, and the enduring lessons of Mister Rogers. "Not only was [Mister Rogers] that loving grandfatherly figure who made us feel loved and capable of loving, but he was also a remarkable learning scientist." — Gregg Behr Key Takeaways: [:10] About today's episode with Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski. [:46] Tom welcomes Gregg and Ryan to the podcast. [1:08] Gregg speaks about his educational background and the thread of ethics and character formation that run through his work. [1:57] How and when did Gregg discover the power of active learning that is behind Remake Learning? What is the origin story of Remake Learning? [5:44] Ryan shares why he decided to teach at East Baton Rouge Parish School System back in 2009 after receiving his Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing at the University of Pittsburgh. [6:23] Did Ryan have any classes in the Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh? [7:01] Gregg shares when and how Mister Rogers entered the picture in his world. [8:28] Ryan speaks about his connection to Mister Rogers growing up and why he found him so inspiring. [9:21] Gregg shares about Fred Rogers' presence across the Pittsburgh community. [10:39] Ryan elaborates on how the environment of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood was highly engineered to enrich lives and future growth and how every script, song, and story was created in alignment with proven research that benefited children. [12:13] Why warmth and safety are so important in creating space for curiosity, and the ways in which Fred Rogers embodied warmth and safety that unlocked learning for children. [14:19] Gregg highlights other points of intentionality in Mister Rogers' Neighborhood that they uncovered while writing their book, When You Wonder, You're Learning. [15:04] Why they incorporated many song lyrics into their book. [16:22] Gregg shares what he believes Mister Roger was trying to evoke when he asked, "What might you do?" on his show. [17:54] Mister Roger has said, "Listening is where love begins." What did Ryan learn about listening in writing the book? [19:33] Gregg shares what he thinks Fred Rogers' advice would be today about working together and collaboration. [21:35] As a writer, did Ryan find this book easy or hard to write? [22:51] Gregg shares the main mission of their book, who they tried to address, and what they hoped to accomplish by writing it. [24:58] About a powerful new tool that every teacher should be using with their students: The Well-Being Index by Turnaround for Children. [25:50] Ryan shared what he learned about himself from working on this project and how he continues to learn going forward. [27:44] What Ryan is doing to make himself a better writer and his advice for young writers. [28:48] Gregg shared what he learned about himself from working on the book and how he continues to learn about the practice of philanthropy. [30:50] Tom and Jessica thank Ryan and Gregg for joining the podcast! Mentioned in This Episode: When You Wonder, You're Learning: Mister Rogers' Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids, by Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski Mister Rogers' Neighborhood Gregg Behr's LinkedIn Ryan Rydzewski's LinkedIn The Grable Foundation Remake Learning Teach for America The Pittsburgh Foundation Turnaround for Children The Well-Being Index by Turnaround for Children Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 208: "How to Raise Successful People with Esther Wojcicki" Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe. Is There Somebody You've Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You'd Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include "Podcast" in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today Tom is sitting down with Dr. Trish Scanlon, CEO and founder of SoapBox Labs. Dr. Scanlon is one of the foremost leaders in voice technology — especially with regards to children's voices. She has over 20 years of experience working in speech recognition technology, including Bell Laboratories and IBM. In 2018, Dr. Scanlon was named one of Forbes' top 50 "Women in Tech." In 2020, she was ranked sixth of seventeen global visionaries in voice by industry-leading publication, Voicebot.ai. Listen in as Tom and Dr. Scanlon discuss the possibilities of voice technologies, why children pose a unique challenge in the field, and how tech can be keeping ethics and well-being at the center. Don't miss out on this A.I. deep-dive on learning, voice tech, and creating more access for learners with differences. Key Takeaways: [:08] About today's episode. [:54] Tom welcomes Dr. Scanlon to the podcast. [1:12] How did Dr. Scanlon become interested in voice technology? [2:32] Was Dr. Scanlon able to find advisors 20 years ago in voice technology? [3:50] Which machine learning tools are most useful in speech recognition? [5:24] When did Dr. Scanlon recognize that speech recognition was particularly challenging for children? [8:20] The origin story of Dr. Scanlon's company, SoapBox Labs. [10:35] Dr. Scanlon explains the service that SoapBox Labs offers its clients. [12:37] About the Turnaround for Children Toolbox. [13:17] The current and planned applications for voice recognition, speech therapy, and voice tech in learning and development in the classroom. [15:53] How they manage varying accents in speech technology. [19:06] Discussing the challenges around the biases in voice recognition technology. [21:45] Other categories of assisted tech that Dr. Scanlon is excited about with regards to how they can better serve and create more access for learners with differences. [23:53] Is the next generation growing up as voice technology natives? How should we be managing or navigating this next generation of youth growing up as voice natives? [27:04] What Dr. Scanlon thinks students and teachers should know about machine learning today, as well as how and where we should be introducing this topic in school. [28:53] Why is Dublin a hot spot for ed-tech startups? Why have they become a world leader in technology? [31:13] How does Dr. Scanlon continue her learning? [32:26] Tom thanks Dr. Scanlon for joining the podcast. Mentioned in This Episode: SoapBox Labs Dr. Trish Scanlon Voicebot.ai Toolbox | Turnaround for Children TechCrunch EdSurge Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 258: "Flynn Coleman on a Human Algorithm" Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe. Is There Somebody You've Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You'd Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include "Podcast" in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

This week, Tom Vander Ark is joined by a group of young change-makers and Dr. Erin Raab, Chief Strategy Impact Officer of the Choice-filled Lives Network. Together, they discuss the "100 Days of Conversations" project, a collaborative project organized to catalyze conversations in communities across the country on each of the first 100 days of the new administration. Alongside Erin, three young men are setting the stage for impactful and life-changing conversations in Minnesota. These young men are Jose Perez, Cole Stevens, and Walter Cortina. And together they run an organization called Bridgemakers. Erin, Jose, Cole, and Walter share about the "100 Days of Conversations" project, Bridgemakers, and how it has impacted them, their communities, and the youth, parents, and system heads alike. The Getting Smart team loves the energy and urgency of this conversation as well as the continued emphasis on student voice. You will not want to miss out on this one! Key Takeaways: [:08] About today's episode. [:53] Tom welcomes Dr. Erin Raab and the three young men to the podcast. [1:11] Dr. Erin Raab speaks about her career and how reimagining education became a central part of her mission. [2:43] Dr. Raab speaks about where the insight that community conversations are key to unlocking potential comes from. [4:18] Dr. Raab shares about how she ran into the three young gentlemen accompanying her on the podcast today and what led them to work together. [6:00] Walter introduces himself and explains what Bridgemakers is all about. [6:49] Cole introduces himself and continues to share about what they do with Bridgemakers, the achievements they've had over the year, and how they tie in with the "100 Days of Conversations" project. [10:40] Jose introduces himself and shares how he connected with Bridgemakers. [12:58] Walter speaks about the other goals Bridgemaker is setting out to achieve. [15:03] Walter shares how he got involved with this work. [15:30] Walter shares how the High School for the Recording Arts (HSRA) has helped him do what he does today. [16:22] Cole speaks about his high school experience and why it has driven a lot of his passion for school. [17:57] Where did Cole's passion for difference-making and reimagining education come from? [21:17] Dr. Raab shares more about the ins and outs of the "100 Days of Conversations" project. [24:30] Walter shares more about his experience with being both a participant and host with the "100 Days of Conversations" project. [25:42] Jose shares his own experience with the "100 Days of Conversations" project. [28:03] Cole shares his own experience with the "100 Days of Conversations" project and how Bridgemakers helped him with his agency and confidence. [29:28] Walter speaks about how both the youth and the adults come away from these conversations feeling enlightened and empowered. [30:31] Are school administrators and system heads generally sponsoring these conversations? How are they involved and what are the hoped-for outcomes for them as well as the students and parents involved? [33:19] How being a conversation host has changed Walter and the way he thinks about his path forward. Walter also shares what's next on his roadmap. [35:00] Dr. Raab shares what's next for the "100 Days of Conversations" project. She also shares what she's learned through this initiative and the aspirations for change that she hopes will come as a result of it. [38:32] Cole shares about his next steps and how he is going to take his Bridgemakers experience forward. [42:05] Tom thanks all three young men for their leadership at Bridgemakers. [42:17] Tom thanks Dr. Erin Raab for her work and she shares where to learn more about the "100 Days of Conversations" project. Mentioned in This Episode: Bridgemakers Choice-filled Lives Network Dr. Erin Raab | Choice-filled Lives Network "100 Days of Conversations" Project | Choice-filled Lives Network REENVISIONED Human Restoration Project Local Voices Network Youthprise High School for the Recording Arts (HSRA) Difference Making at the Heart of Learning: Students, Schools, and Communities Alive With Possibility, by Tom Vander Ark and Emily Liebtag Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe. Is There Somebody You've Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You'd Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include "Podcast" in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Welcome back to the Nevada Succeeds mini-series! This three-part series is all about leadership, innovation, and education opportunities within Nevada Succeeds — a Las Vegas-based education non-profit focused on empowering systems transformation through educator impact, policy, and design-thinking. This third part with Nevada Succeeds marks the finale of the series. Tom is joined by return guest Jeanine Collins, as well as Dr. Marion Smith, Dr. Kaleb Rashad, and Eric Chagala. Jeanine Collins is the founder and Executive Director of Nevada Succeeds; an Adjunct Faculty at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; and the Founder and Principal at Reflect Forward. Dr. Marion Smith is the Superintendent of Summit School District, Colorado. His Racial Equity Adaptive Leadership framework (R.E.A.L) is key to the Nevada Succeeds fellowship program design. Dr. Kaleb Rashad is the Creative Director of the High Tech High Graduate School of Education. Eric Chagala is the founding principal of the Vista Innovation & Design Academy (VIDA). Together, Kaleb and Eric have been hard at work on a new initiative called Unlocked, a Black-led 501(c)3 education non-profit, where they have had an instrumental influence on the mindset and methodology of the Nevada Succeeds' InspirED Fellowship. In this episode, Jeanine, Dr. Smith, Dr. Rashad, and Eric discuss the future of leadership, preparation, and development, how they all connected and came to be collaborators with Nevada Succeeds, what human-centered and equity-focused design means to them, the importance of creative leadership, and their thoughts on how we can all become more thoughtful school and community leaders. Key Takeaways: [:04] About the Nevada Succeeds mini-series. [1:22] About the third and final part of the series. [2:10] Tom welcomes special guest, Jeanine Collins, back to the podcast! [2:44] Jeanine introduces Dr. Marion Smith and shares how they originally connected. [4:29] Dr. Marion Smith shares about his career journey and rich educational history! [5:43] How did Dr. Marion Smith develop his racial equity adaptive leadership framework? What is it about and what does it aim to accomplish? [8:58] Jeanine shares why the framework resonates so much with her and why she wanted to incorporate it into the Nevada Succeeds fellowship. [11:04] Tom welcomes Dr. Kaleb Rashad and Eric Chagala to the podcast! [11:51] Kaleb shares how he and Eric came together to create Unlocked, a Black-led 501(c)3 education non-profit. [14:03] Jeanine shares what she loves about Eric and Kaleb and why she wanted to get them involved with Nevada Succeeds. [16:24] Eric explains what human-centered and equity-focused design means when it comes to VIDA and Unlocked. [18:32] Eric shares some practical examples of human-centered and equity-focused design and the results that it brings. [20:48] Marion speaks about what human-centered and equity-focused design means at a system level. [24:27] What is creative leadership? And why is it more important than ever? [28:22] Jeanine elaborates on how they keep the spirit and message of equity and justice alive amongst the Nevada Succeeds fellows! [30:08] On the Unlocked website, there is a quote about inviting kids to do work that really matters to them and their community. Eric elaborates on this and shares how, at VIDA, they are "tending to the souls of schools." [31:24] Dr. Smith speaks about the kinds of experiences that people would benefit the most from in terms of preparing them to be thoughtful school and community leaders. [34:58] Kaleb shares about the ways in which we can prepare people to be thoughtful school and community leaders. [39:35] Eric shares how he believes people can become more thoughtful school and community leaders. [41:20] Jeanine shares what is on Nevada Succeeds' roadmap and what she hopes to accomplish in the future. [43:11] Tom thanks everyone for joining the podcast! [43:40] Shawnee concludes the Nevada Succeeds three-part mini-series! Mentioned in This Episode: Rashawn "Shawnee" Caruthers | Getting Smart Nevada Succeeds Nevada Succeeds InspirED Global Fellowship Jeanine Collins' LinkedIn Dr. Marion Smith Jr.'s LinkedIn Summit School District, Colorado Educate to Liberate Consulting Dr. Kaleb Rashad's Website High Tech High (HTH)Eric Chagala's Website Vista Innovation & Design Academy (VIDA) Unlocked Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 263: "Kaleb Rashad on Race and Education in America" Difference Making at the Heart of Learning: Students, Schools, and Communities Alive With Possibility, by Tom Vander Ark and Emily Liebtag Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 314: "Up Close with Nevada Succeeds: Origins of the InspirED Fellowship" (Part 1) Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 316: "Up Close with Nevada Succeeds: Leading State Learning Transformation" (Part 2) Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe. Is There Somebody You've Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You'd Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include "Podcast" in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

In this week's episode, Tom is sitting down once again with special guest, Pavel Luksha. Pavel Luksha is a leading education futurist. He's a Professor of Practice at Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO, the Director and founder of Global Education Futures, and serves on the advisory board for Whittle School and Studios. What drives Pavel forward is creating a world that works for everyone. He's a global thinker and change catalyst focused on creating the discipline of social ecosystem gardening. Recently, Pavel contributed to a new future of skills report that is one of the best that the Getting Smart team has seen on the subject! The report was a collaboration between Global Education Future, WorldSkills Russia, and WorldSkills International and is titled, "Future Skills for the 2020s: A New Hope." It summarizes interviews that Pavel conducted with leaders and experts all over the world and focuses on the three overarching skills that are needed to build a thriving future for all. These skills are: 1) Collaborate, adapt, and transform 2) Embrace future-orientations and technological tools, and 3) Embody well-being of people and planet as our primary purpose. Listen in as Tom and Pavel discuss what learners need to know and why we live in a VUCA place. If you're working on a new portrait of a graduate (or a graduate profile) and are thinking about the skills that your learners will need in the 2020s, this is a must-listen-to episode! Key Takeaways: [:10] About today's episode with Pavel Luksha. [:45] Tom welcomes Pavel back to the Getting Smart Podcast! [1:42] As a world traveler, how has the last year been for Pavel without any international travel? [2:52] How were GEF, WorldSkills, and Pavel able to conduct this study during a global pandemic? [4:05] Pavel talks about the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world and how 2020 gave people the experience of a pandemic, one of the aspects of the VUCA world. [4:47] Tom outlines the three overarching skills that the report covers and Pavel speaks about the first of the three, "Collaborate, adapt, and transform," and why it is so critical. [8:25] Pavel speaks about the increasing mutuality towards embracing well-being, as well as some of the counter-trends that they are seeing during the pandemic. [10:52] Pavel shares about the megatrends in the report that are transforming the nature of the global economy: Digitalization, Globalization, and Environmentalization. [15:03] Pavel elaborates on this idea of life-centered, transformative, regenerative, and circular economies — and why experts see this as a likely scenario. [17:00] Pavel gives advice to education leaders and highlights the factors that they should be thinking about in the 2020s. [20:05] Pavel elaborates on how education leaders should lean into artificial intelligence, big data, and exponential technologies. [22:12] Why Tom loves "Future Skills for the 2020s" report. [23:12] Pavel shares why they went sector-by-sector in the report. [24:12] Pavel has also released an in-depth report on learning ecosystems titled, "Learning Ecosystems: An Emerging Praxis for the Future of Education." Pavel elaborates on what a learning ecosystem is and why they are worth studying. [30:38] Pavel provides some examples of what a healthy learning ecosystem looks like. [34:30] How does Pavel keep productive and stay focused on his learning even in the midst of a global pandemic? [36:46] Tom thanks Pavel for joining the podcast once again! Mentioned in This Episode: Pavel Luksha (LinkedIn) Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 223: "Pavel Luksha on Educating for Purpose, Potential, and the Planet" Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO "Future Skills for the 2020s," Report by GEF, WorldSkills Russia, and WorldSkills International Global Education Futures WorldSkills Russia WorldSkills International "Learning Ecosystems: An Emerging Praxis for the Future of Education," Report by GEF and Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO Dream a Dream Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe. Is There Somebody You've Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You'd Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include 'Podcast' in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Welcome back to the Nevada Succeeds mini-series with your hosts, Rashawn "Shawnee" Caruthers and Tom Vander Ark! This three-part series is all about leadership, innovation, and education opportunities within Nevada Succeeds — a Las Vegas-based education non-profit focused on empowering systems transformation through educator impact, policy, and design-thinking. In this second part of the three-part series with Nevada Succeeds, Shawnee Caruthers and Tom Vander Ark welcome Nevada State Superintendent, Jhone Ebert; Nevada Succeeds Executive Director, Jeanine Collins; as well as two teachers and InspirED Global fellows, Mike Lang and Jordana McCudden. Jhone Ebert is the Superintendent of Public Instruction at the Nevada Department of Education. Previously, she was the Senior Deputy Commissioner for Education Policy of the New York State Education Department and the Chief Innovation and Productivity Officer at Clark County School District. Jeanine Collins is the Executive Director of Nevada Succeeds; an Adjunct Faculty at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; and the founder and Principal at Reflect Forward. Mike Lang is a Technology Teacher at Clark County School District who prides himself on innovation and teaching the whole student. Jordana McCudden is a teacher, instructional coach, and project facilitator at the Clark County School District. She has worked in education for 20-plus years and strives to have a positive impact on classrooms across the state. Together, they discuss Nevada Succeeds's InspireED Global Fellowship, why they find it so valuable as educators and leaders, how it has impacted their future plans and outlook on education, and how it has helped aid their journeys (especially during a global pandemic). Be sure to tune in (and stay tuned for part three of the series coming next week)! Key Takeaways: [:04] About the Nevada Succeeds mini-series. [1:23] About the second part of the three-part mini-series. [1:38] Tom welcomes special guests, Jhone Ebert, Jeanine Collins, Michael Lane, and Jordana McCudden. [2:21] Jhone Ebert gives the lay of the land in Nevada and speaks about how many students and schools there are. [3:11] The state of affairs of education in Nevada, particularly in Clark County. [6:53] In addition to the pandemic, what other priorities has Jhone Ebert set for her department as Superintendent? [11:04] Jeanine speaks about Nevada Succeeds and how she and Superintendent Ebert connected. [13:38] Mike shares how he learned about the InspireED Global Fellowship, what he did in it, and why he found it valuable. [16:15] What it has been like for Mike to teach during a pandemic, how he has helped other teachers adjust their practice this year, and important lessons he thinks we should take with us, post-pandemic. [19:04] Jordanna speaks about her role in Clark County, how she became an InspireED Global fellow, and how it has impacted the way she is thinking about her future plans. [23:22] Has helping to shape education policies statewide been a byproduct of some of Jordanna's leadership activities? [25:01] Jhone Ebert shares her excitement and gratefulness for sharing space with incredible educators and leaders. [26:17] Jeanine speaks more about the incredible Nevada Succeeds InspirED Global Fellowship and why it is so important — especially right now. [28:20] Mike speaks about his week going forward as an educator. [29:28] Tom thanks everyone for joining the podcast. Mentioned in This Episode: Rashawn "Shawnee" Caruthers | Getting Smart Nevada Succeeds Nevada Succeeds InspirED Global Fellowship Jeanine Collins' LinkedIn Jhone Ebert's LinkedIn Mike Lang's LinkedIn Jordana McCudden's LinkedIn Las Vegas Sands Getting Smart's Newest Report: "20 Invention Opportunities in Learning & Development" Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe. Is There Somebody You've Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You'd Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include "Podcast" in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today, Tom is sitting down with three outstanding learners who are passionate about difference-making, innovation, and making the world a better place. All three students — Sofia Sanchez, Naila Moloo, and Aaryan Harshith — are a part of The Knowledge Society (TKS); one of Getting Smart's favorite afterschool programs! Sofia Sanchez is passionate about synthetic biology, biotechnology, and innovation. Currently, she's attending the Tecnológico de Monterrey high school in Mexico and focuses her studies on exponential technologies so that she can start a company that impacts the world in a positive way. Naila Moloo attends the Elmwood high school in Ontario and is passionate about sustainable energy — specifically where it intersects with nanotechnology. Naila loves to learn about anything related to emerging technology, ranging from quantum physics to space exploration. Aaryan Harshith attends the Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School in Ontario and is working to create a better, healthier world through the things he builds and the research he conducts. For the past two years, his primary focus has been on building a medical device to enhance cancer diagnosis during surgery — currently, he's in the process of running human trials for it! Listen in as Tom speaks with these learners to hear about their motivations to change the world, the emerging opportunities they see, and how they practice continuous learning. They share about their passion projects, hopes for the future, how they would change high school if they could, their visions for difference-making in this world, and how TKS has aided them in their learning journeys. This is an episode that has left the entire Getting Smart team feeling incredibly inspired so be sure not to miss out! Key Takeaways: [:08] About today's episode with three incredible students. [1:38] Tom welcomes the three learners to the podcast! [2:51] Sofia shares how she became so passionate about synthetic biology. [3:31] How did Sofia discover TKS? [4:21] How did Sofia turn her interest in gene editing and the gut microbiome into an incredible project? [5:57] Was there any information on TKS about these topics or was Sofia's learning self-directed through the internet? [6:32] Was Sofia assisted by a coach at TKS on any of the projects that she worked on? [7:21] Sofia speaks about her motivation for writing on Medium and hosting her own podcast, the 2045 Podcast. [8:51] Naila speaks about her project for a science fair that led to her winning a scholarship for TKS. [10:46] How did Naila become interested in sustainable energy, particularly superconductors? [12:40] Does Naila study these interests at her school, Elmwood, or does she explore them outside of school? [13:53] How did Aaryan find out about TKS? How long has he been in the program? And what kind of projects did he create for science fairs? What was his motivation? [15:55] How is TKS different from traditional learning at Aaryan's high school? [17:10] What sparked Aaryan's interest in a universal cancer vaccine? [18:39] Sofia speaks about her evolving philosophy around difference-making. [20:21] About Turnaround for Children's Well-Being Index. [21:13] How TKS has helped Naila think about where she wants to make a difference in the world. [22:10] Aaryan shares what TKS has helped him with and inspired his vision for difference-making. [22:57] Aaryan shares his thoughts on college vs. other post-secondary options. [24:14] Sofia shares what is next for her after high school. [26:00] Naila shares about the ways in which she thinks that high school could be more valuable. [27:07] Sofia shares how she would change high school. [27:49] Aaryan speaks about the opportunities that high schools should provide their learners with. [28:22] Sofia shares her continuous learning tips for other young learners. [29:38] Naila shares how she continually learns and gives advice to other students. [30:34] Aaryan shares how he keeps learning and gives some advice to other learners as well. [32:05] Tom thanks Sofia, Naila, and Aaryan for joining the Getting Smart Podcast! Mentioned in This Episode: The Knowledge Society (TKS) Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 305: "Navid Nathoo on What Education Can Learn From the Real World and The Knowledge Society" Sofia Sanchez's LinkedIn Sofia Sanchez's Website Sofia Sanchez's Medium Profile 2045 Podcast by Sofia Sanchez Naila Moloo's LinkedIn Naila Moloo's Website Chronicles Of Illusions: The Blue Wild, by Naila Moloo Aaryan Harshith's LinkedIn "LightIR: Changing the Way We See (and Treat) Cancer Forever," by Aaryan Harshith | Medium Difference Making at the Heart of Learning: Students, Schools, and Communities Alive With Possibility, by Tom Vander Ark and Emily Liebtag Well-Being Index | Turnaround for Children Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe. Is There Somebody You've Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You'd Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include "Podcast" in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Join hosts Rashawn "Shawnee" Caruthers and Tom Vander Ark in this special Getting Smart Podcast mini-series about the Nevada Succeeds InspirED Global Fellowship! This will be a three-part series all about leadership, innovation, and education opportunities within Nevada Succeeds — a Las Vegas-based education non-profit focused on empowering systems transformation through educator impact, policy, and design-thinking. Dedicated to building a state-wide ecosystem, Nevada Succeeds launched InspireED Global Fellowship in July 2020 in partnership with Las Vegas Sands. The goal of the fellowship is to empower educational practitioners to investigate Nevada education challenges and use design-thinking to develop actionable plans to determine solutions. In this first part of the three-part series with Nevada Succeeds, Shawnee and Tom Vander Ark welcome Jeanine Collins, Mary Jean Gallagher, and Chip Kimball to the podcast. Jeanine Collins is the Executive Director of Nevada Succeeds; an Adjunct Faculty at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; and the founder and Principal at Reflect Forward. Mary Jane Gallagher is the former Chief Student Achievement Officer and Assistant Deputy Minister of the Ontario Ministry of Education. She also co-authored the book, The Devil Is in the Details: System Solutions for Equity, Excellence, and Student Well-Being. Chip Kimball was the previous Superintendent for Singapore American Schools and is now making his way over to the International School of Prague. In their conversation together, Jeanine, Mary, and Chip discuss the important work that Nevada Succeeds is doing, the challenges of system leadership today, strategies for developing young leaders, insights and advice on how leaders can innovate and be champions for equity in their school system, and much more. The Getting Smart team is honored to partner with Nevada Succeeds on this type of work and is so excited for all of you to listen in to these conversations with the many key players in the initiative! Be sure to tune in (and stay tuned for part two of the series coming next week)! Key Takeaways: [:04] About the first episode in the three-part series with Nevada Succeeds. [2:03] Tom welcomes Jeanine Collins, Mary Jean Gallagher, and Chip Kimball to the podcast. [2:56] The backstory of Nevada Succeeds, about their mission, and how they have shifted their goals in the last year with COVID-19 by doing meaningful virtual and remote work. [5:09] Jeanine speaks about the amazing and diverse lead learners that they've assembled at Nevada Succeeds. [6:28] How did Dr. Kimble originally connect with Nevada Succeeds? And how does he think about the challenges of educator and school leadership today? [9:11] Jeanine elaborates on the learning agenda at Singapore American and how inviting 100 of his faculty members to visit 100 of the best schools in the world impacted their success. [11:36] Mary Jane Gallagher reflects on the challenges of system leadership today. [15:55] Jeanine summarizes how she thinks about leadership development, what it should look like, and how she has incorporated these ideas at Nevada Succeeds. [18:21] Chip speaks about strategies for developing young leaders. [20:32] Mary Jane shares her insights on important experiences for developing leaders. [23:36] Chip shares his thoughts on how leaders can innovate and be champions for equity in their school system. [25:27] Mary Jane shares her insights on leading for innovation while championing for equity. [29:28] Chip shares some additional insights on what they discovered after visiting 100 of the best schools in the world. [31:12] Jeanine shares her key insights on innovation and equity. [34:19] Mary Jane shares what is currently on her 'shortlist' for innovation opportunities. [36:04] Chip shares what is on his shortlist for innovation. [38:13] Jeanine shares what is on her own shortlist for innovation. [39:29] Tom chimes in with an innovation of his own and thanks Jeanine, Chip, and Mary Jane for joining the Getting Smart Podcast. Mentioned in This Episode: Rashawn "Shawnee" Caruthers | Getting Smart Nevada Succeeds Nevada Succeeds InspirED Global Fellowship Jeanine Collins' LinkedIn Mary Jean Gallagher's Twitter Chip Kimball's LinkedIn Reflect Forward University of Nevada, Las Vegas The Devil Is in the Details: System Solutions for Equity, Excellence, and Student Well-Being, by Michael Fullan and Mary Jean Gallagher Ontario Ministry of Education Las Vegas Sands Singapore American School International School of Prague The Knowing-Doing Gap: How Smart Companies Turn Knowledge into Action, by Jeffrey Pfeffer and Robert I. Sutton Getting Smart's Newest Report: "20 Invention Opportunities in Learning & Development" Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe. Is There Somebody You've Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You'd Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include "Podcast" in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!

Today, Getting Smart team member Rashawn "Shawnee" Caruthers is sitting down with Margarita Geleske of Uncharted Learning and Tom Leonard, the Superintendent of Texas's Eanes Independent School District. Margarita worked with the founding Uncharted Learning to create INCubatoredu, which helps students develop future-ready skills as they build real businesses. She also served as chairperson and trustee for the Barrington 220 Educational Foundation and as well as a trustee for Barrington Youth & Family Services. As a native of Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Tom Leonard served as Superintendent in the Barrington 220 School District in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago for seven years. He has been in his current role as Superintendent of Eanes ISD also for nearly seven years, having first entered the role in 2014. Together, Margarita and Tom talk about student engagement and powerful entrepreneurial experiences within the community. Listen in as Shawnee talks with these incredible guests about INCubatoredu as well as their secret to success in engaging communities and students! "We really need to change what we're doing in our schools because the traditional curriculum that we're using is not the world we're living in now. And if we're not venturing into entrepreneurial studies … we're preparing kids for the world of the 1970s — and that's gone." — Tom Leonard Key Takeaways: [:09] About today's episode with Margarita Geleske and Tom Leonard. [1:10] Shawnee welcomes Margarita and Tom to the podcast! [1:48] Tom introduces himself and speaks about his school district, Eanes ISD. [3:05] How Tom and Margarita met. [4:28] About Uncharted Learning. [6:01] Tom shares about how Eanes ISD connected with Uncharted Learning and about INCubatoredu. [10:25] Why is community such an important focus for Tom and why it is important for Eanes ISD to partner with organizations such as Uncharted Learning? [11:50] Why the INCubatoredu program has been so impactful in particular. [12:29] How to connect your community with your school district. [14:10] How is a volunteer role in Uncharted Learning different from traditional roles? [16:27] How have their relationships with mentors and coaches changed (as well as the relationship between schools and communities) changed since the pandemic? And what have they done to combat any potential negative shifts? [19:54] About Getting Smart's new report on what's next in learning! [20:53] The transparent, real-world look into the lives of business owners that students were uniquely provided over the course of the pandemic. [22:09] What do business professionals bring to the student experience? [25:47] The importance of "failing forward." [27:28] Tom shares why this work is so important to him. [29:09] Margarita shares her "why." [31:56] How do people volunteer for the kinds of roles that Uncharted Learning offers? [33:24] Tom shares some suggestions on what Superintendents and school districts can do to build or rebuild engagement with their communities. [36:26] Tom and Margarita share some closing thoughts about community. [39:51] Shawnee thanks Tom and Margarita for joining the Getting Smart Podcast! Mentioned in This Episode: Rashawn "Shawnee" Caruthers | Getting Smart Margarita Geleske's LinkedIn Uncharted Learning INCubatoredu | Uncharted Learning Tom Leonard's LinkedIn Eanes Independent School District (Eanes ISD) Barrington 220 Educational Foundation Barrington Youth & Family Services Barrington 220 School District Getting Smart's Newest Report: "20 Invention Opportunities in Learning & Development" Getting Smart Podcast Ep. 216: "Don Wettrick on Teaching Entrepreneurship" Get Involved: Check out the blog at GettingSmart.com. Find the Getting Smart Podcast on iTunes, leave a review, and subscribe. Is There Somebody You've Been Wanting to Learn From or a Topic You'd Like Covered? To get in contact: Email Editor@GettingSmart.com and include "Podcast" in the subject line. The Getting Smart team will be sure to add them to their list!