Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators

This week’s guest is Pepper Stetler, a Professor of Art History at Miami University and a thoughtful advocate for people with intellectual disabilities. She dives into her new book, exploring the complex implications of IQ tests in education. The conversation critiques traditional narratives around Down syndrome and stresses the importance of inclusive education. Stetler emphasizes the need for a compassionate approach that prioritizes individual learning over standardized assessments, especially in an increasingly tech-driven world.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Tricia Friedman, an educational innovator, joins Dr. Kimberly Becker, host of "Women Talkin' 'Bout AI." They explore the urgent need for AI literacy in K-12 education and innovative assessment methods in the age of generative AI. They discuss how technology can enhance human connections and creativity, alongside the challenges teachers face with tech integration. Tricia shares insights on futures literacy and AI's potential, encouraging a blend of emotional intelligence with technological advancements.

In this conversation, Tricia and Joel Birch explore the transformative power of Lego Serious Play as a facilitation method. Joel shares his background in music and comedy, discussing how these experiences inform his approach to facilitating workshops. They get into the importance of play in communication, the dynamics of team interactions, and the unique benefits of virtual facilitation. The discussion highlights the role of a facilitator in creating a safe space for expression and the similarities and differences between K-12 education and corporate environments. Joel emphasizes the need for skilled facilitators to guide participants through the process, ensuring that everyone has a voice and can contribute meaningfully to the conversation. In this conversation, Joel Birch discusses his journey into facilitation, emphasizing the importance of inquiry learning and collaboration in education. He shares insights on engaging parents and caregivers, the role of play in building relationships, and innovative techniques for strategic planning and interviews in schools. The discussion highlights the need for creativity in educational practices and the value of creating low-stakes environments for meaningful conversations. ➡️ Ready to connect with Joel? https://joelbir.ch/ 🖍️ Learn more about Crayola Creativity Week! https://creativity-week.squarespace.com/ 👏🏻 Thank you to our show sponsor https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1 Take-Aways from this episode: Collaboration in education can alleviate change fatigue. Play is essential for learning and relationship building. Engaging parents in the educational process is crucial. Facilitation can help capture diverse ideas in a community. Innovative interview techniques can reveal true candidate potential. Creating low-stakes environments fosters open communication. Using physical objects can facilitate deeper conversations.

John Gardner, author of "Manufacture Local," passionately discusses the pivotal role of manufacturing in the economy and its integration into K-12 education. He highlights the urgent need to shift perceptions surrounding manufacturing, showcasing its high-tech advancements and lucrative career opportunities. With a potential deficit of 2.1 million jobs by 2030, Gardner emphasizes reconnecting education with vocational training. He advocates for real-world applications in classrooms and collaboration with local businesses to inspire students towards rewarding manufacturing careers.

Cheri Sterman, a nationally recognized leader in child development and creativity advocacy, shares her insights on nurturing creativity in children. She highlights the upcoming Crayola Creativity Week, a global initiative that inspires creative engagement among millions of kids. Cheri emphasizes the importance of parents and educators in fostering creative confidence and offers practical strategies for integrating creativity into daily life. She also discusses the significant role of visibility in creative tools, enhancing community interaction and personal well-being.

Erich Bolz is deeply versed in the field-tested Powerless to Powerful transformation frameworks developed by Gonzaga University professors Chuck Salina and Suzann Girtz which, when implemented with fidelity, are proven to increase student achievement and staff satisfaction. Utilizing cognitive coaching approaches, Erich helps school leaders and central office administrators (including Special Education directors) make sense of their day-to-day challenges while fostering transformational breakthroughs in both their work and personal lives. Today on the show Erich and Jeff have a conversation about effective educational transformation. They also emphasize the importance of servant leadership and mission clarity in creating a positive school culture. The conversation also touches on leadership coaching, data-driven decision-making, and strategies for narrowing the achievement gap. They conclude by discussing the challenges of recruiting and retaining teachers in the current educational landscape. Connect with Erich, his work and podcast: https://bolzleadership.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/outliers-in-education-from-cee/id1577590456

In this conversation, Jeff Utecht and Professor Brent Warner explore the intersection of AI and education, particularly focusing on multilingual learners. They discuss how AI can empower students to take control of their learning, the innovative techniques for vocabulary building through prompting, and the importance of teaching prompt engineering skills. Brent shares insights on redesigning rubrics to be more equitable and effective, while also emphasizing the importance of transparency in using AI in educational settings. The conversation culminates in Brent's upcoming book aimed at helping teachers integrate technology into their classrooms for multilingual learners. Learn more about our guest: Brent Warner is an award-winning community college professor focusing on integrating technology and innovation into the language learning process. He works with teachers and organizations across the globe to provide practical advice for helping English Language Learners take advantage of tech to help them communicate more clearly. He blogs about technology integration in the ESOL classroom for TESOL International, and he is the co-host of The DIESOL Podcast, focusing on innovation in ESOL. www.BrentGWarner.com www.DIESOL.org https://brentgwarner.com/book/ https://www.tesol.org/blog/posts/using-ai-to-build-vocabulary-3-approaches/ Thank you to our show sponsor: https://www.neulight.io/?utm_source=shiftingschool&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=fallsponsorship&utm_id=1

Explore the revolutionary role of AI in education, particularly through the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Discover IntelliTier, a groundbreaking tool that simplifies data collection and personalizes student interventions. Hear inspiring insights from an innovator whose journey spans tech giants like Microsoft and Netflix. The conversation emphasizes the importance of user experience for teachers and how technology can alleviate administrative burdens, allowing educators to focus on what truly matters: connecting with their students.

Laura Germishuys, a disability consultant and speaker specializing in accessibility and workplace accommodations, joins the discussion to explore how AI intersects with ableism and education. She shares her insights on using AI as an assistive device to promote access and equity in learning environments. The conversation highlights the potential of AI to foster curiosity and agency among learners, particularly those with disabilities. Laura emphasizes the importance of community support in creating inclusive educational spaces and the transformative role of technology in enhancing educational equity.

Reed Hepler, a digital initiatives librarian and AI practitioner, explores the evolving role of archivists in the age of generative AI. He demystifies archival work, highlighting how AI can enhance the collection and preservation of historical records. Reed compares AI tools to musical instruments, emphasizing the human touch needed for effective use. He advocates for open access to educational resources, ensuring equitable access to information for all students. His insights reveal that curiosity and attention to detail are key skills for archivists navigating this changing landscape.